Abstract: A mining shovel (10) includes a hydraulic system comprising a plurality of fixed displacement pumps (104,106,108,110) driven by a variable speed motor (100), and a tank (68) system comprising an upper return tank and a lower supply tank (70). A cylinder manifold (64) is connected to the pump control manifold (112), and includes a directional control valve for directing the extend and retract functions of the cylinder (50), while accepting fluid flow in a single direction from the pump control manifold. The single direction flow allows for the use of smaller fluid conduits (61), such that the hose providing a high pressure supply can be comparatively smaller than the return hose (67).

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for providing energy discharge capability for a junction box that includes at least one ultra- or super-capacitor. A discharge resistor is connected to a first terminal block of the junction box. A normally-open relay is connected to a second terminal block of the junction block, the relay being connected in series between the discharge resistor and the second terminal block. The normally-open relay is closed to create a discharge path for discharging energy stored in the at least one ultra- or super-capacitor. The junction box is capable of being safely serviced after the energy stored in the at least one ultra- or super-capacitor has been discharged by way of the discharge path.

Abstract: A braking system for a machine including an accumulator configured to receive a pressurized fluid for storage thereof. A control valve disposed between the accumulator and the brake cylinder, the control valve configured to selectively allow discharged pressurized fluid from the accumulator to a brake cylinder. A pressure sensor disposed upstream of the control valve. Further, a controller configured to determine a pressure change in the accumulator using the pressure sensor during at least one of the pulsations of the control valve and compare the determined pressure change with a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A drilling rig carousel assembly includes a drilling rig carousel comprising a plurality of slots for holding drill components, a first actuator coupled to the drilling rig carousel and configured to axially rotate the drilling rig carousel, a second actuator coupled to the drilling rig carousel and configured to move the drilling rig carousel between a first position and a second position, and a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a rotation sensor configured to monitor an axial rotation of the drilling rig carousel, and a position sensor configured to provide a signal representative of whether the drilling rig carousel is in the first position or the second position.

Abstract: An excavator includes a dipper assembly configured to receive a dipper load, the dipper assembly having an actuated position for emptying the dipper load, a sensor assembly configured to monitor one or more operating conditions of the excavator, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive signals from the sensor assembly, determine a height of the dipper assembly relative to a surface, and inhibit movement of the dipper assembly to the actuated position.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a dipper having an inner surface, and a removable liner assembly coupled to the dipper and adjacent to the inner surface of the dipper. The removable liner assembly includes a first rail coupled to the dipper, a first liner segment disposed on the first rail and covering at least a portion of the first rail, and a second liner segment removably coupled to the first rail and covering at least one of a portion of the first liner segment and a portion of the first rail. The first rail is substantially covered by at least one of the first and second liner segments.

Abstract: A void protection system for a mining shovel having an operator input device includes an independent metering valve assembly including one or more fluid source-cylinder valves for fluidly connecting the fluid source to the hydraulic cylinder. The system also includes a sensor assembly for monitoring the fluid pressure within the rod end and the head end of the hydraulic cylinder, and a control module. The control module is configured to monitor movement of the operator input device, monitor pressure within the hydraulic cylinder, increase the opening of the corresponding fluid source-cylinder valve and increase fluid flow from the fluid source to fill corresponding end of the hydraulic cylinder until pressure in the corresponding end of the hydraulic cylinder is above a first threshold pressure.

Abstract: A slide shoe installs on an undercarriage frame assembly of an excavating machine to prevent contact by the lugs of track links when the track buckles. The slide shoe is connected at a top surface to a mounting bar extending between side plates of the frame assembly. The slide shoe may include a front bottom beveled surface extending forward from a bottom surface to a front surface and a rear bottom beveled surface extending rearward from the bottom surface, with the beveled surfaces oriented at upward angles with respect to a line parallel to the bottom surface. A rear upper beveled surface extends rearward from the top surface and is oriented at a downward angle with respect to a line parallel to the top surface and intersects the rear bottom beveled surface at a rear tip of the slide shoe.

Abstract: A method for remotely monitoring one or more machines is disclosed. One or more machines available for communicating with a portable device over a wireless network are detected using the portable device. Fault data associated with each of the one or more machines is received. The fault data includes severity data indicative of a severity level associated with the fault data. Further, a list of the one or more machines is displayed on a display of the portable device based on the severity data.

Abstract: A power shovel including a tool for lifting, a machine house, a hoist drum, hoist drum machinery and an auxiliary weight box having a perimeter, the hoist drum and hoist drum machinery being at least partially disposed within the perimeter of the auxiliary weight box and the hoist drum being disposed outside of the machine house.

Abstract: A mining vehicle includes one or more crawlers, a first deck positioned above the crawlers, and a second deck positioned above the first deck. The first deck includes a first floor surface providing a walking surface, and one or more first deck maintenance components configured to allow a person to move among and access the first deck maintenance components. The second deck includes a second floor surface providing a walking surface, one or more second deck maintenance components, and one or more aisles configured to allow a person to move among and access the second deck maintenance components. The first and second decks are configured to provide maintenance access to the first and second deck maintenance components.

Abstract: A method for controlling high-beam lamp state in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes activating the high-beam lamp state of the vehicle. Further, the method includes receiving a first output signal from a high-beam sensor, the first output signal being indicative of an intensity of light from a light source facing the vehicle. The method includes receiving a second output signal from a stray light sensor, the second output signal being indicative of an intensity of stray light from a stray light source in vicinity of the vehicle. The method includes receiving a speed signal from a ground speed sensor associated with the vehicle, the speed signal being indicative of a ground speed of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes selectively deactivating the high-beam lamp state of the vehicle based on at least one or more of the first output signal, the second output signal, and the speed signal.

Abstract: A shearer system for removing material along a mineable distance relative to a mining environment includes a rail assembly to support movement of a shearer carriage thereon. The system further includes a haulage motor structured and arranged to move the shearer carriage along the rail assembly. The system has a rotatably driven cutter that is positionable relative to the shearer carriage. The system further includes an actuator supported by the shearer carriage for changing a cutting height of the cutter. The system further includes a controller that can control a velocity of the shearer carriage based on a translation speed of the cutter, a maximum speed of the shearer carriage, a current cutter height, and a desired cutter height. Optionally, the controller can further control the velocity of the shearer carriage based on a predetermined stopping distance of the shearer carriage.

Abstract: A mining shovel includes a dipper assembly comprising a dipper arm coupled to a dipper, a boom assembly configured to support the dipper assembly, and an overcrowd prevention system including one or more sensors configured to monitor an axial force. The mining shovel also includes a swing abuse prevention system, including one or more sensors configured to monitor one or more compound loading forces, and one or more sensors configured to monitor a torsion loading force. The mining shovel also includes a control module configured to receive signals from the sensors, and to control at least the crowding force applied to the dipper.

Abstract: System and methods for protecting motors of a vehicle are provided. A system includes a current transformer device for each phase of the three-phase power received by each protected motor. Each current transformer device includes a switch that is normally in a first position and is configured to monitor an output current of fuse through which the power is transmitted, compare the output current to a threshold current level, and, when the output current is below the threshold current level, change the switch to a second position. The system also includes a processing circuit configured to control operation of the one or more motors of the vehicle. The processing circuit is configured to determine whether one or more of the switches of the plurality of current transformer devices is in the second position and, if so, activate a fault condition.

Abstract: A track for a tracked vehicle includes two or more track shoes. The track shoes include one or more links having a first link end and a second link end, one or more pins received by one or more links and movable between an installed position and a dislodged position, and one or more pockets positioned adjacent to the pin and formed to receive a hydraulic jack. A first link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a second link end of a second track shoe, and a second link end of a first track shoe is configured to pivotally couple with a first link end of a third track shoe. The track may also include a pin removal system configured to dislodge the pin from the track.

Abstract: A dipper assembly for a mining shovel, includes a dipper having a dipper back and an open dipper bottom, and a dipper door pivotally mounted to the dipper, configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position with a swing speed, and to cover the open dipper bottom. The dipper assembly also includes one or more hydraulic door snubbers. The hydraulic door snubbers include a base having one or more connecting plates, one or more mounting plates coupled to the base and configured to receive a link extending from the dipper door, one or more friction plates, and a hydraulic cylinder configured to clamp the mounting plates, the connecting plates, the friction plates and the link together.

Abstract: A braking system may include a first brake, a parking brake, a warning system, and a control system. A parking brake system may allow an operator to selectively engage the parking brake. The control system may include a first brake detector that indicates when the first brake is engaged, a parking brake detector that indicates when the parking brake is engaged, and a door state detector that indicates when a door open. The control system may selectively activate a portion of the parking brake system when the first brake is engaged, activate the warning system when the door is open and the parking brake is engaged, and activate the warning system when the door is open, the parking brake is engaged, and the first brake is engaged. A speed sensor may be used to prevent the parking brake from engaging above a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A light grid system for rope machinery is provided. The light grid system includes one or more light grid assemblies, including one or more sensor frames configured to be coupled to one or more post assemblies and configured to mount adjacent to one or more rope drums. The light grid assemblies also include one or more sensors coupled to the sensor frames, at least a first sensor configured to emit one or more light beams, at least a second sensor configured to receive the light beams. The light beams are positionable a predetermined distance away from the ropes, and the light grid assemblies are configured to transmit a signal to a control module when the light beams are obstructed.

Abstract: An adjustable dynamic face seal assembly for an EWGU is provided. The adjustable dynamic face seal assembly includes a first seal ring having a first seal face and a second seal ring have a second seal face. The first seal ring is mounted in a first seal ring retainer, and the second seal ring is mounted in a second seal ring retainer. The adjustable dynamic face seal assembly also includes a first flexible seal element supported by the first seal ring and retained by the first seal ring retainer, and a second flexible seal element supported by the second seal ring and retained in the second seal ring retainer. Adjustment members are selectively insertable to provide a static seal at the sealing interface.