Mining or in situ disintegration of hard material – Expansible breaking-down devices – Fluid-pressed element
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-04
2001-10-23
Bagnell, David (Department: 3673)
Mining or in situ disintegration of hard material
Expansible breaking-down devices
Fluid-pressed element
C166S187000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305753
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hydraulic expansion tubes which may be used in mining, construction and excavation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In mining, construction and excavation operations it is often necessary to break apart large portions of solid rock. Traditionally, surface pieces of rock could be broken away using rock chisels and/or hammers. In order to break apart larger portions of rock a wedge may be used to split the rock apart. However, these methods are both labour intensive and time consuming.
Since the advent of explosives, dynamite has often been used to break apart larger portions of rock. Typically, the dynamite is inserted into a bore hole that is drilled into the rock. When the dynamite explodes the pressure generated by the explosion or blast inside the bore hole splits the rock apart. Such explosions may be used alone or in conjunction with each other to break apart large portions of rock in a short period of time.
However, the explosive nature of dynamite makes it very dangerous to work with. Extensive safety precautions must be employed in the storage, transportation and use of dynamite. Additionally, when dynamite explodes it destroys itself, the detonating caps and much of the detonating wire. Accordingly, these components are non-reusable and must be replaced with each new use. Furthermore, the explosion of dynamite creates a shockwave that is both loud and potentially damaging to sensitive structures. As such, dynamite blasting is often prohibited in urban areas.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided an expander, comprising a support shaft, a pair of sleeves received on the support shaft proximate either end of the support shaft, an expandable tube disposed about the support shaft and the sleeves, a pair of end caps proximate either end of the support shaft surrounding the expandable tube such that proximate each end of the support shaft an end cap and a sleeve sandwich said expandable tube so as to make an interference fit with the expandable tube, and a port for porting hydraulic fluid between said support shaft and said expandable tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an expander an described above further comprising an expandable sheath disposed about said expandable tube at each said end cap for minimizing expansion of said expandable tube over said end cap.
The present invention may be inserted into a bore hole to split apart rock. An advantage of the present invention is that is it quiet, reusable and does not generate an explosive shock wave. The absence of an explosion makes the present invention safer to use and better suited for use in urban areas.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3542127 (1970-11-01), Malone
patent: 3918520 (1975-11-01), Hutchison
patent: 4630691 (1986-12-01), Hooper
patent: 4923007 (1990-05-01), Sanford et al.
patent: 4968100 (1990-11-01), Corneil
patent: 5000517 (1991-03-01), Lebedev
patent: 5048605 (1991-09-01), Toon et al.
patent: 5398998 (1995-03-01), Evans
patent: 5676427 (1997-10-01), Ha
patent: WO 86/02404 (1986-04-01), None
patent: WO 93/10330 (1993-05-01), None
U.S. application No. 09/247,529, Mantha et al., filed Feb. 10, 1999.
U.S. application No. 09/261,393, Mantha et al., filed Mar. 3, 1999.
Bagnell David
Kolisch Hartwell Dickinson & McCormack & Heuser
Kreck John
LandOfFree
Hydraulic expansion tube does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hydraulic expansion tube, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hydraulic expansion tube will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2565954