Abstract: A feed rail for a rock drill is composed of two segments, a first beam defining a first rail segment and a second beam defining a second rail segment. The second beam may be detachably connected to the first beam so that the second beam can be removed altogether from the first beam. This invention enables the feed rail to be shortened, thereby making the feed rail much easier to maneuver in mines.

Abstract: A foldable feed rail for a rock drill is composed of two segments, a first beam defining a first rail segment and a second beam defining a second rail segment. The second beam may be pivotally connected to the first beam with a hinge to enable the second beam to be folded relative to the first beam. Alternatively, the second beam can be detachably connected to the first beam so that the second beam can be removed altogether from the first beam. This invention enables the feed rail to be shortened, thereby making the feed rail much easier to maneuver in mines.

Abstract: A device for joining two spaced confronting fixed ends of two adjacent rails which are misregistered in a vertical, a horizontal or a longitudinal direction without forming a step therebetween. In one form the joint device includes a universal joint rail 1C disposed between two spaced fixed ends 2A, 2B and joined with them via universal joints 5. In another form, the joint device includes an expansion joint rail 3A disposed longitudinally between the fixed ends via a longitudinally movable connecting bar 8 and a resilient member 10.

Abstract: A safety device is provided which includes a guide rail having a C-shaped profile wherein a carriage can be inserted in or removed from the guide rail. The guide rail includes a piece of rail with the same profile as the guide rail that is laterally pivotable about an axis. The piece of rail can pivot to both a closed position where it is aligned with the guide rail, and an open position wherein a carriage may be inserted therein. The axis is located beneath the center of the piece of rail so that a carriage can be inserted in, or removed from the piece of rail only from the top and cannot drop out the bottom. The piece of rail's laterally pivotable motion is limited to the minimum required for inserting a carriage into the piece of rail. A locking plate is displaceably mounted within the guide rail. The locking plate is displaceable between a locking position and a release position.

Abstract: An improved portable traction track for a vehicle driving wheel which is characterized by a plurality of base sections flexibly connected to one another to form an elongate strip adapted to be pulled under a rotating driving wheel. Each of the base sections include transversely spaced vertical side walls which have longitudinally spaced edges which are disposed in predetermined angular relationship to the edges of the immediately adjacent side walls in a decreasing angular relationship from the front toward the rear of the strip. The edges of the side walls are also provided with locking features such that upon flexing of the base sections in one direction, the side sections engage one another to permit only predetermined amount of flexing of that portion of the strip. This construction provides a bridge effect as the vehicle wheel rotates and pulls the strip under the wheel to the point at which the wheel is driven out of the rut in which it is stuck.