Patent ID: 9291052
Filing Date: 2016-03-22
CPC Classification: E21C,E21F

Claim Text:
1. A mining machine comprising: a frame; a boom defining an internal chamber, the boom including a first end coupled to the frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber; a cutter head including a plurality of cutting bits and supported on the second end of the boom; an endless conveyor for transporting cut material away from the cutter head, the endless conveyor supported on the frame; a collecting mechanism including an arm for contacting and directing cut material onto the endless conveyor; a valve coupled to the boom, the valve movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered; and an actuator coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.