System and apparatus for mining

Abstract

A mining apparatus including a mounting frame, a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, and at least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions. The first auger includes a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder. The second auger includes a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface.

Description

SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR MININGDISCUSSION OF ART

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to machinery used in trenching and mining operations. The mining apparatus described herein is used to loosen and / or transport ground material in terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments.SUMMARY

[0002] In one aspect, a mining apparatus is provided. The mining apparatus includes a mounting frame, a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, and at least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions. The first auger includes a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder. The second auger includes a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface.

[0003] In another aspect, a mining system is provided. The mining system includes a mining apparatus and a conveyor assembly. The mining apparatus includes a mounting frame, a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, and at least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions. The first auger includes a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder. The second auger includes a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor and a conveyor floor. The mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface and the conveyor assembly is-1- 108818792.1operable to transport ground material removed by the mining apparatus out of the trench in the ground surface.

[0004] In yet another aspect, a mining system is provided. The mining system includes a work machine, a connection linkage including an actuator, a mining apparatus, a conveyor assembly, and a control device. The mining apparatus includes a mounting frame attached to the connection linkage, a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, and at least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions. The first auger includes a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder. The second auger includes a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The conveyor assembly is coupled to the mounting frame. The control device is operable to receive one or more commands from an instruction device that is communicatively coupled to the control device, wherein the one or more commands include operating the mining apparatus to remove ground material from a ground surface.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a side perspective view of a system used in trenching and mining operations, the system being depicted in a working position.

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the system of FIG. 1 in the working position.

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a work machine of the system of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of a connection linkage of the system of FIG.1.

[0009] FIGs. 5A and 5B depict a side perspective view and a back view, respectively, of a mining apparatus of the system of FIG. 1.-2- 108818792.1

[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a detailed view of an auger of the mining apparatus of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0011] FIG. 7 depicts another detailed view of the auger of FIG. 6.

[0012] FIGs. 8A and 8B depict side perspective views of a conveyor assembly of the system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIGs. 9A-9D depict detailed views of the conveyor assembly of FIGS. 8A and 8B.

[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a side perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, the system being depicted in a stowed position.

[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the system of FIG. 10 in the stowed position.

[0016] FIG. 12 depicts a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an auger for use with the mining apparatus of the system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a detailed view of the alternate embodiment of the auger of FIG. 12.

[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an auger for use with the mining apparatus of the system of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 15 depicts a side perspective view of another alternate embodiment of an auger for use with the mining apparatus of the system of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A system and apparatus for mining are described herein which may be used in trenching and mining operations in terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments. The mining apparatus effectively and efficiently performs mining operations which loosen and transport large quantities of ground material for further processing.

[0021] A mining apparatus is described herein. The mining apparatus includes a mounting frame, a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, and at least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions. The first auger includes a first-3- 108818792.1cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder. The second auger includes a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface.When introducing elements of various embodiments and examples 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.

[0022] Terms such as “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” may describe one element being directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, or there may be one or more other elements that make up a connection or coupling of one element to another.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts a system 100 in a working position. The system 100 includes a work machine 102, a connection linkage 104, a mining apparatus 106, and a conveyor assembly 108 arranged along a longitudinal axis LA. The work machine 102 may be any vehicle or machine such as a tractor, truck, machine, motive device, and / or any other machinery suitable for the-4- 108818792.1working environment and operative to provide a motive force. While the mining apparatus 106 and / or the conveyor assembly 108 are shown as an attachment to the work machine 102, the present disclosure also applies to embodiments where the mining apparatus 106 and / or the conveyor assembly 108 are integrated into the work machine 102. Additionally, the components as described herein may be separated for transport. In one example, the components as described herein may be transported in a cargo container of standard dimensions or on a standard trailer. In non-terrestrial examples, the components as described herein may be transported by a rocket, with the components fitting within a cargo bay of the rocket.

[0026] The mining apparatus 106 is configured using a vertical mill or “Archimedes Screw” principle. In the w orking position, the mining apparatus 106 may be plunged downward such that at least a portion of the mining apparatus 106 is submerged into a ground surface 111 below grade. An angle 110 may be formed between the ground surface 111 and a milling surface 114 created by the mining apparatus 106. Stated differently, the angle 110 may be formed between a rotational axis RA of the mining apparatus 106 and the ground surface 111. The angle 110 may vary until the mining apparatus 106 has been plunged to full depth below the ground surface 111. In some instances, such as shown in FIG. 1, the angle 110 may be acute, such that the mining apparatus 106 is angled in a direction of travel 112 of the work machine 102. In some instances, the angle 110 may be in a range of approximately 45-75 degrees w hen the system 100 is in the working position. In other instances and conditions, the angle 110 may be in a range of approximately 15-120 degrees.

[0027] The ground surface 111, the longitudinal axis LA, and the direction of travel 112 may be generally parallel. Accordingly, as the work machine 102 moves in the direction of travel 112, the mining apparatus 106 may be in contact with the milling surface 114. As the ground material along the milling surface 114 is loosened, a trench 116 may be formed, and the ground material may separate from the milling surface 114 and fall down into the trench 116 towards the conveyor assembly 108. After landing on the conveyor assembly 108, the loosened ground material may be conveyed by the conveyor assembly 108 out of the trench 116. The trench 116 includes a floor 118, which in some instances may be parallel with the ground surface 111. Further details will be described below. In at least one example, the trench 116 may be filled in after processing of the ground material.-5- 108818792.1

[0028] Angling the mining apparatus 106 in the direction of travel 112. or in other words, undercutting the ground material beneath the system 100 may result in a more efficient and effective removal of ground material from under the ground surface 111. Undercutting may loosen ground material along the milling surface 114, so that the ground material utilizes the available gravity to drop directly onto the conveyor assembly 108 after being loosened from the milling surface 114. In some conditions, decreasing the angle 110 may help facilitate this drop of ground material directly onto the conveyor assembly 108. Further, having the mining apparatus 106 angled in the direction of travel provides an additional downforce to the mining apparatus 106. This downforce may be transferred to the work machine 102, through the ground drive components, such as tracks 120 (shown in FIG. 3), to the ground surface 111. This downforce may increase the traction of the ground drive components of the work machine 102 with the ground surface 111, allowing the work machine to exert a greater pull force relative to the weight of the work machine 102. By increasing the downforce without a corresponding increase in w eight of the w ork machine 102, costs to launch the w ork machine 102 into space may be decreased for non-terrestrial applications.

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the system 100, including the work machine 102, the connection linkage 104, the mining apparatus 106, and the conveyor assembly 108, in the working position, where a portion of the mining apparatus 106 is below the ground surface 111 and the ground is shown in a cutaway.

[0030] FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the system 100, including the w ork machine 102. The work machine 102 includes a frame 121, a motive source (not shown) for the mining apparatus 106 and the conveyor assembly 108 (e.g. hydraulic and / or electric), an attachment mount 123 for the attachment of the mining apparatus 106 via the connection linkage 104, and a housing 122. The work machine 102 also includes the tracks 120 that allows the work machine 102 to traverse a variety of terrains and ground conditions. In some examples, the tracks 120 may be in a quad-track configuration.

[0031] The tracks 120 of the w ork machine 102 may be sufficiently spaced to be set wider than the width of the mining apparatus 106 and wider than the trench 116 created by the mining apparatus 106. The tracks 120 may be spaced apart at a distance that allows the work machine 102 to traverse over the top of the trench 116 with sufficient clearance to prevent a collapse-6- 108818792.1of the trench 116. For example, the tracks 120 may be spaced 10-60% wider than the width of the mining apparatus 106 and / or the trench 116. Stated differently, the system 100 may be designed such that the distance between the tracks 120 results in the tracks 120 being wider than the trench 116 over which the system 100 traverses. In some examples, the width of the trench 116 may be related to a depth of the trench, so that the distance between the tracks 120 may also be 10%-60% wider than the depth of the trench.

[0032] The distance between the tracks 120 may be determined by the type of material being excavated and the gravity environment. In some instances, the tracks 120 may be replaced with different types of ground engagement devices depending on the terrain that the work machine 102 is expected to traverse, such as. but not limited to, wheels. For example, a bogie system may be used so that the ground engagement devices (for example, wheels and tracks) are interchangeable and / or replaceable. While the term “work machine” is used throughout, the present disclosure may include other types of motive vehicles that are capable of traversing desired terrain including subterranean areas.

[0033] FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of the connection linkage 104 of the system. As show n in FIG. 2, the mining apparatus 106 is attached to the work machine 102 by the connection linkage 104. The connection linkage 104 may be connected to the attachment mount 123 of the work machine 102 to couple the connection linkage 104 to the work machine 102. The connection linkage 104 includes a coupling frame 124 which may be connected to the attachment mount 123 of the work machine 102 to keep the coupling frame 124 fixed to the work machine 102.

[0034] The connection linkage 104 also includes a first linkage frame 136, a mounting frame 140, and a second linkage frame 144. Additionally, the connection linkage 104 includes four pivot axes, each of which extend between two pivotal connections. A first pivot axis Al extends between a pivotal connection 130a and a pivotal connection 130b (not shown), each of which is at a first end of the coupling frame 124. A second pivot axis A2 extends between a pivotal connection 134a and a pivotal connection 134b, each of which is at a second end of the coupling frame 124. Thus, the coupling frame 124 extends between the first pivot axis Al and the second pivot axis A2.-7- 108818792.1

[0035] A third pivot axis A3 extends between a pivotal connection 142a and a pivotal connection 142b, each of which is at a first end of the mounting frame 140. A fourth pivot axis A4 extends between a pivotal connection 138a and a pivotal connection 138b, each of which is at a second end of the mounting frame 140. Thus, the mounting frame 140 extends between the third pivot axis A3 and the fourth pivot axis A4.

[0036] The first linkage frame 136 extends longitudinally between the second pivot axis A2 and the fourth pivot axis A4. Thus, the first linkage frame 136 extends between the pivotal connection 134a in a first comer, the pivotal connection 134b in a second comer, the pivotal connection 138a in a third corner, and the pivotal connection 138b in a fourth corner. The second linkage frame 144 of the connection linkage 104 extends longitudinally between the first pivot axis Al and the third pivot axis A3. Thus, the second linkage frame 144 extends between the pivotal connection 130a in a first comer, the pivotal connection 130b (not shown) in a second comer, the pivotal connection 142a in a third comer, and the pivotal connection 142b in a fourth comer.

[0037] The connection linkage 104 includes a linear actuator 150 that may be operated to manipulate the position of the mining apparatus 106 coupled to the connection linkage 104. The linear actuator 150 may be any linear actuator known in the art, such as a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic actuator. The connection linkage 104 may be a four-bar linkage to allow for the mining apparatus 106 to be moved up and down relative to the connection linkage 104 to adjust the angle 1 10 (shown in FIG. 1) of the mining apparatus 106. For example, the system 100 may include additional linear actuators, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic actuators, to allow additional adjustment of the angle 110 when moving the mining apparatus 106. In some examples, the first linkage frame 136 and / or the second linkage frame 144 of the connection linkage 104 may be replaced with, or used in conjunction with, one or more additional actuators. In other examples, an additional linkage system on an auger mounting frame 160 (shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B) of the mining apparatus 106 may include one or more additional actuators.

[0038] The dimensions of the coupling frame 124, the first linkage frame 136, the mounting frame 140, and the second linkage frame 144, along with the locations of the pivotal connections 130a, 130b, 134a, 134b, 138a, 138b, 142a, and 142b may be adjusted and-8- 108818792.1customized as desired to achieve the desired depth and angle for moving and positioning the mining apparatus 106. The connection linkage 104 may further include a bracing 146 which provides additional structure and rigidity to the connection linkage 104. For example, the bracing 146 may be part of the first linkage frame 136 and / or the second linkage frame 144, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0039] The connection linkage 104 is not intended to be limited to the illustrations and descriptions herein. This disclosure contemplates the use of alternative lifting and lowering mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, linear slides, rack and pinions, and / or radial lifting arms, to control the movement and positioning of the mining apparatus 106.

[0040] FIGs. 5 A and 5B depict the mining apparatus 106 coupled to the connection linkage 104. The mining apparatus 106 includes an auger mounting frame 160, a first auger 162, a second auger 166, and a drive system 170. As used herein, ‘"auger” may refer to any rotating apparatus that may be mounted on the mining apparatus 106 to aid in the loosening of ground material. The augers 162, 166 may also be referred to as “helical cutters,” as they function herein as helical cutters. The auger mounting frame 160 may be attached to the connection linkage 104 at the mounting frame 140. The mounting frame 140 includes an attachment flange 188 for connection to the auger mounting frame 160. While a bolted connection is illustrated, the mining apparatus 106 may attach to the connection linkage 104 via any other type of connection, such as, but not limited to, a quick attach connection.

[0041] The first auger 162 includes a first cylinder 164 and a first helical member 180 (e.g., a helical cutter), each of which extends between a first end 176 and a second end 178 of the first auger 162. The axis ARI passes through the center of the first cylinder 164. The first end 176 of the first auger 162 may be rotationally coupled to the auger mounting frame 160, i.e., by a bearing. The first helical member 180 may be arranged, or wrapped, around the first cylinder 164 in a first direction 190 (shown in FIG. 5 A) along a length of the first cylinder 164.

[0042] Similarly, the second auger 166 further includes a second cylinder 168 and a second helical member 186 (e.g.. ahelical cutter), each of which extends between afirst end 182 and a second end 184 of the second auger 166. The axis AR2 passes through the center of the-9- 108818792.1second cylinder 168. The first end 182 of the second auger 166 may be rotationally coupled to the auger mounting frame 160. The second helical member 186 may be arranged, or wrapped, around the second cylinder 168 in a second direction 192 (shown in FIG. 5 A), along a length of the second cylinder 168, that is opposite to the first direction 190.

[0043] The first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may be rotationally and removably attached to the auger mounting frame 160, which allows for the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 to be independently removed from the mining apparatus 106 and the system 100 for repair and / or replacement. For example, each of augers 162, 166 may have a flange 152 configured to be attached to the auger mounting frame 160 by a drive shaft 154 (shown in FIG. 5B). Each drive shaft 154 includes a flange 158 at a first end 156 of the drive shaft 154. which may be secured with threaded fasteners, such as, but not limited to, bolts and nuts, to secure the first auger 162 and the second auger 166, respectively, to the corresponding drive shaft 154. The augers 162, 166 may be mounted in a cantilevered fashion from each drive shaft 154. Each drive shaft 154 may be rotationally attached to the auger mounting frame 160 by bearings 159. A second end 157 of each drive shaft 154 may be attached to a respective component of the drive system 170. The drive system 170 includes a first drive motor 172 operable to rotate the first auger 162 and a second drive motor 174 operable to rotate the second auger 166.

[0044] FIG. 5B shows the drive system 170 including the first drive motor 172 and the second drive motor 174 connected by at least one torque arm 169. In some configurations, components of the drive system 170 may be coupled to the auger mounting frame 160. In some examples, the drive system 170 may be configured to rotate the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 in both the first direction 190 and the second direction 192. The drive motors 172, 174 may be configured to rotate augers 162, 166 about each of axis ARI and AR2, respectively.

[0045] As previously stated, the first auger 162 rotates in the first direction 190 about the axis ARI and the second auger 166 rotates in the second direction 192 about the axis AR2, the second direction 192 being opposite, or counter rotational in direction, in relation to the first direction 190. The first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may be essentially parallel, i.e. the axis ARI and the axis AR2 may be substantially parallel. The center lines of the first-10- 108818792.1auger 162 and the second auger 166 may be spaced apart a distance 194. The distance 194 may be selected such that the first helical member 180 overlaps with the second helical member 186 to maximize the surface area of the milling surface 114 contacted by the first auger 162 and the second auger 166.

[0046] The pitch and rotational position of the first helical member 180 and the second helical member 186 may be coordinated to ensure the first helical member 180 does not interfere with the second helical member 186 when the augers 162, 166 are rotated. The opposing directions of rotation of the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may direct loosened ground material to fall between the axis ARI and the axis AR2. Stated differently, the opposing directions of rotation of the augers 162, 166 may direct ground material loosened from the milling surface 114 in the trench 116 to fall between the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 towards the middle of the conveyor assembly 108, from where the ground material may be conveyed by the conveyor assembly 108 out of the trench 116. The opposing directions of rotation ofthe first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may also serve to equalize right and left forces on the system 100.

[0047] In some instances, the mining apparatus 106 may further include a timing system 196 to maintain operation of the first auger 162 in relation to the second auger 166. The timing system 196 may include a first gear 197 coupled with the drive shaft 154 of the first auger 162 and a second gear 198 coupled with the drive shaft 154 of the second auger 166. The first gear 197 and the second gear 198 may be configured such that teeth of the gears intermesh to maintain synchronized rotation of the first auger 162 relative to the second auger 166. For example, the timing system 196 may be configured such that the rotation of the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 are synchronized in a way that does not cause interference between the first helical member 180 and the second helical member 186. Said another way, the timing system 196 may ensure that the first helical member 180 does not contact the second helical member 186 during operation of the mining apparatus 106. Alternatively, the gears 197, 198 may be replaced by a timing belt, a timing chain assembly, and / or electronic controls and / or sensors.

[0048] In some instances, more than two augers may be included in the mining apparatus 106. For example, an auger configured for conveying material may be placed behind the first-11- 108818792.1auger 162 and the second auger 166, such that the additional auger may be a material conveying auger operable to move material that is mined by the first auger 162 and the second auger 166. In other configurations, additional helical cutting augers may be placed in a row with the first auger 162 and second auger 166, or in a staggered arrangement, for example, slightly behind the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166, to increase the mining surface area of the milling surface 114 contacted by the mining apparatus 106.

[0049] In further configurations, the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may be spaced apart such that the helical members 180, 186 of the first auger 162 and the second auger 166, respectively, do not overlap. In such configurations, the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may be run at different speeds to achieve a desired output of the system 100.

[0050] In some instances, the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 may have more than one helical member, which may increase the amount of contact with the milling surface 114 per each revolution of the augers. In some instances, the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 may be operated in a direction of rotation and in a reverse direction of rotation. Operating the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 in a reverse direction of rotation may remove objects stuck in the augers to clean the augers. In such configurations, the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 may be arranged in a staggered pattern to maximize the surface area of the milling surface 114 contacted by the mining apparatus 106. Stated another way, arranging the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 in a staggered pattern may allow for all material between the augers to be milled without leaving a strip of material.

[0051] In some instances, the mining apparatus 106 may include a float mode. While in the float mode, the weight of the mining apparatus 106 and / or the forces created during operation of the mining apparatus 106 may create a sufficient force in the dow nw ard direction to reach a working position under the ground surface 111. In the float mode, the mining apparatus 106 ‘"floats” and is not pressed, or driven, into the ground surface 111 by the linear actuator 150. In other words, the first auger 1 2 and / or the second auger 166 may maintain an operation depth under the ground surface 111 without any external forces being applied to the mining apparatus 106. Thus, the float mode may help prevent overloading of the mining apparatus 106. the linear actuator 150, and / or the work machine 102 of the mining apparatus 106,-12- 108818792.1specifically as the mining apparatus 106 transitions from a stowed position (shown in FIG.10) to a working position (shown in FIG. 1).

[0052] In some examples, the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 may rotate in opposite directions than as previously described. That is, in these examples, the first auger 162 may rotate in a direction opposite to the first direction 190, i.e.. in the second direction 192, and the second auger 166 may rotate in a direction opposite to the second direction 192, i.e., in the first direction 190. Reversing the rotation direction of the first auger 162 and / or the second auger 166 may move milled material toward the side of the trench 116, instead of between the augers 162, 166. In some examples, the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may rotate in a shared direction, either the first direction 190 or the second direction 192. during milling to minimize interference between the augers 162, 166 due to overlap.

[0053] The first helical member 180 and the second helical member 186 may each include a plurality of protrusions 200. shown in greater detail in FIG. 6. The protrusions 200 may also be referred to as cutting teeth. The protrusions 200 may be carbide cutting teeth affixed to the helical members 180, 186, such as, but not limited to, by welding. Alternatively, the protrusions 200 may be removably fitted into and / or onto the edges of the helical members 180. 186, such that they are replaceable. The protrusions 200 may be spaced about the first helical member 180 and / or the second helical member 186. Each of the protrusions 200 may include a cutting portion. The protrusions 200, along with the first helical member 180 and the second helical member 186 may help loosen ground material as the first auger 162 and the second auger 166 rotate and contact the milling surface 115.

[0054] The first auger 162 and the second auger 166 may include a conical tip 204, shown in greater detail in FIG. 7. The conical tip 204 includes a plurality7of cutting elements 206 which serve a similar purpose as the plurality of protrusions 200 described above to aid in the loosening of ground material. The cutting elements 206 may be referred to as cutting teeth. Each of the cutting elements 206 may be a weld-on cutting tooth having a carbide insert. The plurality7of cutting elements 206 may be helically arranged about the conical tip 204. The shape of the conical tip 204, as well as the plurality7of cutting elements 206, may aid the first cut into the ground surface 111. In some instances, the conical tip 204 may be detachable and-13- 108818792.1replaceable, as the conical tip 204 may wear faster than the augers 162, 1 6. In alternative configurations, the conical tip 204 may have a non-conical shape, such a T bar shape.

[0055] Turning to FIG. 8A and 8B, the conveyor assembly 108 of the system 100 is depicted. The conveyor assembly 108 may be coupled to the auger mounting frame 160 by one or more arms 210 at a pivotal connection point 211 located proximate a first end 212 of the conveyor assembly 108. As such, the conveyor assembly 108 may be moved about the pivotal connection point 211 when the linear actuator 150 of the connection linkage 104 is operated. The conveyor assembly 108 may be independently movable relative to the auger mounting frame 160. Adischarge end214 ofthe conveyor assembly 108 may be located near a conveyor discharge 216. The attachment of the conveyor assembly 108 at the first end 212 may be pivotably movable. Additionally, the arms 210 may be configured to extend and retract from the auger mounting frame 160 such that the first end 212 of the conveyor assembly 108 may be moved to the desired position relative to the floor 118 of the trench 116 and / or the mining apparatus 106. In the illustrated configuration, the arms 210 may be slidingly repositioned within a housing of the auger mounting frame 160 by one or more actuators.

[0056] A cover 230 may cover a portion of the conveyor assembly 108. The cover 230 may extend to cover the conveyor discharge 216. A portion of the cover 230 has been made transparent in FIG. 8B to show details of the discharge end 214.

[0057] The conveyor assembly 108 includes a conveyor floor 222, a slat chain conveyor 226. a conveyor drive (not shown), and a scraper 224. Although the conveyor assembly 108 is illustrated and described herein as including a slat chain conveyer, this is not intended to be limiting. This disclosure is intended to cover other conveying mechanisms known in the art, such as, but not limited to, conveyor belts, bucket conveyors or elevators, flingers, and / or augers. Although not shown, the conveyor drive may include a motor, such as a hydraulic or electric motor, that provides rotational power to an end pulley 234 (shown in FIG. 8B) of the conveyor assembly 108. The slat chain conveyor 226 includes a plurality of slats 227, wherein each slat 227 extends across a width of the conveyor floor 222. The plurality of slats 227 may assist in collecting the loosened ground material so that it may be conveyed to, and discharged from, the conveyor discharge 216. The material may be discharged to a separate processing-14- 108818792.1machine (not shown), into the trench 116, and / or discharged out of and to the side of the trench 116.

[0058] The slat chain conveyor 226 moves in a conveying direction 228 which moves the loosened ground material dropping from the mining apparatus 106 toward the conveyor discharge 216. The discharge end 214 may include a screen 232 (shown in FIG. 8B) to filter the ground material as the material is discharged from the conveyor assembly 108 based on a particle size of the ground material. Material having a particle size smaller than the openings in the screen 232 may be discharged in a separate discharge stream from material having a particle size larger than the openings in the screen 232. For example, smaller material that passes through the screen 232 may be collected for additional processing. Conversely, material having a particle size larger than the openings in the screen 232 may be discharged to a separate processing machine (not show n), into the trench 116, and / or discharged out of and to the side of the trench 116, which may be the same or a separate location than the discharge location of material having a smaller particle size.

[0059] The speed of the conveyor assembly 108 may be determined in relation to the volume of ground material being processed by the mining apparatus 106, which may relate to the speed of the mining apparatus 106. For example, it may be desirable for the speed of the slat chain conveyor 226 to be set such that the volumetric conveying rate of the slat chain conveyor 226 matches or exceeds the volumetric cutting rate of the mining apparatus 106. Said another way, the volumetric cutting rate of the mining apparatus 106 should not exceed the volumetric conveying rate of the slat chain conveyor 226. Other configurations may exist as well. The length and angle of the conveyor assembly 108 may be adjusted to achieve a desired depth of the trench and / or a desired volumetric conveying rate. In some instances, the conveyor assembly 108 may include pivot points to allow7the conveyor assembly 108 to be folded and / or stowed.

[0060] The conveyor assembly 108 includes a wheel assembly 240 which allows the conveyor assembly 108 to move along the ground surface 111 as the system 100 is traversed across terrain by the work machine 102. The wheel assembly 240 may include one or more wheels 242. The wheel assembly 240 may be pivotably moved with the mining apparatus 106 when the linear actuator 150 of the connection linkage 104 is operated. The wheels 242 of the-15- 108818792.1wheel assembly 240 may be sufficiently spaced to be set wider than the width of the trench 116. such that the conveyor assembly 108 may traverse over the top of the trench 116 without risking a collapse of the trench 116. The conveyor assembly 108 may be steerable, such that the system 100 may execute turns without removing the conveyor assembly 108. Alternatively, the wheels 242 of the wheel assembly 240 may be mounted as caster wheels, allowing the wheels 242 to rotate as the system 100 executes turns.

[0061] The conveyor assembly 108 may be configured such that ground material discharged from the conveyor discharge 216 undergoes additional processing by an additional device (not shown). In some configurations, the additional device may be configured to attach to and / or follow the system 100. The additional material processing device will be described in further detail below.

[0062] FIG. 9A depicts the scraper 224 of the conveyor assembly 108 in greater detail. The scraper includes an inclined surface 236 and an edge 225. The edge 225 and the inclined surface 236 may be designed to aid in moving loosened ground material from the floor 118 of the trench tow ards the conveyor assembly 108. The edge 225 of the scraper 224 may contact the floor 118 of the trench 116. As the scraper 224 moves along the floor 118, loosened material may be moved up and onto the conveyor floor 222 (shown in FIG. 8A) for conveying by the slat chain conveyor 226 towards the conveyor discharge 216. The scraper 224 may be further configured to remove obstructions from wdthin the trench 116. To accommodate the shape of the floor 118 of the trench 116, the scraper 224, specifically the edge 225 and the inclined surface 236, may be configured to follow the milled contour of the floor 118 of the trench 116.

[0063] FIG. 9B depicts the scraper 224, the first auger 162, and the second auger 166. When the scraper 224 is view ed parallel to the direction of travel 112, the edge 225 may have a pointed protrusion aligned with one or both of the augers 162, 166. depending on the milled shape of the floor 118 of the trench 116. In other instances, the edge 225 of the scraper 224 may have a single pointed protrusion aligned between the augers 162, 166. In other instances, the edge 225 of the scraper 224 may include a rounded or a humped shape.-16- 108818792.1

[0064] FIGs. 9C and 9D illustrate a configuration of the conveyor assembly 108 where the slat chain conveyor 226 is utilized to collect material from the floor 118 of the trench 116. In this configuration, the slats 227 of the slat chain conveyor 226 may direct material onto the conveyor floor 222 by lifting and / or scooping the material. This configuration does not contain the scraper 224. Removing the scraper 224 may allow the conveyor floor 222 and the slat chain conveyor 226 to be positioned closer to where material falls from the augers 162, 166 after being loosened from the mill surface 114.

[0065] In some instances, the system 100 may employ ballasts and / or supplemental weights in order to increase the overall weight and / or stability of the system 100. In some instances, the system 100 may include a variety of sensors, such as ground penetrating radar sensors, which monitor subsurface conditions to identify potential densify or compaction changes which could indicate subsurface obstructions. If a subsurface obstruction is detected, the system 100 may route around the obstruction, or may lift the mining apparatus 106 to prevent damage to the mining apparatus 106. In some instances, the entirety of the system 100 may be enclosed in a dust mitigation enclosure to reduce the amount of dust and to maximize the harvesting of the ground material. The front of the system 100 could also include a plow blade to smooth the surface and remove large objects.

[0066] In some instances, the system 100 may be operated remotely, by remote control. In some instances, the system 100 may be manually operated, and in other instances the system 100 may be semi-autonomous or fully autonomous. For example, the mining apparatus may include a control device that is operable to receive commands from an instruction device that is communicatively coupled to the control device through a wired or a wireless connection. The commands may include operating the mining apparatus to remove ground material from a ground surface. The commands may also include operating the actuator of the connection linkage to position the mounting frame of the mining apparatus to force the first auger and the second auger of the mining apparatus into the ground surface. The commands may also include operating the actuator of the connection linkage to position the mounting frame of the mining apparatus to allow the first auger and the second auger of the mining apparatus to pull into the ground surface solely by a force generated by the first auger and the second auger. The commands may further include operating the work machine to move the mining system-17- 108818792.1along the ground surface. In some instances, high wear parts, such as the augers, and more especially the conical tips, may be replaced remotely.

[0067] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the system 100 in a stowed position. FIG. 11 shows a side view of the system 100 in the stowed position. In the stowed position, the connection linkage 104 may be raised, such that the mining apparatus 106 is raised above the ground surface 111. In the stowed position, the system 100 may be able to be transported by the work machine 102 without the mining apparatus 106 contacting the ground.

[0068] FIGs. 12 and 13 depict an alternate embodiment of an auger for use with the mining apparatus 106. The above description with regard to FIGs. 5 A and 5B applies to this alternate auger embodiment, except as described below. In this instance, the first auger 162 includes a first plurality of helical members 250 positioned around the first cylinder 164 in a first direction 251. The second auger 166 includes a second plurality of helical members 252 positioned around the second cylinder 168 in a second direction 253, which may be opposite to the first direction. The first plurality of helical members 250 and the second plurality of helical members 252 may be spaced about the first cylinder 164 and the second cylinder 168, respectively, in a way that is similar to the first helical member 180 and the second helical member 186 as described above, except that a plurality of members are arranged in a similar fashion. The shape of the first plurality of helical members 250 and / or the second plurality of helical members 252 may be adjusted to optimize the milling of the ground material.

[0069] FIGs. 14 and 15 depict additional alternate embodiments of an auger for use with the mining apparatus 106. For example, FIG. 14 depicts a cutting device 260 including a series of protrusions 262 extending from a central shaft 264. The protrusions 262 may have a spoked shape and may be arranged in a helical pattern about the central shaft 264. The protrusions 262 may cut into previously undisturbed ground material, loosening and dislodging the material so that it may be removed. The protrusions 262 may be designed in such a way to help prevent excessive wear since they will be the main components to engage the milling surface 114. The pattern of the protrusions 262 may be configured in such a way that one complete revolution of the central shaft 264 may dislodge, fracture, and / or mill away a complete layer of material along the milling surface 114. The cutting device 260 may have a-18- 108818792.1flange 266 similar to the flange 152 of the augers 162, 166 for attaching the cutting device 260 to the mining apparatus 106.

[0070] In another example, FIG. 15 depicts a cutting device 270 including a series of angled protrusions 272 extending from a central shaft 274. The angled protrusions 272 may or may not be arranged in a helical pattern about the central shaft 274. The angled protrusions 272 may include barbs 276 or teeth that are designed to cut into the previously undisturbed ground material, loosening and dislodging the material so that it may be removed. The barbs 276 may be designed in such a way to help prevent wear since they will be the main components to engage the milled surface 114. The pattern of the angled protrusions 272 and the barbs 276 may be configured in such a way that one complete revolution of the central shaft 274 may dislodge, fracture, and / or mill away a complete layer of material along the milling surface 114. The cutting device 270 may have a flange 278 similar to the flange 152 of the augers 162, 166 for attaching the cutting device 270 to the mining apparatus 106.

[0071] As briefly discussed above, in some examples, an additional device for material processing may be included in the system 100. The additional material processing device may include systems to extract volatile gases from lunar regolith. Among the findings of analysis of lunar regolith samples returned from Apollo missions were a higher concentration of solar wind volatiles in the smaller regolith particle sizes and a higher concentration of volatiles sampled from unsieved particles (as much as 30% higher in unsieved samples). (See, "A Review of Helium-3 Resources and Acquisition for Use as Fusion Fuel," by L. J. Wittenberg, et. al., WCSAR-TR-AR3-9107-1, Fusion Technology’, Special Issue on DHe3 Fusion, Vol. 21 (4), 2230-2253.) Thus, the process of sieving the soil liberates a substantial percentage of the solar wind particles, primarily hydrogen and helium. Accordingly, in some instances, the additional material processing device may perform regolith beneficiation that focuses on helium-3 extraction, with hydrogen and helium-4 as by-products, and minimize energy input and the associated infrastructure requirements.

[0072] In some instances, the system 100 and the additional material processing device may be a lunar regolith processing system. In some instances, the system 100, specifically the conveyor assembly 108. may include a coarse slotted screen, such as the screen 232, configured to reject the largest rock fragments. The regolith discharged from the conveyor-19- 108818792.1assembly may be fed as a regolith stream into the additional material processing device, which may contain a mill. The mill may be configured to agitate the regolith and use small dense rock fragments in the regolith to break up friable regolith breccia fragments and coarse, glassy agglutinates to release contained volatiles as part of the overall agitation of regolith fine grains (hereinafter, "fines"), thereby releasing loosely-held volatiles on particle surfaces of the regolith. The released volatiles may be drawn off from the mill and then fed to a refinery.

[0073] In some instances, the refinery system of the additional material processing device may be configured to separate helium and hydrogen from other volatiles in the released volatiles through fractional condensation. In some instances, waste regolith may be removed from the mill once the volatiles have been extracted, and the waste regolith may be deposited back on the lunar surface with little significant change.

[0074] In some instances, the system 100 and the additional material processing device may move across the lunar surface, collecting regolith, releasing volatiles through agitation of the regolith, separating helium and hydrogen from other released volatiles, and depositing waste regolith stream back on the surface behind the system 100 and the additional material processing device, until the system 100 and / or the additional material processing device requires maintenance, needs replenishment of its power source, and / or when storage containers for storing volatiles from the refining process have reached their capacity. In some instances, periodically, when storage containers for storing volatiles from the refining process have reached their capacity7, the stored volatiles may be distributed to markets.

[0075] In some instances, a lunar regolith processing system includes at least one mobile robotic processing system which may automatically track along with system 100 and at least one fixed processing system. In some examples, the mobile robotic processing system and / or the additional material processing device may include elements of the system 100 described herein, and the fixed processing system and / or the additional material processing device may include a refinery.

[0076] The system and apparatus described herein may be used for trenching and mining operations in terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments. The system and apparatus may effectively and efficiently perform trenching and mining operations to loosen and transport-20- 108818792.1large quantities of ground material in terrestrial and non-terrestrial environments for further processing.

[0077] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode and to enable a person of ordinary7skill 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 and examples 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.-21- 108818792.1

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mining apparatus comprising:a mounting frame;a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, the first auger comprising a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder;a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, the second auger comprising a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; andat least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions,wherein the mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface.

2. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first auger and the second auger includes a conical tip that is detachable.

3. The mining apparatus of claim 2, wherein the conical tip includes a plurality of cutting elements.

4. The mining apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of cutting elements is helically arranged about the conical tip.

5. The mining apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first helical member and the second helical member have a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom.

6. The mining apparatus of claim 5, wherein the plurality of protrusions is coupled to one or more of the first helical member and the second helical member by welding.

7. The mining apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions includes a cutting portion.

8. A mining system comprising:a mining apparatus comprising:a mounting frame;a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, the first auger comprising a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder;a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, the second auger comprising a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; andat least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions; anda conveyor assembly comprising a conveyor and a conveyor floor,wherein the mining apparatus is operable to remove ground material from a trench in a ground surface and the conveyor assembly is operable to transport ground material removed by the mining apparatus out of the trench in the ground surface.

9. The mining system of claim 8. further comprising a connection linkage coupled at a first end to the mounting frame of the mining apparatus, the connection linkage being configured to couple the mining apparatus to a motive apparatus.

10. The mining system of claim 9, wherein the connection linkage is one of a four-bar connection linkage, a linear slide, a rack and pinion, or a radial lift.

11. The mining system of claim 8, wherein when the mining apparatus is positioned to remove ground material from the trench, one or more of the first auger and the second auger are positioned to form an acute angle in relation to the ground surface.

12. The mining system of claim 8, wherein the at least one drive member includes a first drive motor operable to rotate the first auger and a second drive motor operable to rotate the second auger.

13. The mining system of claim 8, wherein the conveyor may comprise one of a slat chain conveyor, a bucket elevator, a flinger, or a conveying auger.

14. The mining system of claim 8, wherein the conveyor assembly is independently moveable relative to the mounting frame.

15. A mining system comprising:a work machine;a connection linkage comprising an actuator;a mining apparatus comprising:a mounting frame attached to the connection linkage;a first auger coupled to the mounting frame, the first auger comprising a first cylinder and a first helical member, wherein the first helical member is rotationally arranged about the first cylinder in a first direction along a length of the first cylinder;a second auger coupled to the mounting frame, the second auger comprising a second cylinder and a second helical member, wherein the second helical member is rotationally arranged about the second cylinder in a second direction along a length of the second cylinder, the second direction being opposite to the first direction; andat least one drive member coupled to the mounting frame and operable to rotate the first auger and the second auger in opposing directions;a conveyor assembly coupled to the mounting frame; anda control device operable to receive one or more commands from an instruction device that is communicatively coupled to the control device, wherein the one or more commands comprise operating the mining apparatus to remove ground material from a ground surface.

16. The mining system of claim 15, wherein the one or more commands further comprise operating the actuator of the connection linkage to position the mounting frame of the mining apparatus to force the first auger and the second auger of the mining apparatus into the ground surface.

17. The mining system of claim 15, wherein the one or more commands further comprise operating the actuator of the connection linkage to position the mounting frame of the mining apparatus to allow the first auger and the second auger of the mining apparatus to pull into the ground surface solely by a force generated by the first auger and the second auger.

18. The mining system of claim 15, wherein the one or more commands further comprise operating the work machine to move the mining sy stem along the ground surface.

19. The mining system of claim 18, wherein the work machine comprises one or more tracks operable to move the mining system along the ground surface.

20. The mining system of claim 19, wherein the one or more tracks of the work machine are spaced wider than a width of a trench in the ground surface created by the mining apparatus.

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