Self-Driving Pylon

Abstract

The present invention is a self-driving pylon which has two hollow chambers, one of which is nestled within the other and also serves as a water jet. The lower extremity of the pylon contains a number of apertures permitting the flow of water and other material into and out of its interior.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and means for sinking vertical columns into the earth. More specifically, the present invention is a pylon, primarily but not entirely intended for submarine use, that will drive itself into a horizontal surface utilizing water pressure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Columns planted vertically in the earth are a necessity in many forms of construction. Actually driving them can be a difficult feat of engineering in itself, as different types of earth pose different difficulties. This difficulty is exacerbated when the location in which the column must be placed is submerged. In such instances, the column must be lowered through a sometimes quite considerable quantity of water before contact with the earth is even made.[0003]A further problem encountered in the process of driving pylons in a submarine environment is the fact that it is difficult to effectively monitor the activity in progress. It is...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]At points within the outer chamber there are mounted support members serving to provide rigidity and stability helping to keep the inner shell properly aligned. The upper extremity of the device contains a threaded jet inlet leading into the inner chamber and an air flow valve, both of which may be attached to hoses. The lower extremity features a centrally mounted threaded jet tip, leading out of the inner chamber, and a number of back flow holes. Attached to the lower extremity is a conical structure, hereafter referred to as the ‘descender.’ The descender is removably attached to the lower extremity of the pylon by screwing onto the lower threaded jet tip. The point at which the descender attaches to the lower extremity of the pylon is made water tight by means of a rubber seal running about the periphery of the pylon.

[0013]When used in an aquatic environment, the apparatus functions in the following way. Two lines are attached to the top plate, a jet inlet line and an air outflow line. The device is transported to the location where it is to be planted, placed in the water, and the descender unscrewed. Water will then begin to enter the pylon through the back flow holes and the pylon will begin to descend. The rate of descent is controllable by means of regulating the rate of displaced air exiting through the air outflow line. Eventually, the pylon will make contact with the earth. At this point, water begins to be forcibly pumped through the pylon through the jet inlet line. As it exits through the jet inlet line at the bottommost extremity of the pylon, this flow of water will eat away at the earth upon which the pylon rests. The displaced earth will back up through the back flow holes and begin to fill up the area between the inner and outer shells. This has two effects. First, it creates a cavity in the earth beneath the pylon into which the pylon can sink. Second, the presence of such detritus within the pylon will both cause it to descend rapidly into the cavity and give it added stability and weight.

[0014]The apparatus can also be used on land: In this case, the descender and air flow valve might not used. The pylon is placed upon the earth at the location into which it is to be driven. Water is then forced through the jet inlet at a very high speed and pressure. It will then descend into the earth in the same manner as in submarine use. The portion of the pylon not filled by back washed earth can be filled in if need be by concrete or some other material in order to give the pylon added stability and to render it inaccessible to pests such as termites.

[0018]It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cover for a hollow pylon designed to sink at a controlled rate through water that serves to prevent such an action from taking place through means of providing a watertight seal.

[0019]An additional object of the present invention is to provide a self-driving pylon that is fully functional and effective in accomplishing its goals.

Problems solved by technology

First, it creates a cavity in the earth beneath the pylon into which the pylon can sink.

Second, the presence of such detritus within the pylon will both cause it to descend rapidly into the cavity and give it added stability and weight.

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