Abstract: An aquatic weed cutter has a continuous cable strung along the horizontal and vertical members of an inverted T-shaped cable frame. The cable is moved by a motor drive in a circuit between opposed sheaves on the ends of the horizontal and vertical members. The drive comprises a pair of engaging belts which hold the cable therebetween and drive it about the circuit. Cutting clips are attached at spaced intervals to the cable for cutting the stems of underwater plants.

Abstract: A triple-purpose attachment for articulated back-hoes and the like comprises an earth-working bucket having a clamping/scarifying arm mounted to pivot in an arc about the same axis as the bucket, or about another axis passing through the bucket normal to the longitudinal axis of the dipper stick. The arc is fixed relative to the bucket. The lower end of the arm includes forward and rear teeth, and the arm is pivotably moved by hydraulic motive means to be useful by itself or in combination with the bucket in excavation, ripping, lifting, moving and turning objects.

Abstract: A bucket design is disclosed having side walls including forward leading portions which are forward of a strike plane defined by the bottom edge of the bucket and its rotation axis. The forward leading portions can contact the soil and provide a greater break out force than that available at the bottom edge. An improved wear strip design is also disclosed.

Abstract: A boom and dipper stick construction for mobile excavators and an improved method of manufacturing the same. The boom and dipper stick are fabricated from side plates that are butt welded together with respect to various hinge point locations to eliminate the necessity of doubler plates on the sides of the structures. The butt welds are located at non-critical areas to provide for even stress flow and ease of manufacture.A method of welding together the side plates of the boom and dipper stick construction in an end to end abutting relationship in a manner which attains a complete weld penetration over the entire length of the joint.

Abstract: A tool for fracturing soil to be excavated. A blade is pivotally attached to the scoop or bucket of an excavating machine. The axis of rotation of the blade is in advance of the leading edge of the blade relative to the direction of digging. The force of digging aligns the blade in the soil to be removed such that the line of force is directed along the axis of the blade. In another variation, teeth-like soil penetrating devices are added to the blade. The teeth may be individually pivoted relative to the blade in which case the blade is fixed in position. The axis of rotation of each tooth is ahead of the center of gravity of the tooth relative to the direction of digging. In another variation the pivotally mounted blade is locked in position to optimize the cutting force used to fracture the soil. The fracturing tool may also be used separately from the associated bucket or scoop. In this embodiment it is used as a rake or a device to break up clumps of soil or other frozen material.