Mechanism that Continuously Adjusts a Drum Position

Abstract

In one aspect of the invention, a degradation machine comprises motorized vehicle supported by a plurality of translation elements. A rotary degradation drum is attached to the vehicle. At least one device provides a subsurface boundary profile. An adjustment mechanism continuously adjusts a drum position to maintain a distance of the drum from the subsurface boundary profile.

1 . A degradation machine, comprising:
 a motorized vehicle supported by a plurality of translation elements;   a rotary degradation drum attached to the vehicle;   at least one device that provides a subsurface boundary profile, and   an adjustment mechanism that continuously adjusts a drum position to maintain a distance of the drum from the subsurface boundary profile.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment arm that is in communication with an axle of the drum. 
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment arm comprises multiple layers of piezoelectric material. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment arm comprises multiple layers of magnetostrictive material. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment arm comprises multiple layers of electrostrictive material, conducting polymers, dielectric elastomers, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment arm comprises a linear screw actuator. 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 2 , wherein the adjustment arm comprises a hydraulic system comprising a piston connected to the axle of the drum. 
     
     
         8 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the machine is a road milling machine. 
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the machine is mining machine. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein an axle of the drum is substantially normal to an underside of the machine. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein an axle of the drum is substantially parallel to an underside of the machine. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one device is a ground penetrating radar. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one device is a GPS mounted on the machine. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one device is a remote database with the subsurface boundary knowledge. 
     
     
         15 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one device is an acoustic sensor mounted in front of the machine. 
     
     
         16 . A method of continuously adjusting a rotary degradation drum position of a motorized vehicle comprising the steps of:
 providing a degradation drum attached to a degradation machine;   determining a subsurface boundary profile;   and continuously adjusting the depth of cut to maintain a distance of the drum from the subsurface boundary profile by an adjustment mechanism.   
     
     
         17 . The machine of  claim 16 , wherein the subsurface boundary is a boundary of a coal or mineral seam. 
     
     
         18 . The machine of  claim 16 , wherein the subsurface boundary is a boundary between layers of pavement. 
     
     
         19 . The machine of  claim 16 , wherein torque applied to the drum continuously changes with respect to the depth of cut. 
     
     
         20 . The machine of  claim 16 , wherein the adjustment mechanism adjusts the position of the drum to maintain a distance above the reference, below the reference or combinations thereof.