Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing breathable air to one or more safe havens in an underground mine from a source external to the mine utilizing a source of compressed, breathable air located outside of the underground mine.

Abstract: This invention is a system for ventilating underground mines wherein each fan that ventilates a workplace or heading is installed behind a ventilation door in an access to a non-pressurised ventilation shaft (the intake vent shaft) and the air that returns from the workplaces and headings flows naturally to the surface. There are no surface ventilation fans and there is no separation of a primary and secondary ventilation circuit.

Abstract: A system and/or method for increasing safety in areas in which people work and/or through which people travel that potentially may become blocked (e.g. mines, mineshafts, tunnels, etc.) is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein a sensor locates individuals who may be trapped and conveys their location(s) after an area becomes blocked. Sensors may be disposed throughout the area, located on individuals, etc. Sensors may be located behind protected coverings (e.g. glass), and they may locate individuals through, for example, low power, ultrasound, infrared techniques, etc. In certain example embodiments of this invention, one or more conduits may provide a supply of breathable air to individuals who may be trapped after the area becomes blocked.

Abstract: A ventilation system for an underground structure which can internally supply fresh outdoor air by individually sucking and discharging air through fans of underground shafts in the underground structure such as an underground parking lot, underground warehouse, subway space, underground sporting place and underground hangar. The ventilation system for the underground structure includes air supply side fixed frames installed in air supply holes of each floor of the underground structure along one side shaft of the underground structure, air supply fans installed on the air supply side fixed frames toward the air supply holes, air exhaust rooms for forming air exhaust spaces on each floor of the underground structure, air exhaust holes being formed therein toward the other side shaft of the underground structure, air exhaust side fixed frames installed in the air exhaust rooms, and air exhaust fans installed on the air exhaust side fixed frames toward the air exhaust holes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ventilating tunnels and other confined spaces. The apparatus includes a telescopic ventline assembly. The telescopic ventline assembly includes a plurality of tubes wherein each inner tube or first intermediate tube is slidably disposed within an second intermediate tube or an outer tube, in a telescoping type arrangement. One method involves constructing a ventilation system that includes a plurality of ventline assemblies. Another method involves using the telescopic ventline to ventilate a tunnel or other confined space, e.g., a mine.

Abstract: A continuous mining machine is provided with dual ductwork having reversible fans. The ductwork extends longitudinally along each side of the continuous mining machine. Each fan is positioned in a duct at the rear end of the frame of the mining machine. A crossover duct connects in fluid communication with longitudinally extending ducts. The crossover duct includes pivotal gates positioned adjacent to the connection of the crossover duct to the longitudinal ducts. Each of the longitudinal ducts includes a pivotal gate positioned between the connection of the crossover duct to the duct and the fan positioned in the duct. By selecting which gates are opened and closed the flow of air through the ducts can be directed to either side of the mining machine.