A drilling assembly for simultaneously drilling a hole and inserting a friction bolt, the drilling assembly comprising a drill string, a drill bit and a friction bolt, wherein: (i) the drill string defines a leading end adapted to releasably operatively connect to the drill bit and a trailing end adapted to operatively engage with a means for imparting energy on said drill string; (ii) the drill bit is mounted on the leading end of said drill string; (iii) the friction bolt at least partially surrounds said drill string; and wherein (iv) the drilling assembly further comprises an elongate spacer that defines a leading end and a trailing end and is located between said friction bolt and said means for imparting energy on said drill string.

A drilling assembly for simultaneously drilling a hole and inserting a friction bolt, the drilling assembly comprising a drill string, a drill bit and a friction bolt, wherein: (i) the drill string defines a leading end adapted to releasably operatively connect to the drill bit and a trailing end adapted to operatively engage with a means for imparting energy on said drill string; (ii) the drill bit is mounted on the leading end of said drill string; (iii) the friction bolt at least partially surrounds said drill string; and wherein (iv) the drilling assembly further comprises an elongate spacer that defines a leading end and a trailing end and is located between said friction bolt and said means for imparting energy on said drill string.

A friction bolt (10) includes a first generally circular tube (12) having an internal diameter and defining a longitudinal split, the tube being radially expandable. The bolt has a first leading end (16) for insertion into a borehole (50), a second end defining a head (18), and a second generally circular tube defining a longitudinal split and having an external diameter which is substantially the same as or larger than the internal diameter of the first generally circular tube. The second tube is located inside the first tube (12) with an exterior of the second tube in contact with the interior of the first tube (12). The friction bolt (10) is installed in a rock face (80) using standard friction bolt (10) installation equipment and methods.

The invention relates to an automated device for drilling a hole in the vault and walls of a tunnel and for installing an anchoring element in said hole, characterized in that it comprises: a robot (5) comprising a base (50), a robotic arm (51) extending from the base and a multifunctional head (52) arranged at the end of the arm and movable over 360 degrees, said multifunctional head comprising a drilling means (520), a percussion means (521) suitable for inserting an anchoring element in the hole, and a vision system (522), an elevating platform (1) bearing a device (2) for guiding in translation the base of the robot, a control unit suitable for communicating with a controller of the robot and comprising a processor configured to determine in real time the position of the robot in a three-dimensional reference frame of the tunnel and a man-machine interface.

A multi-functional connector is arranged for connecting a functional drill element to a drill head, such as an extendable cylinder of a drill head. The multi-functional connector includes a first connecting element having a first receptacle, a second connecting element having a second receptacle, and a retainer element having a retainer opening. The first receptacle has at least two driving surfaces for transferring a torque in a first direction, the second receptacle has at least two driving surfaces for transferring a torque in a first direction and in a second, opposite direction, and the retainer element has at least one retaining section to prevent a movement of a second functional drill element relative to the second connecting element in a retracting position of the second functional drill element.

A bolting drill rig arranged to be mountable at a mobile mining machine. The drill rig includes a main frame mounting an axially movable drive unit and head to press against the roof or wall of the mine. A drill rod manipulator assembly is mounted at the main frame to one side of the drive unit and configured to transport a drill rod between a drilling position and a rod storage position.

A bolting drill rig arranged to be mountable at a mobile mining machine. The drill rig includes a main frame mounting an axially movable drive unit and head to press against the roof or wall of the mine. A drill rod manipulator assembly is mounted at the main frame to one side of the drive unit and configured to transport a drill rod between a drilling position and a rod storage position.

A mine bolt includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, and an anchor comprising a tube defining a central opening and a slot extending at least a portion of the length of the tube. The anchor is secured to the elongated body. The anchor is configured to compress upon installation of the mine bolt to anchor the elongated body within a bore hole.

A mine bolt includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end, and an anchor comprising a tube defining a central opening and a slot extending at least a portion of the length of the tube. The anchor is secured to the elongated body. The anchor is configured to compress upon installation of the mine bolt to anchor the elongated body within a bore hole.

A manipulator for providing drilling expendables to a drill head of an underground drill rig includes a gripper that is arranged to selectively grip and release the drilling expendables and to move the gripper between a first position facing a supply magazine and a second position facing the drill head. The manipulator is also arranged to automatically take and return expendables to and from the magazine and drill head. A supply device provides the expendables to a drill head of an underground drill rig having the supply magazine, and to an underground drill rig, as well as an underground mining vehicle.