Abstract: A mine rib support includes first and second elongate members each having a first end and a second end, a center plate having a body defining a first opening that receives the first elongate member, a second opening that receives the second elongate member, and an installation opening configured to receive a mine bolt, a first end plate defining first and second openings for receiving the first end of the first and second elongate members, respectively, and a second end plate defining first and second openings for receiving the second end of the first and second elongate members, respectively.

Abstract: A bearing plate and a nut and bolt arrangement for use as a rib or roof support for coal mines where the extracted coal is used for powder coal and has a specific gravity in the range of 1.5-1.9, preferably 1.7. The bearing plate has an outer reinforced area surrounding an inner reinforced area. The outer reinforced area has one or more endless rib members and the inner reinforced area has a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are spaced from one another and the first end of each leg encircles a bolthole in a center of the bearing plate to receive the bolt of the nut and bolt assembly. The bearing plate and the nut and bolt assembly are made of fiberglass reinforced plastic.

Abstract: A mine rib support includes first and second elongate members each having a first end and a second end, a center plate having a body defining a first opening that receives the first elongate member, a second opening that receives the second elongate member, and an installation opening configured to receive a mine bolt, a first end plate defining first and second openings for receiving the first end of the first and second elongate members, respectively, and a second end plate defining first and second openings for receiving the second end of the first and second elongate members, respectively.

Abstract: Included is an anti-friction washer system comprising two steel washers coated with a zinc coating that is at least 0.0002 inch thick, the two washers adhered to one another by an adhesive having a melting temperature of 300° F. or less. Also included is a mine roof bolt system comprising: a bolt having a bolt head; a bearing plate; and the above-described anti-friction washer system located between the bearing plate and the bolt head. Also included is a method of manufacturing an anti-friction washer system including providing two zinc-coated washers, depositing a melted thermoplastic adhesive in a plurality of locations circumferentially around one surface of one of the washers, placing the other washer on top of the adhesive, applying pressure to the washers, and cooling the bonded washers.

Abstract: An apparatus for retensioning a loose roof plate held by a roof bolt, includes a main spacer, a washer, and a nut. The main spacer occupies a space between a head of the roof bolt and the loose roof plate, and the main spacer has a threaded circumferential outer surface and a radially extending slot for inserting a shaft of the roof bolt therein. The washer occupies a space between the main spacer and the loose roof plate, and the washer has a radially extending slot for inserting the shaft of the roof bolt therein. The nut has a threaded hole for passing the head of the roof bolt therethrough, for threading onto the threaded spacer and for tightening onto the threaded spacer until the roof plate is firmly pressed against the roof.

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 bearing plate and a nut and bolt arrangement for use as a rib or roof support for coal mines where the extracted coal is used for powder coal and has a specific gravity in the range of 1.5-1.9, preferably 1.7. The bearing plate has an outer reinforced area surrounding an inner reinforced area. The outer reinforced area has one or more endless rib members and the inner reinforced area has a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are spaced from one another and the first end of each leg encircles a bolthole in a center of the bearing plate to receive the bolt of the nut and bolt assembly.