Abstract: A soil nail launching device and method are provided wherein the launching device includes an improved configuration for the protective shroud and an improved configuration for a connection between the breach and barrel of the launching device. For the protective shroud, a plurality of removable shroud plates are provided to ease maintenance of the shroud plate, as well as to provide more consistent pressure release after the launcher has been fired. The improved breach and barrel design includes a connection that does not reduce the area of the annular space that is evacuated during firing of the device, thereby optimizing the available volume of air to be transferred to the breach for launching the soil nail through the barrel.

Abstract: A cable bolt is provided that is suited to stabilize rock surfaces, particularly to withstand loads placed on the cable bolt when tensioned to stabilize rock surfaces of coal mines. The cable bolt comprises a tendon composed of a plurality of strands, the tendon having a plurality of pre-formed bulbous portions. The bulbous portions house rigid elements, such as a ball bearing, which are inserted after the bulbous portions are formed. When the cable bolt is tensioned or stressed, the load placed on the bulbous portion will be resisted by the rigid element housed within the bulbous portion, thereby preventing the bulbous portion from collapsing.

Abstract: A yielding rock bolt having a solid metal shaft with a relatively wide portion and a relatively narrow portion and an anchor member mounted about the shaft. The anchor member has longitudinal bore which is of lesser dimension than the relatively wide portion. The anchor member is mounted about the relatively narrow portion adjacent the wide portion. In use the shaft is extruded through the anchor member to cause the rock to yield as a rock face moves.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus having a mast, a sled slidably mounted thereon, a sled driving system for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and non-rotatable but extendable kelly sections that prevent slippage of the sled on the mast. An outer kelly section is attached to the sled, and an inner kelly section is extendable therefrom and retractable therein. A bushing maintains slidable alignment of the kelly sections on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage. A rotary motor, attached to the sled, rotates a telescopic shaft housed within the kelly sections. A transmission secured to the lower end of the inner kelly section increases downhole torque. A boom connector downcrowds and upcrowds the mast for additional drilling depth capability.

Abstract: A bearing plate for use in an anchor assembly and associated method are provided. The bearing plate may have a body with a middle portion with a helical configuration about an axis. Leading and trailing portions are also included on either end of the middle portion. An upper leading portion surface may extend an angular distance from 5° to 45° about the axis. The upper leading and middle portion surfaces may extend at different rates in the axial direction per extension about the axis in order to reduce friction on the leading portion during insertion. Additionally or alternatively, the middle portion of the body may be tapered and/or included a rounded outer edge in order to reduce friction during insertion and/or to increase ease of manufacture. A method of putting together an anchor assembly in the field in order to achieve a desired bearing capacity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing head attachment is provided for use in mixing grouts and/or resins (hereinafter for brevity collectively referred to as resin) used in mine roof support systems in the securement of an anchor bolt in a bore hole. A threaded fastener is provided to tension the anchor bolt, and a resin composition is used to secure at least part of the anchor rod in the bore hole. The mixing head attachment is provided with a rigid or semi-rigid body which extends axially along a body axis, and has sufficient structural integrity to effect mixing of unset resin as the mixing head is rotated about its axis. The mixing head attachment includes one or more mixing blades or projections which define a mixing surface or face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rock bolt comprising first and second ends, a shaft extending between the ends, and an anchoring device extending along a first part of the shaft adjacent the first end. The anchoring device comprises a mandrel, and at least one expansion element overlaying the mandrel. The expansion element is displaced radially outwardly on a predetermined relative movement between the mandrel and the expansion element. The expansion element is joined to a connector to form an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is keyed to the mandrel. The anchor assembly comprises relative rotation actuator means active during rotation of the anchoring device. The invention further relates to an anchoring device per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber-reinforced plastic drilling anchor comprising an axial bore that runs along the entire length thereof, fibers which extend in the longitudinal direction thereof, and fibers that extend at an angle to the longitudinal direction thereof. A first layer of fibers that extend at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the drilling anchor is surrounded by a second layer of fibers extending in the longitudinal direction of the drilling anchor, and the second layer of fibers is surrounded by a third layer of fibers extending at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the drilling anchor. The inventive drilling anchor further comprises a thread which extends along the entire length thereof and is molded into at least one outer fiber layer of the drilling anchor. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a drilling anchor.

Abstract: Cable bolt assemblies including tension cylinders and tension nuts, alone or in combination with cables and roof bearing plates, for use in underground mines to support mine roofs, are disclosed herein, as well as methods of securing roof cables to and within a mine roof for superior and immediate support. The cables have a first end securable within a borehole in a roof, a second end for exposure from the borehole, and a weight bearing nut secured to the second end. The tension cylinder accommodates, yet is not affixed to, the cable, and includes a threaded exterior surface and an interior cable-accommodating channel. The tension nut has a threaded interior surface complementary to the threaded exterior surface of the tension cylinder, and is rotatable about the tension cylinder.

Abstract: A duct system for profiled post-tendon construction has a first duct, a second duct and a third duct joined together in end-to-end relationship. The first and third ducts are of one type of polymeric material. The second duct is of a different type of polymeric material. The second duct has a parabolic curvature while the first and third ducts are generally straight. The second duct has a cross-sectional configuration that is identical to the cross-sectional configuration of the first and third ducts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill bit and a single pass drilling apparatus. The one-piece drill bit has a connection portion, adapted to be rigidly connected to a drill steel, a pilot part and a reamer part. The pilot part has first rock machining means. The reamer part has a first center line and second rock machining means. The second rock machining means is provided axially between said connection portion and said first rock machining means and to one side of the pilot part. The drill bit has a rotational direction. A side of the pilot part facing away from the reamer part is provided with a wear resistant means. The wear resistant means is integral with the first rock machining means.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor rod arrangement for use with an underdrain system that includes the a pair of spaced apart legs and an elongated member adjustably attached to the legs, wherein the legs are adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member and the elongated member is adjustable along a longitudinal axis of the legs.

Abstract: A bolting apparatus and method for inserting a rod into a surface, the bolting apparatus including a base having a foot end and a head end, at least one stabilizing rod extendable from the base head end and having a stabilizing rod end adapted to contact a surface to be drilled, and a mechanism attached to the base between the base foot end and the stabilizing rod end and adapted to grip the rod.

Abstract: A module is for use in drilling a borehole in face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A support member for supporting a roof of a subsurface space. The support member may include a base portion for defining a surface area to contact a ceiling of the subsurface space. One or more sockets may extend from the base for defining openings for receiving roof bolts therethrough. Accordingly, the support member may be configured to function as a washer for the roof bolts to support the roof material above the ceiling. The sockets may include covers for preventing the roof bolts from extending out of the sockets. The sockets may be oriented at angles with respect to the base such that when roof bolts are placed in the sockets, the roof bolts may extend at angles with respect to each other in a splayed configuration.

Abstract: A low-profile mine roof support device comprises a roof plate and a barrel. The barrel includes a nose portion, a shoulder portion, and a tapered bore for receiving a cable to secure the roof plate to the mine roof. The shoulder portion of the barrel comprises a convex surface that seats against the plate. So configured, a majority of the barrel, which includes the nose portion and the tapered bore, passes through the plate and into a drilled hole formed in the mine roof, thereby advantageously minimizing the extent to which the support device extends into the workspace of the mine without sacrificing the length of the barrel.

Abstract: An automatic, universal, multi-purpose ground stand to securely affix an umbrella, or any like device, into any malleable surface such as sand, grass, gravel or dirt. The device is intended to accommodate any size or shape of commercially available beach or sun umbrellas. This device also contemplates the securement of other devices such as fishing poles. The device is comprised, primarily, of a main tube with a helical auger screw bit and a DC electric motor to turn the screw. A user of said device would extend the helical auger screw bit, engage the DC electric motor, and allow the action of the DC electric motor to secure the helical auger screw into a malleable surface.

Abstract: A ground anchor or rock anchor is provided that includes an anchor tension member composed of one or more individual elements, such as steel bars, steel wires, or steel wire strands. While the anchor tension member is intended to be introduced into a drilled hole and anchored there, the anchoring of the anchor tension member at the exposed end of the drilled hole is achieved with the aid of anchor head. To this end, the anchor head comprises a support element to bear directly or indirectly against the underlying rock or substratum, and an anchoring component for tensioning the individual elements, which can be brought into a frictional connection with the individual elements while bearing against the support element. In addition, a cap, which extends around the anchoring component and the ends of the individual elements, protects the exposed end of the anchor head.

Abstract: A resin bonded mine roof bolt having an elongated rod with a first end, a second end, and a resin control surface positioned on the rod between the rod first and second ends. The resin control surface has a channel extending along the length of the bolt for distributing resin and interrupted spiral threads for mixing resin. When installed in a mine roof bore hole with curable resin, the resin control surface mixes the resin and partially fills the bore hole to minimize the amount of resin needed to anchor the bolt.

Abstract: A device for mounting anchors having a mounting end for positioning within pre-drilled apertures formed in concrete or cement and having a threaded end projecting forward of the pre-drilled apertures when positioned therein. The device features a continues shaft that is adapted to engage with a hammer drill on a first end, and the threaded portion of the anchor on the opposite end to allow the hammer drill to force the anchor into its aperture in the concrete. A nut for the threaded portion is rotatable for engagement by a second component coaxially engaged with the shaft. The device allows for both hammering the anchor into its aperture and tightening the nut, without removing the device from its engagement with the anchor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning a staggered anchorage comprised of a plurality of tension members, which are anchored in a bore hole at various depths, thus having different free steel lengths. For each staggered anchorage, each tension member is tensioned up to a predetermined maximal load and is then subsequently adjusted to the working load. To achieve a consistent elongation reserve of the individual tension member and thus to increase the security of a staggered anchorage, the staggered anchorage is adjusted to the working load, all tension members are adjusted to a reduced elongation (?Iw) by a uniform elongation difference (?Imax??Iw) relative to the respective elongation (?Imax) of the predetermined maximal load. An arrangement for performing the method has a single tensioning plane, which is force interconnected with defined locking elements that are arranged on tension members in clamping planes.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a reinforcing tendon into a drill hole formed rock face including a body portion having a bore extending axially therethrough. The bore has a dimension selected to allow limited sliding movement of the tendon therethrough and includes a portion which tapers inwardly from a forward outfeed end towards a rearward or infeed end. A wedging member is movably provided in the bore. Movement of the wedging member towards the rearward end of the body results in its frictional engagement with the tendon to restrict its withdrawal from the body relative to the infeed end, whereas movement of the wedging member relative to the bore towards the outfeed end results in its disengagement from the tendon allowing it to be repositioned forwardly relative to the body. A drive is further provided to reciprocally move the body relative to the rock face.

Abstract: An earth anchor of the pivoting type having an essentially cylindrical body, a blind bore extending therein to from a trailing axial end of the cylindrical body and a leading edge projecting from a leading end of the body, the leading edge chisel shaped for ease of penetration into the ground, guiding surfaces extending substantially normal to the leading edge and forward of the main body portion, the guiding surfaces having a plurality of leading chisel edges stepped back from the leading edge and from one another as the guiding surface leading edges are spaced further away from a center of the leading edge, the guiding surfaces terminating in final leading edge spaced axially from the leading edge and laterally from each of the stepped leading edges and having at least a portion which extend radially beyond the main body, guide ridges extending from the final leading edges to the trailing axial end projecting radially from the body substantially no further than the maximum width of the guiding surface leadi

Abstract: An end coupling 1, 19 for a shaft 2 of a rock bolt 50 comprises a body 6 having a lead portion 8 with a leading end 9, and a tail portion 10 with a trailing end 11. The tail portion 10 is arranged to be connected to a drive to impart rotation to the coupling about its axis. The body 6 defines a passage 7 extending between the leading and trailing ends and a first portion 12 of the passage 7 extends from the leading end 9 and has a first diameter. A second portion 15 of the passage 7 is disposed adjacent the first portion 12 and has a second diameter that is larger than said first diameter. A first thread 14 extends along at least part of the first portion 12 of the passage 7 and is arranged to engage an external thread 4 on the rock bolt shaft 2. A rock bolt assembly incorporating the end coupling 1, 19 is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self drilling rock bolt which may be used in mining applications. Self drilling rock bolts are typically are formed by rebars having an axially extending central passageway for water passage and post grouting. Costs of such hollow steel rebars is quite high. In the present invention, a rock bolt is formed from a hollow tubular member which may be steel pipe, and a reinforcing arrangement comprising prestressed concrete type steel strand wound around the outside of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: A re-tensionable cable bolt and related methods are provided. In one aspect of the invention, the bolt includes a sleeve for connecting or securing to a cable. The sleeve includes a lower end having a bore adapted for receiving a threaded shank for associating with a tension nut. A plurality of facets along a peripheral portion of the sleeve create corners that prevent the cable from rotating within the borehole during installation. The sleeve may be secured to the cable using resin, which forms another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for fixing an object in the ground, comprising at least one fixing peg (10) and means for carrying out the above. The peg (10) comprises a tube (14) and at least two lugs (28) on the lower end of a central support rod (24). An axial tension acting on the rod (24) which runs axially in the tube (14) and is fixed in rotation therein, causes the lugs (28) to deploy through openings (30) in the tube (14), such as to cause the extension thereof in the direction of tension at an angle to the length of the tube (14). An operating mechanism (33) comprises a threaded pin (36) with a screw (40) pressing on the head of the tube. The lower end of said threaded pin (36) is coupled to the upper end of the central support (24) in order to transmit an axial tension thereto on turning the screw (40) in a first direction.

Abstract: An ice anchor and method of use thereof for securing or rescuing a vehicle which has become stuck or trapped while on a frozen surface of a body of water. The ice anchor may include blades which form a shaft and fit into an opening in the ice, and plates that limit insertion of the anchor into the hole and define an attachment area for a safety device such as a rope, chain, or cable, which may include a tensioning device. When lateral force is placed on the shaft by tensioning the safety device, the outer surfaces of the blades engage the inner wall of the hole and oppose the lateral forces, allowing the vehicle to be removed from the gap or opening in the ice.

Abstract: An earth anchor of the pivoting type having an essentially cylindrical body, a blind bore extending thereinto from a trailing axial end of the cylindrical body and a leading edge projecting from a leading end of the body, the leading edge being formed as a rounded surface adapted for penetration through reinforcement paths while minimizing severing of the strands of the mat.

Abstract: An earth anchor of the pivoting type having an essentially cylindrical body, a blind bore extending thereinto from a trailing axial end of the cylindrical body and a leading edge projecting from a leading end of the body, the leading edge being formed as a rounded surface adapted for penetration through reinforcement paths while minimizing severing of the strands of the mat.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus and related methods for installation in a borehole formed in a face of a mine passage comprises an elongated bolt including a spiral shaft portion for positioning in the borehole. A hardened, stationary resin nut formed in only part of the borehole, preferably spaced from the distal end thereof, receives the spiral shaft portion of the bolt. Consequently, rotation of the spiral shaft portion within the hardened resin nut serves to move the bolt within the borehole, such as for purposes of tensioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchor device, for stabilizing an excavation wall and to be inserted into a hole, bored in an excavation wall. Said anchor device comprises a rigid elongated rod which defines a distal end, to be inserted into the bored hole and a proximal end, opposed to the distal end, a support member, mounted on the rod in the vicinity of the proximal end thereof and provided for resting against an outer surface of the wall of rock and an anchor head, mounted on the rod and to be inserted into the hole, bored in the excavation wall. Said anchor head comprises a flexible expandable member, mounted on the rod, made of plastic and capable of radially expanding and stretching and an activating member, movably mounted on the rod, said activating member being capable of moving relative to the rigid rod and to the expandable member and capable of contacting the same in order to exert a pressure.

Abstract: An anchor device which includes a pipe (16), an elongate member (18) which is partly inside the pipe and which has an end (20) which protrudes from the pipe (16), and a restraining component (22) which is engaged with the protruding end (20). The pipe (16) and the elongate member (18) are shaped with a plurality of deformations along their respective lengths such that the elongate member (18) can only be withdrawn from the tubular member (16) by further deforming the elongate member (18).

Abstract: A resin bonded mine roof bolt having an elongated rod with a first end, a second end, and a resin control surface positioned on the rod between the rod first and second ends. The resin control surface has a channel extending along the length of the bolt for distributing resin and interrupted spiral threads for mixing resin. When installed in a mine roof bore hole with curable resin, the resin control surface mixes the resin and partially fills the bore hole to minimize the amount of resin needed to anchor the bolt.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: A cable bolt (10, 60) comprising a flexible cable 11 formed from a plurality of wound strands, wherein at least one of the strands is a hollow strand 12b. In one form, at least one region 14 of the hollow strand is formed with a helical formation or is otherwise arranged to resist radial compression. A cable bolt 60 is also disclosed with a hollow strand 12b that has a coupling 65 fitted at one end 14 and a resin retainer 61 fitted on the other end of the hollow strand.

Abstract: A module is for use in drilling a borehole in face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: A bolt assembly for insertion into a rock wall including a hole having a diameter an a method thereof are provided. The assembly includes a resilient cylinder for insertion into the hole, a shaft for insertion into the cylinder, a grouting material for retaining the shaft within the cylinder and stiffening the assembly, and coupling means for coupling the extremity of the cylinder to the extremity of the shaft. The cylinder has a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the hole when the cylinder is uncompressed. In this manner, the cylinder is radially compressed when inserted into the hole and thereby frictionally engages the hole. The cylinder has an extremity extending outside the hole when it is inserted therein. The shaft includes an extremity which extends outside the hole when the shaft is inserted into the cylinder in an operating position.

Abstract: A drill bit and a single pass drilling apparatus are disclosed. The one-piece drill bit is rotatable about a drilling axis and has a connection portion, adapted to be rigidly connected to a drill steel, a pilot part and a reamer part. The reamer part has a leading and at least one trailing first rock machining means disposed on one side of the pilot part within a sector defined by sector angle ?. At least one of the trailing first rock machining means is axially spaced from the leading first rock machining means in the direction toward the trailing end of the drill bit.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region. A method of detecting flaws in a buried anchor rod by means of longitudinal wave application of an ultrasound transducer to the exposed end of the anchor rod.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to the design of inexpensive mounting and pointing apparatuses for linear arrays of solar energy collectors and converters. Particular embodiments in accordance with the present invention disclose a rigging system comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of, tensile cables onto which a plurality of solar modules are fastened. Such an arrangement provides a way of suspending solar modules over land, vegetation, bodies of water, and other geographic features without substantial perturbation of the underlying terrain. Certain embodiments comprise additional tensile cables fastened to the solar modules, such that differential axial motion of the cables produces a rotational motion component of the individual solar modules of the array. This rotational motion component effects an orientation control along one rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a heavy duty drill bit for hard/soft rock drilling comprising a high fatigue-resistant, high alloy steel bit body having a PCD cutter member and an enlarged shank portion constructed to accommodate torsional forces at high thrust pressures, and reamer means for compensating the effect of bore hole rifling. The invention further involves the method of forming a roof bolting matrix in extremely hard rock formations having a compression strength up to about 50,000 psi using PCD wafers on a high tensile strength steel body coupled by a heavy duty shank through high fatigue-resistant reamer means to a high strength drive steel member.

Abstract: A module and related methods of use in drilling a borehole in a face of a mine passage using a drilling element and installing a bolt in the borehole once formed. The module may include a bolt holder for holding a plurality of bolts and a drilling element holder for holding a plurality of different drilling elements. A manipulator moves along an arcuate path between the bolt and drilling element holders to deliver the respective components to a drill head positioned along the arcuate path. The drill head may also slide relative to the mast in two different directions, and includes a drill guide for determining the location of the face to be worked.

Abstract: An adapter attachment for an auger which includes an connecting shaft sized and shaped to be attached to the pilot bit hole present in the end of an auger, after the removal of pilot bit. The adapter also includes a bolt flange for connection to a foundation anchor installation plate/tool such as a locking dog assembly. The adapter obviates the need to remove the auger from the Kelly bar during anchor installation. A modification includes eliminating the bolt flange and placing the connecting shaft directly to the locking dog assembly to form a pilot hole locking dog.

Abstract: In a method and a device for installing, in a rock wall or roof, a self-drilling expandable rock bolt (2) having a drill bit portion (5), an expansion portion (9) and a connecting portion (10), in a rock breaking step, the self-drilling rock bolt (2) is provided with a rock breaking movement and flushing fluid for producing a bore hole, and in an expansion step, pressurized expansion fluid is introduced into the expansion portion (9) in order to expand it so as to be fixed to the inside of the bore hole. Expansion fluid is introduced by means of a swiveling device (6) so that the rock bolt (2) is free to move during the rock breaking step, and be tightened against the rock bolt (2) in the expansion step in such a way that a sealed channel for expansion fluid is established between an expansion fluid source and the expansion portion (9). The invention also concerns a self-drilling rock bolt.

Abstract: An ice anchor and method of use thereof for securing or rescuing a vehicle which has become stuck or trapped while on a frozen surface of a body of water. The ice anchor may include blades which form a shaft and fit into an opening in the ice, and plates that limit insertion of the anchor into the hole and define an attachment area for a safety device such as a rope, chain, or cable, which may include a tensioning device. When lateral force is placed on the shaft by tensioning the safety device, the outer surfaces of the blades engage the inner wall of the hole and oppose the lateral forces, allowing the vehicle to be removed from the gap or opening in the ice.