Abstract: A wirelessly-linked RFID tracking system is disclosed herein. The system includes low-power wirelessly-linked RFID readers in communication with a mine radio network to detect and transmit information received from a plurality of RFID tags. The RFID readers transmit tag information to a local server for providing notification and/or alarm information to system users as required under the Miner Act of 2006. The RFID readers may further include environmental sensors to sense and communicate environmental conditions wirelessly. In addition, the optional capability of hi-intensity warning LEDs mounted on the reader devices, may be deployed to alert personnel of an emergency condition even when hundreds of feet away from the device, irrespective of background noise prevalent in mining operations. The disclosed system communicatively links a plurality of wireless RFID readers to each other and/or to the mine radio network to create a data path from an underground environment to a surface environment.

Abstract: A wirelessly-linked RFID tracking system is disclosed herein. The system includes low-power wirelessly-linked RFID readers in communication with a mine radio network to detect and transmit information received from a plurality of RFID tags. The RFID readers transmit tag information to a local server for providing notification and/or alarm information to system users as required under the Miner Act of 2006. The RFID readers may further include environmental sensors to sense and communicate environmental conditions wirelessly. In addition, the optional capability of hi-intensity warning LEDs mounted on the reader devices, may be deployed to alert personnel of an emergency condition even when hundreds of feet away from the device, irrespective of background noise prevalent in mining operations. The disclosed system communicatively links a plurality of wireless RFID readers to each other and/or to the mine radio network to create a data path from an underground environment to a surface environment.

Abstract: A machine that quickly lays a cover over a freshly seeded area and at the same time anchors the cover to the ground. The cover helps prevent moisture from escaping from the ground and holds the seeds in place during watering the area, during heavy rains and/or during wind storms. The ground cover is a blanket in the form of a ribbon of considerable length that is rolled onto a spindle and may consist of straw or the like or the equivalent thereof retained between a pair of porous sheet, mesh or netting members or suitably attached or adhering to single sheet of the same and which preferably is biodegradable. The ribbon is payed out from the spindle as the machine traverses the area to be covered. Apparatus on the machine anchors the laid in place ribbon to the ground as it is placed on the ground by driving pins through the ribbon into the ground and/or by forming and pressing a “V” shape formation in the ribbon an adjustably variable selected depth into the ground.

Abstract: An antenna system for a multi-channel, two-way UHF underground communication includes a base radio station; a non-radiating coaxial cable attached to the transmit/receive connector on said base radio station; radiators affixed to said non-radiating coaxial cable at predetermined intervals along the length thereof, wherein said radiator is insulated from the center conductor of said coaxial cable; and bi-directional amplifiers spaced at predetermined intervals along the length of said coaxial cable.

Abstract: A radio communications system is intended for use by trains in a tunnel. This system includes an antenna subsystem which incorporates a radiating coaxial cable disposed along the length of the tunnel and extending beyond the portals thereof, including surface coverage for transition. Plural bi-directional, in-line amplifiers are inserted along the length of the radiating coaxial cable at predetermined intervals for amplifying the RF signals carried by the radiating coaxial cable. A monitoring repeater and a control repeater are provided along with an interface for joining the two repeaters to the radiating coaxial cable. A monitoring subsystem includes an end-of-train device and a head-of-train device.