Abstract:
The boring machine is disclosed which includes a power and control unit having a power source which uses a large electrical motor, a large hydraulic pump and a torque convertor connected to a speed reducer which controls the speed and torque provided to the auger and cutting head. A second small electrical motor and small hydraulic pump are used to power two hydraulic cylinders for pushing the string of pipe casings into the bored hole using a master pusher. A structural protector frame provides safety protection for an operator seated within the power and control unit. A control console is used by the operator for operating and controlling the boring machine and the direction of the string of pipe casings in the bored hole. Steering and pipe control cables extend into the bored hole from a wire spool mounted on the front of the power and control unit. A generator power by a diesel engine located outside the pit area provides electrical power for the electrical motors. The result of this new power and control unit accomplishes the objectives of a safe and efficient boring machine and boring operation.
Abstract:
A micro tunnelling head and earth boring method is illustrated which includes utilizing a cutting head (G) spaced forwardly of a cylindrical articulated housing (A) having a transverse bulkhead (B) intermediate its ends for carrying a centrally disposed tube (C) carrying a driven auger (F) for operating the cutting head and removing the spoil inwardly from the housing through a chamber (D) which receives cuttings through a passageway (E) provided therein. Steering mechanism includes circumferentially spaced fluid operated cylinder assemblies (I) for pivotal fixation on adjacent ends of the articulated connection between the cylindrical housing (A) and a forward end of a casing for facilitating steering.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method for drilling a tunnel utilize hydraulic means comprising a cylinder and a piston to enable independent adjustment of the driving force acting on the protecting tubes and the driving force acting on the drilling tool/conveying tubes. The hydraulic means acts as a thrust bearing and moves freely in the longitudinal direction of the drilling apparatus in response to forces acting on the drilling tool which are detected as changes in pressure in the hydraulic means.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for a directional drilling system is disclosed wherein a concrete pit is poured at a reference entry angle in the earth so that a drilling platform cartridge inserted into the concrete pit is set at the desired entry angle. A frame, including elongated guide ways extending between ends of the platform cartridge, guides a carriage that advances a drill string through the earth at the reference angle. Preferably, a drilling head at the end of the drill string and the remainder of the drill string are rotated by a drive motor carried on the carriage. A drill bit and drill bit motor are mounted coaxially and eccentric with respect to the drilling head. The center axis of the drill bit and drill bit motor, and the center axis of the rotating drilling head are offset and define a known relationship. The offset relationship between the center axis of the drill bit and drilling head defines an eccentric position in which the drill bit overcuts relative to the outside diameter of the drilling head in an eccentric position. As long as the drilling bit and drilling head rotate simultaneously, movement of the drill string is controlled generally in a straight line. If rotation of the drilling head is stopped, the drill string is steered in the direction of the eccentric position of the drill bit since there is no clearance on the opposing side of the drilling head.
Abstract:
A method for excavating a hole and an apparatus therefore are suitable for the operation of excavating a hole used for laying a lateral sewer or mounting pipe, which extends from a main sewer pipe toward the ground surface, on the main sewer pipe. The method comprises the step of rotating a rod about its axis in a space provided in the ground while advancing the rod in the direction of penetrating a wall member defining the space, and the step of utilizing the advanced rod as a guide while excavating a hole in the ground from the tip end of the rod toward the space. The apparatus embodying the method described above comprises a rod propelling machine disposed in a space provided in the ground for rotating a rod about its axis while advancing the rod and a excavating machine utilizing the advanced rod as a guide while excavating a hole in the ground from the tip end of the rod toward the space. The rod propelling machine includes an operating mechanism for rotating the rod about its axis while advancing the rod and a guide mechanism which is placed in front of the operating mechanism for guiding the rod in the direction of penetrating a wall member of the pipe which defines the space.
Abstract:
A screen placement apparatus and system wherein the apparatus includes a motor for providing rotational torque to an auger received within a ground screen and a disposable cutting tip having a cutting diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the screen is connected to the end of the auger. The screen is placed into the ground by simultaneously drilling the hole with the disposable cutting tip, drawing the drill cuttings up through the screen with the auger, and inserting the screen into the hole. The drill cuttings, drawn up through the hole, are discharged through discharge openings. After the desired depth is reached, the auger and motor are longitudinally moved with respect to the screen and cutting tip thereby permanently disconnecting the disposable cutting tip and leaving it within the ground. The auger is, thereafter, retracted from within the ground screen. In an alternate embodiment, a retractable cutting bit is provided for drilling a hole of equal or greater diameter than the screen and, thereafter, being retracted up through the screen along with the auger. A plug is provided for plugging the screen at a desired depth.
Abstract:
A building machine wherein a leader is supported vertically during an operation, an endless chain is engaged around upper and lower sprockets of said leader, and a base body is mounted on said chain and is forced to move vertically along said leader. A pile which is a member to be driven in, is mounted on a pile holding portion of said base body.
Abstract:
A portable earth boring machine for the boring of vertically inclined shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections characterized by a main frame portion that supports the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus, and a detachably mounted engine frame portion that permits the transmission of power between the engine and the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus not only when the engine frame portion is positioned on the main frame portion at the boring location but also when said engine frame portion is detached and positioned at a location remote from the main frame means. The machine is further characterized by a novel control means for the casing pusher apparatus that provides for both relatively slow and relatively fast extension and retraction of the casing pusher so as to provide more efficient operation of the earth boring machine.
Abstract:
A portable earth boring machine for the boring of vertically inclined shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections characterized by a main frame portion that supports the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus, and a detachably mounted engine frame portion that permits the transmission of power between the engine and the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus not only when the engine frame portion is positioned on the main frame portion at the boring location but also when said engine frame portion is detached and positioned at a location remote from the main frame means. The machine is further characterized by a novel control means for the auger drive apparatus that provides for remote operation and hydraulically actuated variable speed control of the boring auger.
Abstract:
A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by frame means adapted for movement along a track means, which frame means supports an engine which drives an earth boring auger as well as casing pusher apparatus for pushing casing sections into the earth fill as the boring operation progresses. The machine is further characterized by a fluid actuated pusher cylinder means for advancing the auger into the earth fill and associated automatic auger feed control means for automatically maintaining a constant fluid flow rate to said pushing cylinder means under variations in resistance to auger penetration of said earth fill during a boring operation.