Abstract: A freezing cell having one or more freezing tines may be used to remove contaminated sediment from the beds of water bodies. The freezing tines are to be immersed into the sediment. Refrigerant is supplied to the tines by a refrigeration unit during the freezing cycle to solidify the surrounding sediment into a block held by the cell. The block of frozen sediment is lifted from the water body. The block is released from the freezing cell by heating the tines. The block is then transported for treatment. The freezing cell may be returned for reuse in sediment removal. The freezing cell may be configured to permit close placement of the cell to other like cells used in the extraction process. A method of freezing marine sediment into blocks is used to recover contaminants from water bodies.

Abstract: Contaminated material such as soil or sludge is remediated by injecting a suitable remediation fluid into the material during excavation of the contaminated material with a trenching tool. The remediation fluid is injected into the contaminated material through an injection means, preferably a plurality of injection nozzles positioned along the length of the trenching tool. The thusly treated material is backfilled or deposited directly into the trench excavated by trenching tool thereby obviating the need for off-site disposal. The constituent remediation agents in the remediation fluid may be adjusted to adapt to varying site conditions and contaminants. The remediation fluid may also be heated to accomplish volatile stripping of the contaminated material or to activate microbial agents in a low temperature environment.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system has been developed for cleaning, testing and slip lining pipe particularly sewer lines while in service. The system includes the use of equipment adapted for use on mobile vehicles to increase efficiency and mobility of the system. The cleaning system utilizes a specialized cleaning bucket that can be pulled from excavations and existing manholes. The testing and lining systems also utilize specialized test mandrels and pulling mandrels for the pipe liner that can be used with equipment operating, in part, from existing manholes.

Abstract: A mine support bag comprises an inner fabric tube of selected length and selected circumference having an inner surface and outer surface. A first fabric sheet is laminated to the outer surface on the one side of the tube, the first fabric sheet having a width which is wider than half of the tube circumference. The first fabric sheet has longitudinal edges which run generally parallel with the length of the tube and extend beyond opposite lateral edges of the tube. A second fabric sheet is laminated to the opposite side of the tube, the second fabric sheet having a width which is wider than half of the tube circumference, the second fabric sheet having longitudinal edges which run generally parallel with the length of the tube and extend beyond opposite lateral edges of the tube. The respective lateral edges of the first and second sheets overlie each other and are laminated together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for setting rock bolts. The device employs a common element for affixing the end of a feed shell with respect to a rock surface, stabilizing the feed shell and providing a common centralizer for centering all subsequent bolt setting operations. The device also has a bolt delivery system which stores, advances and positions the bolts in line with a bolt driver. The bolt delivery system has a bolt magazine which, when in a work position, advances bolts along peripheral surfaces into a position where they are engaged by a bolt driver. The bolt so engaged is then advanced into the centralizer at which point the bolt magazine is rotated away from the engaged bolt to a park position where it will not interfere with the bolt driver as it continues to advance the bolt. The bolt magazine preferably also serves as a bolt plate magazine which accommodates bolt plates with which the bolts are engaged.

Abstract: A ground support structure and a base system are provided in which the ground support structure is configured to have a recessed area disposed inside a peripheral rim, into which a base or a drag plate may be inserted and fastened. The associated base has a principal lower surface and a ground support-engaging lower protrusion that has a fastener corresponding to at least one fastener on an athletic device mounting surface disposed in the recess of the ground support structure. The drag plate is configured to substantially fill the entire area of the recess, and to provide an upper planar surface that is essentially flush with the peripheral rim on the ground support structure.

Abstract: A modular rail car unloading pit which supports railroad tracks and facilitates the removal and transfer of aggregate, particulate, or other material from rail cars. The modular unloading pit is comprised of a set of precast concrete panels enabling the unloading pit to be environmentally friendly, reusable, and reducing installation time and cost. The set of panels includes one or more floor panels, four equally spaced vertical lateral walls oriented perpendicular to the railroad tracks, and a vertical longitudinal wall oriented parallel to the railroad tracks. Each lateral wall includes rail support plates at the top and anchors protruding from the bottom. The anchors are inserted into corresponding anchor receiving orifices in the floor for connecting the lateral walls to the floor. The lower end of the lateral walls are capped by metal channel members which are welded to metal plates on the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus, connectable to a driving machine with an articulated boom system, which is operated by percussion energy and drives into or draws up from the ground piles or walls and grasps with its gripping jaws objects (17) on the ground or objects that are to be driven into the ground characterized in that the apparatus comprises a turning equipment system that transmits percussion energy to the object in order to grip with its jaws (16) the object both with a firm hold of the jaws in the blow direction and an essentially vertical grip of the jaws and that the apparatus transmits the percussion force to the object in line with its travel direction when both grips with the jaws are used.

Abstract: Compaction of a soil surface is achieved by means of a machine (10) which has a movable, wheeled carriage (20) and an impact roller coupled resiliently to the carriage so as to move together with the carriage. The impact roller has one or more out-of-round compactor masses (12) designed to apply periodic impact blows to the soil surface (36). A soil working implement, in the form of an upright scraper blade (44) is carried by the carriage in a position trailing the impact roller. The function of the blade is to scrape soil into the localized indentations (40) that are formed in the soil surface by the periodic impact blows applied by the compactor mass or masses. This smooths out the soil surface for subsequent passes and reduces the shock loading on the tractive vehicle which pulls the carriage.

Abstract: A mesh enclosed container is provided to remove melt water from frozen blocks of contaminated sediment which has been extracted from a marine environment. The mesh enclosure has a number of porous wicking tubes for insertion into corresponding cavities in the frozen sediment blocks. Wicking material is inserted into the tubes to enhance melt water flow out of the sediment blocks during the thawing cycle. A sealed container may be provided to enclose the block and meshed container to prevent escape of volatile materials during the thawing cycle. The sealed container will also collect melt water accumulated during the thawing cycle. A method of melting frozen marine sediment blocks is provided to recover treated water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for setting rock bolts. The device employs a common element for affixing the end of a feed shell with respect to a rock surface, stabilizing the feed shell and providing a common centralizer for centering all subsequent bolt setting operations. The device also has a bolt magazine which stores, advances and positions the bolts in line with a bolt driver.

Abstract: A manhole debris catcher having a flat mat with open tubular pockets spaced radially about a center point at approximate equal angle, with a center support base and straps threaded through the pockets and through openings through the center support base, and a ring lifting assembly attached via lines to the ends of each of the straps; side braces may be inserted into each of the pockets to assist in maintaining the mat in flat form.

Abstract: A process is presented for effecting sealed sheet pile constructions in which at least one of the sheet pile interlocks of a pair of sheet pile interlocks is filled with a sealing compound by moving a feeding chamber in an axial and concentric manner along the interlock. In addition, a device for carrying out the aforementioned process is presented comprising a central feeding chamber provided with a dorsal entrance bore, a longitudinal sliding guide block and a sealing compound distributing chuck. The section of the sliding guide block is identical to, but slightly narrower than that of the sheet pile interlock chamber.

Abstract: A primary mining post, prop, or support that is yieldable to the settling forces of a mine shaft and has a double ball and socket configuration to respond to the shifting that occurs with roof settling in mine shafts. The post has a ball on each end of the main support body and corresponding sockets in each of the respective top and bottom bases. The main body has means for yielding to the heavy weights put thereon.The double ball and socket configuration allows the heavy weights of a settling subterranean roof to be fully transmitted axially along the length of the main body of the post during off vertical loading without undue buckling and failure. The loading characteristics remain virtually identical with straight vertical and off vertical loading. Traditional supports will buckle and fail under a shifting load since the load forces are distributed differently under a non vertical load.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) and a method for vitrifying hazardous waste includes a melting vessel (12) in which hazardous waste and any other necessary components for forming a glassy mixture upon heating are introduced for heating by a heater (38), and a metallic containment vessel (46) of the apparatus receives the melting vessel so as to receive and contain any material that exits the melting vessel upon failure. Any failure of the melting vessel (12) is detected by a sensor (48). Different embodiments of the heater (38) provide current flow through molten material (18) being heated, induction heating and electric resistance heating. A stirrer (39) can be utilized to mix the material (18) during the heating. The containment vessel (46) is preferably hermetically sealed around the melting vessel (12) to contain gases as well as any melted material received from the failed melting vessel (12).

Abstract: A light-weight, liquid-blocking ring assembly for a surface drain for preventing a harmful liquid spilled nearby from entering the drain, which can be quickly and easily installed by a single person, and includes positive verification that none of the undesired liquid has entered the drain. The assembly includes (1) a center portion having a latching mechanism for attaching and drawing the assembly towards the drain, (2) a peripheral band which surrounds and is spaced from the drain, and which carries at its bottom edge a resilient gasket conformable to the surface surrounding the drain, and (3) an intermediate structure connecting the center portion and the peripheral band without blocking a clear view of the entire surface surrounding the drain.

Abstract: Prefabricated concrete pipe encasements are disclosed for stabilizing underground conduit systems from movement caused by flotation, back filling or settling. In one embodiment, a sewer chimney includes a plastic riser connected between a tee-fitting in a sewer main and a cap block at a branch service line. At least one pipe encasement and a prefabricated concrete base encircles the riser for maintaining alignment with the tee-fitting. In other embodiments the pipe encasement encircles a generally horizontal pipe line.

Abstract: A suspension device of this invention is used to carry a linear material over a cradle receiver and release the linear material onto the receiver, comprising a suspension means, a release means and an activation means. The suspension means suspends a linear material, the release means releases the linear material and the activation means activates the release means so that the suspended linear material can be released onto the cradle receiver. The device is particularly useful when the receiver is long and/or windingly. A laying apparatus of the invention chiefly comprises such suspension devices and a rail means prepared above a cradle receiver on which the suspension devices are to be movably held.

Abstract: Landings and/or manhole covers formed of a plurality of plate bodies each having a plurality of apertures. Utilizing the plate bodies, a reflecting body having high luminance can be simply and surely provided on the landings and/or manhole covers and it is strong and easily manufactured. The reflecting body comprises a reflecting piece formed by a ceiling having a plurality of concaves and convexes at the rear surfaces thereof and a plurality of legs having windows at the intermediate portions thereof, and a stopper member which is mounted on the aperture of the plate body and has projections, wherein the ceiling is integrated with said plurality of legs and said ceiling and legs respectively made of polycarbonate, polyacrylate or other transparent high polymer substance, and wherein said projections of said stopper member are inserted into said windows of said plurality of legs.

Abstract: In hilly areas, building below the level of flooded manholes or secondary distribution boxes are often damaged by water entering the electric meter enclosure through the service conduit. For eliminating drain water from a service conduit before it reaches a meter enclosure, a drain pipe is installed in the conduit below the meter enclosure. The drain pipe must not be accessible to any probing and therefore has several spaced, oppositely and alternately positioned vanes in the bore with each vane covering over half the area of the bore.

Abstract: An apparatus for making up threaded pipeline joints includes conventional casing tongs supported on a truck for movement between a stowed position and an operative position over the side of the truck with the axis of rotation of the casing tongs being generally horizontal. A roller on the front of the truck is raised or lowered by an extensible motor controlled by the tong operator to align the pin end of the joint to be made up with the collar of the made up pipeline. The operator manipulates the support to position the casing tongs over a pipeline joint to be made up and rotates the tong dies to rotate the pipeline joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating and curing a resin impregnated liner include a resin impregnated liner lowered into an underground structure so that a portion of the liner extends beyond the structure. The protruding portion of the liner is then sealed. Pressurized air and steam are simultaneously admitted into the liner so that the liner inflates and engages the structure. Air and steam continue to be admitted into the liner for a period sufficient to cure the resin while maintaining the liner engaged with the structure.

Abstract: A tractor mounted stake driver provides a mechanical/hydraulic system to drive a plurality of stakes into the ground simultaneously, with provision for stake separation adjustment. The apparatus includes a tractor and a front stake driving assembly including a right and left front stake driving ram joined by a separation adjustment device. The apparatus may further include a rear stake driving assembly to enable four stakes to be driven simultaneously. Either the front or rear assembly may additionally include a fore/aft adjustment mechanism to enable selective spacing between the front-driven stakes and rear-driven stakes.

Abstract: A plunger for attachment to a drum reseal cap, the plunger having opposed ends with a handle alone end, resilient fingers at the other end and a sliding cylinder for forcing the resilient fingers in an outward direction to engage the reseal cap.

Abstract: A device for injecting concrete, plastic or the like into cracks in a concrete structure, a rock face or the like comprises an elastic, radially expandable and substantially tubular body adapted to be securely and sealingly engaged within a bore hole in communication with the cracks. The body has a first end portion with a non-return valve to be introduced deepest into the bore hole and a second end portion adapted to be connected to a feed pipe for the material to be injected. The elastic body is formed as an integral unit and is adapted to expand into engagement with the bore hole before the non-return valve opens at a predetermined pressure to inject the material into the bore hole.

Abstract: An improvement in the known method of setting or resetting poles in the ground or ground line protection of encapsulation of pole treatment chemicals in the ground and enhancement of the strength, density, ratio of foam polyurethane resins formed in-situ from polyisocyanate and resin reactive therewith. Ground water and detrimental natural soil chemicals are often encountered in pole setting and affect polyurethane foam formation by undesirably reacting with the polyurethane to give a foam of insufficient density and strength. This improvement comprises stabilizing the highly reactive isocyanate component by pre-reacting to form a prepolymer. This composition decreases the cost per unit of foam per pole installation. There is also the method for the addition to the polyurethane composition of various repellant materials and preservative agents for the pole.

Abstract: Method for constructing a filling station, having a number of storage tanks, one or more pump islands with a number of pumps on each pump island, and also lines, such as the lines for the supply of the necessary oil and petrol from the storage tanks to the pumps, and for the discharge of rainwater and/or spilt product, and a floor surrounding the pump island. First of all a ground slab is made in one piece by monolithic construction, at the same time a number of facilities being provided in the slab, such as fixing means at the position of the so-called islands where the pumps are placed. In the ground slab near the top side a recess or trench and in the trench lines are then placed, and the structures such as pump islands, pumps and possibly a canopy are fixed to said slab.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading a bedding material in a ditch to provide a bedding layer for laying a pipe thereon is disclosed. The apparatus includes a screened opening which extends for selectively passing bedding material below a readily selected particulate size, and particulate matter above the selected particulate size is directed forward of the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a discharge opening having side plates which control the width of the bedding layer. The discharge opening also has a back-skid plate for controlling the vertical thickness of the bedding layer. The back-skid plate is a horizontally extending plate which is adjustable for selectively determining the vertical thickness of the bedding layer deposited.

Abstract: Flexible concrete structures resemble elongated rope-like articles having an outer textile casing in the form of a mono-tubular body with a continuous inner bore filled with dry cementitious material. The concrete ropes are naturally permeable to water for controlled chemical hydration for maximizing structural values and load bearing properties. The flexible concrete ropes may be employed in a wide range of applications in masonry and cement construction, such as caulk filler between foundations and roadways; as convenient mortar ropes in the reinforcement and stabilization of stone, rock, brick and block structures, like culvert bridges, drainage ditches, railroad roadbeds; temporary templates for A-frame structures, and as chocks for dry foundations.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting an elongated flexible prefabricated vertical (PV) drain downwardly into the earth. The apparatus includes a vertical mast having a lower standard mast base and a lightweight extra long mast extension. A vehicle supports the mast from its mast base in order to raise and lower the mast to and from vertical and to otherwise manipulate and transport the mast in a conventional manner. A longitudinal chamber extends for the entire length of the mast and carries therein an earth penetrating tube for vertical movement. This earth penetrating tube also has a passage therethrough for receiving the elongated flexible PV drain for movement with this insertion tube down into the earth when driven therein. The mast extension includes a series of axially aligned extension tubes constructed of light weight material and removably connected together end to end, and a combination spar and guy mechanism is utilized for supporting this long mast extension from the relatively short mast base.

Abstract: A roof support column used as a support between the roof and floor of a mine comprises a stacked series of hollow roof support cribs containing a mixture of light-weight aggregate such as volcanic lava, tuft or pumice, and a chemical foam contained in one chamber of a triple-walled high density paper tubing. The other chamber has honeycomb material therein. The combination of these materials results in a roof support crib which has the yielding characteristics of wood. Such cribs called variable yielding cribs are stacked and locked on top of one another to form a vertical cylindrical cribbing support column.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus for dredging waterways containing sediment includes a hood having a passage for water and sediment to enter the hood under the influence of a submersible dredge pump apparatus. The dredge pump apparatus includes an inlet line having an inlet opening positioned in the passage of the hood, and an outlet line which communicates with the inlet line and extends exteriorly to a spoil collection area. A dredge pump draws water and sediment from within the passage into the inlet opening and through the inlet and outlet lines. To prevent clogging of the inlet line by sediment and ensure a continuous dredging operation, replacement water is introduced adjacent to the inlet opening from a water source in response to sensed pressure variations in the inlet line caused by the onset of clogging. A closed dredging circuit is created by using the spoil collection area as the source of replacement water.

Abstract: A bending and feeding apparatus and a method therefor are provided for installing a cable into a preformed bore. The apparatus comprises a main frame on which are mounted guiding means for guiding the cable along a path from an entry of the apparatus to an exit thereof, traction means mounted along the path for driving the cable forward, bending means mounted along the path for bending the cable, and shearing means mounted along the path for severing the cable. In operation, the free end of the cable is bent prior to its insertion into the bore. The bent free end is then driven into bore until it substantially reaches the bottom thereof. The cable is finally severed by the shearing means at the end of the operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing existing manholes and similar structures by applying a fast-curing elastomeric material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating or lining is formed. The fast-curing elastomeric material can be applied directly to existing substrates, which may comprise of concrete, brick, tile, mortar, and metal surfaces normally found in sewer manholes and catch basins, sewer and drainage pipes, parking decks, bridge piers and footings, holding ponds, bridge trusses, culverts, gratings, and the like and does not require any formwork. More preferably, the substrate surfaces are first cleaned and primed to improve the bond of elastomeric coating to the substrate. The most preferred primer is an aqueous solution of silane, preferably containing 10% to 30% silane.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of repairing existing manholes and similar structures by applying a fast-curing elastomeric material using spray techniques whereby a homogeneous, non-porous, and monolithic coating or lining is formed. The fast-curing elastomeric material can be applied directly to existing concrete, brick, tile, mortar, and metal surfaces normally found in sewer manholes and catch basins, sewer and drainage pipes, parking decks, bridge piers and footings, holding ponds, bridge trusses, culverts, gratings, and the like and does not require any formwork. The elastomeric coatings provide effective surface protection against wear, corrosion, and water infiltration and can be applied in a single operation to horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces.

Abstract: All-around type ground reinforcing and consolidating method comprises an excavating step for forming an excavated space in a predetermined area in the ground by using a dual excavating rod composed of an outer excavating member and an inner excavating member which is movably arranged in the outer excavating member; a retracting step for retracting the inner excavating member from the outer excavating member, whereby the outer excavating member is remained in the excavated space; a check step for checking the excavated space by inserting a light member containing a battery into the excavated space; an inserting-step for inserting an injection rod into the outer excavating member; a pressure adjusting step for adjusting the pressure in the excavated space; and an injecting step for injecting a hardening material into the excavated space with retracting the outer excavating member and the injection rod, whereby the predetermined area can be consolidated.

Abstract: Pipe handling and laying apparatus 1 supports a pipe on holding and a support 2,3 and includes extendible and a retractable gripping member 4 having gripping head 4a. The pipe, supported generally within area A, is brought in end-to-end relationship with another pipe to be joined thereto. Gripper head 4a is introduced into the open end of the second pipe and ram piston P of hydraulic ram H is retracted causing legs L of gripper head 4 to pivot into extended positions to grip the interior wall of the second pipe by means of gripper feet F. Further retraction of ram piston P pulls the first pipe into close relationship with the second.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: Oil, water and sand are separated from soil by screening and separation of coarse particles, agitating the soil in a solution of non-ionic biodegradable detergent to promote emulsification of the oil, separating sand from the emulsion, separating the oil in the emulsion from the detergent solution in a coalescing filter, and recycling the detergent solution. Preferably the soil and detergent solution is agitated first at low speed to separate any aggregate from the soil, and to provide a homogenized mixture of the soil and the detergent solution, and then agitating the homogenized mixture of the soil and the detergent at high speed to transfer the oil from the soil into an emulsion with the detergent solution. For reduced maintenance of the coalescing filter, the emulsion is passed through a hydrocyclone for removing fines before the emulsion is passed to the coalescing filter.

Abstract: A system is described to separately furnish to an injector apparatus that is placed within a pipe two or more grout components. The injector apparatus is secured in position in the pipe by components of the injector apparatus that are urged into a position of cooperation with a modified section of pipe as a consequence of the increased hydraulic pressure that occurs within the injector apparatus during the pumping of one of the grout components thereinto. The two or more grout components after separately being furnished to the injector apparatus are then combined together by elements of the system and are then thoroughly mixed (reacted) together by other elements of the system to form a grout that is discharged from the system following their mixing together and prior to setting of the grout in ideal proximity with respect to a crack or crevice requiring grout application. All components of the system are recovered for subsequent use elsewhere.

Abstract: A roof support column used as a support between the roof and floor of a mine comprises a stacked series of hollow roof support cribs containing a mixture of light-weight aggregate such as volcanic lava, tuft, or pumice, and a chemical foam contained in a double-walled high density paper tubing. The combination of these materials results in a roof support crib which has the yielding characteristics of wood. Such cribs called variable yielding cribs are stacked and locked on top of one another to form a vertical cylindrical cribbing support column.

Abstract: The installation for carrying out experiments under the condition of weightlessness or microgravity comprises a drop tube immersedin water with its end closed by a bottom. The upper end of the tube carries a service room above the surface of the water. The drop tube is connected to the floor of the water by means of an anchor chain connected to the tubes bottom and an anchor. The tube is kept in upright position by the buoyant force of the water and its tensioned anchor chain. A carriage in the service room can be positionedover the center of the orifice of the tube carrying a drop capsule with an experimental set-up. After releasing the capsule from the carriage it drops down through the tube in free fall. During the fall the experimental set-up is in the state of weightlessness the experiment being influenced accordingly. At the end of its free fall the capsule is caught by a catcing device and subsequently lifted back into the service room by means of a windlass.

Abstract: The yieldable load support comprises a compressible support member in the form of an elongate timber pole. The load support or pole is asymmetrically modified at or near one end thereof in a manner to positively induce sideways brushing of the pole at the modified end, in a preferential direction transverse to the length of the pole, when the support member is placed under longitudinal compressive load of sufficient magnitude.

Abstract: A temporary support for a mine roof is mounted on a mobile roof bolter, and includes a main support frame pivotably connected to the bolter, a main support beam and a ground contacting beam, both extending along the same axis in front of the main support frame, and connected to each other and to the main support frame by a scissors pivot joint and a leveling pivot joint, respectively. When the scissors pivot joint opens and closes, the main support beam and ground contact beam raise and lower with respect to each other and with respect to the ground. A cross beam is mounted on the main support beam and transverse to the axis thereof, and raises and lowers in the same plane with respect to the mine face, to contact and support the mine roof. For a high lift version, the scissors pivot joint is telescopically extendable.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing chemicals into an underwater pipe comprising first and second chemical feed pipes, the feed pipes being mounted to an intake pipe forming part of the underwater pipe, the first feed pipe extending along the length of the intake pipe and being connected to the second feed pipe, the second feed pipe being mounted to the intake pipe at that portion of the intake pipe adjacent an intake pipe opening, the second feed pipe including a plurality of inwardly extending releasing valves for dispensing chemicals into the intake pipe, the chemicals being delivered to the second feed pipe through the first feed pipe. A cone-shaped device is also disclosed for inserting the first chemical feed pipe into the intake pipe, the cone-shaped device having first and second cone elements coaxially spaced apart to form an air pocket therebetween.

Abstract: Sewage manholes having a deteriorated or defective manhole housing which is subject to undesired ground water infiltration are rehabilitated by inserting annularly expandable tubular sleeve assemblies partially into each inflow and outflow pipe of the manhole, connecting the sleeve assemblies to one another via an annularly-closed tubular conduit or network of tubular conduits and then sealing the sleeve assemblies to the inflow and outflow pipes and to the tubular conduit or conduits to form a fluid flow path between the inflow and outflow pipes which is sealably enclosed against water infiltration and sewage exfiltration.

Abstract: A yieldable confined core mine roof support including a container and a filler placed within the container. The container is yieldable and the filler is compressible. The combination of a filler within a container produces a mine roof support which is yieldable under a substantially axial load and which increases in load carrying ability as it yields, impeding any decrease in the distance between a mine roof and a mine floor, minimizing or preventing mine roof collapse and mine floor heave, buckling or punching.

Abstract: A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding. Bolting machines may be carried on the support sections. A drill may be provided on one section and a bolt inserter provided on a section rearwardly thereof. As the system is advanced, the bolt inserter can insert a bolt into a hole previously formed by the drill. The operation of providing roof bolts is therefore split into a number of stages. A mechanism for erecting and/or pre-stressing permanent arch supports may be provided at the rear of the sections.

Abstract: A pile cutter for breaking up reinforced concrete piles. The pile cutter includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders which operate cutting teeth when the hydraulic rams are retracted. The use of only two cylinders, and the cutting of the pile when the rams are retracted minimize the weight of the pile cutter and the space occupied by such.

Abstract: A machine (13) for the continuous casting of structural concrete walls (10) has a chassis (19) mounted on tracks (20). A telescopic boom (26) is mounted for buffing movement on a work platform (21) mounted for slewing movement relative to the chassis (19). A work head (30) has a work head unit (38) mounted for movement in three axes relative to the boom (26). The work head unit (38) has a continuous bucket excavator which digs a trench as the work head unit (38) is advanced and a continuous formwork (46) which supports the sides of the trench and defines the structural wall (10) which is cast as the work head unit (38) is advanced, pressurized concrete being supplied to the cavity defined by the formwork (46) by a pipe (14).