Abstract: A boom for supporting a drilling and bolting tool includes a first portion including a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a second portion including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end supported for translational movement relative to the first portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the distal end configured to support the drilling and bolting tool; an actuator for moving the second portion relative to the first portion parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a fluid passage for conveying pressurized fluid between the first end of the first portion and the drilling and bolting tool adjacent the distal end of the second portion, the fluid passage positioned within the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.

Abstract: A jack for a vehicle includes a tube configured to be coupled to a chassis, and a cylinder assembly supported by the tube. The cylinder assembly includes a barrel and a rod at least partially received within the barrel. Actuation of the cylinder assembly causes the barrel to move relative to the tube in a first direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tube while the rod remains stationary relative to the tube. In some aspects, the jack further includes a locking device selectively received within the tube in a locked position. The locking device intersects the barrel's path to inhibit movement of the barrel in a second direction opposite the first direction when the locking device is in the locked position.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, wherein the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a first cutter drum and a second cutter drum, includes receiving, by a processor, shearer position data over a shear cycle. The horizon profile data includes information regarding at least one of the group comprising of a position and angle of the shearer, a position of the first cutter drum, and a position of the second cutter drum. The method also includes analyzing the shearer position data, by the processor, to determine whether a position failure occurred during the shear cycle based on whether the computed horizon profile data was within normal operational parameters during the shear cycle, and generating an alert upon determining that the position failure occurred during the shear cycle.

Abstract: A cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of peripheral portions removably secured to the disc body. Each of the peripheral portions including a plurality of cutting bits positioned on a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of each peripheral portion is aligned with the peripheral edges of adjacent peripheral portions.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a chain conveyor includes an elongated shaft that extends along an axis and is configured to be driven to rotate by a motor. A sprocket is integrally formed with the shaft. The sprocket includes a plurality of lobes that extend around a perimeter of the shaft. Each lobe is spaced apart from an adjacent lobe by a recessed portion. Each of the recessed portions is configured to receive a drive pin of the chain conveyor.

Abstract: A feeder breaker includes a frame, a first crusher coupled to the frame and configured to receive material, a second crusher coupled to the frame, a conveyor extending between the first crusher and the second crusher configured to convey material exiting the first crusher to the second crusher, and an output conveyor configured to receive the material exiting the second crusher. The feeder breaker is also configured to allow at least a portion of material exiting the first crusher that is below a predetermined size threshold to move to the output conveyor without passing through the second crusher.

Abstract: A cutting device for engaging a rock face includes a disc body supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of peripheral portions removably secured to the disc body. Each of the peripheral portions including a plurality of cutting bits positioned on a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of each peripheral portion is aligned with the peripheral edges of adjacent peripheral portions.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a conveyor element of a conveyor is provided. The tensioning system includes an obstruction. A base is movable relative to the obstruction. The tensioning system further includes a plurality of spacers. At least one spacer of the plurality of spacers is movable from a resting position to an engagement position by only the influence of gravity. The at least one spacer rests on the obstruction in the resting position. The at least one spacer is disposed between the base and the obstruction in the engagement position.

Abstract: A conveyor pan is provided for supporting a portion of a mining conveyor extending along a mine face and positioned between the mine face and a goaf. The conveyor pan includes a deck, a toe, and a heel. The deck includes a first side configured to be positioned proximate the mine face and a second side configured to be positioned proximate the goaf. The toe is positioned adjacent the first side of the deck, and includes a toe contact surface defining a toe surface area. The heel is positioned adjacent the second side of the deck, and includes a lug and a heel contact surface. The lug is configured to be coupled to an advancement mechanism. The heel contact surface defines a heel surface area greater than the toe surface area.

Abstract: A machine for excavating rock includes a frame, a cutting device, and a boom. The cutting device includes a cutting disc having a cutting edge, and the cutting disc is rotatable about a cutting device axis. The boom supports the cutting device and includes a first end, a second end, and a boom axis substantially parallel to the cutting device axis. The boom further includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to the frame for rotation about a first pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position. The second portion is coupled to the cutting device, and the second portion is pivotable about a second pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a plurality of crawler members, a frame supported via the crawler members, a skid pad moveable relative to the frame to raise and lower the frame relative to a ground surface, and an intake structure supported by the frame. The intake structure includes a first conveyor. The conveyor system further includes a discharge boom supported by the frame. The discharge boom includes a second conveyor.

Abstract: A rock excavating device includes a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft includes a first portion and a second portion connected to an end of the first portion. The first portion is rotatable about a first axis. The second portion extends along a second axis that is oblique with respect to the first axis. The cutting element includes a cutting edge. The cutting element is supported on the second portion and rotatable about the second axis. Rotation of the first portion of the shaft about the first axis changes the orientation of the second axis and the cutting element.

Abstract: A crawler track includes a link and is driven in a direction of travel by a sprocket having a plurality of teeth. The link includes a pad, a first grouser, and a second grouser. The pad defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, a first end, and a second end spaced apart from the first end along the direction of travel. The pad defines at least one opening extending through the pad between the first surface and the second surface, and the opening is operable to receive a sprocket tooth. The first grouser is positioned on the first surface proximate the first end of the pad, while the second grouser is positioned on the first surface proximate the second end of the pad. The first grouser and the second grouser extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the track.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing slack in a chain conveyor driven between a first sprocket and a second sprocket, the first sprocket and the second sprocket rotating in a first direction. The method includes: locking the second sprocket to prevent rotation of the second sprocket in a second direction opposite the first direction; operating the first sprocket in the second direction to position a slack portion between the first sprocket and the second sprocket; and removing at least one chain link from the slack portion.

Abstract: A tensioning system for a conveyor element of a conveyor. The tensioning system including a hydraulic apparatus, a locking plate, and a take-up bar. The hydraulic apparatus includes a cylinder having an extendible piston. The take-up bar is coupled to the cylinder and coupled to a shaft of the conveyor. The take-up bar moves the shaft of the conveyor in a forward direction away from the centerline of the conveyor when overcoming a locking force from the locking plate.

Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.

Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, and a coupler link. The first link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The second link includes a first sprocket-engaging portion and a second sprocket-engaging portion, each protruding laterally away from one another. The coupler link couples the first link to the second link, and the coupler link is positioned laterally between the first sprocket-engaging portion and the second sprocket-engaging portion of each link. The coupler link includes a first joint pivotably coupled to the first link and a second joint pivotably coupled to the second link. The first joint permits pivoting movement of the first link about a plurality of axes, and the second joint permits pivoting movement of the second link about a plurality of axes.

Abstract: A conveyor assembly includes a frame having an intake end and a discharge end, the intake end and the discharge end defining a material flow direction therebetween. The conveyor assembly also includes a conveyor supported on the frame and configured to move material along the material flow direction. The conveyor assembly also includes a first non-driven idler shaft coupled to the conveyor at the intake end, a drive shaft coupled to the conveyor at the discharge end, and a tensioning system coupled to the drive shaft and configured to move the drive shaft relative to the idler shaft when the tensioning system is activated.

Abstract: A tool includes an actuator assembly, a rod, a first nut, and a second nut. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder, a ram, and a bore extending through the cylinder and the ram. The cylinder includes an internal chamber supporting the ram, a first end, a second end, and a reaction surface positioned proximate the first end. The ram is movable relative to the cylinder and positioned adjacent the second end of the cylinder. The rod extends through the bore of the actuator assembly. The first nut is selectively coupled to one of a first end of the rod and a second end of the rod, and defines a first dimension larger than the bore width of the bit block. The second nut is selectively coupled to the other of the first end of the rod and the second end of the rod, and defines a second dimension less than the bore width.