摘要 |
A miner especially adapted for high-production mining of low-coal seams (24-36 inches thick) while providing maximum miner safety and complying with applicable federal safety regulations. One or more cutting heads rotatable about the vertical axes are provided along with electric motors for rotating the heads. The heads are mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement along the cutting face, and hydraulic cylinders, or the like, are provided for reciprocating the heads so that they move toward each other during shearing. A paddle-type conveyor continuously (even during sumping) conveys the cut coal away from the coal face, substantially perpendicular thereto through the formed tunnel. Hydraulic rams associated with roof-supporting and anchoring means are provided for sumping the cutting heads. A curtain assembly or the like contains the dust generated during cutting to a confined area adjacent the cutting face, and an exhaust fan or fans continuously draws the dust away from the confined area. Portions of the roof supports extend into the confined area in order to provide maximum support for the roof during cutting.
|