US3860027A - 180{20 {0 Loop carrier for a slurry line - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyer for moving a cart supported slurry line through a 180* bend consisting of a support for a conveyer positioned over the slurry line, conveyer engaging devices spaced along the slurry line and adapted to engage the conveyer, and mobile means attached to the support for the conveyer to move the conveyer in accordance with the use of the slurry line.

Description

United States Patent 1191 McCain et al.

180 LOOP CARRIER FOR A SLURRY LINE Inventors: David L. McCain, Ponca City,

Okla; Gordon R. Haworth, Glencoe, 11].; Ronald W. Umphrey, Ponca City, Okla.

Assignee: Continental Oil Company, Ponca City, Okla.

Filed: Mar. 30, 1973 Appl. No.: 346,519

u.s. c1. 137/344, 191/12 R, 302/14, 137/3551? Int. Cl H02g 11/00, B65g 53/30 Field of Search. 74/246; 137/344, 615, 355.16, l37/355.17; 302/14, 15, 16, 64; 299/18, 64; 141/279, 280, 387, 388

451 Jan. 14, 1975 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,571,832 10/1951 Chapin 191/12 R 2,893,540 7/1959 Freeman 74/246 2,935,080 5/1960 Klimek 137/344 Primary ExaminerHenry T; Klinksiek Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Wi11iam J. Miller [57] ABSTRACT A conveyer for moving a cart supported slurry line through a 180 bend consisting of a support for a conveyer positioned over the slurry line,'conveyer engaging devices spaced along the slurry line and adapted to engage the conveyer, and mobile means attached to the support for the conveyer to move the conveyer in accordance with the use of the slurry line.

11 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTED 1 M975, 3 860.027

- SHEET 2 or 5 Ill * PATENTEDJAN 1 :915

SHEET 3 (IF 5 FIG] PATENTEB JAN 1 4l975 SHEET h 0F 5 man 180 LOOP CARRIER FOR A SLURRY LINE RELATED APPLICATIONS The application entitled Conveyer for Slurry Hose Transportation System, Ser. No. 297,113, filed Oct. 12, 1972, now abandoned, by James H. Tarter, Ronald G. Read, Valentino Colussi, and David L. McCain is directly related to the apparatus disclosed in this application.

The application entitled A Mobile Slurry Handling System, Ser. No. 294,720, filed Oct. 3, 1972, now abandoned, by Eric H. Reichl is also directly related to the apparatus disclosed in this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the above-mentioned Reichl application, an apparatus is disclosed for handling a flexible slurry pipe or hose which is connected between a terminal and a coal digging machine. The slurry handling system includes two hoses, one for transporting water or other fluid and the second for transporting the slurry which consists of the mined material and the fluid mixed together. Transportation of the hose will be provided by a plurality of carts which is spaced along the pair of hoses and not only supports the hoses off of the ground but also provides a mobility to the hose along the axis of the pipe. The carts are selectively controlled so that the pair of hoses will follow all movements of the coal digging machine into and out of the room where the coal is being dug. A certain portion of the total length of the pair of hoses is positioned in the mine to provide storage so that the coal digging machine can operate for an extended period of time without requiring the movement of fixed pipes from the terminal to the beginning of the slurry hose system.

The Tarter et al application relates to a method and apparatus for accomplishing the storage necessary for carrying out the above-described invention. In order to provide an adequate length of slurry hoses in the mine, it is necessary to bend the stored hose through a 180 loop. Since the hose is susceptible to damage, it is imperative that the loop be closely controlled so that it does not become too sharp and result in failure of the hose. To provide the above, a 180 conveyer system was invented which lifts the hose system along with the cart off the ground, moves it around the 180 loop, and replaces the cart on the surface of the ground along with activating the powered carts so that they can apply power to the active portion of the slurry system. When the carts are returned to storage, the powered carts are deactivated so that they cannot be controlled by signals passing down the system. Mobility is provided the conveyer so that it can accommodate changes in the length of the slurry hose in storage.

This application relates to a method and apparatus for accomplishing the storage necessary for carrying out the invention described in the Reichl application in a manner different from that described in the Tarter et al. application by placing the conveyer over the slurry line, engaging the slurry line, lifting it off the ground, moving it through 180, and redepositing it on the ground. The invention herein set out has certain definite advantages over the Tarter et al application since a low platform need not be transported over a rather rough mine floor. Suspension of the system over the slurry line provides for better control of the line during the 180 turn, a simple structure for accomplishing the turn, and less potential problems with the support structure.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART Conveyers have been used in the past for many purposes. For example, the patent to Heimaster, US Pat. No. 3,301,599, illustrates a conveyer supported by wheels and connected to a mine digging machine. This conveyer, however, does not convey or provide mobility to a slurry hose system but rather conveys the product directly on the conveyer to the disposal terminal.

The patent to Eric Reichl, US. Pat. No. 3,260,548, illustrates a mining machine connected through a slurry hose system to a terminal for disposing of the product. This patent, however, discloses hoses which are nonsupported but have a slightly greater length than necessary to connect from the terminal to the coal digging machines. As a consequence, some storage is provided by the excessive length of the hose. The invention thus disclosed, however, does not take into consideration the excessive wear which will result from hoses which are made principally of steel reinforced rubber. These hoses, when loaded, may weigh as much as pounds per foot, and movement of a hose of this weight over the rough surface of amine passage floor will result in early failure of the hose. Furthermore, when the mining machine make a 90 turn, there is no way to successfully move the hose around the turn without risk of damage.

None of the patents discloses a mobile slurry system where carts, both powered ans unpowered, are connected by linkages and where a long length of a slurry hose is stored in the mine. The conveyer .is a nec essary element in removing the slurry system from storage, conveying it around through 180, activating the powered carts, and placing the slurry system in a posi tion where it can actively follow the mining machine.

The conveyer system described in the Tarter et al. application does move the slurry system through 180 but operates by moving the slurry line up a ramp, moving it through 180 while on the ramp, and redepositing the carts on the surface of the ground from the ramp after they have passed around the 180 loop carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION This invention provides a simple but efficient means for turning the direction of a slurry line through 180 from a position of storage to a position of active use in accordance with the demands of the mining machine. The invention differs from the prior art by providing an overhead conveyer which engages the slurry line, moves the carts through 180 while lifting them from the ground, and redeposits the carts on the ground after the 180 turn is complete and at the same time disengaging the slurry line from the conveyer. Means are also provided to move the conveyer in accordance with the needs of the mining machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overhead conveyer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an overhead conveyer shown in FIG. 1 with the slurry line being carried by the conveyer;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the conveyer and slurry line shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a side view of the conveyer and slurry line shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5a through 5c illustrate various conveyer and roller combinations which could be used for the overhead conveyer;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a continuous conveyer;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the continuous conveyer illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is the end view of tongs mounted on the conveyer line shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates the camming operation used to open the tongs illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a circular type conveyer;

FIG. 1 1 is the end view of the conveyer illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is another form of circular con'veyer; and

FIG. 13 is a side view of the conveyer illustrated in FIG. 12.

Referring to all of the figures but in particular to FIGS. 1 through 4, an overhead conveyer system 10 is illustrated having a frame consisting of horizontal member 11 having vertical upright members 12 and 13 attached to its end, a cross-member 14, and horizontal members 15 and 16 attached respectively to upright members 12 and 13. The 180 conveyer 17 is attached to horizontal members 15 and 16 at one end and supported at its other end by a vertical member 18 which is attached to the midpoint of a horizontal cross-beam l9. Cross-beam 19 is attached to the 180 conveyer 17 by any usual means, such as welding. Additional supports can be supplied by angular braces 20 and 21. Mobility for the conveyer is provided by a pair of wheels which may be powered by a hydraulic motor 26 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The open-ended portion of the conveyer which is supported by upright member 18 has a pair of wheels 30 attached at its lower end through a swivel plate 31. Wheels 30 may be driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown), and the direction can be oriented by a second hydraulic motor mounted in upright member 18 or wheel mounting member 32. The assembly can also be free to move in any direction by merely journaling swivel plate 31 and differentially driving wheels 25. A truck or other powered vehicle 35 is connected through arms 36 to horizontal member 11. 180 conveyer 17 is terminated in a flared end 37 which also has a downward sloping bottom 38. Slot 39 has arcuate edges 40 to provide a guiding surface for the entry of the engaging means which is mounted on the slurry hose transportation system.

Referring to FIG. 2 a slurry hose system being carried by conveyer 10 is illustrated and essentially comprises a pair of hoses 41 which is attached to carts 42. In between carts 42 is a plurality of interconnecting linkages 43 and 44, for example. Linkage 44 will usually contain a hose clamp 45 which is also carried by carts 42. Carts 42 may be either powered or unpowered; and, in the preferred embodiment, some of the carts are powered and some are unpowered. Attached to each of the hose clamps 45 is a conveyer engaging means which consists of an upright post 51 and a'plurality of wheels 52 which is joumaled in upright post 51.

OPERATION The operation is best described by referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Hose clamps 45 each carry a conveyer engaging means 50 and wheels 52. As one of the carts 42 moves toward the flared end 37, the roller 52 will engage the sloping ramped surface 38, engaging means 50, and pass into slot 39. It should be noted that the slot is wider at the flared end 37 and has rounded corners 40 to assist in aligning the carts with the conveyer, if perchance they have moved to one side or the other. As the rollers move up ramp 38, the conveyer engaging means is gradually lifting the hose clamp 45 until it is the same height as conveyer 17. The difference in height between the beginning of ramp 38 and the end of ramp 38 is sufficient to lift the wheels of cart 42 from the ground and provide adequate clearance for objects, such as stones or coal, that might be on the surface or floor of the mine. As the carts 42 proceed to move in one direction, wheels 52 will eventually reach the other ramp 38 which is sloping gradually downward. As the wheels 52 move down the ramp 38, the wheels of carts 42 will be redeposited on the ground. Truck 35, which is connected through arms 36 to conveyer 10, can move conveyer 10 in the direction of arrow thus, as the hose is removed from storage or returned to storage, truck 35 will move in either direction and along arrow 60.

Steering of the conveyer to keep it properly aligned can be accomplished by moving wheels 30 about swivel plate 31. Once attached to the vehicle 35 the three wheels must steer in unison with each other and the vehicle to avoid side skidding.

It is obvious, of course, that other means of transporting the conveyer 10 can be accomplished such as, for example, a motor mounted directly on the conveyer. Such a system is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 where a power source 61, such as an electric motor 62, is connected to a hydraulic pump 63 which in turn is connected to hydraulic motors 26.

Steering can be accomplished by hydraulic piston 64 connected through a piston rod 65 to a pivoted lever 66 which in turn is connected to rod 67 and through pivotal joints 68 to arms 69. Rather than the mechanical steering linkage described by numbers 64 through 69, each of the hydraulic motors 26 can be individually powered, which will steer the conveyer by causing an increase in speed in one hydraulic motor 16 as compared to the remaining hydraulic motor 26. As previously mentioned, steering can also be accomplished by turning wheels 30 about swivel plate 31 by any'means, mechanical, hydraulic, or electric.

Referring to FIGS. 5a through 50, modifications in the conveyer and conveyer engaging means are illustrated.

Referring to FIG. 5a the conveyer track, for example, could comprise a C-shaped track 70 adapted to fit wheels 52 which is connected through engaging means 50 to hose clamp 45.

Referring to FIG. 5b the conveyer track could comprise an I-beam 71 having a flat upper surface 72 and a V-shaped lower surface 73. Wheels 52 through engaging means 50 would roll over the flat upper surface, and a second V-shaped engaging means 52' through a second engaging means 50' would engage the V-shaped surface 73. Surface 73 is primarily used to positively secure the hose system being conveyed during its pass around the turn.

FIG. 5c illustrates another embodiment wherein beam 71 has wheels 52 through engaging means 50 roll on one side of I-beam 71, while the second wheels 52 and engaging means 50 roll on the other side of I-beam Other than the particular configuration of the conveyers described in FIGS. 50 through 5c, the operation of the conveyers is identical to that described in FIGS. 1 through 4.

CONTINUOUS CONVEYER FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 illustrate a continuous conveyer which will function in a manner similar to the conveyer described in FIGS. 1 through 4.

Referring to all of the figures but in particular to FIGS. 6 and 7, continuous conveyer 80 has a supporting structure comprising upright members 81 and horizontal members 82 which are attached to each other and to the conveyer line by any suitable system such as welding. A horizontal member 83 is mounted across conveyer 80, and attached at its midpoint is a vertical member 84 carrying swivel plate 31 and wheels 30. Upright members 81, likewise, have attached thereto wheels 25. The movement of the conveyer along line arrow 60 and the various methods of steering and turning are identical to that described in FIGS. 1 through 4 and will not be set out in detail in these figures.

The conveyer essentially comprises a C-shaped channel having a plurality of rollers 90 attached to engaging members 91. Tongs 92 are pivotally attached to members 91. A more detailed description of the tongs is illustrates in FIGS. 8 and 9 and will be discussed in a subsequent portion of this specification.

Tong spreaders 93 are mounted on each side of the conveyer in the down position and are adjusted to open the tongs over the hose clamps 45, and the length and positioning of the spreaders 93 along conveyer 80 are such that the tongs will close prior to the time the rollers 90 start up ramp 97. The space between the tongs 92 is adjusted by a chain 95 and is set to coincide with the spacing between the hose clamps 45. On each hose clamp 45 is attach a tong engaging means 96 which is sufficiently wide so that some latitude will be afforded the tongs with respect to the position of the carts.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a detailed description of the tongs and their operation is illustrated. Tongs generally referred to as 92 comprise a first arm 101, a second arm 102 and engaging members 91. Rollers 90 are journaled through a shaft 103 to the upper end of engaging members 91. Arms 101 and 102 are pivoted at approximately their midpoint to the lower end of engaging members 91 by any means such as bolt 104. Spreader rollers 100 are journaled in one end of arms 101 and 102 by means such as bolt 105. A spring 106 biases the rollers 100 against the outer surface 107 of conveyer 80.

Referring to FIG. 9 conveyer 80 has attached thereto spreaders 93 which, as illustrated, open the tongs arms 101 and 102, providing a means for releasing or clamping engaging means 96 which is attached to hose clamp OPERATION The operation of the embodiment described in FIGS. 6 and 7 is similar to the operation described in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4. The main difference resides in the conveyer carrying the engaging rollers rather than the hose clamps. Another advantage is the ability to drive chain 95 by a power source which is directly synchronized to the movement of the conveyer along arrow 60. Synchronization of the movement of the conveyer is easily provided in its relationship with the movement of wheels 25, since a direct linear mathematical relationship exists between the two movements. For example, the chain must move twice the linear distance of the movement of conveyer 10; thus, a mechanical linkage can be coupled from the wheels to the conveyer. As a hose clamp 45 approaches the down position of conveyer 80, spreaders 93 have opened tongs 92. Since they are easily synchronized with the position of the engaging means 92 on hose clamp 45, as the hose clamps move toward the lift position, tongs 92 will close once the spreader rollers have left spreaders 93. Rollers 90 inside the conveyer will then pass up ramp 97 lifting the hose clamp 45 and hose on carts 42 from the ground; Once the system has passed 180 around conveyer 10, it will pass down ramp 97, spreader rollers 100 and again engage spreaders 93, opening tongs 92 and releasing the engaging means 96.

CIRCULAR EMBODIMENT The circular embodiment of the overhead conveyer is illustrated in FIGS. 10, ll, 12 and 13. The primary difference between FIGS. 10 and 11 and that illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the method for raising and lowering the hose clamps.

In FIGS. 10 and 11 individual arms are raised and lowered, while in FIGS. 12 and 13 the circular conveyer is tilted to provide the lifting of the hose clamps.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 10 and 11, a support means comprises a horizontal cross-beam 150, vertical members 151, and angular horizontal members 152 which are joined at 153 to a center vertical member 154. Transportation of the conveyer is, as previously described, provided by wheels 25 and wheels 30. A plurality of arms is pivoted at 161 and has a conveyer engaging means 162 at its apex. A hydraulic means 163 is attached at one end to vertical member 154 and through its rod 164 to a pivotal joint 165 on the underside of arm 160. Hose clamp 45 contains an engaging means adapted to mate with the engaging means 162 on arm 160. Hydraulic lines 171 provide control for lifting and lowering arms 160. A camming system could be used instead of the hydraulic system above described.

OPERATION The method of moving the conveyer is similar to that previously described in FIGS. l-through 4 and will not be again described for this embodiment.

Arms 160 which pivot about point 161 have an engaging means 162 which mates with the engaging means 170 on hose clamp 45. When engaging means 162 mates with hose clamp engaging means 170, fluid is applied through lines 171 to piston 163 causing piston rod 164 to extend, raising arms 160 to a horizontal position, and lifting hose clamp 45 so that the hose or carts 42 will be lifted from the ground. Once the hose and/or carts have passed around the turn, pressure is released in hydraulic lines 171 causing piston rod 164 to retract and lowering arms 160. Rotation of arms 160 about pivot 153 will disengage means 170 and 162.

As previously described the arms 160 can rotate by virtue of the movement of the conveyer support means, or they can be rotated by a separately powered system (not illustrated).

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 the disc form of the circular conveyer is illustrated. The support means is identical to that illustratedin FIGS. and 11 and will not be further described.

Disc 180 is journaled about pivot 153 and has an angular tilt 181. The angular tilt is sufficient to lift the carts at point 183, for example, and to redeposit the carts on the ground at 184. Any form of engaging means can be used, such as notches 185, which mate with engaging means 186 mounted to clamps 45. A positive clamp engaging means (not shown) would be better than the notch to prevent the carts from slipping off the conveyer.

The operation of the above is similar to that described in the previous embodiments with the exception that no mechanical lifting or raising mechanism is required.

N CONCLUSIONS An overhead conveyer apparatus has been described. The preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 provides a simple means for lifting a slurry hose transportation system and moving it through 180 from a storage position to an active position. The remaining embodiments illustrate other means for accomplishing the same result.

A winch could be substituted for power on the conveyer or to augment the tractive effort available. This would be especially valuable in retracting the loop when forces required might exceed traction available.

In view of the above-described embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes can be made to the conveyer systems which will be fully within the scope of the claims as described and illustrated in the specification.

We claim:

1. A conveyor apparatus for moving a slurry line movably supported by plural carts through a 180 bend comprising:

a. a support frame for secure positioning at a selected 180 bend position;

b. spaced conveyor engaging means;

c. 180 turn conveyor means attached to said support frame above said slurry line; and

d. means carried by said l80 turn conveyor means and spaced to coincide with said spaced conveyor engaging means for engaging said engaging means and moving said slurry line around said 180 turn conveyor means.

2. A conveyer as described in claim 1 wherein said 180 turn conveyer means comprises a slotted track formed with a 180 loop with said slot facing said slurry line.

3. A conveyor as described in claim 2 wherein said 180 turn conveyor means comprises a continuous track having at least a portion in a 180 bend, said means carried by said slotted track for engaging said conveyor engaging means further comprising roller means retained in said track, engaging members journaled to said roller means and extending through said slot; and means carried by said engaging members for engaging said spaced conveyor engaging means.

4. A conveyor as described in claim 1 wherein said turn conveyor means comprises a circular means axially journaled in said support frame and having plural, spaced means carried by said circular means to engage said conveyor engaging means. 7

5. A conveyor means for controlling the movement through a 180 turn of a cart supported slurry line system which is adapted to move over the surface of the earth comprising:

a. a support means;

b. a 180 turn means mounted to said support means substantially parallel with the earth and positioned above said slurry line; and

c, coupling means carried in affixure to said slurry line for coupling said slurry line to said 180 turn means.

6. A conveyer means as described in claim 5 wherein said support means includes a plurality of ground engaging wheel's journaled to said support means and powered mobile means for moving said'support means.

7. A conveyer means as described in claim 5 wherein said 180 turn means comprises a track having a slot facing said slurry line, said track formed into a 180 arc and having a first and second end.

8. A conveyer as described in claim 7 wherein said first and second ends are flared to accept said coupling means and wherein said first and second ends are positioned at the same height as said coupling means and wherein said 180 track is positioned higher than said coupling means, whereby said coupling means can engage said track at one end, lift said cart off the surface of the earth through said 180 turn and lower it again at said remaining end. I

9. A device as described in claim 5 wherein said 180 turn means comprises a continuous slotted track having at least a portion in a 180 bend, and said coupling means further comprising roller means carried by said track, holding means journaled to said roller means and extending through said slot, and engaging means carried by said holding means for coupling and decoupling said slurry line.

10. A device as described in claim 5 wherein said 180 conveyer means comprises a hub journaled in said support means, a plurality of cart lifting means having one end attached to said hub means, and the other end having said coupling means attached thereto.

11. A device as described in claim 10 including means attached between said hub means and said cart lifting means to vertically position said arms with respect to said slurry line.

Claims (11)

1. A conveyor apparatus for moving a slurry line movably supported by plural carts through a 180* bend comprising: a. a support frame for secure positioning at a selected 180* bend position; b. spaced conveyor engaging means; c. 180* turn conveyor means attached to said support frame above said slurry line; and d. means carried by said 180* turn conveyor means and spaced to coincide with said spaced conveyor engaging means for engaging said engaging means and moving said slurry line around said 180* turn conveyor means.

2. A conveyer as described in claim 1 wherein said 180* turn conveyer means comprises a slotted track formed with a 180* loop with said slot facing said slurry line.

3. A conveyor as described in claim 2 wherein said 180* turn conveyor means comprises a continuous track having at least a portion in a 180* bend, said means carried by said slotted track for engaging said conveyor engaging means further comprising roller means retained in said track, engaging members journaled to said roller means and extending through said slot; and means carried by said engaging members for engaging said spaced conveyor engaging means.

4. A conveyor as described in claim 1 wherein said 180* turn conveyor means comprises a circular means axially journaled in said support frame and having plural, spaced means carried by said circular means to engage said conveyor engaging means.

5. A conveyor means for controlling the movement through a 180* turn of a cart supported slurry line system which is adapted to move over the surface of the earth comprising: a. a support means; b. a 180* turn means mounted to said support means substantially parallel with the earth and positioned above said slurry line; and c. coupling means carried in affixure to said slurry line for coupling said slurry line to said 180* turn means.

6. A conveyer means as described in claim 5 wherein said support means includes a plurality of ground engaging wheels journaled to said support means and powered mobile means for moving said support means.

7. A conveyer means as described in claim 5 wherein said 180* turn means comprises a track having a slot facing said slurry line, said track formed into a 180* arc and having a first and second end.

8. A conveyer as described in claim 7 wherein said first and second ends are flared to accept said coupling means and wherein said first and second ends are positioned at the same height as said coupling means and wherein said 180* track is positioned higher than said coupling means, whereby said coupling means can engage said track at one end, lift said cart off the surface of the earth through said 180* turn and lower it again at said remaining end.

9. A device as described in claim 5 wherein said 180* turn means comprises a continuous slotted track having at least a portion in a 180* bend, and said coupling means further comprising roller means carried by said track, holding means journaled to said roller means and extending through said slot, and engaging means carried by said holding means for coupling and decoupling said slurry line.

10. A device as described in claim 5 wherein said 180* conveyer means comprises a hub journaled in said support means, a plurality of cart lifting means having one end attached to said hub means, and the other end having said coupling means attached thereto.

11. A device as described in claim 10 including means attached between said hub means and said cart lifting means to vertically position said arms with respect to said slurry line.

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