Controlling an output of a mining system. The control includes receiving, at a processor, a first signal associated with a position of the shearer, determining, using the processor, the position of the shearer based on the first signal, receiving, at the processor, a second signal associated with a load of a conveyor, and determining, using the processor, the load of the conveyor based on the second signal. The method further includes determining, using the processor, an output of the mining system based on the position of the shearer and the load of the conveyor and controlling a speed of the shearer based on the output of the mining system.

Controlling an output of a mining system. The control includes receiving, at a processor, a first signal associated with a position of the shearer, determining, using the processor, the position of the shearer based on the first signal, receiving, at the processor, a second signal associated with a load of a conveyor, and determining, using the processor, the load of the conveyor based on the second signal. The method further includes determining, using the processor, an output of the mining system based on the position of the shearer and the load of the conveyor and controlling a speed of the shearer based on the output of the mining system.

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.

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.

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 method of controlling a shearer is disclosed. The shearer may be configured to travel along a longwall face to extract material with a first cutting drum and a second cutting drum. The method may include setting a first cutting profile including a plurality of desired positions (Di) to be approached by the first cutting drum in a first travel direction (E). Further, the method may include determining a plurality of actual advancing vectors (vi) indicating a change of a position of the shearer resulting from advancing the shearer towards the longwall face. The method may also include determining a plurality of shearer orientations (Oi) along the longwall face. In addition, the method may include generating a second cutting profile to be approached by at least one of the first cutting drum and the second cutting drum in a second travel direction (F) of the shearer.

A method of controlling a shearer is disclosed. The shearer may be configured to travel along a longwall face to extract material with a first cutting drum and a second cutting drum. The method may include setting a first cutting profile including a plurality of desired positions (Di) to be approached by the first cutting drum in a first travel direction (E). Further, the method may include determining a plurality of actual advancing vectors (vi) indicating a change of a position of the shearer resulting from advancing the shearer towards the longwall face. The method may also include determining a plurality of shearer orientations (Oi) along the longwall face. In addition, the method may include generating a second cutting profile to be approached by at least one of the first cutting drum and the second cutting drum in a second travel direction (F) of the shearer.

Methods and systems of monitoring and controlling a longwall mining system. One system includes a shearer including a cutter drum and a sensor mounted to the shearer. The system also includes an electronic controller including a processor and a memory. The electronic controller is configured to receive an impact event indication associated with an impact event of the cutter drum, the impact event indication based on vibration data collected by the sensor. The electronic controller is also configured to retrieve additional data associated with the impact event indication and link the additional data with the vibration data of the impact event indication. The electronic controller is also configured to create and store an impact event record including the vibration data and the additional data. The electronic controller is configured to, in response to receiving a maintenance request, export the impact event record for display.

A cable handling system for a longwall mining machine is disclosed. The longwall mining machine includes a shearer configured to move along a pan line to mine material along a mine face. The cable handling system includes a service line configured to carry one or more supply lines to the shearer for facilitating shearer operation. Further, a plurality of interconnected trays accommodates the service line. Moreover, a controller is configured to determine a profile of the pan line; detect one or more parameters associated with the service line in relation to the profile of the pan line; and determine a likelihood of at least a portion of the service line dislodging from the plurality of interconnected trays based on the one or more parameters exceeding a predefined threshold.