Patent ID: 8342267
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: E21B,E21D

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use by an operator in forming boreholes in an underground mine passage including a rib and a roof, comprising: a base; an elongated boom having a longitudinal axis, said boom having 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 drill supported by the boom near the distal end thereof, said drill being adapted for drilling into the rib of the mine passage; and an operator's station carried by the boom adjacent the 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 and the drill, wherein the boom includes a first portion located adjacent a first end of the operator's station, and wherein the drill is located adjacent a second end of the operator's station opposite the first end and extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom, whereby a space is provided on the operator's station between the first portion of the boom and the drill for accommodating the operator.