An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting a gate entry
or a connecting entry. The apparatus includes a support member, a
controller, and a vehicle. The support member is configured to
selectively engage a mine roof and a mine floor within a gate entry. The
controller communicates with the support member to extend the support
member to engage the mine roof and mine floor and retract the support
member to disengage the mine roof and mine floor. The vehicle is
connected to the support member and controller and moves the support
member in response to a motive force. The support member, controller, and
vehicle can operate and move independent of a mining face conveyor. The
present invention is reusable, provides for mine roof and mine floor
support as well as support of gate entry walls. The present invention has
a minimal width profile to provide support while minimizing interference
with the airflow within the gate entry. In addition, the present
invention forms an access passage for personnel, equipment, and airflow
that remains safely open during full extraction mining operations even as
load abutments shift due to full extraction mining.