Abstract: An apparatus for translating along at least one plane, the apparatus a first support system and a second support system supporting the weight of a stage and the stage's load, the first support system providing for movement in a first axis and the second support system providing for movement in a second axis. The apparatus further having a first rotary motor engaged with a first timing belt. The first timing belt engaged with a first bearing car. The first bearing car engaged with a first linear rail. The first linear rail fixed to a frame. A second bearing car attached to the first bearing car, the second bearing car engaged to a second linear rail. The second linear rail at an incline with respect to the first linear rail, the second linear rail fixed to a stage. The apparatus further comprising a second rotary motor engaged with a second timing belt. The second timing belt engaged with a third bearing car, the third bearing car engaged with the first linear rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for translating along at least one plane, the apparatus a first support system and a second support system supporting the weight of a stage and the stage's load, the first support system providing for movement in a first axis and the second support system providing for movement in a second axis. The apparatus further having a first rotary motor engaged with a first timing belt. The first timing belt engaged with a first bearing car. The first bearing car engaged with a first linear rail. The first linear rail fixed to a frame. A second bearing car attached to the first bearing car, the second bearing car engaged to a second linear rail. The second linear rail at an incline with respect to the first linear rail, the second linear rail fixed to a stage. The apparatus further comprising a second rotary motor engaged with a second timing belt. The second timing belt engaged with a third bearing car, the third bearing car engaged with the first linear rail.

Abstract: A tunnel boring machine includes a cutterhead having a plurality of cutting units and being rotatable on a machine frame. Two sets of three anchor shoes float relative to the frame and are disposed circumferentially, with the anchor shoes of the two sets alternating on the frame. The two sets of three anchor shoes allow continuous advance of the tunnel boring machine. Connection between the two sets of anchor shoes and the frame is provided by two sets of three thrust cylinder bipods. One set of three thrust cylinder bipods is connected to each set of three floating anchor shoes, with one bipod attached to each anchor shoe. All of the anchor shoes in each set are interconnected by three pairs of floating gripper cylinders, with each pair of gripper cylinders longitudinally spaced on the two anchor shoes that they connect. Each of the two sets of three anchor shoes is sequentially gripped and ungripped with the tunnel wall by the attached gripper cylinders and independently of the other set of anchor shoes.