US3746107A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hopper for an earth boring machine
Assignee: Tamrock Canada Inc
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Filing: 1971-10-29
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Granted: 1973-07-17
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Expires: 1991-10-29
Abstract
Abstract A hopper for deverting residue and cuttings from the boring machine when drilling upward. The hopper includes a main cylindrical body open at both ends. Two symmetrical deflection elements are pivotably connected to the main body of the hopper. A plate opposite the pins provides support for the deflection elements and allows them to slide to provide adjustment of the size of the central opening.
Inventors
- 👤 E Kunkel
- 👤 J Young
- 👤 G Cason
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:00
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B19/00; E21B19/20; E21B7/00; E21B7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
In an earth boring apparatus including support columns and drilling mechanism mounted for travel along said support columns, a hopper positioned above the drilling mechanism comprising: a main body open at both ends, a plurality of movable deflection elements comprising the floor of said hopper, hinge means connecting each of said plurality of movable deflection elements to said main body, a support plate connected to said main body and in sliding engagement with said movable deflection elements for supporting said deflection elements, means for moving said deflection elements relative to one another thereby providing a variable sized opening through said hopper.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
101 words
In an earth boring apparatus including support columns and drilling mechanism mounted for travel along said support columns, a hopper positioned above the drilling mechanism comprising: a main body open at both ends, a plurality of movable deflection elements comprising the floor of said hopper, hinge means connecting each of said plurality of movable deflection elements to said main body, a support plate connected to said main body and in sliding engagement with said movable deflection elements for supporting said deflection elements, means for moving said deflection elements relative to one another thereby providing a variable sized opening through said hopper.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-16 | 1977-01-15 | 1977-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-16 | 1981-01-15 | 1981-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-16 | 1985-01-15 | 1985-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |