Patent ID: 7384213
Filing Date: 2008-06-10
Classification: E02F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for constructing an underground curvilinear and horizontally extending structure in a slit trench-shaped excavation being formed in the ground that includes large and mainly ball-shaped boulders, the apparatus comprises: a chassis means supporting a means for constructing the structure and supplying power and materials to said structure constructing means, where the chassis means being movable along the length of a structure line, the constructing means comprising an elongate frame member for guiding and supporting components of the constructing means and a means for making excavate sections to excavate sections ahead of the frame member and a means for directing the excavation that being able to force the frame member from its position toward the intended advancing direction and control the direction of the advancement of the excavation and being adapted to be disposed in working positions and extended into the ground up to a predetermined depth toward and in the intended advancing direction to excavate, form, and support the side walls of an excavated section being formed along the length of the structure line to lay the materials into the excavated section; a connecting framework mounted on the chassis means and adapted to connect the constructing means to the chassis means and to dispose and advance the constructing means in an intended advancing direction, the framework comprises a carrier member that being forced into engagement with the frame member of the constructing means; a means for measuring the position, shape, and dimensions of the boulders and determining when to operate multiple activating means to effect further advancement of the section.