With Material-handling Means Patents (Class 299/64)
  • Patent number: 11391149
    Abstract: A cutting assembly for a rock excavation machine including a frame. The cutting assembly includes a boom supported on the frame and a cutting device. In some aspects, the boom includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion includes a first structure and a second structure slidable relative to the first structure. The second portion includes a first member pivotably coupled to the second structure, and a second member pivotably coupled to the first member. The cutting device is supported on the second member. In some aspects, a material handling device is supported independently of the boom and movable between a retracted position and an extended position independent of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC
    Inventors: Nagy Daher, Richard Boyd, Edward Bagnall, Stuart Reeves
  • Patent number: 10494925
    Abstract: An automatic straightening device includes a fully-mechanized coal mining working face, which includes a plurality of middle troughs, and each middle trough is connected to a push-pull rod of one hydraulic support. The fully-mechanized coal mining working face is provided with the automatic straightening device. The automatic straightening device includes a flexible element rope, the tensile and compressive force sensors, and a signal processing device. Each middle trough is provided with two tensile and compressive force sensors; one end of the flexible element rope is connected to a rope extend-retract control device, and the other end of the flexible element rope sequentially passes through lifting rings to be connected to the tensile and compressive force sensors and is fixed to a positioning force bearing bolt on the outermost side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignees: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY, XUZHOU GOLDFLUID HYDRAULIC TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haifeng Yan, Zhongbin Wang, Xuliang Lu, Chao Tan, Lei Si, Yiqiao Man, Kai Fan
  • Patent number: 10124967
    Abstract: A robotic carton unloader for automatic unloading of canons from a carton pile. In various embodiments, a robotic carton unloader may comprise a mobile body, a movable robotic arm attached to the mobile body and comprising an end effector configured to unload a row of cartons in a side-by-side orientation from the carton pile, and a conveyor system mounted on the mobile body and configured to receive the row of cartons from the end effector in the side-by-side orientation. In various embodiments the conveyor system may comprise a front-end descrambler and a central descrambler coupled to the front-end descrambler. In various embodiments, the robotic arm may be configured to straddle at least a portion of the mobile body and at least a portion of the conveyor system such that the conveyor system conveys cartons from the carton pile through the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Girtman, Matthew Wicks
  • Patent number: 9291052
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom, a cutter head, a valve, and an actuator. The boom defines an internal chamber and includes a first end coupled to a frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bits and is supported on the second end of the boom. The valve is coupled to the boom and is movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered. The actuator is coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willison, Richard D. Boyd, Brad Neilson
  • Publication number: 20150115691
    Abstract: A material haulage system that transports mining materials, such as but not limited to, coal, ore, etc., from a mine is provided. The material transport system includes a continuous conveyor that transports the mining material, a movable assembly that moves and/or supports the continuous conveyor, and a propulsion assembly attached to the movable assembly that maneuver the continuous conveyor through the mine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Cecil T. Brinager, Danny Keith Justice
  • Patent number: 8985703
    Abstract: A continuous material extraction system for a mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a conveyor extending along the roadway entry, roadway rails extending along the roadway entry, and a material collector moveable along the roadway rails. The material collector is operable to crush material and deposit crushed material onto the conveyor. The system also includes a loading machine that is moveable along the rails and from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell and transferring material removed from the draw bell to the material collector. A bridge conveyor extends between the loading machine and the material collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8985704
    Abstract: A material extraction system is provided for an underground mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a loader movable from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell, a sizer coupled to the loader for sizing the removed material, a material collector operable to collect the sized material, and a shuttle car operable to receive the collected material from the material collector. The material collector has a loading end and a discharge end, and material transport device extending therebetween. The shuttle car is movable along the roadway entry for transferring the collected material so as to facilitate a substantially continuous extraction of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Zimmerman, David Kevin Herdle, Tyler Good
  • Patent number: 8960809
    Abstract: A continuous miner includes a mining portion, a support frame connected to the mining portion, and a discharge portion pivotally attached to the support frame. The discharge portion swings laterally relative to the support frame about a pivot axis. The continuous miner also includes a conveyor extending across the support frame and discharge portion. The conveyor moves mined material from the mining portion to the discharge portion. The conveyor includes a conveyor chain, a rear roller, and a front roller. The continuous miner also includes a conveyor drive system for driving the conveyor chain. The conveyor drive system is located on a bottom surface of the continuous miner and between the rear roller and the front roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8955919
    Abstract: An excavation apparatus is disclosed. The excavation apparatus includes a chassis having a length that extends from a front end to a rear end of the chassis. The chassis also has a width oriented perpendicular to the length. A boom is pivotally attached to the rear end of the chassis. A cutting component mounted to the boom. A shroud structure at least partially covers the cutting component. A source of vacuum is in fluid communication with an interior of the shroud structure for drawing air containing dust from the interior of the shroud structure. A filter filters the air drawn from the interior of the shroud structure by the source of vacuum. A dust barrier projects downwardly from the shroud structure and extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the shroud structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David William Gift, James Thaddeus Schmidt, Mark Cooper
  • Publication number: 20140339880
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a set of methods and procedures that may be combined in order to greatly increase the speed of development of an access ramp in a underground hard-rock mine. More particularly, the present invention was designed to target all the bottle-necks comprised by the access operation of a hard-rock mine that employs a Rail-Veyor machine. The invention also comprises of an ore production line which consists in the sequential arrangement of a series of mining equipment between the work face and the entrance of a hard-rock mine. The invention also comprises a Hard Rock Mining Access Plan for a hard-rock mine which encompasses two parallel ramps interconnected by cross-cut passageways. Further, invention also comprises a Ground Support Installation method configured to shorten the time required for the installation of ground support inside of a hard-rock mine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel MAC INTYRE, Peter GOLDE, Michael VAN DER HOOFT
  • Patent number: 8876220
    Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Highwall Miners LLC
    Inventors: Cornelis Wilhelm In't Hout, Robert Th. Stein
  • Patent number: 8870297
    Abstract: A kicker paddle is disclosed for use with a reclaiming drum. The kicker paddle may have a block with a first end and a second end. The kicker paddle may also have a mounting mechanism located between the first and second ends. The kicker paddle may be symmetric relative to a plane passing through the mounting mechanism that is parallel to the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Pederson, Brian J. Schlenker, Maria L. Biberdorf, Jason W. Muir
  • Publication number: 20140232171
    Abstract: A mining machine includes a boom, a cutter head, a valve, and an actuator. The boom defines an internal chamber and includes a first end coupled to a frame, a second end, and an opening in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The cutter head includes a plurality of cutting bits and is supported on the second end of the boom. The valve is coupled to the boom and is movable between a closed position in which the opening is covered and an open position in which the opening is at least partially uncovered. The actuator is coupled to the valve to selectively move the valve between the closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willison, Richard D. Boyd, Brad Neilson
  • Patent number: 8764893
    Abstract: A dust scrubber for a mining shearer machine is adapted to be mounted behind the rear surface of the shearer arm, on the opposite side of the arm to the mine surface being cut, so as to extract airborne particulates. The scrubber may be mounted to the shearer via a compensation mechanism such as a double hinge and link arrangement which maintains relatively static position and/or orientation of the scrubber despite the pivoting of the shearer arm in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Montall Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Brian Plush
  • Patent number: 8740312
    Abstract: A mining sled with a movable bed. The movable bed nests within the sled and is slidable with respect to the sled. Stops are located on the sled to limit the distance the movable bed can travel with respect to the sled. The movable bed includes brackets at a first end for attachment to the pull-out rope of a pull-out winch. The second end of the movable bed includes a mount for attachment of a pulley. The pulley on the movable bed facilitates attachment to a pull-in rope that is connected to a pull-in winch for transporting the sled toward the continuous miner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Sterling Wayne Lowery
  • Patent number: 8721007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a highwall mining system comprising: a cutterhead (2), a train of conveyor segments (6) connecting to the cutterhead (2), a base structure (5), and a gas guide (P1-P4) running from the base structure (5) to the cutterhead (2) for guiding inert gas to the environment of the cutterhead (2). The invention also relates to a conveyor segment (6) for use in a such a highwall mining system, and to a method for providing this highwall mining system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Highwall Miners LLC
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelm In 'T Hout
  • Publication number: 20140070599
    Abstract: A mining machine for extracting seam-type or mass-deposit mineral materials includes a conveyor for carrying away mined material, a machine frame that can be moved along the conveyor and that includes at least one drum, which is equipped with extracting tools, is rotatable about its drum axis and is adjustable in height relative to a machine frame by a swivel arm. The drum axis of the drum is parallel to the direction of travel of the mining machine, and the extracting tools are mounted in groups on tool carriers which are arranged on the circumference of the drum so as to be rotatable about rotation axes disposed transversely in relation to the drum axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jens Steinberg, Joachim Raschka, Frank Herrmann, Hartmut Mohe
  • Patent number: 8551233
    Abstract: A dust scrubber (30, 130) for a mining shearer machine (12) is adapted to be mounted behind the rear surface of the shearer arm (18), on the opposite side of the arm to the mine surface being cut, so as to extract airborne particulates. The scrubber may be mounted to the shearer via a compensation mechanism such as a double hinge (160, 162) and link (164) arrangement which maintains relatively static position and/or orientation of the scrubber despite the pivoting of the shearer arm in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Montall Holdings Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Brian Plush
  • Publication number: 20130257137
    Abstract: The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING HIGHWALL MINERS LLC
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelm In'T Hout
  • Patent number: 8511756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Neilson, Ted Doheny, Michael S. Adamczyk, Jez Leeming, Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8459750
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device (1) for fixation of a launching unit (50) for highwall mining. The invention also relates to a cylindrical body (2) for use in such an anchoring device. Moreover, the invention relates to a launching unit (50) provided with at least one anchoring device (1) and to methods of fixation and relocation of a launching unit (50). The invention provides an increased stability of launching units (50) for highwall mining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Highwall Miners LLC
    Inventors: Steven Allen Antoline, Paul Emile Van Es, Cornelis Wilhelm in 't Hout
  • Publication number: 20130119745
    Abstract: A material extraction system is provided for an underground mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a loader movable from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell, a sizer coupled to the loader for sizing the removed material, a material collector operable to collect the sized material, and a shuttle car operable to receive the collected material from the material collector. The material collector has a loading end and a discharge end, and material transport device extending therebetween. The shuttle car is movable along the roadway entry for transferring the collected material so as to facilitate a substantially continuous extraction of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: JOY MM DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventor: JOY MM DELAWARE, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130106166
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for horizontal borehole mining a seam of material, in which a substantially horizontal borehole is provided through a seam of material, a retractable casing is disposed within the seam, and a high pressure drilling tool is disposed within said casing for excavation of the seam material to form an excavation cavity, the high pressure drilling tool having a high pressure jet, the direction of the high pressure jet being adjustable during the mining operation. As mining progresses the casing and high pressure drilling tool are retracted, so that the excavation cavity is extended along the length of the borehole back toward the origin of the borehole. The high pressure drilling tool can be either hydraulic or pneumatic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: PCS Phosphate Company, Inc.
    Inventor: PCS Phosphate Company, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130082511
    Abstract: A machine configured to travel across a surface is disclosed. A material removal mechanism is configured to remove material from the surface. A frame supports the material removal mechanism. A conveyor is configured to receive the material and to convey the material to a location off of the machine. A pivotal connection includes connectors connected to the frame and conveyor, respectively, which are configured to mate with one another to allow pivoting of the conveyor relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Jordan Dorian Weckerly, Michael Edwin Stevens, Lucian Mihai Husar, John Eron Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20130049437
    Abstract: A mining system and components for conveyance of mined material. The system may include a continuous miner, a series of one or more conveyor carts, and a loader, coupled in series. The loader may include a first end to be connected to the second end of the series of carts, a feeder assembly proximate to the first end of the loader and also having a first end and a second end, and an elevator at the second end of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly may include a plurality of spaced paddles connected to endless chains. The paddles convey mined material through a bin and to the elevator. Carts may be stackable, with leg supports of an upper cart being received on the side rails of an adjacent lower cart. Couplings include male and female connectors that couple when advanced toward each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: VT LEEBOY, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Whitley, Bill Wilkens, Keith Lee, Benjamine Gary Causby
  • Publication number: 20130033089
    Abstract: A mining machine for cutting material from a mine wall includes a cutting head that is movable to engage the mine wall, a vacuum duct positioned proximate the cutting head and including an inlet for receiving the material that is cut from the mine wall, and a sizer for reducing the size of material that passes into the vacuum duct, the sizer being positioned proximate the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Dushendra Naidoo, Graeme Mackay
  • Publication number: 20120319451
    Abstract: The invention provides for a launch vehicle for a mining system comprising a base frame provided with tracks, an upper frame rotatably connected to the base frame around a substantially vertical axis of rotation, a launch frame connecting to the upper frame, a crane unit and drive means for driving the tracks, the launch frame the crane unit, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING HIGHWALL MINERS LLC
    Inventor: Cornelis Wilhelm In'T Hout
  • Publication number: 20120313422
    Abstract: A method and rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like. The rig has a movable base unit that over a support unit supports a carrying unit which in turn carries a cutting head having outwardly directed cutting elements. The method includes rotating the cutting head around a general axis of rotation and applying the cutting head against a rock surface to be worked. The carrying unit is swung into a first chosen mutual position in respect of the support unit. The support unit is rotated into a second chosen mutual position with respect to the base unit around an axis that is essentially longitudinal with respect to the base unit. An angle of operation of the cutting head is controllable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ATLAS COPCO CRAELIUS AB
    Inventors: Mats Kristerson, Carl-Gustav Martinsson, Sverker Hartwig, Kaj Emanuelsson, Morgan Norling, Gunnar Nord
  • Publication number: 20120205964
    Abstract: A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR GLOBAL MINING HIGHWALL MINERS LLC
    Inventors: Cornelis Wilhelm In't Hout, Robert Th. Stein
  • Patent number: 8186764
    Abstract: A mining machine comprising a discharge boom including a tail slide plate slidably connected between left and rear side frames, and a tail roller assembly mounted on the tail slide plate. The tail roller assembly includes a take-up roller mounted centrally between the side frames and between a pair of spacer blocks and a pair of bearing blocks, each of the spacer blocks and bearing blocks being connected to a rearward edge of the tail slide plate. The mining machine also has an opening in each of the side frames, and two slide plate guides, one on each side frame, each of which is positioned outside of the respective side frame adjacent a respective one of the side frame openings, and mounted for sliding movement relative to its respective side frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall F. Johnson, Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20120091782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position and/or situation of installation components of a mineral mining installation which has as installation components at least one face conveyor for removing mined material, one shield-type support for keeping a face open, pushing devices for pushing the face conveyor and the shield-type support in active operation, an extracting machine which can be moved along the face conveyor, and a drift conveyor, the position and situation of at least one installation component being determined by a measuring system having a detection unit with measurement sensor and the detection unit decoupled from the movement of the extracting machine, can be or is moved to and fro between two points of the guiding system along at least one installation component at the face such as, e.g. the face conveyor, by a separate guiding system 21; a mining installation relating to the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: BUCYRUS EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Wesselmann, Marco Ahler, Campbell Morrison
  • Publication number: 20120019045
    Abstract: A continuous miner has a number of specially located water sprays to form a curtain of water spray across at least a portion of the miner width and behind the cutting assembly of the miner to suppress dust that would otherwise be directed to the operator of the miner and cause the miner operation to be out of compliance with safety regulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Philip W. Southern
  • Publication number: 20120007413
    Abstract: A continuous material extraction system for a mine. The mine includes a roadway entry and a draw-bell entry intersecting the roadway entry and affording access to a draw-bell. The system generally includes a conveyor extending along the roadway entry, roadway rails extending along the roadway entry, and a material collector moveable along the roadway rails. The material collector is operable to crush material and deposit crushed material onto the conveyor. The system also includes a loading machine that is moveable along the rails and from the roadway entry into the draw-bell entry for removing material from the draw-bell and transferring material removed from the draw bell to the material collector. A bridge conveyor extends between the loading machine and the material collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20120007412
    Abstract: A material extraction system for an underground mine includes an elevated haulage conveyor extending between first and second ends of a roadway entry. The haulage conveyor is cantilevered from a mine wall and conveys material toward either end of the roadway entry. The system also includes a crusher including a drive operable to move the crusher along the roadway entry. The system further includes a bridge conveyor including a first end adjacent the crusher and receiving material from the crusher, and a second end adjacent the elevated haulage conveyor and positioned for depositing material onto the elevated haulage conveyor. The bridge conveyor is moveable with the crusher along the roadway entry. The system also includes a loader moveable along the roadway entry and into and out of material collection entries to collect material therefrom and transport the material to the crusher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8066110
    Abstract: A conveyor segment for use in a train of such conveyor segments in high wall mining is provided with at least one hook located and at least one coupling element, wherein the hook and the coupling element are suited for coupling, wherein the hook is moveable between an open position and a closed position, and the conveyor segment is provided with locking means for securing the hook in a closed position. An assembly includes at least two such conveyor segments. A method of coupling of such conveyor segments includes bringing the hook of a first conveyor segment in contact with a coupling element of second conveyor segment. A method of releasing such conveyor segments includes urging two coupled conveyor segments together while moving the hook from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Superior Highwall Miners, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Allen Antoline, Paul Emile Van Es
  • Publication number: 20110227397
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Alex Freire de Andrade, Charl Christo Veldman, Arthur Kenneth Möller, Joaquim Antonio Soares de Sousa, Theuns Fichardt Skea
  • Patent number: 7931341
    Abstract: A launch vehicle (10) is provided for a continuous mining system including modular conveyor units (U) that are connected together to form a conveyor train. The launch vehicle (10) includes a main frame (12) for supporting a rearmost conveyor unit (U) of the conveyor train. The main frame (12) includes a first side over which additional conveyor units (U) are added to the conveyor train and a second side. A belly conveyor (14) is carried on the main frame (12). A drive assembly (42) is provided for selectively advancing and withdrawing the conveyor train. Further the launch vehicle (10) includes a canopy (18) overlying the main frame (12). The canopy (18) is mounted on at least one cantilever support (20) extending upwardly adjacent the second side of the main frame (12) whereby the first side is left open for adding additional conveyor units (U) to the conveyor train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ICG Addcar Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Baird, Jr., Ian T. Carr
  • Patent number: 7926640
    Abstract: In a haulage device for the continuous removal of material excavated below ground, which can be continuously slaved between a mining machine (8) and a continuous road haulage means (2) over a defined path and narrow curve radii of the mining machine (8) while continuously hauling without interruption, the haulage device is configured as a closed-belt conveyor (9) which is movable on a suspended rail system (3), whose receiving end adjacent the mining machine (8) is coupled with a movable transfer conveyor (7) and whose end facing away from the mining machine (8) and adjacent the continuous road haulage means (2) is connected with a clamping device exerting a defined tensile stress over a defined displacement path of the transfer end of the closed-belt conveyor (8) in a displaceable transfer position onto the continuous road haulage means (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Materials Handling GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Manfred Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20110062768
    Abstract: The invention provides a mining machine and a method of mining. The mining machine includes a body, an arm mounted on the body for angular displacement relative to the body, a mining head mounted on an end region of the arm for rotation relative to the end region of the arm, drive means for driving the mining head to rotate relative to the end region of the arm while the mining head is in abutment with a mining face, and drive means for driving the arm to displace angularly relative to the body, such that, in use, the arm can be driven to displace angularly relative to the body to sweep the mining head across a mining face while the mining head is driven to rotate and in abutment with the mining face, thereby to mine the mining face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: NINE DOT SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD.
    Inventors: Petrus Johannes Adriaan Van Zyl, Pieter Conrad Schoeman, Chris Du Toit, Anton Beukes
  • Publication number: 20110049965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of mining underground coal and recovering coal seam gas, the method including locating a seam of coal; digging a mine shaft to reach the seam of coal; constructing a ventilated underground control center which includes a computerized control panel, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movement of a drill head, a hollow drill shaft, a movable hydraulic shield, a movable resin roof bolting machine, and a movable waste extrusion device; providing mining personnel to the ventilated underground control center; and allowing the mining personnel to operate the computerized control panel wherein they perform the tasks of moving the drill head into the seam of coal to obtain aggregate coal and coal seam gas; extruding waste material into mined-out space of the coal seam; and transferring the aggregate coal and coal seam gas to the surface of the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: George Anthony Aulisio, Leander Francis Aulisio
  • Publication number: 20110018332
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for mining a material in an underground environment. The method comprises positioning a structure in an underground roadway and locating the structure so that the structure provides a reactive force when a cutting head is pushed against the material via a series of members coupled to the structure. The roadway is suitable for passage of people and transportation of machinery and removed material. The method also comprises coupling the cutting head to at least one of the members of the series of members and the series of members to the structure. Further, the method comprises forming a plurality of branch tunnel portions projecting from the roadway into the material using the cutting head and the series of members coupled to the structure, comprising repositioning the cutting head and the series of members between formation of the branch tunnel portions. At least one of the formed branch tunnel portions has a length of more than 50 m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Lumb
  • Publication number: 20100314931
    Abstract: In a heading machine (1, 24) with at least one cutting unit with a rotatably mounted tool holder (10, 39) with disc tools (11, 12, 40, 41), which tool holder is connected in a pivotable manner to the machine frame, the heading machine (1, 24) has a running gear, in particular a crawler track (2), the tool holder (10, 39) is mounted rotatably on an arm (6, 26), which can be pivoted in the vertical direction and the rotational axis (9) of the tool holder (10, 39) runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm (6, 26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SANDVIK MINING AND CONSTRUCTION G.M.B.H.
    Inventors: Bernhard Ebner, Peter Kogler
  • Publication number: 20100308641
    Abstract: A conveyor system for an open pit mine may include one or more conveyor lines. The conveyor lines are used to transport material from one location in the mine to another location. The material transported may be a waste material, such as overburden material, or coal. The conveyor lines may move from a first end of the pit to a distal second end. When the conveyor lines reach the second end, they may reverse direction and return towards the first end. During this reversal in direction of travel, equipment may be selectively swapped between the conveyor lines. The conveyor lines may include at least one mobile bridge conveyor. Each mobile bridge conveyor may support one or more conveyors that transport the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ThyssenKrupp Robins, Inc.
    Inventors: Christof Brewka, Ruben E. Lezius, Martin S. Lurie
  • Publication number: 20100276985
    Abstract: A mining machine comprising a discharge boom including a tail slide plate slidably connected between left and rear side frames, and a tail roller assembly mounted on the tail slide plate. The tail roller assembly includes a take-up roller mounted centrally between the side frames and between a pair of spacer blocks and a pair of bearing blocks, each of the spacer blocks and bearing blocks being connected to a rearward edge of the tail slide plate. The mining machine also has an opening in each of the side frames, and two slide plate guides, one on each side frame, each of which is positioned outside of the respective side frame adjacent a respective one of the side frame openings, and mounted for sliding movement relative to its respective side frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Joy MM Delaware
    Inventors: Randall F. Johnson, Joseph J. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100276983
    Abstract: This description is directed to a method and system for integrating an in-situ bitumen recovery operation with a bitumen mining operation for improved efficiencies and synergies therebetween. The method comprises obtaining a production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, directing the production fluid to the bitumen mining operation, and incorporating the production fluid into the bitumen mining operation. The basic integrated system comprises a production well for recovering production fluid from the in-situ bitumen recovery operation, a bitumen mining and extraction facility, and a transporter for directing the production fluid from the production well to the bitumen mining and extraction facility for incorporation into the mining and extraction operation. The in-situ recovery operation may be a thermal operation, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), cyclic steam stimulation (CSS), or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: James Andrew Dunn, Brian C. Speirs
  • Publication number: 20100244544
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ejector unit, in particular for a road milling machine, having an ejector that is replaceably mounted on a carrier. In one aspect the ejector is curved in a scoop-like fashion. In another aspect the ejector is reversible upon the carrier to allow the ejector to be reversed after one wear surface is worn, thus presenting a new second wear surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Buhr, Stefan Abresch, Thomas Lehnert, Guenter Haehn, Cyrus Barimani
  • Publication number: 20100237681
    Abstract: In a mining machine (1) for the processing of a ground (3), in particular surface miner, with a machine frame (2), a cutting drum (4) mounted in the machine frame (2), a first transport device (6), which accepts mining material from the cutting drum (4), a second transport device (12), which accepts the mining material from the first transport device (6) at a point of acceptance (18) that is arranged at the lower end (14) of the second transport device (12) and is located below the upper end (22) of the first transport device (6), a conveyor suspension device (10) for the second transport device (12), which is mounted at the machine frame (2) to slew about a vertical slewing axis (8), where the second transport device (12) is pivotable about a first horizontal pivoting axis (24) that runs transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second transport device (12) and is mounted in the conveyor suspension device (10), and where the vertical slewing axis (8) of the conveyor suspension device (10) runs essentia
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: WIRTGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schonebeck, Thomas Mannebach, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Publication number: 20100148567
    Abstract: A system for supplying temporary power to a piece of mining equipment includes a power inverter and controller system. The system uses the battery power of a first piece of mining equipment to temporarily move and/or power a second piece of mining equipment. The first piece of mining equipment is preferably a battery powered mobile piece of equipment so that the first piece of mining equipment can move in conjunction with the second piece of mining equipment. The controller can be remote so that an operator can power and/or move the second piece of mining equipment from a distance, either on ground or on the first piece of mining equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Douglas McClure
  • Publication number: 20100117439
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BUCYRUS DBT EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Norbert Hesse, Klaus Duhnke, Diedrich Bettermann, Gerhard Siepenkort
  • Patent number: 7677674
    Abstract: In a cutting machine (1) with cutting heads or rollers (7) rotationally mounted on a pivotable cutting arm (6), including a loading ramp or a conveyor (9) extending in the direction to the mine face for receiving and removing the cut material, wherein the cutting arm (6) is mounted on a carriage (4) displaceable on guides extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine, the carriage (4) carries guide rods (12) extending in the longitudinal direction of the machine and engaging in tubular guides (13) of the machine frame (3) carrying a chassis (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction G.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Erich Brandl, Kurt Schaffer