Abstract: A fluid shovel apparatus that pushes and lifts loose material such as snow, leaves, sand, dirt, grass clippings, mulch, or the like. The present invention includes at least one fluid exhaust port located in a blade. Pressurized fluid flows through the blade and ejects out through the at least one fluid exhaust port towards loose material. The loose material floats on a cushion of pressurized fluid that forms between the blade and the loose material. The loose material is pushed away from the blade and is lifted in an upward direction.

Abstract: A training system and method of use thereof permit training of an operator to use ground excavating implements. A building structure is provided locating a plurality of operator seats therein at respective operator stations. A boom structure is mounted to the foundation externally of the building in association with each of the operator stations to permit an operator in training in one of the operator seats to control actual movement of a boom structure in visual proximity therewith using joystick controlled excavator hydraulics at the operator seat. A backhoe arm is used as a scaled down approximation of a track hoe with decreased operating pressure to represent a realistic responsiveness of the hydraulic controls.

Abstract: Torsional oscillation of a shaft in a swing drive system of an excavator is minimized by monitoring torsional strain of the shaft. An electric motor provides torque to the shaft in response to a drive signal provided by a converter. A compensation circuit produces a compensation signal as a function of torsional strain of the shaft. A field excitation circuit or regulator powers a converter as a function of the compensation signal such that a counter torque is provided to the shaft and torsional oscillation of the shaft is reduced.

Abstract: A leach field form comprising: a container with an open bottom and an open top, and four exterior walls of a first height, and at least one interior wall; at least one geonet volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; at least one granular volume with an open bottom and an open top located in the container; and where any of the at least one geonet volumes is separated from any adjacent granular volume by an interior wall. A method of making a leach field using a leach field form comprising: digging a trench; placing a leach field form in the trench; backfilling the trench, allowing backfill to fill any granular volumes in the form; inserting geonet into geonet volume located in the form; and removing the form from the trench.

Abstract: Contaminated fine sediment is removed from surfaces beneath a body of water by a shrouded, self-cleaning, wheel-guided, open suction attachment for a swinging ladder suction dredge with articulating capabilities. The attachment comprises a wheel-guided, suction assembly in which the slurry is contained in a shroud. The shroud is attached to a head plate, and is designed to both enclose the solid particles suspended as a result of the removal operation, and to direct the suspended material to the mouth of the suction pipe. Inside the area surrounded by the shroud is a gatling plate rotated by a hydraulic motor mounted just above the shroud and head plate.

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: A method of assisting an operator of an excavating machine is disclosed. The method includes recommending a hop distance to move the machine based upon the maximum distance the machine can move and still be able to reach the bottom of the excavation that has already been dug by the machine during an excavating operation.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a more efficient and economically superior earth auger head in which a percussive excavation mechanism part (down-the-hole hammer) is incorporated in order to break up portions that are unsuitable for rotary excavation by the auger, and an excavation method using this auger head. The auger head comprises a rotary excavation mechanism part (1) in which a spiral vane (12) used for earth discharge is provided to the circumferential surface of a rotary tubular part (11), and in which an excavating bit (13) whose outer circumferential side protrudes further downward than the central side is provided to the lower end of this spiral vane; and further comprises a pneumatic percussive excavation mechanism part (2) that is installed inside the rotary tubular part and is disposed so that a percussive body (23) is accommodated in a position that is higher than the lower tip end of the excavating bit.

Abstract: An excavation bucket assembly (10) is mounted to a tractor. A soil gathering trenching blade (48) is supported by an upwardly extending rear wall (18) and is movable down through a soil receiving opening (32) to scoop soil from beneath the ground wall (16) of the bucket, with the opening (32) being placed rearwardly of the front edge (30) of the ground wall, providing adequate space in the soil collection chamber (28) for receiving the excavated soil.

Abstract: A plow hitch assembly comprising a hitch frame, a lift frame pivotally connected to the back end of the hitch frame, and a back end effector for mounting to a vehicle. The back end effector has an associated latching device and a distinctly actuated device for locking the latch. A stop surface is situated on the latch, and a selectively displaceable lock block supported by the lift frame, abuts the stop surface to prevent rotation of the latch. Each of two uniformly rectangular mounting arms extends from the back of the lift frame, preferably with a leading end having a pair of vertically oriented rollers at the corners. Each guide has a rectangular main channel conforming in cross section with the arm when the arm is fully inserted into the channel and an entry that is larger in cross sectional area than the front of the arm.

Abstract: A cutter for working the soil includes a cutting frame, at least two cutting wheels that are supported on the cutting frame in a rotatably drivable manner about parallel axes of rotation, and an adjusting device, The adjusting device functions to adjust the center distance between the parallel axes of rotation of the cutting wheels, and includes a knee-lever mechanism. A method for working the soil is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: Hydraulic systems for controlling movement of an apron and a bucket of earth moving apparatuses are disclosed. The hydraulic system includes a hydraulic fluid supply, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the apron, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the bucket and a valve for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic system includes another valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders. An earth moving apparatus having a bucket and an apron configured with the hydraulic system is also disclosed. Methods for controlling movement of the bucket and the apron are also disclosed. An earth moving apparatus having an ejector wall for removing soil from the bucket is described. A linkage structure for reducing the force required to move the ejector wall is incorporated in the earth moving apparatus. A substantially, vertical oriented hydraulic cylinder for moving the ejector wall is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating dredged material in which liquid is first added to the dredged material, and dewatering the dredged material to obtain a filtrate and a solid portion. Contaminants are removed from the dredged material by at least one oxidation process. The solid portion may be used to form structural articles.

Abstract: A method of constructing and making a squeegee blade includes forming a mounting plate with support members attached to a surface of the mounting plate. Forming a flexible blade and securing the flexible blade to the surface of the mounting plate with the support members embedded so that the flexible blade is supported by the support members against compression toward the mounting plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spreading ballast along railways makes use of an inertial measurement system to determine where to apply ballast from a hopper car. A variety of techniques can be used to determine the location and speed of the ballast spreading train, including manual or automated visual techniques, laser technology, radar technology, radio frequency transponders, magnetic sensor, thermal imaging and aerial photogrammetry. The invention also contemplates “on the fly” surveys and terrain profiling using lasers or radar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: A universal control adapter system allows any commercial or custom snowplow controller to be quickly and easily attached and detached from any commercial or custom snowplow blade. A first adapter connects the snowplow driver's controller to a first universal controller. A second adapter connects the snowplow to a second universal connector, where the second universal connector is configured to removably mate with the first universal connector. The first universal connector and second universal connector are color coded or otherwise configured to ensure proper mating. In this manner, skilled snowplow drivers can quickly and easily transfer their controllers to different vehicles rather than learning different controls for various snowplow manufacturers.

Abstract: A system for treating sediments contaminated with organic contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other contaminants polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) includes treating the sediments with ozone to react the contaminants. The system is particularly effective for remediation of PCBs. In an in-situ system for remediating sediments in underwater sediment beds that are contaminated with (PCBs) and other contaminants, the contaminated sediments are treated with ozone with an ozonator conveyed over the sediment bed to mix the sediment with the ozone. The ozone reacts with the PCBs to form more reactive and biodegradable products. The treated sediment is then redeposited upon the sediment bed.

Abstract: A system and method of facilitating excavating a below grade opening at a construction site in a parcel of land includes a first vehicle having a motor operably connected to at least a pair of traction members and a second excavating vehicle. The motor is operably connected to a first receiver for receiving a signal from a remotely controlled transmitter to actuate the motor. Upon actuation of the motor, the motor rotates the traction members for maneuvering the first vehicle within the opening. The first vehicle has a graduated measurement device mounted generally vertically thereon for remotely controlled vertical telescopic movement. A second beam receiver is mounted to the graduated measurement device for receiving a laser beam from a laser transmitter to facilitate precise determination of the depth of the floor of the opening.

Abstract: An electronic control for damping oscillation of a swinging backhoe assembly includes a crossover valve that connects the hydraulic lines that supply hydraulic fluid to the boom swing cylinders to each other whenever an electronic controller senses incipient oscillation or swinging of the backhoe assembly. The electronic controller senses such parameters as pressure in the conduits and the position of the operator controls or the position of the boom swing control valve that the operator controls to determine incipient oscillation when the backhoe assembly is stopped. The crossover valve may remain open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for moving subsea rocks and sediments which can be at significant depths, in connection with removal of protective rocks around installations where maintenance is to be conducted. Tubing with an ejector nozzle is arranged completely externally in relation to the tubing on a standard, remote controlled submarine (ROV), so that the ejector nozzle produces a pressure gradient through the tubing. An inlet end of the tubing is located with the rocks and sediments to be moved, which are sucked into the tubing and blown out of the opposite end of the tubing.

Abstract: A lip assembly is disclosed. The lip assembly comprises a lip having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front portion, and a rear portion. A plurality of holes is disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. The lip also includes support members. Each support member is disposed adjacent to a hole within the plurality of holes and is positioned to inhibit movement of a tooth assembly coupled to the hole. A plurality of tooth assemblies extend away from the lip and are respectively coupled to the lip via the plurality of holes. The lip assembly may be used with an excavation bucket body.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for rescuing a person trapped in engulfing material at an engulfment site. A reduction tool is used to loosen the engulfing material in order to free or facilitate freeing a buried or partially buried victim. The loosened engulfing material is subsequently removed from the engulfment site by vacuum excavation. Shoring equipment may be used to stabilize the excavation site prior to commencement of soil reduction and soil removal procedures. The excavation site may include a sump area to receive loosened engulfing material discharged by the reduction tool from the excavation site. The loosened engulfing material in the sump area may also be removed with vacuum excavation techniques.

Abstract: The present invention is referring to a procedure and a apparatus of extraction of methane gas from the bottom of the sea, consigned to the extraction of methane gas from marine sediments found in the sea's and ocean's depthless and with which came to produce in the end, methane liquefied gas. The procedure, in accordance with the invention, consists of lowering a take out enclosure to a depth of over 500 m., followed by a take out of a quantity of cryohydrate sediment from the bottom of the sea and the elevation of enclosure until is reached a level at which the water pressure and its temperature create conditions which allowed the beginning of a process of releasing of methane gas from cryohydrate crystals. The following operation is the releasing of methane from the entire quantity of take out cryohydrate, methane that is collected in a room from where is raised through a tube and captured into an enclosure and then liquefied.

Abstract: A method of excavating a surface layer of soil is disclosed that uses an excavator with a grab having two bucket halves with cutting edge. In a first excavating position, the grab is held in a first orientation as seen in projection on a horizontal plane and inserted into the layer of soil in an open position of the bucket halves until their cutting edges reach a first predetermined level while maintaining the first orientation. While maintaining that level and first orientation, the bucket halves are moved to a closed position during which movement their cutting edges move towards each other through a substantially straight path so as to excavate a first rectangular portion of the layer of soil. The grab is then lifted and moved to a discharge position horizontally spaced from the excavating position and emptied there to make further transport of the excavated soil possible.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for subsurface mining, and more particularly to apparatuses and methods for relocating (including dredging, mining, filling, reverse-layering, replenishment) subsurface strata.

Abstract: An excavation wand including a vacuum tube is disclosed herein. The vacuum tube includes a side wall defining at least one air relief opening adjacent a distal end of the vacuum tube. The excavation wand also includes at least one nozzle for directing excavation fluid through the air relief opening.

Abstract: A system to control a piece of construction equipment or other piece of heavy equipment at a remote location via a data network in which a user provides movement instructions via a graphical user interface at a user PC to a programmable controller interfaced to the data network and the hydraulic movement systems of the heavy equipment. The graphical user interface includes a visual representation portion and a user control portion. A visual representation of the moveable elements of the heavy equipment is provided to the user via the graphical user interface, and the user inputs movement instructions via the user control portion of the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A construction apparatus (12) and method of controlling a construction apparatus from a laser source (38) made up of a substantially non-rotating beam (56). The construction apparatus includes a body (14), a construction tool (16) adapted to move material, a support moveably supporting the construction tool from the body and a control for guiding movement of the construction tool. A control is provided including a camera (28) that is adapted to capture an illuminated image that is derived from the laser source. The control determines direction information of the illuminated image with respect to the apparatus at least in part from an output of the camera. The control is further adapted to determine separation information of the spot with respect to the body and a physical relationship between the construction tool and the illuminated image.

Abstract: A system and method removes contaminated sediments during mechanical dredging operations, while maintaining a predetermined low moisture content of the contaminated sediments. The system uses a specially designed positive pressure controlled enclosure or enclosed excavator that houses a mechanical bucket and prevents ambient water from contacting the sediment during the excavation process.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic cylinder construction having a feature thereon facilitating operative connection with a service kit to enable a quick and injury free removal thereof from a location whereat the hydraulic cylinder is spring biased in a shock absorber installation, particularly for use in a scraper blade mounting assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a work implement having a ground engaging tool is provided. A swing command is supplied to a swing assembly to move the ground engaging tool in an arcuate path about a vertical axis. A crowd command is determined based on the velocity of the swing assembly and is calculated to generate a resulting net movement of the ground engaging tool toward a predetermined end point. The crowd command is supplied to a crowd mechanism to move the ground engaging tool towards the predetermined end point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically controlling the movement of an extendable stick on a work machine. The extendable stick is slidably connected to a stick, and the stick is pivotally connected to a boom. The method and apparatus includes determining a position of the stick relative to the boom, determining a position of the extendable stick relative to the stick, receiving a stick movement command to move the stick relative to the boom, moving the stick relative to the boom, and moving the extendable stick in coordination with the movement of the stick as a function of a desired position of the extendable stick relative to the position of the stick.

Abstract: Method and device for moving subsea rocks and sediments, also at significant depths, e.g. in connection with removal of protective rocks around subsea installations, where maintenance is to be conducted. The device comprises a rigid or at least partly flexible tubing (5) thorough which the masses (14) may be transported with the aid of a pressure gradient produced by an ejector nozzle (11) arranged externally in relation to said tubing. The nozzle (11) is fed with water from a water pump (12). The device further comprises a chassis (F) adapted to be transported along the (sea) bottom. The required power is arranged to be supplied through a cable (3) from the surface, while the tubing (5) preferably is arranged to be remotely controlled by a manipulator (9, 9″).

Abstract: An excavation wand including a vacuum tube is disclosed herein. The vacuum tube includes a side wall defining at least one air relief opening adjacent a distal end of the vacuum tube. The excavation wand also includes at least one nozzle for directing excavation fluid through the air relief opening.

Abstract: To permit grasping operation conditions of a working machine at a control station located at a remote place no matter whether or not a trouble has occurred on the working machine, CPU 12 of a controller 3 arranged on a hydraulic excavator 1 produces operation data in accordance with signals outputted from operation detecting means 4 such as various sensors. These operation data are stored in a memory unit 13 on a basis of a time outputted from a clock unit 11, for example, depending upon the day. The operation data stored depending upon the day are outputted from an output unit 14 of the controller 3 to satellite communication terminal equipment 2, for example, when a key switch has been turned on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a force of a work tool as the work tool contacts a surface. The method and apparatus includes determining at least one non-contact force exerted on the work tool, determining a calibration factor as a function of the at least one non-contact force, determining a contact being made between the work tool and the surface, and determining the contact force of the work tool with the surface as a function of the contact being made and the calibration factor.

Abstract: A method for extracting and grading or sizing sand, gravel or a mixture thereof, from a pit formed in untouched ground. Liquid is sprayed into the ground, resulting in a fluidized state in the ground, in which state sand or gravel with a relatively high relative density and/or relatively large dimensions moves downwards, and sand or gravel material with a relatively low relative density and/or relatively small dimensions moves upwards. Thus a pit is formed in the ground which contains fluidized sand or gravel, in such a manner that a layered state is obtained. The layer of sand or gravel with a specific relative density and/or size is sucked out, while the remaining fluidized material remains behind in order to stabilize the wall of the pit. The material which has been sucked out is fed to a grading device or sizing device.

Abstract: A shoe mechanism adapted for use on a dredging apparatus (10) to remove silt from under the surface of a body of water and associated method, the dredging apparatus being operative in both a forward and reverse direction of travel and including an excavating wheel assembly (16), the shoe mechanism including a pair of outer shoe assemblies (18) pivotally connected to the wheel frame assembly (24), one of the shoe assemblies being located adjacent a portion of the wheel assembly (16) on the leading side thereof and one of the shoe assemblies being located adjacent a portion of the wheel assembly (16) on the trailing side thereof, each of the outer shoe assemblies (18) being pivotally movable between an operative position wherein the shoe assembly is positioned adjacent the outermost circumference (28) of the wheel assembly (16) between the silt bed and a point above the water level, and a retracted position wherein the shoe assembly is spaced from the outermost circumference (28) of the wheel assembly (16), one

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying compounds which disrupt the functional interaction of an intracellular receptor region of an &agr;-subunit of a voltage-gated ion channel and an amino-terminal inactivation region of an ion channel protein are disclosed. Compounds that disrupt the functional or binding interaction of these two regions have significant modulatory effects on ion channel activity, and thus are likely to be useful for treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and pathological conditions associated with ion channel dysfunction. Such conditions include, for example, neurological disorders, cardiac diseases, metabolic diseases, tumor-driven diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: A nozzle mount assembly for use in soft excavation. The assembly includes a vacuum tube, nozzle ports, and a wear ring. The vacuum tube defines air flow passages including an open lower end of the vacuum tube and air relief slots located near its lower end. The nozzle ports are defined by a manifold having air troughs located between the nozzle ports. Each nozzle port is configured to receive a high-pressure fluid nozzle. One nozzle port is angled toward the center of the vacuum tube, and two nozzle ports are angled away from the vacuum tube. The nozzle port angled toward the center of the vacuum tube is configured to direct a fluid stream through an air relief slot in the vacuum tube.

Abstract: An improved underwater excavation apparatus achieves efficiency and control of movement through provision of a hollow body having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, at least one pair of impellers coaxially displaced one from the other and rotatably mounted in the hollow body, and a mechanism for driving the impellers in contrary rotating directions. The underwater excavation apparatus comprises a pair of horizontally opposed inlets communicating with a single outlet, the outlet being disposed vertically downwards substantially midway between the two inlets, in use. The excavation apparatus may, therefore, be substantially “T” or “Y” shaped. The mechanism for driving the impellers may include at least one drilling motor.

Abstract: A rake attachment and a bucket attachment incorporating the same, the rake attachment generally comprising a plate, a plurality of apertures in the plate and a plurality of teeth. The elongate plate has a plurality of mounting holes extending therethrough and a plurality of integrally formed teeth projecting therefrom. The entire rake attachment is formed from a unitary plate of material to provide strength and durability. The rake attachment is designed to be fixed to the bucket attachment of a loader. Different bucket attachments are produced by various manufacturers and each have differently spaced apertures extending through a lower lip of the bucket. The rake attachment features a plurality of holes that can be combined into many different sets, each set corresponding with the spaced apertures of a specific manufacturer's bucket attachment. As such, one rake attachment can be used with a variety of different bucket attachments for loaders.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for utilization of a proximity sensor to control the height adjustment of vehicle-mounted devices for use in clearing snow or debris from a road or runway. One end of a shaft is connected to the broom, while the other end is mounted on top of the broom assembly. A threaded collar on the shaft moves axially in response to change in the height of the broom assembly. A proximity sensor produces and monitors a magnetic field near the central portion of the shaft. Height adjustment of the broom causes the collar to move past the proximity sensor, thereby distorting the magnetic field. The proximity sensor stops the electrical signal which controls the downward movement of the broom assembly. The height selection for the broom assembly is adjusted by turning a nut or ratchet assembly on the end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed which comprises a portable treatment method and apparatus for treating sediment and other waste material. A preselected solid composition is added to the sediment as it is drawn through a system which mixes the sediment and composition thoroughly to produce a homogenous mixture, which is then in turn deposited in a storage device for eventual removal from the site.

Abstract: The material moving blade has a moldboard assembly with a lower moldboard portion and an upper moldboard portion. A hinge connects the upper moldboard portion to the lower moldboard portion for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. An upper cutting bar with an upper bar working edge is clamped to a top edge of the upper moldboard portion. A lower cutting bar with a lower bar working edge is clamped to a bottom edge of the lower moldboard portion. An actuator pivots the upper moldboard portion about the horizontal axis in one direction to a position in which the upper cutting bar is above the lower moldboard portion and in another direction to a position in which the upper bar working edge is below the lower bar working edge and the upper moldboard material contact surface faces rearward.

Abstract: A method of operating a work machine having (i) a hydraulic drive system for driving a drive track chain, (ii) a track tensioning assembly for adjusting tension on the drive track chain, (iii) a hydraulic work implement for performing a work function, and (iv) a fluid supply circuit for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to both the hydraulic drive system and the hydraulic work implement includes the step of advancing the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the fluid supply circuit to the work implement when the work machine is being operated in a work mode of operation. The method also includes the step of diverting the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the work implement to the drive system when the work machine is being operated in a travel mode of operation. The method further includes the step of detecting a fluid pressure increase within the drive system in response to diversion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the work implement to the drive system.

Abstract: A method for burying pipe or tile and, especially, double walled drainage tile. The method comprises the steps of digging a relatively wide trench having a bottom with a desired grade and loosening the soil in a central portion of the trench bottom by pulling a groove cutter which is attached to an excavating bucket along the trench bottom so that the bucket rides on the trench bottom and the groove cutter extends below the bottom surface of the trench. After the groove cutter loosens the soil, a modified trench shield or trench box is advanced along the trench bottom. The trench shield is provided, at its leading end, with a groove shaper which removes loosened soil from the central portion of the trench and forms a relatively narrow groove in the bottom of the trench. The width of the groove, adjacent the floor of the trench, may be a little larger or smaller or equal to the drain tile diameter.

Abstract: A recovering system includes at least one shale shaker having at least one screen and a hydrocyclone manifold system; a recovery tank having a cavity and a base, the tank having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the recovery tank having at least one agitation system for creating force within the cavity of the recovery tank; and at least one recovery shaker having at least one screen.