ROOF SUPPORT ADJACENT LONG WALL FACE OF MINE WORKING

摘要

A method of applying a protective wire mesh mat to the undersurface of the roof of an underground mine working and apparatus for applying such mat wherein a coil of the mat is carried on a supporting spindle and is paid out against the undersurface of the roof through a vertically convergent passageway defined by upper and lower jaw plates of an applicator. The applicator has an open side through which the margin of the last applied strip passes so as to be in overlapped or edge to edge relation with the mat strip undergoing application. A coil of fastening strip incorporating staple-like fastening elements is also carried by the apparatus and paid out through the applicator passageway in overlapped relation with the two mat strips and is caused by the convergence of the jaw members firstly to penetrate the two mat strips and then undergo downward bending of the prongs of the staple-like fastening elements before passing out of the exit of the convergent passageway.