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 method in underground coal mining for separating the upper coal of the seam from the roof during the advancement of the upper sliding cap of a support frame, wherein the front edge of the cap is forced in a plane of the cap between the upper coal to be separated and the rock from which the coal is to be separated. During the advancement of the sliding cap, the sliding cap is alternatingly moved backwardly and forwardly, so that the from edge of the sliding cap separates the upper coal during its forward movement. Alternatively or additionally, when the front edge of the sliding cap contacts the upper coal, alternatingly higher and lower pressure can be admitted to the sliding cap in order to obtain a shaking effect. In this combined method, the sliding cap is advanced, the shaking procedure is carried out as the front edge contacts the upper coal, and the sliding cap is subsequently moved backwardly. The cycle is then repeated several times.

Abstract: A mine roof support has a slidable extension at the front end of an auxiliary roof cap pivoted for swinging up and down on a main cap. To prevent the extension from being extended when the angle of inclination of the auxiliary cap is too high an insulative cylindrical block is fitted to say the auxiliary cap to partially rotate as the auxiliary cap pivots. A flattened region on the block supports a metallic plate and indexes as the auxiliary cap pivots. A resiliently-mounted proximity switch on the main cap senses the presence of the plate and produces a signal to prevent the extension from being extended.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distributor for controlling hydraulic distribution between hydraulic consumers of a mine roof support unit and hydraulic supply lines extending along a mine working. The distributor comprises a supply block provided with a plurality of pairs of main hose connections and a plurality of branch hose connections. The hose connections of each pair of main hose connections are connected by a respective main passage. Each branch hose connector is connected to a corresponding main passage by a respective branch passage. The supply block is provided with two sets of shut-off valves, the shut-off valves of one valve set being arranged in the main passages, and the shut-off valves of the other valve set being arranged in the branch passages. The hose connections of each pair of main hose connections are connected into a respective hydraulic supply line, and the branch hose connections are connected to the hydraulic consumers of the roof support unit.

Abstract: A personnel detection and protection system comprises sensor means for detecting the presence of personnel in a prohibited operational zone, and for deriving signal means indicative of such a detected presence, and control means responsive to the deriving of such signal means to control the operation or movement of equipment in the prohibited zone.

Abstract: As is known mineral, e.g. coal, is won from a mineral face with the aid of a winning machine guided for movement along a conveyor composed of individual pans joined end-to-end. The conveyor is advanced towards the face behind the machine by shifting rams linked to the pans. In accordance with the invention, the rams are connected to and disconnected from a supply of pressure fluid in a controlled manner to form a group composed of a predetermined number of rams which are simultaneously charged with pressure fluid and this group progresses along the working behind the machine step-by-step in a sliding fashion within and over larger bank-push groups of rams.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of hydraulically-actuated arrangements in underground excavations, comprises the steps of providing an electrical power supply, connecting a plurality of control devices with said power supply and interconnecting the control devices with one another, arranging a plurality of current-suppliable consumers to be connected with the control devices, comparing in each of the control devices a coded information about a number of consumers which have been current supplied from the power supply with a maximum possible number of consumers which can be supplied from the power supply, determining from the comparison the number of the consumers which still can be current-supplied and obtaining by the control device a release for current supplying such consumers, adding consumers which are released by the control device and current supplied with the consumers which have been indicated in the control device as current-supplied, and further transferring the result of the addition in coded

Abstract: A coal cutting machine 13, a conveyor 12 and a plurality of mine roof supports 10 extend along the face 11 of a coal mine. The operation of the hydraulic jacks of the roof supports are controlled by pilot valves which are electrically powered and rotationally driven. For example, motorized or cam operated pilot valves can be used. Such pilot valves use much less energy than valves controlled conventionally by solenoids, and the electricity supply can thus be at an intrinsically safe level.The operation of the pilot valves include unitary operation of a given support, remote operation of one support from another and sequential operation of a series of supports.

Abstract: A self-advancing roof support for the face roof support in underground mining operations, having a plurality of supporting frames with self-advancing mechanisms acting perpendicular to the breast of the working, which mechanisms advance the supporting frames in the direction of the breast of the working. In order to facilitate the relocation of a winning face equipped with such a self-advancing roof support, these supporting frames have a plurality of self-advancing gears acting parallel to the breast of the working, to successively shift the supporting frames in the lateral direction parallel to the breast of the working, so as to produce a cut or road for the installation of a new winning face at a head side of the face equipment and to advance the self-advancing roof support sideways into the road together with the complete face equipment while maintaining the formation.

Abstract: Valves regulating the supply of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders of an hydraulic walking mine-roof support are controlled by apparatus comprising an axially-movable switching shaft provided with cams which is rotatable into successive switching stations where it is immobilized by spring-loaded stop pins to that the cams bear on tappets to actuate the respective valves, there being a switching spring acting on the shaft to return the shaft to its initial position of rest after it has been axially displaced and rotated out of that position of rest.

Abstract: An arrangement for supervising and controlling synchronous displacement of respective pistons of two cylinder-and-piston units, especially of an advancement and a roof cap displacement unit of a roof support assembly for use in underground mining, comprises first and second conduit systems each having two branches each connected with one of the piston and annular spaces of a different one of the units; a switching valve interposed between pressure and a return conduits and the first and second conduit systems; and first and second shut-off valves respectively interposed in those of the branches of the first and second conduit systems which lead to the piston spaces.

Abstract: A valve for use in controlling a plurality of fluid operated functions, for example the functions of a hydraulic mine roof support, comprises a valve body 10, a plurality of valve members 13 each movable independently to carry out a fluid flow control function, a plurality of valve actuating members 21, movable in a direction tending to actuate the valve members 13, and an interposer device 25 movable to prevent at least one of the valve actuating members 21 from actuating its associated valve member 13, thus enabling the valves to be selectively operable.

Abstract: A hydraulic control device is incorporated in a hydraulic control system for a mine roof support assembly. The hydraulic control system includes a plurality of hydraulic control valves which are controlled by the hydraulic control device. The hydraulic control device is constituted by a longitudinal slide valve having a slide member longitudinally reciprocable in a slide valve housing. A rotary drive is provided for moving the slide member within the slide valve housing. The slide member is provided with two axial bores each of which opens into a respective pair of axially-spaced radial bores which terminate at the peripheral surface of the slide member. A first radial bore of each axial bore opens into a respective annular groove formed in the slide valve housing. The second radial bore of each axial bore is connected to a respective group of control ports provided on the slide valve housing.

Abstract: The invention refers to a movable supporting frame for supporting the roof in underground cavities, in particular for securing the excavating edge when recovering the pillars in coal mining, comprising a cap (5) supported against a base frame (1) by means of hydraulically extendable props (3) and a lemniscate drive means (4), the props (3) being pivotally connected with the base frame (1) and with the cap (5). The props (3) are essentially perpendicularly oriented relative to stratification and are linked to the base frame (1) and to the cap (5) in a universally pivotably manner, noting that preferably four props are arranged at the corners of a rectangle as seen in a plan view. The lemniscate drive means (4) is connected with the base frame (1) for swivelling movement in transverse direction relative to the plane defined by the lemniscate guides (8, 9) and is adjustably supported against any swivelling movement and is connected with the cap (5) for universal swivelling movement.

Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement comprises a first hydraulic ram, a second hydraulic ram, and a hydraulic control circuit associated with the first and second hydraulic rams. Each of the hydraulic rams has a cylinder, a piston reciprocable within the cylinder, and a piston rod fixed to the piston. Each of the hydraulic rams has a cylindrical working chamber and an annular working chamber positioned on opposite sides of its piston. The piston rod of each hydraulic ram constitutes the cylinder of a respective metering ram, a respective metering piston being reciprocable within the cylinder of each metering ram to define a metering chamber therewithin. The hydraulic control circuit includes a line, which interconnects the two metering chambers, and a hydraulic valve positioned in a hydraulic fluid supply line leading to the cylindrical working chamber of the second hydraulic ram.

Abstract: A hydraulic control arrangement for providing synchronism of a return cylinder between a face conveyor and a support, has a pushing cylinder which displaces the support transverse to a face, a control valve, a control cylinder influencing loading of the pushing cylinder via the control valve, and a control column provided between the return cylinder and the control cylinder and composed of a working fluid.

Abstract: In a roof-shield support system employed in mines, at least two levelling rams each acting between a shield frame unit and an associated gap-seal plate, the latter being arranged so as to be slidable relative to the associated shield frame unit. Each levelling ram comprises a cylinder, piston and piston rod, is arranged so that the piston rod has a longitudinal bore which is open at the piston end of the piston rod, and an elongated rod which is sealed relative to the piston rod being disposed within said bore. The bore is in use in communication with a hydraulic fluid system of the ram and after levelling has occurred by actuation of the ram the pressurized hydraulic fluid admitted into the bore applies a force to the associated gap-seal plate so as to ensure its continuing tight engagement with the adjacent shield frame unit.

Abstract: A valve device is provided for use in a pressurized hydraulic fluid path, for example the hydraulic path of a hydraulic leg of a mine roof support which is required to yield under two different sets of conditions. The valve device has a port 15 for connection to the pressurized hydraulic fluid path, a bleed valve 25 being arranged to permit hydraulic fluid to bleed from the path at a first rate when the pressure in the path exceeds the first limit, for example to permit the hydraulic leg to collapse at a very slow rate, for example as a mine roof converges. There is also a dump valve 20 arranged to permit hydraulic fluid to flow from the path at a second greater rate, for example if a rock burst occurs. Although the dump valve 20 reacts to high pressure surges of fluid, it does not react to low pressure surges because a non-return valve device 30 traps on one side of the dump valve hydraulic fluid which is at a pressure in the region of the first limit.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the working stoke of the hydraulic props of a mine roof support unit is disclosed. The control apparatus comprises a control valve whose input side is connected to a hydraulic pressure line, and whose output side is connected to a working chamber of each of the props via a respective supply line. A sequence valve is provided in the supply line leading to one of the props. The sequence valve is such as to open the associated supply line when subjected to a predetermined hydraulic pressure, this predetermined hydraulic pressure being at least approximately equal to the hydraulic pressure necessary to overcome the resistance to the working stroke of another of the props. The sequence valve has a tubular valve body, a valve closure element mounted within the valve body, and a valve seat positioned within the valve body. A spring is provided for biassing the valve closure element towards the valve seat.

Abstract: A control valve arrangement includes at least one first supply and exhaust valve, and a second supply and exhaust valve. The first and second valves are arranged in series and are manually operated with a single hand. The first valve is manually displaced in one direction, and the second valve is displaced in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A mine roof support system including a relief valve communicable with the props of each roof support through respective control valve means, and a main return pipe for receiving liquid discharged, by way of the relief valve, from the props when liquid at high pressure is no longer supplied thereto and the roof support is being advanced. A movable element of the relief valve comprises at least two relatively-movable and connected parts and is so co-operable with its seating as to ensure that when the support is so advancing a substantially constant predetermined back-pressure is maintained in the props sufficient to maintain the support in contact with the mine roof. If the pressure in the main return pipe exceeds the pressure then subsisting in the control valve means, one of the parts of said element is caused automatically to close onto the seating.

Abstract: A mine roof support has a main roof-engaging structure 2 carried by hydraulic props 6 in known manner and an auxiliary roof-engaging structure at the front end of the main roof engaging structure. The auxiliary roof-engaging structure can be swung up and down and is itself of multi-part construction with one component 7 directly linked to the main structure and another selectively extendible forward component 8 mounted to the one component. One hydraulic piston and cylinder unit 9 is provided for swinging the auxiliary structure and for setting the structure against the roof and another such unit 10 is provided for selectively extending and retracting the forward component thereof. A hydraulic control arrangement 16-18 associated with the units ensures that when the forward component is being advanced the roof setting pressure acting on the auxiliary structure is automatically reduced.

Abstract: A control system for longwall mining roof supports which are controlled in dependence on the position of the mining machine at any time. All of the roof supports are connected to a central computer via common conductors. Each of the roof supports includes a control unit having a code corresponding to the number of that support. This code serves as an address and enables the central computer to transmit its control command signals positively, in response to the mining machine position signals, through an appropriate address control unit for a particular roof support. In order to enable roof supports to be actuated manually also, the control units of all of the roof supports are connected to the central computer by two common conductors, one of which carries an automatic enable signal and the other of which carries a manual enable signal.

Abstract: The support assembly is made up of a floor-standing runner member 1, a hydraulically vertically-adjustable prop 2 mounted on the same, a roof canopy 3 supported by the same and a rockfall shield 4 hinged to the same on the backfill side which is guided to be pivotable in a vertical plane by two direction-control members 5 and 6 articulated to the runner member so as to be spaced apart one behind the other. The front direction-control member 6 is constructed as a hydraulic thrust piston mechanism. Via a control circuit 8 the hydraulic control valve 7 of the direction-control member 6 is connected to measuring devices 9 usable to measure the position of at least two mutually variably spaced apart support assembly reference points. If the reference points deviate from the preset normal position of the support assembly, pressure fluid acts on the front direction-control member 6 via the control circuit 8 until the normal position has been regained.

Abstract: A mine roof support includes a first liquid supply means having a first control valve for connecting a source of liquid under pressure to the legs of the support. The support is also provided with a second control valve which is actuatable, when the pressure of the liquid being supplied to the legs attains a value below the setting pressure for the legs, to connect the legs to a source of liquid under pressure by way of a second liquid supply means. Time-delay means is operable on the second control valve to cause it to close when a predetermined time has elapsed after the pressure in the legs has reached the setting pressure.

Abstract: A control line connects an annular space in an auxiliary hydraulic cylinder of an hydraulically-movable mine-roof support (the auxiliary cylinder being provided to advance a forward, auxiliary, roof-support canopy in the direction of the working face of a mine) to the displacement space of an hydraulic measuring cylinder which is longitudinally displaceable in a direction parallel to the hydraulic advancing cylinder in order to advance the auxiliary roof-support canopy, which is pivoted to the main roof-support canopy, in synchronism with the advancing cylinder mounted in the base of the mine-roof support and attached to an abutment on the working face side of the support. A control valve is connected to the control line and responds to the control line pressure in such a way that, when the pressure falls, it supplies pressurized fluid into the pressure space of the auxiliary cylinder to extend the piston rod thereof, and shuts off again when the pressure increases.

Abstract: This invention provides mine equipment for sensing the advance of mobile equipment, particularly on longwall face conveyors the equipment comprises two mine roof supports provided with sensor means for sensing relative movement between the associated roof supports and an elongate bar component secured to the conveyor and extending between the two supports in a direction rearwardly of the conveyor. The elongate component is magnetized so that a magnetic field is induced adjacent thereto, the induced magnetic field intensity varying longitudinally of the elongate component.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for an underground mineral mining installation employs individual control assemblies and devices on a series of support units which are interconnected to one another and to a central control station via lines conveying electrical control signals. Manually-operable selector switches on the units enable groups of the support units to be operated in sequence at will by operating the switches of adjacent units outside the group.

Abstract: A mine roof support unit has a floor sill, a roof cap supported above the floor sill by a pair of inclined hydraulic props, and control apparatus for controlling load-bearing capacity of the props. The inclination of the props relative to the vertical increases as the props are retracted. The control apparatus comprises a pressure-relief valve for limiting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic props. The pressure-relief valve has a closure member which is biased towards its closed position by a spring. The spring is backed by an abutment member which constitutes a setting device for adjusting the biasing force of the spring, thereby controlling the operating pressure of the pressure-relief valve, and hence the load-bearing capacity of the props.

Abstract: A roof support unit for a longwall mineral mining installation has a roof shield supported above a floor sill. A first hydraulic ram is provided for advancing the roof support unit. The roof shield is provided with a forward extension which is advanceable by means of a second hydraulic advance ram. A hydraulic control arrangement, which includes the two hydraulic advance rams is provided for controlling the advance of the roof shield extension in dependence upon the working stroke of the first hydraulic advance ram. The control arrangement is such that the amount of hydraulic fluid supplied to one of the pressure chambers of the second hydraulic advance ram is dependent upon the amount of hydraulic fluid expelled from one of the pressure chambers of the first hydraulic advance ram during the working stroke of the first hydraulic advance ram.

Abstract: In combination with a mine roof support including a sole plate resting on the sole of a mine gallery, a roof shield engaging the roof of the mine gallery, and fluid-operated extensible and collapsible props extending between the sole plate and the roof shield for pressing the latter against the roof, a method for controlling the force at which the roof shield is pressed against the roof of the mine gallery comprising the steps of providing an overpressure valve communicating with the interior of each prop and adjusting the opening pressure of the valve in dependence on the inclination of the props with respect to the sole plate; and an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral in which a roof is supported by a plurality of mine roof supports of the kind specified, each advanceable by a force applied to a lower part thereof. During advance of the support an upper part thereof can be sufficiently retarded, by hydraulic jacks carried, by each of its adjacent supports, with respect to the advance of its lower part. This causes the support effectively to rotate and to raise the leading end of the lower part away from the ground on which it is advancing.

Abstract: A retractable anchoring device for a sonde to be lowered into a well for logging purpose, is adapted to rigidly position the sonde at a preselected depth. The device comprises pivotable anchoring arms adapted to apply against the wall of the well a substantially constant force produced by associated jacks actuated by driving means so as to apply to the respective arms forces which are limited by specific valves therefor in the hydraulic circuit feeding of the jacks.

Abstract: A longwall mineral mining installation has a conveyor and a plurality of roof support units positioned side-by-side on the goaf side of the conveyor. Each roof support unit has a roof shield having an advanceable shield extension. Each unit has a first hydraulic ram for extending its shield extension, and a second hydraulic ram for advancing the conveyor. The extension of each first ram is controlled in dependence upon the retraction of one of the second rams (either the second ram of the same unit or that of an adjacent unit). This control is effected by controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first rams. In one embodiment this is carried out by a control valve which has a spring-loaded plunger which engages with a series of equispaced cams on the movable cylinder of the associated second ram. In another embodiment, the piston rods of the rams are provided with series of equispaced magnets.

Abstract: An assembly of mine roof supports each of which has a control member and a hydraulically-operated member, e.g. a cantilever. The cantilevers operate one after the other in a predetermined sequence in response to actuation of one of the control members.Each cantilever is associated with a pressure-operated control valve and two serially-connected control valves which normally prevent operation of a cantilever in response to actuation of a control member unless the next-before cantilever in the series has completed its operation and the control member which caused that next-before cantilever to operate has been actuated.

Abstract: A mine roof support has hydraulic props mounted between a floor sill and a roof bar which can be raised and lowered by extension and retraction of the props. A goaf shield is pivotably connected to the rear of the roof bar and is linked via levers to the floor sill. A hydraulic piston and cylinder unit is connected between the roof bar and the goaf shield. Apparatus serves to prevent damage to the support components, and especially to the unit which could be extended beyond its full stroke when the props are retracted to bring the goaf shield and the roof bar more or less into alignment. The protective apparatus is composed of a compact valve device operated by a member, such as a cam, to block the props from hydraulic pressure when the goaf shield and the roof bar assume a pre-determined angular disposition. Both the valve device and its operating member are disposed in a protected position within chambers formed inside the roof bar and the goaf shield adjacent the pivot connection therebetween.

Abstract: A system for advancing timbering in underground mines comprises a number of longwall supporting timbering units which are pushed forward hydraulically in accordance with the progress of the working obtained by a mining machine, along with a conveyer device. Each timbering unit is equipped with an electronic control device which is connected to a computer in a control room. The control units are connected in series via control lines in such a manner that the control data delivered by the computer and the acknowledgment data delivered by the respective addressed control unit are passed on via first receivers and transmitters and via second transmitters and receivers, respectively, from one control unit to the immediately adjacent one in ascending or descending sequence back to the computer.

Abstract: An improved control for an underground mining working support unit arrangement of the type having an adjacent support unit arrangement hydraulically connectable to the working support unit arrangement in which a plurality of hydraulic supports support load points, it is disclosed wherein the hydraulic supports are successively connectable to several of the load points with a reversing valve operable to alternately connect control valves to selected hydraulic supports.

Abstract: A control unit/hydraulic control mechanism for controlling the hydraulic working appliances of a mine roof support unit has a control unit mounted on one side of a distributor plate, and a valve block mounted on the other side of the distributor plate. The distributor plate and the valve block constitute the hydraulic control mechanism, the valve block being constituted by a stack of pilot-operated hydraulic control valves. The control unit has a protective casing defining first and second chambers. The first chamber accomodates a plurality of electromagnetic valves. The second chamber constitutes a lead-through chamber for leading electric cables to the electromagnetic valves. The second chamber is provided with a respective socket for each of the electric cables.

Abstract: A control means for use in a mining apparatus includes a radiation-emitting device on a cutting machine, a number of receiving devices, one associated with each roof support of the apparatus, for receiving radiation from the radiation-emitting device as the machine passes a receiving device, whereby a main control signal is generated, and advance-initiating means for each roof support, responsive to a command signal. A main conductor is connected to the receiving devices for carrying a main control signal, and disabling means is associated with each advance-initiating means and main conductor for rendering a said advance-initiating means non-responsive to a command signal applied to that means when the main control signal is above a pre-determined value. Attenuating means associated with the main conductor between each pair of roof supports is provided for gradually reducing the main control signal to a value below said pre-determined value.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is provided for a mine roof support assembly constituted by a plurality of roof support units positioned side-by-side. The control system comprises a respective control valve assembly having a plurality of similar control valves each of which controls a respective hydraulic appliance associated with the corresponding roof support unit. Each control valve can be actuated optionally by an actuator mounted on either one of the two adjacent roof support units, or by either one of two actuating devices mounted one on each of said two adjacent roof support units. Each control valve includes two servo valves having a pair of first and second axially aligned servo-pistons which are separate and independently operable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A longwall mineral mining installation has a longwall conveyor and a plurality of roof support units positioned side-by-side at the goaf side of the conveyor. The hydraulic appliances of the roof support units, such as their hydraulic props, hydraulic advance rams and hydraulic control valves, are supplied with pressurized hydraulic fluid from hydraulic supply lines which run along the goaf side of the conveyor. A plurality of flat, plate-like intermediate members are provided at the goaf side of the conveyor. These intermediate members are formed with internal ducts for feeding the hydraulic fluid from the supply lines to the hydraulic appliances of the roof support units.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulically expandable and collapsable prop of a mine roof support in which the cylinder space of the prop below the piston therein normally communicates with an overpressure valve adjusted to a pressure equal to the setting pressure of the prop, wherein the method comprises the steps of interrupting communication of the overpressure valve with the cylinder space of the prop while the latter is expanded and restoring the communication when the prop is pressed against the mine roof while the cylinder space is disconnected from the hydraulic pressure circuit and an arrangement for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a mine installation which employs a winning machine moved back and forth along a guide in a working and coupled via shifting rams to roof supports, the invention provides a hydraulic fluid supply conduit system for supplying the pressure fluid for operating the shifting rams and the props of the roof supports. The system employs a first conduit containing fluid at a pressure of 300 to 400 bars for setting the props of the roof supports, a second conduit containing fluid at a pressure of 100 to 200 bars for use as a robbing aid during retraction of the props, a third conduit containing fluid at a pressure of 100 to 200 bars for operating the shifting rams and a common fluid return conduit. The conduits are laid along the working and the first and the second or third conduits are fed by separate pumps in a heading or gallery while the third or second conduit is connected via a pressure-reducing valve to the pump feeding the first conduit.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulically powered self advancing mine roof support, which system ensures that a hydraulically extensible chock leg of the support is set to a predetermined pressure, irrespective of the length of time that a main inlet valve is held open comprises an auxiliary valve interposed between a main valve and a chock leg(s) in a fluid supply line extending from a high pressure line to the support, a bypass line connected to the high pressure line in advance of the main valve and extending to the auxiliary valve, the auxiliary valve being so constructed as to open upon sensing a predetermined pressure and to close upon sensing a higher predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A control arrangement for a hydraulically operated mine roof support having first and second consumers which require smaller and larger amount of the working medium per time unit, respectively, has first control elements for the first consumers and second control elements for the second consumers. The first control elements include a first bundle of hoses having a small inner diameter and arranged to select and apply pressure to the first consumers directly from a neighboring mine roof support. The second control elements include a second bundle of hoses with a small inner diameter, main control valves indirectly remotely controlled through the second bundle of hoses and arranged to select the second consumers, and conduits extending between the second consumers and the main control valves and arranged to apply pressure to the former. The conduits have an inner diameter which exceeds that of the hoses of the first and second bundles.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for operating a walking mine roof support so as to automatically move the props of the mine roof support first to a collapsed position and advancing the mine roof support and only thereafter moving the props to their extended position and in which control of the valve arrangement is carried out with the pressure fluid which acts on the members of the walking mine roof support.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system is provided for a roof support unit of an underground mining installation. The roof support unit is provided with a roof cap supported by hydraulic props. The control system comprises a valve for controlling the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the props, and an actuator for closing the valve when the props have been retracted by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A control device serves to control the fluid flow to and from double-acting rams, especially the rams of mining machinery, the control device having various internal ducts which are defined between two plates connected together. One of the two plates (a duct plate) has a main face formed with channels, some of which radiate outwardly from a ring of bores, and two of which are `T`-shaped and extend generally tangential to the ring of bores. The other plate (a connecting plate) closes the channels to define ducts and has bores communicating with the various ducts. Control valve units are detachably connected to the connecting plate, the control valve units being arranged to be actuated to effect desired connections between the various ducts by way of the bores in the connecting plate.