Multi-purpose vehicle for use underground

Abstract

A self-propelled vehicle having independently steerable and suspended wheel assemblies for use in underground excavations. The vehicle includes means for temporarily supporting the roof of an excavation, drilling holes in the roof, and inserting bolts therein. The vehicle also includes scoops mounted at each end with a conveyor joining the scoops, thus giving the machine a self-loading capacity. The application also discloses a method for systematically installing roof bolts.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A self-propelled vehicle for use in underground excavations having a floor and a ceiling, said vehicle comprising: a frame;   wheel assemblies supporting said frame, said wheel assemblies being independently suspended and steerable;   a body supported on said frame;   first lifting means supported by said frame for raising said body above said frame;   a plurality of rotatable chuck assemblies disposed within said body and adapted to engage a workpiece for insertion into said ceiling;   second lifting means supported by said body and engaging said chuck assemblies for raising said chuck assemblies above said body;   a pair of movable scoop containers mounted on said frame at opposite ends thereof;   a reversible conveyor supported by said frame and positioned to transport material from one of said containers to the other; and   means mounted on said frame for contacting said ceiling above said vehicle and said floor below to support said ceiling against collapse.