US5156230A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Below ground mining vehicle and method for converting an above ground vehicle to the same
Assignee: GENERAL MANUFACTURING OF UTAH Inc A CORP OF UTAH
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Filing: 1990-12-19
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2010-12-19
Abstract
Abstract A below ground mining vehicle, and a method for converting an above ground vehicles into the same, which is particularly adapted for transporting workers and/or light equipment. An above ground vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, is modified and components are added thereto in accordance with the present invention, to arrive at the below ground mining vehicle. The vehicle includes: a speed limited engine; a transmission having its upper forward speeds disabled; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the engine; a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; an engine intake air shut off valve which closes in response to a temperature sensor detecting an abnormal engine temperature; a battery box enclosing a battery; a circuit breaker serially connected with the battery; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the fuel tank; a fire suppression means in the vicinity of the exhaust muffler; and a back up alarm. The described below ground mining vehicle provides many features and better performance than previously available in below ground mining vehicles and achieves such performance and features more economically than possible with prior art vehicles.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Washburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 13:40
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60P; B60P3/00; B60P3/42; B62; B62D; B62D33/00; B62D33/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a diesel engine, a pair of front wheels used to steer the vehicle, a pair of rear driving wheels, and a transmission having a plurality of forward speeds connected between the engine and the pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; disassembling the transmission; modifying the transmission to disable at least one of the highest forward gears so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; and reassembling the transmission and reconnecting the engine and the rear wheels so that the vehicle can propel itself.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a diesel engine, a pair of front wheels used to steer the vehicle, a pair of rear driving wheels, and a transmission having a plurality of forward speeds connected between the engine and the pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; disassembling the transmission; modifying the transmission to disable at least one of the highest forward gears so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; and reassembling the transmission and reconnecting the engine and the rear wheels so that the vehicle can propel itself.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein the drive train comprises a transmission and wherein the step of disconnecting a portion of the drive train comprises the steps of: removing the transmission; and disabling at least the highest forward speed of the transmission.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 2 wherein the above ground vehicle further comprises a four wheel drive transfer case having both a high and a low range, wherein the step of disconnecting a portion of the drive train comprises the step of modifying the transfer case such that the transfer case is permanently set in its four wheel drive, low range, position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein the above ground vehicle further comprises a fuel injection pump and wherein the method further comprises the step of modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 90 percent of the previous maximum speed of the engine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below mining vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein the above ground vehicle further comprises a fuel injection pump and wherein the method further comprises the step of modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of modifying the drive train comprises the step of modifying drive train so that the maximum speed of the vehicle is about 25 miles per hour.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
117 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 1 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises an air cleaner, a fuel tank and a fuel line, and a battery, and wherein the method comprises the steps of: installing at least one fire suppression nozzle and at least one fire sensor in the engine compartment of the vehicle; installing a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and connecting an engine intake air shutoff valve to the engine cleaner and installing a temperature sensor in the engine compartment, the engine intake air shutoff valve being actuated when the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a threshold temperature.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 7 further comprising the step of installing a back up alarm.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a drive train having a diesel engine and a transmission, the method comprising the steps of: modifying the engine to limit engine speed to not greater than about 90% of the original maximum engine speed; and modifying the transmission so that at least one the highest forward speed is disabled.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
73 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a drive train having a diesel engine and a transmission, the method comprising the steps of: modifying the engine to limit engine speed to not greater than about 90% of the original maximum engine speed; and modifying the transmission so that at least one the highest forward speed is disabled.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 9 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises an engine including a fuel injection pump and wherein the step of modifying the engine to limit engine speed comprises the step of modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum engine speed to about 3500 rpm.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
49 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 10 wherein the step of limiting the engine speed to about 3500 rpm comprises the step of replacing the governor spring located in the fuel injection pump.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 9 wherein the transmission comprises five forward speeds and wherein the step of modifying the transmission comprises the step of disabling the fourth and fifth forward speeds of the transmission.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
125 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 9 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises a diesel engine including an air cleaner, a fuel tank, and a fuel line connecting the fuel tank and the fuel line, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: installing at least one fire suppression nozzle and at least one fire sensor in the engine compartment of the vehicle; installing a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and installing an engine intake air shutoff valve and a temperature sensor in the engine compartment, the engine intake air shutoff valve being actuated when the temperature sensor detects a temperature above a threshold temperature.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
77 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 13 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises a battery connected to the engine and a starter motor and the method further comprises the steps of: installing an enclosed box in the vehicle and placing the battery in the enclosed box; and installing a circuit breaker in the connection between the battery and the starter motor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 14 wherein the above ground vehicle transmission comprises a reverse speed and wherein the method further comprises the step of installing an audible back up alarm, the back up alarm sounding whenever the transmission is placed in the reverse speed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle capable of highway speeds to a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 15 wherein the above ground vehicle further comprises a pair of headlamps and wherein the method further comprises the step of installing a headlamp guard over each of the headlamps.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
149 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle comprising a diesel engine including an fuel injection pump with a governor, a fuel tank and a fuel line connecting the fuel tank and the fuel line, and a transmission having at least four forward speeds, to a below ground mining vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: modifying the injection pump governor to limit engine speed to not more than about 3500 r.p.m.; modifying the transmission to eliminate the fourth and any higher forward speeds; installing at least one fire suppression nozzle and at least one fire sensor in the engine compartment of the vehicle; installing a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and installing an engine air intake shutoff valve and a temperature sensor in the engine compartment, the engine air intake shutoff valve being actuated when the temperature detects a temperature above a threshold temperature.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
149 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle comprising a diesel engine including an fuel injection pump with a governor, a fuel tank and a fuel line connecting the fuel tank and the fuel line, and a transmission having at least four forward speeds, to a below ground mining vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: modifying the injection pump governor to limit engine speed to not more than about 3500 r.p.m.; modifying the transmission to eliminate the fourth and any higher forward speeds; installing at least one fire suppression nozzle and at least one fire sensor in the engine compartment of the vehicle; installing a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and installing an engine air intake shutoff valve and a temperature sensor in the engine compartment, the engine air intake shutoff valve being actuated when the temperature detects a temperature above a threshold temperature.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle into a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 17 wherein the step of modifying the transmission comprises the step of modifying the transmission so that the maximum vehicle speed is not greater than about 25 miles per hour.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
73 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle into a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 17 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises a battery connected to the engine and a starter motor and the method further comprises the steps of: installing an enclosed box in the vehicle and placing the battery in the enclosed box; and installing a circuit breaker in the connection between the battery and the starter motor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle into a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 17 wherein the above ground vehicle transmission comprises a reverse speed and wherein the method further comprises installing an audible back up alarm, the back up alarm sounding whenever the transmission is placed in the reverse speed.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle into a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 17 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises a pair of headlamps and wherein the method further comprises the step of installing a headlamp guard over each of the headlamps.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
83 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle into a below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 17 wherein the above ground vehicle comprises means for selectively conveying power to a pair of rear wheels only and to a pair of front steering wheels and the rear driving wheels and wherein the method further comprises the step of modifying the means for selectively conveying power so that power is permanently applied to the rear driving wheels and to the front steering wheels.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
105 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, the body including an operator's compartment; a diesel engine, the engine including means for limiting the maximum engine speed to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.; a first pair of wheels, the first pair of wheels used for steering the vehicle; a second pair of wheels, the second pair of wheels being always driven by the engine; a transmission, the transmission comprising a highest forward speed which propels the below ground mining vehicle at no more than about 25 miles per hour when the engine is operating at its maximum speed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
105 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, the body including an operator's compartment; a diesel engine, the engine including means for limiting the maximum engine speed to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.; a first pair of wheels, the first pair of wheels used for steering the vehicle; a second pair of wheels, the second pair of wheels being always driven by the engine; a transmission, the transmission comprising a highest forward speed which propels the below ground mining vehicle at no more than about 25 miles per hour when the engine is operating at its maximum speed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
31 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 wherein the a transmission comprises at least one reverse speed and no more than first, second, and third operable forward speeds.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising fire suppression means in the vicinity of the engine.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising: a fuel tank; a fuel line connecting the fuel tank to the engine; and a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
44 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising an engine intake shut off valve and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the engine, the engine intake shut off valve closing in response to the temperature sensor detecting an abnormal temperature.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
32 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising: a battery box enclosing a battery having a positive terminal; and a circuit breaker serially connected with the positive terminal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
37 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising: fire suppression means in the vicinity of the fuel tank; an exhaust muffler; and a fire suppression means in the vicinity of the exhaust muffler.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 23 further comprising a back up alarm.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
135 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a pair of front wheels; a pair of rear wheels; a diesel engine comprising means for limiting engine speed to about 3500 r.p.m. or less; a transmission, the transmission conveying power from the diesel engine to at least the pair of rear wheels, the transmission having at least one reverse gear and no more than first, second, and third operable forward gears; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the engine; a fuel tank; a fuel line connecting the fuel tank to the engine; a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and an engine intake shut off valve and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the engine, the engine intake shut off valve closing in response to the temperature sensor detecting an abnormal temperature.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
135 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a pair of front wheels; a pair of rear wheels; a diesel engine comprising means for limiting engine speed to about 3500 r.p.m. or less; a transmission, the transmission conveying power from the diesel engine to at least the pair of rear wheels, the transmission having at least one reverse gear and no more than first, second, and third operable forward gears; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the engine; a fuel tank; a fuel line connecting the fuel tank to the engine; a manual fuel shut off valve in the fuel line; and an engine intake shut off valve and a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the engine, the engine intake shut off valve closing in response to the temperature sensor detecting an abnormal temperature.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
60 words
A below ground mining vehicle as defined in claim 31 further comprising: a battery box enclosing a battery having a positive terminal; a circuit breaker serially connected with the positive terminal; fire suppression means in the vicinity of the fuel tank; an exhaust muffler; a fire suppression means in the vicinity of the exhaust muffler; and a back up alarm.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a pair of front steering wheels, a diesel engine having a fuel injection pump, and a pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; modifying the drive trains so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; reconnecting the portion of the drive train between the engine and the rear wheels including the modified drive train; and modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 90 percent of the previous maximum speed of the engine.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
131 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a pair of front steering wheels, a diesel engine having a fuel injection pump, and a pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; modifying the drive trains so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; reconnecting the portion of the drive train between the engine and the rear wheels including the modified drive train; and modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 90 percent of the previous maximum speed of the engine.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a pair of front steering wheels, a diesel engine having a fuel injection pump, and a pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; modifying the drive train so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; reconnecting the portion of the drive train between the engine and the rear wheels including the modified drive train; and modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
123 words
A method of converting an above ground vehicle to a below ground mining vehicle, the above ground vehicle comprising a pair of front steering wheels, a diesel engine having a fuel injection pump, and a pair of rear driving wheels, the method comprising the steps of: disconnecting a portion of the drive train between the engine and rear wheels; modifying the drive train so that the maximum speed attainable by the vehicle is no greater than 50 percent of the original maximum speed; reconnecting the portion of the drive train between the engine and the rear wheels including the modified drive train; and modifying the fuel injection pump to limit the maximum speed of the engine to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
136 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, the body including an operator's compartment; a diesel engine, the engine including means for limiting the maximum engine speed to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.; a first pair of wheels, the first pair of wheels used for steering the vehicle; a second pair of wheels, the second pair of wheels being always driven by the engine; a transmission, the transmission comprising a highest forward speed which propels the below ground mining vehicle at no more than about 25 miles per hour when the engine is operating at its maximum speed; a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the engine; an engine intake shut off valve, the engine intake shut off valve closing in response to the temperature sensor detecting an abnormal temperature.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
136 words
A below ground mining vehicle comprising: a chassis; a body mounted on the chassis, the body including an operator's compartment; a diesel engine, the engine including means for limiting the maximum engine speed to not greater than about 3500 r.p.m.; a first pair of wheels, the first pair of wheels used for steering the vehicle; a second pair of wheels, the second pair of wheels being always driven by the engine; a transmission, the transmission comprising a highest forward speed which propels the below ground mining vehicle at no more than about 25 miles per hour when the engine is operating at its maximum speed; a temperature sensor positioned adjacent to the engine; an engine intake shut off valve, the engine intake shut off valve closing in response to the temperature sensor detecting an abnormal temperature.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |