Abstract: A multiple pipe chute installation for continually and progressively excavating a trench, laying flexible utility pipe a predetermined vertical distance apart, refining and refilling the soil around the laid pipes, and compacting the refilled soil is disclosed. The installation includes a trenching chain assembly pivotably mounted to the rear of a vehicle for excavating a trench. A multiple pipe chute assembly including a plurality of chutes is pivotably attached to a support frame extending from the trenching chain assembly. A support arm is pivotably attached to the support frame and extends rearwardly of the chute. A backfiller assembly is attached to the end of the support arm and a compacting rod is attached to the support arm adjacent the backfiller assembly. A hydraulic cylinder is attached between an extension of the support frame and the support arm. The chute assembly may be selectively linked to either the trenching chain assembly or the support arm.

Abstract: A pump assembly having a pair of parallel annular hollow manifolds forming a pump frame with a series of pump units carried by the manifolds radially arranged relative to a central drive shaft which extends axially of the centers of the ring-like manifolds. The drive shaft has an eccentric which cooperates with a bearing hub to impart orbital movement to the hub when the shaft rotates. Each pump unit has a cylinder and piston with a piston rod connected to the piston being coupled to the bearing hub to reciprocate the piston within the cylinder. A diaphragm carried by the cylinder is spaced from the piston to define a chamber between the diaphragm and piston containing a quantity of driving liquid with the opposite side of the diaphragm forming a wall portion of a cavity for the fluid to be pumped, this cavity having inlet and outlet valves housed in a tubular valve body connected to the manifolds.

Abstract: A ground supported mobile machine appropriate for subterranean installation of piping and the like has a tractor vehicle carrying a trencher driven from the tractor power source, a power operated backfill blade operated from such source to facilitate transporting a tool and drill rod holder, and a vertical drilling attachment powered from the tractor power source; this drilling attachment including a vertical mast providing guide rails for the carriage of a rotary drill head that is reciprocated by a hydraulic actuator along such rails to (1) raise the vehicle to enable positioning stabilizing feet for a vertical drilling operation, (2) manipulate the drill rod and drill bit thereon in performing such a drilling operation, and (3) push piping into the drilled hole upon completion of such drilling operation.