Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

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. The further position may be a position of rest where the applicator apparatus is inactive or it may be a second position of use in which the applicator means is disposed behind same or a further cutting element of the mining machine during traverse of that machine in a direction reversely of that for which the first position of use of the applicator means was appropriate. The transfer means may be in the form of a jib arm which can be moved angularly in horizontal and vertical planes and such jib arm may be provided with gripping means for handling parts of the machine or ancilliary members as well as, or alternatively to, the applicator means.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim