Abstract: A dampening system (28) that includes an actuation state and/or a door actuation system that includes a single-use pressurized tank (34). The dampening system or the door actuation system may include a damper (30) and a fluid pressure source (e.g., the single-use pressurized tank (34)) that pressurizes the damper to actuate from a first position to a second position. The pressurization allows the damper to actuate another component, such as a vehicle door (26) that is operably coupled to the damper. A user may shift the damper into the actuation state to actuate the vehicle door open during an emergency, such as when a military vehicle is on its side after an explosion knocks over the vehicle and the vehicle door is too heavy for the user to open without assistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting door, comprising a movable door leaf made of slats, the slats being connected to one another so as to bend, and comprising structure-mounted frames. Lateral guides for the door leaf having a vertical section and a lintel section, and frame sealing elements of a sealing assembly are arranged thereon, which close a gap between the door leaf and a section of the frames facing the door opening when the lifting door is closed. The lintel sections of the guides, together with the vertical sections of the guides, are displaceably mounted on the frames, wherein the guides can only be displaced in a direction that is diagonal to the door leaf plane, but not in a moving direction of the door leaf. Thus, an improved lifting door having greater operational safety, and at the same time an improved sealing effect between the door leaf and the door opening can be achieved.

Abstract: A reinforced mine ventilation seal anchored with steel dowels into the strata of a mine passageway. The seal has a pair of metal mats formed of vertical and horizontal elongated reinforcing members that are sandwiched between a row of dowels set into the floor and ceiling of the passageway and extending into the passageway. The metal mats and the dowels are encased in a structural material such as concrete to form a seal which is capable of bidirectionally withstanding an overpressure due to an explosion. The dowels provide shear reinforcement and the metal mats provide flexural strength.

Abstract: An air partition member includes a main body, a sliding plate slidably received in the main body, and two side plates. One of the plates is pivotably connected to a first end of the main body. The other side plate is pivotably connected to a distal end of the sliding plate away from the first end of the main body.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for facilitating the control of air through a mine passageway. In one example, there is provided a mine airlock. The mine airlock comprises a plurality of airlock doors. At least one of the airlock doors includes a frame including at least one door jamb and a lintel, a face leaf hingedly secured to the lintel, the face leaf having an upper section removably secured to a lower section; and a side leaf secured to the at least one door jamb. The face leaf forms a substantially airtight seal with the lintel and the side leaf in a closed position.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.

Abstract: A mine stopping panel is disclosed. The panel includes first and second channel-shaped panel members having a telescoping sliding fit one inside the other. An elongate end cap fitted in the first panel member defines a cavity for receiving an end seal for sealing engagement with a mine surface. One or more louver connections between the first panel member and the end cap hold the end cap against movement relative to the first panel member when an extending force is applied to the end cap tending to telescopically extend the first panel member relative to the second panel member.

Abstract: A personnel access door assembly of an opposing wing of a mine ventilation door. The personnel access door includes a frame including a top portion, a bottom portion, a first post portion and a second post portion, the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion coupled to respective top and bottom ends of the first post and second post portions. The personnel access door further includes sets of trolley wheels affixed to the top or bottom of the frame to engage a top rail or bottom rail affixed on the opposing wing.

Abstract: A reinforced mine ventilation seal anchored with steel dowels into the strata of a mine passageway. The seal has a pair of metal mats formed of vertical and horizontal elongated reinforcing members which are sandwiched between a row of dowels set into the floor and ceiling of the passageway and extending into the passageway. The metal mats and the dowels are encased in a structural material such as concrete to form a seal which is capable of bidirectionally withstanding an overpressure due to an explosion. The dowels provide shear reinforcement and the metal mats provide flexural strength.

Abstract: A barrier survival system that isolates a safe volume within a mine or other confined structure and provides breathable air to one or more survivors within the safe volume who are awaiting rescue by generating oxygen, removing one or more toxins, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; and providing heat.

Abstract: An air passage opening/closing device for a vehicle air conditioner has a casing and a slide door. The slide door is movably disposed in the casing. Both sides of the slide door are guided by guide channels provided in the casing. The guide channels are formed by the casing and a separate guide member. The slide door can be assembled by mounting the slide door on a door-sliding surface of the casing, and mounting the separate guide member on the slide door.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a mine fire by delivering a water-absorbent polymeric composition to a rock structure involved in a fire and infusing the polymeric composition into the rock structure. The polymeric composition may also be used to create a seal across a mine entry for controlling underground mine fires.

Abstract: A louvre-type airflow regulator (10) for a mine passage comprises a plurality of louvre blades (12, 14, 16). Each blade is adapted for mounting in a frame (20). Each blade can pivot in the frame around a lengthwise axis between a predetermined position in which the louvre blades combine to close or restrict at least a portion of the passage, and an open position in which air is able to readily flow between the louvre blades and through the passage. A biasing mechanism is provided for acting on each louvre blade such that, in use, each louvre blade can be maintained in the predetermined position until a predetermined airflow against the louvre blades is reached.

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

Abstract: A mine air crossing includes opposite side walls and a deck extending from side wall to side wall. Each side wall includes a plurality of sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections. Similarly, each deck may include deck sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is incorporated at the intersection of first and second intersecting passages in a mine. The ventilation structure comprises a tunnel-forming construction (e.g., a pair of side walls each walling off at least a portion of a respective mouth of a first passage and a deck spanning the side walls and connected thereto). The construction defines a tunnel establishing communication of air from the upstream to the downstream mouth of the second passage. An air deflector is located in the first passage adjacent the tunnel-forming construction for decreasing shock loss associated with the mine ventilation structure, thereby increasing the amount of air flow produced by the mine's ventilation system.

Abstract: A mine door installation has a frame installed in a mine passageway. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.

Abstract: A mine door of the present invention is adapted for installation in a mine passageway and includes a leaf adapted for swinging between a closed position and an open position. The leaf may be mounted in a frame, and a stopping wall may surround the frame. When closed, the leaf is subject to a differential in air pressure involving higher pressure on one of the faces of the leaf than on the other of the faces of the leaf. The leaf, the frame, or the stopping has an opening therein for passage of air therethrough from adjacent the one of the faces of the leaf to adjacent the other of the faces to more nearly equalize the pressure on the faces and thereby facilitate opening the leaf.

Abstract: A mine door assembly has a frame. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. The door installation also has a hydraulic checking system for controlling the speed of the door leaf as it moves back and forth between open and closed positions. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.

Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a plurality of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor to a roof of the passageway to at least partially close the passageway. A generally horizontal elongate brace extends generally between the walls of the passageway adjacent to the panels. A generally vertical column extends from the floor to the roof and is adapted for reinforcing the brace. Braces and anchor beams for stoppings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine door of the present invention is adapted for installation in a mine passageway and includes a leaf adapted for swinging between a closed position and an open position. The leaf may be mounted in a frame, and a stopping wall may surround the frame. When closed, the leaf is subject to a differential in air pressure involving higher pressure on one of the faces of the leaf than on the other of the faces of the leaf. The leaf, the frame, or the stopping has an opening therein for passage of air therethrough from adjacent the one of the faces of the leaf to adjacent the other of the faces to more nearly equalize the pressure on the faces and thereby facilitate opening the leaf.

Abstract: A form installed in a mine for making a permanent mine stopping or seal of pourable and hardenable material includes first and second form walls in spaced, generally parallel relation to one another. Each of the first and second form walls includes a portable wall section including a plurality of elongate upright panels secured together in general parallel, side-by-side relation. Each panel includes a lower panel member having a lower end and an upper panel member extending from the lower panel member and having an upper end in substantial engagement with a roof of the mine passage.

Abstract: A mine air crossing includes opposite side walls and a deck extending from side wall to side wall. Each side wall includes a plurality of sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections. Similarly, each deck may include deck sections assembled side-by-side and interconnected by quick-connections.

Abstract: A method of supporting opposite first and second walls of a mine passageway includes providing an elongate beam having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The beam is configured to have substantial columnar strength for bearing a substantial longitudinal load applied to the beam generally longitudinally of the beam and substantial bending strength for bearing a substantial transverse load applied to the beam generally transversely of the beam. The method further includes selecting first and second locations on the first and second walls, respectively, providing suitable areas for supporting the first and second walls, and positioning the first end of the beam at the first location and the second end of the beam at the second location so that the beam extends between the first and second walls of the mine passageway.

Abstract: A portable wall section for incorporation in a mine stopping or for use as a mine permanent stopping or seal form, comprising vertically extensible panels secured in side-by-side relation, a stopping installed in a mine, a stopping system utilizing one or more of said sections, and methods of installing the stopping and form.

Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a lower tier of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor of the passageway. Each panel of the lower tier has a lower end adjacent the floor and an upper end spaced from a roof of the passageway. An upper tier of elongate panels extends generally vertically in side-by-side relation from the lower tier of panels to the roof. An upper end of each upper tier panel is adjacent the roof and a lower end of each upper tier panel abuts the upper end of respective lower tier panels. An elongate brace is connected to at least one of the lower and upper tiers for reinforcing the stopping against deflection and for inhibiting lateral movement of the lower tier panels relative to the upper tier panels. A method of installing a multiple tier stopping is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure with a deck made up of panels of inverted channel shape modified to be of relatively light weight yet strong.

Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a plurality of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor to a roof of the passageway to at least partially close the passageway. A generally horizontal elongate brace extends generally between the walls of the passageway adjacent to the panels. A generally vertical column extends from the floor to the roof and is adapted for reinforcing the brace. Braces and anchor beams for stoppings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway includes a lower tier of elongate panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation from a floor of the passageway. Each panel of the lower tier has a lower end adjacent the floor and an upper end spaced from a roof of the passageway. An upper tier of elongate panels extends generally vertically in side-by-side relation from the lower tier of panels to the roof. An upper end of each upper tier panel is adjacent the roof and a lower end of each upper tier panel abuts the upper end of respective lower tier panels. An elongate brace is connected to at least one of the lower and upper tiers for reinforcing the stopping against deflection and for inhibiting lateral movement of the lower tier panels relative to the upper tier panels. A method of installing a multiple tier stopping is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power mine door installation utilizing compressed air from the compressed air system available in the mine as the power source for a hydraulic door-operating mechanism.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure with a deck made up of panels of inverted channel shape modified to be of relatively light weight yet strong.

Abstract: An arrangement for screening off a ventilated space (5) in a floor construction arranged on a subfloor (2) and having joists (6) that are supported by a plurality of level-adjusting spacer screws (8) resting on the subfloor (2) to create a free passage (9) between the joist and the subfloor as well as said space, which includes said passages, between the subfloor and the floor construction. In accordance with the invention, the arrangement comprises an elongate plate-shaped body (116) with a flat waist part(117), a foot part (118) and a top part (119), which foot and top parts extend along the long sides of the waist part and are flexibly connected to the waist part by means of joints (122, 123) that are parallel to each other. The plate body is arranged to be anchored with its top part to a vertical side of one of said joists by means of attachment elements (12) anchored with its foot part to the subfloor by means of attachment elements (121).

Abstract: A mine stopping installed in a mine passageway having air flowing through the passageway in a first direction includes a rigid wall extending across the passageway to close the passageway and an opening in the wall to permit the passage of air therethrough. The wall extends between the opening and one side of the passageway at an oblique angle with respect to the direction of air flow through the passageway whereby air flowing through the passageway strikes the wall at the oblique angle thereby to reduce the dynamic air pressure exerted on said wall.

Abstract: A method and kit for installing a stopping in a mine opening includes securely fixing in the mine opening a screen of a size of about 2 to 24 mesh, preferably about 10 to 20 mesh, most preferably about 12 to 16 mesh, and applying a mortar to the screen to form a coating on the screen; and continuing the application of the mortar until the stopping is airtight. Preferably the screen is composed of steel wire of a diameter from about 0.010 to 0.030 inches (about 0.025 to 0.075 cms). Preferably the mortar is ready-to-use-mortar. The kit comprises as a first component, a screen of mesh size of about 2 to 24 suitable for installation in an opening in the mine and receiving a mortar and supporting the mortar (having a tensile strength of at least 150 lbs/inch) and, as a second component, a mortar, preferably a ready-to-use mortar, for application to the screen to provide a stopping.

Abstract: A mine door system including at least two doors positioned in a mine passageway in spaced relation forming an airlock. The doors include at least one leaf movable between open and closed positions to allow passage into and out of the airlock. A control system controls operation of leaf movement actuators such that in normal operation, at least one door is always closed to control flow of air in the mine. A power source is included to effect movement of the leafs by the actuators.

Abstract: A method of supporting opposite first and second walls of a mine passageway includes providing an elongate beam having opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The beam is configured to have substantial columnar strength for bearing a substantial longitudinal load applied to the beam generally longitudinally of the beam and substantial bending strength for bearing a substantial transverse load applied to the beam generally transversely of the beam. The method further includes selecting first and second locations on the first and second walls, respectively, providing suitable areas for supporting the first and second walls, and positioning the first end of the beam at the first location and the second end of the beam at the second location so that the beam extends between the first and second walls of the mine passageway.

Abstract: A light weight foam block being substantially rectangular in shape, having horizontal and/or vertical pairs of tongues and grooves around its perimeter enabling it to interlock with horizontally and/or vertically adjacent blocks to construct a mine stopping wall.

Abstract: A method of sealing off a mine passageway. The method involves installing a plurality of vertical panels side by side across the passageway to form a stopping. The stopping has gaps between adjacent panels and gaps between the panels and adjacent mine surfaces defining the mine passageway. The method further comprises holding an injector in or closely adjacent the gaps, and injecting a fluent sealing material under pressure into the gaps to form a seal.

Abstract: The hinged mine stopping has at least two panels joined by a hinge defining a wall adapted for forming an air tight seal in a mine passageway to improve mine ventilation. Each panel has a lower section defined by a sheet of gas impermeable material mounted on a tubular, rectangular frame, and an upper section defined by a sheet of gas impermeable material mounted on a tubular, inverted U-shaped frame. The side members of the upper section frame telescope into the side members of the lower section frame for height adjustment of the panels. Preferably the hinged mine stopping is disposed between the ribs of a mine in a V-shape, with the apex directed towards the high pressure side to reduce the load on the stopping, the perimeter of the stopping being sealed.

Abstract: A stopping system for use in mines. The stopping system includes a king post truss for reinforcing the stopping panels against excessive deflection due to a pressure differential across the stopping panels. The truss has a variable length to accommodate convergence and divergence of the mine walls on which the truss is mounted.

Abstract: A pair of door-sections make up a mine ventilation door. The door-sections are hinged to the side-walls of the passage. One of the door-sections opens upstream and the other downstream, so one is blown open, and the other blown closed, by winds passing through the passage. A linkage couples the door-sections, and harnesses the blow-open force and balances it against the blow-closed force, whereby only a small actuation force is needed to open and close the doors. The linkage ensures that the arcuate travels of the two door-sections are equal, or otherwise correspond.

Abstract: A light weight foam block being substantially rectangular in shape, having horizontal and vertical pairs of tongues and grooves around its perimeter enabling it to interlock with horizontally and vertically adjacent blocks to construct a mine stopping wall.

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: A tunnel-forming overcast structure for incorporation in the installation of an overcast construction at the intersection of two intersecting passages in a mine, each passage constituting an airway for flow of air for mine ventilation having an upstream and a downstream mouth at the intersection. The structure includes a pair of generally parallel side walls each having a top and a deck extending from the top of one of the side walls to the top of the other side wall and connected to the side walls. Each side wall comprises a plurality of elongate generally vertically extensible panels extending generally vertically in side-by-side relation. Each panel includes an upper member and a lower member, one of the members having a sliding fit in the other. The lower members are in a relatively non-extensible position with respect to the upper members in the structure and are ultimately extensible for completing walling off of the upstream and downstream mouths of one of the airways.

Abstract: A pair of door-sections make up a mine ventilation door. The door-sections are hinged to the side-walls of the passage. One of the door-sections opens upstream and the other downstream, so one is blown open, and the other blown closed, by winds passing through the passage. A linkage couples the door-sections, and harnesses the blow-open force and balances it against the blow-closed force, whereby only a small actuation force is needed to open and close the doors. The linkage ensures that the arcuate travels of the two door-sections are equal, or otherwise correspond.

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: A mine stopping comprising a wall extending across a passageway in a mine to close the passageway. The wall has an opening therein. A door is hinged adjacent the opening for swinging between a closed position in which the door closes the opening to inhibit the passage of air therethrough, a first open position in which the door is moved in one direction away from the closed position, and a second open position in which the door is swung in an opposite direction away from the closed position. The door is movable to either of the first and second open positions when the door is subjected to substantial concussive air pressure thereby to permit concussive air to pass through the opening in both directions.

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: A ventilation passage system for a mine having a main shaft from which several branch shafts may extend, wherein each shaft has a generally flat floor and ceiling, the system being constructed of a series of substantially rectangular panels arrayed in at least one of the shafts with respect to the shaft walls to provide an air infeed and air return passage therefor, each panel being comprised of rigid, closed cell, foamed plastic material, the panels being in edge-to-edge abutment with each other longitudinally of the shaft, and each panel being forcefully wedged at its top and bottom edges between the ceiling and floor of the shaft.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure used to block a passageway or to prevent mixture of ventilation air at the intersection of two passageways. The passageway has sidewalls and a ceiling. The ventilation structure is formed of panels, each of the panels having spaced apart wire grids with an insulation core. The grids are interconnected with strut wires passing through the insulation core and forming a truss system. A layer of concrete is applied as gunite or shotcrete to the panels embedding the strut wires and covering the wire grids. The layer of concrete extends beyond the margins of the ventilation structure onto the sidewalls and ceiling of the passageway forming a monolithic structure sealed in the passageway that is virtually impervious to air.