Steven M Shaffer

US Patent:

20150001912, Jan 1, 2015

Filed:

Jul 1, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/932273

Inventors:

- Houston PA, US
TODD WILLIAM WAMPLER - Elizabeth PA, US
ROGER LEE O'QUINN - Blacksburg VA, US
ESTEL OWENS - Washington PA, US
STEVEN MURRAY SHAFFER - Sparland IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Global Mining America, LLC - Houston PA

International Classification:

E21B 21/00
E21C 25/00

US Classification:

299 813

Abstract:

A continuous mining machine may include a stationary boom member, a stationary gear and bearing housing attached to the boom member, and a cutter drum assembly rotatably mounted on the stationary gear and bearing housing. Cutting elements and spray nozzles may be mounted on the rotatable cutter drum assembly. The spray nozzles may be configured to direct liquid spray at a mine face as mine material is dislodged by rotation of the cutter drum assembly and contact of the cutting elements with the mine face. Stationary liquid passageways may be provided through the gear and bearing housing, and rotatable liquid passageways may be provided through the rotatable cutter drum assembly and configured to convey liquid to the spray nozzles. A liquid distribution cavity may be defined within the cutter drum assembly between two labyrinth-type, non-contacting seal assemblies, the liquid distribution cavity configured to convey liquid from the stationary liquid passageways to the rotatable liquid passageways and to the spray nozzles.