BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Capsules and cartridges (the two words are used interchangeably) are used in underground mining and tunnelling to anchor and encapsulate rock bolts into holes drilled into the backs (roof) and sidewalls (ribs) of the tunnels and caverns of a mine. The bolts support the ground and control ground movement and thus prevent rock falls.

An advantage of capsule bolting is that it is a single pass bolting operation whereas in bolt grouting systems, grouting of bolts normally requires a multiple pass operation (ie. one pass to install the bolt, a second pass to grout the bolt and often a third pass for tensioning the bolt). The employment of equipment and labour in the same area for two or three times is costly and obviously time consuming. Capsule bolting is becoming more widely used because it eliminates the additional passes (and the cost and time associated with those passes) by inserting the capsule prior to the bolt.

In the metalliferous mining industry, automated bolting rigs in the past have been recognised as the only safe and efficient way of remotely inserting capsules into bolt holes (ie. where the roof (back) is sufficiently high

to warrant mechanised installation) prior to inserting the roof bolt. However, these rigs are purpose built and are accordingly extremely expensive to purchase and maintain.

Manual systems have also been used for hand installing capsules. In this case, a man-basket is hung from an underground mining vehicle, and a man manually inserts capsules into a drilled hole. However, the efficiency of this system is low, and the safety is poor.

WO 99/01641 discloses an apparatus for positioning a resin cartridge in a hole for a rock bolt. This document discloses apparatus which may be provided on an existing boom of a drill rig. An extension assembly is provided for advancing and retracting a tube into an outer bolt hole, however, this assembly requires a separate actuation system, and hence the apparatus is relatively complex and costly, and also difficult to retrofit to an existing drill rig. In addition, the apparatus must be used with its own resin cartridge feed system, again making it more costly to manufacture and complex to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides a capsule feed system for mounting on an extendible and retractable boom of a vehicle, the feed system including a coupling means for interacting with the boom such that the feed system can be selectively advanced and retracted together with the extension and retraction of the boom.

Preferably the boom is a drilling boom and the vehicle is a drilling jumbo to which the boom is mounted to extend and retract with respect to a surface that requires drilling of a hole thereinto.

By providing a capsule feed system that is suitable for use with e. g. a drilling jumbo, the use of a separate automated bolting rig can be advantageously avoided. In

addition, the drilling jumbo can be used to drill the bolt hole, and then the capsule feed system in accordance with the present invention can, on the same jumbo, be activated to introduce the capsule into the hole, advantageously making use of the jumbo boom extension and retraction mechanism and avoiding the use of a separate drive. The jumbo may also then be used for bolting.

When the term"jumbo"is used herein it is intended to include a wide variety of vehicle. for use in mining, construction and related industries. The capsule feed system in accordance with the present invention can accordingly be mounted on extendible and retractable booms of various vehicle types.

Preferably the system includes a capsule release nozzle, and a capsule introduction and delivery mechanism for introducing a capsule into the system and for delivery of the capsule to the nozzle for release therefrom.

In one embodiment the capsule delivery mechanism includes a compressed gas supply such that, in use, gas is released from the compressed gas supply and carries the capsule introduced into the mechanism via a delivery conduit to the nozzle for release therefrom.

In an alternative embodiment, the capsule delivery mechanism includes a mechanical pusher such that, in use, the pusher is progressively advanced into a delivery conduit in which the capsule has been introduced for pushing the capsule to the nozzle for release therefrom.

Preferably in the feed system it is the nozzle that is advanceable and retractable with respect to the boom.

Preferably the nozzle is movable with a feed rail of the boom and is fixable with respect to a feed holder of the boom.

Preferably the coupling means is a two-part clamping system for acting between the nozzle conduit and the boom.

Preferably a first part of the clamping system is mounted on the feed rail and is arranged for clamping at or near a release end of the nozzle to prevent its movement with respect to the rail.

Preferably a second part of the clamping system is mounted on the feed holder and is arranged for clamping an adjacent conduit portion, connected to or part of the nozzle, to prevent its movement with respect to the holder.

Preferably the clamping system is arranged such that : (a) with the second part activated to clamp the conduit and the first part released from the nozzle, the feed rail can be retracted into the feed holder to thereby expose a length of nozzle for insertion in the hole ; (b) the first part can then be activated to clamp the nozzle and the second part released, and the nozzle can then be inserted into the hole by extending the feed rail, and then a capsule can be released from the nozzle ; and (c) the nozzle can then be retracted from the hole by retracting the feed rail, and the first part then released and the second part activated, to release the nozzle from the feed rail.

After step (c) the feed rail can be advanced independently of the nozzle, for example for further drilling or for bolting.

Preferably the clamping system is gas activated, and optionally the clamping system can be activated with gas supplied from the compressed gas supply.

Preferably the first and second parts of the clamping system each include a hollow housing through which the

nozzle and conduit respectively slidably extend, with a flexible casing arranged between the housing and nozzle or conduit and movable to engage against the nozzle or conduit to prevent the sliding movement, the casing defining a chamber between itself and the housing, with a gas inlet to the chamber being located in the housing such that, when gas is introduced at a predetermined pressure into the chamber via the inlet, it causes the casing to move and engage against the nozzle or conduit to clamp it against sliding movement with respect to the housing.

Thus, when the housing is mounted either to the feed rail or the feed holder, such clamping against sliding movement fixes the nozzle or conduit with respect to the feed rail or feed holder respectively.

Preferably the flexible casing is a tubular insert mounted in the housing and through which the nozzle or conduit extends so that the casing surrounds and can clamp the adjacent part of the nozzle or conduit when urged to move under pressure.

Preferably the compressed gas supply includes a receiving tank and a pressure regulator connected to the jumbo's gas supply system and adapted for reducing the typically higher pressure supplied from the jumbo system and for storing a supply of pressurised gas.

In said one embodiment the capsule delivery mechanism is preferably connected to the compressed gas supply via a gas supply line, and includes a gun. The gun typically has an inlet for the gas supply line at a base of a handle of the gun, a passage extending through the handle to a capsule loading chamber located within a body of the gun, a trigger-operated valve for opening and closing the passage, a flap at the rear of the gun for the introduction of capsule (s) into the loading chamber and

for closing a capsule loading port against gas release in use, and a barrel extending away from the loading chamber and for discharging capsule (s) from the gun such that, in use, when a capsule is loaded into the chamber by inserting the same via the port and past the flap, depression of the trigger releases pressurised gas from the compressed gas supply via the passage and into the loading chamber in a manner that causes the capsule to be forced out of the barrel and thence out of the gun.

Preferably the barrel is connected to the release nozzle via the delivery conduit, and preferably the nozzle is an extension of the delivery conduit.

In the event of capsule rupture or leakage in the system a water inlet can also be provided in the gun for introducing flushing water into the barrel to flow, when the flap and valve are closed, from the barrel through the delivery conduit to the nozzle to exit therefrom, thus flushing clean the system for further use. The water inlet can also be used for introducing lubricant into the system.

In the alternative embodiment of the capsule introduction and delivery mechanism, the delivery conduit is connected to and optionally defines the nozzle at one end and has a capsule introduction inlet at the opposite end for receipt of a capsule into the conduit, the mechanical pusher being an advanceable/retractable cable means that is insertable into the delivery conduit at the opposite end and is extendible through the conduit to urge the capsule therethrough to be released from the nozzle.

Preferably, the cable means is advanceable/retractable by a reversible drive mechanism which can be activated from a location adjacent to the feed inlet. Typically the cable means is a steel cable,

with a supply of cable being mountable and storable at e. g. the rear of the jumbo.

Typically the nozzle is provided with a plurality of vent holes in sidewall (s) thereof such that, when the nozzle is inserted in the hole, the vent holes enable the release of compressed gas into the hole adjacent to the nozzle to prevent the hole from becoming pressurised against capsule insertion.

Preferably, when compressed gas is used for capsule ejection, the gas is air so that the system is pneumatically operated and actuated.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a coupling mechanism for a capsule feed system that includes a delivery conduit coupled to a capsule release nozzle, the coupling mechanism including clamping means positionable on an extendible/retractable boom of a vehicle and selectively engageable with the nozzle and/or conduit such that, when the boom is extended the nozzle and/or conduit can be clamped to advance and retract the nozzle and conduit with the boom.

Preferably the clamping means includes the clamping system as defined for the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably the boom is a jumbo boom and the vehicle is a jumbo or the like.

In a third aspect the present invention provides a vehicle incorporating a capsule feed system and coupling mechanism as defined for the first and second aspects.

Typically the system is used for the feeding of resin-based capsules, but can be used for cement-based capsules etc.

Preferably a capsule retention mechanism is fitted to each capsule employed in the system for retaining it in a bolt hole after feeding thereinto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : Figure 1 shows a side schematic view of a first automated capsule feed system in accordance with the present invention ; Figure 2 shows a gas circuit flow diagram for the feed system of Figure 1 ; Figures 3 and 4 show side and plan elevations of a development drilling jumbo when fitted with the automated capsule feed system of Figure 1 ; Figures 5 and 6 show, in detail, side and end sectional elevations of a gripper unit forming part of the feed system in accordance with the present invention ; Figure 7 shows, in side schematic elevation, a control valve box for directing gas to the gripper units used in accordance with the present invention ; Figures 8 and 9 show side sectional detailed elevations of part of a capsule loading and firing mechanism for use in the feed system of Figure 1, with Figure 8 showing a capsule loading orientation and Figure 9 showing a capsule firing orientation ; and Figure 10 shows a side elevation of a development drilling jumbo when fitted with a second automated capsule feed system in accordance with the present invention.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, 8 and 9, a capsule feed system is shown in the form of a first automated capsule insertion device 10. The device preferably employs resin capsules and is preferably

adapted for mounting on a drilling jumbo as will be described hereafter. The device includes a compressed gas supply in the form of air receiving tank 12, which can receive a supply of air from the on-board compressor of a drilling jumbo via valve and line 14. The tank includes an air volume/pressure gauge 16, mounting legs 18 for mounting to the jumbo chassis and an outlet line 20 which passes to the capsule firing system (described below) via a shut-off valve 21 and a pressure regulating valve and gauge 22.

The first capsule insertion device typically employs air as the impelling gas for obvious economic reasons, but other gases can also be employed if necessary or desirable (e. g. inert gases in explosive environments). In some instances, liquids may be employed as the impelling medium. The insertion device can alternatively be replaced with a gas (typically air) operated solid plunger device to force the capsules out of the nozzle and into a bolt hole. A second capsule insertion device (described below with reference to Figure 10) provides a mechanical alternative.

The insertion device further includes a capsule firing gun 24. Outlet line 20 extends to a lower end 26 of gun handle 28 to deliver air to gun handle passage 30 (Figures 8 and 9). As shown in Figure 8, the air stream A feeds up through handle 28 via passage 30, but is blocked at the end of that passage by a plug 32. The plug, at its left-hand end, is normally biased by a spring 34 to close the end of passage 30. At the opposite (right hand) end of the plug, a trigger pin 36 projects out from the plug, and out beyond the gun handle 28. A trigger 38 is mounted to pivot with respect to the handle and engages an end of the trigger pin as shown.

The gun further includes a gun body 40 in which is formed a capsule loading chamber 42. A capsule loading port 44 is defined at a rear end of the gun body which can be closed via a pivoting flap door 46, mounted within chamber 42 and arranged to pivot between a port closed position (Figure 9) and a port open position (Figure 8).

The flap door is urged to the closed position when an air blast is released through the gun. To fire the gun, a user's fingers pull back on trigger 38 causing the plug 32 to open passage 30 and connect it with extension passage 48. This urges the flap door 46 upwardly (as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 9). After firing the trigger is released (let go of) and the flap door falls back down to the port open position.

It should be noted that one or more capsules (which can each be at least as long as 1100mm or may even be longer) can be inserted into the gun via port 44.

Typically at least two capsules of suitable length are loaded into the gun.

Projecting out from a front end 50 of gun body 40 is a step tapered gun barrel 52. The barrel 52 includes a first wider diameter section 54, which opens onto loading chamber 42, and a second narrower diameter section 56.

The progressively tapering arrangement from the chamber 40 to second section 56 facilitates the easy sliding in of one or more capsules, which ultimately are positioned substantially within gun barrel 52 prior to firing.

Barrel 52 is also provided with a water flushing inlet 58, for the introduction of water into the gun, to flush and clear the same should a capsule leak or rupture within the system. The flushing water is usually released from a remote nozzle of the device (described below) to flush out the residue, prior to further capsule insertion

into the gun. The water flushing device (or the port 44) can also be used to introduce a pre-firing system lubricant (eg a water/surfactant mixture) which assists with unhindered capsule traverse through the system.

Alternatively, the capsules can be pre-dipped in a water/surfactant mixture prior to loading in the gun.

The water flushing device is activated by selectively opening valve 60 (Figure 1) which is supplied with water from water supply line 62. The water supply typically comes from the drilling jumbo water supply system.

Referring again to Figure 1, the gun barrel 52 is mounted to the jumbo via mounting lugs 64. The end of the barrel is connected to delivery conduit 66 via an adaptor 68. The delivery conduit 66 extends from the gun barrel and through to a remote nozzle. In fact, typically the end of the delivery conduit defines the nozzle, however the nozzle can be a separate element that is connected (e. g. via an adaptor) to the end of the conduit, as required.

The delivery conduit 66, at the nozzle end, is supported in a coupling mechanism having a clamping means in the form of a gripper system 70. The gripper system helps regulate the extension and retraction of the nozzle, in conjunction with an extendible/retractable boom (as described below).

The gripper system 70 includes a rear gripper 72, which is usually mounted to a feed holder 74 of a jumbo boom 76 (Figures 3 and 4). The gripper system further includes a front gripper 78 which is usually mounted to a feed rail 80 of the jumbo boom to move forwards and backwards with the feed rail when it is extended and retracted in the boom. Also mounted to the feed rail 80 is a guide sleeve 82 which provides support for the

delivery conduit during extension and retraction of the feed rail.

The rear gripper 72 is activated by a first air line 84 and the front gripper is activated by a second air line 86. Compressed air is selectively distributed to one or the other gripper via a control valve 88, and air flow direction to the grippers is selectively controlled by the rotation of control lever 90.

The control valve 88 is shown more clearly in Figure 7. As can be seen, compressed gas, typically a compressed air stream A, is supplied to the control valve via air inlet line 92. Usually compressed air is employed because of its availability on the jumbo, although other gases or in fact liquids such as water can be employed. In fact, usually the compressed air is supplied from the air receiving tank 12 (as depicted in the circuit flow diagram of Figure 2). Alternatively, the compressed air can come from a separate air source on the drilling jumbo and, if necessary, be appropriately regulated via a suitable control valve.

As shown in Figure 7, the control valve has three positions. When the pointer 94 on control lever 90 is located at position 1 (ie. by rotating lever 90) then compressed air is directed into line 84 to activate rear gripper 72. In this position, the front gripper is released (or unclamped or deactivated). When the pointer is located at position 2, the control valve is either closed, or more typically releases air from the pressurised gripper via an exhaust valve. When the pointer is located at position 3, compressed air is directed to the second air line 86 to activate front gripper 78 and release (or unclamp or deactivate) rear gripper 72.

Activating either gripper clamps the delivery conduit 66 against sliding through the gripper at that region, and deactivating either gripper releases the conduit 66 for sliding through the gripper. Thus, in position 1 the conduit is clamped against sliding at rear gripper 72, and thus is clamped against sliding with respect to the feed holder but is free to slide with respect to the feed rail.

At position 2 both front and rear grippers are released, and thus the conduit can slide freely with respect to both grippers and thus with respect to the jumbo boom. At position 3 the front gripper is activated and thus the conduit is clamped with respect to the feed rail, but is free to slide with respect to the feed holder. In other words, with the front gripper activated extension and retraction of the feed rail causes sliding movement of the conduit with respect to the feed holder, and with the rear gripper activated the feed rail is free to slide independently of the conduit.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the construction of each of the grippers 72, 78 will now be described. Each gripper includes a hollow, generally solid tubular casing 96. Integral with and projecting out from the casing is an air inlet/outlet 98. The opposite open ends of the casing are attached (sealed) to opposing end caps 100, which each have a bore formed therein, through which the delivery conduit 66 extends, the delivery conduit extending right through the gripper in use.

Concentric with and of smaller diameter than the casing 96 is a flexible (typically polymeric) gripper tube 102, which has an inside diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the conduit 66. The opposing ends of the gripper tube are also sealed to the end caps 100,

thus defining a sealed annular chamber 104, having only the one inlet/outlet 98.

As the casing 96 is typically formed from a solid, inflexible material, such as a pressure resistant steel, metal alloy or possibly even a high strength plastic, when pressurised air is introduced via inlet 98 into the annular chamber 104 (eg. via line 84 or 86) then the annular chamber volumetrically expands as gripper tube 102 is forced to compress inwardly (ie. against the external surface of the conduit 66 positioned within the gripper).

This has the effect of"gripping"or"clamping"the conduit 66 against movement with respect to the gripper.

As the air pressure is released within annular chamber 104, the air passes back out via outlet 98 and the gripper tube 102 expands outwardly again, thus freeing the conduit 66 for sliding within the gripper.

Referring again to Figure 1, it will be seen that the system further includes a nozzle 106 which, as described above and for simplicity, can be defined by an appropriately shaped end of the delivery conduit 66 (but may also be a separate item attached to the conduit end as appropriate). The open end 108 of the nozzle is sized for the release of a capsule, and is chamfered as shown to prevent it from snagging against a drilled hole wall when being inserted in the hole. A plurality of vent holes 110 are provided adjacent to the end of the nozzle, for example, in a pattern starting from up to 15cm from the end of the nozzle. The vent holes allow pressurised air to escape from the nozzle, other than via the end 108, thus preventing the drilled bolt hole from becoming pressurised during insertion of a capsule ; (otherwise, when bolt holes become pressurised this can prevent capsules from being inserted). As the fired capsule

travels past the vent holes, typically there is sufficient space between the inner face of the conduit 66 and the capsule for a portion of the air to be released via the vent holes.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, side and plan views of a typical development drilling jumbo 112 are shown.

The location of the insertion device on the jumbo is indicated by the appropriate numerals. As can be seen, the capsule firing gun 24 and the gripper system control valve 88 are mounted on the jumbo under the FOPS (falling objects protection system) canopy 114 (removed for clarity from Figure 4). This means that the operator of the insertion device can feed and fire the device from under the canopy with the full protection afforded by that arrangement. In addition, the operator can activate the drill 116 located on the jumbo boom 76 in the usual manner under the canopy, prior to insertion and firing of a capsule.

Each boom 76 is connected to the jumbo 112 via boom support arms 118, which are hydraulically activated and offer a wide range of boom manoeuvrability for drilling and capsule injection in both the roof and walls of an underground mining tunnel.

Referring now to Figure 2, a schematic circuit flow diagram for the flow of compressed gas (or liquid) through the first insertion device is depicted. In a preferred embodiment, compressed air is pumped from the jumbo compressor 120, via an in line check valve 122 to the air receiving tank 12. The compressed air is then passed via the shut off valve 21, to a branching point 124. At this point an air offtake line 126 leads to a further branching point 128, from which air inlet line 92 extends. Air inlet line 92 passes via a pressure regulator 130 to

control valve 88, and lines 84 and 86 pass from valve 88 to rear gripper 72 and front gripper 78 respectively.

A further offtake line 132 passes from branching point 128, via a pressure regulator 134 and thence to a drifter lube system 136 which supplies lubricant to the jumbo drilling head bearings. The air can thus be used (by appropriate regulation) in the drifter lube system to supply a fine oil/air spray for the drilling head bearings lubrication.

Outlet line 20 passes from branching point 124 via high flow pressure regulating valve and gauge 22, to the capsule firing gun 24. A blast of air is released from the capsule firing gun via delivery conduit 66 to the nozzle 106.

In use of the automated capsule insertion device on a drilling jumbo, the jumbo boom is positioned adjacent to a wall or roof that requires bolting. The drill 116 is then advanced on the jumbo boom, along feed rail 80, and drills a hole in the roof or wall, and the drill is then retracted to the end of the boom (ie. to the end of the boom as shown in Figures 3 and 4) to be out of the way for subsequent capsule insertion.

The operator then commences activation of the extending/retracting nozzle mechanism, using the gripper system 70. Firstly, the rear gripper is locked by rotating the control lever to position 1. The jumbo boom feed rail is then retracted to expose the nozzle to a desired length and is then stopped. The rear gripper is then released and the forward gripper is locked by rotating the control lever to position 3. Now the nozzle is ready for insertion into the as drilled hole.

Once the nozzle has been roughly aligned with the hole, the feed rail is then extended and the nozzle is

pushed up into the hole, typically until 150mm of nozzle has been inserted into the hole (or other suitable distance as required). Usually a flexible nozzle is employed in the present system and thus perfect hole alignment is not required. If necessary, prior to hole insertion, the operator can flush the system with a pre- firing lubricant (water/surfactant) by opening valve 60 and discharging this lubricant from the nozzle. During this flushing operation, flap 46 can be opened or closed and plug 32 is maintained closed (as shown in Figure 8).

Alternatively, each capsule can be dipped in lubricant prior to loading them in the gun.

Once the system has been appropriately lubricated, it is then ready to receive one or more capsules for firing.

The operator feeds the capsule (s) into gun 24, inserting them through capsule loading port 44, and thence via chamber 42 into gun barrel 52 (if a capsule is sufficiently long, then insertion is into both the first and second gun barrel sections 54, 56). The tapered formation of the gun barrel and lubrication readily facilitates such capsule insertion.

Once the capsule (s) have been inserted a sufficient distance into the gun, the gun is ready for firing.

The operator then grasps gun handle 28 and trigger 38, and depresses the trigger towards the handle, the trigger in turn acting on trigger pin 36, which in turn forces plug 32 against spring 34 (to compress the same) thus opening the end of passage 30. The air in line 20 is at pressure, and thus a shot or blast of air is released from passage 30, via extension passage 48, closing flap door 46 and passing firstly into loading chamber 42 and thence against the rear of the capsule (s) positioned in gun barrel 52.

The shot or blast of air is regulated to be of sufficient

pressure such that it urges (fires) the capsule (s) out of the gun barrel, into the delivery conduit 66 and thence eventually out of the nozzle end 108 and into the bolt hole, but without tearing, rupturing or damaging the capsule (s). As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the conduit is gently curved, and the air pressure is appropriately regulated such that the capsule (s) are relatively gently carried on the blast of air, and this also helps prevent rupture within the nozzle conduit and nozzle.

Once the capsule (s) have been inserted in the bolt hole, the nozzle is then extracted from the bolt hole by retracting the feed rail until the nozzle is out of the way for a subsequent further drilling or bolting activity.

The front gripper is then released, and the rear gripper is locked, by returning the control lever to position 1.

The feed rail is once again free to move without the nozzle causing any interference (eg. for further drilling, for bolting etc).

As stated above, the grippers can be locked and released using the air supply from air receiving tank 12.

In this case, typically the gripper circuit operates on lower air pressures than the cartridge firing circuit, hence usually fluid pressure regulation is employed (as depicted schematically in Figure 2). Whilst an air operated gripper system has been described the gripper system can also be operated hydraulically.

It is also usual for air to be exhausted as the control lever is moved from position 1 to position 3 (ie. at position 2), as this prevents back pressure building up in the gripper system.

Referring now to Figure 10, where like reference numerals are used to denote similar or the like parts, a

second automated capsule insertion device is depicted.

This device differs from the first device 10, in that it is mechanically driven rather than being gas or pneumatically driven.

The second insertion device includes a cable means in the form of capsule pusher cable 140. Cable 140 is insertable through the length of delivery conduit 66 to exit the nozzle 106, thus urging out of the nozzle one or more capsules in front of its path of travel. Cable 140 is driven by a hydraulically activated roller wheel system 142 which engages the cable as shown. The wheels can be rotatingly driven in opposite directions to advance or retract the cable into and out of conduit 66 as appropriate. A sufficient length of cable 140 is stored in a roll of cable storage conduit 144 which is typically mounted at a rear of the jumbo 112. A length 146 of the cable storage conduit extends up to and terminates adjacent to the roller wheels 142 as shown. Thus, only a short length of cable 140 is exposed, adjacent to the roller wheels.

The cable 140 may also be provided with a one-way catch thereon to prevent its complete retraction out of conduit 66. In this regard, the catch can be configured to not interfere with cable advancement into the conduit.

The end of conduit 66 is modified in the embodiment of Figure 10, in that a capsule loading port 148 is fitted thereto. A user standing under canopy 114 can load one or more capsules into conduit 66, in front of a leading end of cable 140.

In use, the cable 140 is retracted by roller the wheels 142 such that its leading end does not obscure the loading port 148. The user loads one or more (typically pre-lubricated) capsules into conduit 66 through loading

port 148 in front of the leading end of the cable. The loading port may be provided with a safety lid which is then closed to enable system activation, and a user then activates the roller wheels to cause the cable to be advanced into conduit 66 (e. g. via a control panel located under the canopy 114). The leading end of the cable engages against a rear end of one of the capsule (s), and thus urges it through the conduit 66 until it exits nozzle 106. The nozzle 106 has already been located in a previously drilled bolt hole in a manner as described above for the first insertion device. In addition, the nozzle and gripper arrangement employed in first insertion device are typically the same for the second insertion device.

Once the capsule has been positioned in a drilled bolt hole, and the nozzle extracted therefrom, the cable 140 is then retracted, i. e. by reversing the direction of the roller wheels, until the cable end is once again in a position that enables further capsule loading through loading port 148.

Typically a capsule retention mechanism is pre-fitted to each capsule employed in the system, prior to firing.

This mechanism is used to retain the capsule in a bolt hole after insertion thereinto to prevent capsule fallout.

Usually the mechanism provides some form of interference between the capsule and bolt hole wall.

Typically both systems described above are used to fire 25mm and 26mm diameter capsules (cartridges), preferably resin-based, and can handle capsules of at least 1100mm in length. However, other sized capsules can also be used. Typically in the first system the second section of the gun barrel is formed from 32mm outside diameter, 28mm inside diameter poly pipe. In the first

and second systems typically the delivery conduit is formed from poly pipe, having an inside diameter slightly greater than the capsule (s) to be inserted.

Typically both systems are used for the feeding of resin-based capsules, but can be used for cement-based capsules and capsules containing other adhesives etc.

Typically the air receiving tank is formed from a pressure resistant material, such as a metal or metal alloy, and in some applications, high pressure lines may be required, although it has been observed that poly pipe conduits can withstand all of the operating pressures required in accordance with the invention. Where necessary, high pressure materials are employed.

A number of advantages are readily identified in the automated capsule insertion devices described in accordance with the present invention. Firstly, they are jumbo mountable. This is especially advantageous as development drilling jumbos are common to mines throughout the world, whereas automated bolting rigs are not (due to their expense). Thus, almost every mine has a jumbo, and the preferred insertion devices can be readily adapted for use with all such jumbos. In addition, the enhanced safety features and manoeuvrability of the jumbo and jumbo boom are thus utilised, and the disadvantages of manual capsule insertion readily overcome.

By utilising the jumbo air supply, air receiving tank and various pressure regulators, highly controlled air volumes and pressures can be attained at very low degrees of expense and complexity.

A very simple and cost effective retractable nozzle arrangement can also be provided by the invention, by e. g. simply modifying the end of the delivery conduit (eg. using cheap and readily available poly pipe). The venting

of the nozzle end provides for enhanced capsule insertion without back pressure effects.

Also, where a soft nozzle is employed (eg. formed from a flexible polymeric pipe) hole misalignment can be readily accommodated and this further prevents the ripping open of cartridges and capsules during firing. In addition, the nozzle is typically mounted to the boom to be out of the way of the drilling mechanism (or any bolting arrangement employed thereon), so that the capsule feed system does not interfere with normal operations of the drilling jumbo.

The systems are easily attached to and detached from the jumbo boom for servicing, for replacement, or when not required. The systems can also be readily adapted for a wide range of capsule sizes, types and capsule content, for example, by changing the conduit diameters (eg. using readily available poly pipe) or conduit material etc. The systems allow for the insertion of very long capsules (up to eg. 1. lm) without requiring any modification other than employing suitable conduits.

All controls and capsule introduction systems can be located under the FOPS canopy of the jumbo, such that the user can perform all drilling, capsule insertion and bolting operations from the safety of the FOPS canopy. and without leaving that area. Thus, the actual insertion can take place under unsupported ground. In addition, the systems can be operated by a single person.

Also, the gripping system can make use of an existing jumbo assembly requiring little or no modification.

The introduction and delivery systems of the present invention readily cooperate with a fully functional advanceable and retractable nozzle arrangement (i. e. that is insertable into and retractable from a bolt hole), and

that is operationally cheaper and simpler than the systems used on automated bolting rigs. Further the direct insertion of the nozzle into the bolt hole minimises the chance of hole blockages and the bursting of capsules.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.