Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
183 words
An arrangement replaceably coupling the stem of an earth raise borer to the cutterhead thereof, comprising: first and second surfaces formed on a stem and cutterhead, respectively, which cooperate to define a slidingly-engageable interference fit therebetween, to effect a mutual, coupling engagement of said stem and cutterhead; and means for engaging both said stem and cutterhead for fastening said stem and cutterhead together, retentively, in such an interference-fit coupling arrangement; further including rotary torque-receiving means carried by one of said stem and cutterhead; and rotary torque-transmitting means also carried by one of said stem and cutterhead for contacting engagement with said torque-receiving means for transmitting stem rotary torque to said cutterhead; wherein said torque-receiving means comprises a plurality of lugs, each thereof having a lateral, radially disposed surface; said torque-transmitting means comprises a like plurality of wall elements, each thereof arranged for contacting engagement with said lateral, radially disposed surface of one of said lugs; and said lugs are adjustably displaceable relative to said cutterhead for movement of said lateral, radially disposed surfaces thereof into and out of proximity to said wall elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
183 words
An arrangement replaceably coupling the stem of an earth raise borer to the cutterhead thereof, comprising: first and second surfaces formed on a stem and cutterhead, respectively, which cooperate to define a slidingly-engageable interference fit therebetween, to effect a mutual, coupling engagement of said stem and cutterhead; and means for engaging both said stem and cutterhead for fastening said stem and cutterhead together, retentively, in such an interference-fit coupling arrangement; further including rotary torque-receiving means carried by one of said stem and cutterhead; and rotary torque-transmitting means also carried by one of said stem and cutterhead for contacting engagement with said torque-receiving means for transmitting stem rotary torque to said cutterhead; wherein said torque-receiving means comprises a plurality of lugs, each thereof having a lateral, radially disposed surface; said torque-transmitting means comprises a like plurality of wall elements, each thereof arranged for contacting engagement with said lateral, radially disposed surface of one of said lugs; and said lugs are adjustably displaceable relative to said cutterhead for movement of said lateral, radially disposed surfaces thereof into and out of proximity to said wall elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An arrangement, according to claim 1, wherein: said stem is circular in cross-section, having spaced-apart, first and second diameter portions; and said first surface of said stem is formed intermediate said first and second diameter portions.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
An arrangement, according to claim 1, wherein: said cutterhead has a circular bore formed therein, having first and second diameter portions; and said second surface of said cutterhead is formed intermediate said first and second diameter portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
51 words
An arrangement, according to claim 1, wherein: said cutterhead has a bore formed therein; said bore is rimmed, at one end thereof, by a weldment; said stem has an elongate axis; and said stem has means extending radially of said axis for closing upon and defining an interface with said weldment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An arrangement, according to claim 4, wherein: said weldment and said radially-extending means are commonly bored for mutually receiving said fastening/engaging means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
77 words
An arrangement, according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of said first and second surfaces has a recess formed therein for cooperation with the other of said first and second surfaces to define a pocket therebetween; and conduit means formed in one of said stem and cutterhead and opening externally thereof, and also opening onto said recess, for charging said recess with fluid under pressure to facilitate an uncoupling and disengagement of said stem and cutterhead.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
An arrangement, according to claim 6, wherein: said first and second surfaces are circular and concentric; and said recess is annular.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
An arrangement, according to claim 7, wherein: said first and second surfaces are commonly tapered.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
An arrangement, according to claim 8, wherein: said stem has an elongate axis; and said first and second surfaces are tapered relative to said axis at an acute angle of between 8° and 25°.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An arrangement, according to claim 9, wherein: said angle is at approximately 16° of arc from a line parallel to said axis.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
An arrangement, according to claim 1, wherein: said torque-transmitting means comprises a platelike element replaceably secured to at least one of said stem and cutterhead; said element has recesses formed therein for nesting said lugs therewithin; and said lugs are replaceably secured to said cutterhead.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
An arrangement, according to claim 11, wherein: said element comprises an annulus; said annulus is secured to said cutterhead, and has an annular lip formed thereon for engaging therewith a terminal end of said stem.