Patents Assigned to Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
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Patent number: 11939868Abstract: A cutting assembly for a rock excavation machine having a frame includes a boom and a cutting device supported on the boom. The boom includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion supported for pivotable movement relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the first portion includes a first structure extending along a longitudinal base axis and a second structure moveable relative to the first portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis, and at least one bearing supports the second portion for movement relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, the second portion is pivotably coupled to the first portion by a universal joint, and a suspension system including a plurality of biasing members may be coupled between the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Nagy Daher, Richard Boyd, Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa
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Patent number: 11858745Abstract: Mining machines such as continuous miners and chain haulage units may include chain conveyors that are capable of deflecting laterally in order to travel through lateral turns. The chain conveyors may include flight members for pushing or urging material along a pan. The chain may be driven by one or more sprockets. In one independent aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a body including a first end a second end opposite the first end, a first opening proximate the first end and extending in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the link, a second opening proximate the second end and extending in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the link, and a relief opening extending through the link body and positioned between the first end and the second end.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Joseph Daniel Hoover, Grant William Johanningsmeier, Dirk Johannes van Dyk, Christopher George Stewart, Benjamin Scott Patterson
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Patent number: 11846190Abstract: A rock excavating device includes a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft includes a first portion and a second portion connected to an end of the first portion. The first portion is rotatable about a first axis. The second portion extends along a second axis that is oblique with respect to the first axis. The cutting element includes a cutting edge. The cutting element is supported on the second portion and rotatable about the second axis. Rotation of the first portion of the shaft about the first axis changes the orientation of the second axis and the cutting element.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech
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Patent number: 11781430Abstract: A drilling and bolting rig for performing drilling and bolting operations. The drilling and bolting rig includes a magazine for storing a consumable, a feed supporting a drill head for movement relative to a work surface, and a loader configured to retrieve the consumable from the magazine and load the consumable into the drill head. The loader includes an arm operable to engage the consumable. The arm is supported for both rotational and translational movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Patrick Ross Willaman, Michael Georgiou, Greg Broad, Kevin Saeler
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Patent number: 11761333Abstract: A cutting assembly is configured to be coupled to a chassis of a mining machine. The cutting assembly includes a ranging arm configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the chassis, a motor supported by the ranging arm for the motor to move with the ranging arm about the pivot axis, and a drum including a plurality of cutting picks. The drum is supported by the ranging arm to be driven about a rotational axis by the motor. The cutting assembly includes a pitch adjustment actuator coupled to the ranging arm. The pitch adjustment actuator is operable to move the drum about a pitch axis. The pitch axis extends in a direction between the pivot axis and the rotational axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Edward Niederriter, Ryan Dickey
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Patent number: 11725512Abstract: A method for removing material from a rock wall. The method includes moving a cutting edge through the rock wall to create a first slot in the rock wall, moving the cutting edge through the rock wall to create a second slot in the rock wall, the second slot being separated from the first slot by an uncut portion, the uncut portion defining a base surface attached to the wall, cutting a notch into the base surface of the uncut portion, and applying a force on the uncut portion to break the uncut portion away from the wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2022Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
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Patent number: 11725514Abstract: A drilling and bolting rig includes a carousel rotatable about a carousel axis and including a plurality of stations configured to support a plurality of consumables, one or more actuators, and a position sensor coupled to the carousel. The one or more actuators are configured to rotate the carousel about the carousel axis. The drilling and bolting rig further includes an electronic processor coupled to the one or more actuators and the position sensor. The electronic processor is configured to detect, using the position sensor, a rotational position of the carousel, and rotate, using the one or more actuators, the carousel based on the rotational position of the carousel.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Willem Fourie, Xuanwen Luo, Vijayanath Subaschandran, Patrick Ross Willaman, Michael Georgiou
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Patent number: 11668193Abstract: A boom for supporting a drilling and bolting tool includes a first portion including a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a second portion including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end supported for translational movement relative to the first portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the distal end configured to support the drilling and bolting tool; an actuator for moving the second portion relative to the first portion parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a fluid passage for conveying pressurized fluid between the first end of the first portion and the drilling and bolting tool adjacent the distal end of the second portion, the fluid passage positioned within the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Peter Hanna, Callum Tyler, Brad Neilson
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Patent number: 11655711Abstract: A roof support includes a base, a canopy for engaging a mine surface, a shield coupled to the canopy, and a link coupled between the base and the shield. The canopy is supported relative to the base and includes an end configured to be spaced apart from a mine face by a distance. The link is movable between a first position and a second position, and movement of the link between the first position and the second position causing the distance to change.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Keith Dodgson, Mark Brocklehurst
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Patent number: 11629594Abstract: A cutting head for a mining machine includes a drum, a vane, and a cutting bit assembly positioned adjacent a surface of the vane. The drum includes a first end, a second end, and an outer surface, and the drum is rotatable about a drum axis. The vane is coupled to the outer surface of the drum and protrudes radially away from the drum axis. In some aspects, the vane includes a planar member extending at least partially around the drum axis and at least partially between the first end of the drum and the second end of the drum. In some aspects, the drum includes a plurality of planar walls extending between the first end and the second end.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Alex Connell, Ryan Stewart
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Patent number: 11613993Abstract: A cutting assembly for a rock excavation machine having a frame includes a boom and a cutting device supported on the boom. The boom includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion supported for pivotable movement relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the first portion includes a first structure extending along a longitudinal base axis and a second structure moveable relative to the first portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal base axis, and at least one bearing supports the second portion for movement relative to the first portion. In some embodiments, the second portion is pivotably coupled to the first portion by a universal joint, and a suspension system including a plurality of biasing members may be coupled between the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Nagy Daher, Richard Boyd, Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa
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Patent number: 11598208Abstract: A machine for excavating rock includes a frame, a cutting device, and a boom. The cutting device includes a cutting disc having a cutting edge, and the cutting disc is rotatable about a cutting device axis. The boom supports the cutting device and includes a first end, a second end, and a boom axis substantially parallel to the cutting device axis. The boom further includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is coupled to the frame for rotation about a first pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position. The second portion is coupled to the cutting device, and the second portion is pivotable about a second pivot axis between a raised position and a lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
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Patent number: 11562195Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an attachment, such as a breaker head, for a mining machine. The system includes a breaker head, a wireless identification tag, a sensor, and an electronic processor. The wireless identification tag is coupled to the breaker head and includes a tag memory storing an identifier of the breaker head and an antenna. The sensor is configured to generate measurement data associated with the breaker head. The electronic processor is configured to receive measurement data from the sensor, generate a notification based on the measurement data, and transmit the notification to the wireless identification tag. Additionally, the wireless identification tag is configured to store the notification. The notification can then be later retrieved from the wireless identification tag by various devices, such as a further mining machine or a reader device of maintenance personnel.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventor: Renier Koekemoer
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Patent number: 11555403Abstract: A longwall mining system including a longwall shearer having cutting drums. The cutting picks on the cutting drum are monitored for wear using imaging devices mounted to the longwall mining system. Methods for monitoring wear includes a controller receiving image data from an imaging device directed at a cutting drum of a shearer. The controller analyzes the image data to determine a wear level of a cutting pick on the cutting drum. The controller then determines the wear level exceeds a wear threshold and, in response, generates an alert indicating that the cutting pick is worn in response to determining that the wear level exceeds the wear threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Edward F. Niederriter, Jeffrey A. Ley
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Patent number: 11530095Abstract: A link for a conveyor chain includes a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced apart from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket-engaging pin, and the second portion includes a second sprocket-engaging pin. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin protrude laterally away from one another. The first sprocket-engaging pin and the second sprocket-engaging pin may each have an oblong cross-section. At least one retainer can secure a connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion, and each retainer can be positioned substantially within one of the first portion and the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart
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Patent number: 11511944Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventor: Robert Smith
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Patent number: 11511943Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventor: Robert Smith
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Patent number: 11499426Abstract: A cutting device for cutting rock includes a disc and a plurality of cutting elements secured to the disc. The disc is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and the disc includes a peripheral edge extending around the axis of rotation. The plurality of cutting elements are spaced apart along the peripheral edge of the disc and positioned in a cutting plane. Each of the cutting elements includes a base portion and a cutting portion including a cutting edge, and the cutting portion has a width that is larger than a width of the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLCInventors: Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa, Michael Laing
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Patent number: 11479417Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventor: Robert Smith
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Patent number: 11440736Abstract: A conveyor chain includes a first flight including a first side portion having a first aperture, a first flight bar, and a first sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain also includes a second flight including a second side portion having a second aperture, a second flight bar, and a second sprocket-engaging portion. The conveyor chain further includes a connecting pin having a first end portion received within the first aperture and a second end portion received within the second aperture. The connecting pin couples the first and second flights together. The first sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the first end portion of the connecting pin and the second sprocket-engaging portion is positioned laterally outwardly of the second end portion of the connecting pin.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLCInventors: Aaron Philip Walker, Christopher George Stewart