Launch vehicle for continuous mining apparatus

A launch vehicle for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train, comprising:

• a main frame movably supporting a rear portion of said conveyor train;
• means attached to said main frame for selectively advancing and withdrawing said conveyor train;
• and
• receiving means attached to said main frame for continuously receiving aggregate material from said conveyor train as each said modular conveyor unit is added to said conveyor train.

A launch vehicle for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train, comprising:

• a main frame;
• means for adding a modular conveyor unit to said conveyor train;
• means for conveying aggregate material from said conveyor train to a delivery location;
• means for selectively advancing and withdrawing said conveyor train;
• and
• extensible front end means selectively displaceable between a fully retracted position wherein said extensible front end means is fully received within said main frame and a fully extended position wherein said extensible front end means is extended in front of said main frame to support a portion of said conveyor train.

A launch vehicle for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units that may be connected together to form a conveyor train;

• comprising:
• a main frame;
• means for conveying aggregate material from said conveyor train to a delivery location mounted on said main frame;
• and
• means for adding a modular conveyor unit to said conveyor train during cutting and conveying of aggregate material, said adding means including positioning means selectively displaceable between a first position for holding a modular conveyor unit to be subsequently added to said conveyor train adjacent said conveyor train and a second position for placing said conveyor unit to be added to said conveyor train on said launch vehicle behind said conveyor train;
• said positioning means including a power source, a pair of take-up reels driven by said power source and mounted to said launch vehicle frame, one line attached to each take-up reel and means at a distal end of each line for engaging a conveyor unit.