Abstract: A multi-layered lip seal comprising a dynamic layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein and a static layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein is described. The lip seal has an annular ring shape, wherein an inner diameter of the ring shape is curved in an axial direction so as to give the lip seal a J-shape when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective. Fillers that can be included in static layer include stiffening filler, reinforcement fillers, conductive fillers and/or abrasion resistance fillers. Fillers that can be included in the dynamic layer include wear resistance fillers. The use of specific fillers in specific layers of the multi-layered lip seal allows for certain segments of the lip seal to be imparted with the benefits of the filler without negatively impacting other segments of the lip seal.

Abstract: A multi-layered lip seal comprising a dynamic layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein and a static layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein is described. The lip seal has an annular ring shape, wherein an inner diameter of the ring shape is curved in an axial direction so as to give the lip seal a J-shape when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective. Fillers that can be included in static layer include stiffening filler, reinforcement fillers, conductive fillers and/or abrasion resistance fillers. Fillers that can be included in the dynamic layer include wear resistance fillers. The use of specific fillers in specific layers of the multi-layered lip seal allows for certain segments of the lip seal to be imparted with the benefits of the filler without negatively impacting other segments of the lip seal.

Abstract: A multi-layered lip seal comprising a dynamic layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein and a static layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein is described. The lip seal has an annular ring shape, wherein an inner diameter of the ring shape is curved in an axial direction so as to give the lip seal a J-shape when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective. Fillers that can be included in static layer include stiffening filler, reinforcement fillers, conductive fillers and/or abrasion resistance fillers. Fillers that can be included in the dynamic layer include wear resistance fillers. The use of specific fillers in specific layers of the multi-layered lip seal allows for certain segments of the lip seal to be imparted with the benefits of the filler without negatively impacting other segments of the lip seal.

Abstract: A multi-layered lip seal comprising a dynamic layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein and a static layer optionally having a filler incorporated therein is described. The lip seal has an annular ring shape, wherein an inner diameter of the ring shape is curved in an axial direction so as to give the lip seal a J-shape when viewed from a cross-sectional perspective. Fillers that can be included in static layer include stiffening filler, reinforcement fillers, conductive fillers and/or abrasion resistance fillers. Fillers that can be included in the dynamic layer include wear resistance fillers. The use of specific fillers in specific layers of the multi-layered lip seal allows for certain segments of the lip seal to be imparted with the benefits of the filler without negatively impacting other segments of the lip seal.

Abstract: A method for making high-pressure sheet gasketing material is provided that employs an elastomer, such as natural rubber and/or acylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Tert-butyl acetate is added to dissolve the elastomer. Other components may then be mixed with the dissolved elastomer and may include, for example, antioxidants, colorants, curing agents, curing accelerators, reinforcing fillers, and fibers such as organic and/or mineral fibers. The resulting dough may be formed into a high-pressure sheets, for use as gasketing material, using a two-roll sheeter machine, or the like.

Abstract: A method for making high-pressure sheet gasketing material is provided that employs an elastomer, such as natural rubber and/or acylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Tert-butyl acetate is added to dissolve the elastomer. Other components may then be mixed with the dissolved elastomer and may include, for example, antioxidants, colorants, curing agents, curing accelerators, reinforcing fillers, and fibers such as organic and/or mineral fibers. The resulting dough may be formed into a high-pressure sheets, for use as gasketing material, using a two-roll sheeter machine, or the like.

Abstract: A TBM having a cylindrically shaped member located on said TBM just behind the rotating boring head, said member being of similar diameter as said tunnel and comprising sectionalized components so as to be adjustable in diameter, said member having a plurality of steel angle members welded to the surface of the top-most component so as to extend axially along the length of said cylindrically shaped member, said steel angle members forming axially extending receptacles therein.

Abstract: A primary support for a tunnel roof comprising elongated lagging members which are “extruded” from tubes forming a shield for a tunnel boring machine. The lagging is inserted into the tubes at different times so as to avoid having the ends of adjacent lagging members coincide. As the tunneling machine progresses in the direction of boring, the lagging members emerge from the shield tubes to form a primary tunnel roof lining. Ring beams or arc beams may be installed as required by rock bolts or other fastening devices.

Abstract: A primary support for a tunnel roof comprising elongated lagging members which are “extruded” from tubes forming a shield for a tunnel boring machine.

Abstract: An apparatus specifically tailored to transporting pipes in a tunnel is disclosed. A pair of low slung bogies are used to support and transport a pipe to pipe junction location. The bogies move over a pair of rails on rollers. The pipe rests on a set of inflatable devices which may be selectively inflated in a controlled manner to move the pipe in two axes during transport to the junction site. At the junction site, the inflatable devices are used to "jockey" the pipe on the transport device to provide limited roll, pitch and yaw movement of the pipe to facilitate mating the transported pipe with the end of a previously set pipe string.

Abstract: This invention discloses a prefabricated liner plate for lining the interior of a subterranean tunnel as a primary lining. The liner plate is formed in such a manner that an outer arcuate face has a depression formed therein so that a filter placed in the depression permits water flow therethrough, but prevents the passage of surrounding soil particles therethrough. Suitable conduit means allow any water which may pass through the filter to be bled through the liner plate and led out of the tunnel.