Abstract: Method and device for subsea removal of cuttings from a borehole by means of ejector (5), pump (3) and suction hose (6), the ejector (5) being powered by a pump (3) that is rigidly attached to ROV (2), said ejector (5) being one with external nozzle, while said ROV (2) with pump (3) is connected to the ejector only when removal of cuttings is to take place.

Abstract: A manual throwing device for shoveling and throwing a load of material including snow or debris.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sediment/water separator used to dredge sediment from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, lagoons, tanks, dykes, reservoirs and seashore. The invention, also named submergible densification cell, dredges sediment of various types at various depths. Said sediment can vary as far as their consistency, contamination, stratigraphy, density, origin, concentration, granulometry and other aspects of its formation are concerned. The invention also relates to a sediment densification method which utilizes the submergible densification cell, resulting in an increase of 1.5 to 3 times (by weight) in the concentration of the dredged sediment, reducing the removed volume, the area necessary for deposition, and, as a result, accelerating the open-air drying process of the dredged sediment.

Abstract: A method for configuring a shellfish dredge is described. In an embodiment of the invention, a bag on a shellfish dredge has a front side and a back side and is attached to a tow. The front side of the bag has a pair of end peaks, one or more central peaks and an open area for catching shellfish. The end peaks are attached to the tow and the central peaks are attached to vertical chains connected to the tow. The bag is of a depth to catch and contain shellfish.

Abstract: A location-determining receiver collects terrain data within a work area. The terrain data comprises elevation data and corresponding location data. A path planning module or data processor defines a planned path for a drainage channel. The planned path comprises a starting point with first coordinates and a termination point with second coordinates within the work area. The drainage channel extends from the starting point to the end point such that the starting point has a higher elevation than the termination point. A user interface establishes constraint data comprising a minimum cut parameter, a maximum cut parameter, a minimum slope parameter and a maximum slope parameter. A data processor determines a validated path for the planned path or a digging plan based on compliance with the constraint data.

Abstract: A method of repositioning a machine during an excavating operation from a first machine position to a second machine position is provided. A target distance to the second machine position is selected. An operator input device configured to send a control input signal to a control module to initiate a repositioning phase is activated. During a repositioning phase, the machine is moved toward the second position while an operator maintains control of movement. A determination is made when the machine has traveled the target distance. The machine is stopped under automated machine control at the second machine position.

Abstract: An attachment system to fasten a power system to a frame of a loader is discussed. The frame has a proximal end, a distal end, and first and second opposing sides. The power system has an engine, and an arrangement of one or more hydraulic pumps attached to the engine. The attachment system has first and second connection points positioned in close proximity to a center of gravity of the power system relative to the direction between the proximal and distal ends of the loader. The attachment system also has a third connection point positioned distally from the first and second connection points, wherein the positions of the first, second and third connection points connect the power system to the frame to allow most of the weight of the power system to be loaded onto the first and second connection points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a trench wall in the ground and which is penetrated by an obstacle, lateral trench wall recesses being sunk on either side of the obstacle and below the obstacle is produced a lower trench wall recess by laterally pivoting in a soil-removing trench wall apparatus from at least one of the two trench wall recesses. The invention also relates to a trench wall.

Abstract: A parking stand assembly for a loader (18), the assembly including a parking stand having a support leg (40) pivotally attached to a loader arm, said parking stand being movable between a retracted position and an extended position; retaining latch (36) for releasably securing said parking stand in the extended position, wherein said retaining means is released by a portion (34) of said loader (18) engaging the retaining latch.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: A sediment removal system and method provides a versatile and controllable device for removing sediment from water in a focused manner that avoids generating unwanted turbidity. A suction pump draws water and sediment through a suction conduit and the injection of air into the suction conduit by air nozzles enables sediment to be removed from greater depths. The inclusion of water nozzles on an inlet opening enables hardened sediment to be dislodged such that it may be drawn into the suction conduit. A GPS receiver mounted to the suction conduit enables the location of the removal process to be tracked and a knife valve prevents backflow out of the suction conduit. The capturing of solid sediment by retention containers and the capturing of water containing suspended sediment by a tank enables the sediment and water to be transported to an appropriate location for treatment or disposal.

Abstract: A method for trenching below the water table in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Florida Keys is shown. A first pass made by a trencher digs a first trench from the surface to the water table. During the first pass, relatively dry spoil is removed from the first trench. Next, a much deeper second trench is dug below the first trench; however, wet spoil remains in the now combined first and second trench, the combined first and second trench being large enough to accumulate the wet spoil with expansion. Thereafter, the combined first and second trench may be filled with the relatively dry spoil, packed and driven upon. Later, the packed spoil may be removed and water pipes, electric cables, sewer lines or the like buried in the trench. According to the requirements of the work area, the spoil may be used to partially fill the combined first and second trench or be hauled away.

Abstract: An alternative blade assembly for an excavating apparatus comprising a front face, side walls, a centre forward edge portion, side forward edge portions on either side of the centre forward edge and end forward edges at each distal side of the side forward edges, wherein the end forward edges have bottom edges which are lower than the bottom edge of the centre forward edge.

Abstract: A sidewalk grader provided for grading a sidewalk base disposed along a curb of an existing road structure. The sidewalk grader comprises a tracking assembly fixable to a vertically adjustable backfill blade of a compact excavator positioned to move forward over an existing road structure to advance the sidewalk grader. The tracking assembly comprises a vertically adjustable tracking means disposed for engagement with the top surface of the curb, to provide a reference point. A grading assembly is mounted to the tracking assembly. The grading assembly comprises a frame, and a grading blade rotatingly mounted to the frame to permit adjustment of slope of the blade. An adjustable link connects the grading blade to the frame to adjustable fix their relative position.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump displacement control apparatus for a working vehicle capable of reliably detecting the working vehicle under excavating operation and reducing loss in power is provided. For this purpose, the control apparatus includes a bottom pressure detector (45) for detecting a hydraulic pressure in a bottom side (13A) of a cylinder (60) for operating a working machine (10), a displacement control device (41) for controlling a displacement of a variable displacement hydraulic pump (26), and a controller (50) which determines that an excavating operation starts when a predetermined time elapses with a detection value from the bottom pressure detector at a predetermined value or less and thereafter, the detection value exceeds the predetermined value, and outputs a displacement control signal to reduce the displacement of the hydraulic pump to a predetermined displacement that is smaller than the maximum displacement to the displacement control device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for removing and treating contaminated materials on a bottom of a body of water and introducing growth packets to revitalize the treated bottom of the body of water. The structure may comprise a vessel with an open face. The vessel may be lowered down to the bottom of the body of water with the face facing down. As a result, the vessel and the bottom form an isolated space. The structure may comprise at least one agitating device(s) for stirring up the materials inside the vessel so as to form a mixture containing the sediment materials which in turn contain the contaminants. Multiple at least one pipe(s) may be coupled to the vessel for transporting the mixture out of the vessel for processing (filtering, treating with chemicals, etc.) so as to neutralize or eliminate the contaminants in the mixture. Then, the treated mixture can be returned to the inside of the vessel via the at least one pipe(s).

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling off-fall during trench excavation. The system includes a trench excavating assemblage. A mechanism moves the trench excavating assemblage from a position within a trench to be excavated to a position for dumping excavated material. A control system is configured to operate the trench excavating assemblage in an automated off-fall control mode to remove and/or compact off-fall along at least one edge of the trench.

Abstract: A control system for use with an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a boom member, a linear actuator connected to pivot the boom member in a first direction, a rotary actuator connected to swing the boom member in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction, and an operator input device configured to generate a command signal indicative of a desired movement of the boom member. The control system may also have a tilt sensor configured to detect an inclination of the excavation machine, and a controller in communication with the rotary actuator, the operator input device, and the tilt sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a swing end stop for the boom member, to control the rotary actuator to move the boom member based on the command signal, and to modify the command signal to inhibit movement of the boom member past the swing end stop based on the detected inclination of the excavation machine.

Abstract: A multi-function apparatus and method for material moving, including excavation and movement of dirt, gravel and other material, as well as other functions. The apparatus is mobile, and comprises a bucket assembly which also has a clamping device, with the bucket being able to rotate about a transverse axis and also have continued rotation about a longitudinally forward to rear axis of rotation. In one embodiment the apparatus travels on ground engaging tracks, and in another embodiment the apparatus is able to travel either over the ground or on rail track engaging wheels, with the same apparatus being able to operate in either mode.

Abstract: A wear assembly for excavating equipment includes a base fixed to the excavating equipment, a wear member fit over the base, and a lock to releasably hold the wear member to the base. The wear member includes side relief to reduce drag on the system. The wear member and the base each includes a hemispherical front end and a generally trapezoidal rear portion. The base includes a nose and a stop projecting from the nose to cooperate with the lock without an opening being needed to receive the lock into the nose. The lock is an elongate lock positioned generally in an axial direction and which holds the wear member to the base under compressive loads.

Abstract: An avoidance system for a mobile earthmoving machine is disclosed. The avoidance system includes a sensor system configured to periodically detect a position of a cable tethered from the machine within a worksite and generate a position data set in response thereto. A controller is associated with the sensor system and configured to determine a cable avoidance region based on the position data set.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method of creating trenches of various widths, including widths that are substantially greater than the width of the boom head or even the chassis. According to the trencher system of the present disclosure, the boom is designed so that it can be easily configured to create a trench of a first width and subsequently create a trench of a second width that is different than the first width.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for leveling a layer of stone dust (24) of a foundation pad for a retaining wall, having a support assembly (12) and a scraper assembly (18). A pair of leveled guide rails (16) are utilized in parallel to support the scraper assembly such that the scraper assembly is longitudinally movable therealong. Each guide rail (16) is supported at each end by a respective support post (30) and is adjustably positionable vertically with respect to each support post such that both guide rails are levelable. The scraper assembly (18) includes a crossbar (42) with linear bearings (44) supported by respective ones of the guide rails, and also includes a depending pole (46) having a scraper blade (26) adjustably affixed at a bottom end thereof, the scraper blade being adjustable to level a bottom scraper edge (28) thereof.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments are provided of wheeled shovels. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheeled shovel generally includes a frame, a wheel, a handle, and a pivotable or steerable shovel blade. A pivot couples the shovel blade to the lower portion of the frame, such that the shovel blade is pivotable or steerable relative to the frame about a pivot axis.

Abstract: A dragline bucket comprising: a floor having a ground engaging leading edge, a rear wall extending upward from said floor and spaced rearward from said leading edge, and two spaced apart side walls extending upward from said floor and forward from said rear wall, the upper edges of said rear wall and said side walls defining an open top and the height from said floor of at least a portion of said side walls forward of said rear wall being substantially less than the height of said side walls adjacent said rear wall.

Abstract: A hydraulically-operated ripper tool is mounted as an attachment on a hydraulic arm of a carrier or excavator and used in a method for demolition of large metal walled structures such as storage tanks in a very short time. The ripper tool has a concave, sharp inner edge and is operated by the hydraulic aim in reciprocation so as to provide a shearing force to cut quickly through metal walls in “can-opener” fashion. The ripper tool is employed for making long vertical cuts into the tank wall from top to bottom, so that a series of vertical cuts can be made to weaken a side of the tank and allow the top of the tank structure to be brought down.

Abstract: The field of the present invention provides for a large automobile that has already been adapted for snow plowing, but having the snow plow removed is then has a folding backhoe apparatus attached to the snow plow attachment points. In a preferred aspect an adapter plate is use and the end of the backhoe can either have a forward or reverse position backhoe shovel (or bucket) attached or have an adapter apparatus that can accept different utility tips such as a post digger drill, a jack hammer or a rake. In a further aspect, snow plow attachment points are attached to an adapter mechanism that can be attached to either a single arm backhoe or a double arm backhoe apparatus.

Abstract: A method for constructing or rehabilitating a marsh or wetland comprises the step of inserting propagatable material into liquid or slurry emerging from a high-pressure spray nozzle to form a mixture. The liquid/ or slurry/propagatable material mixture is then sprayed over a marsh or wetland area desired to be constructed or rehabilitated.

Abstract: An upright induction chamber (100) is positioned within a melting tank (24) of a snow melting apparatus (20). The melting tank is filled with melting water. Shredded snow from a hopper assembly (22) is introduced into the upper end of the induction chamber along with heated melting water, to be mixed by an impeller fan pump (110) that is operated to force the melting water at sufficient speed through the induction chamber to overcome the buoyancy of the snow, thereby facilitating uniform distribution of the snow across the induction chamber and good mixing of the snow with the melting water. A portion of the liquid composed of the melted snow and melting water from the induction chamber is expelled from the melting tank, and a portion of the liquid from the induction chamber passes through a heat exchanger (34) positioned within the heating tank to be heated thereby and then re-introduced into the upper portion of the induction chamber.

Abstract: A quick-release multipurpose implement for pivotal attachment to a loader bucket of the type having a load receiving volume defined in part by opposing upright spaced apart sides. The implement comprises a pivot frame sized to fit over the receiving volume formed by a loader bucket. The pivot frame includes two opposing pivot arm supports that extend from the pivot frame for pivotally supporting the pivot frame in a plurality of positions relative to the loader bucket. A receiving base is provided and designed to be mounted and fixed to each side of the loader bucket for pivotally receiving a pivot arm support. At least one axially adjustable means is employed to extend from the receiving base to the pivot frame for pivotally moving the frame from a first open position so that the bucket volume can be loaded, to a second closed position to cover the receiving volume of the bucket.

Abstract: A soil fracturing tool includes an excavator bucket having a first side, a second side, and a bottom surface defining a soil receiving portion. The bottom surface has a leading edge toward a front of the excavator bucket. A first blade and a second blade extend downward from the bottom surface of the excavator bucket. The distance between the first blade and the second blade is substantially the same as the width of the excavator bucket. A cutting depth guide guides the depth of the first blade and the second blade. A digging depth guide guides the depth of the leading edge of the excavator bucket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel autonomous excavating apparatus capable of solving conventional problems. The autonomous excavating apparatus comprises an apparatus body including a lower body 101 formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with a conical-shaped lower end, and a spiral blade 102 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower body 101 in the form of a right-handed screw. The lower body 101 has an internal space provided with a wheel 103 which has a rotary shaft 104 rotatably supported relative to the lower body 101 through bearings 105, 106. A motor 108 is fixed to the lower body 101 at a position above the wheel 103, and an output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the rotary shaft 104. Thus, the motor 108 can drivingly rotate the wheel 103 relative to the lower body 101.

Abstract: A dragline bucket includes a bottom wall, a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall that collectively define a cavity. The sidewalls each have a large downward taper of at least about 7 degrees in at least its forward area. In an alternative embodiment, the sidewalls each have an upward taper in its rearward area which alleviates the need for a spreader bar. The dragline bucket collects earthen material with minimal disruption of the material.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed to cut a path in the ground with a path cutter. The path cutter includes a cutting edge to cut a path and loosen earth and a mull board angled such that any earth loosed by the mull board and the cutting edge is pushed towards the center of mull board. The width of the cut path is adjusted by an adjustment member attached to the cutting edge and the mull board. A first auger moves the earth, weeds, rocks and other material loosed by the cutting edge and the mull board to a front conveyor belt powered by a first orbit motor. The material on the first conveyor belt is transferred to a second conveyor belt by a second auger. The second conveyor belt is powered by a second orbit motor. The material on the second conveyor belt is discharged from the path cutter away from the cut path.

Abstract: The machine for making a continuous wall in the ground comprises a rear portion having means for filling the portion of trench located behind the machine with concrete; a front portion having cutter means for making a portion of trench in front of the machine; and means for modifying the distance between said front and rear portions in a horizontal direction. The machine is characterized in that said cutter means include vertical guide means, at least one rotary cutter having an axis of rotation that is horizontal and parallel to the width of the trench, and means for moving said cutter along the guide means between a bottom position corresponding to the bottom of the trench and a top position disposed above the trench, said cutter being suitable both for cutting the ground of the trench and for kneading it in order to obtain a material in the pasty state.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method of soil working is provided for performing one or more of soil fracture, soil excavation and soil treatment. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a source of pressurized gas; supplying a source of fluidized material; positioning a nozzle adjacent the soil; directing a stream of the pressurized gas through the nozzle at the soil being worked; and entraining a stream of fluidized material in the gas stream prior to the stream reaching the soil.

Abstract: An excavation technique for a stratum capable of excavating a submerged stratum such as a layer containing an underground resource by using laser irradiation in liquid is provided. In this technique, a laser beam transmitted through laser transmission means 20 is irradiated in liquid 90 in form of a laser beam having a wavelength with high absorptance of the liquid 90 by laser-induced bubble generation means 35, generating a bubble flow 36, thus excavation of a submerged stratum may be carried out by using a laser-induced destruction effect. Moreover, a laser beam 41 having low absorptance of the liquid 90 is irradiated by laser irradiation means 39 and passed through the bubble flow 36, thereby applying a thermal effect to a stratum to destroy rock and excavate the stratum. The destruction effect and the thermal effect also may be cooperatively worked.

Abstract: A non-hydraulic dredge comprised of a vaned conveyor/traction/drive assembly. A bi-directional embodiment is disclosed. An elevation adjustment and obstruction override embodiment as disclosed.

Abstract: A push block, a scraping device and a method for collecting a material are provided. The scraping device has a frame, a blade attached to the bottom of the frame, a tongue attached to a front end of the frame and a beam attached to a back end of the frame. Tires are connected to the beam. The scraping device has a front lift mechanism at the front end of the frame and/or a rear lift mechanism at the back end of the frame. The front lift mechanism has a front cylinder connected to the tongue and the front end of the frame. The rear lift mechanism has a rear cylinder attached to the back end of the frame. Movement of the front cylinder and the rear cylinder results in raising and/or lowering of the corresponding ends of the frame of the scraping device. The push block is pivotally connected to an arm and pivotally connected to a tire beam. The arm and the tire beam are pivotally connected to the back end of the frame.

Abstract: A beam system, a tire system, and a system and a method for using the beam system and the tire system are provided. The beam system for moving earth moving equipment has a beam transversely supporting a load. The beam system has axles and moves in response to road irregularities to allow for movement, stability, and/or ground clearance. Furthermore, the tire system has a rim, fasteners, and mounted plates. Attached to the mounted plates are rubber tracks. The mounted plates and/or the rubber tracks may be removable. The tire system allows for removal of portions of the tire if damaged without replacing the whole tire.

Abstract: Applicants have created a method and system of deep sea mining comprising mining SMS deposits from the sea floor with a subsea miner, pumping the solids from the subsea miner through a jumper and pumping the solids from the jumper up a riser to a surface vessel. Further, applicants have created a method of deploying a deep sea mining system, comprising stacking a riser hangoff structure on top of a subsea pump module forming an assembly; picking up the assembly by a hanging mechanism, hanging the assembly on a moon pool, attaching a first riser joint; disconnecting the riser hangoff structure from the assembly; and attaching at least one second riser joint to form the riser.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus is provided having a loader, a tank, a vacuum pump and a vacuum hose. The loader has an engine and is mounted on either tracks or wheels, with the tank attached on the loader. Both of the vacuum pump and vacuum hose are in fluid connection with the tank. The vacuum hose draws excavated material into the tank, which draws its suction from the vacuum pump. The tank can easily dump its contents when full, and resume drawing in excavated material. The excavation apparatus can be easily transported to the job site using transport equipment the operation of which requires only basic licenses. The loader may be a bobcat. This system may be used in tandem with a hydro excavation system.

Abstract: Soil is captured into a bowl attached to a frame of a scraper machine by maneuvering the machine while a cutting bit attached to the bowl slices through the underlying soil. The bowl is supported on the frame, and the soil cutting is accomplished via a spade bit attached to the bowl at a cut opening. The spade bit has a cutting edge with a forward protrusion flanked by swept back segments. A top surface of the spade bit may be contoured with a central ridge flanked by a twist contour surface to urge soil towards opposite sides of the bowl.

Abstract: A cutter head for dredging soil, which is mountable to the ladder of a suction dredger for dredging soil, and connectable on a suction pipe for removing loosened soil, the cutter head comprising a cage-shaped support construction which is mountable to a drivable rotation shaft extending mainly in extension of the ladder and which has a circumferential surface provided with a number of cutting tools for penetrating the soil, the cutting tools comprising a number of disc-shaped penetration bodies of which the disc planes extend substantially perpendicular to the rotation shaft, so that they can transfer forces to the soil via their peripheral edges.

Abstract: A plow has an upper blade. A lower forward-plowing blade is coupled to the upper blade. The lower forward-plowing blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a forward direction. A back-blade is pivotally coupled to the upper blade and elastically coupled to the upper blade. The back-blade is configured to engage material to be plowed when the plow is plowing in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction.

Abstract: A number of slot filling-compressing members are inserted from a framework into and across a slot-shaped excavation at ahead of a frontal face of a continuous, compacted slot filling being formed along the slot, and moved with a drive means connected to the members for intermittently forcing portions of the members against the filling to compress the filling adjacent to the members longitudinally against the face. The compacted filling is in this way formed by longitudinal pressure. The members can be mounted for forward or reciprocating movement in directions along and across the face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil comprising a frame, at least one soil-removing device arranged on the frame and a control device for controlling the foundation construction device in the trench, wherein the control device has at least one control body which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and a projecting control position in order to rest on a wall of the trench. Provision is made for the control body to be adjusted into a first projecting control position on a first side of the frame or into a second projecting control position on a second side of the frame that lies opposite the first side of the frame.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a three-point implement to a front arm loader is disclosed. The apparatus has a bracket disposed between the front arms of the front arm loader and a tined implement.

Abstract: A method of operating a working machine which includes a body, a first working arm carrying in use, at its outermost end, a mounting structure (for releasably carrying a first working implement, and the body carrying towards a second end of the body opposite to the first end, a superstructure which is rotatable relative to the body about a first generally upright axis, the superstructure providing a mounting for a second working arm, and the second working arm in use, carrying at an outermost end, a mounting for a second working implement, the machine further including a third implement carried at the second end of the body, on a further mounting structure to provide a further mounting assembly capable of mounting the first working implement, and the method including manipulating the second working arm to move the mounting for the second working implement to the mounting structure carrying the first working implement, releasing the engagement between the mounting structure of the first working arm and the fir

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a trenching machine for degrading natural and man-made formations, comprising a plurality of roller assemblies exteriorly mounted to a trenching boom or wheel. The rollers comprising a plurality of pointed inserts radially arranged along the wheel's outer diameter. The inserts are adapted to degrade the formation when the boom or wheel is activated.