Abstract: A control system for continuous mining machine to control the mining horizons of roof and floor horizons relative to the rock boundaries of an underground coal seam or ore vein. The mining machine is provided with a cutting drum mounted on a pivoted arm to allow for vertical displacement of the cutter to control the mining height. A plurality of sensors is carried on the rotatable arm to locate the roof and floor boundaries. Attitude sensors are mounted on the machine for providing signals indicative of the inclinations of the body of the machine, and, a microprocessor receives the signals from the boundary sensors and the attitude sensors for calculating the required roof cut and floor cut. A display device receives the signals from the microprocessor and displays the calculated results to the machine operator.

Abstract: A radiation-sensing assembly adapted for sensing radiation emitted from a source of radiation which may be non-coal layers (shale and other materials) in a coal mine tunnel. The sensor assembly incudes a housing forming an enclosure for a radiation-sensing medium. A cover is provided on the top of the lower portion of the housing, and radiation passes through the cover to impinge on the sensing machine. The cover includes a collimator, which is built into the cover, to direct the radiation from the source to the sensing medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the degrees of roll of the body of a longwall shearing machine and providing signals proportional to the roll angle which are used to control drum cutting positions for controlling roof and floor horizons of a coal tunnel.