Mine Rescue Vehicle - The Objective:

To improve the efficiency and speed of under-ground post-disaster rescue operations. The Approach: Develop a battery-powered mine-rescue vehicle designed to carry rescue crews, rescued miners, and their support equipment. How It Works: The experimental vehicle, shown below, was designed and constructed by the Mine Safety Appliances Company under contract to the Bureau of Mines. ATV Manufacturing Company and Delco Electronics were subcontractors. A rechargeable, silver-zinc battery provides power to a 3-horsepower permissible motor, the speed of which is regulated by a solid-state controller. Three wheels on each side are independently driven by a chain and mechanical trans-mission.