Abstract An apparatus for forming large diameter shafts between the roof of a mine tunnel and the surface of the earth. A pilot hole is drilled between the surface of the earth and the roof of the mine. A pipe is inserted through a pilot hole to the roof of the mine, and an arm is connected to the lower end of the pipe. The arm has a plurality of jets mounted facing toward the roof and in fluid communication with the inside of the pipe. The upper end of the pipe is connected to a high pressure pump which in turn is connected to a source of fluid, such as water. Apparatus is provided for rotating the upper end of the pipe and for pulling the pipe toward the surface of the earth as the roof is eroded by fluids from the jets impinging on the roof of the mine.
An apparatus for forming large diameter shafts between the roof of a mine tunnel and the surface of the earth having rock and material therebetween comprising: a. means for forming a pilot hole between said surface and said roof; b. means communicating through said pilot hole for conveying fluids under pressure, said communication means having an upper end and a lower end; c. pump means having an inlet and an outlet, means for securing said pump means rigidly to said communicating means, swivel joint means having an inlet and an outlet, means for connecting the outlet of said swivel joint means to the inlet of said pump means, and means for connecting the inlet of said swivel joint means to a source of fluid; d. a jet mounting pipe attached to the lower end of said communication means, said jet mounting pipe having fluid communication with said communication means; e. a plurality of jets attached to said jet mounting pipe, said plurality of jets adapted to direct said fluid under high pressure against the exposed surface of said rock and material above said mine roof, thereby dislodging same; f. means for rotating said communication means and said jet mounting pipe; and g. means for raising said communication means, pump means, and said jet mounting pipe as said rock and material are dislodged by said jets.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
225 words
An apparatus for forming large diameter shafts between the roof of a mine tunnel and the surface of the earth having rock and material therebetween comprising: a. means for forming a pilot hole between said surface and said roof; b. means communicating through said pilot hole for conveying fluids under pressure, said communication means having an upper end and a lower end; c. pump means having an inlet and an outlet, means for securing said pump means rigidly to said communicating means, swivel joint means having an inlet and an outlet, means for connecting the outlet of said swivel joint means to the inlet of said pump means, and means for connecting the inlet of said swivel joint means to a source of fluid; d. a jet mounting pipe attached to the lower end of said communication means, said jet mounting pipe having fluid communication with said communication means; e. a plurality of jets attached to said jet mounting pipe, said plurality of jets adapted to direct said fluid under high pressure against the exposed surface of said rock and material above said mine roof, thereby dislodging same; f. means for rotating said communication means and said jet mounting pipe; and g. means for raising said communication means, pump means, and said jet mounting pipe as said rock and material are dislodged by said jets.