Abstract: A cutting assembly is configured to be coupled to a chassis of a mining machine. The cutting assembly includes a ranging arm configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the chassis, a motor supported by the ranging arm for the motor to move with the ranging arm about the pivot axis, and a drum including a plurality of cutting picks. The drum is supported by the ranging arm to be driven about a rotational axis by the motor. The cutting assembly includes a pitch adjustment actuator coupled to the ranging arm. The pitch adjustment actuator is operable to move the drum about a pitch axis. The pitch axis extends in a direction between the pivot axis and the rotational axis.

Abstract: An industrial machine including a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to sense a characteristic of a fluid of the industrial machine. Wherein the characteristic is indicative of a contaminant level. The controller has an electronic processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicative of the contaminant level, compare the contaminant level to a threshold, and upon the contaminant level crossing the threshold perform at least one selected from a group consisting of output an alert, and commence a shutdown procedure of the industrial machine.

Abstract: A shearing system includes a pan line having an end stop, a gate end, and a set of consecutively arranged pans extending from the gate end and having one or more pans disposed beyond the end stop. A shearer is stoppable at the end stop, includes a shearer arm, and is positioned on the one or more pans when the shearer arm is disposed between the end stop and the gate end. A first sensor detects an orientation of the shearer, while second sensors detect an orientation of the set of consecutively arranged pans. A control system determines a profile of the pan line between the end stop and the gate end and controls a movement of the shearer arm based on the profile of the pan line when the shearer arm is disposed between the end stop and the gate end.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a longwall mining system. The controller includes a non-transitory computer readable medium and a processor. The controller also includes computer executable instructions stored in the computer readable medium for controlling operation of the industrial machine to receive a first signal from a first camera, receive a second signal from a second camera, analyze at least one of the first signal and the second signal to identify one or more edges of a structure of the longwall mining system ahead of a shearer in either a first direction of travel of the shearer or a second direction of travel of the shearer, generate a forward-looking mine profile based on the one or more edges, and control the longwall mining system based on the forward-looking mine profile.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a rotary cutting apparatus (10) comprising a frame (12); a first rotary device (14 or 16) comprising a first shaft concentrically arranged about a first rotational axis (A or B) and a first drum (37 or 38); a second rotary device (14 or 16) comprising a second shaft concentrically arranged about a second rotational axis (A or B) and a second drum (37 or 38); said first and second rotational axes being substantially horizontal and substantially in the same plane, wherein, a monitoring unit (28) is at least partially embedded in at least one of the drums of the first and second rotary devices, the monitoring unit being configured for measuring at least one working parameter and for transmitting data representative of the at least one working parameter between the monitoring unit and an interface transmission unit positioned outside either the first or second rotary device or both.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for braking a translator of a linear multiphase electromagnetic machine. The system detects a fault event, and in response to detecting the fault event, causes the translator to brake using an electromagnetic technique. Braking includes causing the translator to stop reciprocating, by applying a force opposing an axial motion, which may occur within one cycle, or over many cycles. The fault event may include, for example, a fault associated with an encoder, a controller, an electrical component, a communications link, a phase, or a subsystem. The system includes a power electronics system configured to apply current to the phases. The system may use position information, current information, operating parameters, or a combination thereof to brake. Alternatively, the system need not use position information, current information, and operating parameters, and may brake the translator independent of such information.

Abstract: A method for realizing a centralized control platform for large fully-mechanized coal mining face equipment is provided. In the method, on the basis of a coal cutter system, a hydraulic support system, a coal mining face transportation system, an emulsion pump station system, a mobile transformer substation system and a video monitoring system of the large fully-mechanized coal mining face equipment, real-time monitoring, centralized coordination control and information communication network are realized by a high-speed embedded computer UNO-3072A, a high-speed data acquisition card PCI-1716, a PowerBuilder front-end development platform, an SQLServer database, a Modbus TCP/IP communication protocol and an industrial Ethernet, thereby realizing centralized control over the large underground fully-mechanized coal mining face equipment. Automated production of fully-mechanized coal mining faces is realized.

Abstract: A rotary sensor includes a rotor and a housing. A support structure includes a shaft, a housing portion, a first member, and a second member. A first end of the shaft is coupled to the rotor, and the shaft is supported for rotation about a shaft axis. The housing portion includes a first bore extending along a first axis, and a second bore extending along a second axis oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the first axis. The first member is received in the first bore and is movable relative to the housing portion in a direction parallel to the first axis. The first member is coupled to the second end of the shaft. The second member is received in the second bore. At least one of the housing portion and the second member is movable relative to the other of the housing portion and the second member in a direction parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting face alignment and face steering of a longwall mining system. The system includes a detection device mounted in a maingate roadway and a first indicator device mounted on a shearer of the longwall mining system to indicate a position of the shearer to the detection device. The system further includes a controller coupled to the detection device. The controller determines a shearer path of the shearer as the shearer moves along an ore face. The shearer path is determined based on a signal from the first indicator device received by the detection device. The controller generates an indication of face alignment based on the shearer path.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a machine are described. In one aspect, a method includes receiving information on a plurality of events associated with the machine, determining a severity value for at least one event of the plurality of events, the severity value based on at least one of a safety value, a hierarchy value, a time-to-repair value, and a cost-of-repair value, and outputting an alert includes the severity value if the severity value exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the at least one event. Systems and machine-readable media are also described.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, where the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a cutter drum, the method includes obtaining, by a processor, desired pitch angle information, and receiving, by the processor, a pitch angle indicative of a current pitch position of the shearer. The method also includes determining, by the processor, whether the pitch angle is within a desired pitch angle range, and controlling, by the processor, a position of the cutter drum based on whether the pitch angle is within the desired pitch angle range. The desired pitch angle range is based on the desired pitch angle information.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method of monitoring a longwall shearing mining machine in a longwall mining system, where the shearing mining machine includes a shearer having a cutter drum, the method includes obtaining, by a processor, desired pitch angle information, and receiving, by the processor, a pitch angle indicative of a current pitch position of the shearer. The method also includes determining, by the processor, whether the pitch angle is within a desired pitch angle range, and controlling, by the processor, a position of the cutter drum based on whether the pitch angle is within the desired pitch angle range. The desired pitch angle range is based on the desired pitch angle information.

Abstract: A shearer system for removing material along a mineable distance relative to a mining environment includes a rail assembly to support movement of a shearer carriage thereon. The system further includes a haulage motor structured and arranged to move the shearer carriage along the rail assembly. The system has a rotatably driven cutter that is positionable relative to the shearer carriage. The system further includes an actuator supported by the shearer carriage for changing a cutting height of the cutter. The system further includes a controller that can control a velocity of the shearer carriage based on a translation speed of the cutter, a maximum speed of the shearer carriage, a current cutter height, and a desired cutter height. Optionally, the controller can further control the velocity of the shearer carriage based on a predetermined stopping distance of the shearer carriage.

Abstract: A pin-and-collet assembly, a longwall shearer comprising a ranging arm attached to a lifting bracket with such assembly, a method for the secure fastening of one piece to another, such as securely fastening the ranging arm to the lifting bracket of a longwall shearer using such assembly as a bushing, and a method for longwall mining of ore, such as trona, using such longwall shearer. This assembly is easy to install, does not have to be tightened during longwall operation of an ore panel, and is also demountable when it is time to stop the longwall mining operation and time to remove/replace the ranging arm for maintenance and/or when the end of the ore panel is reached.

Abstract: A shearer system for removing material along a mineable distance relative to a mining environment includes a rail assembly to support movement of a shearer carriage thereon. The system further includes a haulage motor structured and arranged to move the shearer carriage along the rail assembly. The system has a rotatably driven cutter that is positionable relative to the shearer carriage. The system further includes an actuator supported by the shearer carriage for changing a cutting height of the cutter. The system further includes a controller that can control a velocity of the shearer carriage based on a translation speed of the cutter, a maximum speed of the shearer carriage, a current cutter height, and a desired cutter height. Optionally, the controller can further control the velocity of the shearer carriage based on a predetermined stopping distance of the shearer carriage.

Abstract: A side shifting conveyor is provided for a surface mining operation. The conveyor generally includes conveyor sections and conveyor translation devices. Each conveyor translation device includes a drive operable to move the associated at least one conveyor section in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction. The conveyor further includes a controller operatively coupled to each drive for controlling operation of the drive and coordinating movement of the conveyor sections. A method for moving a conveyor in a surface mine generally includes sensing that a surface miner operable to deposit material onto the conveyor sections has moved beyond one of the conveyor sections, fixing a position relative to the surface mine of a conveyor translation device associated with one of the conveyor sections, and operating the conveyor translation device to move one of the conveyor sections in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction.

Abstract: A safety device which detects personnel data of persons located in the detection zone thereof, said safety device operating continuously or in regular cycles and reporting to the central controller. The personnel data of all persons located in the longwall mine are stored in a central storage device of the central control and constantly compared to the detected personnel data. If a discrepancy arises between the saved personnel data and the detected personnel data, the central control unit executes a command which halts all functions of the excavation devices and interrupts all moving functions, said command being directed at the switching devices of the associated excavation devices.

Abstract: A method of setting an automatic level control of a plow in longwall mining operations. By means of a boom control mechanism, a control angle for setting motion of the plow, which is guided on a face conveyor, in an exploitation direction as a climbing, plunging or neutral motion is set. For each plow stroke, a cutting depth and the control angle, derived as a differential angle between inclinations of the face conveyor and of a top canopy of a shield support frame are determined. In a calculating unit, a face height change per plow stroke is calculated therefrom and a face height, as a projected height, is associated with each face position of the face conveyor. When a shield support frame that trails behind the plow in terms of a time delay reaches a respective face position, an actual height of the face is calculated and compared with the store projected height.

Abstract: A method and a device can be used to monitor the travel path of a cutting extraction machine (1), particularly one used in coal mining, which can be moved along the working front (10) equipped with a face conveyor (9) and an advancing support (12, 13) in longwall mining. Despite extremely poor viewing conditions, the method and device determine hindrances that might be present in the travel path of the extraction machine, in the form of shield caps that are standing low, or extendible cantilevers, sliding roof bars, or other attachments of the advancing support that are hanging down, or overloading of the conveyor, in order to be able to take measures to avoid disruptions in operation, in timely manner. The travel path of the extraction machine (1) is scanned by a radar measurement device (14) assigned to the extraction machine (1), and if a hindrance is determined, an alarm is triggered and/or intervention into the control of the extraction machine (1) takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a cutting extraction machine, which can be moved along a working front in longwall mining, in which method the heat emission of the working face (4) newly exposed by the extraction machine, in each instance, is observed using an infrared camera (10), and control data for the subsequent extraction run are generated on the basis of this observation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an extraction system for mineral extraction, having a machine frame which is movable along a conveying device and which for each direction of travel, on its front side that, in operation, lies facing a working face, has hewing tools for the minerals to be won, and having a sensor system, disposed on the machine frame, for mineral/host rock recognition. In order to provide an extraction system which can be provided with or used with an improved sensor system, a retaining box for the sensor device is fastened in projecting arrangement to the front side of the machine frame, the retaining box preferably containing a georadar as the sensor system.

Abstract: A mining machine includes a cutting mechanism with an arm, and a substantial weight of more than a thousand pounds attached to the arm. The mining machine also includes a first disc cutter adapted to engage the material to be mined and mounted on a first disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the first disc cutter, the first disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight. The mining machine also includes at least a second disc cutter spaced apart from the first disc cutter assembly and adapted to engage the material to be mined, and mounted on a second disc cutter assembly for eccentrically driving the second disc cutter, the second disc cutter assembly being mounted within the substantial weight.

Abstract: A method for automatically producing a defined face opening in a longwall mining operation in underground coal mining, using a face conveyor, at least one plow, as an extraction machine, guided on the face conveyor, and respective hydraulic shield support frames having, as main components, a floor skid arrangement, a gob shield, a top canopy and support connection rods. Inclination sensors are disposed on at least three of the floor skid arrangements, the gob shield, the support connection rods and a gob-side region of the top canopy. From the sensors, an inclination relative to a horizontal is ascertained. From the inclination data, by comparison with base data defining a geometrical orientation of the components and movement thereof during a stepping process, a respective shield height of the shield support frames perpendicular to a bed thereof is calculated and is compared with a machine-dependent fixed cutting height of the plow to establish if deviations exist.

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 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 safety device which detects personnel data of persons located in the detection zone thereof, said safety device operating continuously or in regular cycles and reporting to the central controller. The personnel data of all persons located in the longwall mine are stored in a central storage device of the central control and constantly compared to the detected personnel data. If a discrepancy arises between the saved personnel data and the detected personnel data, the central control unit executes a command which halts all functions of the excavation devices and interrupts all moving functions, said command being directed at the switching devices of the associated excavation devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the cutting horizon of a mining winning system, having a movable conveyor which is composed of individual pan elements, and having at least one optical detection sensor which has a sensor head that is received in a sensor carrier and can be pressed with at least one pressure means against a coal/basement rock boundary layer. In order to improve the sensing and working reliability, over the length of the conveyor, a plurality of pan elements are configured as sensor pans which are provided with a protected recess which is open to the basement rock and in which the sensor carrier is arranged or can be arranged such that it can be disassembled together with the sensor head.

Abstract: A surface mining system removes material from a surface mining block that has a substantially vertical and laterally extending mining face. The surface mining system generally includes a miner moveable in a lateral direction along the mining face, a face conveyor extending along the mining face, and conveyor translation devices associated with the face conveyor and operable to move the face conveyor toward the mining face as material is removed. The miner includes a rotating cutting member mounted to an end of a vertically ranging cutting arm and operable to remove material from the mining block. The face conveyor includes a discharge portion and is operable to convey material removed from the mining block toward the discharge portion. Each conveyor translation device includes a secured configuration substantially fixed with respect to the mining face and an unsecured configuration moveable with respect to the mining face.

Abstract: A method of setting an automatic level control of a plow in longwall mining operations. By means of a boom control mechanism, a control angle for setting motion of the plow, which is guided on a face conveyor, in an exploitation direction as a climbing, plunging or neutral motion is set. For each plow stroke, a cutting depth and the control angle, derived as a differential angle between inclinations of the face conveyor and of a top canopy of a shield support frame are determined. In a calculating unit, a face height change per plow stroke is calculated therefrom and a face height, as a projected height, is associated with each face position of the face conveyor. When a shield support frame that trails behind the plow in terms of a time delay reaches a respective face position, an actual height of the face is calculated and compared with the store projected height.

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 method for controlling longwall mining operations, having a face conveyor, at least one extraction machine, and a hydraulic shield support, in underground coal mining. At least one sensor is disposed on the shield support frames for acquiring solid-borne noise data generated by the engagement of the extraction machine in coal and/or country rock. A cut of the extraction machine into the country rock is determined in a downstream computer on the basis of recorded vibration data that corresponds to the generated solid-borne noise.

Abstract: A method for automatically producing a defined face opening in a longwall mining operation, in underground coal mining, having a face conveyor, at least one extraction machine and hydraulic shield support frames. Inclination sensors are disposed on at least three of the four main components of each shield support frame, such as floor skid, gob shield, support connection rods and gob-side area of the top canopy. From ascertained inclination data, by comparison with base data defining a geometrical orientation of the components and a movement thereof during stepping, a respective shield height of the shield support frames perpendicular to a bed thereof is calculated. From further sensors on the extraction machine, a cutting height thereof is acquired as a face opening.

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: The invention relates to a method and a device for monitoring the travel path of a cutting extraction machine (1), particularly one used in coal mining, which can be moved along the working front (10) equipped with a face conveyor (9) and a powered support (12, 13) in longwall mining. The invention is based on the task of creating a method and a device that make it possible, despite extremely poor viewing conditions, to determine hindrances that might be present in the travel path of the extraction machine, in the form of shield caps that are standing low, or extendible cantilevers, sliding roof bars, or other appurtenances of the powered support that are hanging down, or overloading of the conveyor, in order to be able to take measures to avoid disruptions in operation, in timely manner.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the location of a mining vehicle in a mine. The mine comprises a first and a second work area. At least one identifier (29) whose exact location is known is arranged in the first work area (18a). The location of the mining vehicle (1) is determined continuously by means of a dead reckoning. The location data, based on the dead reckoning, can be updated by means of the identifier. The location data are transmitted to a mine control system for monitoring the mining vehicle.

Abstract: A method for mining and a planer installation for the mining of coal, with a coal planer that can be moved by a planer chain that can be driven via a drive chain wheel of a drive station for the planer chain and that is deflected at a deflection chain wheel of a driveless deflection station. The coal planer is moved back and forth reversibly between the drive station and the deflection station by the planer chain to avoid the occurrence of sag and to minimize the necessary size of an auxiliary drift to be opened. The deflection chain wheel is mounted on a slide that can be displaced in the direction of movement of the coal planer by a tension device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mining device that is used at the face of a mine, said device comprising a sensor that is mounted on the planer for identifying the rock and transmitting rock data for no more than two measuring points per extraction unit via radio to each extraction control device. The measuring signals of adjacent measuring points are evaluated with respect to the prevalence of rock or coal. Based on said evaluation, the tilting unit that is common to the measuring points is controlled with regard to the raising or lowering of the planer. Each tilting unit is allocated an inclinometer, whose measured value of the inclination of the channel in the transversal direction of the latter is fed to the extraction control device and compared with the tilt signal that is generated by the evaluation. Each inclinometer is equipped with a radio transmitter for the radio transmission of the inclination signals to the assigned extraction control device.

Abstract: A planing device and a method for activating a planing device, with a mining planer reversibly moveable by means of a planer chain, with at least two chain drives having variable-speed drive motors, with a planer travel measurement system and with a motor control device which, for example by position control, delivers activation parameters for a change in rotational speed of the drive motors for changing the planing speed and which is assigned a control module 12 with automatic load compensation regulation between the drive motors. A monitoring module is provided, which, for example by position control, switches off the control module for load compensation regulation or modifies its operating mode and delivers different activation parameters to the drive motors.

Abstract: A control system for a mining machine which moves in passes across a seam to be mined using absolute coordinates is disclosed. The machine is carried on rail and co-ordinates of the rail are measured along the length of rail. The rail is then moved to a new position for a next pass, and the distance of moving is determined from the co-ordinates previously measured. By knowing the co-ordinates, the rail can be moved to assume a desired profile, so that a desired profile of the seam can be achieved on the next pass. Co-ordinates of the up and down movement of a shearing head can also be measured and stored with the co-ordinates along the rail to provide a profile of the seam being cut, and so that on a next pass the intended position of the shearing head can be predicted and moved accordingly.

Abstract: A mining machine (7) is provided which moves from side-to-side in sequential passes across a seam of material to be mined. The machine (7) is carried on rail means (19) and co-ordinate positions of the rail means (19) are measured at locations along the length of the rail means. A trailing part of the rail means (19) is then moved by rail moving means (25) to a new position for a next pass, and the distance of moving is determined from the co-ordinates of the positions previously measured. By knowing the co-ordinates of the positions, the rail means (19) can be moved to assume a desired profile, so that a desired profile of the face of the seam can be achieved on the next pass of the machine (7). Desirably the profile is a straight line.

Abstract: In a control system for the longwall support with a plurality of hydraulically actuated supports (mining shields), which are each automatically rearranged in the sense of robbing, advancing, and setting as a function of the position of the mining machine (coal cutter or plow), the position of the mining machine is automatically signaled to the mining shield control system. To this end, the mining machine is equipped with a position signaler. A microprocessor (31), which receives the signals of the position signaler, converts the signals into position signals and/or signals of the direction of movement. A radio set (32) transmits the position signals and/or signals of the direction of movement to radio receivers (33), which are distributed over the mining section and connected to the mining shield control system (34) for converting the position signals and/or signals of the direction of movement into signals for rearranging the mining shields (longwall support devices 1-18).

Abstract: A mining control system for adjusting the advance of the working tools of a mining machine with respect to working depth and/or working height connects to a detection device that is for recognizing the rock being mined and is carried along by the mining machine. A central command station connects by radio to the detection device of the mining machine. The mining control system comprises a plurality of radio receivers arranged in spaced relationship along the longwall, as well as a comparator, which is used for comparing the intensity of the radio signals received by the individual radio receivers and for retransmitting only the strongest of the radio signals to the central command station for generating the command signals for controlling the advance of the mining tools. It is also possible to transmit the radio signals received by each radio receiver to adjacent radio receivers. A separate comparator is associated to and controls each radio receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting selective cutting machines against overload, in which the selective cutting machine has cutting tools, in particular cutting rollers, rotatably supported on a pivotable cantilevered arm, and both the cutting tools and the cutting arm are connected to separate drive mechanisms. At least one strain or deformation measuring sensor is disposed on the pivotable cantilevered arm, and its signals are delivered to an evaluation circuit; the evaluation circuit is connected via control lines at least to the drive mechanisms of the cutting arm and the cutting tool.

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.