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.
Abstract:
A cutting device for cutting rock includes a disc and a plurality of cutting elements secured to the disc. The disc is supported for rotation about an axis of rotation, and the disc includes a peripheral edge extending around the axis of rotation. The plurality of cutting elements are spaced apart along the peripheral edge of the disc and positioned in a cutting plane. Each of the cutting elements includes a base portion and a cutting portion including a cutting edge, and the cutting portion has a width that is larger than a width of the base portion.
Abstract:
A method of tensioning a conveyor element of a conveyor. The method includes generating, with a proximity sensor, an output signal indicative of the conveyor element being undertensioned, receiving the output signal from the proximity sensor, and activating a solenoid-controlled valve to an open state in response to receiving the output signal from the proximity sensor. The method also includes driving, with a pump, a piston of a cylinder while the solenoid-controlled valve is in the open state, pushing, with the cylinder, a take-up bar including a second portion of a ratcheting mechanism to engage with a first portion of the ratcheting mechanism of a locking plate, and imparting, via the locking plate, a locking force on the take-up bar. The method further includes overcoming the locking force and moving the shaft of the conveyor away from a centerline of the conveyor with the take-up bar when the locking force is overcome.
Abstract:
A cutting pick for a mining machine includes an elongated shank, a cutting portion, an insert, and an indicator. The elongated shank includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The cutting portion is connected to the second end of the shank and includes an outer surface and a cutting end. The cutting end includes a slot extending along an axis. The insert includes a tip and an end portion opposite the tip. The end portion is positioned in the slot such that the tip protrudes from the slot. The indicator is positioned on the outer surface of the cutting portion. A position of a portion of the indicator relative to the axis is aligned with a position of the end portion of the insert relative to the axis.
Abstract:
A cutting bit assembly includes a block, a bit sleeve, and a seal. The block includes a first bore and a fluid passage. The fluid passage includes a first portion and a second portion in fluid communication with the first portion. The first portion is oriented obliquely with respect to the first bore, and the second portion extends at least partially around the perimeter of the first bore. The bit sleeve includes a shank, a flange, and a second bore extending through the shank and the flange. The shank is positioned within the first bore of the block such that a surface of the flange engages a first end surface of the block. The seal is positioned between the second portion of the fluid passage and the shank to prevent contact between a fluid in the fluid passage and the outer surface of the shank.
Abstract:
A mining machine includes a frame, a first fluid tank, a second fluid tank, a valve, and a control system. The first fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a first end, and the second fluid tank is supported on the frame proximate a second end. The valve permits fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a first position, and prevents fluid communication between the first and second fluid tanks when the valve is in a second position. The control system includes a first sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the first tank, a second sensor detecting an amount of fluid in the second tank, and a controller. The controller moves the valve to the first position when the difference between the amounts of fluid in the first and second tanks a predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for operating a mining machine. One system includes a controller, a stationary object, and a radar device. The radar device transmits radio waves toward the stationary object and detects reflections of the radio waves. The controller obtains timing information regarding the radio waves and the reflections. Based on the timing information, the controller is configured to determine a first distance between the radar device and the stationary object before sumping the mining machine into material and a second distance between the radar device and the stationary object after sumping the mining machine into the material. The controller is also configured to determine a sump depth of the mining machine based on the first distance and the second distance, compare the determined sump depth to a predetermined sump depth, and perform at least one automatic action when the determined sump depth does not satisfy the predetermined sump depth.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for operating a mining machine. One system includes a roof support system, a radar device, and at least one controller. The roof support system incorporates an anti-stealth device, and the radar device is configured to transmit a plurality of radio waves toward the roof support system and detect a plurality of reflections of the plurality of radio waves. The at least one controller is configured to obtain reflection data from the radar device representing timing information regarding the plurality of radio waves and the plurality of reflections, determine a position of the roof support system based on the reflection data, and perform at least one automatic action when the identified position of the roof support system satisfies a threshold.
Abstract:
A proximity detection system at least one processor. The processor configured to detect a location of an object; determine a velocity of the object; define a zone around the object based on the location and the velocity; and automatically perform at least one action if the zone around the object overlaps with a location of a piece of equipment.
Abstract:
A cutter head includes a first member, a cutting bit, and a second member. The first member includes a first end and a second end and includes a first mass. The cutting bit is coupled to the first member proximate the second end. The cutting bit includes a cutting edge rotatable about the axis. The second member is rotatable about the axis and includes a second mass eccentrically positioned with respect to the axis. Rotation of the second mass causes the first member and the cutting bit to oscillate.