Continuous miner with improved roof-to-floor anchoring canopy units for advancing and turning machine and installing roof bolts

摘要

A continuous mining machine comprising a central longitudinally extending conveyor assembly, a pair of cutting and conveying mechanisms mounted on the forward end of the central conveyor assembly for movement between a normal operating position wherein the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in alignment and extend laterally outwardly with respect to the forward receiving end of the conveyor assembly and a transporting position wherein the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in parallel relation alongside the central portion of the conveyor assembly, the cutting and conveying mechanisms having vertically movable endless track assemblies operable to move the continuous mining machine when the cutting and conveying mechanisms are in the transporting position, and a pair of mine floor-to-roof anchoring canopy units for (1) advancing the continuous mining machine so that the cutting and conveying mechanisms are moved inwardly of the working face, (2) facilitating the installation of mine roof bolts at positions close to the working face while affording roof protection to the operators, and (3) effecting a 90° turning movement of the continuous mining machine.