METHOD OF MICK HAULAGE TO LOWER HORIZONS Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: opencast mining and earth-moving operations. SUBSTANCE: claimed method consists in that muck from upper horizon is hauled to lower horizon in vessel connected together with balloon to free end of balanced boom by its turning in inclined plane above opencast flank or slope under action of torque of muck gravitational force, and vessel return to loading horizon is accomplished under action of torque of balloon free lift. For muck lifting, vessel is loaded with muck portion whose weight equals free load-lifting capacity of balloon. Vessel lift is effected by torque of counterweight and boom rotary drive. Vessel moving downward is accomplished by torque of boom own gravity and its rotary drive. Method of movement of balloon and boom is regulated by varying the following four members: balloon aerodynamic profile perpendicular to boom rotation radius, boom length, angle of inclination of boom rotation plane and counter weight coordinates. Energy is recuperated when muck weight in vessel is twice as high as that of balloon free load-lifting capacity. Under definite conditions the claimed method features energy independence and may be realized by various engineering systems forming a new class of mining machines whose work is effected under action of aerostatic and gravitational forces. EFFECT: reduced energy and resource capacity of process of transfer of muck and extended process potentialities of method due to efficient use of aerostatic and gravitational forces. 4 cl, 2 dwg