Mining apparatus

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and upper side, a lower side, a first side and a second side;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame comprising:
• a forward cutter frame, having an upper side, a lower side, a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame;
• and
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a universal connection disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame, a portion of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame and a portion of the universal connection being connected to the frame, the universal connection being for movably positioning the forward cutter frame with respect to the frame about horizontal and vertical axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided by the universal connection;
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection for movably positioning the forward cutter frame;
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection for movably positioning the forward cutter frame to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a roll cylinder connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally between the upper and the lower sides of the frame, and connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the rearward end and generally between the upper and the lower side of the forward cutter frame;
• and
• means to actuate the roll cylinder for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection for movably positioning the forward cutter frame, the roll cylinder cooperating with the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, and an opening formed through the rearward end of the frame;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly, the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter frame having an opening formed therein and a passageway disposed within the forward cutter frame with one end of the passageway being connected to the forward end of the forward cutter fame and encompassing the opening formed in the forward end of the forward cutter frame, the passageway having an opposite end connected to and extending through the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, and the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid being moved into and through the passageway disposed in the forward cutter frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• a universal connection disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame, a portion of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame and a portion of the universal connection being connected to the frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection, the universal connection comprising:
• a spherically shaped member secured to the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, the spherically shaped member being disposed on the rearward end of the forward cutter frame with the passageway through the spherically shaped member being aligned with the passageway disposed in the forward cutter frame;
• and
• a housing connected to the forward end of the frame having an opening formed in a portion thereof, a portion of the spherically shaped member being disposed in a portion of the opening in the housing and the opening in the housing providing a surface for journally engaging a portion of the outer surface of the spherically shaped member, the housing having an opening formed through a portion thereof, the opening in the housing being aligned with the opening in the spherically shaped member, and the openings in the housing and the spherically shaped member being in fluidic communication during the movement of the spherically shaped member within the housing as the forward cutter frame is pivotally moved about the connection provided via the universal connection;
• means connected to the frame and the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection;
• a conduit disposed within a portion of the frame with one end of the conduit being in fluidic communication with the opening formed in the spherically shaped member for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid;
• means for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the workind fluid from the conduit and passing said slurry from the miner;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assmembly;
• a conduit disposed within a portion of the frame with one end of the conduit being in fluidic communication with the opening formed in the rearward end of the frame for receiving the slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly;
• and
• means for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly and the working fluid from the conduit and passing said slurry from the miner;
• and
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of earth formation thereby forming the borehole.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in a earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly, the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame and having an opening formed through the rearward end for receiving a slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined, comprising:
• a cutter shaft journally mounted on the rearward end of the rearward cutter frame, having a first flight of vanes extending a distance radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in a generally clockwise direction, and a second flight of vanes extending a distance generally radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in a generally counterclockwise direction, the first and the second flights of vanes cooperating to engage and move the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly generally toward the opening in the rearward end of the rearward cutter frame thereby facilitating the moving of the slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material into and through the opening in the rearward cutter frame;
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position;
• and
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of earth formation thereby forming the borehole.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end and a rearward end;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly;
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of earth formation thereby forming the borehole;
• at least one carrier, each carrier having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end of one of the carriers being removably connectable to the miner and the forward end of the other carriers each being removably connectable to the rearward end of one other carrier, each carrier comprising:
• a first carrier beam having a forward end and a rearward end;
• a second carrier beam having a forward end and a rearward end, the second carrier beam being spaced a distance from the first carrier beam, and the forward ends of the first and the second carrier beams forming the forward end of the carrier and the rearward ends of the first and the second carrier beams forming the rearward end of the carrier;
• means for supporting the first and the second carrier beams in the spaced-apart relationship;
• and
• a cutting bar connected to the first and the second carrier beams generally near the rearward ends of the first and the second carrier beams, having a cutting edge formed on a portion thereof for facilitating the moving of the miner and the carriers connected thereto through the earth formation in the event a portion of the earth formation formed via the borehole collapses;
• and
• means connected to the carrier to movingly support the carrier for movement through the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side;
• a reservoir having a supply of fluid;
• a pump in fluidic communcation with the reservoir for supply fluid;
• a universal connection having a portion connected to the frame;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation;
• the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly, the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side a second side, an upper side and a lower side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from th4 forward end of the frame, the universal connection being disposed between the forward end of the frame and the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto, the forward cutter positioning assembly comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generaly near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, one portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• and
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a roll cylinder connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally between the upper and the lower sides of the frame, and connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the rearward end and generally between the upper and the lower side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• means to actuate the roll cylinder for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, the roll cylinder cooperating with the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the first steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the first steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame
• a control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the second steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the second steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the third steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the third steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the fourth steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the fourth steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the roll cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the roll cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control unit disposed at a remote location with respect to the location of the miner and connected to the control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, the control unit operating to remotely position the forward cutter frame in predetermined positions relative to the frame for guidingly steering the miner through the earth formation;
• and
• means in fluidic communication with the reservoir and in fluidic communication with the working fluid in the borehole near the location of the miner for maintaining a relatively constant, predetermined differential pressure between the working fluid in the borehole near the miner and fluid in the reservoir, the pressure of the fluid in the reservoir being thereby adjustingly controlled to compensate for the depth of the miner in the borehole;
• and
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of earth formation thereby forming the borehole.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side;
• a universal connection having a portion connected to the frame;
• a reservoir having a supply of fluid;
• a pump in fluidic communication with the reservoir for supply fluid;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly, the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the universal connection being disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame and of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto, comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, one portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• and
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a roll cylinder connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally between the upper and the lower sides of the frame, and connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the rearward end and generally between the upper and the lower side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• means to actuate the roll cylinder for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, the roll cylinder cooperating with the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the first steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the first steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the second steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the second steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the third steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the third steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the fourth steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the fourth steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the roll cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the roll cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control unit disposed at a remote location with respect to the location of the miner and connected to the control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, the control unit operating to remotely position the forward cutter frame in predetermined positions relative to the frame for guidingly steering the miner through the earth formation;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position, the rearward cutter positioning assembly is connected to the pump and the reservoir;
• a control valve interposed between the rearward cutter positioning assembly and the pump and the reservoir having one position connecting a portion of the rearward cutter positioning assembly to the pump for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the storage position, and another position connecting another portion of the rearward cutter positioning assembly to the pump for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the material engaging position, the control unit being connected to the control valve interposed between the rearward cutter positioning assembly and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve thereby remotely positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the storage position and in the material engaging position;
• and
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of earth formation thereby forming the borehole.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• means for passing a working fluid into the borehole, comprising:
• a working fluid supply connected to the borehole, the working fluid being passed from the working fluid supply into the borehole;
• a miner comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid, comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter frame having an opening formed therein and a passageway being disposed within the forward cutter frame with one end of the passageway being connected to the forward end of the forward cutter frame and encompassing the opening formed in the forward end of the forward cutter frame, the passageway having an opposite end connected to and extending through the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, and the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid being moved into and through the passageway disposed in the forward cutter frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• and
• a mined material removal assembly connected to the frame for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material and the working fluid and passing the slurry from the miner.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• means for passing a working fluid into the borehole, comprising:
• a working fluid supply connected to the borehole, the working fluid being passed from the working fluid supply into the borehole;
• a miner comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid, the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame, an opening being formed through the rearward end of the rearward cutter frame for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined, comprising:
• a cutter shaft journally mounted on the rearward end of the rearward cutter frame, having a first flight of vanes extending a distance radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in a generally clockwise direction, and a second flight of vanes extending a distance generally radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in a generally counterclockwise direction, the first and the second flights of vanes cooperating to engage and move the mined material excavated via the rearward cutter assembly generally toward the opening in the rearward end of the rearward cutter frame thereby facilitating the moving of the slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material into and through the opening in the rearward cutter frame;
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position;
• and
• a mined material removal assembly connected to the frame for receiving the slurry comprising the mined material and the working fluid and passing the slurry from the miner.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, an upper side and a lower side;
• a universal connection having a portion connected to the frame;
• a forward cutter assembly movably connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation in one condition, comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, an upper side and a lower side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the universal connection being disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame, a portion of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame and a portion of the universal connection being connected to the frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter assembly to guidingly steer the miner through portions of the earth formation, comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection;
• and
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a rearward cutter assembly movably connected to the frame and movably positionable in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter assembly excavatingly engaging the earth formation in the material engaging position, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for positioning the rearward cutter assembly in the storage position and in the material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position, comprising:
• at least two pivot arms, each pivot arm having one end pivotally connected to the frame and an opposite end pivotally connected to the rearward cutter frame, the pivot arms pivotally connecting the rearward cutter frame to the frame for pivotally moving the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in one direction generally toward a storage position and in another direction generally toward a material engaging position;
• and
• at least two rear cylinders, each rear cylinder being pivotally connected to the frame and pivotally connected to the rearward cutter frame for moving the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto to the storage position in one actuated condition of the rear cylinders and for moving the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto to the material engaging position in one other actuated condition;
• means remotely located with respect to the miner and connected to the rear cylinders for remotely conditioning the rear cylinders in the one condition for moving the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto to the storage position and for remotely conditioning the rear cylinders in the other conditions for moving the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto to the material engaging position;
• a launching assembly for moving the miner into a portion of the earth formation and withdrawing the miner from a portion of the earth formation;
• and
• a control unit disposed at a remote location with respect to the location of the miner, the control unit being connected to the means for movably positioning the forward cutter assembly and to the means for movably positioning the rearward cutter assembly for remotely conditioning the forward cutter assembly to excavatingly engage the earth formation while moving the miner into the earth formation and for remotely positioning the rearward cutter assembly in the storage position while moving the miner into the earth formation and for remotely positioning the rearward cutter assembly in the material engaging position while withdrawing the miner from the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end and a rearward end;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation;
• at least one carrier, each carrier having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end of one of the carriers being removably connectable to the miner and the forward end of the other carriers each being removably connectable to the rearward end of one other carrier, each carrier comprising:
• a first carrier beam having a forward end and a rearward end;
• a second carrier beam having a forward end and a rearward end, the second carrier beam being spaced a distance from the first carrier beam, and the forward ends of the first and the second carrier beams forming the forward end of the carrier and the rearward ends of the first and the second carrier beams forming the rearward end of the carrier;
• means for supporting the first and the second carrier beams in the spaced-apart relationship;
• and
• a cutting bar connected to the first and the second carrier beams generally near the rearward ends of the first and the second carrier beams, having a cutting edge formed on a portion thereof for facilitating the moving of the miner and the carriers connected thereto through the earth formation in the event a portion of the earth formation formed via the borehole collapses;
• and
• means connected to the carrier to movingly support the carrier for movement through the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, an upper side, and a lower side;
• a universal connection having a portion connected to the frame;
• a reservoir having a supply of fluid;
• a pump in fluidic communication with the reservoir for supply fluid;
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the universal connection being disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame and of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto, comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the first steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the second steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the third steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the foward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, one portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the fourth steering cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• and
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a roll cylinder connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally between the upper and the lower sides of the frame, and connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the rearward end and generally between the upper and the lower side of the forward cutter frame, one portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the pump and another portion of the roll cylinder being connected to the reservoir;
• means to actuate the roll cylinder for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection, the roll cylinder cooperating with the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• a control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the first steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the first steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the first steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the second steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the second steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the second steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the third steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the third steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the third steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the fourth steering cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the foward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the fourth steering cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the fourth steering cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir having one position establishing fluidic communication between one portion of the roll cylinder and the pump for applying a force to the forward cutter frame in one direction generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame, and another position establishing fluidic communication between another portion of the roll cylinder for applying a force in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame generally at the connection of the roll cylinder to the forward cutter frame;
• a control unit disposed at a remote location with respect to the location of the miner and connected to the control valve interposed between the first steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the second steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the third steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, and connected to the control valve interposed between the fourth steering cylinder and the pump and the reservoir to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction to the forward cutter frame, and connected to the control valve interposed between the roll cylinder and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve to apply the force in the one direction and in the opposite direction, the control unit operating to remotely position the forward cutter frame in predetermined positions relative to the frame for guidingly steering the miner through the earth formation;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position, the rearward cutter positioning assembly is connected to the pump and the reservoir;
• and
• a control valve interposed between the rearward cutter positioning assembly and the pump and the reservoir having one position connecting a portion of the rearward cutter positioning assembly to the pump for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the storage position, and another position connecting another portion of the rearward cutter positioning assembly to the pump for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the material engaging position, the control unit being connected to the control valve interposed between the rearward cutter positioning assembly and the pump and the reservoir for remotely positioning the control valve thereby remotely positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the storage position and in the material engaging position.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly movably connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly, comprising:
• a forward cutter;
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter being rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined, and the forward cutter frame having an opening formed therein and a passageway disposed within the forward cutter frame with one end of the passageway being connected to the forward end of the forward cutter frame and encompassing the opening formed in the forward end of the forward cutter frame, the passageway having an opposite end connected to and extending through the rearward end of the forward cutter frame, and the slurry comprising the mined material excavated by the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid being moved into and through the passageway disposed in the forward cutter frame;
• cutter shaft journally connected on the forward cutter frame, having a first flight of vanes extending a distance radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in a generally clockwise direction, and a second flight of vanes extending a distance generally radially from the cutter shaft and helically about the cutter shaft in the generally counterclockwise direction, the first and the second flights of vanes cooperating to engage and move the mined material excavated by the forward cutter assembly generally toward the opening in the forward end of the forward cutter frame thereby facilitating the moving of the slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material into and through the passageway disposed in the forward cutter frame;
• and
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter for movably positioning the forward cutter about horizontal and vertical axes to guidingly steer the miner through portions of the earth formations;
• an upper mold board connected to the forward end of the forward cutter frame and disposed between the forward cutter and the forward cutter frame;
• a lower moldboard connected to the forward end of the forward cutter frame and disposed between the forward cutter and the forward cutter frame, the upper and the lower moldboards cooperating to encompass a portion of the forward cutters;
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner to excavate a portion of the earth formation thereby forming the borehole;
• a control unit connected to the forward cutter positioning assembly, the control unit operating the forward cutter positioning assembly to position the forward cutter in predetermined positions for guidingly steering the miner through portions of the earth formation as the miner is being moved in one direction through the earth formation via the positioning of the forward cutter;
• and
• a launching assembly for moving the miner into the earth formation and withdrawing the miner from the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing a working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper side and a lower side, a first side and a second side;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly movably connected to the forward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in a working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid in the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly comprising:
• a forward cutter;
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, an upper side and a lower side, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter being rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the materials to be mined;
• a universal connection disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame, a portion of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame and a portion of the universal connection being connected to the frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between the frame and the forward cutter frame provided by the universal connection;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter for movably positioning the forward cutter about horizontal and vertical axes to guidingly steer the miner through portions of the earth formation, the forward cutter positioning assembly comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuatable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection;
• and
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• means for passing the working fluid into the borehole to maintain the miner substantially submerged in the working fluid during the operation of the miner;
• a control unit connected to the forward cutter positioning assembly, the control unit operating the forward cutter positioning assembly to position the forward cutter in predetermined positions for guidingly steering the miner through portions of the earth formation as the miner is being moved in one direction through the earth formation via the positioning of the forward cutter;
• and
• a launching assembly for moving the miner into the earth formation and withdrawing the miner from the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing working fluid comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the mined material excavated via forward cutter assembly and the working fluid, comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end to the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter frame having a passageway formed through a portion thereof, and the slurry comprising the mined material excavated by the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid being moved into and through the passageway in the forward cutter frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material excavated by the rearward cutter assembly;
• a mined material removal assembly connected to the frame for receiving the slurry passing from the passageway in the forward cutter frame and for passing the slurry from the miner, the mined material removal assembly receiving the slurry comprising the mined material and the working fluid from the forward cutter assembly in one position and for receiving the slurry comprising the working fluid and the mined material from the rearward cutter assembly in one other position, the slurry received from the forward cutter assembly and the slurry received from the rearward cutter assembly being passed from the miner;
• and
• a working fluid supply connected to the borehole, the working fluid being passed from the working fluid supply into the borehole.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation utilizing the working fluid comprising:

• means for passing a working fluid into the borehole;
• and
• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• and
• a forward cutter assembly connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation, the mined material being suspended in the working fluid thereby forming a slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid, comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame, the forward cutter frame having a passageway formed through a portion thereof, and the slurry comprising the mined material excavated via the forward cutter assembly and the working fluid being moved into and through the passageway in the forward cutter frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto;
• a rearward cutter assembly connected to the rearward end of the frame, comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end, movably connected to the rearward end of the frame;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for movably positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined and the material engaging position;
• and
• a mined material removal assembly connected to the frame for receiving the slurry passing from the passageway in the forward cutter frame and for passing the slurry from the miner.

A miner for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side a second side, an upper side and a lower side;
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side, a second side, an upper side and a lower side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter for driving the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a universal connection disposed between the rearward end of the forward cutter frame and the forward end of the frame, a portion of the universal connection being connected to the forward cutter frame and a portion of the universal connection being connected to the frame, the forward cutter frame being movably positionable with respect to the frame about horizontal and vertical axes defined generally via centerlines extending through the pivotal connection between frame and the forward cutter frame provided via the universal connection;
• means connected to the frame and the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided by the universal connection, thereby movably positioning the forward cutter to guidingly steer the miner through portions of the earth formation, comprising:
• a first steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side and the first side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the first side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a second steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the forward end and generally near the first side and generally near the lower side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the first side and generally near the lower side and generally near the rearward end of the forward cutter frame;
• a third steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the second side and generally near the forward end and generally near the upper side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the second side and generally near the upper side of the forward cutter frame;
• a fourth steering cylinder pivotally connected to the frame generally near the lower side and generally near the forward end and generally near the second side of the frame, and pivotally connected to the forward cutter frame generally near the rearward end and generally near the lower side and generally near the second side of the forward cutter frame, the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders being actuable to move the forward cutter frame generally about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection;
• means to actuate the first, the second, the third and the fourth steering cylinders for moving the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto about the pivotal connection provided via the universal connection to predetermined positions to steeringly guide the miner through the earth formation;
• and
• a launching assembly for moving the miner into the formation and withdrawing the miner from the earth formation.

A mining apparatus for forming a borehole in an earth formation comprising:

• a miner, comprising:
• a frame, having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side;
• a forward cutter assembly movably connected to the frame for excavatingly engaging the earth formation in one condition, comprising:
• a forward cutter frame having a forward end, a rearward end, a first side and a second side, the rearward end of the forward cutter frame being disposed near and spaced a distance from the forward end of the frame;
• a forward cutter rotatably mounted on the forward end of the forward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• and
• a forward cutter drive assembly connected to the forward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a forward cutter positioning assembly connected to the forward cutter frame for movably positioning the forward cutter frame and the forward cutter connected thereto to guidingly steer the miner through portions of the earth formation;
• a rearward cutter assembly movably connected to the frame and movably positionably in a storage position and in a material engaging position, the rearward cutter assembly comprising:
• a rearward cutter frame, having a forward end and a rearward end movably connected to the rearward end of the frame;
• a rearward cutter rotatably mounted on the rearward cutter frame for excavatingly engaging the material to be mined;
• and
• a rearward cutter drive assembly connected to the rearward cutter for driving the rearward cutter to excavatingly engage the material to be mined;
• a rearward cutter positioning assembly connected to the rearward cutter frame for positioning the rearward cutter frame and the rearward cutter connected thereto in the storage position and in the material engaging position, the rearward cutter being positioned to excavatingly engage the material to be mined in the material engaging position;
• a launching assembly for moving the miner into a portion of the earth formation and withdrawing the miner from a portion of the earth formation;
• and
• a control unit disposed at a remote location
• with respect to the location of the miner, the control unit being connected to the forward cutter positioning assembly and to the rearward cutter positioning assembly for remotely conditioning the forward cutter assembly to excavatingly engage the earth formation while moving the miner into the earth formation and for remotely positioning the rearward cutter assembly in the storage position while moving the miner into the earth formation and for remotely positioning the rearward cutting assembly in the material engaging position while withdrawing the miner from the earth formation.