The support 10 of the present invention resembles a conventional Acrow prop which may be used for temporarily supporting a load. In particular, the present invention is arranged to support a surface at a static position. For example, the surface may comprise a ceiling/beam/lintel within a structure wherein the usual permanent supports for the ceiling/beam/lintel are being replaced or deemed temporarily insufficient. However, the present invention can be used in numerous situations where a support 10 is required and for which the support 10 can be quickly and easily installed. The present invention provides (hydraulic) movement means to move the upper end relative to the lower end. In addition, the present invention provides retraction prevention means to prevent the upper end moving towards the lower end whilst supporting the load and prevents the inner core member 14 being forcibly retracted back into the outer sleeve member 12 due to the compressive force of the load. A hydraulic ram 22 has a maximum extension limit and the present invention uses an adjustable mounting/abutment mechanism which means that a relatively small hydraulic ram 22 can be installed in the outer sleeve member 12. This size of hydraulic ram 22 will then be suitable for all heights and the support is not limited to simply being moveable within a restricted range.

A mechanical constant-resistance single prop continuous prop lifting pre-tightening device, structurally composed of a continuous prop lifting device, a pressurizing system, an oil supply line and a monitoring unit. The continuous prop lifting device is a core component, comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a prop barrel clamping sleeve ring and a prop rod clamping sleeve ring. The prop rod clamping sleeve ring is fixedly connected with a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder by means of a cylinder head seat, and the prop barrel clamping sleeve ring is fixedly connected with a cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder. With continuous pressurization of the pressurizing system, a cohesion occurs between the continuous prop lifting device and a prop rod, so that the prop rod of a single prop is lifted up to come into contact with a top plate and provide a pre-tightening force.

A mechanical constant-resistance single prop continuous prop lifting pre-tightening device, structurally composed of a continuous prop lifting device, a pressurizing system, an oil supply line and a monitoring unit. The continuous prop lifting device is a core component, comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a prop barrel clamping sleeve ring and a prop rod clamping sleeve ring. The prop rod clamping sleeve ring is fixedly connected with a piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder by means of a cylinder head seat, and the prop barrel clamping sleeve ring is fixedly connected with a cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder. With continuous pressurization of the pressurizing system, a cohesion occurs between the continuous prop lifting device and a prop rod, so that the prop rod of a single prop is lifted up to come into contact with a top plate and provide a pre-tightening force.

The support 10 of the present invention resembles a conventional Acrow prop which may be used for temporarily supporting a load. In particular, the present invention is arranged to support a surface at a static position. For example, the surface may comprise a ceiling/beam/lintel within a structure wherein the usual permanent supports for the ceiling/beam/lintel are being replaced or deemed temporarily insufficient. However, the present invention can be used in numerous situations where a support 10 is required and for which the support 10 can be quickly and easily installed. The present invention provides (hydraulic) movement means to move the upper end relative to the lower end. In addition, the present invention provides retraction prevention means to prevent the upper end moving towards the lower end while supporting the load and prevents the inner core member 14 being forcibly retracted back into the outer sleeve member 12 due to the compressive force of the load. A hydraulic ram 22 has a maximum extension limit and the present invention uses an adjustable mounting/abutment mechanism which means that a relatively small hydraulic ram 22 can be installed in the outer sleeve member 12. This size of hydraulic ram 22 will then be suitable for all heights and the support is not limited to simply being moveable within a restricted range.

A hydraulic assembly for a mining system is disclosed. The hydraulic assembly may have at least one control valve for controlling a supply of hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic actuator of the mining system. The hydraulic assembly may also have at least one temperature sensor associated with the at least one control valve. The at least one temperature sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the at least one control valve. In addition, the hydraulic assembly may have a control unit in communication with the at least one temperature sensor. The control unit may be configured to receive the temperature measured by the at least one temperature sensor. The control unit may also be configured to determine that a leakage has occurred in the at least one control valve based on the temperature.