Abstract: A range finding system includes: an electromagnetic output to provide a first beam of electromagnetic radiation along a first beam path; an electromagnetic input to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation of the first beam from an object for determining a range of the range finding system from the object; and an enclosure including a side wall that surrounds a central axis of the enclosure, the side wall transparent to the electromagnetic radiation provided by the electromagnetic output. The electromagnetic output and electromagnetic input are disposed within the enclosure such that the electromagnetic input is located outside a second beam path of a second beam of electromagnetic radiation defined by a specular reflection of the first beam on the side wall. Since the electromagnetic input is located outside the second beam path, the specular reflection of the first beam off the side wall does not reach the electromagnetic input.

Abstract: A range finding system includes: an electromagnetic output to provide a first beam of electromagnetic radiation along a first beam path; an electromagnetic input to receive reflected electromagnetic radiation of the first beam from an object for determining a range of the range finding system from the object; and an enclosure including a side wall that surrounds a central axis of the enclosure, the side wall transparent to the electromagnetic radiation provided by the electromagnetic output. The electromagnetic output and electromagnetic input are disposed within the enclosure such that the electromagnetic input is located outside a second beam path of a second beam of electromagnetic radiation defined by a specular reflection of the first beam on the side wall. Since the electromagnetic input is located outside the second beam path, the specular reflection of the first beam off the side wall does not reach the electromagnetic input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizon control in a mining operation where fresh product 3 is cut from a seam 1. The cutting exposes a fresh cut product face 25. The fresh cut product face 25 is observed at a position immediately adjacent a cutter 11. Any temperature contrast regions from an IR observation between an upper limit of observation and a lower limit of observation are noted. At least one height co-ordinate position of a temperature contrast region 33 is determined and an output signal provided of the determined height co-ordinate position so that the output signal can be used as a horizon datum for horizontal control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizon control in a mining operation is provided. Fresh product 3 is cut from a seam 1. The cutting exposes a fresh cut product face 25. The fresh cut product face 25 is observed at a position immediately adjacent a cutter 11. Any temperature contrast regions from an IR observation between an upper limit of observation and a lower limit of observation are noted. At least one height co-ordinate position of a temperature contrast region 33 is determined and an output signal provided of the determined height co-ordinate position so that the output signal can be used as a horizon datum for horizontal control.