Mine tunnel support systems

Abstract

A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. Each section includes at least one bearing member which, when the section is in the first, loaded state, bears against the roof of the tunnel. Drive means are provided for changing the location of each support section when in the non-loaded state. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding by bringing each section sequentially into the non-loaded state, commencing with that at the rear, moving the section with the drive means into proximity with the next forward section, and thereafter returning the section to the loaded state. Bolting machines may be carried on the support sections. A drill may be provided on one section and a bolt inserter provided on a section rearwardly thereof. As the system is advanced, the bolt inserter can insert a bolt into a hole previously formed by the drill. The operation of providing roof bolts is therefore split into a number of stages. A mechanism for erecting and/or pre-stressing permanent arch supports may be provided at the rear of the sections.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.