Mine seal with electrically non-conductive ties

Abstract

This invention is directed to an electrically non-conductive tie for use in a mine seal having opposing walls defining a space for receiving filler material. The tie has opposite ends, a length and a width and is made at least in part from an electrically non-conductive material which extends across substantially the entire width of the tie for preventing conduction of electrical current from one end of the tie to the other. Openings are provided adjacent opposite ends of the tie for receiving wall supports for the mine seal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An electrically non-conductive tie for use in a mine seal having opposing walls defining a space for receiving filler material, said tie having opposite end sections and being made at least in part from an electrically non-conductive material which extends across substantially an entire width of the tie for preventing conduction of electrical current from one end of the tie to the other, and openings in said opposite end sections for receiving wall supports for the mine seal. 
     
     
         2 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said tie is a metal tie having an insulating gap preventing said conduction of electrical current, and a non-conductive member spanning the gap. 
     
     
         3 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said tie comprises first and second metal end plates connected by a metal chain, and wherein said first metal end plate comprises said insulating gap and said non-conductive member spanning the gap. 
     
     
         4 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said tie comprises first and second metal end plates connected by a metal rod, and wherein said first metal end plate comprises said insulating gap and said non-conductive member spanning the gap. 
     
     
         5 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said tie is made entirely of an electrically non-conductive material. 
     
     
         6 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said tie is made entirely or substantially entirely of an electrically non-conductive material except for said opposite end sections, said end sections of the tie being made of metal. 
     
     
         7 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said tie comprises a plurality of overlapping tie sections made of an electrically non-conductive material, and one or more metal fasteners for connecting said overlapping tie sections. 
     
     
         8 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said opposite end sections are made of metal. 
     
     
         9 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said metal end sections are configured for connection to said tie sections of electrically non-conductive material to define openings for receiving wall supports. 
     
     
         10 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 9  wherein each opening is formed by the combination of a notch in a respective metal end section and a mating notch in a respective tie section. 
     
     
         11 . An electrically non-conductive tie as set forth in  claim 10  further comprising at least one fastener for connecting a metal end section to a respective tie section.