Various examples are provided related to methane detection in harsh environments. In one example, a method includes drawing a sample of air from at least one first location; delivering the sample to a volume within a sensor block at a second location, where the sensor block includes a gas concentration sensor in communication with the volume; and where a vacuum is applied to the volume within the sensor block to facilitate delivery of the sample to the second location. In another example, a system includes a sampling unit that houses a sensor block, where a sample tube is coupled to an inlet of the sensor block, which includes a gas concentration sensor; an ejector that facilitates delivery of a sample of air from the first location via the sample tube; and a control unit that can receive a gas concentration sensor output from the sampling unit for processing.

Systems and methods for controlling dust. One method includes automatically detecting an operating status of a mining machine. The method also includes automatically, with an electronic processor, adjusting operation of a dust suppression system based on the operating status of the mining machine.

Systems and methods for controlling dust. One method includes automatically detecting an operating status of a mining machine. The method also includes automatically, with an electronic processor, adjusting operation of a dust suppression system based on the operating status of the mining machine.

A method of monitoring a fluid system of a mining machine. The method including sensing a pressure level of a fluid in the fluid system of the mining machine to generate pressure level data; analyzing the pressure level data to detect pressure level deviations; determining at least one selected from the group of when a frequency of the pressure level deviations exceeds a predetermined frequency, and when the fluid pressure level fails to reach a threshold within a predetermined reaction time period; and outputting an alert in response to the determination.

A method of monitoring a fluid system of a mining machine. The method including sensing a pressure level of a fluid in the fluid system of the mining machine to generate pressure level data; analyzing the pressure level data to detect pressure level deviations; determining at least one selected from the group of when a frequency of the pressure level deviations exceeds a predetermined frequency, and when the fluid pressure level fails to reach a threshold within a predetermined reaction time period; and outputting an alert in response to the determination.

A machine includes a gathering head and a cutting implement, with the gathering head and cutting implement having overlapping ranges of motion such that adjusting of the gathering head and cutting implement is coordinated to avoid collision. A positioning system of the machine includes a control device configured to prevent miscoordination of the gathering head and cutting implement by controlling a position of the gathering head based upon a state of progress of the cutting implement in a cutting cycle.

A machine includes a gathering head and a cutting implement, with the gathering head and cutting implement having overlapping ranges of motion such that adjusting of the gathering head and cutting implement is coordinated to avoid collision. A positioning system of the machine includes a control device configured to prevent miscoordination of the gathering head and cutting implement by controlling a position of the gathering head based upon a state of progress of the cutting implement in a cutting cycle.

A control method and system for avoiding collisions between components of a machine includes a controller that receives position signals from sensors associated with movable components of the machine. The controller determines the positional coordinate representations of the components within a coordinate system based upon the position signals and the outer dimensions of the respective components. If any of the components are within preset collision slowdown or shutdown zones within the coordinate system, then the speed of those components is restricted or the components are shutdown, respectively, in the direction of collision.

A control method and system for avoiding collisions between components of a machine includes a controller that receives position signals from sensors associated with movable components of the machine. The controller determines the positional coordinate representations of the components within a coordinate system based upon the position signals and the outer dimensions of the respective components. If any of the components are within preset collision slowdown or shutdown zones within the coordinate system, then the speed of those components is restricted or the components are shutdown, respectively, in the direction of collision.

A mining machine includes a chassis, a boom, a cutting head, and a shield supported for movement relative to the chassis. The chassis includes a first end and a second end, and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The boom includes a first end and a second end, and the boom is supported for movement relative to the chassis. The boom translates in a first direction and is pivotable relative to the chassis between first and second positions. The cutting head is coupled to the second end of the boom and is supported for rotation relative to the boom. The cutting head is rotatable about a cutting head axis. The shield is supported for movement relative to the chassis and positioned proximate the cutting head. In some embodiments, the shield is coupled to a sumping frame supported for movement relative to the chassis.