US3917010A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Small diameter horizontal tunneling machine
Assignee: Atlas Copco Jarva Inc
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Filing: 1974-07-25
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1994-07-25
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for continuously drilling and lining a small diameter horizontal tunnel are disclosed. A head assembly of the tunneling machine includes a support section and a rotatable section which is rotatably journaled on the support section. The rotatable section includes at least one roller cutter which engages the end face of the tunnel for removing material from the end face. A rotatable drive shaft extends through the tunnel and is connected to the rotatable section for providing the sole means for rotating the rotatable section. A thrust unit at the portal of the tunnel is connected to the tunnel liner and applies a force solely through the tunnel liner to axially advance the head assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 Trevor Fink
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:49
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/20; E21B7/201; E21B10/00; E21B10/08; E21B10/14; E21B7/003; E21B7/005; E21B7/04; E21B7/046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
In combination, a tunnel having an end face and a portal, and a tunneling machine; said tunneling machine comprising a head assembly, a multiple section tunnel liner, a multiple section rotatable drive shaft, and axial thrust unit means; said head assembly including a support section movable in said tunnel in the axial direction and a rotatable section movable in said tunnel in both the axial and the rotational directions, said rotatable section including cutter means for engaging said end face of said tunnel for removing material from said end face, said rotatable section being rotatably journaled on said support section by bearing means, said bearing means preventing relative axial movement between said rotatable section and said support section whereby axially advancing movement of said support section axially advances said movable section; said rotatable drive shaft being operatively connected to said rotatable section and providing the sole means for rotating said rotatable section; said thrust unit means being disposed outside of said tunnel at said portal, said thrust unit means being operatively connected to said tunnel liner and said tunnel liner being operatively connected to said support section, and said thrust unit means axially advancing said support section and said rotatable section together in said tunnel by application of an axial force to the end of said tunnel liner at said portal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
In combination, a tunnel having an end face and a portal, and a tunneling machine; said tunneling machine comprising a head assembly, a multiple section tunnel liner, a multiple section rotatable drive shaft, and axial thrust unit means; said head assembly including a support section movable in said tunnel in the axial direction and a rotatable section movable in said tunnel in both the axial and the rotational directions, said rotatable section including cutter means for engaging said end face of said tunnel for removing material from said end face, said rotatable section being rotatably journaled on said support section by bearing means, said bearing means preventing relative axial movement between said rotatable section and said support section whereby axially advancing movement of said support section axially advances said movable section; said rotatable drive shaft being operatively connected to said rotatable section and providing the sole means for rotating said rotatable section; said thrust unit means being disposed outside of said tunnel at said portal, said thrust unit means being operatively connected to said tunnel liner and said tunnel liner being operatively connected to said support section, and said thrust unit means axially advancing said support section and said rotatable section together in said tunnel by application of an axial force to the end of said tunnel liner at said portal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said cutter means includes at least one roller cutter engaging said end face of said tunnel with rolling contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said thrust unit provides the sole means for axially advancing said support section and said rotatable section together in said tunnel by application of said axial force to said end of said tunnel liner at said portal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
71 words
The combination defined in claim 1 wherein said support section includes a radially outer ring operatively connected to said liner, a radially inner hub, a plurality of spokes fixedly connecting said inner hub to said outer ring, and the space between said spokes being open along the entire axial extent of said spokes whereby said material removed from said tunnel end face by said cutter means is transmitted through said space.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination defined in claim 4 wherein said movable section includes at least one deflector for deflecting said materials axially rearwardly as said movable section is rotated by said drive shaft.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The combination defined in claim 5 wherein said drive shaft includes an auger extending from the portion of said liner adjacent said support section axially rearwardly to the portion of said liner adjacent said thrust unit for conveying said material out of said tunnel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination defined in claim 6 wherein said outer ring includes at least two steering wedges, said steering wedges are hydraulically actuatable for steering said tunneling machine, at least one hydraulic line supplies fluid for actuating said steering wedge, and said hydraulic line extends along the outer peripheral surface of said liner between said liner and said tunnel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
65 words
The combination defined in claim 6 wherein said outer ring includes at least two steering wedges, said steering wedges are hydraulically actuatable for steering said tunneling machine, and each of said steering wedges is disposed in axially aligned relation with one of said spokes between said spokes and said portal whereby said steering wedges do not interfere with the flow of material through said space.
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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) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |