AU2012244203A1 - A platform and method of constructing a conveyor using a platform - Google Patents

Abstract

C :NRPorbl\CC ABW685590_1 DOC-18/10/2012 A platform for constructing a conveyor module and moving the conveyor module, the conveyor module having spaced apart structural beams which are interconnected by a cross frame so as to bridge the beams, the platform including: a frame having a base; at least one stand extending from the base, the at least one stand being configured to support at least one of the beams in a raised position relative the base; and a coupling attached to the frame, the coupling being adapted for coupling the platform with a machine to move the platform. Figure 2

Description

Australian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title A platform and method of constructing a conveyor using a platform The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: P/00/0Il Is102 C :\RPorbl\D)CC\CABM85590_ .DOC-18/1lV2012 A PLATFORM AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING A CONVEYOR USING A PLATFORM Technical Field [00011 The present invention generally relates to a platform and method constructing a conveyor using a platform. Background 100021 Underground mines such as coal mines generally have a series of underground roadways through which machinery and equipment for extracting and conveying mined material such as coal are able to pass. [00031 To convey mined material along the underground roadway an overhead conveyor may be used. A roadway having an overhead conveyor is known as a belt-road and roadways which intersect with the belt-roads are called cut-throughs. Generally, overhead conveyors are formed of a series of conveyor modules which are each installed adjacent one another by suspending each conveyor module from the roof of the belt-road with chains. Conveyor modules generally include parallel spaced apart stringer beams which are interconnected with banana frames which bridge the spaced apart stringer beams and H-frame legs which extend from each of the stringer beams. [00041 To construct the overhead conveyor, the parts of each conveyor module, such as stringer beams, H-frame legs and banana frames, are placed along side the belt-road beneath where the conveyor module is to be assembled to form part of the overhead conveyor. The disassembled parts of each conveyor module are then manually pick up and placed into a man basket. Generally, such a man-basket is a small platform having a floor and a surrounding cage or railing. The man-basket may include a coupling to connect with C:VW PDCCC ABA68 590 DOC-18/10/2012 -2 a machine, such as a mining loader, such that the machine is able to move the man-basket. The man-basket is then raised and a worker in the man-basket individually interconnects the parts of the conveyor module with existing parts of the overhead conveyor structure under construction and with one another. This includes, for example, manually connecting stringer beams of the conveyor module to the existing overhead conveyor structure and coupling the banana frames between stringer beams whilst the worker is elevated in the man-basket. 100051 Due to the size of these components, some components may have to be picked up and installed individually, for example, the H-frames legs are heavy, awkward and only one safely fits in the man-basket at a time. This means some parts of the conveyor module may be installed and then the man-basket is lowered to pick up other parts. This may result in the man-basket being raised and lowered multiple times during the construction of a single conveyor module. [00061 This method of construction of the overhead conveyor using the man-basket has a number of disadvantages. For example, the conveyor module is constructed part-by-part whilst the worker is working at an elevated height. As such, the worker is required to manually handle heavy components, often greater than 20 kg, and then install these components manually. Often manual handling in this nature involves the worker lifting, twisting and leaning over the side of the man-basket to assemble the conveyor module and overhead conveyor which can result in the injury of the worker. 100071 Other disadvantages include damage to the parts of the conveyor module which are placed along side the belt-road beneath where the conveyor module is to be installed and lost time resulting from the man-basket being raised and lowered to pick up parts multiple times during the construction of a single conveyor module. [0008] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from the prior publication), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior C :N orbl\CCCABW685590_1 DOC-18/10/2012 -3 publication (or information derived from the prior publication) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Summary [0009] In a first broad form there is provided, a platform for constructing a conveyor module and moving the conveyor module, the conveyor module having spaced apart beams which are interconnected by a cross frame so as to bridge the beams, the platform including: a frame having a base; at least one stand extending from the base, the at least one stand being configured to support at least one of the beams in a raised position relative the base; and a coupling attached to the frame, the coupling being adapted for coupling the platform with a machine to move the platform. [00101 In one form, the at least one stand is dimensioned to at least partially receive at least one of the beams of the conveyor module. 100111 In one form, the at least one stand is provided in the form of two spaced apart stands and wherein each of the stands is configured to receive one of the beams of the conveyor module so as to provide a cradle for the conveyor module. [00121 In one form, the conveyor module includes supporting legs, the supporting legs extending from each of the beams towards an end thereof and being dimensioned to bear on the platform when the beams are received by the two spaced apart stands. [00131 In one form, the two spaced apart stands are arranged to support opposing ends of the beams of the conveyor module relative to the supporting legs. [00141 In one form, the base is adapted to facilitate repositioning of the at least one stand thereby accommodating variation in size of the conveyor module.

C NRP DCXC(A8W0~5W_1 DOC.IBJIQ2fl12 -4 [00151 In one form, the base includes a removable floor and a plurality of cut-outs in into which the at least one stand is able to be received. [00161 In one form, the plurality of cut-outs include two spaced apart cut-outs dimensioned to receive the two spaced apart stands. [00171 In one form, the plurality of cut-outs include two spaced apart cut-outs dimensioned to receive the supporting legs of the conveyor module. [0018] In one form, the platform includes a removable handrail. [00191 In one form, the handrail substantially surrounds the base and wherein the handrail is removable. 100201 In one form, the base includes a central portion and wing portions, the wing portions being coupled to the central portion so as to be foldable between a raised position and a lowered position 100211 In one form, at least part of the handrail is removably supported on the wings portions. [0022] In one form, the handrail includes stepped sections which are configured to allow the spaced apart beams of the conveyor module to pass the handrail. [00231 In one form, the coupling includes an actuator which is arranged to move the platform relative to the machine. [00241 In one form, the coupling including a structure for engaging with the machine, the structure being pivotally attached to the frame of the platform and wherein the actuator is arranged to pivot the structure relative the frame thereby allowing the angle of the platform to be varied relative to the machine.

C VRPorbl\CCCAB\46S5590.. DOC-Is/10/2012 -5 [00251 In one form, the platform pivots about an axis substantially aligned with lengthwise axis of the platform thereby, in use, allowing the conveyor module to be aligned with a previously installed conveyor module. 100261 In one form, the platform includes a controller to operate the actuator. [00271 In one form, the actuator is a hydraulic actuator and the controller is a hand operative hydraulic pump. [00281 In yet another broad aspect there is provided, a method for constructing a conveyor module using a platform as defined above, the method including the steps of locating stringer beams on the at least one stand of the platform; and interconnecting the stinger beams with a cross frame. 100291 In yet another broad aspect there is provided, a method for constructing an overhead conveyor using a platform as defined above, the method including the steps of: (a) locating the conveyor module on the platform using the at least one stand; (b) engaging the machine with the coupling of the platform; (c) elevating the platform; (d) attaching the conveyor module to a roof of a roadway. 100301 In one form, the step of locating the conveyor module involves: placing stringer beams on the at least one stand and interconnecting the stringer beams with cross frames whilst the stringer beams are supported by the at least one stand. 100311 In yet another broad aspect there is provided, a method for constructing an overhead conveyor along a roadway; the method including the steps of: (a) constructing a first conveyor module on a first platform using at least one stand of the platform to support the first conveyor module; (b) moving the first platform such that the first conveyor module is able to be coupled to a roof -of the roadway and coupling the first conveyor module to the roof of the roadway; (c) constructing a second conveyor module in the C VRPorb\DCCCABW685590_1 DOC-18/lW2012 -6 second platform using at least one stand of the second platform to support parts of the second conveyor module. [00321 In one form, the method further includes the step of:(d) moving the second platform such that second conveyor module is able to couple to first conveyor module and coupling the second conveyor module to the first conveyor module. [00331 In one form, constructing the first and second platforms as defined in steps (a) and (c) includes locating stringer beams on the at least one stand and interconnecting the stringer beams with a cross frame. 100341 In one form, moving the first platform as defined in step (b) further includes operating a levelling device of the first platform to align the first conveyor module with the roof of the roadway. [00351 In one form, moving the second platform as defined in step (d) further includes operating a levelling device of the second platform to align the second conveyor module with the installed first conveyor module. [00361 In one form, constructing the second platform as defined in step (c) is undertaken whilst the first platform is being coupled to the roof of the roadway as defined in step (b). Brief Description of the Figures [00371 The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view illustrating a platform; Figure 2 is another isometric view illustrating the platform supporting a conveyor module; C WnRP blCC\CAB\46559_I.DOC-I8/IO/2012 -7 Figure 3 is another isometric view illustrating the platform supporting the conveyor module; Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the platform; Figure 5 is a top view illustrating the platform; Figure 6 is another side view illustrating the platform supporting the conveyor module; Figure 7 is another top view illustrating the platform supporting the conveyor module; Figure 8 is a front view illustrating the platform; Figure 9 is a rear view illustrating the platform; Figure 10 is an isometric view illustrating framework of the platform; Figure 1 is a side view illustrating framework of the platform; Figure 12 is isometric view illustrating supporting framework of a wing portion of the platform; Figure 13 is a isometric view illustrating a coupling of the platform; Figure 14 is a side view illustrating the coupling; Figure 15 is a front view illustrating a front railing of the platform; C \NRPorbnDCCMCAB\4685590_ .DOC-181f/W2012 -8 Figure 16 is a front view illustrating a section of a side rail of the platform; Figure 17 is a top view illustrating an example configuration of a first and a second platform when constructing the overhead conveyor; Figure 18 is a top view illustrating another example configuration of the first and second platforms when constructing the overhead conveyor; Figure 19 is a side view illustrating the first platform in a lowered fitting position beneath an existing conveyor structure prior to being elevated to an elevated fitting position as shown in Figure 20; and Figure 20 is a side view illustrating the first platform in the elevated fitting position with the conveyor module interconnected with the existing conveyor structure. Detailed Description [0038] Referring to Figure 1 to 9 there is illustrated a platform (2) for constructing a conveyor module (18) (shown in Figure 2) and moving the conveyor module (18) with a machine (not shown). The conveyor module (18) having generally parallel spaced apart stringer beams (20) which are interconnected by cross frames known in this example as banana frames (22) which bridge the beams (20). [00391 Each of the stringer beams (20) is elongate and generally square in cross section. The structural beams (20) each have a first free end (34) and a second end (36) which includes H-frame supporting legs (32). The supporting legs (32) project generally perpendicularly to the stringer beams (20). The banana frames (22) each includes rollers (28) which are arranged to allow a conveyor belt (now shown) to slide over the conveyor module (18) between and generally parallel to the stringer beams (20).

C \NRPortbl\DCCMCABW5590 1 DOC-1/l2012 -9 [00401 The platform (2) includes a frame assembly (8) having a base portion (4) and an upstanding end portion (24) extending from back end (15) of the base portion (4). A coupling (10) is operatively interconnected with and supported by the upstanding end portion (24). The coupling (10) is adapted to allow the machine to engage with and move the platform (2). Two spaced apart removable stands (6) extend upwardly from the base (4). Each of the stands (6) includes an elongate stem (30) and a head (26) in the form of a channel which is dimensioned to fittingly receive a respective one of the spaced apart stringer beams (20). [00411 The base portion (4) includes a central portion (48) and wing portions (50) along the opposing sides (13) of the base portion (4). The central portion (48) includes a supporting framework (54) (best shown in Figures 10 and 11) which supports the series of removable floor panels (56). The removable floor panels (56) include cut-outs (55) and (59) (best shown in Figure 5) which are dimensioned to receive the stands (6) and the H frame supporting legs (32), respectively. 100421 Accordingly, the removable floor panels (56) may be interchanged with other removable floor panels (not shown) which have cut-outs (55, 59) in different locations. This allows for the platform (2) to be used to construct conveyor module (18) of varying sizes which, for example, may have different spacing between the removable stands (6) and H-frame supporting legs (32). 100431 The wing portions (50) are pivotally attached to the central portion (48) so as to be foldable between a raised position and a lowered position. The wing portions (50) include a supporting framework (58) which supports another removable floor (60). 100441 The platform (2) includes a removable handrail arrangement (11) having side rails (23) and a front rail (25). The side rails (23) includes supporting legs (31) and generally extends along opposing sides (13) of the base portion (4) and wraps part partly around to extend partly along an front end (17) of the base portion (24). The front rail (25) includes supporting legs (33) and generally extends along the opposing end (17) of the C \NRPor'bl\DCC\CAB\4685590-I.DOC.IaY2012 - 10 base portion (4) between the side rails (23). Accordingly, the removable handrail arrangement (11) in conjunction with the upstanding en portion (24) generally skirts the base portion (4) thereby inhibiting a worker standing on the base portion (4) from falling from the platform (2). 10045] The front rail (25) includes two spaced apart stepped sections (21) (best shown in Figures 8 and 15) which are arranged to correspond with each of the spaced apart stands (6) to provide the beams (20) of the conveyor module (18) with clearance to pass the front rail (25). The front rail (25) and the side rails (23) each are independently removable. Moreover, the side rails (23) include a small section (29) which can be removed to allow a worker into and out of the platform (2). This allows the parts of the conveyor module (18), such as the stringer beams (20) and the banana frames (22), to be easily moved into and supported on the stands (6). 100461 Moreover, when the platform (2) is on the ground the removable hand rail arrangement (11) allows a worker to more easily access the platform (2) and when the platform (2) is elevated in use such as when fitting the conveyor module (18) to the roof of a belt way or a roadway (as shown in Figures 17 to 20), the front rail (25) can be removed to provided the conveyor module (18) with increased freedom of movement relative to the platform (2) which may assist with aligning and fitting the conveyor module (18), in particular the stringer beams (20), to the over head conveyor under construction or repair. 100471 When the conveyor module (18) is constructed or otherwise fitted to the platform (2), each of the structural beams (20) are received by the head (26) of a respective one of the stands (6) and the supporting legs (32) of the conveyor module (18) extend downwardly so as to proceed through cut-outs (59) and bear on the platform (2). The stands (6) each support a respective first end (34) of the beams (20) and the legs (32) support a second end (36) of the beams (20). The lengths of the stands (6) are configured to be substantially the same as the length of the supporting legs (32) such that the beams (20) and generally the conveyor module (18) are substantially parallel to the base (4) of the platform (2). The free ends (34) of the beams (20) are received by the spaced apart stepped C :NRPtbl\DCC\CAB\468559_l .DOC-18/1V2OI2 - 11 sections (21) of the front rail (25) so as to pass the front rail (25) when the beams (20) are located in the stands (6). [00481 Accordingly, as may be appreciated, in particular, from Figure 2, 3, 6 and 7 the platform (12) provides a cradle into which the conveyor module (18) and parts thereof, such as the beams (20) and the banana frames (22), may be assembled and securely supported prior to being moved and fitted to an overhead conveyor. [00491 Furthermore, as may be appreciated from Figure 4, the platform (2) has a relatively low height above the ground, for example, the level of the floor panels (56) may be constructed so as to be only 150 mm above the ground height. This allows the each conveyor module (18) to be fabricated in the platform (2) at generally ground height which reduces occupation health and safety risks. [00501 The coupling (10) includes a coupling structure (42) which is pivotally coupled to the upstanding end portion (24) of the frame (8) via a pivot connection (38). The pivot connection (38) includes a pin (44) (best shown in Figure 4) supported by housings (45) (best shown in Figures 7, 10, 13 and 14) located in each of the coupling structure (42) and the upstanding end portion (24). The axis of rotation of the pin (44) is generally aligned with the elongate axis of the platform (2) and the conveyor module (18) when the conveyor module (18) is cradled by the platform (2). 100511 The platform (2) further includes a hydraulic levelling system (37) (best shown in Figures 1 and 3) including a hydraulic actuator (16) which is connected to a hand pump (46). The hydraulic actuator (16) is connected between the coupling structure (42) and the upstanding frame portion (24) such that changes in length of the hydraulic actuator (16) cause relative rotation of the coupling structure (42) and the platform (2) about the pivot connection (38). More specifically, the hydraulic actuator (16) includes a piston (41) and a housing (43) which are arranged to expand and contract relative to one another in response to change hydraulic pressure thereby changing the length of the piston (41). Each end of the actuator (16) is pivotally coupled to brackets (35, 37) which respectively project from C \NRPob\DCC\CAB\46K55I9_ I DOC-IWII/ 2OI2 -12 one side of the coupling structure (42) and the upstanding end portion (24). [0052] The hand pump (46) (best shown in Figure 8) includes a handle (47) which is configured to be actuated by a user control the length of the hydraulic actuator (16) which in turn controls the degree of rotation between the coupling structure (42) and the platform (2) and hence may be used to rotate the platform (2) to the select angle. The hydraulic levelling system (37) is configured to provide 0.9 degrees of rotation per stroke of the hand pump (37) for fine adjustment and 22 strokes for full range of movement which is approximately 20 degrees. Accordingly, hydraulic levelling system (37) is able to rotate the platform (2) about its longitudinal axis approximately 10 degrees either side of the horizontal plane. [00531 Referring more specifically to Figures 10 to 12, the supporting framework (54) of the central portion (48) of the base portion (4) includes longitudinally spaced and laterally spaced beams (60, 61) which are interconnected in a ladder chassis type arrangement. The outer most of the longitudinal beams (60) of the central portion (48) includes a series of spaced part tabs (62) each of which has apertures (63) therein. The supporting framework (58) of the wing portions (50) (shown in Figure 12), also includes longitudinally arranged beams (70) which are interconnected with intermediate laterally spaced beams (71) in a ladder chassis type arrangement. [00541 The supporting framework (58) of each of the wing portions (50) include a series of fingers (64) which project from one side thereof and are spaced apart to interconnect with the series of tabs (62), as is best shown in Figure 12. The fingers (64) each include an aperture (67) which corresponds with a respective aperture (63) of the tabs (62). Accordingly, the tabs (62) and fingers (64) may be interconnected with a rod or the like such that the wing portions (50) are pivotal relative to the central portion (48) between the raised and the elevated positions. [00551 The forward most lateral beam (61) of the supporting framework (54) of the central portion (48) includes three spaced apart holes (66) which are dimensioned to C RPonbrl\CC\CABW 55901 DOC-18/1/2012 - 13 receive corresponding legs (33) of the front rail (25). The beams (70, 71) of the supporting frame (58) of the wing portion (50) also include a plurality of holes (68) which receive the legs (31) of the side rails (23). The apertures (66, 68) are dimensions such that the respective handrails (25) and side rails (23) securely supported when inserted into the aperture (66, 68) and are removable when the side rails (23) and or end rails (25) are lifted out of the apertures (66, 68). [00561 Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the coupling structure (42) of the coupling (10) includes a base (70) which supports side plates (72) and a backing plate (74). A bar (76) interconnects a top of the side plates (72) and the backing plate (74). The housing (46) of the coupling structure (42) is located immediately beneath the bar (76) and is supported by the backing plate (74). It is noted that while an example of a coupling structure (42) is provided, this coupling structure (42) may be modified so as to be able to attach with various mining machinery or other suitable machinery. [0057] Referring to Figure 15 and 16, the side rails (23) and front rail (25) may be fully removed from the platform (2). The legs (33) of the front rail (25) and the legs (31) of the side rail (33), shown in-part here as the section (29), each of the legs (31, 33) include a stop (41) provided in the form of skirting flanges (43). The stops (41) restrict the passage of the legs (31, 33) into the platform (2) so that the handrail arrangement (11) is located at the correct height. 100581 In use, the platform (2) is placed or located on a ground surface, for example on a roadway such as a belt road or a cut through of the underground mine. The handrail arrangement (11), including the side rails (23) and the end rails (25), may be removed to provide workers with better access to the platform (2). The stringer beams (20) may then be placed within the stands (6) and the banana frames (22) are interconnected between the stringer beams (20) to form the conveyor module (18). The handrail arrangement (11), including the side rails (23) and the end rails (25), may then be re-coupled with the base (4) of the platform (2).

C \NURPortb)CC\CA8M85590_ .DOC-18/l(V2012 - 14 [0059] A machine (not shown), such as a mining vehicle, may then be coupled with the coupling (10) and the platform (2) may be raised from the ground and moved to a location in which the conveyor module (18), which has been pre-assembled in the platform (2), is to be attached to the roof of the roadway and/or to a previously installed conveyor module. The platform (2) may then be further raised to the required height, for example 1.5m to 2.5m, to couple the conveyor module (18) to the roof of the roadway and/or to a previously installed conveyor module. The hydraulic actuator (16) may then by operated by the hand pump (46) to adjust the angular positioning of the platform (2) relative to the machine and/or the roof of the roadway to assist to align and level the pre-assembled conveyor module (18) with the roof of the roadway and/or a previously installed conveyor module. [00601 The pre-assembled conveyor module (18) is then attached to the roof and/or a previously installed conveyor module by using anchors such as claims or other suitable couplings. Once the conveyor module (18) is secured, the platform (2) may then be lowered and the machine may move the platform (2) to a location in which another conveyor module (18) may be constructed within the platform (2). [0061] More specifically, referring to Figures 17 to 20, the method steps below provide a more detailed example of a step-by-step procedure using a first platform (102) and a second platform (202) in a method of constructing an overhead conveyor system with a series of a conveyor modules. It is noted that like sequences of numerals, for example 2, 102, 202, and 302 denote like parts. The method includes the steps of: Set Up and Construction 1. Clean out muck from belt road (180) and also possible adjacent cut throughs (182); 2. Obtain survey data of the floor height of the belt road (180). It is noted that the survey data relates to the conveyor position relative to the roof height; C :NRPOrb4\DCC\CAB\65590_1 DOC-18/KW2012 - 15 3. Determine the number of structural components needed to build each section. It is noted that "section" relates to a "pillar" or "the coal left unmined between cut throughs to support the roof' of the overhead conveyor. For example, determine how many conveyor modules are required and hence the number of stringer beams (20, 120, 220) and number of banana frames (22, 122, 222) required; 4. Transport and divide out the number of the structural components needed to build each section of the overhead conveyor into a storage area or construction area (184) located on the side of a cut through (182); 5. Place a first empty platform (102) in the storage area or construction location (184) of the cut through (182) as shown in Figure 17; 6. Place a second empty platform (202) in a waiting location (188) on the belt road (180) inbye of the cut through (182) being used, as shown in Figure 17; 7. Remove the handrail arrangement (111) from the first platform (102); 8. Ensure that the removable stands (106) are positioned in the floor cut outs (155) at the front of the platform (102); 9. Begin assembly of conveyor module (118) by placing the H-frame supporting legs (132) into corresponding floor cut outs (159) at the rear of the platform (2); 10. Install stringer beams (120) into the H-frame legs (132) and the corresponding head (126) of the removable stand (106); 11. Install structural bolts finger tight to insure easy alignment with next conveyor module bay (to be left loose until next conveyor module (218) is mated). The H-frame legs (132) are attached to the stringer beams (120); C:Wobl\DCC\CABW65590LDC-18/10/212 - 16 12. Install banana frames (122) onto stringer beams (120). 13. Couple rollers (128) to the banana frames (122) and the return rollers to the H frame; 14. The conveyor module (118)' is now assembled and hangers, hanging chains, structural bolts such as M24 nuts to hang the assembled conveyor module (118) are placed in toolboxes for later use; 15. Replace handrail arrangement (111); Positioning of the Platforms and Construction of the Overhead Conveyor 16. A machine, more specifically a mining loader, is coupled to the coupling (110) of the first platform (102) to move the first platform (102) into the belt road (180) outbye of the cut though used and is detached from the machine; 17. The loader then picks up the second platform (202) from the waiting location (188) and places the second platform (202) into the storage area or construction location (184) side of the cut through (182) as shown in Figure 18, ready to have another conveyor module (18) constructed therein; 18. The loader then proceeds to pick up the first platform (102) and proceeds to the outbye, otherwise known as the lowered fitting location (190), where the conveyor module (118) is to be attached to the overhead conveyor structure (318) which is under construction as shown in Figure 18; 19. The first platform (102) is lowered to ground and the park brake is applied to the loader and the E-stop is connected as shown in Figure 19; 20. Personnel to gain access to the platform (102) via removal of side rails (123); C :\RPorbl\CC\CABA685590. .DOC-18/(W2012 -17 21. Once positive communication has been established the park brake can be released; 22. The loader is manoeuvred as per instructions from the personnel on the platform (102) into an elevated fitting location (192) as shown in Figure 20, to install the stringers beams (120) of the conveyor module (118) into the H frame legs (332) of the existing structure (318); 23. The hydraulic levelling system (139) is utilised, by actuation of the hand pump (146), to compensate for unlevel ground beneath the loader; 24. The Park brake is applied to the loader; 25. Structural bolts (186), as shown in Figure 20, are installed and tightened to interconnect the stringer beams (120) of the conveyor module (118) to the existing structure (318); 26. Loader is driven forward (loader is to crowd platform forward) under instructions from person on the platform (102) until the stands (106) can be removed from the cut-outs (155) and be placed on the floor of the platform (102); 27. Loader is moved back (loader is to crowd platform back) to level the platform (102) under instruction from the person on the platform (102); 28. Hanging brackets which support hanging chains are interconnected with the roof of the roadway for hanging the conveyor module (118) which is being installed. To hang the brackets, M24 nuts may be used. It is noted, the hanging chains are not coupled to conveyor module (118) until levelling has been achieved as outlined in points 29 to 30 below.

C \NRPrbl\DCC\CAB\685590_I DOC-18/112W2 - 18 29. Measurement to be taken from the base of the structural bolt to the top of the conveyor structure; 30. Platform hydraulic levelling system (137) to be utilised for final adjustment of the level of the conveyor module (118); 31. Hanging chains are coupled with H-frame legs (132) of the conveyor module (118) such that the conveyor module (118) is interconnected with the roof of the roadway; 32. Platform (102) to be lowered slightly to allow conveyor module (102) to hang on the hanging chains; 33. Final adjustment of the level to made using nuts retaining the hanging brackets; 1 34. Chain tails to be secured with D shackles (not shown) or as per site requirement; 35. Platform (102) to be lowered to ground and park brake applied to the loader; 36. Personal to remove small hand rail section (129) and dismount platform (102); 37. E-stop to be disconnected; 38. Loader to pick up first platform (102) and to proceed back to cut through (182); 39. First Platform (102) to be placed in waiting location (188) on the belt road (180) at inbye side of cut-through (182) and detached from the loader; 40. Loader operator to pick up the second platform (202) from the storage area or construction location (184) of the cut-through (182) which has been loaded with another C.\URPorbl\DCC\CAB\4685590_1 DOC-18/10/2012 - 19 conveyor module (218), generally as per outlined in method steps 7 to 15 above. The second platform (202) is then moved from the storage area (184) of the cut-through (182) and placed in the belt road (180) of the outbye side cut-through (182) and detached from the loader; 41. Method steps 17 through to 39 may then be repeated using the second platform. 100621 The above described platform and method of constructing an overhead conveyor system including a series of conveyor modules provides a number of advantages. In particular, the method allows a first platform (102) to be used to assemble a first conveyor module (118) and to install the pre-assembled first convey module (118) to an overhead conveyor system whilst a second platform (202) is used construct and prepare a second conveyor module (218) for installation. 100631 Once the first conveyor (118) module is installed, the first platform (102) is then used to construct another conveyor module and the second platform (202) is moved to install the pre-assembled second conveyor (218) module in the overhead conveyor module, and so forth. [00641 This method has advantages associated with the speed of the constructing conveyor module, as each module is constructed in the platform, and had advantages associated with the speed of constructing the overhead conveyor by using the two platforms which interchange with one another to allow the construction of the modules and construction of the overhead conveyor to proceed in tandem. Moreover, the platform and method reduce the amount of manual handling, as the platforms are able to support, move and align the conveyor module with the overhead conveyor under construction. [00651 Furthermore, as the platform provides a cradle in which the conveyor module may be constructed in a step-by-step fashion. Accordingly, the platform and the above described method reduces the time associated with laying out the parts of a conveyor CV4RPorblDCC\CAB\4685590 DOC-18/10/2012 - 20 module to be constructed along side the roadway and also reduces the risk of these parts being damaged whilst located alongside the roadway. Moreover, it allows the components of the conveyor module to be transported to the work site in packs or in pallets in the exact amount of the components required to build each conveyor module may be calculated and constructed within the platform. [0066] The platform described herein provides a number of further advantages, for example, the interchangeable floor (56) and the front rails (25) may be able to be modified to suit different structural dimensions. This allows the same platform, in particular the same base of the platform (4), to be used to build different size conveyor modules (18). [00671 Moreover, the hydraulic levelling system (37) advantageously allows for the platform (2) to move relative to the machine, which may be mining loader, such that the floor grade of the roadway does not significantly affect the installation process of the conveyor module (18). [00681 Furthermore, the handrail arrangement (11) is modular and may be removed in part or entirely to allow for better access to the platform (2). Moreover, when the side rails (23) of the handrail arrangement (11) are removed the wings (50) of the base (4) may be folded up to decrease the size of the platform (2) which is important in an underground environment where space is limited and also reduces the size of the platform (2) when the platform (2) is being transported. [00691 Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0070] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (30)

1. A platform for constructing a conveyor module and moving the conveyor module, the conveyor module having spaced apart structural beams which are interconnected by a cross frame so as to bridge the beams, the platform including: a frame having a base; at least one stand extending from the base, the at least one stand being configured to support at least one of the beams in a raised position relative the base; and a coupling attached to the frame, the coupling being adapted for coupling the platform with a machine to move the platform.

2. The platform according to claim 1, wherein the at least one stand is dimensioned to at least partially receive at least one of the beams of the conveyor module.

3. The platform according to claim 2, wherein the at least one stand is provided in the form of two spaced apart stands and wherein each of the stands is configured to receive one of the beams of the conveyor module so as to provide a cradle for the conveyor module.

4. The platform according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor module includes supporting legs, the supporting legs extending from each of the beams towards an end thereof and being dimensioned to bear on the platform when the beams are received by the two spaced apart stands.

5. The platform according to claim 4, wherein the two spaced apart stands are arranged to support opposing ends of the beams of the conveyor module relative to the supporting legs.

6. The platform according to claims 3 to 5, wherein the base is adapted to facilitate repositioning of the at least one stand thereby accommodating variation in size of the conveyor module. C \NRPortbIDCC\CAB\4685590_I DOC-18/lV2f12 - 22

7. The platform according to claim 6, wherein the base includes a removable floor and a plurality of cut-outs in into which the at least one stand is able to be received.

8. The platform according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of cut-outs include two spaced apart cut-outs dimensioned to receive the two spaced apart stands.

9. The platform according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the plurality of cut-outs include two spaced apart cut-outs dimensioned to receive the supporting legs of the conveyor module.

10. The platform according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the platform includes a removable handrail.

11. The platform according to claim 10, wherein the hand rail substantially surrounds the base and wherein the handrail is removable.

12. The platform of according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the base includes a central portion and wing portions, the wing portions being coupled to the central portion so as to be foldable between a raised position and a lowered position.

13. The platform according to claim 12, wherein at least part of the handrail is removably supported on the wings portions.

14. The platform according to claims 10 to 13, wherein the handrail includes stepped sections which are configured to allow the spaced apart structural beams of the conveyor module to pass the handrail.

15. The platform according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the coupling include an actuator which is arranged to move the platform relative to the machine. C \NPon.1\DCC\CABW46S5S90_ DOC-IIJIOt2flI2 - 23

16. The platform according to claim 15, wherein the coupling includes a structure for engagement with the machine, the structure being pivotally attached to the frame of the platform and wherein the actuator is arranged to pivot the structure relative to the frame thereby allowing the angle of the platform to be varied relative to the machine.

17. The platform according to claim 16, wherein the platform pivots about an axis substantially aligned with lengthwise axis of the platform thereby, in use, allowing the conveyor module to be aligned with a previously installed conveyor module.

18. The platform according to claims 15 to 17, further including a controller to operate the actuator.

19. The platform according to claim 18, wherein the actuator is a hydraulic actuator and the controller is a hand operative hydraulic pump.

20. A method for constructing a conveyor module using a platform as defined in any one of the previous claims, the method including the steps of locating stringer beams onthe at least one stand of the platform; and interconnecting the stinger beams with a cross frame.

21. A method for constructing an overhead conveyor using a platform as defined in any one of claims I to 19, the method including the steps of: (a) locating the conveyor module on the platform using the at least one stand; (b) engaging the machine with the coupling of the platform; (c) elevating the platform; (d) attaching the conveyor module to a roof of a roadway.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of locating the conveyor module involves: placing stringer beams on the at least one stand and interconnecting the stringer beams with cross frames whilst the stringer beams are supported by the at least one stand. C WRPobDCC\CAB\685590_ DOC.18/l(Y201 2 - 24

23. A method for constructing an overhead conveyor along a roadway; the method including the steps of: (a) constructing a first conveyor module on a first platform using at least one stand of the platform to support the first conveyor module; (b) moving the first platform such that the first conveyor module is able to be coupled to a roof of the roadway and coupling the first conveyor module to the roof of the roadway; (c) constructing a second conveyor module in the second platform using at least one stand of the second platform to support parts of the second conveyor module.

24. The method according to claim 22, further including the steps of: (d) moving the second platform such that second conveyor module is able to couple to first conveyor module and coupling the second conveyor module to the first conveyor module.

25. The method according to claims 23 or 24, wherein constructing the first and second platforms as defined in steps (a) and (c) includes locating stringer beams on the at least one stand and interconnecting the stringer beams with a cross frame.

26. The method according to claims 23 to 25, wherein moving the first platform as defined in step (b) further includes operating a levelling device of the first platform to align the first conveyor module with the roof of the roadway.

27. The method according to claim 24, wherein moving the second platform as defined in step (d) further includes operating a levelling device of the second platform to align the second conveyor module with the installed first conveyor module.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein constructing the second platform as defined in step (c) is undertaken whilst the first platform is being coupled to the roof of the roadway as defined in step (b). C :RPorbl\DCCCABW685590.1 DOC-18/10/2012 -25

29. A platform as substantially described herein with reference to the Figures and/or examples.

30. A method a constructing an overhead conveyor using a platform substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures and/or examples.