Methods and apparatus for rock dusting mine tunnels

A method for spreading rock dust in an underground mine, said mine having a permanent conveyor system within the mine, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) placing a substantially even layer of rock dust on the portion of the permanent conveyor which runs within the portion of said underground mine which is to be coated with rock dust;
• (b) providing a rock dust spreading apparatus, said apparatus comprising self-contained engine means, a plurality of wheels, means for placing said engine means in communication with at least one of said wheels such that the wheels can be selectively rotated, blower means, means for placing said blower means in communication with said engine means such that said blower means can be selectively driven by said engine means whereby a flow of air is produced, means for directing said flow of air such that rock dust is propelled by said flow of air in a predetermined direction;
• (c) placing the apparatus on the conveyor and causing the apparatus to move along the conveyor such that the apparatus travels over the rock dust;
• and
• (d) directing the blower means such that rock dust is propelled from the conveyor onto the walls of the tunnel.

An apparatus for dispersing rock dust in an underground tunnel comprising:

• a frame;
• an engine securely attached to the frame;
• a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the frame;
• means for placing the engine in communication with at least one of said wheels such that said wheels can be selectively rotated in order to drive the apparatus;
• means for controlling the direction of travel of the apparatus;
• and
• blower means securely attached to the frame, said blower means being placed in communication with said engine and being capable of propelling rock dust in a predetermined direction such that rock dust disposed upon a conveyor belt located beneath the apparatus is propelled onto the walls of the underground tunnel.

A rock dusting apparatus for use in rock dusting mine tunnels containing a conveyor system, said conveyor system having a conveyor belt which forms a trough, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame;
• means for propelling the apparatus securely attached to said frame;
• means for controlling the direction of travel of the apparatus comprising at least one wheel attached to the frame in such a manner that the wheel turns in response to the path defined by the trough of the conveyor belt;
• and
• blower means for propelling rock dust disposed on the conveyor belt onto the walls of the mine tunnel.

An apparatus for use in rock dusting mine tunnels containing a conveyor system, said conveyor system having a conveyor belt which forms a trough, said apparatus comprising:

• a frame;
• a diesel engine securely attached to said frame;
• two rear drive wheels rotatably attached to the frame;
• at least one front wheel attached to said frame in such a manner as to change direction in response to a change in the path of the trough of the conveyor belt;
• transmission means for placing the diesel engine in communication with the rear drive wheels;
• and
• blower means comprising a fan which is in communication with, and driven by, said diesel engine, said blower means further comprising at least one air dam configured such that air driven by said fan exits said blower means in a predetermined direction.