Tunnel boring machine and method of operating same
A tunneling machine adapted to cut tunnels on a continuous basis and to apply continuous pressure on the tunnel face even during repositioning of the gripping legs is disclosed. The machine includes at least two supporting frames having a plurality of extendible feet which are adapted to grip the tunnel wall. The support frames are provided with axial bores therethrough, and a hollow piston extends through all of the bores for longitudinal movement along the axis of the tunnel. In accordance with the method, a tunneling operation is carried out by extending at least one pair of extendible feet against the walls of the tunnel to securely hold at least one of the support frames relative to the tunnel wall. The piston chamber of each support frame which is clamped to the wall is pressurized to drive the cutter head against the face of the tunnel. While the cutter head is being advanced in this manner, unclamped support feet are moved forward to a clamping position to take over when the first-mentioned support feet reach the end of their effective stroke. This operation is repeated to apply continuous thrust pressure to the cutting head.
- Assignee:
- Jarva Inc
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4371211
- OSTI ID:
- 6303724
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 11 Dec 1980; Other Information: PAT-APPL-215221
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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