Patent GB-190820960-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to Tunneling Machines.
Inventor: PROCTOR OLIN SOUTHARD
Filed: 1908-10-05
Granted: 1909-04-01
Abstract: 20,960. Proctor, O. S. Oct. 5. Tunnelling.-A tunnelling-machine comprises a rotatable head carrying a series of fluid-actuated percussive drills and means for supporting and feeding the head, for inclining the bead vertically and laterally, for removing the spoil, and for conducting the exhaust from the machine when steam is used. The cutter head 7 is mounted on a hollow shaft 5 carried by an I-beam 2 supported on a pair of wheels 3, the treads of which conform to the rotundity of the tunnel. The rim 8 of the head, which has gaps 11 forming scrapers, is supported by spokes 9, each of which carries a series of drills 14. The drills of each group are either separate or contained in a single casting 12, a cushioning- medium 13 being interposed between the casting and the spoke. The outermost drill of each group extends slightly beyond the periphery of the head, and the drills of each group are arranged to revolve in paths between those of the other groups so that the whole surface is acted upon. The drills of each group radiate from a common point, and incline towards the direction of rotation of the head. Fluid is admitted through the shaft 5 and passes through the hub and through pipes 15 to the drill cylinders. Exhaust escapes through pipes 21 and an annular chamber at the back of the head to a pipe 28. The head is revolved by means of an engine 34 through worm gearing 32<A>, 32 and a shaft 30 which carries a pinion gearing with a toothed wheel 23 carried by the head. The rear end of the beam 2 is supported on a car 37 and is vertically and laterally adjustable thereon, to vary the inclination of the head, by means of screwed shafts 49, 44. The car runs on rails 39 laid on timbers 40, the rails and timbers being extended as required. For propelling the car and holding it against forward movement, its rear axle is provided with two gear-wheels 54, 55, of which the wheel 54 engages a cog-track 53 laid between the tracks 39. The wheel 55 is connected through two worm gears 56, 58 and bevel gearing 62, 63 with a shaft 64 on which is feathered a friction wheel 67 adapted to be moved over the surface of a friction disk 71 driven by an engine 73. The speed and direction of movement of the car are determined by the position of the wheel 67, which is adjusted by means of a screwed shaft 69. Access to the drills is obtained through openings 76 in the back plate 10 of the head 7. The spoil is discharged through openings 77 on to a shoot 79 carried by the beam 2, and thence to a suitable endless belt 80 driven by chains and sprockets from the engine 73, The spoil is delivered into a car 88 attached to the main car 37. A pressure cylinder 90 is mounted on the forward end of the beam 2 and is provided with a piston having a preferably rectangular piston-rod, which is capable of limited adjustment about its own axis and carries a pair of rollers 96 to be forced against the top of the tunnel. If the machine has a tendency to work to one side owing to the weight on the side of the head that gathers the spoil, the wheels 96 are set at a slightly opposing angle.