A track pin sensor for monitoring an operational status of a track pin of a track chain for heavy equipment. The track pin sensor may be incorporated into a communication system for monitoring a plurality of track pins of the track chain. A method of monitoring operational status of a track pin is also disclosed.

Mining machines such as continuous miners and chain haulage units may include chain conveyors that are capable of deflecting laterally in order to travel through lateral turns. The chain conveyors may include flight members for pushing or urging material along a pan. The chain may be driven by one or more sprockets. In one independent aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a body including a first end a second end opposite the first end, a first opening proximate the first end and extending in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the link, a second opening proximate the second end and extending in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the link, and a relief opening extending through the link body and positioned between the first end and the second end.

The invention relates to a safety link for use in lifting, winching, towing or securing apparatus or similar. The safety link including, a first connection point, a second connection point, and an indicator means positioned substantially between and associated with the first connection point and the second connection point. If an overload force is applied, the forces between the first connection point and the second connection point cause a change in the indicator means, whereby the change indicates the overload to the user so safety checks may be conducted. The invention also relates to a method of use.

The invention relates to a safety link for use in lifting, winching, towing or securing apparatus or similar. The safety link including, a first connection point, a second connection point, and an indicator means positioned substantially between and associated with the first connection point and the second connection point. If an overload force is applied, the forces between the first connection point and the second connection point cause a change in the indicator means, whereby the change indicates the overload to the user so safety checks may be conducted. The invention also relates to a method of use.

The present invention relates to a conveyor line (1) comprising at least one link plate chain (2), which consists of a plurality of chain links (3a, 3b) each with two link plates (4, 5), wherein at least one chain link (3a, 3b) comprises a bracket (angled holder) (9a, 9b) with a fastening section (10), and at least one conveying means (11), which can be fastened by a fastener via an assembly section (12) to the bracket (angled holder) (9a, 9b).

A mechanical system with a double-sided chain, composed of a driving wheel (S1), a tensioner wheel (S2) for the chain (1), a driven wheel (S3) and a chain (1), which winds around the wheels (S1) and (S2), and engages the wheel (S3) on its outer side, characterized in that the wheel centres (S1), (S2) and (S3) are not collinear, whereas the position of wheel axis (S2) in relation to wheel axis (S1) and (S3) determines the line of operation of chain (1) and determines the optimal angle alpha between the direction of the force vector F and the perpendicular to the straight line joining the centres of tensioner wheel (S2) and driven wheel (S3), and passing through point (B) where force F1 is applied. while the value of the angle alpha is equal 15 degrees.

A mechanical system with a double-sided chain, composed of a driving wheel (S1), a tensioner wheel (S2) for the chain (1), a driven wheel (S3) and a chain (1), which winds around the wheels (S1) and (S2), and engages the wheel (S3) on its outer side, characterized in that the wheel centres (S1), (S2) and (S3) are not collinear, whereas the position of wheel axis (S2) in relation to wheel axis (S1) and (S3) determines the line of operation of chain (1) and determines the optimal angle alpha between the direction of the force vector F and the perpendicular to the straight line joining the centres of tensioner wheel (S2) and driven wheel (S3), and passing through point (B) where force F1 is applied. while the value of the angle alpha is equal 15 degrees.

Monitoring systems for energy chains which guide lines, and which are displaceable along a displacement path and thereby form a movable strand, a stationary strand, and a deflection arc therebetween. According to a first aspect, one or multiple sensors are arranged stationary and form a detection path along the displacement path of the energy chain, in order to react to an approaching and/or contact of the energy chain. According to a second aspect, a plurality of sensor modules are distributed along the energy chain. In this case, each sensor module has a measurand detector and a communication unit for transmitting outputs to an evaluation unit. The first and the second aspect allow function monitoring, for example for the purpose of a safety shutdown. According to a third aspect, a sensor module is arranged on the driver-side end region. The module has a sensor for the quantitative detection of a kinematic parameter of the end region, as well as a communication unit for transmitting output data depending on detected kinematic parameters. This allows an application-dependent prediction of the remaining service life of energy chains.

Monitoring systems for energy chains which guide lines, and which are displaceable along a displacement path and thereby form a movable strand, a stationary strand, and a deflection arc therebetween. According to a first aspect, one or multiple sensors are arranged stationary and form a detection path along the displacement path of the energy chain, in order to react to an approaching and/or contact of the energy chain. According to a second aspect, a plurality of sensor modules are distributed along the energy chain. In this case, each sensor module has a measurand detector and a communication unit for transmitting outputs to an evaluation unit. The first and the second aspect allow function monitoring, for example for the purpose of a safety shutdown. According to a third aspect, a sensor module is arranged on the driver-side end region. The module has a sensor for the quantitative detection of a kinematic parameter of the end region, as well as a communication unit for transmitting output data depending on detected kinematic parameters. This allows an application-dependent prediction of the remaining service life of energy chains.

A chain component of a chain for transmitting a force includes a steel-based substrate and a hard material layer on an external side of the steel-based substrate. The hard material layer contains metal nitrides and the metal carbide content in the hard material layer decreases toward the external side of the hard material layer.