Systems and methods for controlling a conveyor in a mining system. The conveyor includes a sprocket, a chain, a hydraulic cylinder, one or more sensors, and a controller. In one implementation, the method includes sensing a characteristic associated with the conveyor, generating a signal based on the characteristic, determining a tension associated with the chain based on the signal, determining an amount of chain stretch based on the tension, and modifying a position of the hydraulic cylinder based on the amount of chain stretch.

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 under-tensioned, 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.

The present disclosure relates to a plow guide assembly for guiding a mining plow. The plow guide assembly may comprise a base member including a first guide beam for guideing the mining plow and extending along a first axis, and a second guide beam spaced apart the first guide beam for defining a service clearance therebetween, and extending along a second axis axially aligned to the first axis. The plow guide assembly may further comprise an insert element insertable into the service clearance and having a third guide beam extending along a third axis. In an assembled state of the insert element, the third axis is axially aligned to the first and second axes.

Systems and methods are provided for detecting face alignment and face steering of a longwall mining system. The system includes a detection device mounted in a maingate roadway and a first indicator device mounted on a shearer of the longwall mining system to indicate a position of the shearer to the detection device. The system further includes a controller coupled to the detection device. The controller determines a shearer path of the shearer as the shearer moves along an ore face. The shearer path is determined based on a signal from the first indicator device received by the detection device. The controller generates an indication of face alignment based on the shearer path.

Systems and methods are provided for detecting face alignment and face steering of a longwall mining system. The system includes a detection device mounted in a maingate roadway and a first indicator device mounted on a shearer of the longwall mining system to indicate a position of the shearer to the detection device. The system further includes a controller coupled to the detection device. The controller determines a shearer path of the shearer as the shearer moves along an ore face. The shearer path is determined based on a signal from the first indicator device received by the detection device. The controller generates an indication of face alignment based on the shearer path.

A conveyor support includes a frame, a roller, and a retainer. The frame includes a support arm. The roller includes a shaft and a shell supported for rotation relative to the shaft, and the shaft includes an end. The retainer releasably secures the end of the shaft relative to the support arm. The retainer includes a first portion engaging a first side of the support arm and a second portion engaging a second side of the support arm. The second portion is biased toward the first portion to exert a compressive force on the support arm. At least one of the first portion and the second portion engages the shaft of the roller.

A course measuring device for measuring a course of a longwall mining installation along a longwall face is disclosed. The course measuring device may have a first segment extending along a first axis. The course measuring device may also have a second segment extending along a second axis. The second segment may be movably connected to the first segment. The course measuring device may have a course measuring unit for measuring a spacial relationship between the first axis and the second axis. The course measuring device may also be adapted to move along the longwall mining installation.

A support frame for a conveyor system, the support frame comprising: an upright longitudinally extending between an operative lower end and an operative upper end; a cross member extending outwardly from the upright between an upright end and a trolley end, the cross member including a trolley located towards the trolley end of the cross member and which trolley is operatively adapted to suspend the upright from an overhead rail; and an idler assembly attached to the upright and operatively adapted to support a carry belt portion and a return belt portion of a conveyor belt.

A support frame for a conveyor system, the support frame comprising: an upright longitudinally extending between an operative lower end and an operative upper end; a cross member extending outwardly from the upright between an upright end and a trolley end, the cross member including a trolley located towards the trolley end of the cross member and which trolley is operatively adapted to suspend the upright from an overhead rail; and an idler assembly attached to the upright and operatively adapted to support a carry belt portion and a return belt portion of a conveyor belt.

A conveyor includes an endless belt, a boot end supporting a portion of the endless belt, a support structure, and a bridge. The endless belt includes a first run and a second run, and the first run extends along a conveyor axis. The support structure includes an end spaced apart from the boot end, a plurality of frames, and a plurality of idler rolls. The frames are spaced apart from one another and aligned with one another in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis. The idler rolls support another portion of the endless belt. The bridge extends between the boot end and the end of the support structure. The bridge is movable in a direction parallel to the conveyor axis relative to at least one of the boot end and the support structure.