Methods for using robotics in mining and post-mining processing

Abstract

The present invention is directed to the use and application of robotics in mining and post-mining applications, including smelting and processes associated with electrodeposition, electrorefining, cleaning, and disposal. In addition, the application of robotics includes functions associated with maintenance and operation of equipment used in mining operations.

1 . A method for cleaning a ladle in a furnace using an anthropomorphous robotic manipulator of at least 5 degrees of freedom with a gripping mechanism and capable of withstanding the environmental and temperature conditions of a smelting furnace, comprising the steps of taking a cleaning device or tool from a fixed and/or mobile tool holder located near the robotic manipulator, said manipulator using said tool to clean all surfaces of the ladle after each discharge of a smelted product from the furnace. 
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulator takes the cleaning device or tool and manipulates it in different paths. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulator communicates by itself or through a program logic control interface with the control system. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic manipulator has the capability to obtain and interpret information from installed analogue and/or digital sensors. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic manipulator has the capability to generate analogue and/or digital signals to control analogue and/or digital input devices. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulator is mounted on a fixed and/or mobile system and further includes the steps of approaching and moving away from the ladle of the furnace so as to clean the ladle. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said gripper is pneumatic, electric and/or hydraulic. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulator takes the device or tool from the fixed and/or mobile tool holder in a sequential and programmed way for cleaning the ladle. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said manipulator places the device or tool in the tool holder a sequential and programmed way upon completion of a cleaning process. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the system operates automatically or semi-automatically, and also allows solution scalability. 
   
   
       11 . A method for bundling fire refined ingots used in metal smelting processes, comprising the steps of a first anthropomorphous robotic manipulator extracts an ingot from a mold casting wheel, manipulates said ingot, and releases said ingot into a cooling bath for cooling, and a second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator extracts said ingot from said cooling bath, manipulates said ingot, and releases said ingot into a drawer rack,
 wherein said first and second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator each have at least 5 degrees of freedom, a pneumatic gripping mechanism of up to four fingers, stored program control, and a motor drive.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first anthropomorphous robotic manipulator is mounted on a fixed and/or mobile system located between said mold casting wheel and said cooling bath to enable said first anthropomorphous robotic manipulator to move between the mold casting wheel and the water bath. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator is mounted on a fixed and/or mobile system located between the fire refined bundling area and said cooling bath to enable said second manipulator to move between the fire refined bundling area and the cooling bath. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first or second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator has the capability to obtain and interpret information from installed analogue and/or digital sensors. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first or second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator has the capability to generate analogue and/or digital signals to control the analogue and/or digital input devices. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first or second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator has the capability to move and manipulate ingots in a sequential and programmed way in different paths within the defined work area of said second robotic manipulator. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first and second anthropomorphous robotic manipulators include an electrical and/or hydraulic system driven by an electric motor with vectorial control. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first or second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator includes an electrical system driven by a three-stage induction motor with vectorial and/or scalar control. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said first or second anthropomorphous robotic manipulator may operate automatically or semiautomatically.