Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a frame having a top end and a bottom end, a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end, a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block, and a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator. The stopper being operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position with the stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.

Abstract: A steel set assembly includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs with the first pair of legs being spaced from and positioned opposite the second pair of legs. First and second beams are provided with the first beam being secured to one leg of the first pair of legs and one leg of the second pair of legs. The second beam is secured to the other leg of the first pair of legs and the other leg of the second pair of legs. A panel is secured to the first and second beams and includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad. The block is secured to the base and the pad is positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block.

Abstract: A cable bolt button comprising a continuous sidewall having a first end, a second end and an end portion attached to the first end of the sidewall, forming an inner cavity. The cable bolt button forms an interference fit between the sidewall of the cable bolt button and a cable bolt when the button is placed over the distal end of the cable bolt. The cable bolt button may also include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the end portion away from the inner cavity and/or at least one recess. The protrusions may be separate features of the end portion or the first end of the sidewall may have a non-linear profile with the periphery of the end portion following the profile of the sidewall to form the protrusions and recesses. The end portion may also comprise a plurality of intersecting surfaces further shaping the protrusions and recesses.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a housing having a threaded rod engaging section. The threaded rod engaging section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship to, the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end. The passageway has a threaded portion extending from the first end of the passageway toward the second end. A stop member is positioned spaced from the first open end of the passageway. With this arrangement, the end of the threaded rod passes through the space between the first open end of the passageway and the stop member into engagement with the stop member, whereby all of the threads of the threaded portion of the passageway are in engagement with the threads of the threaded bar.

Abstract: A mine roof and rib support includes a curved support member comprising a roof support arm and a rib support arm with a curved junction portion between the roof support arm and the rib support arm and an aperture defined through the support member for receiving a mine roof bolt. A bearing plate having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a through-hole provided therebetween can be provided wherein the upper and lower edges are positioned in abutment with the roof and rib support arms, respectively. Also, a mine roof and rib support may include a curved support member comprising a roof support arm and a rib support arm and a curved junction portion between the roof and rib support arms, wherein the roof support arm defines the aperture for receiving a mine roof bolt that may extend substantially vertically through the through-hole and the roof support arm aperture.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a cable engaging section. The cable receiving section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship, to the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end, wherein the passageway has a cone-shaped portion having a decreasing diameter as the distance from the first end of the passageway increases to receive a wedge shaped cable retention assembly. The surface of the intermediate section includes a cut out portion that extends from the first opening of the passageway toward the bolt receiving section and terminating at a riser. A locking tube has one end in the passageway in facing relationship to the retention assembly and the other end in engagement with the riser to prevent the retention assembly from moving out of the first opening of the passageway.

Abstract: A cable bolt button comprising a continuous sidewall having a first end, a second end and an end portion attached to the first end of the sidewall, forming an inner cavity. The cable bolt button forms an interference fit between the sidewall of the cable bolt button and a cable bolt when the button is placed over the distal end of the cable bolt. The cable bolt button may also include a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the end portion away from the inner cavity and/or at least one recess. The protrusions may be separate features of the end portion or the first end of the sidewall may have a non-linear profile with the periphery of the end portion following the profile of the sidewall to form the protrusions and recesses. The end portion may also comprise a plurality of intersecting surfaces further shaping the protrusions and recesses.

Abstract: A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a cable engaging section. The cable receiving section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship, to the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end, wherein the passageway has a cone-shaped portion having a decreasing diameter as the distance from the first end of the passageway increases to receive a wedge shaped cable retention assembly. The surface of the intermediate section includes a cut out portion that extends from the first opening of the passageway toward the bolt receiving section and terminating at a riser. A locking tube has one end in the passageway in facing relationship to the retention assembly and the other end in engagement with the riser to prevent the retention assembly from moving out of the first opening of the passageway.

Abstract: A steel set assembly includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs with the first pair of legs being spaced from and positioned opposite the second pair of legs. First and second beams are provided with the first beam being secured to one leg of the first pair of legs and one leg of the second pair of legs. The second beam is secured to the other leg of the first pair of legs and the other leg of the second pair of legs. A panel is secured to the first and second beams and includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad. The block is secured to the base and the pad is positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block.