Abstract: Settling ponds used in strip mining are reclaimed using lightweight amphibious vehicles which are capable of traversing land, water or clay surfaces and wherein the method consists of pumping clay settled in subsurface areas and spreading the clay remotely over crusted surface areas to thereby create stabilized low profile drainage ditches which extend from low level areas of the ponds to the perimeters thereof to allow water drain off to the perimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for performing sequential batch anaerobic composting on high solids content wastes are provided, wherein a plurality of longitudinally extending trenches in the ground are employed as waste-holding receptacles, each of the trenches being provided with a cover having a peripheral skirt depending downwardly therefrom to be submerged in a water-containing moat surrounding the periphery of each trench to hermetically seal the trench. The covers contain leachate sprayers and offgas recovery piping which are connected to a fixed piping system of the apparatus, and hoppers, conveyor belts and discharge plows are used to transfer the waste into the trenches, and a lifting conveyor is used to transfer the waste out of the trenches back onto the conveyor belts extending alongside the trenches. The method involves using leachate recycling in a three stage process which employs the trenches having the removable covers.

Abstract: The disclosed earth anchor has a helix formed in a spiral around a hub. The helix is arranged to bear a load when the earth anchor is installed into the earth. The hub has outer and central hub portions forming a recess which receives a torque tube having inner and outer perimeters. Torque is transferred from the outer perimeter of the torque tube through the outer hub portion of the hub to the helix and from the inner perimeter of the torque tube through the central hub portion of the hub to the helix. The hub is of a unitary construction.

Abstract: A liner assembly for a manhole comprises a multiple ply generally cylindrical tube. The outermost ply is adapted for being impregnated with material for rigidifying and bonding the outermost ply to a manhole. The innermost ply is adapted for being impregnated with a material for rigidifying the innermost ply so that the manhole becomes structurally reinforced. An impermeable ply is disposed between the innermost and outermost plies. The outermost, innermost, and impermeable plies are secured together so that the plies are maintained facially oriented. Each of the plies is cut along a first end of the tube for providing a fluid flow path when the assembly is installed in the manhole and an opposite end of the tube is fully opened.

Abstract: A ground support system for providing a stabilizing surface in conjunction with loose soil is disclosed. The system finds particular utility in agricultural applications, such as where horses, cows or bulls and the like are kept. The support system comprises a number of interlockable planar sheets, each planar sheet including a number of conical projections disposed on its bottom side. The conical projections are hollow and open-ended and, in combination with apertures defined in the planar sheet, permit fluids to pass through the system. Traction on the upper surface of each sheet is optionally provided by either scoring or by adhered reground material such as a plastic. The planar sheets may be anchored to the ground by a stake having at one end a conical plug attached thereto, the plug being matable with the inside of one of the conical projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for laying cable utilizing a cable receiver, a chute and a cable laying device. The cable laying device comprises a shuttle which is intended to travel through the chute and which has connected to it a cable and a rope. The rope pushes the shuttle along the chute and lays the cable.

Abstract: A liner for a closed carrier such as a sewer is pulled into place in a branch line by a cable which extends through the branch line into a main line and along the main line to an access point remote from the connection between branch and main. The branch-to-main connection is inaccessible to workers because of the small diameter of the carriers. The liner is pulled up to this connection by the cable and then cured in place thereafter the cable is removed and the liner trimmed as required. A robotic device having a cornering device mounted on it may be positioned in the main at the connection to facilitate movement of the cable around the corner from the lateral into the main.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling short and long holes and for fitting bolts to the short holes has a generally stationary support positioned adjacent the face and a turret angularly displaceable on the support between two end positions about a longitudinal turret axis. A drill slide longitudinally displaceable on the turret carries a drill having a rotatable stem centered on a drill axis parallel to the turret axis. A drill bit can be fitted to the stem. A bolt slide longitudinally displaceable on the turret adjacent the drill slide carries a bolting unit having a ram centered on a bolt axis. A magazine mounted on the support adjacent the turret has a plurality of seats adapted to hold the bolts and extension rods fittable between the bit and the drill stem, depending on whether the device is to be used for short-hold drilling and bolting or for long-hole drilling.

Abstract: A soil surface remediation apparatus useful for decontamination of oil or chemical spill sites and toxic waste containing sites comprises a soil treatment apparatus mounted on a mobile trenching machine tractor which excavates trenches in a contaminated site to remove contaminated soil to the surface apparatus where the soil is decontaminated and is immediately replaced into the excavated trench in a continuous operation. Hydrocarbons or other useful by-products such as precious metals may be recovered from the soil. Both deep trenching and shallow trenching embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable support element for use in underground mining or tunnel construction, particularly for securing mining cavities at the longwall face and headway. The invention is a single use prop made of inner and outer telescopable tubes which can be filled with a hardenable building material core. The tubes have drainage boreholes for draining excess water from a liquid filling material pumped within the tubes after the prop has been braced between the roof and floor of the mines. Plural bands connected between the outer and inner tubes enable the telescopic movement of the tubes.

Abstract: A mine roof support system is disclosed having a connector. The connector has a first hole through which one end of a first roof supporting rod is inserted and a second hole through which one end of a second roof supporting rod is inserted. The first and second roof supporting rods are fastened to the connector so as to support the roof of the mine. In order to increase the bending arcs of the connector along which the first and second roof supporting rods bend without increasing the weight of the connector, the holes of the connector may be bevelled to form elliptical openings in the connector and the connector may be canted.

Abstract: A machine and method are provided for reconditioning pipelines. The machine comprises parts and modules which are easily stowed, manually portable into and out of excavations, and easily installed together to form a machine for reconditioning the outer surface of pipelines. A frame construction capable of assembly around a pipeline is provided. A travel module is attachable to the frame to move the frame along the pipeline. A traction module is attachable to the frame to provide substantially constant traction during travel regardless of surface irregularities. A ring construction is provided for placement around the pipeline and rotation about rollers attachable to the frame that engage the inside of the ring construction. Retaining arms and reconditioning devices can be mounted on the ring construction and a rotating module is attachable to the frame to engage and rotate or oscillate the ring construction around the pipeline.

Abstract: An all-round improved ground body forming device comprising a hollow outer casing with an outer metal bit at its tip end and a casing connecting section at its rear end, a casing advancer with an inner bit and a sub-bit for supporting the inner bit at its tip end and an arrowhead-shaped section to be engaged at its rear end, a casing advancer receiving and recovery device which has at its tip end an engaging section to catch the said arrowhead-shaped section and has a contracting and retracting section at an intermediate position between the main body section and the said engaging section, a hardening agent injection rod cosisting of one or more air injection pipes, a hardening agent injection pipe, a high pressure water injection pipe, and a slime discharge pipe, a multiple pipe swivel joint which is provided to correspond with the said hardening agent injection rod, and a method to form an improved ground body by the said device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a layer of aggregate material over a large area of land, for example, in preparing a new land fill waste-disposal site. An elongated, endless-belt conveyor is positioned across the width of the site and is supported upon a plurality of longitudinally spaced tractor units which are adapted to move the entire conveyor laterally across the length of the site. Aggregate material is supplied to one end of the conveyor and is conveyed toward the opposite end thereof. A mobile discharge unit through which the endless-belt passes, is moveable longitudinally along the conveyor to discharge the aggregate from the endless belt continuously as the discharge unit travels between the ends of the conveyor. The discharged material is continuously conveyed laterally away from the conveyor, deposited upon a portion of the site and spread along a strip of the land area laterally adjacent to the conveyor.

Abstract: An improved method for underwater reclamation is disclosed. Dredged mud sent under pressure by an earth and sand conveying device is treated with solidifying material, and before it is solidified, it is directly fed to an underwater reclaiming apparatus. The treated mud is fed through a discharge port of the underwater reclaiming apparatus, while the discharge port is always maintained embedded at a constant depth in a previously deposited underwater reclamation mud layer at the bottom of the water. An apparatus for underwater reclamation that is suitable for practicing the improved method is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforced concrete load-bearing pile with multi-branches and enlarged footings for reinforcing foundations, and means and method for forming such a pile. The load-bearing pile of the invention comprises a pile body, and at least one branch and enlarged footing integrated with the pile body. The means for forming the pile comprises a pile cavity drilling/pressing device, a branch cavity pressing device and an enlarged footing cavity pressing device. The method for forming the pile comprises forming a pile cavity, consolidating the base and surroundings of the cavities forming a branch cavity, forming an enlarged footing cavity, and casting the pile.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a lightweight, portable, adjustable, reusable, preassembled, hydraulic expandable shoring shield for providing safety to personnel working in below-grade excavations. The Shoring shield comprises specially designed solid aluminum extruded sheeting sections forming the walls, each mounted with a top cap and lower skid, the walls are provided with a static expandable telescoping structural framework for holding the walls opposed, and also are provided with hydraulic cylinders for expanding the space enclosed between the walls, the framework and cylinders thus cooperate in combination with an armored manifold for routing fluid to the cylinders.

Abstract: A multi-ply film has been developed that includes a biocide in at least one of the film layers. The multi-ply film with the biocide can be used to construct water containment facilities for drinking water, fish farms and industrial use and can be used as a covering for water tanks or equipment in environments that promote microbial growth. The biocide inhibits microbial growth at the surface of the film.

Abstract: A mine tunnel support system of the type comprising spaced interconnected support sections is described. Each section includes at least one bearing member which, when the section is in the first, loaded state, bears against the roof of the tunnel. Drive means are provided for changing the location of each support section when in the non-loaded state. The support system is advanced along the tunnel in the forward direction in which mining is proceeding by bringing each section sequentially into the non-loaded state, commencing with that at the rear, moving the section with the drive means into proximity with the next forward section, and thereafter returning the section to the loaded state. 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.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted to be moved to the edge of a concrete pad that needs to be restored to a horizontal condition. The apparatus includes a generally upright frame and a lifting platform that is attachable to the bottom of the frame (with bolts or the like). The platform has a forwardly projecting shelf that is placed under an exposed edge of the pad. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are mounted on the frame for selectively pushing downward on a yoke. Reaction loads from the downward push on the yoke are accommodated by the concrete pad. A chuck is mounted on the yoke for the purpose of engaging a generally linear member that is pushed into the ground to create a deep "foundation" for lifting the concrete pad with respect to the surface. A preferred linear member for this purpose is one or more sections of heavy reinforcing rod of the type that is commonly used to reinforce large concrete structures.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth methods and devices to lay a cable or cables efficiently as well as easily and economically on a cable receiver attached to a wall by means of hanging bolts or the like. A chute or chutes are provided extending along the cable route. A cable laying kit comprising a shuttle and a rope is to be inserted in the chute. The rope ought to be hard enough to push itself in the chute. A cable or a second rope for tracting a cable is then connected to the shuttle. The cable is dragged onto the cable receiver as the shuttle or the second rope is drawn in the chute.

Abstract: A system for distributing a slurry of water and solids over a substantially large area wherein the solids may be distributed in a thin environmentally acceptable manner of uniform thickness or a land area or the bottom of a water area may be significantly raised in elevation. A plurality of aerial projectors in the form of nozzles mounted on vehicles distribute the slurry and the vehicle or vehicles move over the area in a predetermined manner and velocity to produce slurry distribution as desired.

Abstract: An elongate shoring device capable of supporting a high longitudinal loading with the ability to yield uniformly in a direction along the longitudinal dimension of the shoring device when the longitudinal loading on the shoring device exceeds a preset magnitude. The shoring device comprises an inner elongate tube which is received within an open end of an outer elongate tube for longitudinal, telescopic movement within the outer tube. A storage compartment having a variable volume is formed by the inner and outer tube when the inner tube is received through the open end of the outer tube, with the volume of the storage compartment decreasing as the inner tube moves in its longitudinal, telescopic movement into the outer tube. A solid, non-compressible material is contained in the storage compartment, and a relief opening is provided in communication with the storage compartment.

Abstract: Rock bolting device comprising a swingable bolting unit (2) which carries a conduit (4) for transport of hardenable mass to a drill hole (3). The conduit is surrounded by a tube (5) in which a thickened part (6) of the conduit is movable to-and-fro under sealing cooperation with the tube. Through this the conduit (4) can be fed towards or away from the mouth (7) of the drill hole (3).

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.

Abstract: A preassembled unit for a sewage nitrification field has minimum outward dimensions of loose, lightweight plastic aggregate material enveloped and bound by a plastic sleeve around a horizontal conduit. In one embodiment, the unit takes a bag form with an aggregate-filled netting sleeve concentrically surrounding and fastened to the ends of corrugated plastic vent pipe. In another form, the sleeve is a plastic extrusion of rectangular cross-section and the conduit can be formed integrally with the sleeve. Cross-webbing is added for strength. In ground installation, conduitless units make up the insufficiency of aggregate dimension. Mating male and female end caps are used to interconnect the conduit of adjacent units end-to-end. Apparatus for manufacturing the concentric netting sleeve/vent pipe version has a hopper that discharges aggregate into the top of a mandrel and an annular disc or helical auger blade that pushes the aggregate forward into the sleeve.

Abstract: A remotely controlled locator material dispensing apparatus for use within a conduit having an axis to mark specific conduit locations for later identification. The apparatus includes a control device located outside of the conduit for generating a plurality of control signals for controlling the operation of the locator material dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a first structural unit having a source of locator material to be dispensed onto an interior surface of the conduit. The first structural unit is connected to the control device for receiving the control signals therefrom, and for dispensing the locator material from the first structural unit onto the interior surface of the conduit in accordance with the received control signals. A monitor is positioned within the conduit for locating the specific conduit locations and monitoring the dispensing of the locator material.

Abstract: Novel crib members useful in building cribbing to support roofs in underground mines or in tunnel construction and all other underground excavations where roof and ground control is of concern. These crib members are made by filling an envelope of a reinforced elastomeric material with concrete. In a preferred form used motor vehicle tires are filled with concrete.

Abstract: A secondary containment in which gasoline passes from a storage tank through an underground pipeline past an impact valve to an inlet of a gasoline dispenser includes inner and outer pipelines. The inner pipeline includes a rigid segment connected to the storage tank at one end and a flexible pipe segment at its other end. The flexible segment further connects to an additional pipe segment which passes through the bottom of a gasoline containment box to an impact valve housed therein. The impact valve, in turn, leads to the dispenser inlet. The box is installed below the dispenser, and the flexible segment connects to the additional pipe segment at a point below the box. The flexible segment is removed from the outer pipeline by disconnecting it from the rigid pipe segment, then disconnecting the impact valve from the dispenser inlet and box, and removing the impact valve from the box. The additional pipe segment and the flexible pipe segment are thus pulled through the bottom of the containment box.

Abstract: Device (26) to feed reinforcement rods (25), which is suitable to cooperate with an excavation equipment (14) in providing lengthwise reinforcements in tunnels, particularly in excavations of a great depth amounting to about twenty meters or more, the excavation equipment (14) being borne on an excavator machine (10) and being able to rotate by an angle "alpha" from one or the other of two lateral inactive positions (A-B), the device (26) comprising means (27) for connection to the excavation equipment (14), support means (28) that bear means (30) that uphold and lift the reinforcement rods (25), means (32), that draw the reinforcement rods (25) and means (34-35) that guide and align the reinforcement rods (25).

Abstract: Device (27) to load reinforcement rods, which is suitable to cooperate with an excavation equipment (14) in providing lengthwise reinforcements in tunnels, particularly in excavations of a great depth amounting to about twenty meters or more, the excavation equipment (14) being borne on an excavator machine (10) and being able to rotate by an angle "alpha" from one or the other of two lateral inactive positions (A-B), the excavation equipment (14) comprising a drilling head (19) suitable to cooperate alternately with drilling means (20) and with the rods (25), the device consisting of at least one movable arm means (29) connected (28) to the excavation equipment (14) and lodging shaped movable sector means (32) and shaped clamping means (33), both shaped means (32-33) being connected to second and third actuation means (35-38) for cooperation therewith and with the at least one movable arm means (29) in positioning, clamping and unclamping the drilling means (20) and the reinforcement rods (25), the at least

Abstract: Device for setting a rock bolt. The device is provided with a bolt magazine (6) arranged on a feed beam (1). Rock bolts (8) are transferred from the bolt magazine to the setting position in line with a hole drilled in the rock by means of a swingable arm (9) and displacement of a bolt setting machine (5).

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for relieving ground pressure surrounding pvc vent pipes which have been displaced from their T-fitting traps in sewer systems. The round tubular nature of a semi-rigid pipe is changed to an elliptical or oval shape with initial insertion and rotation of a special tool. The tool being connected to a drive-shaft and rotated by an external source such as a drill motor. The rotation of the tool within the pipe progressively causes the pvc pipe to have a momentary elliptical cross-sectional shape as the tool rotates within the previously round pipe, without rotating the pipe. As the tool passes down (or "screws down") through the pipe, the pipe re-assumes its circular cross-sectional shape, and original diameter, but only after its larger-dimension elliptical cross-section has pressurized the earth duct and increased its diameter to about an inch greater than its initial (unpressured) circular diameter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning vacuum head is disclosed which has the ability to discriminate between particles of different size, or the ability to separate fluids from particulate matter. The invention has two relatively moving surfaces which provide a changing locus of vacuum so that particles drawn against the surfaces are later separated therefrom. An oil spill clean-up system is also disclosed utilizing the self-cleaning vacuum head.

Abstract: A fluid operated tool 30 (FIG. 4) for use in replacing a body clamped between facing platens has an open ended tubular member 31, through which the body can pass, that carries outwardly thereof, and axially extending, coplaner support arms 33, 34 at the end of which are hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 35, 36 for inserting between the platens to overcome the clamping force on the body, permitting it to be removed and replaced by way of the tubular member 31. The tool may be used subsea with a submersible to handle it and provide hydraulic power.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping a header from a cast concrete section to which it is adhered adjacent to a site for contiguous concrete section comprising a vertical track in direct association with the header; the track having an opening facing the site; and impact tool adapted to move slidingly within the track to predetermined locations therein; and the impact tool being further adapted to be displaced horizontally within the track to apply a separation force through the track to the header to disrupt adhesion of the header with the concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for repairing ruptures in underground conduits. An inflatable bladder and a flexible sleeve that is wrapped about at least a portion of the bladder are introduced into a conduit proximate a rupture therein. The bladder is inflated to urge the sleeve into engagement with the conduit such that the sleeve covers the rupture. The sleeve includes an adhesive bonding substance that adheres the sleeve to the conduit and is hardenable to bond the sleeve to the conduit.

Abstract: Wellhead and welder protector comprising an easily erected, temporary shelter designed to envelope a wellhead and the immediate surrounding area of either a production platform, well bay area or jack up rig "texas deck", for providing an optimal environment for welding, heat treatment, and similar processes. The overhead protection means can be in the form of a horizontal, planar surface comprised of aluminum, galvanized sheet metal, thick fabric or the like, supported via telescopic support means above the wellhead for providing overhead protection for its occupants from overhead falling objects and liquids. Self contained ventilation means for the removal of any toxic fumes and gases associated with welding and related processes is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for protection against coastal erosion. The protection barrier is formed from a plurality of protection members which are secured together to form a mat of a desired configuration. Each protection member which is formed as a toroidal body, preferably from a discarded tire casing, is at least partially filled with concrete which is deposited about the circumference of the tire casing and occupies not more than one half of the interior chamber formed by the wall of the tire casing. To facilitate preparation of the protection member for use, a conical insert is provided. The tire casing is lowered down over the conical insert, moving towards the wided base of the insert until a lower bead of the casing rim frictionally contacts the wall of the insert. Concrete is then admitted onto the wall of the insert and moves by gravity into the interior chamber, partially filling it.

Abstract: A canal trimming machine is disclosed which is designed to trim the bottom and sides of an earthen canal so that the canal may be lined and paved. The machine comprises a frame which extends across the width of the canal and which has propelling tracks at the opposite ends thereof which are driven along the canal in the proper direction and at the proper grade. A trimmer is longitudinally movably mounted on the frame and trims at least one-half of the bottom and a majority of one side of the canal. The trimmer is automatically positioned at the proper grade to ensure that the bottom and sides of the canal will be properly prepared for the lining and paving operation. A rock spreader is also mounted on the frame and trails behind the trimmer to fill low spots in the canal so that an even surface will be provided for the lining and trimming operation.

Abstract: A method for constructing underground garage parking units comprises a step of excavating two parallel trenches into which are subsequently sunk preformed reinforced concrete frames each composed of two vertical pillars with an "H"-shaped cross-section and upper and lower horizontal connecting beams disposed between them. The vertical grooves forming the "H" sections being opposed and constituting a guide for the insertion of a plurality of sheet piles so as to form continuous retaining walls in said trenches. The lower of the plurality of sheet piles being subsequently removable with a sideways movement, after excavation of a corridor by removal of the earth between said two walls, for insertion of prefabricated garages at an oblique or right angle into the vertical portions of earth thus uncovered.

Abstract: A method for aligning a series of posts begins with providing a first alignment apparatus adjacent a first hole. A first post is attached to one end of the alignment apparatus and hung at the desired elevation in the post hole. A second alignment apparatus is then provided and one end is connected to the first post such that the alignment apparatus may be swung about the post like a door. Once the second alignment apparatus is positioned in the desired orientation, support members are lowered to support the frame. A second post is then provided and hung on the opposite end of the second alignment apparatus at the desired elevation within a second post hole. The second post is plumed and aligned with respect to the first post upon attachment to the second alignment apparatus. Subsequent alignment apparatus and posts may be attached in a similar fashion to form a series of aligned posts.

Abstract: A method for lining or relining a sewer manhole, apparatus comprising an improved leak resistant manhole, and a cementitious mixture for lining/relining manholes. A homogeneous, monolithic, cementitious liner is spray applied in place within a concrete or brick-and-mortar manhole infrastructure without forms, webbing, or re-bar. A manhole to be serviced is first located and spray cleaned with water. Loose concrete and mortar fragments of the original structure are forcibly removed. A cementitious mixture is spray-applied to the interior surfaces of the manhole to create a continuous, monolithic interior liner. This lining is configured substantially identically to the internal shape and geometry of the manhole. When the liner sets after installation, a substantially impervious water and chemical resistant barrier prevents manhole ingress/egress by ground water.

Abstract: A Kelly bar adapter for use with earth anchor driving machinery is disclosed. The adapter allows for pivotal connection of an earth anchor or earth anchor extension rod thereto. Thus, a vertically hanging Kelly rod may be attached to an earth anchor or its associated extension rod while the same is diagonally extending out of the ground. A tool for removing earth anchors having an integral eyelet or an eyelet which is threaded onto an earth anchor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for repairing ruptures in underground conduits. An inflatable bladder and a flexible sleeve that is wrapped about at least a portion of the bladder are introduced into a conduit proximate a rupture therein. The bladder is inflated to urge the sleeve into engagement with the conduit such that the sleeve covers the rupture. The sleeve includes an adhesive bonding substance that adheres the sleeve to the conduit and is hardenable to bond the sleeve to the conduit.

Abstract: A foundation watering system includes a ground motion sensor which detects relative movement between a building and a stable soil zone beneath the building. The ground motion sensor includes a hole dug in the earth to a depth below a zone of shrinking and swelling a a rigid element embedded in the stable soil zone and extending upwardly to cooperate with a mechanism on the building. When the sensor detects significant downward movement of the periphery of the building, a valve is actuated to deliver water to the shrinking and swelling zone.

Abstract: A system for extracting radon and other gases from a subterranean cavity beneath a floor slab and venting of collected gases to the atmosphere is provided which conducts cool, naturally occuring radon and other gases under high vacuum across a vacuum pump motor for cooling the motor. A vacuum pump is disposed within a housing chamber under vacuum. Cool gases within the housing chamber thereby conduct heat generated by the pump motor to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of producing structural supports for use particularly in mining applications includes the use of a relatively rigid and cylindrical shell casing. The shell casing is separable along the plane parallel to its axis, has open ends and is closed about a fabric tube which is axially supported therein. The fabric tube is filled with pressurized liquid building materials such as concrete. Once filled within the casing, the pressure of the building material forces the liquid component thereof out of the tube laterally and through perforations provided in the shell casing to drain the liquid away from the building material in the tube. The casing and tube are of size such that the remaining building material, which will constitute a pillar, extends completely between the surfaces it is to separate and support.

Abstract: A method is characterized by clamping a pile above and below a break-off line with simultaneous undercutting of the pile along the break-off line.An apparatus for carrying out the method has an upper power frame (1) and a lower power frame (3) positioned one above the other and connected to each other by means of hydraulic breaking cylinders (2). The power frames (1, 3) are made up of blocks (6, 11) defining a closed figure and pivotally connected to one another by means of hydraulic clamping cylinders (7, 13). The axes of the hydraulic cylinders (7, 13) run perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pile.

Abstract: The faces (33) of the plate into which the gully is cast, are extended all around by lattices (40) of glass fiber. These form a compound with the subsequently poured plaster floor so that a tension-proof connection is ensured when the tiles are fastened by an adhesive or mortar. According to a preferred embodiment, the plate may additionally be anchored in the plaster floor by reinforcement wire meshes (41) cast into said plate.