Abstract: A method of and apparatus for applying a succession of strips of mat to the roof of an underground mine working wherein the strips are applied by an applicator means mounted on a mining machine or other transporter means, and the lateral position of the applicator means is adjustable relatively to the mining machine or transporter means so that, despite lateral deviations of the latter when the mat is undergoing laying, each newly laid strip of mat can be brought into the desired lateral position with the nearer edges of the newly applied strip of mat and the last applied strip of mat is proximate relation. A sensing means providing an electrical output representative of the position of the last applied strip of mat serves through control means to control the operation of a pressure fluid double-acting piston and cylinder forming an actuating means for adjusting the lateral position of the mat applicator.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a recording apparatus for recording video and/or audio signals received in a television and/or radio receiver wherein a data carrier having one or more command tracks associated with a time track and preferably one or more information tracks, is marked by the user in the command tracks to identify programs to be recorded, and the data carrier is scanned along the or each command track in conformity with elapse of time during the day to generate signals for switching on the receiver and selecting the appropriate receiver channel. The invention also includes provision of a data carrier having said tracks. The invention also includes an apparatus comprising scanning means having sensors for sensor user markings in respective command tracks, and switch circuit means responsive to sensor output to switch on the receiver and select appropriate channels.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in supporting the roof of an underground mine working over a zone exposed by the passage of a mining machine along an upwardly extending face of the working and by which a flexible mat is applied to the roof which has been newly exposed, such apparatus comprising an applicator means for applying a strip of flexible roof mat drawn off from a store in a position such that it extends with its length running longitudinally of the newly exposed zone, means for releasably mounting said applicator means in an operative position of use on said mining machine and transfer means for moving said applicator means out of said position of use at such times as are required to a further position.

Abstract: Fastening means for mechanically fastening adjacent portions of mat material for application to the undersurface of a roof of a mine working and comprising a plurality of projecting elements for penetrating the mat material and base means connecting and spacing said projecting elements in longitudinal succession.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a recording apparatus for recording video and/or audio signals received in a television and/or radio receiver wherein a data carrier having one or more command tracks associated with a time track and preferably one or more information tracks, is marked by the user in the command tracks to identify programmes to be recorded, and the data carrier is scanned along the or each command track in conformity with elapse of time during the day to generate signals for switching on the receiver and selecting the appropriate receiver channel. The invention also includes provision of a data carrier having said tracks. The invention also includes an apparatus comprising scanning means having sensors for sensor user markings in respective command tracks, and switch circuit means responsive to sensor output to switch on the receiver and select appropriate channels.

Abstract: A method of applying a protective wire mesh mat to the undersurface of the roof of an underground mine working and apparatus for applying such mat wherein a coil of the mat is carried on a supporting spindle and is paid out against the undersurface of the roof through a vertically convergent passageway defined by upper and lower jaw plates of an applicator. The applicator has an open side through which the margin of the last applied strip passes so as to be in overlapped or edge to edge relation with the mat strip undergoing application. A coil of fastening strip incorporating staple-like fastening elements is also carried by the apparatus and paid out through the applicator passageway in overlapped relation with the two mat strips and is caused by the convergence of the jaw members firstly to penetrate the two mat strips and then undergo downward bending of the prongs of the staple-like fastening elements before passing out of the exit of the convergent passageway.