Abstract: A drilling machine includes an inclination-based levelling system. The drilling machine includes a frame with front and rear portions, and a plurality of support jacks including a pair of rear jacks proximate the rear portion of the frame and a front jack proximate the front portion of the frame. Each jack is extendable and retractable. The drilling machine also includes a sensor configured to monitor and transmit sensor data, the sensor data including at least one of a roll of the drilling machine and a pressure. A controller operatively associated with the sensor, is configured to calculate a volume of debris to be produced during an operation of the drilling machine, to select a machine height setting based on the calculated volume of debris, and to extend and retract the plurality of support jacks according to the selected machine height setting.

Abstract: A drill string rotation angle sensor diagnostic system includes a first rotation angle sensor assembly, a second rotation angle sensor assembly, an operator interface; and a control module. The control module is configured to receive a first signal from the first rotation angle sensor assembly, receive a second signal from the second rotation angle sensor assembly, determine if a valid state exists based on the first signal and the second signal, and indicate a fault on the operator interface if a valid state does not exist.

Abstract: A collar control system and methods for mobile drilling machines are disclosed. One method may include: automatically initiating rotation of a drill bit based on collar settings; automatically feeding the drill bit at a feed rate to form an initial hole at a predetermined reaming increment; and automatically retracting the drill bit from the initial hole when the predetermined reaming increment is achieved, but prior to reaching a collar depth. Another method may include: measuring values of multiple drill bit inputs at a predetermined sample depth region during the collar operation; storing average values for each of the drill bit inputs over the predetermined sample depth region; monitoring values of the drill bit inputs when the drill bit moves beyond the predetermined sample depth region; and ending the collar operation prior to a desired collar depth when any of the monitored values change by a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An anti jam control system for mobile drilling machines is disclosed. The anti jam control system may include a method for automatically clearing a jam during an automatic drilling mode of a mobile drilling machine including a drill bit mounted on a drill string. The method may include: monitoring a feed rate of the drill bit during the automatic drilling mode; and automatically initiating an anti jam operation when the feed rate is below a predetermined feed rate threshold.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a mast, a rotary head movably coupled to the mast, a drill string component having a pair of opposed flat surfaces, and a securing structure including engagement surfaces shaped to engage the opposed flat surfaces and secure the drill string component from rotating. The drilling machine also includes a controller configured to track a rotational location of the flat surfaces of the drill string component during rotation of the drill string component. The controller is further configured to receive tracking information from a sensor associated with the rotary head and control the rotary head to align the opposed flat surfaces for engagement by the securing structure.

Abstract: A method for automated control of a drilling operation of a blast hole drilling machine using a down-the-hole drill bit mounted on a drill string is disclosed. The method may include: receiving input data from a user input including information of the drill bit, drill string weight, and desired hole settings; receiving a command from the user to initiate an automatic down-the-hole operation; identifying a location of the down-the-hole drill bit; and using the received input data and based on the location of the down-the-hole drill bit, automatically initiating the steps of: collaring a hole; drilling the hole; and retracting the drill when the hole is drilled.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator is disclosed. The hydraulic actuator may have a cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may also have a piston rod reciprocally received by the cylinder barrel. The piston rod may have at least one first piston rod end extending out of the cylinder barrel. The hydraulic actuator may further have an intermediate element attached to the at least one first piston rod end by a first set of screws extending in a first direction. In addition, the hydraulic actuator may have a connecting element attached to the intermediate element by a second set of screws extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A tracked running gear includes a drive sprocket having two sides and laterally projecting tooth profiles on both sides; a guide wheel, at least one track roller, at least one support roller, and an endless chain formed by ground plates interconnected in an articulated manner. The ground plates have vertically extending parallel teeth which engage the tooth profiles on both sides of the drive sprocket as the ground plates are diverted around the drive sprocket. The ground plates also include a first running surface having a substantially rectilinear form between the teeth for engaging the track roller and support roller, and second running surfaces having a curved form and arranged on opposite sides of the first running surface and between the teeth for engagement with the guide wheel and the drive sprocket.

Abstract: An emergency egress system with an access panel assembly, a latch assembly, a handle assembly, a fixed ladder portion, and a slidable ladder portion, is disclosed. The access panel assembly includes a door panel. The latch assembly and the handle assembly are attached to the door panel. The handle assembly has a holding portion that works in conjunction with the latch assembly that has a wing portion. The holding portion is manipulable to rotate the latch assembly in the locked position to hold the fixed ladder portion and the slidable ladder portion together via the wing portion, which is to maintain the door panel in the closed position. The holding portion is manipulable to rotate the latch assembly to the unlocked position to allow the wing portion to rotate and release the slidable ladder portion for exit.

Abstract: A port relay board for a machine is disclosed. The machine includes an operator station that includes a primary display station and a plurality of sub-systems that includes one or more fluid reservoirs. The port relay board includes a plurality of ports and a feedback interface. The plurality of ports corresponds to the plurality of sub-systems and is being structured to allow delivery of the fluids to the one or more fluid reservoirs. The feedback interface is disposed in proximity of the plurality of ports and is in communication with the primary display station. The feedback interface is configured to provide fluid level information of the one or more fluid reservoirs of the plurality of sub-systems, which is based on a communication with the primary display station.

Abstract: A service display system for a machine with an out-board service area is disclosed. The service display system indicates a plurality of fluid levels within a plurality of fluid reservoirs, corresponding to respective one of a plurality of sub-systems. The service display system includes a port relay board disposed within the out-board service area. The port relay board includes a plurality of fluid fill ports that correspond to one of the plurality of fluid reservoirs. The port relay board includes a first indicator and at least one second indicator disposed within proximity of the plurality of fluid fill ports. The first indicator is adapted to communicate at least one fluid level of the at least one of the plurality of fluid reservoirs. The at least one second indicator is adapted to visibly indicate an inclination position of the machine.

Abstract: A wear element for component subject to abrasive influences, for example in a region of a receiving element for bulk material, includes an element formed by a one-piece, approximately plate-shape molded body made of a wear resistant alloy. The molded body is configured not to be planar in any plane. The molded body has an approximately rectangular cross-section and includes longitudinal sides and lateral sides that are rounded sections flowing into each other.