US 6,672,673 B1Granted

Ore pass inspection system

AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services

InventorsArthur L. Miller, Christopher Dorrington, Paula Schmitz, Travis Garvey, Peter Maricich

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Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for imaging and clearing an ore pass hang-up. The apparatus includes: a platform that is movable along generally a longitudinal direction of an ore pass; a controllable propulsion unit capable of propelling the platform within the ore pass and to the location of the hang-up; an imaging unit capable of generating an image of the ore pass as the apparatus is moved trough the ore pass, wherein the image is transmittable to a remove viewer; extensible, remotely controllable immobilizing units affixed to the platform; and a remotely controllable unit for clearing the ore pass hang-up. Once in place the apparatus is used to break up or clear the hang-up by, for example, directing blows to the hang-up, directing high pressure fluids to the hang-up, and using an explosive charge.

Claims39

Dependent claims

An apparatus for clearing a material hang-up in an essentially vertical shaft having walls which is used for moving material from a higher level to a lower level, said apparatus comprising:

(1) a platform having an upper surface and a lower surface and at least two ends, wherein the platform is movable along a longitudinal direction within the shaft;
(2) a remotely controllable propulsion unit affixed to the lower surface of the platform capable of propelling the platform along the longitudinal direction within the shaft and up to the hang-up;
(3) an imaging unit affixed to the upper surface of the platform capable of generating an image of an upward view within the shaft, wherein the image is transmittable to a remote viewer, and wherein the image can be viewed by an operator to assist in controlling and operating the apparatus:
(4) one or more extensible immobilizing units affixed to the ends of the platform, wherein the immobilizing units are remotely controllable, and wherein the immobilizing units, when activated by the operator, immobilize the platform within the shaft;
(5) a remotely controllable clearing unit affixed to the platform and adapted for clearing the hang-up within the shaft;
and
(6) a remote controller for controlling the propulsion unit, the immobilizing units, and the clearing unit;
wherein the apparatus can be controlled and operated by the operator using the remote controller at a safe distance from the shaft.

5 more elements

A method for clearing a material hang-up in an essentially vertical shaft having walls which is used for moving material from a higher level to a lower level, said method comprising:

(1) introducing an apparatus for clearing the hang-up into the lower end of the shaft blocked by the hang-up, wherein the apparatus is capable of:
(a) being remotely propelled within the shaft so that the apparatus can be positioned adjacent to and below the hang-up by an operator located at a safe distance from the lower end of the shaft,
(b) providing an image of an upward view of the shaft as the apparatus is propelled within the shaft and is positioned adjacent to and below the hang-up, where the image is transmitted to the operator,
(c) being remotely immobilized in a position adjacent to and below the hang-up by the operator, the apparatus comprising one or more remotely controllable extensible immobilizing units, which, when activated, immobilize the apparatus within the shaft, and
(d) remotely clearing the hang-up after being immobilized in a position adjacent to and below the hang-up;
(2) remotely propelling the apparatus upward within the shaft until the apparatus is positioned adjacent to and below the hang-up, wherein the image is used by the operator to guide the apparatus within the shaft;
(3) remotely immobilizing the apparatus adjacent to and below the hang-up;
and
(4) remotely clearing the hang-up.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.