Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle which employs hollow structural members to store and cool hydraulic fluid used by the vehicle or by equipment located thereon. The preferred form of the invention provides an apparatus for installing bolts into a mine entry said apparatus including: a frame having a forward end, a rearward end and lateral sides, said frame defining a generally horizontal work area; at least one drive for propelling said frame within said entry; at least one bolting rig attached to said frame; a deck member attached to said frame and covering said frame for supporting an operator thereon; and a return oil tank incorporated into said frame to receive return hydraulic oil from said bolting rig or rigs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for elevating a house, building, or other structure. The apparatus of the system includes a plurality of beam elements. The beam elements include a space-frame structure and include mateable ends whereby a first beam element may be connected to a second beam element in an end-to-end fashion for forming an elongate unitary consolidated beam. Thus, any number of beam elements may be connected to one-another for forming a consolidated beam of any desired length. The beam elements are provided in several lengths, and are light enough so that one or two individuals may lift and carry the beam elements by hand for installation in a structure and removal from a structure. The system may further include additional equipment to enable use of the system without the necessity of significantly damaging the exterior walls of the structure. A plurality of consolidated beams are constructed within a structure's interior and fastened to the structure for forming a lifting grid.

Abstract: A mine roof support crib. The crib includes a plurality of chocks that are connected together through notches in the chocks to form only three planes with at least two of the planes in perpendicular relation with each other and able to support at least five tons of load. Alternatively, the plurality of chocks that are connected together through notches in the chocks form only two planes which are in perpendicular relation with each other and are able to support at least five tons of load. A mine roof support crib. The crib includes a plurality of chocks that are connected together through notches in the chocks to be able to support at least five tons of load. The plurality of chocks comprises a first type of chock having only one notch on a first side and a second type of chock having at least one notch on a second side. The plurality of chocks is connected together. A method of forming a mine roof support crib.

Abstract: A hanger for an I-beam includes two brackets positioned over the lower flange of the I-beam and tied together by tie-rods. The brackets each include a base section with a mounting section at 90° thereto on one side and an engagement section at an obtuse angle on the other. A channel is formed on each bracket to accommodate an edge of the I-beam flange. The tie-rods are juxtaposed with the mounting section and also constrain the head of a bolt extending through the mounting section against rotation. The threaded shaft of the bolt provides an equipment mount for the I-beam.

Abstract: A ventilation overcast comprises a frame member that defines a structure having a substantially inverted U-shape with first and second opposed side wall portions and a roof portion. A curtain member having a plurality of longitudinal corrugations therein is positioned adjacent the frame member so that a bottom portion of the curtain member contacts the floor of the mine. The longitudinal corrugations allow the curtain member to be crushed when subjected to floor heave.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compressible supports used to support mine roofs. The compressible support generally includes a male member which adjustably engages a collar and may further include a cap and a wooden base. A post may also be provided. The male member defines ridges and grooves and the collar defines corrugations, each preferably in the form of modified buttress threads, which yield, fracture, or strip when the compressible support is subjected to additional force, decreasing the overall length of the compressible support.

Abstract: A roof bolting apparatus comprising a frame, a rotary drive mounted on the frame for rotating a workpiece rod used in a mining operation, a timber jack rod supported by the frame, the timber jack rod having an upper end and having therein a hydraulic passage, a top plate mounted on the timber jack rod for movement therewith, the top plate having therein a hydraulic circuit communicating with the hydraulic passage in the timber jack rod, and first and second hydraulic cylinders movably mounted on the top plate, the cylinders communicating with the hydraulic circuit in the top plate, and each cylinder having an end defining a jaw, such that hydraulic fluid flow into the cylinders causes the ends of the cylinders to move toward each other, thereby causing the jaws to move together for holding the workpiece rod therebetween.

Abstract: A cribbing system for supporting a mine roof or the like includes a multi-sided column. Each column is formed of a stack of cribbing elements with each cribbing element having upper and lower surfaces wherein substantially the entire upper and lower surface of each cribbing element is a bearing surface for transmitting a substantially vertical load to a vertically adjacent cribbing element of one stack. Each cribbing element is interconnected with at least one cribbing element of an adjacent side. The interconnection between interconnected cribbing elements is formed by a slot extending through one of the interconnected cribbing elements in the direction of the column and a matching projection on at least the other interconnected cribbing elements, with each projection extending in the direction of the column for the height of the cribbing element. The cribbing system may be a wooden cribbing system having two distinctly different sets of cribbing elements.

Abstract: A permanent mine stopping comprising two spaced-apart metal walls with a filling in the space therebetween keyed or adhesively bonded to the walls and having sufficient strength in tension to constitute the walls and the filling as a permanently integrated composite structure in which the walls act as flanges in conjunction with the filling as a web. Also, a method of constructing the stopping using extensible panels to construct the walls, and an extensible panel for use in constructing a stopping with the keying.

Abstract: The tunnel excavator (1) includes a cutter supporting body (3) provided with cutters (2) for excavating the earth. The tunnel excavator also includes crawlers (13) for moving backwards and forwards, and upper and side bearing frames (15, 16) which move radiantly until they contact an inner surface of the excavation (12). Forwards movement is accomplished by propelling the cutter supporting body (3) with the crawlers (13) while the bearing frames (15, 16) are in contact with the inner surface of the excavation (12). Forwards movement without lateral slippage can be achieved because the cutter supporting body (3) is guided through the excavation (12) by the bearing frames (15, 16). Backwards movement is achieved by radially withdrawing the bearing frames (15, 16) from the inner surface of the excavation (12) and reversing the crawlers (13). Tunneling can therefore be accomplished regardless of the state of the floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing a mine support (pillar, or pillar and grout bag) in a mine. The following are practiced: Locating a form in the mine where it is desired to provide support, the form being composed of a plurality of engaging parts shaped to produce a pillar when filled with a settable material, and the parts being disengageable to permit subsequent removal. Filling the form with a settable cementitous material and allowing the material to set to produce a pillar in the mine which is cuttable with a coal shearer. And, removing the form. When there is a gap between the top of the pillar and the roof of the mine a bag of yieldable grout is inserted in the gap. After use the support may be removed by cutting through the pillar and the bag of yieldable material, and the form may be reused to make a second pillar.

Abstract: A double ribbed bearing plate for use with a channel member in supporting a mine roof. The bearing plate includes a base with ribs in the bearing plate define recesses which receive flanges on the channel. The longitudinal edges of the bearing plate may extend below the plane of the base. When installed on a mine roof, the longitudinal edges may be spread apart upon changes in the load applied by the mine roof.

Abstract: A rod storage and transport apparatus comprising a roof bolter including a tool. The apparatus includes a rotatable holding carousel adjacent the tool and adapted to hold a plurality of rods therein. The apparatus also includes an extending and retracting transport mechanism cooperating with the carousel to move one rod at a time between the carousel and the tool, so that the tool can use the one rod to perform a mine operation. The carousel has a generally elongated shape and is able to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the shape. This permits the carousel to position the one rod held by the carousel adjacent the transport mechanism, so that the transport mechanism can transport the one rod to the tool, or position the carousel to receive a rod transported by the transport mechanism from the tool. The transport mechanism when fully retracted is substantially within a cylinder generated by the rotation of one of the rods about the longitudinal axis of the carousel.

Abstract: A ventilation overcast may comprise a plurality of support columns, each of which has an upper end and a lower end. A plurality of cross beams are connected between the upper ends of each of the plurality of support columns so that the support columns and cross beams define a generally rectangular structure having two opposed side wall portions and a roof portion. A curtain member having a plurality of longitudinal corrugations therein is positioned between the lower ends of adjacent support columns located on the same side wall portion of the ventilation overcast so that a bottom portion of the curtain member contacts the floor of the mine. The longitudinal corrugations allow the curtain member to be crushed when subjected to floor heave.

Abstract: An arch useful for withstanding effects of rock burst occuring in underground mines/tunnels. The arch comprises a curved U-section arch provided on both ends with slidingly coupled U-section arch pieces, the coupled top and bottom pieces being provided with at least two guides on both sides. The guides are slidingly coupled with the bottom section aches, the ends of the top section arch being placed on upper holder plates, the upper holder plates being fixed with the bottom sections on both sides. The bottom portion arches also having at least one lower pair of holder plates fixed on both sides below the upper holder plates.

Abstract: A curtain for defining a barrier in an underground passageway between a pair of spaced-apart pillars, comprising a bladder defined by a pair of flexible sheets joined together by a plurality of cords which define a cavity between the sheets and being open at a top edge thereof. The bladder is fastened to a ceiling of an underground passageway between a pair of spaced-apart pillars therein. A rigid foam is disposed within the cavity, being formed of a flowable hardenable material introduced into the cavity. A fire-retardant coating is applied to exposed surfaces of the bladder after the hardenable material has hardened. A method of closing gaps between pillars in mine galleries is disclosed.

Abstract: A mine cribbing system includes a mine cribbing column having a discrete number of sides, each side including a series of stacked blocks. Each block includes an elongated body and a pair of spaced slots extending into one side of the body. The slots are utilized for interconnecting the adjacent sides. Preferably, the column is a three-sided structure with a first pair of slots in each body extending 1/3 of the thickness of the body and a second slot of each body extending in 2/3 of the thickness of the body.

Abstract: There is a support for underground mining and tunnel construction, comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, which can be pushed into each other in a telescoping manner. A piston acted upon by a hydraulic pressure medium is located in the outer tube. This piston, when acted upon by pressure, acts on the inner tube to cause an extension. The outer tube and the inner tube can be fixed on each other by means of a mechanical locking device.

Abstract: According to the invention, monitoring the load on hydraulic powered shield supports in underground use is performed by using the controller (13) serving for extraction control, which is equipped with microelectronics for load monitoring and load control, the components of the powered shield support being assigned sensors (14 to 18) whose electric measured values are used by the controller (13) for evaluating the measured signals and for driving the hydraulic rams (6, 7) and/or the angle cylinder (11) assigned to the powered shield support. The load control is preferably designed here in such a way that the critical load situations "one-sided loading" and/or "tip-toeing" are detected as early as during the setting operation, with the aid of appropriate sensors, and are rendered non-damaging in their effect by appropriately driving the hydraulic rams and/or the angle cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a mining support for supporting rock within a mine. The mining support is constructed of a cable and means for mixing resin in a resin cartridge as the cable is inserted into a bore hole drilled in the rock which the resin cartridge is disposed. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing means is comprised of a helical mixing strand which is fixedly attached to one end of the cable. The mining support can include a drive ferrule, swaged onto the cable, for driving the end of the cable into the bore hole. In a preferred embodiment, the drive ferrule is threaded and there is included a hex nut washer and contact plate for tensioning the cable after the resin has set. The present invention also pertains to a drive tool for driving a metal cable having drive ferrules disposed in proximity to either end of the cable into a bore hole containing a resin cartridge.

Abstract: A system for securement of a mesh screen on the protruding, threaded end of a rock bolt inserted into a rock face comprising a push-on gripper plate, having a generally planar base portion adapted to overlie the mesh screen, and an installation tool. The gripper plate has a magnetically grippable contact surface for operative engagement with the installation tool. The installation tool has a handle portion with a main body portion rigidly attached thereto. The main body portion has a magnet to magnetically engage the magnetically grippable contact surface of the gripper plate, and a cavity dimensioned and adapted to non-frictionally receive the protruding, threaded end of the rock bolt during installation of the gripper plate. A ram is rigidly attached to the opposite other end of the handle portion of the installation tool. A method of installing a gripper plate onto the protruding, threaded end of a rock bolt is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of block-like building elements which may be bolted to each other to form a variety of support structures without the use of heavy hoisting equipment. Some of the building elements have a generally U-shaped appearance when viewed in plan, i.e., the building elements are open or slotted on one side so that a hydraulic cylinder or other lifting device may be inserted into the interior of the building element, or into a post formed from a stack of connected building elements. The lifting device may be used to preload the support structure. Advantageously, the lifting device may be used to progressively lift a load to a higher elevation by elevating the load a sufficient distance to enable the addition of an additional building element. The lifting device may then be repositioned within the structure for further elevating the load.

Abstract: A pit prop has two opposed ends and comprises two bearing plates located at the ends, two telescopically displaceable prop elements, a number of separate resiliently compressible rubber discs arranged adjacent each other and a tubular indicating element. The prop includes a further bearing plate with the discs being located between two bearing plates to permit yielding of the pit prop under a load. The indicating element has markings thereon to indicate the load condition of the prop. The prop includes a locking device for releasably locking the prop elements with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable truss system for supporting a mine roof. The system includes at least one cable bolt secured in at least a pair of spaced boreholes. A leading end of each cable bolt is secured within the borehole and the trailing end extending out of the borehole. At least one splice tube is coupled to the trailing end of each cable bolt. Each splice tube includes an elongated conduit between a pair of spaced ends with the conduit adapted to receive at least a pair of cables therethrough. Cable attachments are provided on the trailing end of each cable bolt at a position on the cable bolt such that the splice tube is positioned between the cable attachment and the borehole. The cable attachment has a diameter larger than the inner dimensions of the conduit of the splice tube such that the cable attachment is adapted to abut against one end of the conduit of the splice tube.

Abstract: A pillar cable truss system including a support cable extending between a pair of splice tubes mounted onto a geological formation such as a pillar in a coal mine with a pair of rock anchors. The splice tubes may be attached to two support cables such that sets of the support cables with splice tubes and rock anchors may be connected together to encircle a pillar. A vertically arranged elongated cable spacer tube is mounted onto the pillar with a rock anchor and includes openings through which the support cables extend. The spacer tube retains sets of the support cables apart from each other and/or allows the support cables to be installed in a crisscross pattern.

Abstract: In an automated temporary roof support and roof bolting machine there are several safety features. The machine has forward operator's stations on each side of the machine. All the controls for operating the machine are in the operator's stations. The machine is pulled forward, a precise distance, by a hydraulic cylinder with a limited stroke. The pulling of the machine is controlled by safety switches requiring both operators to operate the switches in unison.

Abstract: An extending prop for underground and tunnel construction, comprising, an outer tube having a closed bottom end, an inner tube telescopically slidable in the outer tube and having a closed top end, and a mechanical locking device adapted to fix the relative positions of the inner and outer tubes. A hydraulically actuated flying piston is arranged in the outer tube and is separated from the inner tube. The piston is adapted to extend the inner tube upon actuation by hydraulic pressure. The piston divides the prop into a bottom chamber enclosed by the outer tube and a top chamber enclosed by the inner tube. A first filling connection is arranged on the outer tube for filling the bottom chamber with a pressure medium for actuating the piston. A second filling connection is arranged on the inner tube for filling the top chamber. The prop is fillable with construction material through the second filling connection over its entire length by displacement of the piston toward the bottom end of the the outer tube.

Abstract: A cable truss support system for supporting the roof of a mine includes two cables each having an end secured in the roof of a mine. The other ends of the cables are connected by a twisted ring anchor and are secured to the anchor by wedges through which the cables pass.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mine prop which has a cutting device and a cuttable plunger. The cutting device has a sleeve and a cutter which is fixed to the sleeve and which presents cutting edges transverse to the sleeve axis and axially oriented openings between the cutting edges. A vacant space exists in the sleeve beyond the cutting means. The cuttable plunger projects from the sleeve with at least a portion of the plunger extending within the sleeve to the cutter. When compressive loading applied to the mine prop is of sufficient magnitude to cause the cutting device and plunger to telescope together, the cutting edges of the cutting means cut axially through the cuttable plunger. The resulting segments of the plunger pass through the openings into the vacant space where they are restrained within the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable truss system for supporting a mine roof. The system includes at least one cable bolt secured in at least a pair of spaced boreholes. A leading end of each cable bolt is secured within the borehole and the trailing end extending out of the borehole. At least one splice tube is coupled to the trailing end of each cable bolt. Each splice tube includes an elongated conduit between a pair of spaced ends with the conduit adapted to receive at least a pair of cables therethrough. Cable attachments are provided on the trailing end of each cable bolt at a position on the cable bolt such that the splice tube is positioned between the cable attachment and the borehole. The cable attachment has a diameter larger than the inner dimensions of the conduit of the splice tube such that the cable attachment is adapted to abut against one end of the conduit of the splice tube.

Abstract: A composite concrete reinforced corrugated metal arch-type structure comprises a first set of shaped corrugated metal plates interconnected in a manner to define a base arch structure with the corrugations extending transversely of the longitudinal length of the arch and a second series of shaped corrugated metal plates interconnected in a manner to overlay the first set of interconnected plates of the base arch, the second series of plates having at least one corrugation extending transversely of the longitudinal length of the arch with the troughs of the corrugations of the second series of plates secured to the crests of the first set of plates. The interconnected series of second plates and the first set of plates define individual, transversely extending, enclosed continuous cavities filled with concrete to define an interface of the concrete enclosed by the metal interior surfaces of the second series of crests and first set of troughs.

Abstract: A pillar bag which is made from a synthetic fabric which is folded, at vertically spaced intervals, to form a number of sheaths, with each sheath housing a reinforcing ring.

Abstract: A yielding head for reducing the need to recondition a rock mass. The yielding head includes a mine hole cradle and a longitudinally movable bar therein. The bar, which is connected to an extension bolt, is registered with a collapsible bubble serrated yielding element circumscribing the bar. As the rock mass is displaced the bar is drawn into the mine hole. The yielding element absorbs the stress on the bar in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A tensionable combination cable mine roof bolt is disclosed for use in resin grouted applications. The mine roof bolt includes a rod member having a rotatable bolt head at a first end thereof supporting a bearing plate and a threaded second end spaced from the first end. A coupling threadingly receives the rod member therein. A shearable stop device, such as a shear pin, is positioned within the coupling and adapted to stop the threaded rod member at a first position for rotation of the cable mine roof bolt during installation. After an upper portion of the cable mine roof bolt is secured, the shearable stop mechanism is subsequently sheared by the rod member to allow for tensioning of the cable mine roof bolt. A flexible multi-strand cable is coupled to the coupling device and forms the attachment point for the cable mine roof bolt.

Abstract: A tensioned truss system for supporting a face of a passage in a geological structure, such as a mine roof. Spaced anchors extending into the geological structure support corresponding truss transition brackets positioned adjacent the roof. The proximal end of each of the anchors is connected to the respective brackets so as to provide support and dual elongated truss members are attached to and span between the brackets for assisting in the support. The truss members are tensioned together through a driver mechanism carried by a drill head on a roof bolter machine. The driver mechanism includes a detachable drive adapter assembly having a pair of deep well or through sockets that engage rotary fasteners threaded onto one end of the truss members to apply the tension. Prior to tensioning, split wedge retainers are used to fix the other unthreaded end of the truss members.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a mine support crib of the type which comprises a series of superimposed layers of elongate chocks. There is a plurality of parallel, spaced apart chocks in each layer with the chocks in one layer arranged transversely to the chocks in the adjacent layer or layers so that the chocks in a given layer, other than the bottom layer, cross the chocks in the layer below at crossing points which are located inwardly of the ends of the chocks. According to the invention, operatively upper and lower surfaces of the chocks are formed with notches at the crossing points. The notches interlock with one another to lock the chocks together. The notches are of such depth that portions of the chocks which are located between and beyond the notches bear on corresponding portions of chocks in the next layer but one below.

Abstract: A cable mine roof bolt driver is disclosed for rotating a cable mine roof bolt in resin grouted applications. The bolt driver includes a body having a front face and a rear face. A cable receiving bore is positioned within the body extending into the body from the front face. The cable receiving bore is adapted to receive a cable of the cable mine roof bolt therein. A cable engaging device is provided within the cable receiving bore for rotatably engaging the cable such that rotation of the body will rotate the mine roof bolt when the cable engaging device has engaged the cable. A body rotation mechanism is coupled to the body for providing rotation of the body of the bolt driver. The cable mine roof bolt driver of the present invention can be utilized to rotate conventional cable mine roof bolts in resin grouted applications.

Abstract: The support prop consists of an outer robe (12) with an open flared mouth (14) into which a plunger (16) projects. A deforming ring (18) in use engages the plunger and is initially located within the flared mouth of the outer tube. A chamber (26) is provided within the prop into which fluid under pressure can be introduced through an inlet (28) to the chamber to locate the prop between two surfaces by displacing the plunger relative to the outer tube. A seal (24) is located within the chamber to prevent the fluid from escaping between the plunger and the bore of the outer tube.

Abstract: A block for retaining wall of a leaning type includes a front wall disposed with an upper portion thereof located behind a lower portion thereof so as to lean gradually in a backward direction, a partition wall having a length as substantially long as a vertical length of a rear wall portion of the front wall and extending backward, and a bottom plate connected integrally to a bottom portion of the front wall and extending backward. At least either of the front wall or said partition wall is provided with an opening which extends vertically over an entire length of said partition wall and into which an iron bar or rod is disposed.

Abstract: A roof support having a stabilizing-guiding system for two spaced articulated quadrilateral linkages joined by a spacer element. The stabilizing-guiding system includes two coordinating links respectively, pivotably connected at one of the ends thereof to the canopy and the bottom sprag and at their other ends the links are connected together by a connecting element. The connecting element is supported in a guideway fixed to the spacer element. Hydraulic legs are connected to the bottom sprag rearwardly of a plane bounding a walkway space for the crew on the bottom sprag.

Abstract: The mine prop prestressing device (10) has a tube (12), a cup-shaped member (14) inside the tube which has a base (18) and a cylindrical side wall (20) fixed internally to the wall of the tube. A counter-member is also fixed to the tube in opposition to the cup-shaped member, and a valved inlet leads through the wall of the tube for the purpose of introducing a pressurised fluid into the tube between the base of the cup-shaped member and the counter-member. If the fluid is under sufficiently high pressure, the base of the cup-shaped member and the counter member are deformed apart from one another. The counter-member is typically in the form of an identical or similar cup-shaped member (14). The device (10) is a component part of a mine prop which includes a plunger (36, 38) inserted slidably into the tube so as to locate in a cup-shaped member. When pressurised fluid is introduced into the tube, the plunger is driven telescopically out of the tube.

Abstract: The prop headboard is used to support an inflatable grout bag on the head of an elongate prop. The headboard has a timber frame which presents a planar support surface suitable for supporting the inflatable grout bag. Bag-retaining flaps made of flexible fabric material extend from opposite edges of the headboard. These flaps are folded over the grout bag and serve to centralise it on the headboard and to restrain it from rolling out sideways during inflation and thereafter. The invention also concerns a prop system in which the headboard is used, and a method of supporting a hanging wall in a mine working.

Abstract: A mine support bag comprises an inner fabric tube of selected length and selected circumference having an inner surface and outer surface. A first fabric sheet is laminated to the outer surface on the one side of the tube, the first fabric sheet having a width which is wider than half of the tube circumference. The first fabric sheet has longitudinal edges which run generally parallel with the length of the tube and extend beyond opposite lateral edges of the tube. A second fabric sheet is laminated to the opposite side of the tube, the second fabric sheet having a width which is wider than half of the tube circumference, the second fabric sheet having longitudinal edges which run generally parallel with the length of the tube and extend beyond opposite lateral edges of the tube. The respective lateral edges of the first and second sheets overlie each other and are laminated together.

Abstract: A pier (10) for supporting an object, such as a mobile home coach frame, above the ground generally comprises support (80) supporting pipe (70) in a vertical position and against downward movement, platform (30) having a sloped upper surface (43) supported by top end (71) of pipe (70), and wedge (50) supported by platform (30); wedge (50) having slanted bottom (53) and horizontal top surface (60) for supporting the load. The height of pier (10) can be adjusted by sliding wedge (50) up sloped surface (43). Gripping ridges (45,55) on slope (43) and slanted bottom (53) interact so that the wedge (50) may not slide down the slope (43). Platform (30) includes a plurality of receptacles (40) for receiving top end (71) of pipe (70) for supporting sloped surface (43) at various heights.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of bolts, bars, wires, anchors and similar devices used for example as ground or rock support, reinforcement and anchors in geological environments such as mines, tunnels, etc. It also relates to stabilization and/or reinforcing applications for other geological ore earthwork applications. The invention is a cable bolt comprising at least two wires, and being adopted to have a nut threaded directly onto at least one of the wires. When the cable bolt is a multistrand (steel) cable, the outer wires (11) have a thread (13) formed upon them for a nut to engage. Alternatively, instead of a thread, a pattern of deformations could be used, then a nut or other member being locked onto these deformations. Preferably, the threads or deformations are rolled into the wires so that material is not removed and work hardening occurs.

Abstract: A reusable mine and underground roof, floor and rib support system including a horizontal chamber or entry and a tail assembly. The horizontal chamber is composed of individual pieces assembled to form sections of the horizontal chamber which can easily be disassembled and reused. The tail assembly is an individual and separate unit located at the end of the horizontal chamber adapted to accommodate dismantling the horizontal chamber sections using jack and cable winch systems. The combination of horizontal chamber and tail provides a underground entry that will allow roof collapse, floor heave and rib failure and remain usable.

Abstract: An assembly for simulating structural beams within a room. The inventive device includes a beam positionable into an abutting relationship with a ceiling of room so as to extend between opposed walls thereof. Mounting assemblies secure ends of the beam to the walls of the room and include at least one adjustment assembly for sizing the beam to the exact width of the room. The assembly may further include a post positionable between the beam and a floor of the room.

Abstract: The mine support system (26) is typically used in underground coal mines. Support for the hanging wall (40) of the mine is provided by elongate, transversely extending headboards (10) which are supported by spaced apart supports. The supports may take the form of upright mine supports, typically timber props (28) located on the footwall (34) of the mine working, by roof bolts (30) engaging the hanging wall, or by a combination of props and roof bolts. Prestressing grout bags (32) are located on the headboards and bear against the hanging wall. The combination of headboards and bags forms a continuous bridge between the props.

Abstract: Mine strata support structure and components in a mine truss and including a mine bracket and a connector, the latter preferably being in the form of an elongated stirrup; the mine bracket, stirrup and associated structure are constructed and dimensioned such that the stirrup may be brought into retentive engagement with the bracket and not slip inadvertently out of engagement; this can be produced through the employment of a depending projection which vertically depends from the bearing plate of the bracket, such projection serving with the body of the bracket to supply an access path for stirrup installation, the projection deterring excess rearward travel of the stirrup whereby to maintain bracket-stirrup inter-engagement, and thus truss-integrity, even during conditions of mine strata shock.

Abstract: An elongated channel member for supporting the surface of an underground rock formation includes a base portion with a bearing surface for contacting the rock strata and an opposite surface having a longitudinally extending central rib and flanged edges for resisting deflection and bending of the channel member under the load of the rock strata. A plurality of openings spaced a preselected distance apart extend through the central rib. A bearing plate is positioned in overlying abutting relation with each opening in the channel member. The bearing plate includes embossed areas and longitudinally flanged edges that are complementary in shape with the central rib and flanges on the channel to securely engage the bearing plate on the channel member. Thus, the bearing plate engages the channel member to restrain longitudinal and lateral movement of the bearing plate on the channel member and stiffen the channel member to resist bending.