Abstract: A method for mounting a roll of protective mesh material to an underground rock drilling machine comprising at least one drilling boom. The method comprises at least the following steps: inserting a first end of a first bar from a first lateral side of the roll of protective mesh material into a center of the roll of protective mesh material, fastening the first bar directly or indirectly to the drilling boom, inserting a first end of a second bar from a second lateral side of the roll of protective mesh material opposite the first lateral side into the center of the roll of protective mesh material, fastening the second bar directly or indirectly to the drilling boom in a location that is spaced apart from the first bar, securing the roll of protective mesh material against autonomous unrolling.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably unfolding a flexible mesh for a continuous miner includes a mesh roll storage rack, a height adjustment post, a mesh rolling shaft and a flexible mesh. The flexible mesh includes a mesh roll and an unfolded mesh. The mesh roll and the unfolded mesh are an integrated structure. The mesh roll is located on the mesh roll storage rack. The unfolded mesh is clamped on the mesh rolling shaft, and is pressed on a cut un-supported tunnel roof via a roof bolt. The mesh rolling shaft is rotatably connected to a top portion of the height adjustment post. The mesh roll storage rack and the height adjustment post are both mounted on the continuous miner. The mesh rolling shaft is located at a back end of the mesh roll storage rack. A limit mechanism and a damping mechanism are disposed on the mesh rolling shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a roof tray when a gob-side entry retaining end support migrates is provided. The apparatus is mounted at a top end position of a hydraulic support, and includes a movable bearing mechanism, an automatic expansion/contraction connecting groove mechanism, and an active reset mechanism. The movable bearing mechanism includes two parallel belts and a plurality of rollers supporting the belts, and the rollers are mounted on and supported by a bearing mechanism. The automatic expansion/contraction connecting groove mechanism is two concave base plates fixed between the two belts, and the two concave base plates are spaced by a distance. The active reset mechanism includes two telescopic rods and reset springs sleeved on the telescopic rods, and the telescopic rod is connected to an end portion of the reset spring to form a synchronous mechanism.

Abstract: A vertically and laterally adjustable frame for a mine ventilation structure having two or more pairs of adjustable height support columns, and a plurality of adjustable length support beams, each support beam mounted to and spanning between a pair of the support columns. A mine overcast and a method of assembling an overcast in an intersection within a mine are also provided, with the overcast including a vertically and laterally adjustable frame, and a plurality of side and ceiling panels mounted to the frame.

Abstract: A support system for a mining roof includes a base, a cylinder coupled to the base and configured to extend and retract, a pivot mechanism coupled to the cylinder, a roof support beam coupled to the pivot mechanism and configured to contact a surface of the mining roof, wherein the roof support beam and the pivot mechanism are raised relative to the base when the cylinder is extended and lowered relative to the base when the cylinder is retracted, and a support structure coupled to the base on a first end and coupled to the pivot mechanism on a second end, the support structure being configured to limit movement of the roof support beam about an axis provided by the cylinder.

Abstract: A self-moving tunnel support canopy includes front arch frame, rear arch frame, forward jack, and support jack disposed under the front arch frame. The front arch frame has front arch beams and front longitudinal beams longitudinally disposed along arch upper surfaces of front arch beams and coupled to all the front arch beams. The rear arch frame has rear arch beams and rear longitudinal beams longitudinally disposed along arch upper surfaces of the rear arch beams and coupled to all the rear arch beams. The front longitudinal beams and the rear arch beams are spacedly disposed, and a spacing is configured between the front arch beam and a front-adjacent rear arch beam. One end is coupled to the front arch frame, and the other end of the forward jack is coupled to the rear arch frame. The front arch beam and the rear arch beam are both arch-shaped beams.

Abstract: A prop, for example for supporting the roof of an underground mine, is provided in the form of a vessel. The vessel includes a base having a bottom and one or more sides. A cover, including a top and one or more sides is provided. The top includes a space for accommodating a roof bolt when installed in a mine. Sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a maximal extent in a collapsed configuration. A port is formed in the one or more sides for filling the vessel with material when the sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a minimal extent in an extended configuration. Consequently the prop is able to go from a collapsed configuration for transportation or storage, to an extended configuration for supporting the roof of the mine. The top of the vessel may comprise a flexible envelope fast with the one or more sides of the cover for receiving the filling, in order to present a deformable upper surface for bearing an uneven load.

Abstract: A crawler-type and height adjustable drilling machine includes a crawler moving part, a temporary support, a lift cylinder, a cross beam, a roof anchor drill for setting roof anchor bolts and cables which that can turn left or right around 30°, a side-wall-anchor drill for setting side wall anchor bolts and cables that can turn toward one side around 90°, a platform for the drills, a hydraulic system and operation console, and a crawler driving motor. A coal pushing shovel is in front of the crawler moving part and below the platform. Double columns are provided on which a slipway is mounted for left and right moving of the roof anchor drill. The platform is also provided with a forward and backward slipways on which the side-wall-anchor drill is arranged so that a cylinder mounted on the platform pushes the side-wall-anchor drill forward and backward.

Abstract: A shield cap for a shield-type support for underground mining includes a cap plate, with reception devices for the connection of hydraulic cylinder heads to the shield cap, and a supporting structure welded below the cap plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars. At least two of the longitudinal spars include substantially I-profile struts having an upper profile chord, a lower profile chord and a middle chord running perpendicularly to the two profile chords. The distance between the upper and the lower profile chord decreases at least over a part length of each strut.

Abstract: In a supporting device (2) for an advance working or mining machine (1), including support props (3) and at least one roof bar (4), the roof bar(s) (4), on their sides facing away from the support props (3), include(s) a plurality of support cylinders (5) with support stops, which can be separately braced against the roof.

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: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting a gate entry or a connecting entry. The apparatus includes a support member, a controller, and a vehicle. The support member is configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry. The controller communicates with the support member to extend the support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor. The vehicle is connected to the support member and controller and moves the support member in response to a motive force. The support member, controller, and vehicle can operate and move independent of a mining face conveyor. The present invention is reusable, provides for mine roof and mine floor support as well as support of gate entry walls. The present invention has a minimal width profile to provide support while minimizing interference with the airflow within the gate entry.

Abstract: A prop head bearing between the roof bar and the prop (4) of a shield-type support frame, comprising a ball-joint socket (3) on the roof bar and open towards the prop for receiving a ball-joint head (2) on the prop (4), with at least one movable securing element (6, 7) which, when in a secured position, engages in a recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2) to prevent accidental lifting of the joint head (2) out of the socket (3), and with a bolt which locks the securing element (6, 7) in the secured position, in which that the securing element is in the form of a securing pin (6, 7) movable along its longitudinal axis between the secured position and an assembly position, wherein the securing pin (6, 7) is lockable by the bolt (14, 19) in the assembly position, in which it does not engage in the recess (12, 13) in the joint head (2).

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 protective shield for machines having an operator station protects an operator located on the operator station during operation of the machine. The protective shield defines a flexible curtain of elongated members which covers an exposed side of the operator station, but yet is also of a construction that allows the operator to reach and see through the curtain when desired. The protective shield has an adjustable height to accommodate a variety of machines and to adjust to underground mines having different sizes and shapes. The protective shield is easily removable from and reattachable to machines without the use of additional tools, thereby enhancing its versatility and usefulness. In a preferred embodiment, the protective shield comprises a somewhat stretchable chain mesh, which hangs from a roof canopy extending along side the operator station.

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: A grid layout system including a grid dispenser mounted on a boom of a continuous miner for movement with a cutting drum to cut a passageway in a rock face. A roll of grid material, such as integral biaxially oriented geogrid, is fed from the dispenser and maintained under tension as it is positioned against the ceiling of the passageway to be secured thereto as a supplemental support. The tensioning device takes up any slack in the grid material during the cutting operation to preclude engagement of the grid material with the cutting drum. The edges of the grid material are longitudinally folded over the middle section and temporarily held in this manner to provide the roll of the grid material within the dispenser with a width less than the cutting drum. A spreader bar opens the grid material to its full width as it is dispensed.

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 present invention is directed to a movable load support used for supporting the roof in underground excavations. The load support includes a primary roof support carried on a base frame and an auxiliary roof support also carried on said base frame but laterally disposed from the primary roof support. The auxiliary roof support is longitudinally and laterally moveable with respect to the primary roof support to successively provide roof support to adjacent areas of the roof.

Abstract: A continuous mining linear advance system comprises a dual action drum cutter for removing coal from a face of the entry. The dual action drum cutter removes the coal from the face by shearing across the face in a direction transverse to the direction of advance and by cutting directly into the face in the direction of the advance. A conveyor system operatively associated with the dual action drum cutter carries away coal removed from the face of the entry in a continuous, non-interrupted manner. A number of self advancing roof supports positioned adjacent the dual action drum cutter support the roof in the immediate vicinity of the face. Roof bolting devices positioned behind the self advancing roof supports install roof bolts, and a pillar casting system positioned behind the roof bolting devices constructs a series of pillars which provide long term roof support.

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: A yield valve comprises a valve body, a first inlet port, an outlet port, a valve seat, and a valve member movable between a first position in which it cooperates with the valve seat to prevent fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port and a second position in which the outlet port is brought into fluid communication with the inlet port. One side of the valve member is subjected to the pressure of fluid at the inlet port to urge the valve member towards its second position. Spring means acts on the other side of the valve member to urge the valve member towards its first position. The valve also has a valve chamber isolated from the inlet port and from the outlet port and a second inlet port for supplying a fluid under pressure to the chamber.

Abstract: A mine roof support having means for monitoring the angles made by the canopy 11 and the base 10 with respect to a datum. The angular information may be gathered in a number of different ways and the information used to control subsequent movements of the support.

Abstract: A temporary support for a mine roof is mounted on a mobile roof bolter, and includes a main support frame pivotably connected to the bolter, a main support beam and a ground contacting beam, both extending along the same axis in front of the main support frame, and connected to each other and to the main support frame by a scissors pivot joint and a leveling pivot joint, respectively. When the scissors pivot joint opens and closes, the main support beam and ground contact beam raise and lower with respect to each other and with respect to the ground. A cross beam is mounted on the main support beam and transverse to the axis thereof, and raises and lowers in the same plane with respect to the mine face, to contact and support the mine roof. For a high lift version, the scissors pivot joint is telescopically extendable.

Abstract: A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding. Bolting machines may be carried on the support sections. A drill may be provided on one section and a bolt inserter provided on a section rearwardly thereof. As the system is advanced, the bolt inserter can insert a bolt into a hole previously formed by the drill. The operation of providing roof bolts is therefore split into a number of stages. A mechanism for erecting and/or pre-stressing permanent arch supports may be provided at the rear of the sections.

Abstract: A travelling steel form system includes a three-dimentional framework mechanism with multiple faces crossing and coupling with one another. A set of form panels are fixed to the outer side of the framework mechanism on more than two faces thereof, and are capable of connecting to one another to form a predetermined shape and disconnect from one another to change the shape following expanding and retracting movement of the framework mechanism. A driving device is vertically or horizontally retractably mounted on the front end and or rear end of the framework mechanism for driving the latter to perform movements of expanding the outer diameter or reducing the outer diameter. The system is particularly suited for use in concrete placing work in civil engineering constructions.

Abstract: A roof support for the ceilings of excavated spaces underground and particularly for supporting caving edges for pillar recovery in coal mines is described. The roof support has a roof bar connected to a base frame by hydraulically extendable props and by a lemniscate mechanism. The props are articulated to the base frame and to the roof bar. A link of the lemniscate mechanism has a predetermined bending point. Since this link fails when overloaded before the remainder of the apparatus, it is the only element that need be replaced when the apparatus is overloaded. Thus, the device may be economically repaired.

Abstract: A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. Each section includes at least one bearing member which, when the section is in the first, loaded state, bears against the roof of the tunnel. Drive means are provided for changing the location of each support section when in the non-loaded state. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding by bringing each section sequentially into the non-loaded state, commencing with that at the rear, moving the section with the drive means into proximity with the next forward section, and thereafter returning the section to the loaded state. Bolting machines may be carried on the support sections. A drill may be provided on one section and a bolt inserter provided on a section rearwardly thereof. As the system is advanced, the bolt inserter can insert a bolt into a hole previously formed by the drill.

Abstract: A temporary support for a mine roof is mounted on a mobile roof bolter, and includes a main support frame pivotably connected to the bolter, a main support beam and a ground contacting beam, both extending along the same axis in front of the main support frame, and connected to each other and to the main support frame by a scissors pivot joint and a leveling pivot joint, respectively. When the scissors pivot joint opens and closes, the main support beam and ground contact beam raise and lower with respect to each other and with respect to the ground. A cross beam is mounted on the main support beam and transverse to the axis thereof, and raises and lowers in the same plane with respect to the mine face, to contact and support the mine roof.

Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mine roof support comprises a canopy, a base section, hydraulic props for raising and lowering the canopy relative to the base section, a hydraulic valve for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the props via a check valve, and a yield valve connected across the check valve. The yield valve has a valve member movable between a first position in which it co-operates with a valve seat to prevent the release of fluid from the props via the yield valve and a second position in which fluid can be released from the props via the yield valve. One side of the valve member is subjected to fluid pressure downstream of the check valve to urge the valve member towards its second position and the other side of the valve member is acted upon by a spring device to urge the valve member towards its first position.

Abstract: A hydraulic temporary mine roof support cylinder is disclosed. The support cylinder includes an outer housing and a coaxial intermediate housing member and inner cylinder. A downwardly extending piston is provided between the outer housing and intermediate housing member. In addition, a sleeve piston is provided within the inner cylinder while an inner piston rod is extensible from the sleeve piston. Controls are provided for independently operating the lower cylinder and the upper cylinders. Additionally, a sequence/check valve ensures the timed operation of the upper cylinders. Due to the present design, each of the cylinders may be collapsed within the outer housing.

Abstract: A material handling platform is pivotally attached to the front of the material transport vehicle. Actuator means raise and lower the platform. The platform is arranged to tilt relative to the vehicle about a horizontal pivot at the front of the vehicle. A turntable is mounted on the platform. The material handling platform positions roof supports in an underground mine adjacent a long wall mining machine. The roof supports are transported by the material transport vehicle carrying the material handling platform with the longest dimension of the roof support aligned with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. After the roof support reaches the position where it is to be installed, the roof support is turned relative to the vehicle by turning the turntable of the material handling platform so that the longest dimension of the roof support is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The roof support is then removed from the vehicle by lowering and tilting the platform relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A roof support has a pair of floor sills carrying hydraulic props supporting a roof-engaging structure. The floor sills have guide rails on their adjacent sides which mate with a slidable guide block which connects to a shifting ram and thrust mechanism between the sills. The shifting ram has one of its displaceable parts, i.e. its cylinder or piston rod articulated to a thrust beam or a pair of thrust rods which link with a conveyor in front of the support. The sills are interconnected for relative vertical movement and are coupled to the other displaceable part of the ram. The guide is linked to the thrust beam or thrust rods remote from the conveyor by way of a pivot joint which resists traction but permits pivoting about an axis generally parallel to the ram and which is easily assembled and dismounted.

Abstract: A mine roof support assembly comprises a mine roof support having a first end adjacent to the mine face and a second end remote from the mine face, an advancing mechanism for advancing the roof support towards the mine face, and a base lifting mechanism. The base lifting mechanism includes two substantially parallel arm members pivotally connected to a base section of the mine roof support, and two lifting rams each of which acts between a respective arm member and the roof support. The lifting rams act on the roof support at a position which is nearer than the center of gravity of the roof support assembly to the second end of the roof support to pivot the roof support relative to a respective arm member and thereby lift the first end of the roof support clear of the ground. Also, an advancing ram of the advancing mechanism is connected to the arm members by an arrangement which provides some movement of the ram relative to the arm members in two mutually transverse directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting ancillary equipment between two relatively movable members of, for example a mine roof support, comprises two substantially parallel arm members pivotally mounted between the two relatively movable members, two rotatable members secured one to each arm member, and at least one cross member pivotally mounted at opposing ends to the rotatable members. The members of the apparatus are arranged so that the axes of rotation of the rotatable members, the axis about which the arms pivot, and the axes about which the cross members pivot, are each transverse to the other two. This arrangement can be used to provide a mine roof support with an operating platform having mountings which have a degree of movement akin to a universal joint.

Abstract: A mining apparatus for utilization in recovering coal includes a series of four cooperating legs: a right fore leg, left fore leg, right rear leg and left rear leg. Each leg is formed from a box-like shield. An inflatable bag is provided in each leg. When a particular bag is inflated, the bag expands extending the leg between the floor and roof of the mine. When deflated, the leg retracts. A series of hydraulic rams connect the legs together. These rams may be expanded and retracted as desired to move the support legs relative to one another. In this way the apparatus may be moved in substantially any direction about a 360.degree. arc. A microprocessor controller controls the operation of the apparatus. In accordance with further aspects of the invention, a number of mining apparatus of the type described may be connected together in series to form a line for roof support.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for self-advancing mine-roof supports in a high-output longwall mine is used to form a sequence zone behind the mining machine whereby individual supports simultaneously operate in the sequence of prop drawing, advancing and setting so that, during the sequence, the roof in the sequence zone is supported by at least each second support with the length of the sequence phase so depending on the cutting speed of the mining machine that it increases with increasing speed to ensure that the roof exposed by the mining machine is supported without delay.

Abstract: The advance of a mining front in longwall mining is effected by a process in which sensors measure the displacement of displacement cylinders coupling the linked prop elements to the linked conveyor elements with their respective cutters. A computer generates a baseline represented by the actual prop line as a starting point and the conveyor elements and cutters are then advanced all along the mining front via the displacement cylinders. The sensors input the respective displacements into the computer so that an actual conveyor line is determined in the computer and serves as the baseline for after-drawing of the prop elements via the cylinders. The new prop line calculated by the computer then forms the baseline for further advance and the advance can be controlled to ultimately align the conveyor elements along the conveyor line corresponding to a setpoint line defined by the computer and parallel to the original baseline.

Abstract: A roof support employs an hydraulic piston and cylinder unit as an adjustment device between the goaf shield and the roof-engaging structure. The cylinder unit is mounted to the shield with the aid of a bearing body defining a cup receiving a spherical end of the cylinder. The body also has recesses accessible via offset openings in which journals projecting from the cylinder are located. Locking pieces detachably fitted to the shield block the openings to retain the journals therein yet permit easy assembly and dismantling of the unit.

Abstract: To increase the height of operation of a shield type roof support an attachment is fitted to the floor sill or to each of a pair of spaced-apart floor skids. The attachment has side walls with bores for receiving pivot pins used to link the attachment to the floor sill or skid and to guide levers connected to the goaf shield. A transverse body extends between the side walls and defines a socket for forming part of a ball-and-socket joint connecting the attachment to a hydraulic prop. The side walls of the attachment have under surfaces which rest on a support surface of the skid or sill near the working face.

Abstract: The movable consolidating trestle (2) has driven caterpillars (1). The consolidating trestle comprises a cap (3) being supported on the frame (11) via props (5). The cap (3) has at least one front-side section which is bent, rounded or bendable in direction to the frame. A bent section (8) includes with the plane of the cap (3) an angle (.alpha.) which is greater than the maximum angle (.beta.) of inclination with which the cap can be obliquely adjusted relative to the frame (11). When giving the cap (3) an inclined position, there results a horizontal component of the load-exerting force (14), said horizontal component facilitating saving of the consolidating trestle.

Abstract: A mine roof support has a roof engaging canopy 23, a floor engaging base 12, and a hydraulic jack 24 acting between the canopy and the base for urging the canopy and the base apart. The hydraulic jack 24 is provided with at least two different locations, movement of the jack means 24 from one location to another location bringing about an alteration in the distance between the canopy and the base. The invention makes it possible to provide a hydraulic jack having a first working position in which the hydraulic jack is arranged in the optimum position to support a mine roof, and a second stowing position for transportation purposes.

Abstract: A roof engaging structure for a mine roof support comprises at least two relatively movable roof engaging members 21 and 23, which are coupled together by at least two spaced-apart pivotal joints 25 and 26. The pivotal joints combine to influence the relationship of the roof engaging surfaces of the two members. In one embodiment for example, the roof engaging surfaces of the two roof engaging members may adopt either an angular or a parallel relationship with respect to one another, one surface lying at least partially below the adjacent surface. The arrangement enables the roof engaging structure to shape itself to various forms of mine roof, while preventing jack knifing of the forward end of the roof engaging structure.

Abstract: A roof cap assembly of a roof support mechanism includes a main cap having extension bearing portions at its front end, a forward cap which is pivotally attached at its rear end to the extension bearing portions of the main cap, and two supporting cylinders connected between the main cap and the forward cap at spaced apart locations across their widths and so as not to extend therebelow. The supporting cylinders include a housing containing twin pistons and an adjustable pressure transmitter is provided for each supporting cylinder and is constructed to increase the pressure in the pressure chambers therein when the pressure of the pressure medium supplied thereto exceeds a minimum set value.

Abstract: An adustable cap unit for a mine support frame including a main cap, an adjustable cap connected to the main cap with a hinge-type connection, an adjusting cylinder mechanism extending within the widths of the main cap and the adjustable cap, and a guide for guiding a portion of the adjusting cylinder mechanism in a restrictive manner. The adjusting cylinder mechanism is provided either in the main cap or in the adjustable cap and an end portion of the adjusting cylinder mechanism is hinged to a bearing member provided at the bottom edges of the main cap or the adjustable cap adjacent the hinge-type connection. The adjustable cap unit can be used in extremely small seam thicknesses of as little as approximately 500 mm, while the contact pressure available at the front end of the adjustable cap is sufficient.

Abstract: A foot element of an adjustable roof support mechanism includes side walls that have aligned guide grooves in their facing surfaces and a spherical bearing surface in a floor portion therebetween. The guide grooves include inclined entry portions and enlarged terminal portions. A cooperable, extendable strut element includes a tubular body having a spherical lower end and two cams extending away from opposite sides near its lower end. The cams are shaped so as to fit within the guide grooves of the foot element. When attaching the strut element to the foot element the cams thereof are moved along the entry portions of the aligned guide grooves and into the terminal portions thereof. Thereafter, the strut is rotated into a use position. When in its use position, the cams cannot be removed from the terminal portions of the guide grooves, thus preventing unintentional separation of the strut element and the foot element.

Abstract: A mobile mine-roof support comprises a powered track-laying carriage having a carrier shaft extending longitudinally of the carriage between its tracks, the end portions of the carrier shaft being arranged to support mountings of bracket form for props supporting a roof beam which is stabilized by a lemniscate guide linkage the floorward links of which ar articulated to an attachment part or extension of one of the prop mountings, with stabilization of the laterally-pivotable props being effected by an orienting cylinder supported on the chassis.

Abstract: A mine roof support includes a pair of substantially-parallel floor-engaging members, a roof engageable member, a shield pivotally-connected to the floor-engaging members, by at least one pair of parallel links, and pivotally-connected to the roof-engageable member, and prop means carried by the floor-engaging members by which the roof-engageable member can be urged into engagement with a mine roof. A strengthening member connects the pair of parallel links. The strengthening member and the pair of parallel links provide the sole connection between the rear-end portions of the floor-engaging members by which the forces tending to cause relative displacement of those rear-end portions in the vertical direction are substantially resisted.

Abstract: A generator for dynamic loading of a mine lining simulates an unstable ground structure, such as a "bump" of the formation roof by an explosion of an explosive. The generator /3/ comprises a cylinder /6/ with a piston /7/, the said piston functioning as a percussion member. The bottom of the cylinder /6/ is provided with symmetrical chambers /10/ to place an explosive. The explosive is batched to each of chambers /10/ through holes /8, 9/ made in the flank of the cylinder /6/. Holes /8, 9/ are bored at an angle enabling gravitational filling of the chamber /10/ with an explosive already after initial spragging of the lining section /1/ under test between the floor /2/ and the generator /3/ abutting the roof /5/ of the test-stand. The cylinder /6/ is closed with a limiter /12/ of the stroke of the piston. Between the piston /7/ and the limiter /12/ of its stroke there is a shock-absorbing washer /13/. In the limiter /12/ there are additional holes for release of powder gases.