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 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 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 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 conveyor belt box check for installation in a mine is disclosed. The box check includes first and second generally parallel spaced-apart walls extending across a mine passage. Each of the walls has a conveyor belt aperture sized for receiving the conveyor. In some embodiments, access doors are provided in the first and second walls, and a partition extends between the first and second walls for separating the access doors from the conveyor belt apertures and for forming an air lock between the walls. A method of installing the box check is also disclosed.

Abstract: A conveyor belt box check for installation in a mine is disclosed. The box check includes first and second generally parallel spaced-apart walls extending across a mine passage. Each of the walls has a conveyor belt aperture sized for receiving the conveyor. In some embodiments, access doors are provided in the first and second walls, and a partition extends between the first and second walls for separating the access doors from the conveyor belt apertures and for forming an air lock between the walls. A method of installing the box check is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine door system comprising at least one mine door leaf hinged at one side thereof to a door frame defining an entry. The system includes an articulated door-moving mechanism that articulates between a first configuration in which the mechanism applies a relatively small door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a first speed and a second configuration in which the mechanism applies a larger door-moving force to the door leaf to move the door leaf at a second speed less than the first speed. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine refuge for use in a mine includes a chamber sized and shaped for occupancy by at least one miner and adapted to be substantially sealed. An oxygen supply is installed in the chamber for supplying oxygen to the chamber. A breathable air supply is installed in the chamber for supplying a steady flow of breathable air and for positively pressurizing the chamber to inhibit entry of contaminated mine air into the chamber.

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: This invention is directed to an electrically non-conductive tie for use in a mine seal having opposing walls defining a space for receiving filler material. The tie has opposite ends, a length and a width and is made at least in part from an electrically non-conductive material which extends across substantially the entire width of the tie for preventing conduction of electrical current from one end of the tie to the other. Openings are provided adjacent opposite ends of the tie for receiving wall supports for the mine seal.

Abstract: A mine seal comprising two spaced apart walls, at least one electrically non-conductive tie extending between the walls and holding them in place against forces tending to separate the walls, and a filler material filling the space between the walls. A form for making such a mine seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mine ventilation and bridge structure incorporating a bridge feature enabling a mine vehicle to cross over the structure. The structure comprises a pair of generally parallel and spaced-apart side walls defining opposing side walls and a plurality of elongate deck panels extending between the side walls. At least one deck panel of the plurality of deck panels is a reinforced bridge deck panel constructed to support the weight of a vehicle crossing over the mine ventilation and bridge structure.