Abstract:
A continuous mining machine employs a chain conveyor consisting of two separate chains with one-sided flights. The axes of the chain sprockets are located within the vertical plane so that the chains run within the plane generally parallel to the mine floor. The chains have universal links so they can change direction within the vertical plane as well. This arrangement allows substantially better special configuration than the present chain conveyors and the flights of the chains provide loading function, thus eliminating the need for the loader.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the mining of 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 an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against 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 the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the mining of 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 an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against 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 the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.
Abstract:
In situations where pressurized unsaturated brine or other unwanted liquid seeps through incompetent or soluble rocks, a pair of dams are constructed within a passageway, and the interface between the dams and the host rock is sealed. Thereafter, a hydrophobic liquid is injected under pressure within the passageway between the two dams thus impregnating the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation is used to sample the area on the flood side of the first barrier. This flood isolation method is also useful in containing other wastes such as in nuclear repositories.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the mining of 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 an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against 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 the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of rock cutting where, as a first step of each excavation cycle, a second open surface is created utilizing boring method and, as a second step, the excavation cycle is completed utilizing a shearing method; and a cutting element for excavation of rocks comprising both a boring tool and a shearing tool, wherein the cutting element can be remotely adapted either for boring or for shearing.
Abstract:
Various high pressure isolation structures are operative to prevent brine or other unwanted liquid from seeping through incompetent or soluble rocks. In one embodiment, a pair of barrier dams are constructed in spaced relation within an underground passageway, and the interface between each dam and the host rock is sealed. A hydrophobic liquid is introduced under pressure into the passageway between the dams so as to impregnate the microfracture system within the host rock. A monitoring installation may be employed to sample the area on the flood side of the upstream barrier dam. Alternate embodiments of isolation structures in the form of expandable bulkheads may be employed to effect accelerated rock repressurization so as to close the microfractures either individually or in combination with another barrier dam with hydrophobic liquid.
Abstract:
There is described an extensible belt take-up and storage device for use in an extensible belt conveyor system. The device overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by being very compact and by having a configuration such that almost all the stored belt can be let out to the conveyor system. To accomplish this first and second sets of rollers are mounted on a fixed and on a movable frame respectively and the rollers are mounted parallel to each other and inclined at an acute angle to the horizontal axis of the device.
Abstract:
A remote mining system utilizes extensible belt conveyor supported by belt support units and is suitable for operation in very low mining seams. The launch platform contains sufficient storage of conveyor belt for deep penetration into a very low seam. The mining machine is retrieved onto the platform but remains connected to the extensible belt conveyor at all times.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the mining of 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 an advancing and steering arrangement for the mining apparatus. The self-propelled conveyor, electric cables and other services for the mining apparatus are protected against 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 the conveyor is provided for conveying of aggregate material. An apparatus for assembling the conveyor and receiving aggregate material is provided at the rear end of the conveyor. A method and apparatus for accurately and precisely navigating the mining machine is disclosed.