A method of determining payload data of a mining machine having a bucket and a handle. Wherein, the bucket and handle are rotatably coupled via a pin and an actuator. The method includes sensing, via a first sensor, a first force associated with the actuator and sensing, via a second sensor, a second force associated with the bucket. The method further includes determining, via a controller, a rotational angle of the bucket and determining, via the controller, payload data based on the first force, the second force, and the rotational angle.

A system for guiding movement of a chassis of a mining machine along a rack includes a shoe and a fluid line for receiving fluid from a fluid source. The shoe is configured to be coupled to the chassis and slidably engage the rack. The shoe is configured to extend at least partially around the rack. The shoe includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is configured to be positioned adjacent the rack. The fluid line includes an outlet positioned proximate the shoe for dispensing the fluid at an interface between the shoe and the rack.

A system for guiding movement of a chassis of a mining machine along a rack includes a shoe and a fluid line for receiving fluid from a fluid source. The shoe is configured to be coupled to the chassis and slidably engage the rack. The shoe is configured to extend at least partially around the rack. The shoe includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the inner surface is configured to be positioned adjacent the rack. The fluid line includes an outlet positioned proximate the shoe for dispensing the fluid at an interface between the shoe and the rack.

A cutting apparatus suitable for creating tunnels and subterranean roadways includes independently pivoting supports that each carry a respective independently pivoting arm and a rotatable cutting head. Each cutting head via the supports and arms, is configured to slew laterally outward in a sideways direction and to pivot in a vertical upward and downward direction. The supports and arms are mounted on a linear moving sled carried by a main frame.

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.

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.

A mining machine including a frame, a cutting head moveably coupled to the frame and pivotable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first mine surface, and a first actuator for stabilizing the frame relative to the first mine surface. The first actuator is coupled to the frame and includes a first end extendable in a first direction to engage the first mine surface. The extension of the first actuator is automatically controlled based on measurements of at least one indicator of the force between the first actuator and the first mine surface.

This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.

This invention relates to a method for determining a wear state of a chisel, a chisel holder, and/or a chisel holder replacement system equipped with a chisel and chisel holder. For this method to give the user qualitative and quantitative information about the wear, according to one embodiment of this invention, a position of at least one point of the chisel and/or the chisel holder is determined by a contactless measurement method and a corresponding measurement result is compared in a switching unit to a reference value stored in a memory device.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for sensing wear in machines designed to reduce or break-down material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing wear of reducing elements used by excavation machines such as surface excavation machines. The present disclosure relates to a wear sensing system including a multi-level wear sensor protection system. The multi-level wear sensor protection system includes a first level of protection, a second level of protection, and a third level of protection.