US3733835A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for advancing tunnel supports
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-04-02
•
Granted: 1973-05-22
•
Expires: 1991-04-02
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for continuously or intermittently advancing tunnel supports against surrounding earth pressure. Cutting edge and trailing shells are interconnected by a longitudinal frame or cage structure. Intermediate the forward and trailing shell are overlapping intermediate shells which are individually connected to the cage structure by hydraulic cylinders so that each intermediate shell can be moved longitudinally relative to the others and relative to the tunnel wall while the other intermediate shells engage the tunnel wall and advance the cage as well as the forward or support and trailing shells. The intermediate shells are sequentially moved forwardly, preferably by releasing the pressure exerted against the wall, as by contracting the shell or by projecting through the shell various-shaped devices which grip or penetrate the wall. The support may incorporate steering guidance means for adjusting the direction of the excavation device about perpendicular transverse aces. Means is also provided on the trailing shell for feeding out the rearward end ribbons, or rods to support the tunnel walls prior to concreting and also a retainer shell which functions as a screed for the concrete and supports the concrete as it is gaining strength.
Inventors
- 👤 J Jacobs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 04:57
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D9/00; E21D9/06; E21D9/0621
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
A machine for supporting earth around the periphery of a bore comprising a plurality of shells arranged end-to-end, each said shell movable relative to adjacent shells in a longitudinal direction through a stroke of predetermined amplitude, means independently operable to advance each said shell relative to the next shell through said stroke, whereby said machine advances relative to said bore, and gripping means for individually sequentially causing each said shell to grip said bore to resist sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction and then to release the grip of said shell on said bore to permit sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction, each said shell being apertured in a plurality of locations and in which said gripping means comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and mounting means mounting at lease one said cylinder internally of said shell aligned with one of the apertures therein, said cylinders having rods adapted to project through said apertures into gripping engagement with said bore to engage said bore and restrain sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
A machine for supporting earth around the periphery of a bore comprising a plurality of shells arranged end-to-end, each said shell movable relative to adjacent shells in a longitudinal direction through a stroke of predetermined amplitude, means independently operable to advance each said shell relative to the next shell through said stroke, whereby said machine advances relative to said bore, and gripping means for individually sequentially causing each said shell to grip said bore to resist sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction and then to release the grip of said shell on said bore to permit sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction, each said shell being apertured in a plurality of locations and in which said gripping means comprises a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and mounting means mounting at lease one said cylinder internally of said shell aligned with one of the apertures therein, said cylinders having rods adapted to project through said apertures into gripping engagement with said bore to engage said bore and restrain sliding movement of said shell relative to said bore in said longitudinal direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A machine according to claim 1, which further comprises feet on the outer ends of said rods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
A machine according to claim 2 in which each said foot is a substantially rectangular pad.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A machine according to claim 3 in which each said foot is provided with a plurality of points.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A machine according to claim 2 in which each said foot is pointed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
A machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a forward support ahead of the forwardmost said shell, an articulated connection means between said forward support and said forwardmost of said shells, said connection means having hinges pivoting about an axis transverse to the direction of advance of said shells and guidance means for pivoting said support about said axis to guide the direction of advance of said support relative to said shells.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A machine according to claim 6, in which said connection means comprises second hinges pivoting about a second axis tRansverse to said direction of advance and to the axis of said first-mentioned hinges and second guidance means for pivoting said support about said second axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A machine according to claim 1, which further comprises a screed connected for movement with said shells in trailing relation to the rearmost of said shells to provide a gap for concreting of said bore.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A machine according to claim 1, which further comprises supporting material feed means and means adjacent the rear of said machine for mounting said feed means to apply supporting material to said bore rearward of said machine as said machine advances.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
85 words
A machine for supporting earth around the periphery of a bore comprising a plurality of shells arranged end-to-end, means interposed between consecutive shells independently operable to advance each said shell relative to the next shell, and a frame attached for movement with said shells inside said shells, said means comprising a plurality of sets of activators, the number of said sets corresponding to the number of said shells, said activators attached at one end to said frame and at the other end to said shells.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
85 words
A machine for supporting earth around the periphery of a bore comprising a plurality of shells arranged end-to-end, means interposed between consecutive shells independently operable to advance each said shell relative to the next shell, and a frame attached for movement with said shells inside said shells, said means comprising a plurality of sets of activators, the number of said sets corresponding to the number of said shells, said activators attached at one end to said frame and at the other end to said shells.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A machine according to claim 10, in which said activators are hydraulic rams.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
40 words
A machine according to claim 10, which further comprises a retainer shell trailing said first-mentioned shells and fixed for movement with said frame, said first-mentioned shells movable relative to said frame, said retainer shell substantially non-movable relative to said frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A machine according to claim 12, which further comprises a screed fixed to the rear of said frame with a gap between said retainer shell and said screed for concreting said bore.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
A machine according to claim 13, which further comprises supporting material feed means mounted on said frame to discharge supporting material behind said retainer shell to the surface of said bore as said machine advances.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-11-20 | 1977-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-21 | 1980-11-20 | 1981-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-21 | 1984-11-20 | 1985-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |