Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert B. Waters
  • Patent number: 6682268
    Abstract: A method for providing secondary roof support in an underground mine such as to reduce the hazard of localized crumbling or deterioration of a mine roof. The apparatus generally comprises a slightly convex steel plate, crafted to cradle a roof bolt and which is supported by the base plate of the primary roof control system. The apparatus is utilized with standard primary roof bolt systems. By applying an upward pressure on the roof and effecting a larger coverage area for each roof bolt, the opportunity for drawrock separation to begin is reduced, and the exposure of the elements to drawrock strata in the vicinity of the bolt is eliminated. The method includes the step of utilizing the apparatus, with convex portion of the lateral plate facing upwards, before the placement of the base plate and roof bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Earl Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Lee Robertson, Jr., James Earl, Jr.