WO2009052603A1

WO2009052603A1 - Communication equipment mounting apparatus for a mine

Info

Publication number: WO2009052603A1
Application number: PCT/CA2007/001907
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andy Stein; Paul Buchanan
Original assignee: Active Control Technology Inc.
Priority date: 2007-10-26
Filing date: 2007-10-26
Publication date: 2009-04-30

Abstract

A communication equipment mounting apparatus for a coal mine is provided. Coal mines usually have irregular surfaces for mounting equipment such that it can be difficult to orient equipment at a desired angle. Coal mine tunnels can be very small and therefore there can be little room to pass equipment or vehicles down the tunnels, and therefore obstructing the tunnel with communication equipment can be hazardous and accidental breakage of the communication equipment can be expected. The communication mounting apparatus in one aspect provides a surface mounting portion for attachment to a coal mine tunnel surface, a knuckle portion for compensating for surface irregularities, and a flexible portion so that the communication equipment can be temporarily moved out of the way. The flexible portion is biased towards a normal position so that the communication equipment is urged back into its proper or otherwise desired location.

Description

COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR A MINE

FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates generally to mechanical structures for mines or other hazardous environments and more particularly relates to mounting apparatuses for communication equipment in such environments.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Coal mining can be a hazardous undertaking. The extraction of coal in room and pillar mines requires the building of tunnels which can be subject to collapse. Risk of catastrophic collapse can be increased by the risk of explosion from methane buildup in the mine atmosphere. Significant advances have been made in improving mine safety, yet the risk of fatalities in coal mines remains.

[0003] Quite apart from the safety risks, coal mines are environments that require the use of large amounts of heavy machinery that must withstand the harsh demands of the mining environment.

[0004] In general, there is a need for improved communication systems within mines. Indeed, US Legislation now mandates the use of communication and location technology in mines. However, existing network technology for mines and like environments is lacking - prior art network technology for mines could not have influenced the outcome of recent mining disasters. Current communication technology for mines is based on two way radios or "walkie-talkies" and/or wireline links that are strung through the mine. The existing radio communication is unreliable in cave-ins due to attenuation of signals, and in any event the broadcast nature of existing radio communications do not facilitate locating. Wireline links are subject to failure on collapse of the mine. The primary existing technology used for communication is wired telephones. This dates back to the 1950s. The drawbacks are obvious. Each miner is not identifiable nor is he able to speak with anyone on an ad hoc basis. Furthermore in the event of an explosion or collapse the wires can be damaged. Even without damage to the cables, the system is inoperative since, in the event of an explosion or fire, all power in the mine is automatically cut. [0005] Another known communication technology for mines is known as "leaky feeder". This is essentially a long cable run throughout the mine that acts as a large antenna. Signal is broadcast over the cable and "leaks" to two-way communication devices such as radios or devices that may contain a series of lights or LEDs. Leaky feeder has four main drawbacks. First, since the "mine face", or area where coal is being extracted, can move up to three- hundred feet in a day the leaky feeder cable must constantly be moved or extended. This is costly and is not always done on a timely basis. The second issue is that the signal typically ranges up to about fifteen feet from the feeder cable. While this provides good coverage for each tunnel it requires feeder cable to be strung in every location that requires coverage. Since this gets expensive, generally only well traveled sections of the mine are covered. Third, the signal is carried at a high power level which requires licensing from the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") Band if used outside the mine. Consequently, it may interfere with other equipment in the mine. Finally, the system requires constant power. As the length of the cable increases, the signal must be amplified at intervals. These amplifiers require power. Unfortunately in the event of an emergency, communication is shut down when the power is shut down.

[0006] Another technology is known as "PED". The primary manufacturer, Minesite Technologies, (www.minesite.com) is not committed to the meaning of PED. They say it stands for "Personal Emergency Device" or "Productivity Enhancement Device". The PED System is an Ultra Low Frequency (ULF), through-the-earth, paging, control and blasting system. The combination of ULF and a high power transmission system enables the PED signal to propagate through several hundreds of metres of rock strata. In theory, the signal can be received at any location throughout the mine with an antenna on the surface only or a small underground antenna. The first weakness of PED is that only provides one-way communication. Voice communication is not possible, and the most advanced is able to broadcast text messages. The weakness of course is that messages cannot be acknowledged. The system is widely installed in Australia since it originated there, however The North American market has been slow to adopt it. The PED antenna is a cable up to twelve km long strung in loop on the surface. In most Australian mining operations, surface topography is relatively flat with little vegetative coverage. In areas with hilly terrain or forest laying this cable is difficult and expensive. Most United States ("US") mine operators feel this makes the system impossible to install. Many US mines are underneath private land and laying the cable interferes with the land use.

[0007] There are newer technologies that are being examined by the industry, the federal departments of National Institute of Safety and Health ("NIOSH") and the Mine Safety and Health Administration ("MSHA"). One technology being examined is through the earth (TTE). There is one TTE system that was originally developed in the 1970's and 1980's in conjunction with the now-defunct Bureau of Mines. It is based on ultra low frequency signal propagation using electromagnetic radiation. The benefit of TTE is that, in theory it is capable of two-way voice. The technology is being developed by at least two companies. The first is Vital Alert (www.vitalalert.com). They have licensed technology originally developed at Los Alamos labs by an engineer working for the Bureau of Mines. They provide very little detailed public information however claim that they can propagate voice communication through up to 9,000 feet of earth. Documents indicate that in actual testing they are successful up to 500 feet. In theory, base stations could be located every 500' underground in tunnels to totally cover the mine. The largest coal mines cover up to 30 square miles. Depending on unit pricing the system could be prohibitively expensive. They do not appear to have anything that is commercially available however have indicated that they will begin manufacturing in late 2006. The second is Transtek (www.transtekcorp.com). They have a commercially available system that is installed in a number of hard rock mines in the US and Canada. Voice propagation has been demonstrated to 300 feet. It has not been approved by MSHA.

[0008] The owner of the present specification has pioneered new communication technology for use in mines which deploys a plurality of wireless communication nodes throughout the mine. It has been discovered that all known means for mounting such nodes and antennas have serious shortcomings. SUMMARY

[0009] An aspect of this specification provides a communication equipment mounting apparatus for use in a coal mine comprising a surface mounting portion configured to removably attach to a head of a fastener (known as a "Roof Bolt") that has a body affixed within a wall, ceiling or other surface of a tunnel of the coal mine. Roof Bolts typically penetrate six feet and are stabilized with epoxy adhesive. Roof Bolts can support up to 1 ,000 lbs of hanging weight. The apparatus also comprises a knuckle portion having a first side attachable to the surface mounting portion and a second side that is movable to different angles in relation to the first side. The second side is affixable to the first side at one of the angles. The apparatus also comprises a flexible portion attachable to the knuckle portion. The flexible portion has a normal position and a plurality of flexed positions. The flexible portion is biased towards the normal position. The apparatus also comprises an accessory attachment portion attachable to the flexible portion for attaching an article of communication equipment thereto, such that the communication equipment can be fixedly positioned at an angle in relation to a tangent of a surface of the earth beneath the equipment regardless of an angle of the head in relation to the tangent and such that the communication equipment can be temporarily moved to the flexed position and urged towards the normal portion.

[0010] The article of communication equipment can be an antenna or communication node.

[0011] The flexible portion can be a helical spring.

[0012] The accessory attachment portion can be a cylinder welded to the flexible portion. A portion of the cylinder is welded to an interior of the helical spring.

[0013] The knuckle portion can be attachable to the surface mounting portion via a bolt and nut combination. The bolt can protrude from the surface mounting portion.

[0014] The knuckle portion can be attachable to the accessory attachment portion via a bolt and nut combination. The bolt can protrude from the knuckle portion.

[0015] The knuckle portion can be attached to the accessory attachment portion via a weld. [0016] Another aspect of the specification provides a communication equipment mounting apparatus for use in a coal mine comprising a surface mounting portion configured to removably attach to a head of a fastener that has a body affixed within a wall, ceiling or other surface of a tunnel of the coal mine. The apparatus also comprises a knuckle portion having a first side attachable to the surface mounting portion and a second side that is movable to different angles in relation to the first side. The second side is affixable to the first side at one of the angles. The second side being is configured to be selectively attachable to at least one of an article of communication equipment and a flexible portion, such that the at least one of an article of communication equipment and the flexible portion can be fixedly positioned at an angle in relation to a tangent of a surface of the earth therebeneath regardless of an angle of the head in relation to the tangent.

[0017] The knuckle portion can include a bolt for attachment to either the article of communication equipment or the flexible portion.

[0018] The knuckle portion can be attached to the flexible portion and the article of communication equipment can be attached to a distal end of the flexible portion opposite the knuckle portion.

[0019] The flexible portion can be configured such that the communication equipment can be temporarily moved to a flexed position and urged towards the normal portion.

[0020] The article of communication equipment can be an antenna or a communication node. The article of equipment can be environmental sensors such as temperature or gas sensors, programmable logic controllers, video cameras. Other types of equipment will become apparent.

[0021] A communication equipment mounting apparatus for a coal mine is provided. Coal mines usually have irregular surfaces for mounting equipment such that it can be difficult to orient equipment at a desired angle. Coal mine tunnels can be very small and therefore there can be little room to pass equipment or vehicles down the tunnels, and therefore obstructing the tunnel with communication equipment can be hazardous and accidental breakage of the communication equipment can be expected. The communication mounting apparatus in one aspect provides a surface mounting portion for attachment to a coal mine tunnel surface, a knuckle portion for compensating for surface irregularities, and a flexible portion so that the communication equipment can be temporarily moved out of the way. The flexible portion is biased towards a normal position so that the communication equipment is urged back into its proper or otherwise desired location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a room and pillar coal mine having a communication system deployed throughout. [0023] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the communication network deployed in the mine of Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an access point used in the system of Figure 2.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view in section of a portion of the mine shown in Figure 1. [0026] Figure 5 is a cross section view of a tunnel of the mine of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 6 is a front view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment affixed to the ceiling of the tunnel shown in Figure 5.

[0028] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the mounting apparatus of Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 8 shows the surface mounting portion of the mounting apparatus from Figure 7.

[0030] Figure 9 shows the knuckle portion of the mounting apparatus from Figure 7. [0031] Figure 10 shows the flexible portion of the mounting apparatus of Figure 7.

[0032] Figure 11 is an exploded view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with another embodiment.

[0033] Figure 12 shows the mounting apparatus of Figure 11 in various different positions. [0034] Figure 13 is an exploded view of a surface mounting portion in accordance with another embodiment.

[0035] Figure 14 is a top view of the surface mounting portion of Figure 13.

[0036] Figure 15 is a side view of two different set screws that can be used with different mounting apparatuses. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Referring now to Figure 1 , a room and pillar coal mine is indicated generally at 50. Mine 50 is characterized by a coal seam 52 that has been mined so as to leave a plurality of pillars 54-1 , 54-2 ... 54-26. (Generically, pillar 54, and collectively, pillars 54). The portions of seam 52 that are not pillars 54 but which have yet to be mined are referred to as coal faces and are labeled at 58-1 , 58-2, ... 58-7.

[0038] Mine 50 is also characterized by a plurality of rooms around each pillar 54. Each room (also known as an "entry" of a "cross-cut") has a width of about twenty feet, and each pillar 54 has a width of about 40-100 feet. Mine 50 can be suitable for long-wall and/or retreat mining whereby each pillar 54 is removed, allowing the roof to collapse, and further adding to the risk of harm for mining personnel.

[0039] Mine 50 is also characterized by an entrance 62 where miners, other personnel and equipment can enter and exit mine 50 and through which coal extracted from mine 50 can be removed.

[0040] Mine 50 is also characterized by a plurality of barriers 66-1 , 66-2 .. 66-12 which can be used to isolate certain rooms from each other. Barriers 66 can be arranged so as to isolate corridors of rooms. For example, barriers 66-3, 66-7, 66-9 and 66-11 define one side of a corridor 70 while barriers 66-4, 66-8, 66-10 and 66-12 define the opposite side of corridor 70. Corridor 70 can, for example, be reserved for a conveyor belt that brings coal from face 587-7 to entrance 62. Likewise, ventilation equipment in mine 50 can be configured so as to direct dirty air flow out of entrance 62 and thereby urge clean air into the remainder of mine 50. [0041] Barriers 66 can either be fixed stoppings, or can also include so-called "man- doors" that permit personnel to open and pass through those doors if desired. In mine 50, barriers 66-5 and barriers 66-6 are man doors, whereas the remaining barriers 66 are all stoppings. [0042] In an accordance with an embodiment, a communication network 72 is also deployed throughout mine 50. Communication network 72 is shown schematically in Figure 2, while the components of network 72 are shown in both Figures 1 and 2. Network 72 comprises a plurality of access points 74 mounted to various points throughout mine 50, principally to pillars 54. Network 72 also comprises at least one client device 78-1 that is configured to wirelessly communicate with those access points 74 that are within range of device 78-1.

[0043] System 50 also includes at least one base station 82 which is configured to wirelessly communicate with those access points 74 within range of base station 82. Base station 82, in turn, is connected to an operations centre 86 via a link 90, which can be wired or wireless as desired. Base station 82 can be implemented as an access point 74 that connects to operations centre 86.

[0044] Operations centre 86 houses a server 94 that connects to base station 82 via link 90. Server 94, in turn, is configured to permit a user U to interact with system 50 via a terminal 98 and a telephony device 102. Terminal 98 permits user U to provide text based input and to view visual output from server 94, while telephony device 102 permits user U to conduct voice telephone calls via server 94. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various configurations and types of input and output devices can be utilized, in addition to, or in lieu of telephony device102 and terminal 98.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, server 94 is also connected to a network 106, such as the Internet, to permit users who are remote to server 94 to interact with server 94 in the same manner as user U.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 3, an access point 74 is shown in greater detail. Access point 74 includes a plurality of internal components including central processing unit ("CPU") 110 that interconnects, via a bus, to a radio 114, a network interface card ("NIC") 116, random access memory ("RAM") 118 (or other volatile storage device), and a read only memory ("ROM") 122 (or other non-volatile storage device). Not shown in Figure 3, access point 74 also houses a rechargeable power supply. In a normal condition, access point 74 is connected to the electrical service main running within mine 50. However, in an emergency condition access point 74 is configured to continue operating by virtue of the rechargeable power supply, which is being constantly maintained at full charge by virtue of connection to the electrical service main.

[0047] The internal components of access point 74 are housed within a ruggedized, spark-proof housing which meets mining regulations so that the power supply within access point 74 has a reduced risk of igniting flammable gases that may be present within mine 50. Such ruggedization is referred to as making the access point 74 "intrinsically safe" as specified by MHSA and/or other regulatory agency and/or body.

[0048] Each access point 54 also has a battery that is configured to permit the access point 54 to operate for up to four days. Each access point 54 is connected to a step down transformer to provide one-hundred-and-twenty volts AC and/or twenty-four volt DC as desired. The twenty-four volt DC version is presently preferred as it is, in general, more efficient and easier to make intrinsically safe. Either lead acid or lithium ion battery technology is presently preferred, taking into tradeoff considerations between weight and price of each. However, it is noted that lithium-ion batteries are easier to make intrinsically safe.

[0049] In a present embodiment, access point 74 also comprises a plurality of directional antennas 126-1 , 126-2, 126-3, 126-4. Accordingly, it is presently preferred to include a plurality of radios within radio 114, one radio to control each antenna. Furthermore, it is also presently preferred that each antenna 126 be configured to communicate on two different channels - one channel for upstream communications to other access points 74 towards the coal faces of mine 50, and another channel for downstream communications to other access points and towards the operations center 86. Each directional antenna 126 is controlled by radio 114, and each antenna 126 is configured to both receive and transmit wireless communications and thereby permit each access point 74 to communicate with each other and/or base station 82 provided they are in range of each other.

[0050] In a present embodiment, access point 74 also comprises a plurality of wired interface connections 130-1 , 130-2. Each interface port 130 is controlled by NIC 116, and each port 130 is configured to interact with peripheral devices that are locally attached to port 130. In a present embodiment, each interface port 130 is based on the Ethernet standard, but in other embodiments interface connections 130 can be based on universal serial bus ("USB"), RS-232, Firewire and the like and/or combinations thereof. Peripheral devices that are contemplated for connection to access point 74 include substantially permanent connections such as video cameras, gas sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other sensors, loud speakers and/or temporary connections including lap top computers, personal digital assistants, printers, bar code scanners, and/or device 78 itself in the event that device 78 becomes unable to communicate wirelessly with access point 74. [0051] ROM 122 thus maintains a persistent copy of software and other programming instructions to operate access point 74 that implement the various communication and other functions for which access point 74 is configured. It is also contemplated that the contents of ROM 122 can be updated, either via an antenna 126 or port 130.

[0052] Also of note, in a present embodiment each antenna 126 is mechanically separate from the main chassis of access point 74, and attachable electrically via an intrinsically safe cable and its associated connectors to the main chassis. Each antenna 126 can thus be mounted to a pillar 54 or other suitable location within mine 50 and oriented in a direction so as to create and/or be within a coverage area of another antenna 126 on another access point 74. The detachable nature of each antenna 126 also permits an antenna 126 to be located on one side of a barrier 66, while the chassis of the access point 74 is located on the opposite side of the barrier 66. This is shown in Figure 3, as antenna 126-2 is located on one side of a barrier 66, while the chassis of access point 74 is located on the opposite side of a barrier 66. Since, in general, barriers 66 are not air-tight, and cable can be readily run through gaps or drilled openings within barrier 66. [0053] Because, in a present embodiment, each access point 76 can support up to four radios, and antennas 126 are bi-directional, each access point 76 can propagate up to eight signal patterns via remotely deployed antennas 126, which in a present embodiment can be deployed up to about forty feet away from its respective access point 76 via cable. One access point 76 can therefore be used to generate bi-directional signal for two entries, which can provide significant cost-savings and/or efficient use of hardware by enabling fewer access points 76 to be deployed in mine 50 than would be required with prior art access points.

[0054] The foregoing components are discussed further in copending application PCT/CA2007/001692. [0055] Referring now to Figure 4, a perspective cut-away view of a representative portion of mine 50 is shown. In Figure 4, the portion of mine 50 is shown with antennas 126-1 , 126- 2 and 126-3. (Antenna 126-4 is not shown in Figure 4). Each antenna 126 is shown mounted to the ceiling of various rooms of mine 50. Each antenna 126 is mounted to the ceiling using a novel mounting apparatus 200 in accordance with an embodiment, which will be discussed further below. Note that while the embodiments herein refer to mounting to the ceiling of mine 50, it should be understood that in other embodiments such mounting can be effected to other surfaces including the walls of mine 50. [0056] Referring now to Figure 5, a cross-section view of a room within mine 50 is shown. Figure 5 also shows one antenna 126 and one mounting apparatus 200. Also shown in Figure 5 are four mine bolts 204. Mine bolts 204 can be based on any known mine-bolt technologies. The shaft 208 (only one of which is labeled in Figure 5 for convenience) of each bolt 204 can be up to six feet long to provide a strong anchor. [0057] Note that each shaft 208 enters the ceiling 202 along a different angle, none of which are necessarily truly vertical, which is the result of the irregular surface of ceiling 202 that is an artifact of the mining process. Likewise the head 212 (only one of which is labeled in Figure 5 for convenience) of each bolt 204 projects at a typically non-vertical angle from the surface of ceiling 202 in correspondence with to its respective shaft 208. For illustration, bolt 204-4 to which mounting apparatus is attached is shown at the most pronounced angle relative to a vertical. (As used herein the term "vertical" refers to an angle that is perpendicular to a tangent of the curvature of the Earth that is beneath the vertical in question.) As will be discussed further below, mounting apparatus 200 is configured to compensate for any such angle such that antenna 126 can be oriented at a substantially vertical (or indeed any other desired) angle.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 6 and Figure 7, mounting apparatus 200 is shown in greater detail. Apparatus 200 comprises a surface attachment portion 220, a knuckle portion 224 connected to the surface attachment portion 220, a flexible portion 228 connected to the knuckle portion 224 at a point on knuckle portion 224 that is opposite to surface attachment portion 220, and an accessory attachment portion 232 connected to flexible portion 228 on an end of mounting apparatus 200 that is opposite to surface attachment portion 220. As will be discussed in greater detail below, attachment portion 220 is configured to removably affix mounting apparatus 200 to a surface. Knuckle portion 224 is configured to permit an antenna or other accessory attached to mounting apparatus 200 to be adjustably oriented to a desired angle relative to the surface against which mounting apparatus 200 is attached. Flexible portion 228 is configured to provide a resiliently bendable junction that is biased towards having a first, normal position and a plurality of flexed positions that are different from the normal position. [0059] Referring now to Figure 8, surface attachment portion 220 is shown in greater detail. Surface attachment portion 220 is configured to cooperate with bolt 204 in order to securely fasten apparatus 200 to ceiling 202. In a present embodiment, head 212 is four- sided and accordingly surface attachment portion 220 is complementarily configured. Surface attachment portion 220 thus comprises a square-tubing section 230 with walls 234 having a length that is sufficient to create an opening 238 that is just large enough to receive head 212 therein. Each wall 234 of section 230 also includes an internally threaded hole 242. Each hole 242 is located towards the end of section 230 nearest to opening 238, at a distance from opening 238 that is approximately half the depth of head 212 so that when head 212 is disposed within opening 238 each hole 242 substantially aligns with the middle of each side of head 212. The threads on each hole 242 are complementary to a set of external threads on a set-screw 246 respective to each hole 242. When head 212 is disposed within opening 238 each set-screw 246 is threaded through its respective hole 242 and tightened in order to create a removably-secure attachment between portion 220 and bolt 204.

[0060] Tubing section 230 is affixed to a base-plate 246 at the end of tubing section 230 that is opposite to opening 238. Base-plate 246 is, in a present embodiment, a washer welded to tubing section 230 and also welded to a hex-bolt 250, the threaded-portion of which projects away from base-plate 246 and tubing section 230. [0061] Referring now to Figure 9, knuckle portion 224 is shown in greater detail.

Knuckle portion 224 comprises a first L-bracket 254 and a second L-bracket 258. First L- bracket 254 includes a base 262 having a central eye-hole 266 for receiving hex-bolt 250 therethrough. First L-bracket 254 also includes a body 270 perpendicular to base 262 having a hex-bolt 274 centrally disposed therein that projects away from base 262. Second L- bracket 258 includes a base 288 to which flexible portion 228 (not shown in Figure 9) is affixed. Second L-bracket 258 also includes a body 292 perpendicular to base 288 having a central eye-hole 296 for receiving hex-bolt 274 therethrough.

[0062] Knuckle portion 224 also comprises a first washer 300 and a first nut 304, which receive hex-bolt 250 therethrough. First nut 304 can be tightened to hex-bolt 250 and thereby securely and removably attach attachment portion 220 to knuckle portion 224. By the same token, the angle of body 270 in relation to attachment portion 220 can be adjusted to a desired position prior to tightening nut 304.

[0063] Knuckle portion 224 also comprises a second washer 308 and a second nut 312, which receive hex-bolt 274 therethrough. Second nut 308 can be tightened to hex-bolt 274 and thereby securely and removably attach first L-bracket 254 to second L-bracket 258. By the same token, the angle of base 288 in relation to body 270 can be adjusted to a desired position prior to tightening nut 312. Accordingly, the angle of flexible portion 228 (not shown in Figure 9) can be adjusted in relation to attachment portion 220.

[0064] Referring now to Figure 10, flexible portion 220 and accessory attachment portion 232 are shown in greater detail. Flexible portion 220, represented in the normal position in Figure 10, comprises, in a present embodiment, a helical spring having tightly wound coils such that there is a relatively small gap between each coil. Flexible portion 220 is configured to bias in favour of the normal position and accordingly the structure of flexible portion 220 is chosen to permit movement into various flexed positions while at the same time resisting such movement and substantially maintaining the normal position. This structure is so implemented so that antenna 126 is substantially maintained in an orientation that permits antenna 126 to present a coverage area that maintains communications throughout network 72. Flexible portion 220 is securely attached to base 288 of knuckle portion 224, such attachment being effected in a present embodiment via a weld.

[0065] Accessory attachment portion 232 is, in a present embodiment, a solid metal (e.g. steel) cylinder a portion of which occupies the distal end (i.e. the end opposite knuckle portion 224) of flexible portion 220 and the remainder of which extends past the distal end of flexible portion 220. A weld or other secure attachment is used to secure attachment portion 232 to flexible portion 220.

[0066] As can be seen in Figures 6, 7 and 10, the distal end of attachment portion 232 is inserted into a hollow metal tube 316 on antenna 126 and a clamp 320 is used to removably affix hollow tube 316 to attachment portion 232. [0067] Referring now to Figure 11 , a mounting apparatus in accordance with another embodiment is indicated generally at 200a. Mounting apparatus 200a is a variant on mounting apparatus 200, and accordingly elements in mounting apparatus 200a that are the same as elements in mounting apparatus 200 bear like references. However, elements in apparatus 200a that are variants on elements in apparatus 200 bear a like reference except followed by the suffix "a". Of note is that attachment portion 220 and flexible portion 220 are the same, but knuckle portion 224a is varied. Knuckle portion 224a comprises a first U- bracket 254a and a second U-bracket 258a. A removable bolt 274a is provided to join U- bracket 254a to second U-bracket 258a at a desired predefined angle. [0068] Referring now to Figure 12, mounting apparatus 200a is shown in context as mounted to ceiling 202 and supporting antenna 126. Figure 12 also shows antenna 126 in the normal position, as well as showing antenna 126 in various other positions corresponding to flexible portion 220 being in various flexed positions. Mounting apparatus 200a thus permits antenna 126 to be positioned via knuckle portion 224a so that the communication functions of network 72 can be effected, while also allowing antenna 126 to be temporarily moved while flexible portion 220 continues to urge antenna 126 back into its set position used for communication over network 72. Thus antenna 126 has a communication position corresponding to the normal position of flexible portion 220 and a temporary position whereby communication may be temporarily disrupted while antenna 126 is being moved, but whereby such communication can be readily reestablished as flexible portion 220 urges antenna 126 back into the communication position. One reason antenna 126 may be moved is in the event a vehicle or other piece of equipment needs to utilize more height within the mine tunnel than is afforded by the regular placement of antenna 126, and so temporary movement of antenna 126 is needed in order to allow the vehicle to pass. In the conditions of a mine, this can be particularly desirable given that antenna 126 may serve a safety function. If a particular vehicle needs to pass through a tunnel and antenna 126 is obstructing passage of that vehicle, then mounting apparatuses 200 and 200a permit antenna 126 to be temporarily moved in order to permit passage of that vehicle, but only temporarily disrupting communications over network 72.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, an attachment portion in accordance with another embodiment is indicated generally at 220a. Attachment portion 220a is a variant on attachment portion 220a and can thus be used to provide a further modified version of mounting apparatus 200. Elements in attachment portion 220a that are the same as elements in mounting attachment portion 220 bear like references. Of note is that in attachment portion 220a, there is provided a cylindrical tube instead of a square tube. Attachment portion 220a is complementary to a hex-bolt head 212a (instead of the square bolt head 212 referenced above). Of note is that attachment portion 220a and attachment 220 can be configured to be interchangeable with different knuckle portions 224 and 224a, and thereby provide a plurality of different configurations for a mounting apparatus that can be quickly and readily assembled as needed.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 15, set screw 246 and a variant thereof in the form of set screw 246a. The particular set screw 246 or 246a that is chosen for a particular attachment portions 220 or 220a can be based on the dimensions or the materials of the bolt head 212 or 212a that is selected.

[0071] While the foregoing presents certain embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are exemplary, and that further variations, combinations and subsets are contemplated. For example, mounting apparatuses discussed herein have been provided in the context of mounting apparatuses for antennas, but other communication or monitoring equipment is contemplated. For example, mounting apparatuses can be modified in order to mount the hardware portions of nodes 74. This example is shown in Figure 16 as mounting apparatus 200b is shown with node 74 mounted directly to knuckle portion 224b. Base 288b can be welded directly onto the node 74, or a bolt can be used so that node 74 is removable from knuckle portion 224b.

Claims

1. A communication equipment mounting apparatus for use in a coal mine comprising: a surface mounting portion configured to removably attach to a head of a fastener that has a body affixed within a wall, ceiling or other surface of a tunnel of said coal mine; a knuckle portion having a first side attachable to said surface mounting portion and a second side that is movable to different angles in relation to said first side; said second side being affixable to said first side at one of said angles; a flexible portion attachable to said knuckle portion; said flexible portion having a normal position and a plurality of flexed positions; said flexible portion biased towards said normal position; an accessory attachment portion attachable to said flexible portion for attaching an article of communication equipment thereto; such that said communication equipment can be fixedly positioned at an angle in relation to a tangent of a surface of the earth beneath said equipment regardless of an angle of said head in relation to said tangent and such that said communication equipment can be temporarily moved to said flexed position and urged towards said normal portion.

2. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said article of communication equipment is an antenna.

3. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said article of communication equipment is a communication node or a monitoring module.

4. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible portion is a helical spring.

5. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 4 wherein said accessory attachment portion is a cylinder welded, a portion of said cylinder being welded to an interior of said helical spring.

6. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said knuckle portion is attachable to said surface mounting portion via bolt and nut combination.

7. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 6 wherein said bolt protrudes from said surface mounting portion.

8. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said knuckle portion is attachable to said accessory attachment portion via bolt and nut combination.

9. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 8 wherein said bolt protrudes from said knuckle portion.

10. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 1 wherein said knuckle portion is attached to said accessory attachment portion via a weld.

11. A communication equipment mounting apparatus for use in a coal mine comprising: a surface mounting portion configured to removably attach to a head of a fastener that has a body affixed within a wall, ceiling or other surface of a tunnel of said coal mine; a knuckle portion having a first side attachable to said surface mounting portion and a second side that is movable to different angles in relation to said first side; said second side being affixable to said first side at one of said angles; said second side being further configured to selectively attach to at least one of an article of communication equipment and a flexible portion; such that said at least one of an article of communication equipment and said flexible portion can be fixedly positioned at an angle in relation to a tangent of a surface of the earth therebeneath regardless of an angle of said head in relation to said tangent.

12. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of claim 11 wherein said knuckle portion includes a bolt for attachment to either said article of communication equipment or said flexible portion.

13. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of any one of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein said knuckle portion is attached to said flexible portion and said article of communication equipment is attached to a distal end of said flexible portion opposite said knuckle portion.

14. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of any one of claims 11 , 12 or 13 wherein said flexible portion is configured such that said communication equipment can be temporarily moved to a flexed position and urged towards said normal portion.

15. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of any one of claims 11 , 12, 13, or 14 wherein said article of communication equipment is an antenna.

16. The communication equipment mounting apparatus of any one of claims 11 , 12, 13, or 14 wherein said article of communication equipment is a communication node.