Abstract: An air diversion and dust control system for primary use on longwall shearer mining machinery, consisting of directional fluid sprays and passive curtain barriers. The air moving characteristics of fluid sprays are combined with the splitting and blocking characteristics of passive curtain barriers in order to produce an air stream splitting and diversion system which acts to keep dust away from the breathing zone of the machine operator and contained in the area of the coal face until beyond the mining machine. The fluid sprays have a double function in that they both divert and suppress the dust generated during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A mine ventilation system and method are provided for continuously supplying fresher air to an automated mining machine located in a mine heading. A blower attached to a mining machine operates to suck fresher air into the heading from a tunnel with through ventilation and to exhaust the air out of the heading through a collapsible duct. A standby blower is provided which is activated should the machine blower not be functioning for whatever reason. This blower draws fresher air from the tunnel with through ventilation and blows it out through the collapsible duct, in a direction opposite to the normal air flow, and into the heading. The standby blower is located in the tunnel downstream of the heading and has an intake duct with an inlet upstream of the heading.

Abstract: A method of determining the gas leakage through a mine stopping. The mine stopping, whose leakage is to be measured, is set up in a mine. Next, a test barrier is set up in the mine adjacent to the stopping. The volume between these two structures forms a closed test chamber filled with ambient gas. A known trace gas different from the ambient gas or a known contaminating gas is introduced into the chamber and mixed therein. Thereafter, periodic measurements are made of the rate of change in concentration of the tracer gas. Lastly, based upon the measured rate of change in concentration of the tracer gas, the leakage past the mine stopping is determined.

Abstract: A coal mine ventilation system which insures proper ventilation near the working area. The basic system employs a mining machine on which is mounted a panel on a movable frame, a conventional line curtain fixed to the mine floor and roof and located adjacent to the panel, and an air control fluid spray system. Fluid sprays may be mounted on the machine on the opposite the panel to promote airflow towards the mining face. Additional sprays may be mounted on the machine panel to provide an effective barrier between that panel and the fixed line curtain.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid leakage around or through a barrier. In the preferred embodiment, the leakage measured was around a permanent mine stopping. To make the measurements a temporary test stopping with two windows was erected near the permanent stopping under observation. It is not necessary that the test stopping be leak-free. The first of the two windows has a known cross-section area and the second window also has a known cross-section area. To practice our invention, an anemometer is used to measure the flow through the first hole before the second hole or window is opened. Then the flow through this same window is measured when both holes are open. Next, the flow through the second hole is measured when both holes are open. Using these three measurements and the principles of fluid dynamics, the total leakage past the permanent stopping can be mathematically determined.

Abstract: A helical open ended tube is rotated so as to pass an open end successively through two different fluid media. Successive slugs, first one and then the other, of the media are captured, screwed along the length of the tube and retained therein for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mine stopping for underground mines which may be readily mounted within a mine airway to form a gas-tight seal to control the flow of fresh air to the working face of the mine and the efficient exhaust of dirty gas laden air from the working face. The stopping is typically formed of a flexible, gas impervious, fire resistant sheet material provided with means for mounting the same within the interior of the mine. The mounting means embody inherent characteristics of permitting the main body of sheet material to separate from the mine interior walls upon the occurrence of a certain predetermined pressure difference between the opposing major surfaces of the main body of the stopping as may occur by a blasting or underground explosion. Thereby the main body portion of the stopping is not damaged and may be reused.

Abstract: A parachute-type mine stopping used in ventilation control comprises a parachute-like canopy suspended from straps or lines secured to a roof bolt or the like. After the lines are so secured, the stopping is erected by merely lifting the upper edge of the canopy into the airstream in the passage, the airstream causing the canopy to simply "pop" into place. In a preferred embodiment, a skirt is sewn to the peripheral edge of the canopy to improve sealing.