Abstract: A hydraulic ram for use as an advance ram in mining operations has a plurality of permanent magnets embedded in its piston rod. At least one sensor is associated with a guide bush fixed to the piston rod end of the cylinder of the ram. The or each sensor is accommodated within a respective pocket formed in the guide bush. The pocket(s) can be closed off by a detachable closure member.

Abstract: A telescopic prop for use in mine workings extends and retracts over three stages. The prop has an outer main base member 1 with respective first, second and third concentric inner members 2, 3, 4 disposed one within another. The first inner member has a piston 6 in which is arranged a non-return valve 23 which normally shuts off communication between a working chamber 20 associated with the first and base members and the working chambers 22, 27, 29 pertaining to the other members. A plunger 24 is provided to open the non-return valve when the first inner member is nearly fully retracted inside the base member so that after retraction of this stage the other stages can be retracted. The second or intermediate member also employs a piston 9 which is connected via a rod 13 with an auxiliary piston 15 disposed in a working chamber associated with the uppermost third member.

Abstract: A hydraulic ram for use in thrust-jacking of tunnel linings comprises a cylindrical outer member, a cylindrical inner member reciprocable within the outer member, and an extension member reciprocable within the inner member. A two-part clamping ring is provided for releasably locking the extension member to the inner member. An auxiliary drive is provided for retracting the extension member rapidly within the inner member. The auxiliary drive may be a mechanical spindle drive, or a hydraulic drive having an auxiliary piston reciprocable within an axial bore formed in the extension member. The clamping ring comprises spring means for urging the parts of the clamping ring in to the closed position, and piston-and-cylinder means for urging the parts of the clamping ring apart, against the biasing force of the spring means, to open the clamping ring.