US3831386A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Driving of hollow tubular members
Assignee: Raymond International Inc
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Filing: 1973-02-26
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Granted: 1974-08-27
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Expires: 1993-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A hollow tubular member such as an open ended pile shell is driven by a sequence of explosions near its lower end. These explosions evacuate the lower end and loosen the earth beneath the member. The explosions also lift a massive element within the tubular member and this element falls back and drives the member into the loosened earth.
Inventors
- 👤 L Phares
- 👤 G Gendron
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:00
CPC Classifications
E; E02; E02D; E02D7/00; E02D7/28
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of sinking a hollow tubular member into the earth comprising the steps of producing a succession of explosions near the lower end of said member to loosen earth from the region immediately beneath the lower end of the member, and, in the intervals between the explosions, forcing the member downwardly into the region loosened by the immediately preceding explosion.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of sinking a hollow tubular member into the earth comprising the steps of producing a succession of explosions near the lower end of said member to loosen earth from the region immediately beneath the lower end of the member, and, in the intervals between the explosions, forcing the member downwardly into the region loosened by the immediately preceding explosion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said explosions are produced within said member near its bottom end to evacuate soil out through said bottom end.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said forcing is obtained by hammer blows on said member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said explosions are directed to lift a massive element which is guided to fall back upon and hammer said member following each explosion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said explosions are of sufficient intensity to displace earth from the region beneath said tubular member.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of sinking a hollow tubular member into the earth comprising the steps of first driving said member through soft water bearing earth by producing a succession of explosions within said member near its lower end to force earth out from the bottom of said member and to loosen earth from the region immediately beneath the lower end of the member, and, in the intervals between the explosions, forcing the member downwardly into the region loosened by the immediately preceding explosion, thereafter, when the member has encountered more compact soil, continuing said explosions to compact soil within the lower end of the member into a plug which effectively closes the bottom of said member and which, in response to continued explosions, pulls the members further into the earth.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of sinking a hollow tubular member into the earth comprising the steps of first driving said member through soft water bearing earth by producing a succession of explosions within said member near its lower end to force earth out from the bottom of said member and to loosen earth from the region immediately beneath the lower end of the member, and, in the intervals between the explosions, forcing the member downwardly into the region loosened by the immediately preceding explosion, thereafter, when the member has encountered more compact soil, continuing said explosions to compact soil within the lower end of the member into a plug which effectively closes the bottom of said member and which, in response to continued explosions, pulls the members further into the earth.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein said explosions are directed to lift a massive element which is guided to fall back upon and hammer said member following each explosion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
A driving arrangement comprising, a hollow open ended tubular member, an intermittent explosion producing device mounted within said tubular member near one end thereof and means for forcing said tubular member into the earth in the direction of said one end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A driving arrangement comprising, a hollow open ended tubular member, an intermittent explosion producing device mounted within said tubular member near one end thereof and means for forcing said tubular member into the earth in the direction of said one end.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
A driving arrangement according to claim 8 wherein said means for forcing said tubular member comprises a massive element mounted for reciprocal movement along said tubular member and engageable with a shoulder on said tubular member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A driving arrangement according to claim 9 wherein said explosion producing device is mounted on the bottom of said massive element.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
FR457564A
Cited
US3646598A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-26 | 1978-02-25 | 1978-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-26 | 1982-02-25 | 1982-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-26 | 1986-02-25 | 1986-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |