Expanding hollow tube rock stabilizer

Abstract

Abstract APPLICATION OF: JAMES C. SWAIN, JAN B YATES & DAVID L. THOMAS FOR: EXPANDING HOLLOW TUBE ROCK STABILIZER ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A hollow, elongated tube is inserted without substantial interference into a bore hole in a rock formation having a diameter at least substantially as large as the largest cross sectional dimension of the tube. After insertion, a mandrel or other expansion means is forced through the tube to expand the latter into frictional engagement with the bore hole wall, thereby reinforcing the rock strata surrounding the tube. In a first embodiment the tube is folded along one or more axial lines to a non-circular configuration, the mandel serving to at least partially unfold the tube. In a second form , the tube is of circular cross section and remains so as it is stretched by the mandrel into contact with the bore hole wall.

Inventors

• 👤 James C. Swain
• 👤 David L. Thomas
• 👤 Jan B. Yates

Bibliographic Details