US3866426A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tunnel driving apparatus
Assignee: Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia GmbH
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Filing: 1973-10-11
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A tunnel-driving apparatus with two individually-braceable support assemblies each composed of two arcuate-shaped roof support members extending laterally of the tunnel and supported by inclined hydraulic props which bear on two floor rails extending longitudinally of the tunnel. Further girders extend parallel to the floor rails and serve to interconnect the roof support members of each assembly; the girders of the assemblies being arranged in alternation around the roof of the tunnel. The floor rails of the assemblies are spaced apart with each of the floor rails of one assembly located closely adjacent one of the floor rails of the other assembly. A shifting ram is operable to effect relative movement between the assemblies. The roof support members of the assemblies are arranged with each of the members of one assembly alongside one of the members of the other assembly. A roof shield composed of a series of planks extending parallel to the floor rails is supported for sliding by guide elements on the roof support members. These guide elements prevent the planks from becoming detached from the roof support members and piston and cylinder units are provided for slidably moving the planks in relation to the assemblies.
Inventors
- 👤 Armin Lobbe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 03:25
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D9/00; E21D9/06; E21D9/0692
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
A tunnel driving apparatus comprising: A. a plurality of roof support assemblies, each assembly having: a. a front and a rear roof support member, each member extending across the tunnel; b. longitudinally extending interconnecting members attached between the front and rear support members; c. floor rails extending along the tunnel; d. slidable ram props extending upwardly from the floor rails to the roof support members; e. the front and rear roof support members of one roof support assembly being interspersed between the front and rear roof support members of another roof support assembly; and f. means for effecting relative movement between the roof support assemblies in the direction of advancement of the tunnel; B. a shield including a plurality of elongate elements extending along the tunnel and slidably carried by the roof support members; C. means for guiding the elongate elements longitudinally on the roof support members; and D. means for moving the elongate elements in the direction of advancement of the tunnel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
A tunnel driving apparatus comprising: A. a plurality of roof support assemblies, each assembly having: a. a front and a rear roof support member, each member extending across the tunnel; b. longitudinally extending interconnecting members attached between the front and rear support members; c. floor rails extending along the tunnel; d. slidable ram props extending upwardly from the floor rails to the roof support members; e. the front and rear roof support members of one roof support assembly being interspersed between the front and rear roof support members of another roof support assembly; and f. means for effecting relative movement between the roof support assemblies in the direction of advancement of the tunnel; B. a shield including a plurality of elongate elements extending along the tunnel and slidably carried by the roof support members; C. means for guiding the elongate elements longitudinally on the roof support members; and D. means for moving the elongate elements in the direction of advancement of the tunnel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the roof support members is of arcuate shape with a radius of curvature in conformity with that of the roof of the tunnel which is driven.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ram props of each assembly are operable so that when retracted the roof support members of the assembly are lowered from the roof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ram props of each assembly are operable so that when retracted the floor rails of the assembly are raised from the floor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for effecting relative movement between the support assemblies comprises hydraulic rams connected between the floor rails of the assemblies.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each support assembly has two floor rails spaced apart transversely of the tunnel which is driven, each of the floor rails of a first assembly being disposed alongside one of the floor rails of a second assembly and being connected thereto with one of saId rams.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the means for effecting relative movement between the support assemblies additionally comprises further rams interconnected between at least some of the roof support members of the assemblies.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each support assembly has two roof support members spaced apart longitudinally of the tunnel which is being driven, each of the support members of a first assembly being disposed alongside one of the support members of a second assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each elongate element of the shield has a cutting edge at its forward end.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each elongate element of the shield is provided with laterally-extending flanges at the sides and the guide means includes hook-like guide elements provided on at least some of the roof support members and projecting over the flanges of the elongate elements.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each elongate element of the shield has skirts at the sides which incline outwardly in a direction towards the roof support members, the adjacent skirts of adjacent elements projecting over the guide elements and engaging on one another.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
55 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for effecting movement of the elongate elements of the shield includes hydraulic piston and cylinder units each provided on one of the elongate elements, each piston and cylinder unit being operably connected between the associated element and one of the roof support members of the assembly.
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) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |