EXCAVATING TOOLS FOR RELEASING ROCK, MINERALS AND THE LIKE LAYER BY LAYER, IN MILLING FASHION

摘要

The invention provides an apparatus for excavating rock, minerals and the like, which includes a hub 22 connected to a rotatable drive. Cutting elements such as picks 20a are supported by tool holders connected to the hub. The picks 20a project radially from the hub, and are arranged in oblique relationship to the axis of rotation of the hub. The drive means is preferably designed to impart an eccentric, superimposed percussive action on the hub 22. During use the hub 22 is positioned facing a rock surface and urged along the rock face in transverse relationship to the axis of rotation of the hub, thereby causing the picks 20a to undercut an adjacent region of rock, and thereby excavating successivel layers of rock.