US3790215A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Recovery of ores and minerals while using ice as means of support in mined rooms
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-03
•
Granted: 1974-02-05
•
Expires: 1992-05-03
Abstract
Abstract For supporting lateral or hanging rock walls in mines it is proposed to make ice flow into the mine rooms freshly worked, according as the mining proceeds to constantly lower levels, so as to protect miners without having to leave pillars requiring second mining.
Inventors
- 👤 H Fangel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 18:20
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D19/00; E21C; E21C41/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for the substantially complete recovery of ores or minerals from steeply extending formations while using ice as means of support for side and hanging rock walls, comprising causing a mass of ice to flow under a static head into rooms being worked out for filling the latter, the filling with flowing ice being effected progressively during the primary mining successively to and at the same rate as ore in front of and below said ice is blasted and removed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for the substantially complete recovery of ores or minerals from steeply extending formations while using ice as means of support for side and hanging rock walls, comprising causing a mass of ice to flow under a static head into rooms being worked out for filling the latter, the filling with flowing ice being effected progressively during the primary mining successively to and at the same rate as ore in front of and below said ice is blasted and removed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the pressure of the ice is adapted to provide a flowing rate corresponding to the mining rate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, said flowing rate and said mining rate being adapted to each other so that a resulting space formed between ice flowing into new mine spaces and the constantly retiring working front forms a working room during operations forming part of the recovering process.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that for providing the pressure required for support and flow there is maintained a mass of ice suitable for this purpose.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the pressure is modified by masses of higher specific weight than ice, which are charged onto it or mixed into it, or by hollow bodies placed in it for reducing the average specific gravity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the flowability of the ice is modified locally by forced cooling.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that ice melted off is subsequently replaced by fresh ice produced in situ.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the mining is started from an outcrop and ice is filled in gradually so as to provide support and flow for ore removal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the mining is effected at successively lower levels and at each level proceeds in the main horizontal direction of the ore deposit and immediately under the bottom face of the ice mass.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |