Hydrodemolition apparatus for overhanging inclined surfaces

Abstract

A hydrodemolition apparatus provides multiple degrees of freedom enabling the treatment of overhanging or vertically inclined surfaces. A nozzle wall or track is pivotable to present the nozzles substantially normal to the overhanging or inclined surface. The nozzle wall or track is positioned proximate to the inclined surface by a combination of a vertically displaceable carriageway, a laterally displaceable carriage and an elongated member that terminates in the pivotable nozzle wall or track.

1 . Apparatus for treating a surface having an inclination with respect to the vertical plane using pressurized water, comprising:
 a vertically extending frame;   a horizontally extending carriageway movable in the vertical direction along said frame;   a carriage displaceable horizontally along said carriageway;   an elongated member mounted to said carriage, said elongated member extendible and retractable in a direction perpendicular to said carriageway;   a nozzle mounted at an end of said elongated member and adapted to pivot about a horizontal axis so as to present said nozzle at an inclination with respect to the vertical plane;   at least one water nozzle adapted to reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of said nozzle;   wherein pivoting said at least one water nozzle about said horizontal axis orients said at least one water nozzle to direct pressurized water at an upward angle.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said at least one water nozzle is mounted in a substantially planar nozzle wall and said nozzle wall comprises at least one slot extending along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle wall and said at least one water nozzle is adapted to reciprocate along said at least one slot. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said nozzle wall is adapted to pivot about said horizontal axis by means of a hydraulic cylinder extending between said nozzle wall and said elongated member. 
     
     
         4 .- 6 . (canceled)