Abstract: A rod storage and transport apparatus comprising a roof bolter including a tool. The apparatus includes a rotatable holding carousel adjacent the tool and adapted to hold a plurality of rods therein. The apparatus also includes an extending and retracting transport mechanism cooperating with the carousel to move one rod at a time between the carousel and the tool, so that the tool can use the one rod to perform a mine operation. The carousel has a generally elongated shape and is able to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the shape. This permits the carousel to position the one rod held by the carousel adjacent the transport mechanism, so that the transport mechanism can transport the one rod to the tool, or position the carousel to receive a rod transported by the transport mechanism from the tool. The transport mechanism when fully retracted is substantially within a cylinder generated by the rotation of one of the rods about the longitudinal axis of the carousel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the operation and construction of roof bolters or roof bolt installation apparatus. The improvements comprise a roof bolter constructed so that the critical moving parts of its timber jack, feed frame, feed carrier and rotational unit are comprised of a rod and sleeve construction. Such construction allowing the protection of surfaces. The construction also includes feature of a spaced apart rod and sleeve construction which allows motive power units to be housed within the confines of the timber jack and feed carrier. The spaced apart arrangement also provides stability to the roof bolter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the handling of rods such as drilling rods, roof bolts, or rib bolts, so that they can be removed directly from a storage cradle near a drilling rig or other mining operation machinery. The invention removes the need to manually load rods into drill rigs or other machinery, by a system of transportation mechanisms made up of straps and/or hydraulic actuators, and gate mechanisms to control the entry and exit of the rods from a storage cradle. Gripping mechanisms are also included to deposit the rods to and from a desired location on the drill rigs or other machinery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the handling of rods such as drilling rods, roof bolts, or rib bolts, so that they can be removed directly from a storage cradle near a drill rig or other mining operation machinery.The invention removes the need to manually load rods into drill rigs or other machinery, by a system of transportation mechanisms made up of straps and/or hydraulic actuators, and gate mechanisms to control the entry and exit of the rods from a storage cradle. Gripping mechanisms are also included to deposit the rods to and from a desired location on the drill rigs or other machinery.