Joy Mm Delaware, Inc.

Joy Global Underground Mining LLC

Robert Smith

Gordon Edmund Powell

John Tout

Phil Rees

Brian Worthington

Tim Proctor

A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Sensor systems and methods for detecting conveyor tension in a mining system

Sensor systems and methods for detecting conveyor tension in a mining system based on a trajectory of a conveyor element

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.

Systems and methods for controlling a conveyor in a mining system

A chain tension sensor for a chain conveyor, the conveyor including a frame and a chain having a plurality of flights. The tension sensor includes a reaction arm and a load sensing pin. The reaction arm includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a load pad. The first end is pivotably coupled to the frame by a pivot pin defining a pivot axis. The load pad is adjacent the conveyor chain and positioned to contact flights passing the load pad. The flights contacting the load pad exert a force on the reaction in a direction that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The load sensing pin is coupled to the reaction arm such that the load sensing pin senses the force that is exerted by the flights.

Chain tension sensor

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Malvern, United Kingdom

Robert Smith