US3138327A

US3138327A - Movable trackways for tunnels and method for moving tunnel flooring

Info

Publication number: US3138327A
Application number: US166239A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jacobs J Donovan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1962-01-15
Filing date: 1962-01-15
Publication date: 1964-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 1981-06-23

Description

June 23, 1964 J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS F OR TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheetl l Filed Jan. l5, 1962 INVETOR.

J DONOVAN JACOBS ATTRNEY June 23, 1964 J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. l5, 1962 INVENTOR. Jv DONOVA N JACOBS June 23, 1964 1 D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheenl 5 Filed Jan. l5, 1962 97 33a. Bla.

\ INVENTOR 2 J DONOVAN JACOBS E I EI- El myd June 23, 1954 J D. JACOBS 3,138,327

MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING Filed Jan. l5, 1962 8 Sheets-Shea?I 4 f /Ll INVENTOR. J DONOVAN JACOBS E Er- BY I 11D JMG/ ATTORNE Y June 23, 1964 J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING Filed Jan. l5, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

J DONOVAN JA COBS BQJM [ya ATTURNEY J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD June 23, 1964 FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 15, 1962 Jo/voww JACOBS.

June 23, 1964 J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR. TUNNELS AND METHOD FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Jan. l5, 1962 J D. JACOBS MOVABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHOD June 23, 1964 FOR MOVING TUNNEL FLOORING 8 Sheets-Sheet. 8

Filed Jan. l5 1962 INVENTOR. r/oA/OYAN JACOBS. BY

United States Patent O 3,138,327 MUS/'ABLE TRACKWAYS FOR TUNNELS AND METHD EUR MUVNG TUNNEL FLOORING J Donovan Jacobs, San Rafael, Calif. Filed Ian. 15, 1962, Ser. No. 166,239 21 Claims. (Cl. 23S-lil) This invention relates to new and improved movable trackways for tunnels and, more particularly, relates to apparatus installed in a tunnel and which provides a support for equipment which can be advanced as the tunnel progresses. The invention further relates to a method for moving tunnel flooring.

Reference is made to co-pending patent application, Serial No. 35,257 tiled June 10, 1960, now abandoned, for Roadbed System for Earth Boring Equipment of which the present invention is a continuation-impart.

As a tunnel is constructed, rock and earth dislodged at the forward end of the tunnel is loaded by various types .of well-known loading equipment into cars and hauled out of the tunnel. It is desirable to have a support for such cars and equipment, particularly when dampness in the tunnel creates soft or muddy conditions on the bottom. Frequently, such equipment and cars are provided with wheels which run on tracks and accordingly in the description of the invention which follows the apparatus which is the subject of this invention is shown with track- Ways installed thereon. However, it will be understood that it is not essential that tracks be provided but, on the other hand, a support for the wheels of other types of vehicles is provided by the means hereinafter described.

One form of the apparatus hereinafter described in detail consists of at least three sections in longitudinal alignment, the sections being movable in longitudinal direction with respect to each other. The weight of any one section is substantially less than that of the remaining sections. Accordingly, the forward'most section may be moved forwardly relative to the next two sections by hydraulic or other means and the weight of the two remaining sections` anchors the apparatus relative to the oor of the tunnnel and hence enables the front section to move forward. After the front section has been moved to its new position, the front and rear sections are held stationary and the middle section is moved forwardly until it abuts the front section and during this movement the front and rear sections provide the anchor against movement relative to the tunnel oor. Finally, the last Asection is moved to abut the second section with the front two sections forming the anchor. Where four or more sections are employed, the sequence of movement is essentially the same. In the drawings and description which follow, four movable sections are shown, but it will be understood that three or more sections may be employed.

In my co-pending application heretofore mentioned, two sections are provided and there is further provided means for moving heavy equipment from one section to the other so that the combined weight of the section and the equipment is greater than the section to be moved. It is a feature of the form of the present invention heretofore described that it is not essential that the heavy equipment be moved from section to section because the weight of any one section is substantially less than that of the remaining sections, either with or without the equipment normally in position at the head of the tunnel imposed thereon. Another advantage of the rst mentioned form of the invention is the fact that the increments of movement of the various sections are relatively short because of the fact that it is not necessary to move equipment from one end of the apparatus to the other, and this simplies the means for moving the sections and also reduces the size and complexities thereof.

3,138,327 Patented June 23, 1964 "ice A still further feature of the invention is the fact that the rearmost section may be constructed in such manner that tracks are slidably mounted thereon below a fixed trackway with the rearward end of said track attached to stationary tracks in the tunnel so that as the rearmost section moves forwardly the track is pulled out. Wheels may move from the track onto the trackway to establish continuous communication. Such construction has the advantage of facilitating laying track as the tunnel job progresses.

In accordance with the present invention where a track is installed in the tunnel, equipment and cars may be handled in convenient manner. A preferred form of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings shows a switch whereby cars and equipment may be passed relative to other cars and equipment.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a movable floor, roadway or trackway structure capable of being advanced and to support earth digging and handling apparatus with the result that time and labor is saved in the operation of the tunneling apparatus and the advancement of the trackway structure therefor.

A further object of the invention is to provide a solid steel oor from which shovels can scoop the broken muck. This operation is substantially speeded if the flooring of the present invention is advanced to the forward end of the tunnel prior to blasting -so that the blasted rock rests upon the steel floor.

The present invention relates to materials handling operations wherein it is desirable to advance the material handling machinery as the handled material is removed. The specic application described herein applies to tunneling and mining operations and, more particularly, to a movable floor or trackway which is advanced to keep pace with the advance of the excavation operations at the working face of the tunnel or mine.

The principal object of my invention is to provide a movable floor, roadway or trackway structure capable of being advanced by means contained within itself and for the purpose of supporting and providing a roadbed for movable earth boring and tunneling apparatus and over which said apparatus may operate, with the result that time and labor is saved in the operation of the tunneling apparatus and the advancement of the trackway structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a creeping trackway for tunnel construction apparatus comprising interconnected units having supporting rails which are advanced earthworm fashion in a new and novel manner to provide a moving roadbed for the excavation apparatus as the work progresses.

With respect to the new and improved method which is the subject of this invention, in essence there is involved a method whereby as a first step one roadbed section is pushed forward ahead of a second section which, by reason of friction, remains stationary relative to the tunnel oor. The second step involves changing the relative frictional resistance between the two sections and the oor. The third step involves moving the second section up to the rst, using the first section as an anchor by reason of its now greater frictional resistance. The carrying out of the second step is subject to certain modiications. Thus, as described in application Serial No. 35,257, one such modification whereby the change in frictional resistance is accomplished is by moving a heavy piece of equipment originally reposing on the second section onto the rst section. A second modification, which may be accomplished by the apparatus herein described, involves dividing at least one section into sub-sections movable relative to each other, the change in frictional resistance being accomplished by holding stationary one section plus a sub-section of the other while moving the remaining sub-section. Thus, in the second modification there are for practical purposes three relatively movable sections, any two of which have a greater frictional resistance than the third. A third modification involves moving equipment off the trailing section rearwardly. In the third modification the forward section and its equipment is made heavier than the trailing section so that when the equipment is moved rearward relative to the trailing section the forward section is the heavier.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings in which similar characters of reference represent corresponding parts in each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. l is a schematic side elevational view of the forward end of the tunnel showing the invention installed therein and supporting apparatus.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E are schematic top plan views showing sequentially steps in the advance of the apparatus.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are composite enlarged plan views of the structure of FIG. 2C.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a portion of the structure of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 5 to 9 inclusive are sectional views taken along corresponding lines in portions of FIGS. 3A to 3C, inclusive, as indicated thereon.

FIG. is a fragmentary side deviation of a modification of the structure of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 11A to 11D are schematic side elevational views of a further modification, details of the structure of which are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 13 to 22.

FIGS. 12A to 12D are schematic side elevational views of a still further modification.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial illustration indicative of the conditions in which the invention is intended to operate.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a modification of the invention showing the parts as in one position.

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14, showing the trackway `system with the parts in another position.

FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 is a foreshortened view with parts broken out and showing in more detail the operating elements of the tracking as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a View similar to FIG. 17, in more detail showing the operating elements as in the positions illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 19 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 15, looking in direction of arrows.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 19, taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional View taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 18, looking in direction of arrows.

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view showing other details of construction.

The present invention is shown installed in a tunnel 11 having a floor 12 on which are deposited rocks, earth and other material 13 which must be excavated and removed. The material 13 is primarily the result of blasting or other excavating operations at the head 14 of the tunnel 11. A conventional means of removing the debris is by means of tracks 16, such as conventional railroad tracks preferably of narrow gauge. Wheeled cars 17 are moved along such tracks. Excavating equipment such as a mucking machine 18 at the head of the tunnel is also supported by means of tracks. The machine 18 loads debris 13 into cars 17 whence it may be removed by means of tracks 16 to a suitable dump. It will be understood, however, that it is not necessary that tracks be used in accordance with the present invention, but on the other hand other types of wheeled equipment or crawler equipment may be substituted. The present invention provides a support for trackways as illustrated herein but also may provide a firm support for other equipment and vehicles.

The apparatus which is the subject of FIGS. 1 to 10 comprises at least three sections. To facilitate understanding of the invention, four sections are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but any number three or greater may be employed. The various sections are preferably approximately equal in weight so that any two sections weigh considerably more than any single section. Thus, even if a single section has a certain amount of equipment carried thereby, nevertheless the weight of the other two sections will exceed the single section and any reasonable quantity of equipment which happens to be positioned thereupon.

As hereinafter described in detail, means is provided between adjacent sections for moving the sections apart and subsequently for pulling them together. Turning first to the schematic view of FIGS. 2A to 2E inclusive, it will be seen that there are four sections numbered 21A to 21D inclusive proceeding from the forward end of the tunnel rearwardly. At the commencement of operations, the four sections are longitudinally aligned and all adjacent sections are abutting. This position is illustrated in FIG. 2A. The first step in the movement of the apparatus is to advance the forward section 21A by maintaining sections 21B to 21D inclusive stationary and pushing section 21A forwardly. The weight of the three stationary sections considerably exceeds that of section 21A and hence, even though the machine 18 may be installed on section 21A the three rearward sections will remain in place while the forward section advances. Completion of this movement is shown in FIG. 2B. The next step is to move the second section 21B into abutting relationship with section 21A. Such movement is accomplished by pulling section 21B toward section 21A and at the same time pushing section 21B away from section 21C, the combined weight of sections 21A, C and D exceeding that of section 21B. Completion of this movement is shown in FIG. 2C. Next, section 21C is pulled into abutment with section 21B, the first two sections 21A, 21B serving as an anchor; this movement being shown completed in FIG. 2D. Finally, section 21D is pulled up to section 21C; this movement being completed in FIG. 2E.

In the rearward section 21D is a switch 22 which enables cars and equipment advancing on track 16 to be switched either to trackway 23 or parallel trackway 24. Thus empty cars may be switched onto trackway 23 and full cars returned on trackway 24.

Parallel tracks

23 and 24 continue on section 21C. On section 21B, however, is installed a second switch 26 whereby cars on

tracks

23 and 24 are switched back to a central track 27. Track 27 continues onto section 21A. Certain equipment such as a drilling jumbo which has a broader gauge may be transported along

outside tracks

28, 29 which extend the entire length of the four sections 21A to 21D inclusive. It will be understood, however, that this feature of the invention is subject to considerable modification.

One preferred means of advancing the sections relative to each other is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Thus section 21A is formed with a bottom plate 31A and section 21B with a correspoding bottom plate 31B. These two plates are preferably at about the same level and slide over the floor of the tunnel as the units are advanced. If desired, timbers, rollers or other means may be installed under the plates 31A and 31B to facilitate advancement, but ordinarily the muck or dirt on the floor of the tunnel provides a suitable sliding surface. Supported above the forward end of plate 31B is an upper support 31C which slides on top of plate 31A. Elevated above plate 31A is a parallel horizontal plate 32A upon which the various tracks heretofore mentioned rest. Transverse spacers 33A and longitudinal spacers 35 'are interposed between plates 31A and 32A to hold same in proper vertical alignment. Similarly in section 21B is a horizontal plate 32B which is elevated above plate 31B and which in turn supports the various tracks hereinafter and heretofore described in detail. Spacers 33B hold the plates in parallel arrangement.

A hydraulic cylinder 34 is mounted in horizontal longitudinal position upon plate 31C. A stud 36 at the head end of cylinder 34 is attached by means of pin 37 to bracket members 3S which are fixed to plate 32B or an extension thereof as shown particularly in FIG. 5. The rod 41 of cylinder 34 is connected by pin 42 to clevis members 43 which are xed to section 21A as for example to plate 32A or an extension thereof. Longitudinally extending channels 46 are mounted parallel to cylinder 34 to protect the same and webs 47 inter-connect channels 46 and are provided with non-circular apertures 48 through which members 43 extend. This permits a certain amount of lateral movement as the units are advanced. Straps 49 as shown in FIG. 6 may be positioned over channels 46 and web 4S to further reinforce the structure.

It will thus be seen that when hydraulic power is applied to cylinder 34, the rod 41 is extended thereby forcing the unit 21A away from the unit 21B. Since the cylinder 34 is preferably double acting, contraction of the rod 4l Within the cylinder 34 tends to pull the unit 21B toward unit 21A particularly if unit 21B is pushed away from unit 21C simultaneously. There are preferably two cylinders 34 between each pair of units, but this number is subject to considerable variation depending upon the capacity of the cylinder and the load which must be handled thereby.

The foregoing description of the apparatus discloses the essentials of the present invention. However, there are certain refinements of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings which will next be described. Turning attention rst to FIGS. 3C and 9, it will be seen that the rails 96 which comprise the track 27 of that section are mounted above plate 32A by longitudinal pad 97. It will further be seen that in addition to spacers 33A there are longitudinal spacers 98 at either edge of plate 32A and that there are longitudinal edge pieces 99 outwardly of spacers 98. A plurality of angles 51 with their apexes uppermost extend longitudinally parallel to tracks 96. Such arrangement rigidies the leading section and reduces the tendency of the same to be damaged by earth and rock falling thereon from the head of the tunnel. Further, this arrangement facilitates loading of the debris onto the cars by means of the mucking machine 18.

Turning attention to FIG. 8 which shows a portion of section 21B, the outside rails 28 and 29 for the drilling jumbo or the like are there illustrated. Rails S6, 57 which together comprise track 23 are illustrated as are rails 5S, 59, which together comprise track 24. Outwardly of

rails

57 and 59, respectively, are rails 61 and 62 which are in substantial alignment with rai-ls 46 shown in FlG. 9. This arrangement of the rails permits versatility in that the spacing and positioning of the rails is such that cars 17 may be moved on one trackway to trackway 23 comprising

rails

56 and 57, or on another trackway such as trackway 24 comprising

rails

58 and 59, or may move on still a third central longitudinal trackway comprising rails 61 and 62 depending upon operating conditions in the tunnel and the type of equipment.

FIGS. 4 and 7 illustrate a further feature of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, the track 16 which leads back to the open end of the tunnel comprises rails 66 and 67 supported on ties 66 and is a more or less stationary structure. At the section shown in FIG. 7, there is a bottom plate 31D and a parallel horizontal upper platel 32D. Extending inwardly on either side and supported by plate 32D is a support 71 having a track surface 72 in alignment with rails 66 or 67. Support 71 is spaced above plate 32D a distance greater than the height of a rail, such as rail 67. This enables a rail 73 to be positioned under support 71 between plate 32D and the support 71 and in substantial alignment with tracks 66 and 67. Such rail 73 is attached at its rearward end by means of ishplate '74 to the forward end of rail 66 or 67. Thus the rail 73 is held stationary as unit 21D is advanced and slides relative to plate 32D. As the rail 73 is exposed, additional ties 68 may be installed under it and hence as the apparatus which is the subject of this invention advances, it automatically lays track behind it which connects to the track 16 and permits equipment and cars to move from the head of the tunnel back to its outer end. Ramps 76 slant upwardly from the level of rails 66 or 67 to support 72 and are disposed at the rearward end of section 21D. Examination of FIG. 7 will show a convenient means whereby spare rails 77 may be stored between rails 73 for eventual use as the apparatus progresses into the tunnel.

The foregoing structure, particularly as shown in FIG. 6, comprise guides during the longitudinal movement so as to maintain alignment of the adjoining roadbed sections While permitting limited longitudinal movement. Hence, the structure inches along in a straight line with the trackways of the adjoining sections in straight alignment.

In the modification of FIG. l0, portable means is shown for pushing the adjacent units apart and subsequently pulling them together. Such a unit may be transported by various means such as a crane, or may be mounted on a car (not shown) traveling on the rails heretofore mentioned. Essentially, the device comprises a substantially horizontal longitudinal top member 81 from which depend forward and

rearward legs

82 and 83, respectively, pivoted to member 81 by pins S4. At the lower end of each leg 82, S3 is a slot 86 which receives transverse horizontal bar 87a, 8711, lixed to sections 21a, 2lb, respectively. Mounted between

legs

82 and 83 and extending horizontally longitudinally is a double acting cylinder 83 pivoted at one end by means of pivot S9 to leg 83 and having its rod 91 pivoted by means of pivot 92 to leg 82.

In use, when cylinder 88 is expanded, legs S2 and 83 are spread apart which move section 21a forwardly. Subsequently, when double acting cylinder 88 is contracted, section 2lb is moved forwardly into abutment with section 21a. It will be understood that the apparatus illustrated in FIG. l0 may be moved to position between any two adjacent sections to accomplish such movement and that in other respects the apparatus is substantially identical wtih that heretofore described.

In essence, therefore, the form of invention shown in FIGS. l to l0 comprises at least three roadbed units arranged in line with the weight of any one unit substantially less than that of the remaining two. Means is provided to push the forward unit forwardly, the weight of the other two units serving as an anchor. In the next step, the second unit is simultaneously pulled toward the first unit and pushed away from the third unit until it abuts the first unit; the weight of the first and third units serves as an anchor during this step. Finally, the third unit is pulled into abutment with the second unit, the rst and second units serving as an anchor during this operation.

In the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 13 to 22, the invention consists of two inter-connected relatively movable trackbed forming units each having co-extending haulage rails or gantry rails or both. In cases where rubber-tired or crawler equipment is to be used, the rails might be eliminated entirely, or wheel slots may be substituted for the rails. Each of these two inter-connected movable units, consisting of a suitable foundation structure, as for example, steel plates with cross members are of a length suicient to accommodate whatever construction machines are to be unitilized, such as a drill carriage, a mechanical muck removing shovel, a car transferring gantry, when used, and a limited number of empty muck hauling cars. As these units are advanced the aforesaid devices will be moved from one unit to another so that the advancing unit or the retrieved unit will be without a load. In their inter-connected relation the units are moved forward alternately sled fashion along the door of the tunnel by mechanical means as the blasting and mucking operations are completed. Then to complete the trackway out of the tunnel for the muck haulage cars, new sections of trackway will be added at the rear of the retrieved sliding trackway unit.

While the means for moving the inter-connected trackway units is here shown as consisting of hydraulic or fluid pressure cylinders, the relative motion of the two sections can also be accomplished by a diterent cylinder arrangement or by other means as by use of ropes and pulleys, gearing or other mechanisms. When the forward movable unit is advanced with reference to the trailing unit the resulting gap between the two units will be bridged by means of temporary rail sections that will permit the tunneling machines to be moved across the gap while the two movable units are in the position of separation. These temporary sections of rail will then be removed prior to a retrieving of the rear sliding unit.

For a better understanding and detailed description of the invention reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, where in FIG. 13 there is a pictorial showing of apparatus such as might be used upon a trackway system constructed in accordance with the invention. In this showing the numeral 110 designates in its entirety a muck handling shovel or mucker that is designed to transfer the loose blasted rock or muck at the face of the tunnel to muck cars 111 for haulage out of the tunnel. In addition to the mucker 110 and a plurality of muck cars 111 there is shown in outline a gantry type transferring device 112 by which the empty muck cars 111 may be picked up from the muck car trackway and advanced to a position at the cars loading end of the mucker 110. This figure of the drawing shows only a portion 114 of one of the trackway units which are employed in making up the complete trackway system. At the leading end of this portion 114 of the trackway there is a muck pile 115 that has resulted from a completed blasting operation at the face 116 of the tunnel.

By now referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 of the drawings, it will be seen that the trackway 114 as a whole consists as mentioned of two

inter-connected units

117 and 118 which are articulately connected together by an intermediate rail carrying member 119 that is hingedly connected to the rear end of the forward unit 117 as at 120 and is slidably mounted in overlaying relation upon the forward end of the trailing or rear unit 118 as at 121. The mucker 110 is here shown in FIG. 14 as positioned upon the forward unit 117, but in the showing of FIG. the mucker 110 has been omitted. It will be understood, however, that the mucker 110 could Well be held on the rear or trailing unit 118 as the unit 117 is being moved forward with respect to the unit 118. It has been found that the holding action of the stationary one of the two

units

117 and 118 is enhanced if this unit is weighted down by the transfer of the mucker 11) and/ or other apparatus to that particular unit to thus leave the remaining movable unit free of any load, It is during these operations that I provide the temporary rail sections which are employed when moving the mucker or other apparatus from the trailing unit 118 to the forward or advanced unit 117. The temporary track section (not shown) may consist of a unit having four lengths of rail mounted for alignment with the

rails

122 and 123 of the

trackway forming units

117 and 118, or it may consist of four separate lengths of rail. F

For length, the rails of this track section will range from six to twelve feet, depending upon the separation between the trackway units at this point. Following its use, this temporary rail section will be taken away to permit movement of the trailing unit 11S up to and in trackway completing relationship with the intermediate rail carrying member 119 after the unit 117 is advanced. The forward or leading unit 117 is shown as having inner trackway forming rails 122 and outer gantry trackway forming rails 123. The outer gantry trackway forming rails 123 terminate short of the forward end of the unit 117 as the drilling jumbo will be supported upon its gantry in such a manner that the drilling can proceed with the gantry some distance away from the tunnel face 116. However, the inner trackway forming rails 122 are shown as extending for the full length of the unit 117. In like manner the trailing unit 118 has similar inner trackway forming rails 122 and outer gantry trackway forming rails 123 which terminate at their forward end at a point 124 where these trackways are completed over rails carried by the intermediate rail carrying member 119, which as described above is connected to the rear end of the forward unit 117 with the rails thereupon in coextending relation between the rails upon the

units

117 and 118 which form the trackway 122 and the trackway 123. In adaptations of my sliding trackway where other methods of muck car passing are employed, the gantry rails may be omitted or more than one pair of haulage rails may be installed thereon. The novelty of the invention is not to be restricted to the precise principle described as the invention will be found equally useful for the purpose of advancing a section of trackage, such as a car switching siding or for passing trackways located at some distance from the working face for the particular operation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16, 17 and 1S of the drawings, wherein there is shown in a somewhat larger scale further details of the invention. In these figures of the drawings the intermediate rail carrying member 119 is in the form of an open rectangular frame having spaced parallel longitudinally extending portions that form supports for co-extending lengths of rail 125 which serve as a part of the narrow gauge trackway rails 122 and outer rails 126 which form a part of the gantry trackway rails 123 when the two

units

117 and 118 are brought together, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. As a means for articulately connecting the

trackway units

117 and 118 together through the medium of the intermediate rail carrying member 119, I here show this means as comprising a plurality of hydraulic cylinders which are secured upon the forward end of the trailing trackway unit 118. Due to the lack of head room and clearance the diameter of these cylinders may be limited, in which case in order to obtain the powerful thrust necessary to produce the required relative movement between the

trackway units

117 and 118, I show two outer hydraulic cylinders 127 and an intermediate cylinder 128. The cylinders 127 are each shown as having a forwardly operating piston rod 129 that is connected to the inner wall at the forward end of the intermediate rail carrying member 119 and the cylinder 128 is shown as having a rearwardly extending piston 130 which is connected to the opposite end of the intermediate rail carrying member 119. With the

cylinders

127 and 128 secured in a fixed position at the forward end of the trackway carrying unit 118 it will be apparent that when the forward unit 117 is being advanced in the tunnel chamber the pistons 129 of the cylinders 127 will operate with a pushing etort while the piston 130 of the inner cylinder 128 will operate to exert a pulling force upon the intermediate rail carrying member. Contrariwise, when the trailing trackway carrying unit 118 is being retrieved and brought up to and into full cooperating relation with the advanced trackway carrying unit 117, the pistons 129 will operate to exert a pulling force upon the trackway unit 11S while the piston 130 will operate to exert a pushing force upon this trackway unit. In order to provide for this mode of operation it will be understood that each of the

hydraulic cylinders

127 and 128 will be connected through interrelated control valves (not shown) to a suitable source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, or a compressed air system such as will be available for the operation of the pneumatic rock drilling tools carried by the jumbo which will provide for the simultaneous operation of the

individual piston rods

129 and 130.

In the sectional views as in FIGS. 19 and 20, taken from FIG. 15, it will be noted that the forward trackway unit 117 carries the outer gantry rails 123 up to a point short of the forward end of this unit 117 for a distance comparable to the distance provided for the advance of this unit from the trailing trackway carrying unit 11S. This is possible for the reason that the drilling jumbo can work this rearward position and without supporting rails beyondy this point. However, as shown in FIG. 20 the inner muck haulage trackway rails 122 are extended to the extreme end of the unit 117. This for the reason that the mucker 110 must necessarily work at a distance outwardly in advance of the forward end of the trackway carrying unit 117. In these sectional views, I have shown the forward unit 117 as being moved over a temporary bed of longitudinally extending ties 131 and at the sides thereof I may provide a flashing of timbers 132 that may be independent of or formed as a part of the unit 117, but it will be understood that these ties 131 and the flashing or timbers 132 may be omitted where the conditions encountered will not require the employment of these expedients. In fact, it is anticipated that in tunneling into solid rock and like formations the sliding

trackway units

117 and 118 may be supported and advanced directly over the oor of the tunnel with no such manual labor as would be required in the laying of the ties as here shown. In these showings the unit 117 like the unit 118 will also be provided with a iiooring which as in these showings may consist of inverted angle irons 133 that extend longitudinally of the unit. The angle irons 133 are here shown in an inverted position primarily as protection against falling rock and earth dislodged by a blast.

Upon now referring to FIG. 2l of the drawings, it will be noted that the cylinders 127 and the cylinder 12S are iixed upon the floor of the trailing unit 118 by means of clamping stanchions 1341, three of which are employed at each end of these cylinders. With this arrangement the

cylinders

127 and 128 are held in a fixed position and in a side by side relationship upon the unit 11S as the unit 117 is being advanced and also during the retrieving operation of the trailing unit 118. It will be here noted that the inner rails 125 and the outer rails 126 are formed in a novel manner upon the relatively movable overlaying intermediate trackway carrying unit 119.

In order to provide for a certain amount of flexibility and freedom of movement between the

trackway carrying units

117 and 118, these units are connected by hinge like connections 35 having pintles 136 which extend in a horizontal line and the ends of the pistons 129 and the piston 130 are connected to transverse ends 137 of the intermediate trackway carryingv unit 119 by a clevis-like connection 138 having a vertically extending pintle 139.

Considering now the method of the present invention, it will be seen that in its broad aspect there are provided two sections of trackway having bottom surfaces slidable along the tunnel door, each section comprising one or more sub-sections and the sections capable of supporting units of heavy equipment. The first step comprises establishing a trailing section comprised of one or more sub-sections and a forward section comprised of one or more sub-sections, the establishment of the two sections being such that the combined weight of the trailing section and including its sub-sections and equipment, if any, supported thereby is greater than the combined weight of the forward section including its sub-sections and equipment, if any, supported thereby. The second step comprises moving the trailing and forward sections apart, the trailing section by reason of its greater weight remaining stationary and the forward section advancing. The third step comprises re-establishing second forward and second trailing sections such that the combined weight of the second forward section and equipment, if any, supported thereby is greater than the weight of the second trailing section and equipment, if any, supported thereby. This third step may be accomplished in various ways, such as movement of equipment or by re-grouping trackway subsections so that sub-sections previously in the first trailing section are now in the second forward section. The fourth step comprises moving the trailing unit and forward units together, the second forward section by reason of its greater weight remaining stationary and the second trailing section being pulled up to meet the second forward section.

One form of the method is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 2A to 2E, and wherein the third step of the method has been accomplished by re-grouping the sub-sections so that unit 2lb is in the rst step a part of the trailing section (FIG. 2B) and in the third step is a part of the forward section (FIG. 2C). Weight of equipment is ignored in this form ofthe method.

A second form of the method is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 11A to 11D, wherein but two sections of

trackway

117 and 118 are used, but heavy equipment 110 is positioned in step one on the trailing unit 118 and then is transferred (as by use of temporary track) to the forward unit 117 in step three. This form of the method preferably uses equipment shown in FIGS. 13 to 22. Thus, in FIG. 11A the mucking machine 110 has been moved to thet railing section 118 of trackway. In FIG. 11B the weight of the trailing section 118, plus machine 110, exceeds the weight of the forward section and the forward section is thus pushed forward by expansion of rod 130 out of cylinder 128. In FIG. llC the machine has now been moved to the forward section 117 so that the weight of this section is now the greater. Step four, illustrated in FIG. llD, shows the trailing section 118 pulled up to meet the forward section 117 by contraction of cylinder 128.

Another form of the method is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 12A to 12D. The structure is similar to that in the previous modication, in that two track sections are used. Muck cars 141 are shown on they trailing section 113rz of track, a mucking machine 110 on the forward section 117a. The weight of the trailing section 118a and equipment 141, as shown in FIG. 12A, is greater than that of the forward section 117e. FIG. 12B shows the forward section 11761 pushed forward by action Yof cylinder 119a as the second step. FIG. 12C shows the third step which in this instance involves moving the cars 141 olf the trailing section rearwardly-as onto the permanent track 142 leading to the tunnel mouth. At this time, the weight of the forward section 11751, plus equipment 110, is greater than that of the trailing section 11811.

'The final step shown in FIG. 12D involves pulling the trailing section 118rz up to the forward section 117a by action of cylinder 119:1.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in 'some detail, by way of illustration and example for purhaving a bottom surface adapted for longitudinal movement over the ground, each said unit also having a top surface over which earth moving equipment may move, and means carried by one said unit for moving said units apart in co-extending relationship to each other and subsequently moving said units together.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said last mentioned means comprises a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to one said unit and having a rod attached to the adjacent unit.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which said last mentioned means comprises a frame, means for transporting said frame, means on said frame for attachment to each of two said units, and means carried by said frame for forcing apart said last mentioned means.

4. Apparatus according to claim l, in which said last mentioned means comprises expandable means fixed at one end to one said unit and having a movable portion attached to the adjacent unit.

5. Apparatus according to claim l, in which said units carry tracks on their top surfaces, the rearward unit being formed with a wheel support in alignment with one said track, and having a longitudinal slideway for an extensible track immediately beneath said wheel support, said extensible track being of the same width as said rst-mentioned track, whereby said extensible track in said slideway may be anchored to a stationary support partially beneath said wheel support and partially exposed outside said slideway to establish continuous communication running along the entire length of said extensible track which is exposed outside said slideway, thence on said wheel support, and thence on said tracks on said units.

6. Apparatus according to claim l, in which each said unit carries at least one set of tracks, all of said tracks comprising an integral system of equal track width, at least two said units carrying switches, with double tracks between said switches, whereby empty dump cars may be held on one set of said double tracks and full dump cars held on the other set of said double tracks.

7. A sliding roadbed comprising at least three sectionsA in end-to-end arrangement, the weight of any one said section being less than the combined weight of the other said sections, expandable and contractable means interposed between the first and second sections and between the second and third sections to push adjacent sections apart upon expansion of said means and to pull adjacent sections together upon contraction of said means, whereby said roadbed may be advanced longitudinally by sequential advance of said sections in order.

8. A sliding roadbed comprising at least three sections in end-to-end arrangement, skid means on the bottom of each said section to facilitate longitudinal sliding of said section, and mechanically actuated means interposed between each of two adjacent sections for applying expanding and contracting forces between adjacent sections to cause one said section to slide longitudinally relative to the other said sections, whereby said roadbed may be advanced longitudinally by sequential advance of each section individually in order.

9. A method of the character described, wherein roadbed sections are placed end-to-end and are provided with means for limited movement of the ends of said sections spaced horizontally apart while maintaining alignment of Athe adjoining sections during movement, the step of applying to a first said section a weight greater than that of a second said section, applying force between the sections to slide said first section longitudinally for said limited movement while maintaining said second section stationary, shifting the relative weights of said sections whereby said second section has a weight greater than said first section, and applying force between said sections to draw said second section in the same longitudinal direction into alignment with said iirst section.

10. In a system of the character described for advancing a roadbed into a normally inaccessible area, the combination of a first movable roadbed unit of a length sufficient to support sizeable earth boring apparatus, a second movable roadbed unit of corresponding length disposed horizontally displaced with reference to said first movable roadbed unit in trailing relationship with said first movable roadbed unit, and means carried by one of said roadbed units for moving said first movable roadbed unit without apparatus thereupon in an advancing manner with respect to said second movable roadbed unit while said apparatus is supported thereupon and subsequently operating to move said second roadbed unit up to and in roadbed completing relationship with said rst movable unit after each advance of said first movable unit.

11. In a trackway laying system for tunneling operations of the character described, the combination of a.

A rst movable apparatus supporting trackway unit, a second relatively movable apparatus supporting trackway unit disposed in trailing and coextending relationship with said first movable trackway unit, power means carried by said second trackway unit for pushing said first trackway unit in an advancing manner away from said second movable trackway unit and subsequently operating to pull said second trackway unit up to and in trackway completing relationship with said first trackway unit after each advance of said first trackway unit, and means forming a temporary trackway connection between said first and second trackway units following each advance of said first trackway unit with respect to said second trackway unit, all of said trackway units being of the same wheel gage.

l2. A track laying system for tunneling operations, comprising a first unit having rails forming a trackway for muck removing cars and other tunnel constructing apparatus, a second unit disposed in co-extending relation with said first unit having similar trackway forming rails, an intermediate rail carrying unit secured to the adjacent end of said first unit and overlying a portion at the adjacent end of said second unit normally forming a continuous trackway throughout the length of said first and second units, means carried by said second unit for moving said intermediate rail carrying unit into co-extending relation therewith, whereby said first unit will be advanced in a forward direction away from said second unit, said means being also operative in a reverse manner to pull said second unit up to and in trackway completing relationship with said first unit following each forward movement thereof, and trackway means for temporarily bridging the gap between said second unit and said intermediate rail carrying member following each advance of said first unit.

13. A track laying system for tunneling operations, comprising a rst unit having a length of narrow gauge trackway for muck removing cars and a wider gauge trackway for gantry type apparatus, a second unit disposed in co-extending relation with said first unit having similar narrow and wide gauge trackways, an intermediate rail carrying member having corresponding trackways secured to the adjacent end of said first unit and overlying a portion of said second unit and normally forming continuous trackways throughout the length of said first and second units when in abutting relation, means for moving said intermediate carrying member into extended relation with said second unit, whereby said first unit will be caused to move away from said second unit after which said means will become operative in a reverse manner to pull said second unit up to and in trackway completing relationship wth said first unit, and trackway means for temporarily bridging the gap between said second unit and said intermediate rail carrying member following each advance of said first unit.

14. A track laying system for tunneling operations, comprising a first unit having a length of narrow gauge trackway for muck removing cars and a wider gauge trackway for gantry type apparatus, a second unit disposed in coextending relation wtih said first unit having similar narrow and Wide gauge trackways, an intermediate trackway carrying unit secured to the adjacent end of said tirst unit and overlying a portion at the adjacent end of said second unit and normally forming continuous trackways throughout the length of said rst and second units, means carried by said second unit for moving said intermediate trackway carrying unit into co-extending relation therewith, whereby said first unit will be caused to move in a forward direction away from, and in spaced relation with said second unit, said means being also operative in a reverse manner to pull said second unit into trackway completing relationship with said first unit following each forward movement of said first unit, whereby tunneling apparatus may be moved from said second unit to said first unit following each advance of said first unit.

15. A track laying system for tunneling operations, comprising a first unit having a length of narrow gauge trackway for muck removing cars and a wider gauge trackway for gantry type apparatus, a second unit disposed in co-extending relation having similar narrow and Wide gauge trackways, in intermediate trackway carrying unit secured to the trailing end of said first unit and slidably mounted upon the leading end of said second unit and normally forming continuous trackways thereover and throughout the length of said first and second units, hydraulic means carried by said second unit for moving said intermediate trackway carrying unit forward and into extended relation with said second unit, whereby said first unit will be caused to advance with respect to said second unit, said hydraulic means being also operative in a reverse manner to pull said second unit up to and in trackway completing relationship with said first unit following each trackway advancing movement of said first unit, and means for closing the gap formed in the trackway between said units resulting from movement of said intermediate trackway upon said second unit, whereby the load carried by said units will be transferred from one to the other as a means for anchoring one of said units while the other of said units is being moved relative thereto.

16. The method for advancing rail supported earth boring apparatus for tunneling purposes, which consists in supporting the apparatus upon an advancing trackway system having two substantially equal lengths and of similar construction horizontally displaced from each other in trailing relation, each of said lengths of trackway being sufficient to support the necessary apparatus for an earth boring and mucking operation, and transferring said earth boring and mucking apparatus horizontally from one to the other of said lengths of trackway and moving the unloaded length of said trackway system horizontally while the other length of trackway is weighted down by said apparatus.

17. A method of providing support for earth-moving equipment by advancing trackway units, each having at least one sub-section, comprising:

establishing trackway units in a tunnel construction wherein said units provide a base for longitudinal movement of equipment used in tunnel construction,

14 each of said trackway units comprising a first stationary section from among said units having one or more sub-sections and a first movable section having one sub-section with the combined weight of the first stationary section and equipment supported thereby materially exceeding the combined weight of the first movable section and equipment supported thereby; moving said first movable and first stationary sections apart, the first stationary section remaining stationary by reason of its greater weight; establishing a second stationary section having one or more sub-sections and a second movable section having one sub-section with the combined weight of the second stationary section and equipment supported thereby materially exceeding the combined weight of the second movable section and equipment supported thereby; and moving the second movable section to abutting relation with at least one sub-section of said second stationary section, the second stationary section remaining stationary by reason of its greater weight. 18. The method of claim 17 in which said establishing a second stationary section comprises disconnecting from said first stationary section at least one sub-section and connecting said last mentioned sub-section to said second stationary section.

19. The method of claim 17 in which said establishing a second stationary section comprises moving off said first stationary section at least some of the equipment which was on said first stationary section when said firstmentioned moving step was performed.

20. The method of claim 17 in which said establishing a second stationary section comprises moving off said first stationary section and away from said first movable section at least some of the equipment which was on said first stationary section when said establishing a second stationary section was performed.

21. The method of claim 17 in which said establishing a second stationary section comprises moving off said first stationary section and on to said first movable section at least some of the equipment which was on said first stationary section when said establishing a second stationary section was performed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,165,254 Heiberg Dec. 21, 1915 2,062,657 Joy Dec. 1, 1936 2,876,952 Washabaugh Mar. 10, 1959

Claims

1. IN ROADBED SYSTEM FOR EARTH BORING EQUIPMENT MEANS PROVIDING A SUPPORT FOR EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT, A FIRST MOVABLE ROADBED UNIT, A SECOND MOVABLE ROADBED UNIT HORIZONTALLY DISPLACED WITH REFERENCE TO SAID FIRST UNIT AND IN TRAILING RELATIONSHIP WITH SAID FIRST UNIT, EACH SAID UNIT HAVING A BOTTOM SURFACE ADAPTED FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT OVER THE GROUND, EACH SAID UNIT ALSO HAVING A TOP SURFACE OVER WHICH EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT MAY MOVE, AND MEANS CARRIED BY ONE SAID UNIT FOR MOVING SAID UNITS APART IN CO-EXTENDING RELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER AND SUBSEQUENTLY MOVING SAID UNITS TOGETHER.