Abstract: A method for defining a working area of a rock drilling rig including the steps of determining at least one current input parameter, determining a working area that defines a reach of the drilling unit in a control unit on the basis of the at least one current input parameter and at least one fixed reach parameter, displaying a graphical representation of the working area on a display, and re-determining the working area and updating the graphical representation of the working area dynamically in response to a change in the input parameters. The current input parameter may be, for example, an orientation of the rock drilling rig or a hole parameter.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a machine are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving information on a plurality of events associated with the machine, determining a severity value for at least one event of the plurality of events, the severity value based on at least one of a safety value, a hierarchy value, a time-to-repair value, and a cost-of-repair value, and outputting an alert includes the severity value if the severity value exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the at least one event. Systems and machine-readable media are also described.

Abstract: A cutting unit for use with a cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels or subterranean roadways and the like, includes a cutting arm configured for pivotal movement around at least one pivot axis and a cutting head mounted to the cutting arm. The cutting head includes at least one rotatable cutting element for detaching material from a rock face, and a clearing arrangement mounted to the cutting arm. The clearing arrangement has a clearing blade for pushing detached rock material onto a loading table of the cutting apparatus, the clearing blade being guided by a first guiding mechanism to allow a free movement of the clearing blade in a first direction.

Abstract: A bucket for an excavator or loader including a base wall having a side with a substantial or partly concave shape, the side with the substantial or partly concave shape has a front section that is raised, flat or concave and a rear section that has a concave arc. The base wall side has a discontinuous curve from the front section to the rear section. The bucket has two side walls spaced apart by the base wall. The bucket has mounting mechanism for mounting the bucket to the excavator or loader. The raised, flat or concave front section assists in retaining excavated material within the bucket.

Abstract: A mobile mining machine includes a movable machine base frame having a boom, a swinging device for swinging the boom, and a tilting device for tilting the boom. At least one tool drum is coupled to the boom for rotation about a drum axis and rotatable tool carriers are arranged on a circumference of the tool drum. The boom has a supporting arm, on which the tool drum is mounted, and a separate swinging base, which is swingable about a swing axis in relation to the machine base frame by the swinging device. The supporting arm and the swinging base are connected to one another by a system of guide bars, by way of which a setting angle of the drum axis in relation to the swing axis is adjustable.

Abstract: This invention provides for a vegetation removal system capable of removing vegetation from irrigation canals, rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes and other water systems where the growth of vegetation impedes the flow of water, access to water or there is a desire to remove unwanted vegetation. The vegetation removal system comprises a rake system that allows for the removal of the vegetation while letting the water and silt or mud flow through the rake and substantially remain as part of the bank or bottom of the body of water. The invention also allows for the folding of the vegetation removal rake into a compact form by folding the outboard wings over on top of the main rake section. Sensors attached to the vegetation removal system can provide situational awareness for the operator as well as determine the position orientation of the rake when the rake is submerged or working near obstacles.

Abstract: A highwall mining equipment extraction and retrieval apparatus and method is disclosed. It includes remotely operable hydraulic cylinders fixed to the mining head and stabilizing arms which brace the mining platform against the face of a mine. Wire ropes extend from hydraulic cylinders, through channels in the pushbeams, through lockable blocks fixed to the mining platform, and onto storage spools. The hydraulic cylinders operate from an extended to a retracted position. When a mine collapse occurs, an operator can remotely actuate the lockable blocks and the hydraulic cylinders, thereby locking the wire rope to the platform and pulling the mining head and pushbeams towards the platform. If the obstruction remains, the locking blocks can be unlocked, the hydraulic cylinders extended from the retracted position, the excess wire rope pulled from the mine, and the process can then be repeated until the equipment is free from the obstruction.

Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.

Abstract: A continuous miner includes a mining portion, a support frame connected to the mining portion, and a discharge portion pivotally attached to the support frame. The discharge portion swings laterally relative to the support frame about a pivot axis. The continuous miner also includes a conveyor extending across the support frame and discharge portion. The conveyor moves mined material from the mining portion to the discharge portion. The conveyor includes a conveyor chain, a rear roller, and a front roller. The continuous miner also includes a conveyor drive system for driving the conveyor chain. The conveyor drive system is located on a bottom surface of the continuous miner and between the rear roller and the front roller.

Abstract: A system and method for high wall bench mining, for example, of horizontal coal seams in mountains, includes a launch platform having two side-by-side tracks for guiding mining equipment, and utilizes two continuous miner machines and conveyor cars. Two side-by-side mine entries can be worked simultaneously, one miner advancing deeper into the coal seam and conveyor cars being added behind the miner at a first mine entry, and the mining completed and cars and miner retreating and being extracted from a second mine entry. As conveyor cars are being extracted onto one track from the mine entry that a string is retreating from, the cars are moved across the launch platform to the other track and are added behind the advancing miner machine launched from that track into the other mine entry.

Abstract: A material extraction system is provided for an underground mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a loader movable from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell, a sizer coupled to the loader for sizing the removed material, and a material collector operable to collect the sized material. The material collector places the sized material at a substantially elevated position relative to a mine floor. A shuttle car is operable to receive the collected material from the material collector. The shuttle car is movable along the roadway entry for transferring the collected material so as to facilitate a substantially continuous extraction of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for moving a mine conveyor segment (2, 3) between a first position in line with a train of conveyor segments and a second storage position out of line with the train of conveyor segments, comprising: a segment holder (9), and a guide (8) for guiding the movement of the segment (2, 3) between the first and the second position, wherein the apparatus is connectable to a device (102) for manipulating the train of conveyor segments such that the segment holder (9) is at least partially movable independent from the train manipulating device (102). The handling of the conveyor segments (2, 3) in the first position is not decisive for the status of the apparatus according the present invention, and therefore the handling of the segments outside the first position can coincide (overlap) with the operating of the launch platform.

Abstract: A continuous miner including a support frame having a support frame front, and a sumping frame mounted on the support frame for forward and rearward movement relative to the support frame. The sumping frame has a sumping frame front, and the miner further includes a cutting drum pivotally mounted on the sumping frame, the cutting drum being positioned near the sumping frame front. The miner also includes a gathering head for gathering mined minerals pivotally mounted on the sumping frame front, and a hydraulic cylinder for pivoting and fixing the gathering head relative to the sumping frame in both the raising and lowering directions.

Abstract: An auger shaft bearing support includes a multi-part inner bearing, a multi-part outer bearing, and a multi-part housing. The inner bearing is secured to the auger shaft and rotates with the auger shaft. The inner bearing has an outer surface that is received in the outer bearing.

Abstract: An auger shaft bearing support includes a multi-part inner bearing, a multi-part outer bearing, and a multi-part housing. The inner bearing is secured to the auger shaft and rotates with the auger shaft. The inner bearing has a partial spherical outer surface that is received in the outer bearing.

Abstract: An excavator bucket adapted to receive subsoiler shanks and an optional coulter blade enables multiple treatment of compacted soil. In a preferred embodiment, the shanks depend downward below the bucket and curve forward toward the bottom of the bucket. The shanks allow a single implement to be used for both excavating and subsoiling, and also for contouring sloping terrain. One application for such an implement is for decommissioning forest roads without the need for multiple pieces of heavy equipment or for multiple entries into the treatment area.

Abstract: An auger flight support for use with an augering system for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through a coal seam using respective augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The auger flight support includes a bearing housing that connects axially adjacent auger flights together, adjacent bearing housings in the side-by-side augers are connected by a tie bar. A support leg extending downwardly from approximately the mid-section of the tie bar to engage the ground ledge that is formed between the counter rotating augers.

Abstract: A highwall mining system of the type wherein multiple conveyor cars are connected together to form a conveyor train which extends into a seam being mined by a mechanical miner located at the inner end of the conveyor train is capable of effective operation in steep dip seams, e.g. up to about 30°, and is constructed so that it can be quickly disassembled, moved, and reassembled and put into operation with minimal downtime.

Abstract: An earth discharging device, for a shield machine for constructing a tunnel in the vertical direction, has a pipe for discharging downwardly earth and sand that have been excavated by the machine as it advances upwardly. An elastic film-type valve is provided in the earth discharging pipe, which valve expands and contracts diametrically by means of fluid pressure to open and close the interior of the earth discharging pipe. A gate mechanism follows the elastic valve and adjusts the sectional area of the space through which earth and sand pass inside of the earth discharging pipe. The gate mechanism narrows the sectional area of the earth discharging pipe at the outlet side of the elastic valve so as to create a substantially uniform earth pressure upon the entire elastic valve to inhibit blockages and eruptions that might otherwise occur.

Abstract: A mining conveyor system that advances into a mine behind a continuous mining device. The mining conveyor system has a plurality of conveyance units connected to each other in a train-like fashion. Each conveyance unit conveys mined material to the next conveyance unit in the train until the mined material exits the mine. Each conveyance unit has a conveyance system powered by a first power source and the locomotion system is powered by a second power source. If either power source fails a switching system is utilized to power the portion(s) of the conveyance systems that lack power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mining of aggregate material from a seam includes a mining apparatus and a self-propelled conveyor capable of advancing or retreating in the seam on its own power and advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, the electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against the roof falls. The power input for the self-propelled conveyor is provided by continuous drive shafts powered at either one or both ends of the conveyor. Alternately, a unique reciprocating conveyor mechanically powered at either one or both ends of is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving of aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor unit for a high wall mining system; a mining system employing a train of such units. The conveyor units are pushed in tandem into the mine. The system contemplates a motor mounted on a cutter at the head of the train; through a series of shafts and clutches, serially through the train of conveyor units, rotation power is transferred mechanically from the motor to turn the conveyor belts of the individual units. The mining system includes a preferred coupling/clutch apparatus and a launch vehicle for adding conveyor units to the train which has the ability to start the rotation of the conveyor belt on the new unit as it is added.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of an underground mining system including a continuous miner, a roof bolting machine, a tramming conveyor and a control cab operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: A conveyor unit for a high wall mining system; a mining system employing a train of such units. The conveyor units are pushed in tandem into the mine. The system contemplates a motor mounted on a cutter at the head of the train; through a series of shafts and clutches, serially through the train of conveyor units, rotation power is transferred mechanically from the motor to turn the conveyor belts of the individual units. The invention includes a preferred coupling/clutch apparatus and a launch vehicle for adding conveyor units to the train which has the ability to start the rotation of the conveyor belt on the new unit as it is added.

Abstract: A conveyor unit for a high wall mining system; a mining system employing a train of such units. The conveyor units are pushed in tandem into the mine. The system contemplates a motor mounted on a cutter at the head of the train; through a series of shafts and clutches, serially through the train of conveyor units, rotation power is transferred mechanically from the motor to turn the conveyor belts of the individual units. The invention includes a preferred coupling/clutch apparatus and a launch vehicle for adding conveyor units to the train which has the ability to start the rotation of the conveyor belt on the new unit as it is added.

Abstract: A highwall mining system for mining aggregate material from a seam (8) includes a mining device (9) for cutting aggregate material from the seam (8) thereby to form a drive (10) in the seam (8), a conveying device (11) for conveying mined aggregate material from the drive (10), and a circulation device located on or in the region of the mining device (9) for circulating the atmosphere at least at the forward end of the drive (10). The system further includes an inertization device (60, 61, 63, 71) for maintaining the concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere in the drive (10) lower than the concentration of oxygen required for explosion of methane gas and/or dusts and/or other flammable materials in the drive (10).

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a mining system including a continuous miner, a tramming conveyor and a load-out vehicle operatively connected to the tramming conveyor. The apparatus includes a master computer processor on the continuous miner and at least one slave computer processor under the direction of the master computer processor for controlling elements of the mining system other than the continuous miner. A pair of parallel data communication highways connect the master computer processor and the slave computer processor and the functional status of the data communication highways is monitored. A radio communication path is provided between the master computer processor and the mining system. The master computer processor operates the mining system in an automatic mining mode of operation when both data communication highways are functional and operates the mining system in a reverse mode of operation if either data communication highway fails to function.

Abstract: A driving device of a jaw crusher of attachment type comprising a hydraulic cylinder having a rod connected with a movable member; a hydraulic source provided on a body of a hydraulic excavator having a mobile travel device; and a control mechanism for supplying a hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic cylinder so that the rod is extended and retracted reciprocatively and detecting a hydraulic pressure at an extension side of the hydraulic cylinder and a retraction side thereof, thus switching extension and retraction operations of the rod to each other when the hydraulic pressure at the extension side of the hydraulic cylinder or the retraction side thereof exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a partially exposed seam adjacent a bench on a surface mine and which extends from the bench at an elevation and angle relative to the bench, The apparatus includes a self-propelled mining machine for dislodging aggregate material from the seam and conveying apparatus that is attached to the self-propelled mining machine for conveying the dislodged material to a location remote from the seam. The apparatus further includes a guidance assembly for selectively orienting the mining machine and the conveying apparatus at a predetermined attack angle that corresponds to the seam angle.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system and continuous conveyor belt are disclosed for carrying coal or ore discharged from a continuous miner. A top roller combination supports the coal-carrying or ore-carrying continuous conveyor belt. A holding frame for the top roller and a bottom belt return is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held and secured in position by belt tension. The holding frame is capable of rapid and nimble extendable, retractable construction in the mine. Rails connect and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members. The rails preferably are quickly rotatable to change the top wearing surface. A top roller for supporting the mined-material-carrying belt includes a combination of rollers formed into a roller combination insert which is quickly replaceable in an underground mine.

Abstract: A highwall mining system for mining aggregate material from a seam includes both a mining device for cutting aggregate material from the seam and thereby forming a drive in the seam and a conveying device for conveying mined aggregate material from the drive. The conveying device is formed of a plurality of modular conveyor units having a mechanism for releasably coupling together the conveyor units. A driving device is used for driving the mining device and the conveyor device into the seam to form the drive. A controlling device is employed to control forward movement of the mining device and the conveying device so that the mining device and the conveying device can move together at a predetermined rate of advance into the seam without there being any uncontrolled forward movement of the mining device and/or the conveying device in response to the incline of the seam and/or during the addition of a new conveyor unit to the conveying device.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor apparatus and method for a continuous haulage system and continuous conveyor belt are disclosed for carrying coal or ore discharged from a continuous miner. A top roller-slider combination supports the coal-carrying or ore-carrying continuous conveyor belt. A holding frame for the top roller-slider and a bottom belt return is provided by a plurality of floor-supported frame members held and secured in position by belt tension. The holding frame is capable of rapid and nimble extendable, retractable construction in the mine. Rails connect and hold adjacent frame members in position by press-fit attachment of the rails to the frame members. The rails preferably are quickly rotatable to change the top wearing surface.

Abstract: A mechanism (22) for supporting an earthworking tool from a vehicle such as a front end-loader (21) includes: (i) a primary support structure (23) adapted to be pivotally attached, in a readily releasable manner, about a generally upright, slewing axis (24), to a conventionally-provided elevating linkage mechanism (25) of a vehicle; (ii) power driver (26,27) to effect controlled slewing of the primary support structure (23) about its slewing axis (24); (iii) a secondary support structure (28) rotatably mounted about a generally forwardly directed axis (29) on the primary support structure (23); (iv) power driver (30) to effect controlled rotation of the secondary support structure with respect to the primary support structure; (v) tool support (32) pivotally mounted on the secondary support structure (28); and (vi) driver (33) to pivot the tool support with respect to the secondary support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are coupled or interconnected in series so as to form a train. The coupling comprises cooperating clevises and tongues interconnected by locking pins. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle includes an elongated frame that holds a belt conveyor for conveying aggregate material that is received from the conveyor train. A drive assembly for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train is also provided on the launch vehicle. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a mechanism for adding a modular conveyor unit to the conveyor train. More specifically, the conveyor train drive assembly includes a pair of cooperating tandem drive cylinders. Each drive cylinder includes a pusher arm unit that is adapted to engage one of the modular conveyor units of the conveyor train. The conveyor unit adding mechanism includes a positioning mechanism that holds and places a conveyor unit on the launch vehicle. A pusher cylinder is also provided to push the new conveyor unit into engagement with the rear of the conveyor train.

Abstract: A continuous-operation extraction apparatus for strip mining that is self propelled on continuous track treads. A cylindrically-shaped cutting extractor has cutting tools arranged on its peripheral surface. Recesses are provided in this peripheral surface for the transfer of extracted material through a chute to a first conveyor that is located axially within the cylinder of the cutting extractor. A second conveyor having loading carts connects with the first conveyor and receives the loosened material from the first conveyor. The first conveyor has an inside section which emerges from a front side of the cylinder and merges outside into a sloping conveyance section which extends vertically to substantially an upper edge of a chassis. An overhead ascending section is connected to the inside section and terminates in a transfer region where the extracted material is transferred to the second conveyor.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine has a drum assembly rotatably supported thereon generally transversely to the axis of the mining machine frame. The drum member has a cylindrical outer surface supporting cutter bits for sumping into the mine face. Between the cutter bits are radially extending vanes for moving the mined material around the cutter drum assembly and for dissipating gases from the area adjacent to the cutter drum assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam includes a miner for cutting material from the seam and a conveyor for conveying the won aggregate material from the miner for recovery. The conveyor is formed by a series of individual conveyor units that are interconnected in series so as to form a train. Each unit includes a main frame supported on ground engaging wheels. A belt conveyor is supported in the main frame and a conveyor drive mechanism is provided on each unit. The apparatus also includes a launch vehicle. The launch vehicle includes a frame holding a conveyor for receiving won aggregate material from the conveyor train and for delivering that material to a discharge conveyor. The launch vehicle also includes a pair of spaced guide tracks adapted to receive and guide the wheels that support an end conveyor unit of the conveyor train. Additionally, the launch vehicle includes a reciprocating drive assembly to aid in advancing the conveyor train and miner into the seam face.

Abstract: A shearing machine with shearing heads or drums rotatably mounted on a luffable shearing arm and a loading ramp or a conveyor running in the direction of the heading face for receiving and conveying away the sheared material. The loading ramp or the conveyor is supported displaceably in the longitudinal direction of the shearing machine on the machine frame and the horizontal luffing axis of the shearing arm runs transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine and is mounted adjustably relative to the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine. The adjustment movement of the horizontal luffing axis of the shearing arm is coupled to the adjusting movement of the loading ramp or of the conveyor. The shearing arm is mounted on a bearing bracket which is connected to a carriage. The carriage is displaceable on guides running in the longitudinal direction of the machine and the bearing bracket is connected to a driver which is formed by a slot guide.

Abstract: A bucket loader wherein the bucket is pivotally mounted at one end of an arm. The other end of the arm is pivotably connected to the locomotive of a multiple-trolley train which is mounted for travel along an overhead monorail in a surface mine or in an underground excavation. The bucket can be tilted by two chains each of which is connected to a winch on a discrete trolley of the train.

Abstract: A universal ripper miner used to cut, collect and transfer material from an underground mine working face includes a cutter head that is vertically movable in an arcuate cutting cycle by means of drive members, such as hydraulically actuated pistons. The cutter head may support a circular cutter bit having a circular cutting edge that may be indexed to incrementally expose a fresh cutting edge. An automatic indexing system is disclosed wherein indexing occurs by means of a worm gear and indexing lever mechanism. The invention also contemplates a bi-directional bit holder enabling cutting to occur in both the upstroke and the downstroke cutting cycle. Another feature of the invention discloses multiple bits arranged in an in-line, radially staggered pattern, or a side-by-side pattern to increase the mining capacity in each cutting cycle. An on-board resharpening system is also disclosed for resharpening the cutting edge at the end of cutting stroke position.

Abstract: A coal-cutting machine (1) having an all-round swivelling jib boom (6), on which cutting implements (17) are rotatably supported, and a loading platform (3) comprising a loading platform which can swivel about an axis (4) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine. The loading platform (3) is angularly, rigidly connected to the swing gear (5) for the swivelling of the jib boom (6) in a horizontal direction and is supported on the machine frame (1) so as to swivel, together with the swing gear (5), about the axis (4) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine. As a result of this construction which a particularly low overall height is made possible while safely preventing a collision between the jib boom (6) and the loading platform (3).

Abstract: An extensible conveyor for following a continuous tunneling or mining machine. The conveyor frame is made up of identical modules which can be added end to end at the end of the frame, the modules including return reach rollers. A separate carriage frame is independently supported on a mobile support which advances with the advance of the mining machine. The carriage frame advances over the conveying belt frame and includes a conveying belt pulley over which the conveying belt extends. The carriage frame spaces the conveying reach of the belt from the return reach thereof as the carriage is being advanced in order to allow conveying reach rollers to be placed onto the frame as the carriage frame advances. An impact plate is provided at the discharge end of a transfer conveyor, wherein the impact plate extends below the conveying reach of the belt of a first conveyor.

Abstract: Impact buckets are useful, for example, in fracturing rock and other hard material which is to be excavated. Known systems using vibrating mechanisms which are mechanically coupled to a cutting edge assembly do not produce forces high enough to efficiently fracture the rock or other hard material and send destructive vibration forces to the base vehicle. The subject impact bucket mechanism uses an impact hammer which is impact coupled to a cutting edge assembly to fracture rock and other hard material. This results in a force controlled system in which displacement varies with material resistance. The force levels achieved by the impact coupled system are higher than the vibrating system. Thus, the disclosed impact bucket mechanism can produce higher force levels which can more efficiently fracture the rock or the other hard material without sending destructive vibration to the base machine.

Abstract: A bucket wheel assembly for excavating solid material from the ground which can be slurried with water has a series of buckets mounted on a framework rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis, the buckets, being secured to the framework at spaced positions around the periphery, and each bucket having a leading edge portion engagable with the ground as the framework rotates to cause material to be scooped from the ground into the bucket. Sets of nozzles are mounted around the framework, each set of nozzles being located between an adjacent pair of buckets and spaced in the direction of movement of the buckets from the leading edge portion of a following bucket. A rotary valve is connected to the nozzles and to a source of liquid under pressure.

Abstract: An extensible conveyor for following a continuous tunneling or mining machine. The conveyor frame is made up of identical modules which can be added end to end at the end of the frame, the modules including return reach rollers. A separate carriage frame is independently supported on a mobile support which advances with the advance of the mining machine. The carriage frame advances over the conveying belt frame and includes a conveying belt pulley over which the conveying belt extends. The carriage frame spaces the conveying reach of the belt from the return reach thereof as the carriage is being advanced in order to allow conveying reach rollers to be placed onto the frame as the carriage frame advances. An impact plate is provided at the discharge end of a transfer conveyor, wherein the impact plate extends below the conveying reach of the belt of a first conveyor.

Abstract: A method for renewing an existing pipeline comprises the steps of advancing a shield tunnelling machine from one end of an existing pipe defining the existing pipeline to the other end thereof, excavating at least the existing pipe by the machine and disposing a new pipe in an excavated spot while the machine is advanced, whereby the existing pipeline is renewed by breaking the existing pipe embedded in the ground while laying the new pipe therein. An existing pipeline renewing apparatus embodying the method described above comprises a shield tunnelling machine for excavating an existing pipe embedded in the ground so as to define an existing pipeline and a means for disposing a new pipe in a spot excavated by the machine. Accordingly, since the new pipe is disposed while excavating the existing pipe by the shield tunnelling machine, it is not necessary to excavate the spot, in which the existing pipe to be renewed is laid, by an open cut method.

Abstract: Then invention relates to a cutting machine having cutting heads or drums which are supported to be freely rotating on a pivoting cutting arm, with a loading ramp or conveyor which extends in the direction to the work face to receive and transport the cut material, the loading ramp or conveyor being supported on the machine frame to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the cutting machine. The pivot axis of the cutting arm, which axis extends at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the machine, is provided to be adjustable relative to the machine frame in the longitudinal direction of the machine. The adjusting movement of the horizontal pivot axis of the cutting arm is coupled to that of the loading ramp or conveyor.

Abstract: A shield type tunneling apparatus comprises: a shield body having in its front portion a cutter-head compartment for digging a tunnel through bedrock, the cutter-head compartment being rotatably driven by a driving unit; and a transporting means for discharging rock debris produced by the cutter-head compartment from a front area thereof to a rear area of the shield body. The tunneling apparatus is characterized in that: the cutter-head compartment is filled with water which buoys up the rock debris in the cutter-head compartment to enable the rock debris to easily enter the transporting means under the influence of rotational movement of the cutter-head compartment.

Abstract: Pipe-driving apparatus used to create a pipe line of small diameter uses a pressing station in an access trench to drive in pipe sections one by one. A boring head and conveyor worm operates at the front of the pipe line in a working pipe section on which a cutting shoe is swivably mounted. The worm is a spiral flight on a drive shaft which runs within an open fronted container on which a drive unit for the boring head and the worm is mounted. Hydraulic bracing units mounted to the container can be swung out and engaged with stops in the working pipe section to brace the container during the filling operation. Projections on the container engage with the shoe and the bracing units can be used to steer the shoe. When the container is filled the bracing units re stowed and the container is withdrawn back down the pipe line to the access trench for discharging the material.