Importance

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Abstract

A drum-type miner having a plurality of water jet nozzles which cut independently of the mechanical bits is disclosed. The drum-type miner may configured in either a hard-head or a ripper-chain design. The unique combination of mechanical and hydraulic cutting results in higher rates of penetration and improved productivity. The nozzles in one embodiment are supplied on a transversely mounted strut and are supplied with high-pressure fluid through two independent water channels in the strut. The nozzles may be configured in different directions, such that the high-pressure fluid may be directed in several directions simultaneously, or configured to direct the high-pressure fluid in one direction only. Moreover, because the mining face is pre-scored by the water jets, the amount of wear on both the mechanical bits and the motors may be significantly reduced.

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First Claim