Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle mass estimator circuit. The vehicle mass estimator circuit is configurable to estimate a mass of vehicle during real-time operation of the vehicle without employing a scale or dedicated mass sensing system. The vehicle mass estimator circuit generates the vehicle mass Mv from: (1) an estimated torque or sensed torque, (2) an estimated motor angular velocity or sensed motor angular velocity, and (3) sensed acceleration or without any sensed acceleration. In one embodiment, the vehicle mass estimator circuit senses motor current during vehicle operation and estimates a mass of the vehicle using the motor current without any dedicated acceleration sensor such as an accelerometer. A motor angular velocity is estimated from the motor current. In another embodiment, the vehicle mass estimator circuit senses motor current during vehicle operation and estimates a mass of the vehicle using the motor current and acceleration information provided by an accelerometer.

Abstract: A power generation system for the production of electric power or the accomplishment of other work objectives utilizes kinetic energy derived from the action of the force of gravity on a vehicle that is allowed to move along a power generation path having a downward grade. A tether cable connects the vehicle to a tether member that moves along a downhill line in response to the movement of the vehicle along the path, and the movement of the tether member operates a gearing mechanism that operates a machine to accomplish the work objective.

Abstract: A power generation system for the production of electric power or the accomplishment of other work objectives utilizes kinetic energy derived from the action of the force of gravity on a vehicle that is allowed to move along a power generation path having a downward grade. A tether cable connects the vehicle to a tether member that moves along a downhill line in response to the movement of the vehicle along the path, and the movement of the tether member operates a gearing mechanism that operates a machine to accomplish the work objective.

Abstract: Steep-angle conveying installations may be used to transport raw materials along a slope of an open-cast mining pit, typically from a low-level loading station at a working level of the open-cast mining pit to a high-level unloading station at a ground level. The steep-angle conveying installation may comprise a track arranged on the slope of the open-cast mining pit, as well as one or more conveying cages for moving raw materials along the track between the various levels. Each conveying cage may include an emptying flap that is movable between an open position and a closed position. A thrust carriage may be employed outside the conveying cages to move the emptying flap of the conveying cages between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A process is described for hauling a loaded motorized dump truck up an untracked incline typically found in mining situations. The process makes use of the momentum of an unloaded dump truck to facilitate the hauling of the loaded truck. In one form of the invention, the two trucks are coupled. In another form, the energy generated by the unloaded truck as it moves down, is stored and used to help raise a loaded truck.

Abstract: First and second cars are movable on an inclined track and adapted to bypass each other at an intermediate turnout of the track. A traction cable is trained around a reversing pulley at the upper end of the track and has two courses extending along the track and connected to respective ones of the cars and to move the cars in opposite directions along the track. Two sets of guide pulleys guide respective ones of said cable courses. The guide pulleys of each set are spaced along the track. The two sets of guide pulleys are disposed on opposite sides of the track therebelow and outside the rails thereof and guide the cable courses so that they extend on opposite side of the track outside the rails thereof.