Patents by Inventor Geoffrey W. Keech

Geoffrey W. Keech has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240125232
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Patent number: 11846190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech
  • Patent number: 11725512
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Patent number: 11598208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
  • Publication number: 20220349306
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Patent number: 11371346
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Patent number: 11339657
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Publication number: 20220049605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
  • Patent number: 11203930
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
  • Patent number: 10876399
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom supported for pivoting movement relative to the frame, and a cutter head pivotably coupled to the boom. The cutter head includes a housing, a cutter shaft coupled to the housing, a cutting disc, and an excitation mechanism. A second portion of the cutter shaft extends parallel to a cutter axis. The cutting disc is coupled to the second portion of the cutter shaft and is supported for free rotation relative to the cutter shaft about the cutter axis. The cutting disc includes a plurality of cutting bits defining a cutting edge. The excitation mechanism includes an exciter shaft and a mass eccentrically coupled to the cutter shaft. The excitation mechanism is coupled to the first portion of the cutter shaft. Rotation of the exciter shaft induces oscillating movement of the second portion of the cutter shaft and the cutting disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Bradley M. Neilson, Nagy Daher, Ric Boyd
  • Publication number: 20200173277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
  • Publication number: 20200072050
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Publication number: 20200063554
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech
  • Patent number: 10550693
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech
  • Patent number: 10533416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech
  • Publication number: 20200011173
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom supported for pivoting movement relative to the frame, and a cutter head pivotably coupled to the boom. The cutter head includes a housing, a cutter shaft coupled to the housing, a cutting disc, and an excitation mechanism. A second portion of the cutter shaft extends parallel to a cutter axis. The cutting disc is coupled to the second portion of the cutter shaft and is supported for free rotation relative to the cutter shaft about the cutter axis. The cutting disc includes a plurality of cutting bits defining a cutting edge. The excitation mechanism includes an exciter shaft and a mass eccentrically coupled to the cutter shaft. The excitation mechanism is coupled to the first portion of the cutter shaft. Rotation of the exciter shaft induces oscillating movement of the second portion of the cutter shaft and the cutting disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Bradley M. Neilson, Nagy Daher, Ric Boyd
  • Patent number: 10472961
    Abstract: A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Russell P. Smith, Andrew D. Hunter, Peter A. Lugg, Ian B. Schirmer, Geoffrey W. Keech, Christopher Coates, Bradley M. Neilson
  • Patent number: 10415384
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a frame, a boom supported for pivoting movement relative to the frame, and a cutter head pivotably coupled to the boom. The cutter head includes a housing, a cutter shaft coupled to the housing, a cutting disc, and an excitation mechanism. A second portion of the cutter shaft extends parallel to a cutter axis. The cutting disc is coupled to the second portion of the cutter shaft and is supported for free rotation relative to the cutter shaft about the cutter axis. The cutting disc includes a plurality of cutting bits defining a cutting edge. The excitation mechanism includes an exciter shaft and a mass eccentrically coupled to the cutter shaft. The excitation mechanism is coupled to the first portion of the cutter shaft. Rotation of the exciter shaft induces oscillating movement of the second portion of the cutter shaft and the cutting disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Bradley M. Neilson, Nagy Daher, Ric Boyd
  • Publication number: 20180087380
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech, Stuart Reeves, Nagy Daher
  • Publication number: 20180087379
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Peter A. Lugg, Geoffrey W. Keech