Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.

Abstract: A pick tool comprising a strike tip and a pick tool body, the pick tool body including a non-rotating strike tip at a first end of the pick tool body. A shaft is provided at a second end of the pick tool body, the shaft being configured to pass through an opening in a surface of a pick tool holder, the shaft being configured in use to be non-rotationally attached to the pick tool holder. The shaft projects from a pick tool abutment surface such that, when the pick tool is attached to the pick tool holder, the abutment surface abuts the pick tool holder surface. The abutment surface has an aspect ratio between its length and width of between 1.5:1 and 3:1. The pick tool body comprises a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge being, in use, the edge that first contacts a formation, the trailing edge having an angle of less than 18° between a main axis of the pick tool and an axis from the strike tip to the abutment surface at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A cutting bit assembly for a mining machine includes a holder having a first surface, a second surface, and a bore extending therebetween, and a bit having a first end and a second end. The bit further includes a tip, a shank, and a shoulder positioned between the tip and the shank. The shank is positioned in the bore of the holder and defines a shank axis. The shoulder engages the first surface of the holder. The shank includes a projection adjacent the second end. The cutting bit assembly also includes a retainer having a groove and a resilient member. The groove engages a portion of the projection. The resilient portion engages the second surface of the holder and biases the retainer along the shank axis and away from the holder.

Abstract: A cutter head for a mining machine includes a drum defining a drum axis with a drum plane extending perpendicular to the drum axis. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bit assemblies secured to an outer surface of the drum proximate a first end. Each cutting bit assembly includes a block and a bit. The bit includes a tip configured to engage a mine surface. The bit defines a bit axis, and the bit axis defines a first lean angle relative to the drum plane. The plurality of cutting bit assemblies includes a first series having four first bits, a second series having two second bits, a third series having two third bits, and a fourth series having two fourth bits. Each of the first bits includes a first tip and defines a first bit axis oriented at a first lean angle relative to the drum plane. The first lean angle is between about 60 degrees and about 75 degrees.

Abstract: A cutter head for a mining machine includes a drum defining a drum axis with a drum plane extending perpendicular to the drum axis. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bit assemblies secured to an outer surface of the drum proximate a first end. Each cutting bit assembly includes a block and a bit. The bit includes a tip configured to engage a mine surface. The bit defines a bit axis, and the bit axis defines a first lean angle relative to the drum plane. The plurality of cutting bit assemblies includes a first series having four first bits, a second series having two second bits, a third series having two third bits, and a fourth series having two fourth bits. Each of the first bits includes a first tip and defines a first bit axis oriented at a first lean angle relative to the drum plane. The first lean angle is between about 60 degrees and about 75 degrees.

Abstract: A system configured for predicting a financial impact of a process is provided that includes a financial forecasting system (FFS) having at least one operational parameter and at least one financial data. The system further includes a discrete event simulator (DES) in communication with the FFS, wherein the DES is configured simulate a process based upon the at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data for a first period of time, communicate resultant data from the simulation to the FFS, such that the FFS is configured to update the at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data, which are based upon the communicated resultant data, and the DES is further configured to simulate the process based upon the updated at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data for a sequential second period of time.

Abstract: A system configured for predicting a financial impact of a process is provided that includes a financial forecasting system (FFS) having at least one operational parameter and at least one financial data. The system further includes a discrete event simulator (DES) in communication with the FFS, wherein the DES is configured simulate a process based upon the at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data for a first period of time, communicate resultant data from the simulation to the FFS, such that the FFS is configured to update the at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data, which are based upon the communicated resultant data, and the DES is further configured to simulate the process based upon the updated at least one operational parameter and the at least one financial data for a sequential second period of time.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a manufacturing process or operational strategy of a business. The proposed manufacturing process or operational strategy is programmed into a multi-period financial simulator that iteratively models or simulates the proposed process or strategy for multiple periods of time. After one or more of the multiple periods of time, the multi-period financial simulator generates one or more types of financial data indicating how the proposed manufacturing process or operational strategy would affect the business.