J. H. Fletcher & Co., Inc.

Craig M Collins

Henry Eugene Wilson

Gregory E Hinshaw

William B Schwab

William A Kyslinger

Robert William Thomas, Jr

Robert Dale Groves, Jr

Billy Davis Goad, Jr

A system for remotely operating a machine, such as a mine vehicle, includes at least one first emitter for emitting a first signal corresponding to a first zone adjacent to the machine. A transmitter is provided for receiving the first signal emitted by the emitter, the transmitter being adapted for issuing commands for controlling the machine and also indicating the presence of the transmitter in the first zone. A controller is also provided for controlling the machine based on the control signals from the transmitter based on the presence of the transmitter in the first zone. Related methods are also disclosed.

System for remotely operating a mine machine and related methods

An apparatus for drilling with a drilling machine including a boom for supporting a drill and a feed for feeding the drill. A single joystick is adapted for controlling the movement of the boom and the feed independently or together, such as according to different protocols (e.g., for causing movement of the boom and feed in the same direction, or in different directions). Related methods are also disclosed.

Combined function joystick for drilling machine and related method

A module is for use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Automated, low profile drilling/bolting module with single button operation

This invention relates to the control of a machine for performing drilling or bolting operation, such as in an underground mine. In one aspect, the invention comprises a system including an input device for manually controlling at least one aspect of the drilling or bolting operation and a controller associated with at least one neutral switch. An actuator actuates the drilling or bolting operation and includes a valve associated with the input device and the neutral switch. The input device is operative for controlling the drilling or bolting operation only when the valve is in a neutral position according to the neutral switch. Related input devices and methods are also disclosed.

Drilling/bolting machine having a manual operator input device with enable switch and related methods

A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Automated, low profile drilling/bolting module with automated stab jack

A module is for use in drilling a borehole in face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

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Proctorville, OH, United States of America

Craig M Collins