METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ROOF MATS TO MINE WORKINGS

摘要

ABSTRACTA method of applying a protective wire mesh matto the undersurface of the roof of an underground mineworking and apparatus for applying such mat wherein acoil of the mat is carried on a supporting spindle and ispaid out against the undersurface of the roof through avertically convergent passageway defined by upper and lowerjaw plates of an applicator. The applicator has an openside through which the margin of the last applied strippasses so as to be in overlapped or edge to edge relationwith the mat strip undergoing application. A coil offastening strip incorporating staple-like fastening elementsis also carried by the apparatus and paid out through theapplicator passageway in overlapped relation with the twomat strips and is caused by the convergence of the jawmembers firstly to penetrate the two mat strips and thenundergo downward bending of the prongs of the staple-likefastening elements before passing out of the exit of theconvergent passageway.