ON BOARD ROCK DUSTER SCOOP BUCKET

Abstract

A scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust and method for using the same, The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank containing rock dust material and a blower for dispersing the rock dust material from the tank through a dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/622,212, filed Apr. 10, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention is generally related to a scoop bucket with a built-in compartment for housing a rock duster system on board.

2. Description of Related Art

Scoop buckets are used to collect and handle mined material, such as coal, after it has been gathered and piled. Miners liberally disperse rock dust (e.g., inert material(s) such as limestone, dolomite, gypsum, shale) in coal mines to reduce and/or eliminate fire and explosion hazards due to coal dust during such mining. One known distribution system for dispensing rock dust includes providing buckets with a conveyor therein so that when the conveyor is powered, the inert material is dispersed within an area in the mine. Another system is designed to use air pressure to disperse the rock dust so that when it is placed into a specific area in a mine, the inert material is dispensed in an area around the system.

However, such systems are limiting. For example, the dispersion of rock dust in such manners increases workload of the operator, requires handling of multiple (sometimes separate) machines, and substantially reduces visibility within the mine. Some dust units are mounted on top of the main frame resulting in a greater probability for an accident to occur because the operator has an obstructed view. Also, before dispersing inert rock dust material, mine personnel first typically clean the area (e.g., scoop the mined material), and then prepare the rock dusting system for material dispersion. Further, the dispersion of rock dust is limited, and thus workers can be commissioned to return to areas in the mine to manually apply proper amounts of the inert rock dust material by hand.

SUMMARY

One aspect of this disclosure provides a scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust. The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank for containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose. The blower is constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.

Another aspect includes a method for operating a rock duster system provided within a scoop bucket, the scoop bucket comprising a body with a first end and second end, the first end comprising an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end comprising a wall for containing the scooped mined material, the second end further comprising a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein, the rock duster system comprising a tank containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose, the blower constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose extending from the compartment; and the method comprising:

providing the scoop bucket;

operating the blower using the motor; and

dispersing the rock dust material from the tank onto a mined area.

Yet another aspect of this disclosure provides an articulated vehicle. The articulated vehicle includes a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to each other via an articulated joint, the first portion having a first driveline and a first set of wheels and the second portion having a second driveline and a second set of wheels; at least one motor for driving the drivelines and the sets of wheels of the first portion and the second portion; an operator area for an operator to operate and drive the articulated vehicle, and a scoop bucket for mining and collecting mined material and dispensing rock dust. The scoop bucket includes a body with a first end and second end. The first end has an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end has a wall for containing the scooped mined material. The second end also has a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein. The rock duster system includes a tank for containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose. The blower is constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose that extends from the compartment.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 show top and side views, respectively, of an on board rock duster scoop bucket connected to a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show top and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the scoop bucket in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed end view of the scoop bucket taken along line A-A in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show detailed views of parts of the vehicle of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1 and 2 show top and side views of an on board rock duster scoop bucket 10 connected to a vehicle 20, which may be otherwise referred to as a traction or towing vehicle (e.g., tractor). Scoop bucket 10 and vehicle 20 are configured for use used in low vein mining operations, for example. Scoop bucket 10 is configured for both mining and dispensing materials, e.g., carrying particulate or powdered material and adapted for handling minerals, such as coal, after being loosened and piled in a mine. Vehicle 20 includes a first portion 22 (e.g., left side) and a second portion 24 (e.g., right side) that are connected to each other via an articulated joint 26, so that the first and second portions 22 and 24 can pivotally move with respect to each other. The articulated joint 26 may be a pin, pivot, or ball bearing connection, for example. Articulated or pivotal movement about joint 26 may be assisted via steering cylinders 25 that are connected between an operator area 28 of first portion 22 and a body member of second portion 24.

Vehicle 20 comprises an overall length L and an overall width W. Overall length L of vehicle 20 can be approximately 30 feet to approximately 33 feet. In one embodiment, length L of vehicle is approximately 31 feet, 2 inches. Overall width W of vehicle 20 can be approximately 8 feet to approximately 11 feet. In one embodiment, width W of vehicle 20 is approximately 9 feet, 2 inches. Also, as seen in FIG. 2, wheels 38 are positioned a distance D apart from each other, and vehicle 20 comprises a height H. Distance D may be approximately 11 feet to approximately 14 feet. In one embodiment, distance D is approximately 12 feet, 4 inches. Height H of vehicle can be approximately 2 feet to 3 feet. In one embodiment, height H is approximately 2 feet, 1 inch.

Operator area 28 of first portion 22 has a seat 36 where an operator or driver can be seated for driving the vehicle 20 (see also FIG. 6). Seat 36 can be an adjustable, suspension mounted seat. Both first portion 22 and second portion 24 include wheels or tires 38 that are each driven by a motor. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 22 has a first (front) driveline 44, and the second portion 24 has a second (rear) driveline 46, to supply rotational power to the axles upon which wheels 38 are mounted thereon. As shown in the drawings, additional motors and features are also included for driving the vehicle 20. Such features are later generally described with reference to FIG. 7.

The first portion 22 includes a hopper or scoop bucket 10 attached thereto for mining and collecting mined material (e.g., coal). Scoop bucket 10 is attached to first portion 22 of vehicle 20 via a structural support member 23, for example. Structural support member 23 can include devices for connection to and for manipulating the scoop bucket 10, at least some of which are shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. FIGS. 3-5 show scoop bucket 10 and features of its design in greater detail. Scoop bucket 10 includes a body 12 with a first or front end 14 and a second or back end 16. Body 12 comprises a bottom wall 64 or floor, back wall 66, and two side walls 68, which are part of the containment structure formed for containing mined material. The capacity of material contained by the scoop bucket 10 is not meant to be limited. In one embodiment, the capacity ranges from approximately 110 cubic feet to approximately 180 cubic feet.

In an embodiment, scoop bucket 10 is attached to vehicle 20 via one or more pivot connections 18 at, on, or adjacent to a second or back end 16 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). In an embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 4, each pivot connection 18 can be attached to and/or extend from back wall 66 of scoop bucket 10. One or more structural members 65 may also be provided on second end 16. Pivot connections 18 can be used to attach scoop bucket 10 to devices such as lift cylinders 48 or some other type of power device that are part of the vehicle 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each pivot connection 18 has through holes 21 that are aligned with an attachment portion of the lift cylinders 48. Pivot pins 19 (see FIG. 2) are inserted through the aligned holes 21 and attachment portions of the lift cylinders 48 to connect the scoop bucket 10 to first portion 22. Pivot connections 18 on scoop bucket 10 enable pivoting of the bucket in a substantially vertical direction. Accordingly, power devices such as lift cylinders 48 can be used for rotating the bucket about its pivot connections 18 and/or adjusting an elevation thereof. For example, a scoop bucket 10 may be lifted away from the ground so that the vehicle 20 can be driven towards a mine or site of interest for dispersing rock dust material. Buckets stops 49 may optionally be provided adjacent to lift cylinders 48 to limit second end 16 of scoop bucket 10 from contact with support member 23 and/or devices thereon (e.g., wheels 38).

FIG. 4 also shows a stiffener 65 provided adjacent to the back wall 66 and pivot connections 18. Stiffener 65 adds strength to the scoop bucket 10.

Bottom wall 64 of scoop bucket 10 has an edge 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) at the first end 14 for scooping mined material therein. Edge 30 can be beveled, for example. Wear plates 31 can be optionally provided at ends or sides of the first end 14 (see FIG. 2). The second end 16 has a wall 32 or back plate for containing the scooped mined material in the scoop bucket. Wall 32 extends perpendicularly from a bottom wall of the body 12 and parallel to a back wall of the bucket 10 (e.g., see FIG. 4).

In accordance with an embodiment, when scoop bucket 10 is mounted and configured for use, provided adjacent to wall 32 is an ejector blade 33 (see FIG. 1). Ejector blade 33 is positioned within the body 12 and extends substantially across a width of the body 12 (e.g., across a width of the bottom wall 64, between side walls 68). Ejector blade 33 is configured to move within the body 12 between a home position that is adjacent or near second end 16 and an extended position that is adjacent or near first end 14, so that material contained within in the walls of the body 12 of scoop bucket 10 is ejected. For example, the blade 33 can be moved using an ejector cylinder 34. In one embodiment, ejector cylinder 34 is connected to ejector blade 33 to selectively move the blade 33 from and/or between its home position and extended position. Ejector cylinder 34 may be a three stage, telescopic cylinder, such as a hydraulic cylinder. An attachment point 51 (see FIG. 3) for attaching a rod of the ejector cylinder 34 can be provided at the second end 16 of the scoop bucket 10.

Winch 70, as shown in FIG. 6, may be connected to or mounted on support member 23 of first portion 22. Winch 70 comprises a spool 71 with a rope, cord, or chain 72 wrapped therearound that is configured to be wound and unwound when its hydraulic drive motor is engaged. Support member 23 may also include a guide 74 (see FIG. 6) for limiting horizontal movement of chain 72 of winch 70 within a designated area. The hook (or other connection device) can be used for connection or grasping of an object (e.g., material, pallets, parts) to pull the object towards and into the scoop bucket 10 (e.g., when the winch 70 is activated to wind the spool 71).

Scoop bucket 10 also configured to contain a system for dispensing rock dust. More specifically, in accordance with the non-limiting and exemplary illustrated embodiments, the second end 16 has a built-in compartment 40 for containing a rock duster system 50 therein, which, as will become evident by the description below, enables an operator to apply rock dust more easily and more efficiently. Compartment 40 is located behind the scoop bucket wall 32 or back plate and forms an enclosure within scoop bucket 10. In one embodiment, wall 32 can form a part of the enclosure of compartment 40.

Compartment 40 may include one or more walls 42 to allow insertion of ejector cylinder 34 through the compartment and back wall 66 of the scoop bucket 10, as well as to stiffen the structure and prevent damage to the ejector cylinder 34 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 5). In one non-limiting embodiment, the compartment is substantially divided into two compartments, e.g., a first compartment 56 on a first side of ejector cylinder 34 and a second compartment 58 on a second side of ejector cylinder 34 (see FIG. 3). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first compartment 56 may be designed to contain the inert material tank 52, while the second compartment 58 is configured to contain blower 54 and additional parts of the rock duster system 50 (e.g., hoses). In an embodiment, the compartments 56 and 58 are in communication with each other (e.g., around the walls 42 surrounding ejector cylinder 34). The first compartment 56 and the second compartment 58 of compartment 40 are partially divided by a rod of ejector cylinder 34 for blade 33 in a substantially central portion 78 thereof, as shown in FIG. 1 (as well as FIG. 4). The compartments 56 and 58, however, are designed for communication to move rock dust material, e.g., from a first side or compartment 56 into second side or compartment 58, and disperse it therefrom (using a hose 60 connected to the scoop bucket 10 at a connection point 61, as noted below).

Covers (not shown) may be provided on the first and second compartments 56 and 58. Covers can be installed over the compartments to enclose objects therein, and prevent access or contamination due to outside environmental conditions, for example. The covers themselves, or a portion thereof, can be removably attached to provide access to the compartments (e.g., to fill or refill a tank 52 holding rock dust material).

In another non-limiting embodiment, the compartments 56 and 58 are substantially isolated from each other. For example, the walls 42 for containing the ejector cylinder 34 can separate the compartments. In some embodiments, to ensure maximum output and functionality, the enclosure contains system guards to ensure that debris is kept out of the compartment 40. Seals and other devices may be used in or around walls of compartment 40.

The measurements and/or dimensions of compartment 40 are not meant to be limited, but rather configured to accommodate and enclose the features of the rock duster system 50 therein. Furthermore, the measurements and/or dimensions of scoop bucket 10 can be tailored based on needs of the user. In some cases, for example, the overall length of the scoop bucket 10 itself can be extended through the addition of the compartment 40 so as to accommodate the rock duster system 50 therein while still maintaining an average, industry acceptable length of the portion of the scoop bucket designed to collect and receive mined material (e.g., coal pieces). For example, the overall length of the scoop bucket can be extended on its second side 16 by approximately twelve to twenty four inches, i.e., the compartment 40 can add to its overall length (e.g., measured from edge 30 to pivot connection points 18). In one embodiment, the compartment 40 is approximately 14 inches in length.

In another embodiment, compartment 40 can be added to an existing scoop bucket 10. For example, plates or walls (e.g., walls 32 and 42) can be added to a back end of a bucket to form the compartment 40 to accommodate and/or for receipt of the rock duster system 50. Hoses, holes, and the like can also be added to for use with rock duster system 50.

The rock duster system 50 includes at least a tank 52 or storage hopper containing rock dust (inert) material, a motor, a pneumatic blower 54, and a dispenser hose 60. The blower 54 is constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank 52 through the dispenser hose 60 that extends from the compartment 40 by providing an air supply. Tank 52 can be a structure provided on the first side of the compartment 40 and/or within the first compartment 52. In accordance with one embodiment, the tank 52 is formed by the walls and structure of the first side of compartment 40. The size of the tank 52 can be based on a model and size of the scoop bucket 10. In an embodiment, the tank is a high capacity tank with an approximate 500 lb. capacity. In an embodiment, the capacity of the dust tank will sufficiently cover two to three freshly cut or mined areas before needing to be refilled with rock dust.

The blower 54 is configured to combine a low pressure air supply to inert material and feed the air and material mixture into dispenser hose 60 to discharge rock dust material through a nozzle 63. As shown in FIG. 2, dispenser hose 60 and its nozzle 63 are configured to connect to at least one hose connection point 61 associated with the rock duster system 50 and to extend from the compartment 40 for use by an operator. One or more connection points 61 can be provided on the scoop bucket 10 for communication with the blower. The connection point(s) 61 can be provided on a side of the compartment 40, or on a top portion thereof. Dispenser hose 60 is connected to (one of) the connection point(s) 61 of compartment 40, and can be changed from one to another. As an example, connection point 61 may be provided in the form of a discharge nipple with a hose clamp mechanism and/or have cam-lock hose ends. The one or more types of connection point(s) 61 provided on the scoop bucket 10 may be customer defined and can vary. The hose 60 and nozzle 63 can be used for directional application and distribution of rock dust when at least the blower 54 of the rock duster system 50 is powered to dispense material from the tank 52.

Tank 52 includes a distribution mechanism therein configured to convey rock dust material within the tank 52 towards the blower 54 and thus the dispenser hose 60. In an exemplary embodiment, tank 52 is formed directly within the first side of the compartment 40. Thus, the distribution mechanism may be provided directly within the compartment 40.

In one embodiment, the distribution mechanism in tank 52 comprises an auger 62, as shown in FIG. 1. Auger 62 comprises a shaft 80 and helical section(s) 82 provided around the shaft 80. The number of helical section(s) and/or the angle at which they are provided to extend from and around shaft 80 is not limiting. Any number of configurations may be used. Such a structure is generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, auger 62 is provided within a compartment containing the inert material, e.g., a first compartment or tank 52. Auger 62 may be provided near a bottom portion or end of the tank 52, for example. Auger 62 is mounted within compartment 40 and its shaft 80 is configured for rotation therein (e.g., about a substantially horizontal axis) so as to move or transmit the material, using helical section(s) 82, for dispensing of the inert material. Auger 62 feeds the inert material to an opening on one end, e.g., towards central portion 78 and/or the second compartment 58, to combined the inert material with the air supply from the blower 54. Auger 62 may be configured to rotate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Auger 62 can be connected and actuated for rotation by a motor (not shown) mounted in the compartment or mounted on the vehicle 20. Such a motor can rotate the auger 62 from about 50 rpm to about 65 rpm (inclusive), although it should be understood that any rpm or range of rpms may be used to dispense material. The auger 62 and blower 54 cooperatively work (e.g., in unison) to feed the inert material at a substantially steady rate. In one embodiment, the rock duster system 50 is configured to disperse inert material at a feed discharge rate between approximately 70 lbs/min (inclusive) to approximately 90 lbs/min (inclusive). The motor of the rock duster system 50 may be a hydraulic or electric motor, for example. The motor can be a low speed, high torque output motor.

In operation, when a motor for rock duster system 50 is activated, the distribution mechanism and blower 54 are activated and ready for use. The shaft 80 and its helical section(s) 82 of auger 82 are rotated axially within tank 52, and rock dust material is conveyed by helical section(s) 82 towards compartment 58 to blower 54 (e.g., towards central portion 78), and fed through. As material is fed from tank 52, it is aerated by blower 54 and dispersed through the dispenser hose 60. The dispenser hose 60 and its nozzle 63 can be moved for directional application and distribution of the rock dust material.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of features of vehicle 20 in greater detail. Specifically, operator area 28 and support member 23 of first portion 22 are shown. As previously noted, operator area 28 includes seat 36 for an operator of vehicle 20. First portion 22 also has a first (front) driveline 44 and variable frequency drive system 47. The variable frequency drive system 47 provides speed and power output of machine tramming functions. A door 96 with a bar latch and/or switch may be included for allowing or restricting access to the area 28 or compartment. Operator area 28 may include pedals for power or acceleration and braking of the vehicle 20. For example, an electric footswitch accelerator 86 can be provided. Diagnostic readouts such as battery levels and/or a fuel gauge may be provided on a display 102 or dashboard for viewing by the operator. Also provided are a valve bank 84, differential control lock device 90, and a control station 98. Valve bank 84 and/or control station 98 may have buttons and/or control levers for operating movement and/or lifting of scoop bucket 10, for example. Differential control lock device 90 is configured to lock all of the wheels 38 so that they turn at the same speed. Safety devices such as a warning gong 88, a manual emergency disconnect/breaker reset system 92, a tape switch (emergency stop) 94, and/or an automatic fire suppression system 100, and/or other such safety devices, may be provided on vehicle 20 and accessible by an operator in operator area 28. Also shown in FIG. 6 are features of the structural support member 23 that are used for connection to and for manipulating the scoop bucket 10, e.g., wheels 38, bucket lift cylinders 48, and winch 70.

When an operator is driving vehicle 20, the first portion 22 and second portions 24 of the vehicle 20 can be driven and manipulated. Articulated joint 26 allows the first and second portions 22 and 24 to move pivotally relative to each other, e.g., such as when the vehicle 20 is turned. A number of steering cylinders 25 can be provided to assist in providing controlled movement of second portion 24 about articulated joint 26. Steering stops 104 can be provided on operator area 28 to prevent second portion 24 of vehicle from damaging operator area 28 and/or over extending when it is pivoted or moved about articulated joint 26.

Furthermore, one or more steering locks 106 may also be provided on vehicle 20. For example, to limit or prohibit rotation about articulated joint 26, the one or more steering locks 106 may be activated.

Exemplary features of second portion 24 of vehicle 20 are shower in greater detail in FIG. 7. As shown in the drawings, additional motors and features can be included for driving and manipulating the vehicle 20. For example, at least the second (rear) driveline 46 may be operatively connected to a tram motor 116 and/or gear reducer 128. Pump motor 114 has a gear pump 110 associated therewith. The connections and method of using such parts for movement of the vehicle 20 should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are therefore not described in detail herein. Also associated with second (rear) driveline 46 are braking system 120 and battery connection box 122. The braking system 120 may include inboard planetary axles with wet disc brakes, for example. The braking system 120 can be used to stop movement of wheels 38, for example. In one embodiment, a parking brake 108 is provided (e.g., an assisted wet disc park brake) (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The battery connection box 122 is connected to batteries provided in battery bays 124, e.g., via a single connection point or plug. Wheel chocks and holder 126, a first suppression system 138, a hydraulic oil reservoir 112, and hydraulic filter system 140 can also be associated with second portion 24 of vehicle.

In addition, second portion 24 of vehicle 20 has battery lift cylinders 118 (e.g., with counterbalance valves), as shown in FIG. 7. Lift cylinders 118 are configured to raise and lower batteries in battery bays 124 for changing, charging, or operating one or more of the batteries.

As further shown throughout the Figures, additional details may be provided on parts of vehicle 20 and/or scoop bucket 10, including, but not limited to, headlights 130 and rear lights, reflectors 132, wheel covers 134, guards 136, etc., whose features should be generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, hooks 142 can be provided on the scoop bucket 10 (e.g., at or near its back end 16) and/or first portion 22 to provide connection points for chains when moving or pulling objects with the scoop bucket 10. Additional hooks 156 can be provided on second portion 24, as shown in FIG. 7, in addition or alternative to hooks 142, to provide similar connection points. Such hooks can be welded or bolted on parts of the vehicle, for example. Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 are hour glass rope spindle points 144. These spindle points 144 are guides for the winch rope or chain 72 that are used to prevent binding or fraying of the winch rope or chain 72.

Chain slots 146, as shown in FIG. 1, can also be provided on scoop bucket 10, and are used with the winch chain 72 to pull objects—such as material, pallets, and other parts—into the scoop bucket 10. A slate bar holder 148, shown in detail in FIG. 6, can be provided on first portion 22 of the vehicle 20 to provide storage for a prying bar. As shown in FIG. 2, an optional adjustable canopy 150 with back protection can be provided on vehicle 20 for operator protection. As shown in FIG, 6, an assisted automatic emergency parking brake system 152 (or AEPB system) can be provided on vehicle 20. Such a system 152 can stop the vehicle 20 faster, as well as extend a life of an associated parking brake. A heavy duty ball bearing center section 154, shown in FIG, 6, can be provided adjacent the articulated join 26. The ball bearing section 154 can provide oscillation between first and second portions 22 and 24 (e.g., front and rear frames of the vehicle 20). The ball bearing section 154 can reduce maintenance and provide longer service life to the articulation and oscillation of the vehicle 20.

Accordingly, the drawings and description provided herein illustrate an embodiment for incorporating a rock dusting system 50 inside an engineered scoop bucket 10 used for mining, The compartment 40 allows the rock duster system 50 to be encased and recessed within the scoop bucket 10, resulting in improved operator visibility while operating and driving the vehicle 20 in the mine. This design also improves both safety and efficiency concerns for mine personnel as they perform mining and rock dusting requirements in underground mining applications. Hazards such as fire and potential explosions as a result of accumulations of bituminous dust can more easily be made inert by providing mobility to a device (i.e., scoop bucket 10) for liberally applying rock dust materials and reduce and/or prevent propagation of coal dust explosions. Using the disclosed scoop bucket 10, mine personnel can scoop the bottom of a fresh cut of mined material (e.g., coal) to clean and then dust the area more efficiently as compared to the method of applying dust by hand which is commonly used. The ability to clean out mined material and spread rock dust in one trip using one device, without the need to load a separate rock duster (or unload the scoop bucket and then implement a conveyance system in the bucket), is more efficient and less costly than previously known methods. Not only can such dust distribution work be done more efficiently, but it also increases mine safety by providing a tool that allows them to achieve sufficient coverage that is required by law in one operation instead of the typically known two step method. It also eliminates the need to apply dust by hand and increases the accuracy of the application of the rock dust through the directional dispensing system (hose 60 and nozzle 63). Further, the mine upkeep cost is decreased because one person can do both the cleaning and dusting functions in the same visit. This enables other workers to focus on upkeep in different areas of the mine.

Thus, by using the herein disclosed scoop bucket and system, mine operators are able to easily comply with Federal and State rock dusting regulations (e.g., per MSHA recommendations and standards) for distributing inert material upon top, ground, sides, and all underground areas of coal mines.

The rock dust material dispersed by the herein disclosed system may include one or more inert material(s) such as stone, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, and/or shale. The material(s) may be pulverized to form a dust or a powder that is dispersed by the disclosed system. The rock dust may be dispersed in coal mines to reduce and/or eliminate fire and explosion hazards due to coal dust during such mining, for example.

While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the disclosure.

It will thus be seen that the features of this disclosure have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this disclosure and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this disclosure includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A scoop bucket for mining and dispensing rock dust comprising:

a body with a first end and second end, the first end comprising an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end comprising a wall for containing the scooped mined material;

the second end further comprising a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein, the rock duster system comprising a tank containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose, the blower constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose extending from the compartment.

2. The scoop bucket of claim 1, wherein the compartment further comprises a distribution mechanism connected to the motor, the distribution mechanism being configured to convey rock dust material within the compartment towards the dispenser hose.

3. The scoop bucket of claim 2, wherein the distribution mechanism comprises an auger, and wherein the motor configured to rotate the auger mechanism within the compartment to convey the rock duster material towards the dispenser hose.

4. The scoop bucket of claim 1, further comprising an ejector blade positioned within the body, the ejector blade extending substantially across a width of the body and being configured to move within the body between a home position that is adjacent or near the second end and an extended position that is adjacent or near the first end so that the mined material contained within the body is ejected.

5. The scoop bucket of claim 4, further comprising a telescopic ejector cylinder connected to the ejector blade that is configured to selectively move the ejector blade between its home and extended positions.

6. A method for operating a rock duster system provided within a scoop bucket, the scoop bucket comprising a body with a first end and second end, the first end comprising an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end comprising a wall for containing the scooped mined material, the second end further comprising a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein, the rock duster system comprising a tank containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose, the blower constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose extending from the compartment; and the method comprising:

providing the scoop bucket with the rock duster system contained within the compartment;

operating the blower using the motor; and

dispersing the rock dust material from the tank onto a mined area using the dispenser hose.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the scoop bucket further comprises an ejector blade positioned within the body, the ejector blade extending substantially across a width of the body, and wherein the method further comprises:

moving the ejector blade within the body between a home position that is adjacent or near the second end and an extended position that is adjacent or near the first end so that the mined material contained within the body is ejected.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the scoop bucket further comprises a telescopic ejector cylinder connected to the ejector blade, and wherein the method further comprises:

selectively moving the ejector blade between its home and extended positions.

9. An articulated vehicle comprising:

a first portion and a second portion pivotally connected to each other via an articulated joint, the first portion comprising a first driveline and a first set of wheels and the second portion comprising a second driveline and a second set of wheels;

at least one motor for driving the drivelines and the sets of wheels of the first portion and the second portion;

an operator area for an operator to operate and drive the articulated vehicle, and a scoop bucket for mining and collecting mined material and dispensing rock dust, the scoop bucket comprising:

a body with a first end and second end, the first end comprising an edge for scooping mined material therein and the second end comprising a wall for containing the scooped mined material;

the second end further comprising a compartment for containing a rock duster system therein, the rock duster system comprising a tank containing rock dust material, a motor, a blower, and a dispenser hose, the blower constructed and arranged to disperse the rock dust material from the tank through the dispenser hose extending from the compartment.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the scoop bucket is pivotally attached to one the first portion via one or more pivot connections.

11. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the compartment of the scoop bucket further comprises a distribution mechanism connected to the motor, the distribution mechanism being configured to.convey rock dust material within the compartment towards the dispenser hose.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the distribution mechanism comprises an auger, and wherein the motor configured to rotate the auger mechanism within the compartment to convey the rock duster material towards the dispenser hose.

13. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising an ejector blade positioned within the body of the scoop bucket, the ejector blade extending substantially across a width of the body and being configured to move within the body between a home position that is adjacent or near the second end and an extended position that is adjacent or near the first end so that the mined material contained within the body is ejected.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the scoop bucket further comprises a telescopic ejector cylinder connected to the ejector blade that is configured to selectively move the ejector blade between its home and extended position.