Apparatus, system, and method for supporting a gate entry for underground full extraction mining
First Claim
1. An apparatus for supporting a gate entry for underground full extraction mining, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry;
a controller in communication with the support member, the controller configured to extend the support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor;
a vehicle connected to the support member and controller, the vehicle configured to move the support member in response to a motive force acting on the vehicle; and
wherein the support member, controller, and vehicle are independent of a mining face conveyor.
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Abstract
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting a gate entry or a connecting entry. The apparatus includes a support member, a controller, and a vehicle. The support member is configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry. The controller communicates with the support member to extend the support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor. The vehicle is connected to the support member and controller and moves the support member in response to a motive force. The support member, controller, and vehicle can operate and move independent of a mining face conveyor. The present invention is reusable, provides for mine roof and mine floor support as well as support of gate entry walls. The present invention has a minimal width profile to provide support while minimizing interference with the airflow within the gate entry. In addition, the present invention forms an access passage for personnel, equipment, and airflow that remains safely open during full extraction mining operations even as load abutments shift due to full extraction mining.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for supporting a gate entry for underground full extraction mining, the apparatus comprising:
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a support member configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry;
a controller in communication with the support member, the controller configured to extend the support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor;
a vehicle connected to the support member and controller, the vehicle configured to move the support member in response to a motive force acting on the vehicle; and
wherein the support member, controller, and vehicle are independent of a mining face conveyor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for supporting a gate entry for underground full extraction mining, the system comprising:
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a hydraulic support member configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry;
a controller in electrical communication with the hydraulic support member, the controller configured to extend the hydraulic support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the hydraulic support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor; and
a stage loader positioned within the gate entry and coupled to the hydraulic support member, the stage loader configured to move the hydraulic support member in response to advancement of longwall face end shields during an extraction mining operation. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for supporting a gate entry for underground full extraction mining, the method comprising:
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positioning a movable support apparatus within a gate entry to form an access passage between opposing gate entry walls, the movable support apparatus comprising;
a support member configured to selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry;
a controller in communication with the support member, the controller configured to extend the support member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor;
a vehicle connected to the support member and controller, the vehicle configured to move the support member in response to a motive force acting on the vehicle;
wherein the support member, controller, and vehicle are independent of a mining face conveyor;
conducting full extraction mining operations such that loading forces acting on the gate entry change as full extraction mining operations are conducted; and
re-positioning the movable support apparatus within the gate entry in response to commands from the controller such that the access passage remains substantially unblocked during full extraction mining operations. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification