Low Profile Mining Machine

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.

1 . A mining machine comprising an excavating means, a propelling means, and a conveying means capable of simultaneous loading.  
     
     
         2 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said conveying means comprises two chains with conveying flights located on one side of said chains.  
     
     
         3 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is external to said mining machine.  
     
     
         4 . A mining machine according to  claim 2 , wherein said chains are synchronized and said flights are aligned in the same positions.  
     
     
         5 . A mining machine according to  claim 2 , wherein said chains are driven from the discharge end of said conveying means.  
     
     
         6 . A mining machine according to  claim 2 , wherein said chains are driven from the feed end of said conveying means.  
     
     
         7 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said excavating means is a ranging drum.  
     
     
         8 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said excavating means is a universal cutter.  
     
     
         9 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said excavating means is at least one auger type cutter.  
     
     
         10 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is a set of powered tracks.  
     
     
         11 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is a push beam.  
     
     
         12 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is an advancer attached to the conveying assembly.  
     
     
         13 . A mining machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is an advancer capable of bracing to the roof and floor of the mine opening.  
     
     
         14 . A mining machine according to  claim 13 , wherein said propelling means is an advancer capable of bracing to the sides of the mine opening.  
     
     
         15 . A method of combined conveying and loading on a mining machine, comprising: 
 running two conveying chains with conveying flights along a circular path on a loading apron of a mining machine;    synchronizing said conveying chains with one another in order to achieve the desired alignment of said conveying flights;    scooping the material at the feed end and;    discharging the material at the discharge end.    
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein said conveying chains are driven from the rear of the mining machine.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15 , wherein said conveying chains are driven from the front of the mining machine.