Surface mining apparatus and methods of using the same

Abstract

A surface mining apparatus is provided. The surface mining apparatus includes a base (102), a drive system (104) connected to the base operable to move the base relative to a surface, and a cutting system (108) coupled to the base at a mount point (116) on the base. The cutting system includes a lift assembly (110) and a cutting attachment (112) coupled to the lift assembly. The cutting attachment includes a drum (150) having a plurality of cutting teeth (152) and is operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending through the mount point when the lift assembly is engaged. The plurality of cutting teeth is operable to cut into the surface when the drum is rotated about a drum axis. The pivot axis is positioned at a vertical distance from the surface to maintain a center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus that supports the cutting system via coupling to the base at the mount point.

Description

SURFACE MINING APPARATUS AND METHODSOF USING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 63 / 675,311, filed July 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.DISCUSSION OF ART

[0002] The field of the disclosure relates generally to a surface mining apparatus, and, more particularly, to an apparatus to excavate a ground surface.

[0003] Surface mining machines are commonly used to cut into a ground surface to access and extract materials in the ground accessible from the surface, such as minerals. However, surface mining machines may be heavy and difficult to transport, such as machines for the excavation of harder materials. For example, a surface mining machine may have a cutting attachment with a pivot axis raised above the attachment by a heavy framework. The additional weight of the raised framework may make it more difficult to transport the surface mining machine efficiently.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a surface mining apparatus with a low pivot axis for a cutting attachment to reduce the weight of the apparatus and facilitate increased transport efficiency.SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a surface mining apparatus is provided. A surface mining apparatus is provided. The surface mining apparatus includes a base, a drive system connected to the base operable to move the base relative to a surface, and a cutting system coupled to the base at a mount point on the base. The cutting system includes a lift assembly and a cutting attachment coupled to the lift assembly. The cutting attachment includes a drum having a plurality of cutting teeth and is operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending through the mount point when the lift assembly is engaged. The plurality of cutting teeth is operable to cut into the surface when the drum is rotated about a drum axis. The pivot axis is positioned at a vertical distance from the surface tomaintain a center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus that supports the cutting system via coupling to the base at the mount point.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a surface mining apparatus, including a cutting system in a raised configuration.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 1, including the cutting system in a lowered configuration.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 1, including the cutting system in an extended configuration.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a surface mining apparatus.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 5, including a cutting system in a raised configuration.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 5, including a cutting system in a lowered configuration.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a side view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 5, including a cutting system in an extended configuration.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a schematic of a control system for use with a surface mining apparatus.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism for use with a surface mining apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the embodiment of the surface mining apparatus shown in FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] There is a need for a surface mining apparatus with a low pivot axis for a cutting attachment to reduce the weight of the apparatus and facilitate increased transport efficiency.

[0002] When introducing elements of various embodiments disclosed herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated, approximating language, such as “generally”, “substantially”, and “about”, as used herein indicates that the term so modified may apply to only an approximate degree, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or perfect degree. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as “about”, “approximately”, and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, for example, a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a “first” or lower-numbered item or a “third” or higher-numbered item.

[0004] FIG. 1 is a side view, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view, of an embodiment of a surface mining apparatus 100. The surface mining apparatus 100 includes a base 102, a drive system 104, a control system 106 (shown in FIG. 10), and a cutting system 108. The base 102 may include one or more base components that may be welded together to form a mainframe of the surface mining apparatus 100. The base 102 may vary from the shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, the base 102 as shown is intended to be illustrative and is not meant to be limiting. The cutting system 108 includes a lift assembly 110 and a cutting attachment 112, the cutting attachment 112 being positioned at a rear end 109 of the surface mining apparatus 100 opposite a front end 111.

[0005] The cutting system 108 is coupled to the base 102 at a first mount point 114 and a second mount point 116. Specifically, a first end 118 of the lift assembly 110 is coupled to the base 102 at the first mount point 114 and a hinge mount 120 ofthe cutting attachment 112 is coupled to the base 102 at the second mount point 116. A second end 122 of the lift assembly 110 is coupled to the cutting attachment 112 at a lift mount point 124. In some embodiments, the cutting attachment 112 may be removable from the base 102. For example, the cutting attachment 112 may be removed from the base102 to repair the cutting attachment 112 and / or attach a different attachment to the base 102.

[0006] The base 102 is oriented along a base axis 126 (shown in FIG. 2), with a first base side 128 and a second base side 130 opposite the first base side 128. The first base side 128 and the second base side 130 each extend parallel to the base axis 126. The base axis 126 extends along a first horizontal axis 132 and the lift assembly 110 pivots at the second mount point 116 in relation to a vertical axis 134 perpendicular to the first horizontal axis 132, pivoting about a second horizontal axis 138. The second horizontal axis 138 is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis 132 and the vertical axis 134. An attachment length 136 extends perpendicular to the first horizontal axis 132 along the second horizontal axis 138.

[0007] The cutting system 108 is positioned to be symmetrical across the base axis 126. Specifically, the lift assembly 110 includes a pair of actuators 140 spaced evenly from the base axis 126. Additionally, the cutting attachment 112 includes a pair of mounting plates 142 each attached to one of the hinge mounts 120 that are spaced evenly from the base axis 126. That is, the cutting attachment 112 includes two of the hinge mounts 120, the hinge mounts 120 being positioned on opposing sides of the base axis 126. Thus, the cutting attachment 112 is coupled to the base 102 at two distinct locations on each side of the base axis 126, the hinge mount 120 and via the lift assembly 110 at the lift mount point 124.

[0008] The drive system 104 is coupled to the base 102 and is operable to move the base 102 in at least one direction of motion. For example, the drive system 104 may move the base 102 along the base axis 126, parallel to the base axis 126, perpendicular to the base axis 126, and / or at an angle relative to the base axis 126. The drive system 104 may include one or more track assemblies 143 to move the base 102 on a surface 144 (shown in FIG. 1). The control system 106 (shown in FIG. 10) is communicatively coupled to the drive system 104 to control the drive system 104, in that the control system 106 may control the drive system 104 to selectively move the base 102 on the surface 144.

[0009] The pair of actuators 140 extend between the first mount point 114 of the base 102 and the lift mount point 124 of the cutting attachment 112. Extension of the actuators 140 supports the configuration of the cutting system 108 and thereby theorientation of the cutting attachment 112. FIG. 1 is a side view, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view, of the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, the pair of actuators 140 are not extended, with the second end 122 of the lift assembly 110 proximate an upper end 146 of a cylinder 148 of the actuators 140. The cutting attachment 112 includes a drum 150 with a plurality of teeth 152 along an outer surface 154 of the drum 150. The drum 150 rotates about a drum axis DA though a center 156 of the drum 150. The drum axis DA extends along the second horizontal axis 138. In the raised configuration, the center 156 of the drum 150 may be raised a first distance DI from the surface 144. In some embodiments, the first distance DI may be about 60 inches. In other embodiments, the first distance DI may be substantially equal to or greater than 60 inches. The surface mining apparatus 100 may be transported with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting attachment 112 is coupled to the base 102 via the lift assembly 110 and the hinge mounts 120 to pivot the cutting attachment 112 about the second mount point 116. The cutting attachment 112 pivots about a pivot axis PA when the lift assembly is engaged. The pivot axis PA extends between the second mount point 116 on each side of the base 102 (e .g ., the first base side 128 and the second base side 130, as shown in FIG. 2) along the second horizontal axis 138. By positioning the pivot axis PA low and coupling the cutting attachment 112 to the base 102 at the low height of the pivot axis PA, a raised framework is not needed to support the cutting attachment 112. Thus, the surface mining apparatus 100 may have a reduced weight as compared to other surface mining machines that have a cutting attachment with a pivot axis above the attachment and supported by a raised framework. The reduced weight may facilitate more efficient transport of the surface mining apparatus 100. For example, the surface mining apparatus 100 may be transported in one piece, instead of requiring disassembly due to the weight of the machine. Additionally, for example, transporting the surface mining apparatus 100 in one piece may reduce the time required to set up the machine for use.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in a lowered configuration. In the lowered configuration, the pair of actuators 140 are extended by a first extension length LI, with the second end 122 ofthe lift assembly 110 extended away from (e.g., upwards at an angle along the vertical axis 134 and the first horizontal axis 132) the upper end 146 of the cylinder 148 of the actuators 140 by the first extension length LI . In some embodiments, the first extension length LI may be about 26 inches. In other embodiments, the first extension length LI may be substantially equal to or greater than 26 inches. When the actuators 140 are extended by the first extension length LI, the cutting attachment 112 pivots about the second mount point 116 via the hinge mounts 120 of the cutting attachment 112. In some embodiments, the cutting attachment 112 may pivot about the second mount point 116 by about 34 degrees when the actuators 140 are extended by the first extension length LI. In other embodiments, the cutting attachment 112 may pivot about the second mount point 116 by substantially equal to or greater than 34 degrees when the actuators 140 are extended by the first extension length LI.

[0012] In the lowered configuration, the center 156 of the drum 150 may be lowered toward the surface 144 from the raised configuration to be a second distance D2 from the surface 144, the second distance D2 being less than the first distance DI. In some embodiments, the second distance D2 may be about 20 inches. In other embodiments, the second distance D2 may be substantially equal to or greater than 20 inches. When in the lowered configuration, the drum 150 may be positioned such that the plurality of teeth 152 of the cutting attachment 112 may contact and cut into the surface 144 for top-down cutting. That is, the outer surface 154 of the drum 150 may be lowered along the vertical axis 134 such that a cutting diameter CD of the drum 150 as measured across the drum 150 from the outermost point of the plurality of teeth 152 intersects the surface 144.

[0013] In the lowered configuration, the plurality of teeth 152 may cutup to 12 inches below the surface 144. That is, the cutting diameter CD of the drum may extend the outermost point of the plurality of teeth 152 up to 12 inches below the surface 144. The top-down cut of the drum 150 when the cutting system 108 is in the lowered configuration may create a high wall 402 at an angle 404 of about 75 degrees, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the pair of actuators 140 are extended by a second extension length L2, with the second end 122of the lift assembly 110 extended away from (e.g., upwards at an angle along the vertical axis 134 and the first horizontal axis 132) the upper end 146 of the cylinder 148 of the actuators 140 by the second extension length L2. The second extension length L2 is greater than the first extension length LI. In some embodiments, the second extension length L2 may be about 38 inches. In other embodiments, the second extension length L2 may be substantially equal to or greater than 38 inches. When the actuators 140 are extended by the second extension length L2, the cutting attachment 112 pivots about the second mount point 116 via the hinge mount 120 of the cutting attachment 112. In some embodiments, the cutting attachment 112 may pivot about the second mount point 116 by about 20 degrees when the actuators 140 are extended by the second extension length L2. In other embodiments, the cutting attachment 112 may pivot about the second mount point 116 by substantially equal to or greater than 20 degrees when the actuators 140 are extended by the second extension length L2.

[0015] In the extended configuration, the center 156 of the drum 150 may be further lowered toward the surface 144 from the lowered configuration to be a third distance D3 from the surface 144, the third distance D3 being less than the first distance DI and the second distance D2. In some embodiments, the third distance D3 may be about 3 inches. In other embodiments, the third distance D3 may be substantially equal to or greater than 3 inches. When in the extended configuration, the drum 150 may be positioned such that the center 156 of the drum 150 is longitudinally below the surface 144 for top-down cutting. That is, the third distance D3 may extend below the surface with both the center 156 and the outer surface 154 of the drum 150 being longitudinally below the surface 144 and the cutting diameter CD of the drum 150 intersecting the surface 144.

[0016] The extended configuration of the cutting system 108 may allow the cutting attachment 112 to cut into the ground below a level depth if the surface 144 underneath the base 102 is not level. That is, if the surface mining apparatus 100 is being operated on an uneven surface, the cutting system 108 may be positioned in the extended configuration to cut on the ground “downhill”.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 6 is a side view, of another embodiment of a surface mining apparatus 200. The surface mining apparatus 200 is similar to the surface mining apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4, in that certaincorresponding components or parts are shared between the embodiments of the surface mining apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and the surface mining apparatus 200 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The primary difference between the two embodiments is that the surface mining apparatus 200 includes a tractor housing 202 that may be removeable from the base 102. The tractor housing 202 may include a power source (not shown) to power the drive system 104 and / or the cutting system 108. In some embodiments, the power source (not shown) may be a single hydro-drive motor that powers both the drive system 104 and the cutting system 108. In other embodiments, the power source (not shown) may include a diesel engine or an electric motor that powers the drive system 104 and / or the cutting system 108.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the surface mining apparatus 200 may include a rear gate 203 that acts as a dust shield for the drum 150 of the cutting attachment 112. The rear gate 203 may swing outwards for access to the drum 150. In some embodiments, the rear gate 203 may be removable from the cutting attachment 112.

[0019] The drum 150 of the cutting attachment 112 has a drum length DL (shown in FIG. 5) and the cutting diameter CD (shown in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 5, the drum length DL extends along the second horizontal axis 138. The attachment length 136 of the cutting attachment 112 may be greater than the drum length DL, in that the drum 150 does not cover an entirety of the attachment length 136. In some embodiments, the drum length DL may be about 8 feet. In other embodiments, the drum length DL may be substantially equal to or greater than 8 feet.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6, the cutting diameter CD extends across the drum 150 to the outermost point of the plurality of teeth 152. In some embodiments, the cutting diameter CD may be about 62 inches. In other embodiments, the cutting diameter CD may be substantially equal to or greater than 62 inches. Referring back to FIG. 4, increasing the cutting diameter CD may increase the distance below the surface 144 that the plurality of teeth 152 may reach to cut. That is, increasing the radial size of the drum 150 may extend the cutting diameter CD to reach more than 12 inches below the surface 144, such as up to about 23 inches or up to about 30 inches.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of the surface mining apparatus 200 with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration. The surface mining apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in theraised configuration shown in FIG. 1. That is, the center 156 of the drum 150 is raised from the surface 144 by the first distance DI. The surface mining apparatus 200 may be transported with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the surface mining apparatus 200 with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration. The surface mining apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration shown in FIG. 3. That is, the center 156 of the drum 150 is lowered to be positioned the second distance D2 from the surface 144.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of the surface mining apparatus 200 with the cutting system 108 in the extended configuration. The surface mining apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the surface mining apparatus 100 with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration shown in FIG. 4. That is, the center 156 of the drum 150 is separated from the surface 144 by the third distance D3.

[0024] The surface mining apparatus 200 has a center of gravity CG. The center of gravity CG is positioned at a first offset distance GDI from a center 160 of a rear roller 162 (e.g., a planetary or gearbox) of the track assemblies 143 along the first horizontal axis 132 and a second offset distance OD2 from the surface 144 along the vertical axis 134. The low position of the pivot axis PA and the coupling of the cutting attachment 112 to the base 102 allows the center of gravity CG to remain low enough such that a raised framework is not needed to support the cutting attachment 112.

[0025] The first offset distance OD 1 may be about, or greater than, 28 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about, or greater than, 32 inches with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. In some embodiments, the first offset distance OD 1 may be about 26.33 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about 53.37 inches with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration.

[0026] The first offset distance OD 1 may be about, or greater than, 23 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about, or greater than, 22 inches with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the first offset distance OD1 may be about 20.70 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about 41.47 inches with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration.

[0027] The first offset distance OD1 may be about, or greater than, 16 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about, or greater than, 13 inches with the cutting system 108 in the extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9. In some embodiments, the first offset distance OD1 may be about 20.95 inches and the second offset distance OD2 may be about 37.78 inches with the cutting system 108 in the extended configuration.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the pivot axis PA is positioned at athird offset distance OD3 from the surface 144 along the vertical axis 134. The third offset distance OD3 may be about, or greater than, 27 inches with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. The third offset distance OD3 may be about, or greater than, 27 inches with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. The third offset distance OD3 may be about, or greater than, 27 inches with the cutting system 108 in the extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9. The third offset distance OD3 may depend on the cutting diameter CD of the drum 150. For example, the third offset distance OD3 may be between 0.3 times and 0.75 times the cutting diameter CD of the drum 150.

[0029] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the first mount point 114, at which the first end 118 of the lift assembly 110 (shown in FIGS. 1-4 with the tractor housing 202 omitted) is coupled to the base 102, is positioned at a fourth offset distance OD4 from the pivot axis PA along the vertical axis 134. The fourth offset distance OD4 may be about, or greater than, 11 inches with the cutting system 108 in the raised configuration, as shown in FIG. 7. The fourth offset distance OD4 may be about, or greater than, 11 inches with the cutting system 108 in the lowered configuration, as shown in FIG. 8. The fourth offset distance OD4 may be about, or greater than, 11 inches with the cutting system 108 in the extended configuration, as shown in FIG. 9. The fourth offset distance OD4 may depend on the cutting diameter CD of the drum 150. For example, the fourth offset distance OD4 may be no more than half of the cutting diameter CD of the drum 150.

[0030] As shown by the change of position of the center of gravity CG of the surface mining apparatus 200 from FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, lowering the cutting system 108 from the raised configuration to the lowered configuration and then to the extended configuration moves the center of gravity CG towards the drum 150 of the cutting attachment 112 atthe rear end 109 of the surface mining apparatus 200. That is, the movement of the center of gravity CG downwards along the vertical axis 134 and longitudinally along the first horizontal axis 132 towards the rear end 109 of the surface mining apparatus 200 when the cutting system 108 is lowered results in a decrease in the first offset distance OD1 and a decrease in the second offset distance OD2. Thus, when the cutting system 108 is lowered, the position of the center of gravity CG moves towards the drum 150.

[0031] Similarly, raising the cutting system 108 from the extended configuration to the lowered configuration and then to the raised configuration moves the center of gravity CG towards the front end 111 of the surface mining apparatus 200. That is, the movement of the center of gravity CG upwards along the vertical axis 134 and longitudinally along the first horizontal axis 132 towards the front end 111 when the cutting system 108 is raised results in an increase in the first offset distance GDI and an increase in the second offset distance OD2. Thus, when the cutting system 108 is raised, the position of the center of gravity CG moves towards the front end 166 of the surface mining apparatus 200.

[0032] The cutting system 108 may include one or more tilt actuators (not shown) to change an orientation of the cutting attachment 112, and thereby the drum 150, in relation to the vertical axis 134. In some embodiments, the cutting system 108 may include one tilt actuator on one side of the cutting attachment 112 (e.g., on either the first base side 128 or the second base side 130). In other embodiments, the cutting system 108 may include two tilt actuators with one on each side of the cutting attachment 112 (e.g., on the first base side 128 and the second base side 130). The tilt angle of the cutting attachment 112 in relation to the vertical axis 134 may be up to about 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the tilt angle of the cutting attachment 112 in relation to the vertical axis 134 may be plus or minus 10 degrees. The one or more tilt actuators (not shown) may change the orientation of the cutting attachment 112 without changing the orientation of the tractor housing 202 and / or the base 102. That is, the orientation of the cutting attachment 112 may be changed independently from the tractor housing 202 and the base 102.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic of the control system 106 for use with a surface mining apparatus, such as the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus-l i200. The control system 106 includes a controller 302 in communication with the cutting system 108, the lift assembly 110, the drive system 104, and a plurality of sensors. The controller 302 includes a memory 304 and a processor 306. The memory 304 may be any device allowing information such as executable instructions and / or data to be stored and retrieved. The processor 306 may include one or more processing units to retrieve and execute instructions and / or data stored by the memory 304.

[0034] The control system 106 may use signals received from the plurality of sensors to control the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200. The plurality of sensors may include, but is not limited to, one or more positioning sensors 308 and one or more orientation sensors 310. The control system 106 may also use signals received from a server 312. The server 312 may be in communication with a computing device 314, such as, but not limited to, a user computing device.

[0035] The controller 302 may receive positioning data as related to the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200, from the one or more positioning sensors 308. The one or more positioning sensors 308 may include one or more position sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more infrared sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more laser sensors, one or more magnetic position sensors, one or more linear position sensors, and / or any other sensors known in the art that facilitate the collection of positioning data as related to the various elements of the surface mining apparatus.

[0036] For example, the one or more positioning sensors 308 may be oriented on the cutting attachment 112 to determine the position of the cutting attachment 112 in space and / or relative to the base 102 and / or the surface 144, along the first horizontal axis 132, the vertical axis 134, and / or the second horizontal axis 138. The position of the cutting attachment 112 may be determined by the one or more positioning sensors 308 while the cutting system 108 is in the raised configuration, the lowered configuration, and / or the extended configuration. That is, the position of the cutting attachment 112 may be determined by the one or more positioning sensors 308 when the drum 150 of the cutting attachment 112 is at any distance relative to the surface 144. Additionally, for example, the one or more positioning sensors 308 may be oriented on the lift assembly 110 to determine the position and / or extension length of the actuators 140 inspace and / or relative to the base 102 and / or the surface 144, along the first horizontal axis 132, the vertical axis 134, and / or the second horizontal axis 138.

[0037] The controller 302 may receive orientation data as related to the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200, from the one or more orientation sensors 310. The one or more orientation sensors 310 may include one or more angular orientation sensors, one or more infrared sensors, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more laser sensors, one or more inclinometers, and / or any other sensors known in the art that facilitate the collection of orientation data as related to the various elements of the surface mining apparatus.

[0038] For example, the one or more orientation sensors 310 may be oriented on the cutting attachment 112 to determine the orientation of the cutting attachment 112 in space and / or relative to the base 102 and / or the surface 144, as angularly measured from the first horizontal axis 132, the vertical axis 134, and / or the second horizontal axis 138. Additionally, for example, the one or more orientation sensors 310 may be oriented on the base 102 to determine the orientation of the base 102 in space and / or relative to the surface 144, as angularly measured from the first horizontal axis 132, the vertical axis 134, and / or the second horizontal axis 138. Further, for example, the one or more orientation sensors 310 may be oriented on the lift assembly 110 to determine the orientation of the actuators 140 in space and / or relative to the base 102 and / or the surface 144, as angularly measured from the first horizontal axis 132, the vertical axis 134, and / or the second horizontal axis 138.

[0039] The controller 302 may control the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200, based on data received from the one or more positioning sensors 308 and / or the one or more orientation sensors 310. For example, the controller 302 may determine the position of the cutting attachment 112, the position of the actuators 140 of the lift assembly 110, and / or the extension length of the actuators 140 of the lift assembly 110 using the one or more positioning sensors 308 oriented on the cutting attachment 112 and / or the actuators 140 of the lift assembly 110. Additionally, for example, the controller 302 may determine the orientation of the cutting attachment 112, the actuators 140 of the lift assembly 110, and / or the base 102 using the one or moreorientation sensors 310 oriented on the cutting attachment 112, the actuators 140 of the lift assembly 110, and / or the base 102.

[0040] The surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200, is configured for operation under active control by an operator (e.g., a user). Additionally, the surface mining apparatus may be configured for operation via the control system 106. For example, the controller 302 is configured to receive operating instructions from a user with active control of the surface mining apparatus. Active control of the surface mining apparatus may be executed via a control unit 316 positioned on and / or proximate to the surface mining apparatus, such as on a surface of the tractor housing 202 (shown in FIGS. 5-8) and / or on a remote control device. The control unit 316 may be wirelessly connected to the controller 302, such as, but not limited to, via Bluetooth. Active control of the surface mining apparatus may also be executed via the computing device 314 communicatively connected to the server 312.

[0041] The controller 302 may be configured to autonomously control one or more operations of the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200. Autonomous control of the surface mining apparatus may be for automated operation, such that active control by the user is maintained throughout operation with limited control transferred to the controller 302 for a specific subset of operation functions. Additionally, autonomous control of the surface mining apparatus may be for semi-autonomous operation, such that a subset of operation functions may be controlled by the controller 302 and another subset of operation functions may be actively controlled by the user. Furthermore, autonomous control of the surface mining apparatus may be fully autonomous, such that the controller 302 controls all machine safety-critical and operational-critical functions related to its defined operations without operator interaction.

[0042] Automated operation of the surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200, may include the controller 302 receiving a command, via the control unit 316 and / or the computing device 314 through the server 312, to control the cutting system 108, the lift assembly 110, and / or the drive system 104. For example, the drive system 104 may be paused or stopped based on signals received by the controller 302, such as the positionand / or the orientation of the cutting attachment 112 and / or the orientation of the base 102. Additionally, for example, the drive system 104 may be controlled to move the surface mining apparatus to a more stable position on the surface 144 based on signals received by the controller 302, such as the position and / or the orientation of the cutting attachment 112 and / or the orientation of the base 102. Further, for example, the drive system 104 may be controlled based on data indicative of a site plan and / or as received from a positioning system (such as, but not limited to, a GPS) to move and position the surface mining apparatus as needed.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism 400 for use with a surface mining apparatus, such as, but not limited to, the surface mining apparatus 100 and / or the surface mining apparatus 200. The attachment mechanism 400 is configured to couple the cutting attachment 112 (shown in FIGS. 1-9) to the base 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-9). The attachment mechanism 400 includes the pair of hinge mounts 120 attached to the pair of mounting plates 142. As discussed previously, the hinge mounts 120 are configured to pivot the cutting attachment 112 (shown in FIGS. 1-9) about the pivot axis PA extending between the second mount point 116 on each side of the base 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-9).

[0044] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the surface mining apparatus 200. The top-down cut of the drum 150 when the cutting system 108 is in the lowered configuration may create a high wall 402 at an angle 404 of about 75 degrees.

[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application.

[0046] Illustrative aspects of the present disclosure include:

[0047] Aspect 1. A surface mining apparatus comprising: a base; a drive system connected to the base operable to move the base relative to a surface; and a cutting system coupled to the base at a mount point on the base, the cutting system comprising: a lift assembly; and a cutting attachment coupled to the lift assembly, wherein the cutting attachment comprises a drum having a plurality of cutting teeth and is operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending through the mount point when the lift assembly is engaged, wherein the plurality of cutting teeth is operable to cut into the surface when the drum is rotated about a drum axis, wherein the pivot axis is positioned at a vertical distance from the surface to maintain a center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus that supports the cutting system via coupling to the base at the mount point.

[0048] Aspect 2. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 1, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus is positioned at a second vertical distance from the surface, the second vertical distance being greater than the vertical distance from the pivot axis to the surface.

[0049] Aspect 3. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 1, wherein the drum of the cutting attachment comprises a cutting diameter, the vertical distance from the pivot axis to the surface being between about 0.3 times and about 0.75 times the cutting diameter of the drum.

[0050] Aspect 4. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 3, wherein the cutting diameter of the drum is measured across the drum from an outermost point of the plurality of cutting teeth.

[0051] Aspect 5. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 1, wherein pivoting the cutting attachment about the pivot axis to lower the drum towards the surface moves the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus horizontally towards the drum.

[0052] Aspect 6. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 1, wherein pivoting the cutting attachment about the pivot axis to raise the drum away from the surface moves the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus horizontally away from the drum.

[0053] Aspect 7. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 1, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in a raised configuration with the drum axis positioned at a first vertical offset distance from the surface.

[0054] Aspect 8. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 7, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in a lowered configuration, the lowered configuration comprising the cutting attachment being pivoted about the pivot axis to lower the drum axis to a second vertical offset distance from the surface, the second vertical offset distance being less than the first vertical offset distance.

[0055] Aspect 9. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 8, wherein the first vertical offset distance is about 60 inches.

[0056] Aspect 10. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 8, wherein the second vertical offset distance is about 20 inches.

[0057] Aspect 11. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 8, wherein a cutting diameter of the drum intersects the surface when the cutting system is in the lowered configuration to position the plurality of cutting teeth to contact and cut into the surface for top-down cutting.

[0058] Aspect 12. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 11, wherein top-down cutting by the cutting system in the lowered configuration creates a high wall at an angle of about 75 degrees.

[0059] Aspect 13. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 8, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in an extended configuration, the extended configuration comprising the cutting attachment being pivoted about the pivot axis to lower the drum axis to a third vertical offset distance from the surface, the third vertical offset distance being less than the second vertical offset distance.

[0060] Aspect 14. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 13, wherein the third vertical offset distance is about 3 inches.

[0061] Aspect 15. The surface mining apparatus of Aspect 13, wherein a cutting diameter of the drum intersects the surface when the cutting system is in the extended configuration to position the plurality of cutting teeth to contact and cut into the surface for top-down cutting.

[0062] All numbered aspects are embodiments of the invention. Although a variety of information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements,as one of ordinary skill would be able to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to structural features and / or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as possible components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A surface mining apparatus comprising: a base; a drive system connected to the base operable to move the base relative to a surface; and a cutting system coupled to the base at a mount point on the base, the cutting system comprising: a lift assembly; and a cutting attachment coupled to the lift assembly, wherein the cutting attachment comprises a drum having a plurality of cutting teeth and is operable to pivot about a pivot axis extending through the mount point when the lift assembly is engaged, wherein the plurality of cutting teeth is operable to cut into the surface when the drum is rotated about a drum axis, wherein the pivot axis is positioned at a vertical distance from the surface to maintain a center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus that supports the cutting system via coupling to the base at the mount point.

2. The surface mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus is positioned at a second vertical distance from the surface, the second vertical distance being greater than the vertical distance from the pivot axis to the surface.

3. The surface mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drum of the cutting attachment comprises a cutting diameter, the vertical distance from the pivot axis to the surface being between about 0.3 times and about 0.75 times the cutting diameter of the drum.

4. The surface mining apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cutting diameter of the drum is measured across the drum from an outermost point of the plurality of cutting teeth.

5. The surface mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein pivoting the cutting attachment about the pivot axis to lower the drum towards the surface moves the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus horizontally towards the drum.

6. The surface mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein pivoting the cutting attachment about the pivot axis to raise the drum away from the surface moves the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus horizontally away from the drum.

7. The surface mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in a raised configuration with the drum axis positioned at a first vertical offset distance from the surface.

8. The surface mining apparatus of claim 7, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in a lowered configuration, the lowered configuration comprising the cutting attachment being pivoted about the pivot axis to lower the drum axis to a second vertical offset distance from the surface, the second vertical offset distance being less than the first vertical offset distance.

9. The surface mining apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first vertical offset distance is about 60 inches.

10. The surface mining apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second vertical offset distance is about 20 inches.

11. The surface mining apparatus of claim 8, wherein a cutting diameter of the drum intersects the surface when the cutting system is in the lowered configuration to position the plurality of cutting teeth to contact and cut into the surface for top-down cutting.

12. The surface mining apparatus of claim 11, wherein top-down cutting by the cutting system in the lowered configuration creates a high wall at an angle of about 75 degrees.

13. The surface mining apparatus of claim 8, wherein the center of gravity of the surface mining apparatus supports the cutting system in an extended configuration, the extended configuration comprising the cutting attachment being pivoted about the pivot axis to lower the drum axis to a third vertical offset distance from the surface, the third vertical offset distance being less than the second vertical offset distance.

14. The surface mining apparatus of claim 13, wherein the third vertical offset distance is about 3 inches.

15. The surface mining apparatus of claim 13, wherein a cutting diameter of the drum intersects the surface when the cutting system is in the extended configuration to position the plurality of cutting teeth to contact and cut into the surface for top-down cutting.

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