IP Library › Granted Patent US 11,725,512
Granted Patent B2
US 11,725,512 · App. 17/745,561 · Granted Aug 15, 2023

Method for removing material from a rock wall

Inventors: Russell P. Smith (New South Wales, AU); Andrew D. Hunter (New South Wales, AU); Peter A. Lugg (Queensland, AU); Ian B. Schirmer (Queenland, AU); Geoffrey W. Keech (Queensland, AU); Christopher Coates (Queensland, AU); Bradley M. Neilson (New South Wales, AU)
Assignee: Joy Global Underground Mining LLC
E21C25/16E21C25/06E21C27/16E21C31/02E21C35/00E21C35/23E21C35/24E21C41/16E21D9/102
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,725,512
App. No.
17/745,561
Granted
Aug 15, 2023
Kind
B2
Abstract

A method for removing material from a rock wall. The method includes moving a cutting edge through the rock wall to create a first slot in the rock wall, moving the cutting edge through the rock wall to create a second slot in the rock wall, the second slot being separated from the first slot by an uncut portion, the uncut portion defining a base surface attached to the wall, cutting a notch into the base surface of the uncut portion, and applying a force on the uncut portion to break the uncut portion away from the wall.

Claims (11)

1. A method for removing material from a rock wall, the method comprising:

moving a cutting edge through the rock wall to create a first slot in the rock wall;

moving the cutting edge through the rock wall to create a second slot in the rock wall, the second slot being separated from the first slot by an uncut portion, the uncut portion defining a base surface attached to the wall;

cutting a notch into the base surface of the uncut portion; and

applying a force on the uncut portion to break the uncut portion away from the wall,

wherein applying a force on the uncut portion includes contacting the uncut portion with a vibrating mass in order to induce the uncut portion to break away from the rock wall, and

wherein the vibrating mass is a cutter head supporting the cutting edge.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to moving a cutting edge through the rock wall to create the first slot, cutting a profile around the perimeter of the rock wall.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first slot and the second slot are generally parallel.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first slot and the second slot are substantially horizontal.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein moving the cutting edge through the rock wall to create the second slot provides a second slot that is at least as tall as the uncut portion.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 25, 2022
From: SMITH, RUSSELL P.; HUNTER, ANDREW D.; LUGG, PETER A.; SCHIRMER, IAN B.; KEECH, GEOFFREY W.; COATES, CHRISTOPHER; NEILSON, BRADLEY M.
To: JOY MM DELAWARE, INC.
Reel/Frame 060607/0252 →
MERGER Recorded Jul 25, 2022
From: JOY MM DELAWARE, INC.
To: JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC
Reel/Frame 060607/0404 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 16678656 · Nov 8, 2019
Continuation 15266386 · Sep 15, 2016
Continuation 14028511 · Sep 16, 2013
Provisional Application 61701256 · Sep 14, 2012
Related Publication 20220349306A1 · Nov 3, 2022