Abstract: A mine roof and rib support can be a support member having a roof support arm and a rib support arm, wherein the roof support arm is provided at an angle to the rib support arm. An aperture for a roof bolt is provided through the support member adjacent an intersection of the roof support arm and the rib support arm. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween, can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively, to simultaneously apply force to each arm when a roof bolt is installed through each of the bearing plate and the support member. A flange can be provided at a distal end of one or both of the roof and rib support arms, each flange projecting toward the mine roof or rib.

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

Abstract: A high-strength anchor system for anchoring a support to mine strata is disclosed. The system includes an anchor plate and a connecting member on the anchor plate for connection of the support to the anchor plate. Anchor bolts extend through bolt holes in the anchor plate into bore holes in the mine strata. Load-spreading devices extend from respective bolt holes in the anchor plate into the bore holes. The load-spreading devices have outside diameters larger than outside diameters of the anchor bolts for spreading shear loads exerted on the anchor bolts over larger areas of the mine strata. A method of installing such a system and a safe room bulkhead using such a system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for supporting a structure above a fixed surface. The device can include a support pedestal whose height is adjustable through a range of heights without a substantial gap in the obtainable heights. In one embodiment, the support pedestal can include a base member, a support member and a coupling member operatively connecting the base member and the support member. The coupling member can include first and second cylindrical walls, whereby an outer wall of the coupling member bears directly on an outer wall of the base member. Locking members can be utilized to operatively attach the coupling member to at least one of the base member or the support member. The locking members can function to increase the structural stability of support pedestal.

Abstract: A system for handling a roll of mesh for application to one or more faces of an underground mine passage includes a dispenser for supporting the roll of mesh for application to at least one face of the mine passage, as well as at least one arm for supporting the mesh adjacent to the face upon being dispensed from the dispenser. The arm is capable of flexing in providing this support to provide tension to the mesh during the application from the roll to the at least one face of the mine passage. The dispenser may include a cradle for dispensing the mesh from the roll. The cradle may include a base for supporting the roll of mesh and at least one laterally extendable support for supporting a first lateral side of the roll of mesh. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a construction support, a length of which can be precisely and easily adjusted to a floor-to-floor height between upper and lower floor slabs, capable of supporting the load of the upper floor slab in a more stable and firm manner and performing dismantlement in a more convenient manner. The construction support includes a first pipe, a second pipe, an inner stopper, an outer stopper, and an outer cap.

Abstract: A mine roof and rib support includes a curved support member comprising a roof support arm and a rib support arm with a curved junction portion between the roof support arm and the rib support arm and an aperture defined through the support member for receiving a mine roof bolt. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively. Also, a mine roof and rib support may include a curved support member comprising a roof support arm and a rib support arm and a curved junction portion between the roof and rib support arms, wherein the roof support arm defines the aperture for receiving a mine roof bolt that may extend substantially vertically through the through-hole and the roof support arm aperture.

Abstract: A load support includes an outer tube and a plunger at least partially slidably disposed within the outer tube. Gravity-set wedging members are disposed between an outer surface of the plunger and an inner surface of the outer tube for setting the plunger and outer tube in place with respect to each other, wherein the wedging members are substantially self-setting under gravity. The wedging members gouge the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the outer tube upon inward axial movement of the plunger within the outer tube.

Abstract: A mine support yieldable prop includes a threaded shaft rotatably mounted in an end of the prop to move into and out of the prop end to move a bearing plate toward or away from a mine roof, and/or a bearing plate pivotally mounted to the end of the prop to level the prop with uneven mine roofs.

Abstract: A support for use in mines and other underground workings is provided comprising a flexible inflatable bag configured for receiving a pumpable load-bearing material. A reinforcing material is provided for supporting the bag when the bag is filled with the load-bearing material. The reinforcing material can include reinforcing plates, rings, bands or barrels positioned about the outer periphery of the bag. Alternatively, the support can be formed from a plurality of stackable barrels that are filled with load-bearing material but without the inflatable bag. The barrels can include internal reinforcing or cladding material at spaced locations along the barrels to define controlled deflection zones. According to another design, the support can be designed to be extensible. The support is inexpensive to transport, can be erected on-site and has a reinforced structure with residual yield strength. A method for supporting a mine or other underground workings is disclosed.

Abstract: A mine roof and rib support device comprising a support member, a roof support arm, a rib support arm, a bearing plate and a mine roof bolt. The roof support arm is provided at an angle to the rib support arm and comprises at least one aperture therethrough. The bearing plate comprises an upper edge and a lower edge and a through-hole defined therethrough. The upper and lower edges of the bearing plate can be positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively, with the through-hole being aligned with the aperture through the support member. The mine roof bolt extends through the through-hole of the bearing plate and the aperture of the roof support arm, thereby pressing the bearing plate against the support member. The upper edge exerts a force against the roof support arm and the lower edge exerts a force against the rib support arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack assembly having a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements.

Abstract: A mine roof support crib. The crib includes a plurality of chocks that are connected together through notches in the chocks to form at least three planes and able to support at least five tons of load. Each notch has at least one edge. A method of forming a mine roof support crib. A method of forming a chock for a mine roof crib to support a mine roof.

Abstract: A bolt anchor is comprised of a body and sleeve. The body is generally wedge shaped with a threaded bore along its axis and at least one stop near its smaller end. The sleeve has a round collar with leaves extending from the collar parallel to the axis of the collar and each other. The at least one stop maintains the assembly of the body and sleeve. Prongs on the sleeve prevent the retraction or turning of the bolt anchor when a bolt is installed in a hole using the bolt anchor. Reduced material thickness associated with the leaves on the sleeve produces hinges which allow the leaves to be more easily deformed outwardly to engage the sides of a hole. Inserting a bolt and bolt anchor assembly into the hole and then turning the bolt pulls the body into the sleeve and creates a wedging effect in the hole.

Abstract: A shield support assembly for underground mining includes a shield canopy and at least one floor runner as supporting surface elements. The shield canopy and at least one runner are connected in an articulated manner and can be pressed against rock at least one hydraulic cylinder which is supported in bearing pans on the shield canopy and floor runner. Each surface supporting element includes a welded construction of welded-together components. In order to be able to support higher forces without increasing the overall weight, at least one of the supporting surface elements includes at least one hollow metal box profile filled with a solid as a component of the welded construction.

Abstract: A load support includes an outer tube and a plunger at least partially slidably disposed within the outer tube. Gravity-set wedging members are disposed between an outer surface of the plunger and an inner surface of the outer tube for setting the plunger and outer tube in place with respect to each other, wherein the wedging members are substantially self-setting under gravity. The wedging members gouge the outer surface of the plunger and the inner surface of the outer tube upon inward axial movement of the plunger within the outer tube.

Abstract: A mine support having a ductile metal sleeve, an interior of which is filled with a first aerated cementitious material of a first density which extends over at least 60% of the axial length of the sleeve. The interior of the sleeve is also filled with a second aerated cementitious material of a second density, which is less than the first density, and which fills the remainder of the interior of the sleeve.

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: A friction tube anchor has a tube (1) which can be expanded under the action of a pressurized medium and which is attached to a casing (6). The casing (6) is screwed into a section (13) of a casing-like sleeve (7) which is provided with a thread and is sealed by ring packing (11) relative to the inside of the section (13). The casing-like sleeve (7) has another section (14) which is provided with a thread and in which selectively either another expandable tube (1), or an adapter for feeding the pressurized medium for expanding the tube (1), or a fastening bolt, for example an eye bolt, can be screwed.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a cable engaging section. The cable receiving section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship, to the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end, wherein the passageway has a cone-shaped portion having a decreasing diameter as the distance from the first end of the passageway increases to receive a wedge shaped cable retention assembly. The surface of the intermediate section includes a cut out portion that extends from the first opening of the passageway toward the bolt receiving section and terminating at a riser. A locking tube has one end in the passageway in facing relationship to the retention assembly and the other end in engagement with the riser to prevent the retention assembly from moving out of the first opening of the passageway.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements through 1) a composite, engineered wooden support element for construction of cribs in mines to provide support between two surfaces, 2) use of support elements to construct cribs, and 3) a wedge system to provide substantial sustained preload on a crib. The wooden support element consists of a center elongate element wherein the wood grain runs transversely to the crib element loading direction, and at least two outer plate elements wherein the wood grain runs axially with the crib element loading direction. Each outer plate element is attached to a surface of the center elongate element using fastening means and the outer plate element wood grain direction is aligned transversely to the grain direction in the center elongate element. The crib structure may be constructed by superimposing only these support elements in 2×2 layers or in conjunction with solid prismatic wooden elements.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack assembly having a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements.

Abstract: A module is for 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. Related aspects of control of the module and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A steel set assembly includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs with the first pair of legs being spaced from and positioned opposite the second pair of legs. First and second beams are provided with the first beam being secured to one leg of the first pair of legs and one leg of the second pair of legs. The second beam is secured to the other leg of the first pair of legs and the other leg of the second pair of legs. A panel is secured to the first and second beams and includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad. The block is secured to the base and the pad is positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack restraining system, comprising a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements. In one embodiment the rings of different diameter are secured about the grout pack. In a further embodiment the rings are configured to be circumferentially expandable are secured about the grout pack.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements through 1) a composite, engineered wooden support element for construction of cribs in mines to provide support between two surfaces, 2) use of support elements to construct cribs, and 3) a wedge system to provide substantial sustained preload on a crib. The wooden support element consists of a center elongate element wherein the wood grain runs transversely to the crib element loading direction, and at least two outer plate elements wherein the wood grain runs axially with the crib element loading direction. Each outer plate element is attached to a surface of the center elongate element using fastening means and the outer plate element wood grain direction is aligned transversely to the grain direction in the center elongate element. The crib structure may be constructed by superimposing only these support elements in 2×2 layers or in conjunction with solid prismatic wooden elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stackable mine rock shield. The mine rock shield includes a body having a first surface and a second surface, an aperture positioned at about the center of the body for receiving a fastening mechanism, a continuous protuberance extending outwardly from the first surface of the periphery of the body and defining a recess wherein the continuous protuberance intersects the first surface of the body to form an angle of intersection with such first surface, and an edge portion at the perimeter of the body. The mine rock shield may further include a rigid notch at the periphery of the body.

Abstract: A mine support includes an elongate metal member and a coating comprising post-consumer recycled thermoplastic disposed on the member. The thermoplastic may include post-consumer recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate), and the coating may be an injection molded coating. A first layer of the coating may be provided with a thickness at least about 0.1 mm and a crystallinity between about 16% and about 30%, and a second layer of the coating may be provided with a thickness at least about 0.1 mm and a crystallinity between about 6% and about 14%. Either the first layer or second layer may contact the elongate metal member.

Abstract: An article and a process are provided for reducing the shear stress on an interface of a structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load. The article is in the form of a wedge that is forcibly placed against the sidewall of one end or both ends of the structural member. The wedge may take the form of a ring that can be placed on the inside or outside surface of a hollow cylindrical structural member. The process of forcibly placing a wedge against the sidewall at one or both ends of the structural member produces a transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall. The transverse compressive stress upon the sidewall attenuates the tendency of said sidewall to deflect when the structural member is subjected to a compressive load. A reduction in the deflection of the sidewall reduces the shear stress generated proximal to the interface of the structural member in intimate contact with a compressive load and increases the structural member load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a mine roof truss comprises a base having a pair of ends, a curved side extending between the ends, a top side, and a bearing surface. The shoe includes an angled stanchion having a bore and a housing having a tapered bore, with a recess between the housing and stanchion. A retainer is sized to fit in the recess, with the retainer having an aperture disposed adjacent an end such that the blocks a portion of the opening of the bore in the housing to retain a wedge assembly in the tapered bore.

Abstract: A suspending hydraulic pillar includes an oil cylinder, a movable prop, a handle-valve body, a reset spring, a top cover, a bottom seat, a three-way valve, a position-limiting steel wire, and a guide ring. The handle-valve body is provided between a port of the oil cylinder port and the moveable prop. Position-limiting steel wire, a guiding ring, and an oil inlet is located on a lower part of the moveable prop. The three-way valve is provided in the handle-valve body. A dust-prevention ring and a sealing ring are provided between the handle-valve body, the movable prop, and the oil cylinder. The handle-valve body is fixed on the oil cylinder by means of a connecting steel wire. The handle-valve body does not move up and down as the movable prop telescopically extends or contracts. The suspending hydraulic has good stability, high strength and supporting force, good sealing, and high anti-erosive capability.

Abstract: A mine roof and rib support can be a support member having a roof support arm and a rib support arm, wherein the roof support arm is provided at an angle to the rib support arm. An aperture for a roof bolt is provided through the support member adjacent an intersection of the roof support arm and the rib support arm. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween, can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively, to simultaneously apply force to each arm when a roof bolt is installed through each of the bearing plate and the support member. A flange can be provided at a distal end of one or both of the roof and rib support arms, each flange projecting toward the mine roof or rib.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack restraining system, comprising a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements. In one embodiment the rings of different diameter are secured about the grout pack. In a further embodiment the rings are configured to be circumferentially expandable are secured about the grout pack.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack restraining system, comprising a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements. In one embodiment the rings of different diameter are secured about the grout pack. In a further embodiment the rings are configured to be circumferentially expandable are secured about the grout pack.

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 new bolt head design is disclosed and claimed. The bolt head has a radius between the shaft and the first side of a washer which spreads the shaft load more evenly to the washer. A concave dome is located between the second side of the washer and the driver of the head. These elements more evenly distribute the load, increase the bolt head strength and help prevent the washer, shaft and washer driver interfaces from failing when the bolt is loaded either in a linear or non-linear fashion.

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: The present invention is directed to a yieldable prop to resist a sagging roof or thrusting floor. The invention is directed to a support apparatus disposed between the floor and the roof. The apparatus comprises a load-bearing member having a length with an axis along the length and having repeating surface undulations along at least a portion of its length. The load-bearing member is capable of moving in the direction of its axis. The apparatus also comprises a resistance member positioned adjacent a portion of length of the load-bearing member. The resistance member resists movement of the load-bearing member by incrementally deforming the undulations on the surface of the load-bearing member adjacent the resistance member as the load-bearing member moves axially.

Abstract: A shield support for underground mining has a slider and a roof bar between which a ram is arranged, with an inclination detector being provided with which the inclination of the roof bar can be measured.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a mining roof support frame including at least one hydraulic lifting ram which is mounted on a bridging member connecting two base skids of the main frame, and which by way of a pressure-generated force can be extended downward against a walking bar of the walking unit of the mining roof support frame located between the base skids. In accordance with the disclosure, the base skids lifting device is connected with the bridging member such that it can pivot. With walking unit ram pivot pins withdrawn only on one side, the base skids lifting device can be pivoted out of the way about opposing pivot pins.

Abstract: A mine roof support includes a plate having a raised portion with an opening, and a mine and roof bolt, e.g. a barrel having a drive end and an opposite second end, and wedge assembly. The plate mates with a recess in a mine roof. In one embodiment, the second end of the barrel extends through the opening in the dome into a bore hole in the mine roof. In another embodiment, a second end of the mine bolt is contoured to match and fill the inner contour of the dome. A drill bit tool used to shape the recess includes a first bit, a second bit, and a third bit between the first and second bits to drill a bore hole, enlarge the end of the bore hole to receive the second end of the mine bolt, and to drill the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reinforcement liner installation mold for a corrugated steel plate structure. The reinforcement liner installation mold for the corrugated steel plate structure according to the present invention is mounted on one surface of a corrugated steel plate and forms a reinforcement liner when concrete is placed inside the mold the placed concrete cures. The mold includes a plurality of unit mold panels, each having a rectangular front panel part and two side panel parts integrally formed along the opposite lengthwise edges of the front panel part. The plurality of unit mold panels is sequentially fastened to the corrugated steel plate by a plurality of anchor bolts and a plurality of nuts along the outer surface of the corrugated steel plate in a lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A yieldable prop having a hollow first conduit having a first end and an opposite second end, the first end having a conical-shaped interior surface, with interior diameter decreasing as distance from the second end of the first conduit decreases; a second conduit slidably mounted in the first end of the hollow first conduit; and at least two discrete engaging members in the first end of the hollow conduit, each of the at least two engaging members engaging the conical-shaped interior surface and outer surface of the second conduit to prevent the second conduit from sliding into the hollow first conduit, while providing for movement of the first and second conduits away from one another.

Abstract: A jack includes a base, a guide extending from the base, and an extensible member having an extensible fit with the guide and extending from the guide to have a free end. A support is located at the free end of the extensible member. An actuator is capable of extending the extensible member. The guide and extensible member have portions which are laterally offset with respect to the base and the support such that when the support is in pressure engagement with a panel, the laterally offset portions are disposed adjacent one side of the panel to leave an area between opposite sides of the panel substantially unobstructed.

Abstract: A mine support yieldable prop includes a threaded shaft rotatably mounted in an end of the prop to move into and out of the prop end to move a bearing plate toward or away from a mine roof, and/or a bearing plate pivotally mounted to the end of the prop to level the prop with uneven mine roofs.

Abstract: A yieldable prop having a first end and a second end includes a first hollow conduit, a second conduit slidably received in the first hollow conduit, and a clamp assembly positioned adjacent the juncture of the first hollow conduit and the second conduit. A yield section is provided at the end of the first and/or second conduits, or at the juncture of the first and second conduits. The yield section includes a shroud spaced from an inner pipe to provide a space to receive a collapsible insert. An end of a conduit is positioned in the space and compresses the insert when the compressive load on the prop exceeds the compressive load capacity of the insert.

Abstract: A yieldable prop having a first end and a second end including a first hollow conduit, a second conduit slidably received in the first hollow conduit, a clamp assembly positioned adjacent to the first hollow conduit and the second conduit, and at least one handle connected to the first hollow conduit and the clamp assembly. The prop further includes a bearing plate positioned at the first end of the yieldable prop, wherein the bearing plate is selected from a shape comprising planar and volcano.

Abstract: A yieldable prop having a first end and a second end including a first hollow conduit, a second conduit slidably received in the first hollow conduit, a clamp assembly positioned adjacent to the first hollow conduit and the second conduit, and at least one handle connected to the first hollow conduit and the clamp assembly. The prop further includes a bearing plate positioned at the first end of the yieldable prop, wherein the bearing plate is selected from a shape comprising planar and volcano.

Abstract: The invention provides a grout pack restraining system, comprising a plurality of elongate elements shaped to extend about a grout pack and which are characterized in that they are configured to control circumferential expansion of the grout pack beyond the expansion permitted through material yield of the elements. In one embodiment the rings of different diameter are secured about the grout pack. In a further embodiment the rings are configured to be circumferentially expandable are secured about the grout pack.

Abstract: A panel system for making mine ventilation structures. The panel system comprises a plurality of elongate metal panels having flanges along sides thereof configured for overlapping one another when the panels are placed in side-by-side relation. When the panels are secured together they form a unitary load-bearing structure. Related methods and equipment for installing the panels are also disclosed.