Remote mining haulage system with self-advancing mobile tailpiece and method of operating same

摘要

A haulage system and related process are provided for intermediate continuous conveying of coal or other mined minerals from the discharge of a continuous mining device to a distant point (typically outside the mine) where the mineral is stockpiled or transferred to another conveyor. The continuous haulage device of this invention is able to advance behind the continuous miner without interruptions for repositioning, and to follow the continuous miner without intervention, as it proceeds into the mine entry and beyond. The subject haulage system is not mechanically coupled to the miner and does not rely on the miner for its locomotive power. The receiving end of the haulage system maintains its position beneath the miner discharge by means of a mechanical proximity sensor, which enables the system to mimic the irregular pattern of advancement typical of continuous mining systems.