US3763657A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for eliminating roll of tunneling shield
Assignee: ENG FIELD SERVICES
•
Filing: 1972-01-26
•
Granted: 1973-10-09
•
Expires: 1992-01-26
Abstract
Abstract A tunnel shield is pushed through the ground by hydraulic rams, but has a tendency to rotate and, unless corrected, the forward support for the spoil conveyor and other equipment gets out of proper alignment and there are other undesirable results. To restore alignment an interior shell is rotatably mounted inside the shield and provides the forward support for the aforementioned equipment. Means is provided to rotate the interior shell relative to the shield so as to restore the interior shell to level position whenever the shield has rotated.
Inventors
- 👤 G Colson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:20
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D9/00; E21D9/06; E21D9/0621
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
115 words
In a tunneling machine a shield, a shell rotatably supported within said shield, rotation means cooperable between said shield and said shell for rotating said shell relative to said shield comprising a ring gear on said shield, a pinion rotatably mounted on said shell meshing with said ring gear, a motor for revolving said pinion, and drive means for driving said shield and shell together in the same direction as the axis of their relative rotation comprising a plurality of rams fixed to said shell and having rods extending rearwardly of both said shell and shield and having means at their ends opposite said rams for anchoring said rods to the wall of a tunnel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
115 words
In a tunneling machine a shield, a shell rotatably supported within said shield, rotation means cooperable between said shield and said shell for rotating said shell relative to said shield comprising a ring gear on said shield, a pinion rotatably mounted on said shell meshing with said ring gear, a motor for revolving said pinion, and drive means for driving said shield and shell together in the same direction as the axis of their relative rotation comprising a plurality of rams fixed to said shell and having rods extending rearwardly of both said shell and shield and having means at their ends opposite said rams for anchoring said rods to the wall of a tunnel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
In a machine according to claim 1 a first annular ring on the forward end of said shell and a second annular ring fixed to said shield immediately forward of said first ring to transmit thrust of said shell to said shield.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A machine according to claim 2 which further comprises back-off means for forcing said rings apart after completion of forward thrust of said shield.
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) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |