Apparatus and process for manufacture of tunnel tubes
US4462535A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1983 |
| Grant date | Jul 31, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2003 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49998
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This invention relates to improved apparatus and process for manufacture of tunnel modules and tunnel sections used to build underwater tunnel tubes. A collapsible fixture is used to roll up a steel plate into a cylindrical shell. Cables wrapped around channels on the outer ends of fixtures are used to roll up the fixture along the plate. After the fixture with the shell on it is placed on pedestals for further fabrication, cables placed in the channels are used to rotate the shells. After the fixture is collapsed within the shell, it is raised up by pedestal lifting mechanisms, and wheels provided on the fixture are lowered into place to aid in removal of the fixture from the shell, and onto a roll-out table. Roller mechanisms are also used to aid in the removal of the fixture from the shell. The roll-out table is situated between two sets of pedestals and used in the removal of fixtures from single modules or sets of modules. A common winch is utilized to pull out the fixture onto the table from each shell module.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.