GB1308655A - Method of and machine for use in the construction of the gates in long-wall coal mining - Google Patents

Abstract

1308655 Ripping methods and machines JOY MFG CO (UK) Ltd 12 Aug 1971 [14 May 1970] 23321/70 Heading E1F As a gate is advanced in a longwall mineralmining system by cutting out the gate space above a mineral seam in advance of the seam whilst the seam is being mined, stone dust created in the gate space during excavation of the space is contained in the air of the space and is drawn off with the air for the stone dust to be removed from the air, which clean air is then discharged into the ventilating air of the mine. The space is cut out by one or more power driven drum or disc cutters 14, 16 of a machine having behind the cutter(s) 14, 16 a shroud 22, 22a through or past which normal ventilating or pressurised air may pass and through one or more outlets 23 in which dust laden air may be withdrawn from the space to a dust extractor which removes the dust from the air before the air is discharged into the mine workings. Water may be sprayed into the gate space from means associated with the shroud. Preferably the machine has an anchorable frame, a carriage laterally and longitudinally movable of the frame, a motor on the carriage, a gear box power rotatable about the output shaft of the motor, a cutter drum mounted on the inner gear box shaft and drive sprockets on the outer gear box shaft. The drive sprockets drive cutter chains driving a cutter drum at the outer end of a jib rotatable with the gear box. A settable roof support system and power loading means for removal of rock from the gate space, and means for causing step wise advance of the frame are incorporated in the structure of the machine.