Patent US4226477A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4226477A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device for removing the earth generated by tunneling
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-01-10
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Granted: 1980-10-07
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Expires: 1999-01-10
Abstract
Abstract A device for removing the earth generated while tunneling to install conduit, pipe or the like. The earth removed from the tunnel is conveyed to the surface as it is generated. The apparatus includes a first auger-conveyor disposed at the side of the tunneling machine having a tray for catching the loose dirt from the tunneling operation as the tunneling advances, and a plurality of inlet apertures along the outer wall of the conveyor to ingest the loose dirt generated. A second auger-conveyor consumes the discharge of the first conveyor translating the loose dirt to the surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Anastascio Capoccia
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:40
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21D; E21D9/00; E21D9/12; E21D9/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
118 words
A device for removing the loose earth generated by a tunneling means comprising: said tunneling means having a discharge aperture disposed at one end thereof; a first conveyor means for receiving and conveying said loose earth generated by said tunneling means, said first conveyor means having a multiplicity of first input apertures disposed opposite the path of said discharge aperture of said tunneling means such that successive ones of said first input apertures are disposed in proximity with said discharge aperture of said tunneling means to receive loose earth therefrom as said tunneling means advances; and a second conveyor means for consuming said loose earth from first conveyor means and translating said loose earth to a receiving area.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
118 words
A device for removing the loose earth generated by a tunneling means comprising: said tunneling means having a discharge aperture disposed at one end thereof; a first conveyor means for receiving and conveying said loose earth generated by said tunneling means, said first conveyor means having a multiplicity of first input apertures disposed opposite the path of said discharge aperture of said tunneling means such that successive ones of said first input apertures are disposed in proximity with said discharge aperture of said tunneling means to receive loose earth therefrom as said tunneling means advances; and a second conveyor means for consuming said loose earth from first conveyor means and translating said loose earth to a receiving area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
A device for removing the loose earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 1 wherein said first conveyor means rests on rails; wheel means disposed between said first conveyor means and said rails allowing said first conveyor means to be horizontally removed from the work face of the tunnel and thereby allowing access to the tunnel face for the joining of additional tunnel conduit and drilling augers as the tunneling advances.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
A device for removing the loose earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 1 wherein said first conveyor means comprises a horizontal tube, a first auger rotatably supported in said horizontal tube, a plurality of first apertures disposed along the side of said horizontal tube, a first trough disposed along the lowermost point of said apertures, said first trough directing the earth generated by said tunneling means into said first apertures, a first discharge apertures for discharging said earth, a means for rotating said first auger, and a means for starting, stopping and reversing the rotation of said first auger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
A device for removing the earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for rotating said first auger is a first hydraulic motor, and said means for starting, stopping and reversing the rotation of said first auger is a first hydraulic directional valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device for removing the earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 3 wherein the spacing of said first apertures equals the pitch of said first auger.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
71 words
A device for removing the earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 1 wherein said second conveyor means comprises an outer tube, a second auger rotatably supported by said outer tube, a second input disposed immediately below said first discharge aperture, a second discharge aperture, a second means for rotating said second auger, and a second means for starting, stopping and reversing the rotation of said second auger.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
A device for removing the earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 6 wherein said second means for rotating said second auger is a second hydraulic motor, and said second means for starting, stopping and reversing the rotation of said second auger is a second hydraulic directional valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device for removing the earth generated by a tunneling means as defined in claim 1 comprising a hydraulic means for horizontally moving said first conveyor means.
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) | 1983-10-07 | 1984-04-07 | 1984-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-10-07 | 1988-04-07 | 1988-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-10-07 | 1992-04-07 | 1992-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |