Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply having an oxygen sensor for detecting the level of oxygen in the closed environment. The apparatus has a plurality of relays in communication with the sensor. The apparatus has a valve in communication with the relays and the oxygen supply which is automatically opened with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to release oxygen from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes below a first predetermined level and which is automatically closed with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to stop oxygen from being released from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes above a second predetermined level. A method for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply. A refuge chamber.

Abstract: The technology provides increased capability and control over the yield performance of the timber prop, a mine roof support. The new Wedge Prop design includes a cut pattern idealized for the specific wood species used in manufacturing and a set of confinement rings varying in strength due to different failure mechanisms. The cut pattern is based on the diameter of the yellow poplar pole, while the confinement rings consist of multiple types of welds to allow for either wire tensile failure or for weld detachment. The cut pattern can be combined in conjunction with various combinations of confinement rings to allow for precise control over the performance of the Wedge Prop in the Propsetter System.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply having an oxygen sensor for detecting the level of oxygen in the closed environment. The apparatus has a plurality of relays in communication with the sensor. The apparatus has a valve in communication with the relays and the oxygen supply which is automatically opened with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to release oxygen from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes below a first predetermined level and which is automatically closed with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to stop oxygen from being released from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes above a second predetermined level. A method for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply. A refuge chamber.

Abstract: The technology provides increased capability and control over the yield performance of the timber prop, a mine roof support. The new Wedge Prop design includes a cut pattern idealized for the specific wood species used in manufacturing and a set of confinement rings varying in strength due to different failure mechanisms. The cut pattern is based on the diameter of the yellow poplar pole, while the confinement rings consist of multiple types of welds to allow for either wire tensile failure or for weld detachment. The cut pattern can be combined in conjunction with various combinations of confinement rings to allow for precise control over the performance of the Wedge Prop in the Propsetter System.

Abstract: A plug for a void in a mine to divert water having a rigid closed cell foam which fills the void. The rigid closed cell foam having a plurality of pipes disposed within the foam. The pipes distributed throughout the void. The pipes are positioned in the foam so the pipes are staggered in length vertically with respect to various heights in the void, and the pipes are positioned in the foam every 4? to 6? horizontally with respect to the void. Each pipe has a mixing stick. A method for diverting water from a void in a mine.

Abstract: A plug for a void in a mine to divert water having a rigid closed cell foam which fills the void. The rigid closed cell foam having a plurality of pipes disposed within the foam. The pipes distributed throughout the void. The pipes are positioned in the foam so the pipes are staggered in length vertically with respect to various heights in the void, and the pipes are positioned in the foam every 4? to 6? horizontally with respect to the void. Each pipe has a mixing stick. A method for diverting water from a void in a mine.

Abstract: A sheet for forming a floor in a mine or for forming a road on permafrost. A method for making a sheet that is a closed foam celled sheet. A system for making a sheet.

Abstract: A monitor for gases includes a terminal portion that has two states, an output configuration state in which an output signal is sent from the processor to a first device, and an input configuration state in which an input signal is received from a second device.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object having a length has a sensor portion having a wire loop through which electric current runs and creates an electromagnetic field that emanates about the wire loop. The wire loop extending along at least a third of the length of the object. The apparatus has a personal alarm device that is worn by the individual which detects the presence of the magnetic field emanating from the wire loop when the personal alarm device is in the magnetic field and produces a signal indicating the personal alarm device is within the magnetic field. Alternatively, the sensor portion extends from a contiguous boundary up to 500 meters, where the boundary has a geometry that is linear or meandering. A head piece for an individual's head. A method for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object. A field extension module. A proximity device.

Abstract: A plug for a void in a mine to divert water having a rigid closed cell foam which fills the void. The rigid closed cell foam having a plurality of pipes disposed within the foam. The pipes distributed throughout the void. The pipes are positioned in the foam so the pipes are staggered in length vertically with respect to various heights in the void, and the pipes are positioned in the foam every 4? to 6? horizontally with respect to the void. Each pipe has a mixing stick. A method for diverting water from a void in a mine.

Abstract: A plug for a void in a mine to divert water having a rigid closed cell foam which fills the void. The rigid closed cell foam having a plurality of pipes disposed within the foam. The pipes distributed throughout the void. The pipes are positioned in the foam so the pipes are staggered in length vertically with respect to various heights in the void, and the pipes are positioned in the foam every 4? to 6? horizontally with respect to the void. A method for diverting water from a void in a mine.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object having a length has a sensor portion having a wire loop through which electric current runs and creates an electromagnetic field that emanates about the wire loop. The wire loop extending along at least a third of the length of the object. The apparatus has a personal alarm device that is worn by the individual which detects the presence of the magnetic field emanating from the wire loop when the personal alarm device is in the magnetic field and produces a signal indicating the personal alarm device is within the magnetic field. Alternatively, the sensor portion extends from a contiguous boundary up to 500 meters, where the boundary has a geometry that is linear or meandering. A head piece for an individual's head. A method for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object. A field extension module. A proximity device.

Abstract: A plug for a void in a mine to divert water having a rigid closed cell foam which fills the void. The rigid closed cell foam having a plurality of tremie pipes disposed within the foam. The tremie pipes distributed throughout the void. The tremie pipes are positioned in the foam so the pipes are staggered in length vertically with respect to various heights in the void, and the tremie pipes are positioned in the foam every 4? to 6? horizontally with respect to the void. Each tremie pipe has a mixing stick. A method for diverting water from a void in a mine.

Abstract: A communication system in a mine having a data network, a wireless network and a plurality of nodes. A communication node of a data network and a wireless network in a mine. A method for communicating in a mine.

Abstract: The technology provides increased capability and control over the yield performance of the timber prop, a mine roof support. The new Wedge Prop design includes a cut pattern idealized for the specific wood species used in manufacturing and a set of confinement rings varying in strength due to different failure mechanisms. The cut pattern is based on the diameter of the yellow poplar pole, while the confinement rings consist of multiple types of welds to allow for either wire tensile failure or for weld detachment. The cut pattern can be combined in conjunction with various combinations of confinement rings to allow for precise control over the performance of the Wedge Prop in the Propsetter System.

Abstract: A monitor for gases and a mine includes a housing. The monitor includes a battery disposed in the housing. The monitor includes a gas sensor portion powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which detects a first gas and at least a second gas different from the first gas in the mine. The monitor includes an alarm portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery which emits a visual alert and an audible alert when the gas sensor portion senses that either the first or second gas is above a predetermined threshold. The monitor includes a wireless communication portion disposed in the housing, powered by the battery and in electrical communication with the battery and the sensor portion, which sends a wireless signal from the housing that the gas sensor portion has sensed of either the first or second gas.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels having a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. A method of a telecommunications system for a mine. A method of a Wifi node for a mine. A Wifi node for a mine. An apparatus for holding an object in a mine.

Abstract: A telecommunications system for a mine with tunnels having a plurality of nodes disposed in the tunnels in the mine which provides communication through WiFi with devices in the mine. Each node having a housing defining an enclosure, a first radio with a first antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a first direction relative to the node, a second radio with a second antenna disposed at least partially in the enclosure within the housing directed for communication in a second direction essentially opposite the first direction, and a power supply in electrical communication with the first and second radios to power the first and second radios. A method of a telecommunications system for a mine. A method of a Wifi node for a mine. A Wifi node for a mine. An apparatus for holding an object in a mine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply having an oxygen sensor for detecting the level of oxygen in the closed environment. The apparatus has a plurality of relays in communication with the sensor. The apparatus has a valve in communication with the relays and the oxygen supply which is automatically opened with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to release oxygen from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes below a first predetermined level and which is automatically closed with the relays without human interaction, monitoring and adjustment to stop oxygen from being released from the oxygen supply into the environment when the level of oxygen in the environment goes above a second predetermined level. A method for controlling a level of oxygen in a closed environment from an oxygen supply. A refuge chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object having a length has a sensor portion having a wire loop through which electric current runs and creates an electromagnetic field that emanates about the wire loop. The wire loop extending along at least a third of the length of the object. The apparatus has a personal alarm device that is worn by the individual which detects the presence of the magnetic field emanating from the wire loop when the personal alarm device is in the magnetic field and produces a signal indicating the personal alarm device is within the magnetic field. Alternatively, the sensor portion extends from a contiguous boundary up to 500 meters, where the boundary has a geometry that is linear or meandering. A head piece for an individual's head. A method for identifying when an individual is in proximity to an object. A field extension module. A proximity device.