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1. Background-Field of Invention
The novel invention is a sliding stabilizer that operates in tandem with a mining roof support machine and is particularly useful in longwall mining operations.
2. Background-Description of the Prior Art
As mineral mining becomes deeper, the threat of rock bursts becomes greater. This is a problem that has been common in deep hard rock and mineral mines for years. It will be an ever-increasing problem as mining at greater depths is required. Despite gains, this threat is not controlled. In deeper seams, consideration must be given to support, safety anti stability. Additional design is required. Currently three types of mining roof support machines are popular: frame, chock, and shield. All three have to a greater or lesser degree safety, stability and ventilation problems. Problems of particular consideration are: (1) the rock burst problem that exists from the unsupported roof created when a shearer passes a support machine; (2) the rock burst problem that exists as a roof covering of a support machine is lowered to advance; (3) lack of stability caused by oversize roof coverings in an attempt to create more ventilation; (4) mineral bursts from a mineral face; (5) instability in support machines caused by inclined seams; and (6) lack of work space in thin seams.
Rigid canopies have been designed in order to help with the above listed problems. They have not worked. (1) When the roof covering of the support machine is lowered, the rigid canopy also lowers., This creates a large unsupported roof and the potential for rock bursts. (2) The rigid canopy extends from the support machine and becomes unstable. Rock bursts can cause canopy rotation.
In three prior designs rigid canopies also have attached legs. These have not worked. (1) The legs interfere with the working space and ventilation. (2) The connections of the canopies break if the leg is not lowered with the roof covering of the support machine.
3. Objects and Advantages
Miners throughout the world are demanding safe working conditions. World energy demand continues to increase. Therefore, it is a general object and advantage of a sliding stabilizer to provide support, stability, safety, and efficiency in longwall mining operations.
In addition to the object and advantage above, it its the object and advantage of a sliding stabilizer:
(1) to provide ventilation and working space; PA1 (2) to provide support, stability and safety to enable mining of inclined seams; PA1 (3) to provide ventilation and working space to enable mining of thin seams; PA1 (4) to provide support, stability and safety to enable mining of deeper seams; and PA1 (5) to provide support, stability, safety, ventilation and working space in the working zone of the shearer in longwall mining operations. PA1 (1) to prevent rock bursts from the unsupported roof created as a shearer passes a support machine; PA1 (2) to prevent rock bursts from the unsupported roof created when the roof covering of a support machine is lowered to allow the support machine to advance; PA1 (3) to prevent mineral bursts from the mineral face; PA1 (4) to prevent canopy rotation from rock bursts; and PA1 (5) to prevent canopy breakage when the roof covering of the support machine is lowered.
In addition it is the object and advantage of a sliding stabilizer: