Patent · US Expired

Method of excavation and apparatus therefor

US4838614A · kind A · utility

25Cited by
5References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 22, 1988
Grant dateJun 13, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 22, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21D9/1026
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A tunnel is constructed by progressively cutting away a predetermined depth of rock from a face using rotary diamond saws. Slots are cut into the face (12) at an acute angle to the face such that first slots intersect second slots to detach blocks from the face. In one embodiment, the cutter (29) is mounted on a slide which can traverse an elongate guide 26. The guide is carried on an arm (24) which can swivel about its own longitudinal axis. A series of angularly spaced slots are cut into the face through 360.degree. with alternate slots being cut at opposite acute angles to the face so that they intersect. A cylindrical tunnel is produced.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.