Method and apparatus for remote self-propelled conveying in mineral deposits

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.

1 - 40 . (canceled)  
   
   
       41 . A method of simultaneously advancing and steering a mining machine having a steering means operatively connected to an advancing conveying assembly, said conveying assembly having one or more conveying units, comprising: 
 simultaneously advancing said conveying assembly and said mining machine;    measuring the transverse displacement of said mining machine with respect to a desired direction of mining;    rotating said mining machine to an angle greater than zero with respect to a longitudinal axis of said conveying assembly; and    adjusting said angle as required to reduce or eliminate said displacement of said mining machine while advancing.    
   
   
       42 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein said steering means comprises at least one extender disposed between said mining machine and said conveying assembly.  
   
   
       43 . A method according to  claim 41 , wherein said steering means comprises a rotary actuator.  
   
   
       44 . An apparatus for simultaneously advancing and steering a mining machine operatively connected to a conveying assembly, comprising: 
 means of simultaneously advancing said conveying assembly and said mining machine;    means of measuring the displacement between an axis of said mining machine and the desired direction of mining; and    means of rotating said mining machine with respect to said conveying assembly.    
   
   
       45 . An apparatus according to  claim 44 , wherein said means of rotating includes at least one cylinder disposed in a generally transverse direction between said conveying assembly and said mining machine.  
   
   
       46 . An apparatus according to  claim 44 , wherein said means of rotating includes at least one cylinder disposed in a direction generally parallel to the axis of said mining machine.  
   
   
       47 . An apparatus according to  claim 44 , wherein said means of rotating includes a rotary actuator.