Abstract: A latch assembly for a door having a door body mounted on a door frame includes a retainer movable between a latching position and a non-latching position and configured, in the latching position, to retain the door body in a closed position, and to permit the door body to move with respect to the door frame in the non-latching position to an open position. An actuator is selectively moveable to change the retainer from the latching position to a non-latching position. A linkage is configured to move the retainer in a latching direction toward the latching position and in an unlatching direction toward the non-latching position responsive to actuation of the actuator. A crank is operatively connected to the actuator and linkage and configured to move the retainer toward the latching position as the retainer approaches the latching position.

Abstract: A jack for installing a mine stopping panel includes an extendible post and a press for extending the extendible post. The press can have a lever movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and operative to extend the post as it moves toward the actuated position and retract the post as it moves toward the non-actuated position. A yieldable biaser yields when the post is extended to extend the mine stopping panel and the mine stopping panel engages a mine surface with sufficient force to crush a stopping seal and anchor the stopping panel. The press can comprise an over-center toggle linkage.

Abstract: A mine stopping and associated components and methods. The stopping can include one or more columns or other vertical supports and a plurality of elongate panels extending horizontally.

Abstract: A mine stopping panel and method of making it are disclosed. In one embodiment, 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. One or more 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. At least one device on the end cap is configured for engagement with the first panel member to resist telescopic movement of the first end cap relative to the first panel member when a contracting force is applied to the first end cap. Other improved mechanisms for resisting contracting forces are disclosed.

Abstract: A reinforced lightweight mine door for installation in a mine passageway. The mine door includes a generally rectangular sheet metal door panel having four sides and four corners, and a reinforcing structure projecting from a face of the door panel. The reinforcing structure has a central section and a plurality of channel sections extending from the central section toward respective sides or corners of the door panel. A mine door including at least one hinge arrangement having unique reversibility features is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine stopping panel for installation between opposing first and second mine surfaces of a mine passage includes a panel member. The panel member has a channel shape and a web, side flanges at opposite sides of the web, an upper end, and a lower end. An end cap is attached to the panel member adjacent one of the upper and lower ends of the panel member in a position between the side flanges of the panel member adjacent an inside surface of the web of the panel member. The end cap defines a cavity for receiving an injectable foam material and an injection inlet for injecting said foam material into the first cavity. In a method of the invention and injectable foam material is injected into the cavity through the injection inlet during a process of sealing the mine passage.

Abstract: A mine door system which includes a mine door having a door leaf, and a door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively smaller door-moving force to the door leaf and moves it at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf and moves it at a second speed less than the first speed.

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 is fitted in the first panel member. 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 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 end cap is fitted in the first panel member. 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 mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine ventilation structure is disclosed. The structure comprises a deck including a plurality of elongate sheet metal panels. Each panel is generally of inverted channel shape in transverse cross-section, having a top web and first and second sides extending down from the top web. The panels are connected by tongue-and-groove connections between adjacent sides of adjacent panels. A mine ventilation deck panel of desired construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of opening a mine door leaf installed in a mine passageway having a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The method includes the steps of operating a variable-throw crank mechanism in a first configuration having a first crank length to apply a first force to the mine door leaf to move at a first speed, operating the variable-throw crank mechanism in a second configuration having a second crank length less than the first crank length to apply a second force greater than the first force to the mine door leaf to move at a second speed slower than the first speed, and using a resistance pressure associated with the high and low pressure zones in the mine passageway to convert the variable-throw crank mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration.

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 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 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. 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 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 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.