US 6,385,868 B2 · Jet excavating device

Abstract

An excavating device configured to form a channel of predetermined cross section in the ground in an excavation direction. The excavating device includes an assembly of jet excavating units which together define the cross section of the channel and are each provided with at least one jet device. The excavating device also includes at least one sensor which is connected to at least one of the jet excavating units for measuring a force which is exerted on the jet excavating units by the ground substantially parallel to the excavation direction. A controller is provided for controlling the excavation by the excavating device on the basis of the force measured by the at least one sensor. The controller is adapted to set a flow rate of jet liquid which is used in at least one jet device.

Claims46

Dependent claims

An excavating device for forming a channel of predetermined cross section in the ground, in an excavation direction, comprising:

an assembly of jet excavating units, which together define the cross section of the channel and are each provided with at least one jet device which is adapted to be operated with jet liquid;
at least one sensor which is connected to at least one of the jet excavating units, and is configured to measure a force which is exerted on the at least one jet excavating unit by the ground substantially parallel to the excavation direction;
and
a controller configured to control the excavation by the excavating device on the basis of the force measured by the at least one sensor.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

09/796,608Filed 2 Mar 2001 · continuation

Priority

NL 10125052 Jul 1999

Published

US 2001/0035674 A11 Nov 2001

Granted

14 May 2002

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

E21D 9/1066
Making by using boring or cutting machines: with fluid jets
E21B 7/002
Special methods or apparatus for drilling: drilling with diversely driven shafts extending into the borehole
E21B 7/18
Special methods or apparatus for drilling: drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
E21C 25/60
Cutting machines, i.e. for making slits approximately parallel or perpendicular to the seam: slitting by jets of water or other liquid

Jet excavating device

Life of this patent

Jet excavating device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims46