Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for scraping away sediment or the like deposited on the bottom of a gallery. The machine comprises: a first movable body suitable for moving over the bottom portion of the wall of the gallery; first movement means for moving said first movable body; scraper means for detaching sediment from the bottom; first buffer storage means mounted on said first movable body; first transfer means for transferring detached sediment into said first storage means; second transfer means for transferring sediment stored in said first buffer storage means to the outside of said first movable body; a second movable body; second movement means; and second storage means mounted on said second movable body to collect the transferred sediment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for scraping away sediment or the like deposited on the bottom of a gallery. The machine comprises: a first movable body suitable for moving over the bottom portion of the wall of the gallery; first movement means for moving said first movable body; scraper means for detaching sediment from the bottom; first buffer storage means mounted on said first movable body; first transfer means for transferring detached sediment into said first storage means; second transfer means for transferring sediment stored in said first buffer storage means to the outside of said first movable body; a second movable body; second movement means; and second storage means mounted on said second movable body to collect the transferred sediment.

Abstract: The machine for making a continuous wall in the ground comprises a rear portion having means for filling the portion of trench located behind the machine with concrete; a front portion having cutter means for making a portion of trench in front of the machine; and means for modifying the distance between said front and rear portions in a horizontal direction. The machine is characterized in that said cutter means include vertical guide means, at least one rotary cutter having an axis of rotation that is horizontal and parallel to the width of the trench, and means for moving said cutter along the guide means between a bottom position corresponding to the bottom of the trench and a top position disposed above the trench, said cutter being suitable both for cutting the ground of the trench and for kneading it in order to obtain a material in the pasty state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled carriage suitable for traveling in a gallery of substantially cylindrical shape. The carriage comprises a chassis (1) made up of two wheel sets (14); a skip (10); and a horizontal longitudinal support axis (16) on which said skip is pivotally mounted. Each wheel set comprises two arms (24, 26) each having a first end pivotally mounted on one end of said axis; two rotary drive shafts (32) extend orthogonally to the support axis and are mounted at the opposite ends of the arms; drive means (38) for rotating said shafts; and two wheels (40, 42), each wheel comprising a hub (54) secured to a respective drive shaft, at least one circular disk secured to the hub, and having its periphery fitted with a plurality of rollers mounted to rotate freely about axes that are orthogonal to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: A trailer for a tunnel borer follower train comprises a chassis provided with a plurality of wheels, the chassis at rest presenting a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal plane of symmetry that is vertical. The trailer also comprises at least two tanks mounted on the chassis substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chassis; apparatus for measuring any tilt of the chassis of the trailer about its longitudinal axis; apparatus for feeding both tanks with liquid; and apparatus for controlling the quantity of liquid in each of the tanks as a function of any measured tilt in such a manner that the quantity of liquid contained in each tank creates a return torque about the longitudinal axis tending to compensate for any tilt of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelled carriage suitable for traveling in a gallery of substantially cylindrical shape. The carriage comprises a chassis (1) made up of two wheel sets (14); a skip (10); and a horizontal longitudinal support axis (16) on which said skip is pivotally mounted. Each wheel set comprises two arms (24, 26) each having a first end pivotally mounted on one end of said axis; two rotary drive shafts (32) extend orthogonally to the support axis and are mounted at the opposite ends of the arms; drive means (38) for rotating said shafts; and two wheels (40, 42), each wheel comprising a hub (54) secured to a respective drive shaft, at least one circular disk secured to the hub, and having its periphery fitted with a plurality of rollers mounted to rotate freely about axes that are orthogonal to the axis of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer for a tunnel borer follower train. The trailer comprises a chassis provided with a plurality of wheels, said chassis at rest presenting a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal plane of symmetry that is vertical. The trailer also comprises at least two tanks mounted on the chassis substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the chassis; means for measuring any tilt of the chassis of the trailer about its longitudinal axis; means for feeding both tanks with liquid; and means for controlling the quantity of liquid in each of the tanks as a function of any measured tilt in such a manner that the quantity of liquid contained in each tank creates a return torque about the longitudinal axis tending to compensate for any tilt of said trailer.