Overhead power grid for mobile mining machines
AssigneeJoy MM Delaware, Inc.
InventorsJoseph J. Zimmerman, Garrett L. Lowman, Andrew W. Struthers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle is provided that connects to an overhead power structure for powering and guiding the vehicle. The overhead power structure includes a trolley, a track along which the trolley runs, a power source connected to the track, and a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to the vehicle moving on a surface. The vehicle includes a chassis and a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the vehicle to the overhead power structure. The chassis includes a connector rotatable 360 degrees, and the cable connects to the chassis through the connector.
Claims24
A vehicle configured to connect to an overhead power structure, the vehicle comprising:
- a chassis;
- and
- a cable connected to the chassis and configured to mechanically and electrically connect the chassis to the overhead power structure;
- and
- a connector coupled to the chassis and rotatable 360 degrees relative to the chassis, the connector includes a socket for releasable securing an end of the cable,
- wherein the connector releases the end of the cable when a force exerted on the cable exceeds a predetermined amount.
An overhead power structure for a vehicle, the overhead power structure comprising:
- a trolley;
- a plurality of generally tubular and parallel segments forming a track along which the trolley runs;
- a power source connected to the tubular segments;
- a cable connected to the trolley and configured to attach to a vehicle moving on a surface, the cable mechanically and electrically connecting the vehicle to the trolley;
- a sensor measuring a characteristic of the cable and creating a first signal indicative of the characteristic of the cable;
- and
- a controller operable to receive the first signal and, when the first signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, interrupt electrical communication between the cable and the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.