Abstract

A mining track scanner including a scanning system that comprises a support for supporting the scanning system to scan ore carried by a truck. Advantageously, the scanning system safely scans the ore on the truck, as it moves about the mine, without interruption to truck fleet movement. Also, a method for detecting changes in the grade of ore carried by a truck in near real time, the method including the steps of: providing a scanning system having at least a hyperspectral imager, a LiDAR or range determination unit and computational resources; scanning the ore with the range determination unit to determine ore position information; scanning the ore with the hyperspectral imager to produce a corresponding ore hyperspectral image; utilising the computational resources to fuse together the ore position information and the corresponding ore hyperspectral image to produce a ore position and content information map of the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• B60P 1/04 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element
• B60P 3/00 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
• E21C 41/26 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor
• G01J 3/06 - Scanning arrangements
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
• G01N 21/85 - Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
• G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• G01V 8/02 - Prospecting
• G01V 8/10 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers
• G06Q 50/02 - AgricultureFishingForestryMining
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models
• G06V 20/10 - Terrestrial scenes

Abstract

A mining conveyor scanner including a scanning system that comprises a support for supporting the scanning system to scan ore carried by a conveyor. Advantageously, the scanning system safely scans the ore on the conveyor, as it moves in its normal course of operation, without flow interruption. Also, a method for detecting changes in the grade of ore carried by a conveyor in near real time, the method including the steps of: providing a scanning system having at least a hyperspectral imager, a LiDAR or range determination unit and computational resources; scanning the ore with the range determination unit to determine ore position information; scanning the ore with the hyperspectral imager to produce a corresponding ore hyperspectral image; utilising the computational resources to fuse together the ore position information and the corresponding ore hyperspectral image to produce a ore position and content information map of the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/34 - Paper
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 19/42 - Determining position
• G01V 8/02 - Prospecting
• G01V 8/10 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers
• G06Q 50/02 - AgricultureFishingForestryMining
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models
• G06V 20/10 - Terrestrial scenes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mine hole sensor probe assembly. The assembly includes a mine hole sensor probe for sensing a mine hole. A holder is provided for holding the sensor probe. The assembly also includes a vehicle for carrying the holder to the mine hole. Advantageously, the holder may be carried by the vehicle to facilitate the safe and efficient transport and deployment of the sensor probe.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 47/017 - Protecting measuring instruments
• B60P 3/00 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
• B60R 11/00 - Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
• E21B 47/135 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling by electromagnetic energy, e.g. of radio frequency range using light waves, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet waves
• E21F 17/00 - Methods or devices for use in mines or tunnels, not covered elsewhere
• G05D 105/05 - Specific applications of the controlled vehicles for soil shifting, building, civil engineering or mining, e.g. excavators
• G05D 107/70 - Industrial sites, e.g. warehouses or factories

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular mine hole sensor probe for moving along a mine hole. The probe includes electrical modules for releasably and serially connecting together. Advantageously, the modular probe includes replaceable electrical modules so that interchange can be accomplished easily if damaged or requiring calibration. As improved electrical hardware becomes available, new electrical modules including the hardware may be included in the probe.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 8/16 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver using optical fibres
• E21B 47/00 - Survey of boreholes or wells
• E21B 47/002 - Survey of boreholes or wells by visual inspection
• E21B 47/017 - Protecting measuring instruments
• G01J 3/00 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01V 1/52 - Structural details
• G01V 7/00 - Measuring gravitational fields or wavesGravimetric prospecting or detecting
• G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
• H01R 13/52 - Dustproof, splashproof, drip-proof, waterproof, or flameproof cases
• H01R 13/627 - Snap-action fastening
• H01R 24/58 - Contacts spaced along longitudinal axis of engagement
• H01R 107/00 - Four or more poles
• H04L 12/10 - Current supply arrangements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mine hole system. The system includes a sensory probe for moving along a mine hole. The probe includes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for providing inertial data as the probe moves along the hole. The probe also includes a LidAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor for providing LiDAR data as the probe moves along the hole. The system includes a processor for processing the inertial data and the LiDAR data to generate a model of the hole. Advantageously, the model may relate to the geometry of the hole and may be more accurate and comprehensive than known caliper techniques.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 47/002 - Survey of boreholes or wells by visual inspection
• G01V 3/12 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with electromagnetic waves
• G01V 3/20 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for well-logging operating with propagation of electric current
• G01V 3/26 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for well-logging operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified either by the surrounding earth formation or by the detecting device
• G01V 3/38 - Processing data, e.g. for analysis, for interpretation or for correction

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological system. The system includes an apparatus for use when scanning an uneven geological surface and that need not contact the geological surface. The apparatus includes a light source for providing light. A reflector is provided for reflecting incident light onto the geological surface, and for reflecting reflected light from the geological surface. The apparatus also includes optical fibre means for receiving the reflected light from the reflector. The system includes moving means for moving the apparatus along the uneven geological surface during scanning. Advantageously, the apparatus does not require physical sampling of material along a hole, and may instead move along the hole at very fast speeds (typically up to between 2 to 4 m/s) whilst obtaining hyperspectral radiometric data. The apparatus may be low cost, and may include no radioactive materials, so that there is little concern or business interruption if it is lost down a hole.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 8/18 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver using mechanical scanning systems
• E21B 49/00 - Testing the nature of borehole wallsFormation testingMethods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
• G01V 8/14 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver using reflectors
• G01V 8/16 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver using optical fibres

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological sample scanning system to be disassembled for transport and then re-assembled onsite at a mine site or field. The system includes a stand. An imaging sensor is provided for being supported by the stand. The system also includes a transporter for transporting a geological sample, in the form of ore from the mine site or field, along a single axis to be sensed by the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• F16M 11/04 - Means for attachment of apparatusMeans allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
• F16M 11/18 - Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• F16M 11/24 - Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• H04N 23/12 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof for generating image signals from different wavelengths with one sensor only
• H04N 23/56 - Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensorsControl thereof provided with illuminating means

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological analysis method for determining abundance results for one or more valuable materials in a geological structure. The method involves receiving scan data relating to a geological structure, and processing the data to determine a continuum. The method further involves generating an abundance result of the valuable materials using the continuum. Advantageously, the abundance result can be used for mining applications whereby locations of the geological structure having higher abundance are more desirable to mine.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 3/38 - Processing data, e.g. for analysis, for interpretation or for correction
• G01J 3/28 - Investigating the spectrum
• G01V 3/26 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for well-logging operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified either by the surrounding earth formation or by the detecting device
• G01V 3/34 - Transmitting data to recording or processing apparatusRecording data
• G01V 3/40 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detectingMeasuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation specially adapted for measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth
• G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
• G01V 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
• G06F 16/29 - Geographical information databases
• G06F 16/901 - IndexingData structures thereforStorage structures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological mapping method. The method includes receiving scan data relating to a geological structure. The data is processed to determine one or more regions of interest. The method further includes displaying a geo-spatially accurate map of the geological structure showing the regions of interest. Advantageously, the map showing the regions of interest may be rapidly generated, without the need for manual review and adjustment by a geologist. The mapping method may be accurate, consistent and repeatable without the need for manual review and adjustment by a geologist.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/62 - Analysis of geometric attributes of area, perimeter, diameter or volume
• G01V 8/02 - Prospecting
• G06N 3/04 - Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
• G06Q 50/02 - AgricultureFishingForestryMining
• G06T 7/13 - Edge detection
• G06T 17/05 - Geographic models

Abstract

A battery pack assembly comprises a battery enclosure having a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, a fourth side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel defining a module containing volume. The battery pack assembly may contain a plurality of battery modules in the module containing volume, the plurality of battery modules having a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third battery module. The first battery module and the second battery module are positioned in a first orientation and stacked to form a column of battery modules and the third battery module is positioned in a second orientation and positioned adjacent to the column of battery modules.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 1/36 - Embedding or analogous mounting of samples
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• E21B 25/00 - Apparatus for obtaining or removing undisturbed cores, e.g. core barrels or core extractors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological system. The system includes an apparatus for use when scanning an uneven geological surface and that need not contact the geological surface. The apparatus includes a light source for providing light. A reflector is provided for reflecting incident light onto the geological surface, and for reflecting reflected light from the geological surface. The apparatus also includes optical fibre means for receiving the reflected light from the reflector. The system includes moving means for moving the apparatus along the uneven geological surface during scanning. Advantageously, the apparatus does not require physical sampling of material along a hole, and may instead move along the hole at very fast speeds (typically up to between 2 to 4 m/s) whilst obtaining hyperspectral radiometric data. The apparatus may be low cost, and may include no radioactive materials, so that there is little concern or business interruption if it is lost down a hole.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
• G01S 17/04 - Systems determining the presence of a target
• G01J 3/02 - SpectrometrySpectrophotometryMonochromatorsMeasuring colours Details
• G01J 3/42 - Absorption spectrometryDouble-beam spectrometryFlicker spectrometryReflection spectrometry
• G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
• G01N 21/954 - Inspecting the inner surface of hollow bodies, e.g. bores
• G01V 8/10 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers
• G01V 8/14 - Detecting, e.g. by using light barriers using one transmitter and one receiver using reflectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological sample scanning system to be disassembled for transport and then re-assembled onsite at a mine site or field. The system includes a stand. An imaging sensor is provided for being supported by the stand. The system also includes a transporter for transporting a geological sample, in the form of ore from the mine site or field, along a single axis to be sensed by the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04N 5/33 - Transforming infrared radiation
• F16M 11/42 - Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon with arrangement for propelling the support
• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting changes in the ore grade of a rock face in near real time. The method includes the step of providing a scanning system having at least a hyperspectral imager, a position system, a LiDAR or range determination unit and computational resources. Further, the method involves determining a precise location of the scanning system utilising the position system. The rock face is scanned with the range determination unit to determine rock face position information. The method involves scanning the rock face with the hyperspectral imager to produce a corresponding rock face hyperspectral image. Further the method involves utilising the computational resources to fuse together the rock face position information and the corresponding rock face hyperspectral image to produce a rock face position and content information map of the rock face.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 8/02 - Prospecting
• G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
• G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
• G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06V 20/10 - Terrestrial scenes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a geological sample holder. The holder includes a container for containing a geological sample and for orienting in an upright configuration. One or more baffles extend across the container and baffle the geological sample. Advantageously, the sample holder may be angled to the horizontal for scanning, and the baffles baffle the geological sample from shifting downwards.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers
• G01N 1/28 - Preparing specimens for investigation
• G01V 1/30 - Analysis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting changes in the ore grade of a rock face in near real time. The method includes the step of providing a scanning system having at least a hyperspectral imager, a position system, a LiDAR or range determination unit and computational resources. Further, the method involves determining a precise location of the scanning system utilising the position system. The rock face is scanned with the range determination unit to determine rock face position information. The method involves scanning the rock face with the hyperspectral imager to produce a corresponding rock face hyperspectral image. Further the method involves utilising the computational resources to fuse together the rock face position information and the corresponding rock face hyperspectral image to produce a rock face position and content information map of the rock face.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for detecting changes in the ore grade of a rock face in near real time. The method includes the step of providing a scanning system having at least a hyperspectral imager, a position system, a LiDAR or range determination unit and computational resources. Further, the method involves determining a precise location of the scanning system utilising the position system. The rock face is scanned with the range determination unit to determine rock face position information. The method involves scanning the rock face with the hyperspectral imager to produce a corresponding rock face hyperspectral image. Further the method involves utilising the computational resources to fuse together the rock face position information and the corresponding rock face hyperspectral image to produce a rock face position and content information map of the rock face.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 17/86 - Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders

Goods & Services

Pre-recorded computer software used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; pre-recorded packaged software used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; computer hardware used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; downloadable computer programs used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; global positioning system (GPS) apparatus; downloadable training manuals in the form of a computer program used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; downloadable training manuals in electronic format used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization; downloadable electronic publications in the field of mining and processing of ore, modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization; pre-recorded compact discs (CDs) featuring subject matter in the field of mining and processing of ore, modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization; pre-recorded DVDs featuring subject matter in the field of mining and processing of ore, modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization Building and construction services; electrical installation services; information technology (IT) services, namely, installation and maintenance of computer and computer peripherals; installation of computerised information systems; maintenance, installation and repair of electrical items and equipment; repair; maintenance and installation consultancy services relating to the above mentioned services; maintenance and repair of electronic installations; installation of communications network apparatus; maintenance and installation advisory services relating to the above mentioned services Application service provider (ASP) services featuring software used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; hosting of web sites; creating and maintaining web sites for others; design services in the field of mining and processing of ore, modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization; web site design; design of computer software; development of computer software; software engineering; engineering project management services; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software used for modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization in the field of mining and processing of ore; technical inspection services; information technology (IT) consulting services in the field of mining and processing of ore, modelling of ore bodies, mine planning, and mine optimization; scientific advisory services; design of computer hardware; advisory services relating to computer hardware; data mining services

Goods & Services

Computer software; packaged software; computer hardware; computer programs (downloadable software); apparatus for use in audio-visual communication; global positioning system (gps) apparatus; plotting apparatus; training manuals in the form of a computer program; training manuals in electronic format; electronic publications (downloadable); pre-recorded compact discs (disks)(cds); pre-recorded dvds. Building and construction services; electrical installation services; repair, maintenance and installation advisory services; information technology (it) services (computer and computer peripherals installation and maintenance); installation of computerised information systems; maintenance, installation and repair of electrical items and equipment; repair, maintenance and installation consultancy services; maintenance and repair of electronic installations; installation of communications network apparatus. Application service provider (asp) services; hosting computer sites (web sites); creating and maintaining web sites for others; design services; web site design; design of computer software; development of computer software; software engineering; engineering project management services; online provision of web-based software (non-downloadable); technical inspection services; information services relating to information technology; scientific advisory services; design of computer hardware; advisory services relating to computer hardware; data mining services.

Goods & Services

(1) Computer software for database management; computers and computer hardware; global positioning system (GPS) consisting of computers, computer software, transmitters, receivers, and network interface devices; navigation apparatus for vehicles in the form of on-board computers; operating and user instructions stored in digital form for computers and computer software, in particular on floppy disks or CD-ROMs; pre-recorded CDs and DVDs containing audio and video clips (1) Building construction services; installation, maintenance and repair of computer hardware; mining services (2) Cloud computing provider services for general storage of data; cloud computing providing software for database management; cloud computing web hosting services; computer design services; computer hardware and software design; computer programming and software design; computer programming services; computer software consultancy; computer software consulting; computer software design; computer software installation and maintenance; computer software project management services; computer website design; consultancy in the field of software design; creating and designing web pages for others; design and development of computer hardware and software; design and development of wireless computer networks; industrial design; installation and maintenance of computer software; installation, maintenance and repair of software for computer systems; maintenance of computer software; providing technology information in the oil and gas industry; technical supervision and inspection in the field of geological mining; technical support services in the form of troubleshooting of computer hardware and software problems; technical surveying; website design; website development for others