Methods and Systems for Non-Contact Boring of Tunnels, Shafts, and Trenches

Abstract

Described herein are methods and systems for non-contact boring of tunnels, trenches, and/or vertical shafts. A system comprises a chassis, a non-contact boring element, and a boring actuator connecting the non-contact boring element to the chassis and configured to position the non-contact boring element relative to the bore face. These three elements may form an internal subsystem as this subsystem within a tunnel, trench, or shaft. In some examples, a system further comprises an external subsystem, which is positioned away from the tunnel, trench, or shaft. The external subsystem is connected to the internal subsystem using an umbilical cord (e.g., providing power and control signals to the internal subsystem). Furthermore, the system may include an ejecta removal subsystem operationally coupled to the internal and external subsystems. Some examples of a non-contact boring element include a combustor (e.g., a jet turbine, a flame jet) and a plasma torch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.