Abstract: An apparatus is for installing support for a surface of a mine passage, such as a mine roof, using an object, such as a roof bolt. The apparatus includes a driver adapted to advance toward the surface for driving the object into the surface. A gripper includes first and second arms for gripping the object in a deployed position, such as upper and lower arms. The arms are linked such that engagement by one of the arms with the driver during advance causes the arms to retract towards each other (downwardly, for example, in the case of the upper arm, and upwardly, for example, in the case of the lower arm). Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous roof bolter includes a material handling system having a storage pod with a plurality of spaced, fixed holders, each receiving at least one of a plurality of roof bolts. A guidance system may automatically guide the roof bolter to a location for installing a roof bolt, such as by using a manipulator for retrieving the roof bolt from the storage pod and delivering it to a drill mast. The guidance provided by the guidance system may be distance or direction. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An autonomous roof bolter includes a material handling system having a storage pod with a plurality of spaced, fixed holders, each receiving at least one of a plurality of roof bolts. A guidance system may automatically guide the roof bolter to a location for installing a roof bolt, such as by using a manipulator for retrieving the roof bolt from the storage pod and delivering it to a drill mast. The guidance provided by the guidance system may be distance or direction. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of an adapter for forming a connection comprising a first part adapted for coupling with a second part by a quick-release coupling formed by a first projection of the first part having an at least partial dovetail shape and a recess of the second part having an at least partial dovetail shape. An opening in the recess is adapted for receiving the projection in an axial direction. In other embodiments, the adapter is: (1) frictionally enhanced for engaging an internal portion of the drilling element; (2) includes a radial projection elongated in an axial direction for engaging the internal portion of the one drilling element; and/or (3) has a cutter for scoring an internal portion of the one drilling element upon being inserted therein and rotated. An adapter is also disclosed for use with a drill check, including for creating a “twist lock” connection.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of an adapter for forming a connection comprising a first part adapted for coupling with a second part by a quick-release coupling formed by a first projection of the first part having an at least partial dovetail shape and a recess of the second part having an at least partial dovetail shape. An opening in the recess is adapted for receiving the projection in an axial direction. In other embodiments, the adapter is: (1) frictionally enhanced for engaging an internal portion of the drilling element; (2) includes a radial projection elongated in an axial direction for engaging the internal portion of the one drilling element; and/or (3) has a cutter for scoring an internal portion of the one drilling element upon being inserted therein and rotated. An adapter is also disclosed for use with a drill chuck, including for creating a “twist lock” connection.

Abstract: An autonomous roof bolter includes a material handling system having a storage pod with a plurality of spaced, fixed holders, each receiving at least one of a plurality of roof bolts. A guidance system may automatically guide the roof bolter to a location for installing a roof bolt, such as by using a manipulator for retrieving the roof bolt from the storage pod and delivering it to a drill mast. The guidance provided by the guidance system may be distance or direction. Related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of an adapter for forming a connection comprising a first part adapted for coupling with a second part by a quick-release coupling formed by a first projection of the first part having an at least partial dovetail shape and a recess of the second part having an at least partial dovetail shape. An opening in the recess is adapted for receiving the projection in an axial direction. In other embodiments, the adapter is: (1) frictionally enhanced for engaging an internal portion of the drilling element; (2) includes a radial projection elongated in an axial direction for engaging the internal portion of the one drilling element; and/or (3) has a cutter for scoring an internal portion of the one drilling element upon being inserted therein and rotated. An adapter is also disclosed for use with a drill chuck, including for creating a “twist lock” connection.

Abstract: A system for securing different first and second drill tools to a drill head including a socket is provided. The system includes a chuck adapted for positioning at least partially within the socket of the drill head, the chuck including a first opening for receiving the first drill tool. An adapter is configured for forming a selective locking engagement within the first opening of the chuck, the adapter including a second opening for receiving the second drill tool. The selective locking engagement may comprise a “twist lock” engagement, and the adapter may be arranged for receiving a roof bolt. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for securing different first and second drill tools to a drill head including a socket is provided. The system includes a chuck adapted for positioning at least partially within the socket of the drill head, the chuck including a first opening for receiving the first drill tool. An adapter is configured for forming a selective locking engagement within the first opening of the chuck, the adapter including a second opening for receiving the second drill tool. The selective locking engagement may comprise a “twist lock” engagement, and the adapter may be arranged for receiving a roof bolt. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding materials for use in connection with a mining machine and for being transported to or from the mining machine by a vehicle. The apparatus may comprise a pod including a base portion having a floor for supporting the materials. The pod may further include a connector adapted for connecting with the vehicle for transporting the pod to and from the mining machine. A vehicle having a receiver for receiving a portion of the pod includes a latch for latching with the connector. The pod may also have a tapered lower portion for creating a space with the floor for receiving a lifter, such as a bucket on a hauler or the like.

Abstract: A towing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a passage, such as a walkway through a roof bolter. The apparatus includes a towing implement adapted for spanning the passage in an operative condition and for exposing the passage in a stowed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus applies mesh from a roll to a face of a mine passage. A spindle is adapted for supporting the roll of mesh. An arm supporting the spindle extends in a generally vertical direction and is adapted for rotation about an axis aligned with a direction of elongation of the mine passage such that the spindle traverses a path for applying the mesh from the roll to the face. A mast independent of the arm carries a drill head for drilling into the face of the mine passage. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A towing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a passage, such as a walkway through a roof bolter. The apparatus includes a towing implement adapted for spanning the passage in an operative condition and for exposing the passage in a stowed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus applies mesh from a roll to a face of a mine passage. A spindle is adapted for supporting the roll of mesh. An arm supporting the spindle extends in a generally vertical direction and is adapted for rotation about an axis aligned with a direction of elongation of the mine passage such that the spindle traverses a path for applying the mesh from the roll to the face. A mast independent of the arm carries a drill head for drilling into the face of the mine passage. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for handling a roll of mesh for application to one or more faces of an underground mine passage includes a dispenser for supporting the roll of mesh for application to at least one face of the mine passage, as well as at least one arm for supporting the mesh adjacent to the face upon being dispensed from the dispenser. The arm is capable of flexing in providing this support to provide tension to the mesh during the application from the roll to the at least one face of the mine passage. The dispenser may include a cradle for dispensing the mesh from the roll. The cradle may include a base for supporting the roll of mesh and at least one laterally extendable support for supporting a first lateral side of the roll of mesh. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for assisting in mounting a wear pad to a drilling machine. A gib is split longitudinally into at least first and second portions creating a channel for receiving the wear pad. A portion of the wear pad may include a tenon, such as a dovetail, corresponding to the channel, or mortise. A fastener may be used to fasten the first and second portions of the gib together. In this configuration, the wear pad may be removed in a longitudinal direction or otherwise by separating the first and second portions of the gib.

Abstract: A drilling or bolting unit for selective use with either a vehicle or a panline of a face conveyor associated with a longwall miner or mining machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the unit comprises a base adapted for engaging the panline and a plurality of receivers. Each receiver may be adapted for receiving one of the pair of forks of the vehicle, such that the unit may be used as either a panline drilling or bolting unit or as a utility drilling or bolting unit with the vehicle apart from the panline. Related methods are also described.