Abstract: A chain link assembly, a cable chain assembly and a mining system. The cable handler individual links may include an enclosed section for the fiber optic cable separate from other services for the machine. A flexible material or other structure may assemble the fiber optic cable in the cable handler in a manner in which it “snakes” about the centerline to provide ample slack in the fiber optic cable to, for example, prevent over tension.

Abstract: A chain link assembly, a cable chain assembly and a mining system. The cable handler individual links may include an enclosed section for the fiber optic cable separate from other services for the machine. A flexible material or other structure may assemble the fiber optic cable in the cable handler in a manner in which it “snakes” about the centerline to provide ample slack in the fiber optic cable to, for example, prevent over tension.

Abstract: A longwall shearer mining machine that is mounted on a rail generally includes a first chassis portion with a first cutting arm mounted thereto and a second chassis portion with a second cutting arm mounted thereto. Each of the first and the second chassis portions is slidably coupled to the rail. The first and second chassis portions are coupled at a pivot joint. The pivot joint allows each of the first and the second chassis portions to adjust its respective orientation with respect to a horizontal ground plane when the articulated shearer travels over a hump or a valley, thereby maintaining sufficient headroom.

Abstract: A longwall shearer mining machine that is mounted on a rail generally includes a first chassis portion with a first cutting arm mounted thereto and a second chassis portion with a second cutting arm mounted thereto. Each of the first and the second chassis portions is slidably coupled to the rail. The first and second chassis portions are coupled at a pivot joint. The pivot joint allows each of the first and the second chassis portions to adjust its respective orientation with respect to a horizontal ground plane when the articulated shearer travels over a hump or a valley, thereby maintaining sufficient headroom.

Abstract: A cooling system for the gear case in the ranging arm of a longwall shearer, the ranging arm including a plurality of single gears mounted in a row within an elongated housing. The cooling system includes a coolant injection system in each of the single gears, each coolant injection system including a longitudinal opening in the gear axle, and a coolant injection tube mounted inside the longitudinal opening. The coolant injection tube has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal opening. A coolant supply line is connected to and in communication with the coolant injection tube, and a coolant outlet is connected to and in communication with the longitudinal opening adjacent the one end of the longitudinal opening, so that coolant leaving the end of the coolant injection tube travels back along the coolant injection tube and then out of the gear axle thereby removing heat from the single gear.

Abstract: A chain link assembly, a cable chain assembly and a mining system. The cable handler individual links may include an enclosed section for the fiber optic cable separate from other services for the machine. A flexible material or other structure may assemble the fiber optic cable in the cable handler in a manner in which it “snakes” about the centerline to provide ample slack in the fiber optic cable to, for example, prevent over tension.

Abstract: A mining machine for mining along a mining face includes a longwall shearer, a product removal system for removing product cut by the longwall shearer, and a drive system for moving the longwall shearer along a rack extending along the mining face. The drive system including a housing coupled to the longwall shearer, a motor, and a sprocket at least partially positioned within the housing and drivingly connected to the motor. The sprocket is engaged with the rack and moves the longwall shearer along the rack. A shoe maintains the sprocket in engagement with the rack. The housing is configured to rotate relative to the longwall shearer such that the drive system adjusts for vertical height variations and horizontal variations of the rack.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a light source and a roof support guide for detecting the relative angular alignment between the mining machine and the roof support. The light source in the form of a laser on the mining machine, directed toward the roof support. The roof support guide is on the roof support above the mining machine, so that when the alignment between the mining machine and the roof support is as desired, light from the light source falls in a predetermined location relative to the roof support guide. When the mining machine is not in proper alignment with the roof support, the light source does not fall within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide.

Abstract: A control system monitors the angle of each ranging arm, with respect to the mainframe of the machine. While the machine is in a defined zone along the face, if the angle of the arm is detected to be lower than a parameter defined set-point called the undercut limit, the control system does not allow the arm to be lowered further. When entering the run of face from either gate end, if either of the ranging arms are below the set point, the horizontal movement of the shearer is stopped, and an alarm message is generated, and a warning light begins to flash, alerting the operator that he must raise the arm before horizontal movement of the shearer can be enabled.

Abstract: A longwall shearer or other machine with a gear case for transmitting rotational power from a drive to a driven member. The gear case comprises a drive, a driven member, at least one axle including at least one aperture formed therein to circulate cooling fluid through the axle, and a gear mounted to rotate on the axle and positioned to transmit power from the drive to the driven member.

Abstract: A control system monitors the angle of each ranging arm, with respect to the mainframe of the machine. While the machine is in a defined zone along the face, if the angle of the arm is detected to be lower than a parameter defined set-point called the undercut limit, the control system does not allow the arm to be lowered further. When entering the run of face from either gate end, if either of the ranging arms are below the set point, the horizontal movement of the shearer is stopped, and an alarm message is generated, and a warning light begins to flash, alerting the operator that he must raise the arm before horizontal movement of the shearer can be enabled.

Abstract: A cooling system for the gear case in the ranging arm of a longwall shearer, the ranging arm including a plurality of single gears mounted in a row within an elongated housing. The cooling system includes a coolant injection system in each of the single gears, each coolant injection system including a longitudinal opening in the gear axle, and a coolant injection tube mounted inside the longitudinal opening. The coolant injection tube has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the longitudinal opening. A coolant supply line is connected to and in communication with the coolant injection tube, and a coolant outlet is connected to and in communication with the longitudinal opening adjacent the one end of the longitudinal opening, so that coolant leaving the end of the coolant injection tube travels back along the coolant injection tube and then out of the gear axle thereby removing heat from the single gear.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a light source and a roof support guide for detecting the relative angular alignment between the mining machine and the roof support. The light source in the form of a laser on the mining machine, directed toward the roof support. The roof support guide is on the roof support above the mining machine, so that when the alignment between the mining machine and the roof support is as desired, light from the light source falls in a predetermined location relative to the roof support guide. When the mining machine is not in proper alignment with the roof support, the light source does not fall within the predetermined location relative to the roof support guide.

Abstract: An assembly includes a structural member or frame that supports a load. The frame has a rectangular opening therein to a cavity within the frame that is adapted to house electrical components therein. There are a plurality of opening screw holes in the frame and spaced apart completely around and outside of the opening. The mining apparatus also includes a cover for the opening, the cover including a plate with an area larger than the opening, the plate having a first surface and an opposite second surface. The cover also includes a lip protruding from the second surface, the lip extending over and around and enclosing an area of the second surface and defining a protrusion that, when the cover is laid over the opening, fits closely within the opening.