Abstract: A system for remotely operating a machine, such as a mine vehicle, includes at least one first emitter for emitting a first signal corresponding to a first zone adjacent to the machine. A transmitter is provided for receiving the first signal emitted by the emitter, the transmitter being adapted for issuing commands for controlling the machine and also indicating the presence of the transmitter in the first zone. A controller is also provided for controlling the machine based on the control signals from the transmitter based on the presence of the transmitter in the first zone. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ventilation module for a rail vehicle contains a housing having an air inlet, an air outlet, a dust discharge opening, a first cleaning station in an upper region of the housing, a cyclone separator which has a dust outlet and a cyclone air outlet. A second cleaning stage is disposed in a central region of the housing, which is arranged underneath the first cleaning stage such that air from the cyclone air outlet can reach the second cleaning stage. A dust discharge channel is connected to the dust outlet and is arranged in the central region. A dust discharge fan is set up to extract air and dust from the dust discharge channel and to remove the same through the dust discharge opening. A machine room fan is arranged in a lower region of the housing and is set up to extract air through the second cleaning station.

Abstract: An absorption-induction convectional dust-controlling/removing air/fog curtain device of a fully-mechanized working face and a method thereof, wherein the device includes an extraction type dust-purifying blower, a sector deflector, a shearer external spraying device and an inter-hydraulic-support spraying device. The shearer external spraying devices are mounted at both sides of a shearer body close to rocking arms of a shearer and the inter-hydraulic-support spraying devices are mounted at two un-advanced hydraulic supports and two hydraulic supports at a leeward side of a front drum of the shearer respectively. Two extraction type dust-purifying blowers symmetrically mounted at the rocking arm close to the body of the shearer are started simultaneously with their air inlets exactly facing front and rear drums of the shearer respectively, and air outlets connected with the sector deflector.

Abstract: A barricade wall is provided that is easily and rapidly customizable in a mine depending on the requirements of the particularly open area. The barricade wall can be customizable depending on the size and spatial requirements of a particular open area in a mine. Further, the top beams of the barricade wall can be elongated or shortened, depending on the requirements of the open area in the mine. The barricade wall has a first rigid wall section with spring loaded wall extensions attached to the wall section.

Abstract: A drive apparatus in a self-propelled construction machine comprises a milling rotor and a main drive which can be coupled to the milling rotor via an engaging and disengaging clutch, and an auxiliary drive which can be coupled to the milling rotor alternatively to the main drive. The clutch is provided with a fixed side and an axially displaceable output side, which is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The axially displaceable side is simultaneously also the engaging and disengaging part of a shiftable transmission, the fixed part of which is driven by the auxiliary drive, with the transmission and the clutch being engaged and disengaged in a selective fashion via the axially displaceable side of the clutch.

Abstract: A ventilation system and method for a cold planer are provided. The ventilation system includes a settling box inside a water tank. The settling box includes a body. The body includes at least one sidewall defining an air inlet having a first cross-section to accept dust and fumes generated by a milling drum operation of the cold planer but to reject particles from the milling drum operation at or above a predetermined size. The settling box further includes an air outlet having a second cross-section less than the first cross-section of the air inlet. The ventilation system further includes an outlet pipe connected to the air outlet, a fan and a cleaning system. The fan is configured to pull air from below the air inlet into the settling box, through the air outlet and to the outlet pipe.

Abstract: A cooling system for an agricultural vehicle includes a housing configured to support one or more cooling components, a debris conduit extending from the housing of the cooling system, a suction fan configured to rotate to apply negative airflow, and a valve configured to move between an open position in which the debris conduit is fluidly coupled to the suction fan and a closed position in which the debris conduit is isolated from the suction fan.

Abstract: Cold planer exhaust systems and methods of clearing the same are disclosed. The exhaust systems and methods may include an inlet manifold located proximate a milling drum housing and above a material conveyor. The inlet manifold may further include at least one inlet passage and at least one access door configured to open and allow access to an interior of the exhaust system. The systems and methods may further include a ventilator configured to draw dust and fumes into and through the exhaust system.

Abstract: A longitudinally yieldable support for underground roof support includes an elongate outer shell filled with a solid compressible filler material. At least one air ventilation tube extends between opposite sides of the support to allow a flow of air through the support as the support yields.

Abstract: Systems and methods to detect and warn proximate entities of interest are described herein. An example hazard warning system for a forktruck includes a controllable light source to project light onto a floor adjacent the forktruck. A hazard discriminator determines when the forktruck poses a hazard to an entity of interest in a vicinity of the forktruck, and responsively generates a hazard output. A controller receives the hazard output and controls the light source such that the light source is in a first state when the hazard output is not received and a second state when the hazard output is received, where the first state is different than the second state.

Abstract: A guidance system for mining a seam of material includes a mining machine, a carriage, and a guide assembly. The mining machine includes a cutter head and defines a roll axis extending the length of the machine, a pitch axis extending from one side of the machine to the other side, and a yaw axis extending from a top side of the machine to the bottom side. The carriage includes a first emitter, a second emitter, and a third emitter. The first emitter projects a first laser that is aligned with a seam plane. The second emitter projects a second laser, and the third emitter projects a third laser. The guide assembly includes a first indicator and a target. The first indicator is aligned with the second laser, and the target is aligned with the third laser. The relative positions of the first indicator with respect to the second laser and the target with respect to the third laser indicate the orientation of the roll axis, pitch axis, and yaw axis relative to the seam plane.

Abstract: A method of treating a plurality of fines of a dusting material to prevent emanation of dust from the dusting material is described. An aqueous solution comprising a mixture of soluble non-ionic cellulose ether, a plasticizer, and a surfactant is provided. The aqueous solution is applied to a dusting material comprising a plurality of fines. The dusting material is transferred during the applying step from a first location to a second location as the aqueous solution is applied to the plurality of fines. The dusting material is mixed with the aqueous solution to coat the plurality of fines with the aqueous solution. The treated dusting material is accumulated into a mass of the material subsequent to the applying step wherein the aqueous solution is substantially evenly distributed throughout an interior portion of the mass of the treated dusting material.

Abstract: Rock dust is applied to a coal mine wall for mine fire suppression in combination with a chemical foam containing a saturated fatty acid, preferably stearic acid, which imparts hydrophobic properties to the rock dust particles, avoiding agglomeration. The rock dust and foam containing a saturated fatty acid are combined by causing the rock dust and foam to flow through separate conduits to a combiner from which the resulting mixture is caused to flow through a nozzle for application to the mine wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a modular shelter that is suited for use as a safety chamber in an underground working environment. The shelter includes at least two wall units connected along a substantially sealed seam, a base unit that extends substantially throughout a floor plan of the shelter, and a roll cage that surrounds an outer extent of the shelter above the floor plan. The shelter may be configured to maintain a pressurized state in a closed condition. Each of the at least two wall units may share a substantially common shape and substantially common dimension, and may form a part of a wall, ceiling, and floor of the shelter. The shelter can also include various atmospheric control, circulation, and purge systems, and exterior and soft seal doors to assist in maintaining a livable atmosphere in the safety chamber.

Abstract: A self-movable mine refuge chamber powered by a drive assembly, preferably in the form of a set of crawler or tractor mechanisms, mounted on the chamber, so that the chamber can be moved through the mine without use of any other motive force. The drive assembly further includes a tilt assembly so that one end of the other of the chamber can also be tilted to establish a modified height profile to permit obstacles along the path to be negotiated. The drive assembly is powered by an on-board, detachable power supply module and, using controls from outside the chamber, the chamber can be maneuvered through working tunnels or roadways, crosscuts, or other passageways within the mine, and be positioned and repositioned at will.

Abstract: This invention refers to innovative water sprays applications to significantly improve coal and quartz dust control around a continuous miner. Significant dust control is achieved through utilizing different types of sprays at locations on the top and sides of the miner chassis to create water curtains or shrouds of water around zones of high dust concentration and zones of high concentration dust transport. This is called “multiple lines of defense” spray system (MLD.) This invention also provides a method of reducing dust around a continuous miner by configuring a spray system, located at the top or sides of the cutter boom, thereby improving control of respirable dust.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine may include a stationary boom member, a stationary gear and bearing housing attached to the boom member, and a cutter drum assembly rotatably mounted on the stationary gear and bearing housing. Cutting elements and spray nozzles may be mounted on the rotatable cutter drum assembly. The spray nozzles may be configured to direct liquid spray at a mine face as mine material is dislodged by rotation of the cutter drum assembly and contact of the cutting elements with the mine face. Stationary liquid passageways may be provided through the gear and bearing housing, and rotatable liquid passageways may be provided through the rotatable cutter drum assembly and configured to convey liquid to the spray nozzles.

Abstract: Systems for installing roof support sheets on a mine roof. One system includes a support frame, a lifting system, and a feeding system. The support frame holds a plurality of roof support sheets. The lifting system lifts at least one of the sheets from the support frame. The feeding system obtains the at least one sheet from the lifting system and feeds the at least one sheet toward an installation apparatus for installation on the mine roof. The lifting system includes a shoe and at least one arm for moving the shoe to engage and move the at least one sheet. The feeding system includes a drive assembly and a support. The drive assembly engages and moves the at least one sheet toward the installation apparatus, and the support supports the at least one sheet moved by the drive assembly.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device (1) for anchoring a post (1a, 1b, 1c) in a support structure (2), a system with such a post (1a, 1b, 1c) being able to be a fall restraint protection system, an installation for protecting an area on a support structure (2), and a method for installing a post (1a, 1b, 1c). The anchoring device is characterized in that it comprises a securing means or member conformed so as to cooperate with the post (1a, 1b, 1c) for securing the post (1a, 1b, 1c) to said anchoring device (1) and in that the anchoring device (1) comprises a plate (7) raised with respect to the collar (4) so as to leave a space between the plate (7) and the collar (4), said plate (7) carrying said securing means or member. Application in the field of fixing a post, in particular for the fall restraint protection of personnel working in a dangerous area.

Abstract: A refuge shelter includes a container. The shelter includes a tent that is disposed in the container in an undeployed state. The tent includes an inflatable support structure which is inflatable from an undeployed state in the container to a deployed state, and a seal which seals the tent to the container in a deployed state. The support structure has a plurality of hoses interconnected by couplers. The hoses have an inside diameter of less than 5 inches. A gas flow apparatus. A refuge shelter for miners in a mine includes a container and a tent that is disposed in the container. The tent has a test support to which a sample of the external environment can be obtained from inside the tent when the tent is deployed. A method for providing a refuge chamber for miners in a mine.

Abstract: This technology relates to a method of forming an aerated material for application to the surfaces of mines to minimize dust formation. The aerated material is comprised of rock dust and a foaming agent which is mixed with water, and when properly mixed and applied to a mine surface, creates a dry cellular structure with little caking.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.

Abstract: A refuge chamber for miners in a mine includes a skid. The chamber includes a tent that is disposed in the skid in an undeployed state which is expandable to a deployed state and extends from the skid to provide a protected atmosphere for the miners. A method for providing a refuge chamber for miners in a mine including the steps of opening a skid made of metal. There is the step of expanding a tent that is disposed in the skid in an undeployed state to a deployed state that extends from the skid to provide a protected atmosphere for the miners.

Abstract: A method of locating and controlling subsurface coal fires is provided that includes mapping a subsurface coal bed fire using a magnetometer, where the mapping includes locating a combustion zone and an air inlet to the combustion zone of the coal bed fire, drilling an injection port from the earth surface to a previously burned zone of the combustion zone, where the injection port is disposed between the air inlet and the combustion zone, inserting a tube in the injection port, where the tube has an exterior tube seal disposed around the tube, and the exterior tube seal isolates the earth surface from the combustion zone along an exterior of the tube. The method further includes injecting an inert gas through the tube to the combustion zone, where the inert gas controls the combustion zone of the coal bed fire.

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.

Abstract: A method for co-extracting non-combustible ore (e.g., trona) and methane from an underground formation comprising at least one methane-bearing layer and a non-combustible ore bed having a rock roof, comprising: providing a well having a downhole end positioned above the ore bed roof; mining an ore region from an initial cavity and removing the mined ore, thereby creating a subsequent cavity; advancing the mining step to another ore region from the subsequent cavity; allowing the roof of the initial cavity to cave so as to create a gob; repeating the mining, advancing and caving steps, the caving being effective in generating fluid communication between the gob and the well downhole end and in fracturing the methane-bearing layer so as to release methane into the gob; and recovering a gob gas comprising released methane through the well to the surface.

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.

Abstract: A shelter to protect users from an external environment has an inner front module having an airlock and an outer front module which is slidingly attached to the inner front module. The shelter has an inner rear module and an outer rear module slidingly attached to the inner rear module. When the outer front module and the inner front module are in an extended state and the outer rear module and the inner rear module are in an extended state and the outer front module and outer rear module are attached, they form an airtight chamber in which users are protected from the external environment. A method for constructing a shelter to protect users from an external environment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine refuge for use in a mine includes a chamber sized and shaped for occupancy by at least one miner and adapted to be substantially sealed. An oxygen supply is installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the chamber. A breathable air supply is installed in the chamber for supplying a steady flow of breathable air and for positively pressurizing the chamber to inhibit entry of contaminated mine air into the chamber.

Abstract: This invention refers to innovative water sprays applications to significantly improve coal and quartz dust control around a continuous miner. Significant dust control is achieved through utilizing different types of sprays at locations on the top and sides of the miner chassis to create water curtains or shrouds of water around zones of high dust concentration and zones of high concentration dust transport. This is called “multiple lines of defense” spray system (MLD.) This invention also provides a method of reducing dust around a continuous miner by configuring a spray system, located at the top or sides of the cutter boom, thereby improving control of respirable dust.

Abstract: A rock dust blower and method draws rock dust from a portable supply of rock dust, in response to a flow of pressurized air, and entrains the drawn rock dust in a stream of the air for direction to selected surfaces of a coal mine. The supply is contained in a substantially vertical column and rock dust is drawn from the column along a peripheral edge of the column located adjacent the lower end of the column to thereby militate against cavitation of the rock dust adjacent the center of the column as rock dust is drawn from the supply. A vibrator mechanism can be employed to transmit vibration to the supply and thereby facilitate an even distribution of rock dust in the supply and a smooth and continuous flow of rock dust as rock dust is drawn from the supply.

Abstract: Methods and systems for turning a cutting drum of a mining machine at a maintenance speed. One mining machine includes a cutting drum with a plurality of bits mounted on the drum and a cutting drum turning mechanism. The cutting drum turning mechanism includes a power source, a cutter motor, a switch, and a variable frequency drive. The state has a first and a second state. The first state electrically couples the power source and the cutter motor to operate the cutting drum at a cutting, and the second state electrically couples the variable frequency drive and the cutter motor to operate the cutting drum at a maintenance speed less than the cutting speed.

Abstract: A method of applying frictional braking to motion of a cutter providing chain thereof, involving the entering of an insertional element into the chain channel guide.

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.

Abstract: A system for reducing ambient dust during drilling in a mine tunnel comprising securing a wire mesh upon the tunnel wall at the work area and temporarily suspending an attachment plate upon the wire mesh by hooks and a depending springy cable. A horizontally extending, rotatable arm having a rotatable clamp on its end is connected to the plate. The clamp holds the end of a water spray hose which may be manually directed to spray water on debris at the work area to reduce dust from the. debris/ The attachment my be moved from place to place along the tunnel wall and the waters spray redirected accordingly.

Abstract: A refuge chamber for miners in a mine includes a skid. The chamber includes a tent that is disposed in the skid in an undeployed state which is expandable to a deployed state and extends from the skid to provide a protected atmosphere for the miners. A method for providing a refuge chamber for miners in a mine including the steps of opening a skid made of metal. There is the step of expanding a tent that is disposed in the skid in an undeployed state to a deployed state that extends from the skid to provide a protected atmosphere for the miners.

Abstract: An explosive-resistant mine seal, which includes a pair of block walls. An adhesive is provided between adjoining surfaces of the blocks where the adhesive has greater strength properties than the blocks themselves. A core member is provided between the two walls and is bound thereto. The adhesive may be coated over the walls to increase the strength of the mine seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining structural change in a mining operation. A first scan of gateroad surfaces is obtained and information of the scan profile is stored. At a later time a second scan of the gateroad surfaces is then obtained. Information of the scans can be registered and any difference noted. If the difference exceeds a threshold a warning can be provided indicating a gateroad structural change that may be hazardous. The scans can be made from a single sensor, or from multiple sensors (301, 303). In the case where the sensors (301, 303) are mounted on a gateroad traversing structure (109), the distance of spacing of the sensors (301, 303) can be used to determine when the sensor (303) has reached a position of movement or travel of the gateroad traversing structure (109) where the scan from sensor (301) was made. A distance sensor (309) can be provided to determine the distance of movement and where the scans coincide.

Abstract: A mine safety system having at least a substantial portion of a mine conduit buried within a trench that is formed in the mine floor is provided. The mine safety system can be sturdy and durable in construction and in operation because a substantial pressure from a mine collapse is transferred to the surrounding earth or soil when the mine conduit is partially or fully buried in the mine floor. The mine safety system can be simply and inexpensively installed in newly constructed mines or retrofitted in existing mines. The mine conduit can be made of a lightweight plastic which can make handling of the conduit easier. Moreover, installation of the trench and the mine safety system is quicker and easier with use of a cutter drum that can form a curved trench bottom when the conduit is circular.

Abstract: A high-strength anchor system for anchoring a support to mine strata is disclosed. The system includes an anchor plate and a connecting member on the anchor plate for connection of the support to the anchor plate. Anchor bolts extend through bolt holes in the anchor plate into bore holes in the mine strata. Load-spreading devices extend from respective bolt holes in the anchor plate into the bore holes. The load-spreading devices have outside diameters larger than outside diameters of the anchor bolts for spreading shear loads exerted on the anchor bolts over larger areas of the mine strata. A method of installing such a system and a safe room bulkhead using such a system are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A miner communication and locating system is disclosed. Two technologies used in the system include a communicator, and a locator array that may be used with a computer. The communicator portion allows trapped miners to continually signal without physical effort that they have survived a cave-in or explosion in a direct, mechanical, and reliable manner. The locator array receives the communicator signal for use to accurately identify where the survivors are underground, and facilitate their rescue; a computer can be used to calculate the position of the communicator from information provided by a plurality of locators: global positioning system receivers may be used with the locator array.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.

Abstract: A high-strength anchor system for anchoring a support to mine strata is disclosed. The system includes an anchor plate and a connecting member on the anchor plate for connection of the support to the anchor plate. Anchor bolts extend through bolt holes in the anchor plate into bore holes in the mine strata. Load-spreading devices extend from respective bolt holes in the anchor plate into the bore holes. The load-spreading devices have outside diameters larger than outside diameters of the anchor bolts for spreading shear loads exerted on the anchor bolts over larger areas of the mine strata. A method of installing such a system and a safe room bulkhead using such a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine refuge for use in a mine includes a chamber having an interior space sized and shaped for occupancy by at least one person. An oxygen supply is installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the chamber. A mask is operatively connected to the oxygen supply and is adapted for donning by the person to supply oxygen to the person. In some embodiments, an air supply in addition to the oxygen supply is provided.

Abstract: A method for treating a mass of coal to suppress emanation of coal dust therefrom, the mass of coal having, prior to treatment, an exposed surface from which dust may emanate, comprises applying to the exposed surface an aqueous fluid comprising gelatinized starch to form a layer of the fluid over the surface and drying the layer of the fluid to form a crust over the surface.

Abstract: A flexible, inflatable shelter is held within a storage container. The shelter can be erected rapidly, by directing compressed gas held or produced within the container, into the flexible material which will define the finished shelter. Personnel using the shelter then enter through an air lock door located in the storage container. An air lock may be alternatively provided such that is located at least partly within the deployed shelter, and so that it does not occupy substantial space in the container. The container includes supplies necessary to sustain life for an extended period. The shelter can be used to protect personnel from harmful environments caused by accidents or explosions in mines, tunnels, industrial plants, and the like. The container is compact, but allows rapid deployment of the flexible material to produce a shelter which is of approximately the same volume, or greater, than that of the storage container.

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 shaft plug for a mine shaft, the shaft plug comprising an inflatable bladder adapted to be inflated by pressurised gas, the bladder being adapted to be positioned within a shaft prior to inflation and to be inflated to contact the walls of the shaft to thereby seal the shaft and provide support to the shaft wall. A plurality of shaft plugs are adapted to by linked together in a manner to provide gas communication between the shaft plugs to provide a shaft plug to enable the shaft to be substantially filled by the shaft plug when inflated. Also defined is a method of sealing a mine shaft and supporting the shaft wall by use of a shaft plug.

Abstract: A water spray assembly especially adapted for control of dust suppression in mining machines has a manifold with one or a number of nozzles mounted thereon. The manifold provides communication between the nozzles and a manifold inlet, the manifold inlet being adapted to connect to a supply of water. The manifold with one half of a quick connect coupling cooperates with a nozzle block having a bore sized to receive at least a portion of the manifold and the other half of the quick connect coupling. The use of quick connect coupling half with the block allows easy removal and insertion of the manifold.