US3823566A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Earth-supporting apparatus and method
Assignee: Ingersoll Rand Co
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Filing: 1972-12-18
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Granted: 1974-07-16
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Expires: 1992-12-18
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus comprises an open, circular frame, which is resiliently expansible and contractible, arranged for towing in accompaniment with a tunneler (or the like). Hydraulic cylinders coupled across telescopic transverse struts of the frame are operative to expand or contract the frame. The method, capable of practice by the apparatus, comprises the expansion of an open frame into engagement with the soft or friable earth of an earth bore overhead and the installation and fixing of an earthsupporting member therewithin. Thereafter, the frame is moved out, and the member is fastened to the bore overhead.
Inventors
- 👤 H Handewith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:55
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D23/00; E21D23/0086; E21D23/0095
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
195 words
Earth-supporting apparatus, comprising: an arcuate frame; said frame having a longitudinal axis; and wherein said frame is resiliently expansible and contractible radially of said axis; said frame further having a pair of parallel, axially-extending and spaced-apart skids for supporting said frame for movement thereupon, and axially spaced-apart beams of given, arcuate configuration; said beams being fixed, at terminal ends thereof, to said skids; said skids defining therebetween an open, unobstructed portion of said frame, to accommodate a free access along said portion; means coupled to said skids, traverse of said portion, for expanding and contracting said frame; said means being replaceably fastened to said skids, for selective removal therefrom, to provide said free access along said open portion of said frame; and means coupled to said frame for attachment to a tunneling machine, mining machine, or the like, to cause such machine to effect coincident travel of said frame therewith; said frame-coupled attachment means comprising means facilitating rotary, slueing, and pitching movement of said frame relative to such machine; and wherein said frame-coupled attachment means is coupled to said frame by simple, quick-disconnect means for enabling facile disengagement of said attachment means from said frame.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
195 words
Earth-supporting apparatus, comprising: an arcuate frame; said frame having a longitudinal axis; and wherein said frame is resiliently expansible and contractible radially of said axis; said frame further having a pair of parallel, axially-extending and spaced-apart skids for supporting said frame for movement thereupon, and axially spaced-apart beams of given, arcuate configuration; said beams being fixed, at terminal ends thereof, to said skids; said skids defining therebetween an open, unobstructed portion of said frame, to accommodate a free access along said portion; means coupled to said skids, traverse of said portion, for expanding and contracting said frame; said means being replaceably fastened to said skids, for selective removal therefrom, to provide said free access along said open portion of said frame; and means coupled to said frame for attachment to a tunneling machine, mining machine, or the like, to cause such machine to effect coincident travel of said frame therewith; said frame-coupled attachment means comprising means facilitating rotary, slueing, and pitching movement of said frame relative to such machine; and wherein said frame-coupled attachment means is coupled to said frame by simple, quick-disconnect means for enabling facile disengagement of said attachment means from said frame.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame includes a plurality of elongated, axially disposed slats; said slats are spaced-apart, circumferentially, relative to said axis; said frame further including means supporting said slats at a plurality of locations throughout the length thereof; and said slats each have terminal portions which extend, unsupported, from said rearward portion of said frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein: said slats and said slats-supporting means cooperatively define an earth-supporting matrix.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame-coupled attachment means comprises supple, filamentary means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said frame-coupled attachment means comprises tow chain.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein: said quick-disconnect means comprises A hookended turnbuckle assembly. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-15 | 1978-01-14 | 1978-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-15 | 1982-01-14 | 1982-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-15 | 1986-01-14 | 1986-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |