Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a pan line associated with a longwall mining system includes multiple pan segments arranged in a successive manner. Adjacently located pan segments are moveably coupled by an interconnecting joint. An underside of each pan segment defines an opening whose axis is parallel to a plane of the associated pan segment. The system also includes a fiber optic shape sensing system that has a fiber optic cable disposed along the multiple pan segments and located within the opening of each pan segment. A controller coupled to the fiber optic cable detects a shape of the fiber optic cable, identifies a position of each pan segment based on the detected shape of the fiber optic cable, and determines if a fault exists in the interconnecting joints between adjacently located pan segments based on the identified positions of respective ones of the adjacently located pan segments.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition of a pan line associated with a longwall mining system includes multiple pan segments arranged in a successive manner. Adjacently located pan segments are moveably coupled by an interconnecting joint. An underside of each pan segment defines an opening whose axis is parallel to a plane of the associated pan segment. The system also includes a fiber optic shape sensing system that has a fiber optic cable disposed along the multiple pan segments and located within the opening of each pan segment. A controller coupled to the fiber optic cable detects a shape of the fiber optic cable, identifies a position of each pan segment based on the detected shape of the fiber optic cable, and determines if a fault exists in the interconnecting joints between adjacently located pan segments based on the identified positions of respective ones of the adjacently located pan segments.

Abstract: A machine operating at an underground mine site is provided. The machine includes an engine, a frame, and a vision assembly. The vision assembly is configured to generate a vision feed of a portion of a roof of the mine site. The roof of the mine site has a plurality of bolts arranged in a predefined pattern. The vision assembly is configured to capture at least a portion of the predefined pattern of bolts based on a field of view of the vision assembly. A controller is communicably coupled to the vision assembly. The controller is configured to receive the vision feed of the portion of the roof of the mine site. The controller is configured to compare the vision feed with the predefined pattern of bolts. The controller is configured to determine a current position of the machine at the mine site based on the comparison.

Abstract: A machine operating at an underground mine site is provided. The machine includes an engine, a frame, and a vision assembly. The vision assembly is configured to generate a vision feed of a portion of a roof of the mine site. The roof of the mine site has a plurality of bolts arranged in a predefined pattern. The vision assembly is configured to capture at least a portion of the predefined pattern of bolts based on a field of view of the vision assembly. A controller is communicably coupled to the vision assembly. The controller is configured to receive the vision feed of the portion of the roof of the mine site. The controller is configured to compare the vision feed with the predefined pattern of bolts. The controller is configured to determine a current position of the machine at the mine site based on the comparison.

Abstract: A retaining system (100) for a DTH hammer drill bit (25) having an outer surface with a plurality of stops (31) at an up-hole end (29) of the drill bit (25) the stops projecting radially outward from the outer surface and spaced by respective gaps (35). The retaining system has a ring (102) which is configured to pass over the stops (31) when in a first rotational position relative to the drill bit (25). However when the ring (102) is in a second rotational position relative to the drill bit (25) it prohibits passage of the stops (31) through the ring (102).

Abstract: A method for manually calibrating a camera mounted on a camera mount of a vehicle is provided. According to the present disclosure, the method includes acquiring an image data in a field of view of the camera based on an actual position of the camera. The captured image data is processed to determine a current pattern based on the actual position of the camera. The image data is displayed, wherein the current pattern is superimposed on the image data. The image data is also processed to display a marker pattern in the field of view of the camera. Thereafter a pre-determined orientation and/or a pre-determined height for the camera is calculated. Further, the actual position of the camera is manually adjusted to achieve the pre-determined orientation and the pre-determined height of the camera and to align the current pattern with the marker pattern.

Abstract: This method combines etching of the strip by passing through reduced pressure electric plasma discharge zones and the direct off-line dip-coating of the etched strip in a bath of molten aluminum.The strip brought to cathode potential defilades continuously in registration with the magnet elements and anodes of a plurality of consecutively disposed magnetron devices and, therefore, directly into said molten metal bath.

Abstract: Tubes partly filled with a blend of two or more metals in powder form and containing loose hard bodies are subject to linear and oscillating motion; under the impact of the bodies knocking against each other, the metals alloy together mechanically and form a patterned amorphous coating on the surface of the clashing bodies.

Abstract: Efficient in-situ stirring in pressure casting is difficult. Here, the casting die is provided with internal mechanical agitating means which allow homogeneous distribution of the partially solidified phase at temperatures near liquidus and of optionally incorporated reinforcing materials. One form of agitating means is a masher type plate which moves back and forth within the mould.

Abstract: A molten metal is placed in contact with a bed of moving beads. The molten metal breaks up into fine particles which are rapidly cooled in contact with the beads and consequently acquire a structure which is typical for such rapid cooling.

Abstract: The metal substrate (4) is coated with a coating (6) of another metal of alloy of 4-50 .mu.m thickness by deposition of a molten metal or alloy (5) through a nozzle (2), the melting temperature of this metal or alloy being lower than that of the substrate metal. This coating comports, starting from the substrate, a layer of intermetallic compound of thickness comprised between 0.5 and 4 .mu.m, within a limit not exceeding 40% of the total thickness, the remainder of the coating being formed of the initial coating metal of alloy in a proportion of 97 to 99.5% by weight.

Abstract: The metal substrate (4) is covered with a coating (6) consisting of another metal or alloy having a thickness of 4 to 50 .mu.m, by deposition of molten metal or alloy (5) through a nozzle (2), this melting point [sic] being lower than that of the substrate metal. This coating comprises, at the interface with the substrate, a layer of intermetallic compound with a thickness of between 0.5 and 4 .mu.m not exceeding 40% of the total thickness, the remainder consisting of the initial metal or alloy used for the coating, in a proportion of between 97% and 99.5% by weight.