U.S. patent application number 13/524535 was filed with the patent office on 2012-10-04 for mining machine with booms providing enhanced rib access.
Invention is credited to Robert Sherwood Anderson, Steven E. Payne, Henry E. Wilson.
Application Number | 20120247836 13/524535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44167678 |
Filed Date | 2012-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120247836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilson; Henry E. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2012 |
MINING MACHINE WITH BOOMS PROVIDING ENHANCED RIB ACCESS
Abstract
An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an
underground mine passage including ribs and a roof. The apparatus
includes a base and first and second booms pivotally mounted to the
base for swinging toward and away from the adjacent lib. A drill is
mounted to the base independent of the first and second booms. An
actuator including first and second independently movable rods may
be used to move the drill relative to the boom.
Inventors: |
Wilson; Henry E.; (Ironton,
OH) ; Payne; Steven E.; (Portsmouth, OH) ;
Anderson; Robert Sherwood; (Culloden, WV) |
Family ID: |
44167678 |
Appl. No.: |
13/524535 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US2010/060375 |
Dec 15, 2010 |
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13524535 |
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61286587 |
Dec 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
175/57 ;
175/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21D 20/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/57 ;
175/203 |
International
Class: |
E21B 15/00 20060101
E21B015/00; E21D 20/00 20060101 E21D020/00; E21B 7/00 20060101
E21B007/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an
underground mine passage including ribs and a roof, comprising: a
base; first and second booms pivotally mounted to the base for
swinging toward and away from the adjacent rib; and a drill mounted
to the base independent of the first and second booms.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second booms
each carry another drill.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the drill lies between the
first and second booms.
4. The apparatus of any of claim 1, wherein one of the first and
second booms comprises a first operator's station adjacent the
first drill, said operator's station adapted to allow the operator
to access the rib when positioned on the operator's station without
interference from the boom.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the operator's station is at
least partially positioned between a first plane extending
generally parallel to the rib and a second plane aligned with an
adjacent face of the boom.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the operator's station
includes a platform for supporting the operator arranged at least
partially between a generally vertical plane aligned with the
second lateral side and the rib.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the operator's station extends
across a central longitudinal axis of the boom to the second
lateral side of the boom.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the operator's station
includes a platform for supporting the operator in a standing
position, and an upper surface of the boom is lower than a top of
the operator's shoulder.
9. The apparatus of claim 4, further including a vehicle having a
walkway with an exit end adjacent to the platform of the operator's
station.
10. The apparatus of any of claim 4, wherein the operator's station
further includes a shield for at least partially shielding the
operator from a face of the mine passage.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the shield is adapted to
prevent the operator from exiting the platform in a direction of
the rib.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a disable switch is
associated with the shield.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the disable switch is
connected to a lever pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the
shield.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for raising
or lowering the boom.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for moving
the drill relative to the boom.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for moving
comprises an actuator including first and second independently
movable rods.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second boom includes a
second operator's station accessible from the walkway.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further including a turret for
mounting a drill to the distal end of at least one of the first or
second booms.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said first or second
booms includes a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a
second end adapted for swinging outwardly from the base from a
first home position to a second extended position closer to an
adjacent rib than at the home position, and returning to a third
stowed position farther from the adjacent rib than at the home
position.
20. An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in a
mine passage including a rib and a roof, comprising: a base; a boom
mounted to the base; an actuator for moving the boom relative to
the base, said actuator including a first extensible rod having a
first end mounted to the base and a second extensible rod having a
second end mounted to the boom.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, further including a first pair of
ports for directing fluid for extending or retracting the first
rod.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, further including a second pair of
ports for directing fluid for extending or retracting the second
rod.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first rod is shorter
than the second rod.
24. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first rod is arranged to
extend a first maximum distance from a housing of the actuator that
is less than a second maximum distance that the second rod may
extend from the housing.
25. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first and second rods
are independently actuated.
26. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein a first control for
controlling the first rod is mounted on the base, and a second
control for controlling the second rod is mounted on a boom
associated with the base.
27. A mine roof bolter including the apparatus of claim 20.
28. A method for forming boreholes in a mine passage including an
adjacent rib and a roof, comprising: providing a vehicle including
a first pivotably mounted boom carrying a first drill and a second
pivotally mounted boom carrying a second drill, each boom including
a station adapted for receiving an operator, and providing the
vehicle with a third drill independent of the first and second
drills of the first and second booms.
29. The method of claim 28, further including simultaneously
drilling the rib or roof using the first, second, and third
drills.
30. A method of operating an apparatus for forming boreholes in a
mine passage, comprising: providing a base having a boom; moving
the boom from a stowed to a home position by moving a first rod of
an actuator in a first direction; and moving the boom to an
operative position by moving a second rod of an actuator in the
first direction.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of moving the boom to
the home position comprises extending the first and second
rods.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of moving the boom to
the operative position comprises retracting the first and second
rods.
33. The method of claim 30, wherein the step of moving the boom to
the operative position comprises retracting the first rod before
retracting the second rod.
34. The method of claim 30, where the step of moving the boom to
the home position comprises moving the first rod using a first
control on a base of the apparatus and the step of moving the boom
to the operative position comprises moving the second rod using a
second control on a boom mounted to the base.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/286,587, filed Dec. 15, 2009, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the mining arts and, more
particularly, to a mining machine and methods for installing
support in a mine passage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During underground mining, it is a requirement for purposes
of safety as well as federal law to install support to the roof of
a passage at various intervals. This is often done using a mining
machine known in the vernacular as a "roof" bolter. Typically, such
a roof bolter is capable of both forming (drilling) boreholes and
then installing roof anchors or "bolts" in the boreholes.
[0004] Bolters sometimes include an elongated boom for raising and
lowering an attached bolting module, which incorporates a drill for
forming the borehole for receiving the bolt or anchor. Sometimes,
these booms are unmanned. However, in some cases they include an
onboard station designed to support the operator of the bolting
module.
[0005] In such cases where an operator station is provided, it has
in the past been the case that the elongated boom is positioned
between the operator and the corresponding rib of the mine passage
to protect the operator from lateral hazards, such as rib rolls.
From this position the boom serves as an obstacle that prevents the
operator from easily and efficiently accessing the rib, such as to
install the resin or bolt in the borehole once formed. As a result,
it has in the past been proposed to use mechanical systems for
installing the resin and bolts in the rib, but this increases the
complexity and cost of the resulting bolting module.
[0006] A boom arrangement carrying an operator station adapted for
installing support in the rib of a mine passage addresses the
above-identified need (see, e.g., U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/559,933, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference). This boom arrangement affords an operator positioned at
the station easy access to the rib for drilling a borehole,
inserting resin in the borehole, and installing an anchor, such as
a bolt. Despite the enhanced access provided by this boom
arrangement, the area of coverage may be further increased to
maximize efficiency of the bolting operation.
[0007] Accordingly, a need is identified for a bolting apparatus
having a boom arrangement utilizing multiple heads adapted for
drilling boreholes and installing bolts or anchors therein to
increase the efficiency of the bolting operation. Further, a need
is identified for a cylinder assembly for use in moving the boom
arrangement, which prevents the operator from moving the boom to an
undesirable position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus
for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an underground mine
passage including ribs and a roof. The apparatus has a base and
first and second booms pivotally mounted to the base for swinging
toward and away from an adjacent rib. A drill is mounted to the
base independent of the first and second booms. The drill may be
positioned between the first and second booms. Furthermore, the
first and second booms may each carry another drill.
[0009] In one embodiment, one of the first and second booms has a
proximal end mounted to the base, a distal end opposite the
proximal end, a first lateral side adjacent the rib and a second
lateral side opposite the first lateral side. A first support is
supported by the boom near the distal end and is adapted for
drilling into the rib of the mine passage. A first operator's
station carried by the boom adjacent the first drill is adapted to
allow the operator to access the rib when positioned on the
operator's station without interference from the boom. Further, a
cylinder assembly including first and second independently movable
rods may be used to move the drill relative to the boom.
[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an apparatus
for use by an operator in forming boreholes in a mine passage
including a rib and a roof includes a base and a boom mounted to
the base. The apparatus also includes a cylinder assembly with a
first rod having a first end mounted to the base and a second rod
having a second end mounted to the boom. The apparatus may include
a first and second pair of ports for directing fluid for extending
or retracting the first rod and the second rod, respectively.
Preferably, the first rod is shorter than the second rod and the
first and second rods are independently actuated.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a
method for forming boreholes in a mine passage including an
adjacent rib and a roof is disclosed. The method includes: (1)
providing a vehicle including two pivotably mounted booms, each
carrying a drill and including a station adapted for receiving an
operator; and (2) providing the vehicle with a drill independent of
the booms.
[0012] A further aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of
operating an apparatus for forming boreholes in a mine passage. The
method includes: (1) providing a base having a boom; (2) moving the
boom from a stowed to a home position by moving a first rod of a
cylinder assembly in a first direction; and (3) moving the boom to
an operative position by moving a second rod of the cylinder
assembly in the first direction.
[0013] Preferably, the step of moving the boom to the home position
comprises extending the first and second rods, while the step of
moving the boom to the operative position comprises retracting the
first and second rods. In addition, the step of moving the boom to
the operative position comprises retracting the first rod before
retracting the second rod. Finally, the step of moving the boom to
the home position comprises moving the first rod using a first
control on a base of the apparatus and the step of moving the boom
to the operative position comprises moving the second rod using a
second control on a boom mounted to the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1a is a top plan view of a boom specially adapted for
installing support in the rib of a mine passage;
[0015] FIG. 1b is a side view of the boom of FIG. 1a;
[0016] FIG. 2a is a side view of the boom of FIGS. 1a and 1b,
showing the drill oriented toward the rib;
[0017] FIG. 2b is a front perspective view of the boom of FIG.
2a;
[0018] FIG. 2c is a top plan view of the boom of FIG. 2b;
[0019] FIG. 3a is a partially cutaway, rear perspective view of the
operator's station of the boom;
[0020] FIG. 3b is a cutaway side view showing a portion of the
operator's station;
[0021] FIG. 4a is a top plan view of a vehicle incorporating dual
booms;
[0022] FIG. 4b is a partially cutaway rear view of the vehicle of
FIG. 4a, showing a walkway leading to the operator's station of the
boom;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a vehicle incorporating
dual swinging booms mounted thereon;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 5 wherein
the dual swinging booms are in an extended position;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of a vehicle incorporating dual
swinging booms wherein the booms are mounted for being raised in
the vertical direction;
[0026] FIG. 8a is a perspective view of one of the dual swinging
booms in an extended position;
[0027] FIG. 8b is a top view of one of the dual swinging booms in
an extended position;
[0028] FIG. 8c is a side view of one of the dual swinging booms in
an extended position;
[0029] FIG. 8d is a side view of one of the dual swinging booms in
a retracted position;
[0030] FIG. 9a is a top view of the boom in a parked position with
both of the rods of the cylinder assembly in a fully extended
position;
[0031] FIG. 9b is a top view of the boom in a starting position
with one of the rods of the cylinder assembly in a fully retracted
position;
[0032] FIG. 9c is a top view of the boom in a maximum swing
position with both of the rods of the cylinder assembly in a fully
retracted position;
[0033] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of a cylinder assembly for
use in moving at least one of the booms;
[0034] FIG. 10b is a side view of the cylinder assembly in the
position illustrated in FIG. 9a;
[0035] FIG. 10c is a side view of the cylinder assembly in the
position illustrated in FIG. 9b; and
[0036] FIG. 10d is a side view of the cylinder assembly in the
position illustrated in FIG. 9c.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Reference is now made to FIG. 1a, which is a top view
illustrating one embodiment of a boom 10 for proposed use in or on
a mining machine, such as one commonly referred to as a "roof"
bolter adapted for moving about an underground mine passage (see,
e.g., vehicle V of FIGS. 4a and 4b including crawler tracks K). The
boom 10 comprises an elongated structure defining a longitudinal
axis A, and includes a proximal end P for mounting to a base B of
the mining machine, a distal end D generally opposite the proximal
end, a first lateral side L.sub.1 adjacent the rib, and an opposite
lateral side L.sub.2.
[0038] The boom 10 may have a fixed length or, as shown in FIG. 1a,
may be comprised of a plurality of interconnected, telescoping
segments or sections 10a . . . 10n. Means, such as an extensible
cylinder H.sub.1 or other type of actuator, is also typically
provided for telescoping one or more of the sections, and a second
such cylinder H.sub.2 or actuator may be provided for raising and
lowering the boom 10 relative to the base B and the ground G (i.e.,
the floor of a mine passage in which the machine is movably
positioned).
[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 1a, as well as to FIG. 1b,
it can be best understood that a station 12 for supporting the
operator O is provided. Preferably, the operator station 12 is near
the distal end D of the boom 10, adjacent to a drill 14. Most
preferably, the operator's station 12 includes at least one
platform 12a providing a place on which the operator O may stand
during a drilling or bolting event. This platform 12a is preferably
mounted directly to the distal end D of the boom 10, and thus moves
along with it in all possible directions.
[0040] The drill 14 (commonly referred to as a rig) is adapted for
forming boreholes in a corresponding face of the mine passage,
including at least the rib R. Consequently, this drill 14 is
mounted for movement in multiple directions along with the boom 10
so as to facilitate the drilling of boreholes. This is preferably
achieved by pivotally mounting the drill 14 to the distal end of
the boom 12, such as by connecting it to a turret 16 having an axis
of rotation that is generally orthogonal to a drilling axis X
formed by the linear path of travel of a drill head 14a
(preferably, a rotary one incorporating a hydraulic motor, not
shown) along a guide frame 14b, both forming part of the drill 14
(see FIG. 1a). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, the drill 14
may rolled over and also may be knuckled inward such that this
drilling axis X intersects a vertical plane Y aligned generally
parallel to the rib R (compare FIGS. 1b and 2b).
[0041] Means may also be provided for moving the drill 14 relative
to the operator's platform 12, such as a motive device in the form
of cylinder H.sub.3. This may be used to rotate or swing the drill
14 within a plane generally parallel to the ground G (see action
arrow J in FIG. 2c). As should be appreciated, this swinging may
alter the relative positioning of the drilling axis X and, thus,
the direction(s) in which the borehole is formed or any bolt or
anchor installed. The orientation of this axis X may also be
altered based on the relative swinging of the boom 10 about the
pivot point established by the mounting at the proximal end P to
base B, which may be effected by a motive device such as cylinder
H.sub.4 (see FIG. 4b) or similar actuator.
[0042] Controls for manually or automatically controlling the drill
14 and the associated moving means may also be provided in a
convenient place for being accessed by the operator O when
positioned at or adjacent the operator's station 12. Most
preferably, the platform 12a may also be raised or lowered relative
to any controls associated with the operator's station 12.
[0043] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the
operator's station 12 associated with the boom 10 may be arranged
in use so as occupy a space at least partially between a generally
vertical plane aligned with the lateral side L.sub.2 and the
vertical plane Y generally parallel to a vertical face of the
adjacent rib R. In the particular embodiment illustrated, the
station 12 is thus positioned so as to intersect with the
longitudinal axis A of the boom 10, adjacent the distal end D of
the boom 10 (see FIG. 1a). Preferably, an upper surface U of the
boom 10 is also arranged to as to be lower that a top of the
shoulder S of the operator O when standing at the station 12, and
most preferably lies below the upper torso T of the operator O.
[0044] Consequently, it can be seen that the operator O when
positioned at the station 12 is able to fully and freely access the
rib R, such as for inserting resin cartridges or bolts into
boreholes formed, for example, using the drill 14 (see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,951,208 and 7,428,936, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference). This includes standing on the
station 12 in line with a longitudinal axis A of the boom 10, and
possibly in the space between the lateral side L.sub.1 and the
adjacent rib R at least partially occupied by platform 12a. Such
enhanced access allows for a remarkable reduction in the time and
expense associated with installing the resin and bolt, since the
necessary operations can be at least partially performed in a
manual fashion without requiring the operator O to leave the
station 12. The improved reachability afforded thus not only eases
the burdens on the operator, but also may eliminate the need for
associated machinery for performing one or more of these functions
characteristic of past approaches.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, at least the platform 12a of
the operator's station 12 is arranged to be positioned between the
distal end D of the boom 10 and the drill 14 (or in other words, is
in tandem with the boom 10). However, it is possible to provide the
drill 14 between the operator's station 12 and the distal end D of
the boom 10 while retaining the benefits of the inventive approach.
Also, the operator's station 12 may include an auxiliary platform
12b that extends adjacent the corresponding end of drill 14 on the
lateral side L.sub.2 of the boom 10, opposite the side L.sub.1
facing the rib R (which platform 12b may be made accessible from a
central walkway W through an associated vehicle V; see FIGS. 4a and
4b).
[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, it may also be desirable to
provide a guard. such as shield 18, on the side of the operator's
station 12 adjacent the rib R. This shield 18 should be of a height
sufficient to prevent the operator from exiting the platform 12a of
the station 12 in the direction of the rib R, and preferably of a
height sufficient to protect the operator from the rib R (including
rib rolls) without hampering access. In addition, as shown in FIGS.
2b and 3a, the upper section 18a of this shield 18 may be angled
outwardly in the direction of the rib R to facilitate access
thereto.
[0047] A further shield in the form of a canopy (not shown) may
also be provided adjacent the station 12 for shielding the operator
from the roof F, as well as for possibly engaging it and providing
temporary support thereto before the anchors are installed.
Preferably, any corresponding support is also positioned so as to
avoid interfering with the operator's access to the rib R.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, an optional but desirable
feature is to strategically associate a disable switch with the
boom 10. For example, a lever 20 may be capable of cutting off the
power required for moving the boom 10 when pushed towards the rib
R. Preferably, the lever 20 is located so it will be activated if
the operator O standing adjacent shield 18 on platform 12a leans
towards the rib R, and thus upon being activated prevent further
advance of the boom 10 in this condition. Most preferably, the
upper section 18a of the shield 18 supports the lever 20, such as
by carrying a pivot mount 22 (which may be biased toward the
operator O to prevent inadvertent actuation). A linkage 24 may also
mechanically connect the lever 20 to a disable mechanism 26, which
may comprise a valve positioned in the path of the fluid flow from
the control for controlling the boom to the associated motive
device(s).
[0049] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a bolting machine in the form of a
mobile vehicle V (note crawler tracks K) serving as the base and
incorporating a boom 10 with the improved rib reach feature. This
vehicle V includes an interior walkway W defined at least partially
by an elevated platform 32 to allow the operator to access the
operator station 12 from inside the vehicle V, thereby avoiding the
need for the operator to walk in the space between the lateral side
L.sub.1 and the rib R. With specific reference to FIG. 4b, it can
be seen that the operator O simply steps from this walkway onto the
associated auxiliary platform 12b when the boom 10 is in the home
or retracted position. An optional gate 28 may also be pivotally
mounted to block access to the walkway W once the operator is
onboard and the boom 10 is deployed. The vehicle V shown also
includes an automated temporary roof support device 30 for engaging
the roof F adjacent the leading end.
[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 5-8d, a bolting apparatus 100 having at
least three drills 102, 104, 106 adapted for drilling boreholes and
installing bolts or anchors therein is illustrated. Two of these
drills 102, 104 are mounted on swinging booms 110, which may be the
same or similar as the boom 10 outlined in the foregoing
discussion. These booms 110 are mounted laterally alongside the
base, which in the preferred embodiment comprises a vehicle V
adapted for tramming about the mine passage. The other drill 106 is
positioned between the booms 110, preferably adjacent the front end
of the vehicle V, and most preferably mounted for movement relative
to the front end of the vehicle (e.g., sliding from side-to-side or
in the travel direction). Preferably, this drill 106 mounts to or
adjacent to a device 130 for providing temporary roof support that
is associated with the vehicle V. As shown in FIG. 7, the booms 110
may also be mounted for being raised in the vertical direction, as
may drill 106 via a corresponding linkage to the base (vehicle V)
and suitable lifting devices (e.g., hydraulic cylinders).
[0051] Use of this arrangement advantageously allows for the booms
110 carrying drills 102, 104 to swing out and install bolts
alongside the vehicle V, including in the rib of the mine passage,
while the intermediate drill 106 may be independently used to form
borehole and install bolts directly in the roof above the path of
travel of the vehicle (and most preferably, the vehicle chassis
itself). The area of coverage is thus increased, and efficiency is
thus maximized.
[0052] Turning to FIGS. 9a-9d and 10, a related aspect of the
disclosure is a novel actuator for use in moving at least one and
preferably both of the booms 110. In the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 9a-9c, the actuator comprises a cylinder 200 mounted to the
vehicle V adjacent the boom 110, and includes first and second rods
202, 204. The first rod 202 extends in a first direction and is
connected to the vehicle V, while the second rod 204 extends in a
second, generally opposite direction and connects to the pivotally
mounted end of the boom 110, preferably via a connector 206 having
a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the boom.
[0053] The cylinder assembly 200 includes a first pair of ports 208
for use in supplying the fluid that causes the first rod 202 to
extend or retract, and a second pair of ports 210 providing a
similar function for the second rod 204. As a consequence of this
arrangement, fluid may be used to extend or retract the first or
second rods 202, 204 independently, and thus move the associated
boom 110 accordingly.
[0054] Using this type of arrangement, and with reference to FIGS.
9a, 9b, and 9c, it can be understood that both rods 202, 204 may be
fully extended to move the associated boom 110 to a stowed
position, such as for tramming the vehicle from one location to
another. Specifically, the movement is such that the free end of
the boom 110 is caused to pivot about pivot point Q. As can be seen
in FIG. 9a, the boom 110 in this retracted position is arranged
such that its longitudinal axis is generally parallel with a
longitudinal axis of the first rod 202. The free end is within the
perimeter of the base or chassis of the vehicle V, and the
side-to-side profile is thus minimized for tramming about the mine
passage.
[0055] When use of the boom 110 is desired, the first rod 202 may
be fully retracted, such as by controlling the flow of fluid to the
associated ports 208 of the cylinder assembly 200. This retraction
is most preferably done using controls 220 located on the vehicle
V, as opposed to on the boom 110. This arrangement thus precludes
the operator on the boom 110 from moving it inwardly to a position
that is too close to the central portion of the vehicle or its
operator (such as at an operator's station for using drill
106).
[0056] Retraction of the rod 202 causes the boom 110' to pivot to a
ready or home position alongside the vehicle V and generally having
its axis of elongation parallel to the direction of travel (but
with the free end remaining at least partially within the
perimeter; see FIG. 9b). The length of the first rod 202 helps to
define the maximum swing distance for the boom 110 in this first
operation, and is thus intentionally made short enough such that
the associated boom cannot be swung outwardly to a point beyond an
initial position.
[0057] From this initial or home position, and with the first rod
202 remaining retracted, the operator may assume the working
position at the station 212, and use the associated controls 222 or
224 to extend and retract the second rod 204 for purposes of
swinging the boom 110 toward and away from the rib. As should be
appreciated, and as shown in FIG. 9c, the maximum extended position
of the boom 110' is defined by the second rod 204 being completely
retracted. Preferably, the second rod 204 is substantially longer
than the first rod 202, and thus can pivot the associated boom 110
through a much wider range of angles, which is of course
advantageous for purposes of installing support in the adjacent
roof and rib of the mine passage. However, the boom 110 cannot be
moved to the stowed position by the operator thereon using controls
222, 224, since the appropriate controls are located elsewhere.
Bolting intermediate of the home position of boom 110' may be
accomplished using the movable drill 106 carried by the base
(vehicle V) independent of the boom(s) 110.
[0058] The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of the
invention are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not
intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations
are also possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments
described above were chosen to provide the best application to
thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the
disclosed inventions in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All
such modifications and variations are within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *