Patents Assigned to Alliance Coal, LLC
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Publication number: 20180171622Abstract: A remote command and control center for a longwall mining system that can be located away from the longwall face and belt line components such as the cutter, conveyor and roof supports is provided. The command and control center is comprised of two nested halves which allow for the height of the command and control module to be quickly and easily adjusted to allow the remote command and control module to be introduced into areas where clearance is an issue. The command and control center can be pressurized to push coal dust and other contaminants out of the command and control center to protect the operators from inhaling hazardous coal dust. A rack system for mounting video monitors within the command and control module is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: ALLIANCE COAL, LLCInventor: ROB COLAW
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Patent number: 8289170Abstract: A system and method for detecting a proximity of a person to a machine includes a first transmitter unit carried by the person, a plurality of receiver units located on the machine at know locations, and a processing unit including data defining a first boundary around the machine. The first transmitter unit transmits a magnetic proximity signal having a predetermined signal strength and a predetermined signal frequency. Each of the plurality of receiver units is for determining a received signal strength of the received magnetic proximity signal. The processing unit: determines a location of the first transmitter unit relative to the machine based on the received signal strength of the magnetic proximity signal and the known location of the plurality of receiver units; and outputs a proximity warning signal if the location of the transmitter relative to the machine is within the first boundary around the machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Alliance Coal, LLCInventors: Aric Pryor, Mark Watson, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock, Christopher J. Elpers, Evan M. Buchanan, Christopher Gander, Timothy M. DeBaillie
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Patent number: 7843348Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Alliance Coal, LLCInventors: Tracy L. Hayford, David Clardy, Mark Watson, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock, Timothy M. Debaillie, Mike E. Ciholas, Evan M. Buchanan, Christopher Elpers
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Publication number: 20090267787Abstract: A system and method for detecting a proximity of a person to a machine includes a first transmitter unit carried by the person, a plurality of receiver units located on the machine at know locations, and a processing unit including data defining a first boundary around the machine. The first transmitter unit transmits a magnetic proximity signal having a predetermined signal strength and a predetermined signal frequency. Each of the plurality of receiver units is for determining a received signal strength of the received magnetic proximity signal. The processing unit: determines a location of the first transmitter unit relative to the machine based on the received signal strength of the magnetic proximity signal and the known location of the plurality of receiver units; and outputs a proximity warning signal if the location of the transmitter relative to the machine is within the first boundary around the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Alliance Coal, LLCInventors: Aric Pryor, Mark Watson, Mike E. Ciholas, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock, Christopher J. Elpers, Evan M. Buchanan, Christopher Gander, Timothy M. DeBaillie
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Publication number: 20080266110Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: ALLIANCE COAL, LLCInventors: Tracy L. Hayford, David Clardy, Mark Watson, Justin E. Bennett, Paul R. Blaylock, Timothy M. Debaillie, Mike E. Ciholas, Evan M. Buchanan, Christopher Elpers