Abstract: An earth moving implement for forming a ditch when towed across ground includes a frame, a tow arm connecting the frame to a towing vehicle, wheels supporting the frame for rolling movement along the ground, and a blade assembly comprising a plurality of earth moving blades. The blades include two main blades arranged to be configured to extend rearwardly in opposing lateral directions from a blade apex of the blade assembly such that the earth moving blades diverge rearwardly from the blade apex, and two outer blades supported on the main blades respectively. The orientation of the outer blades relative to the main blades and of the main blades relative to the frame can all be adjusted while the bottom cutting edges remain level with one another to readily vary cutting width and the lateral direction of earth movement by the blade assembly as desired.

Abstract: A seabed plow capable of over-the-stern release and retrieval is usable in any of boulder clearing, trench cutting and backfill modes. In its boulder clearing mode, the plow uses its skid in torquing configuration followed by moldboards to push boulders out of the path to be trenched. In the trench cutting mode, the plow uses the skid in the same configuration with its share and moldboards for initial trench depth and the same share and moldboards with moldboard extensions for increasing trench depth in subsequent passes. In the backfill mode, the plow uses its skid in trench-straddling configuration following a blade with a passage designed to discharge fragmented spoil directly onto the pipe being covered. Thus, a single plow can be reconfigured for all modes for release and retrieval to and from a relatively small vessel without use of heavy lifting equipment.

Abstract: A ditching apparatus features front blade sections fixed to the frame in a V-configuration, and a pull tongue extending over the blade apex to a pivotal connection near a rear of the frame. An actuation mechanism effects relative pivoting between the frame and the pull tongue to adjust an angle between the front blade and the trailer tongue to control a ground-penetration depth of the blade apex. Two rear blade sections on opposing sides of the frame are movable between deployed positions extending rearwardly and laterally outward from the front blade sections, and stowed positions elevated out of the deployed positions. The blade angle and width are thus controllable to achieve a desired depth and width of ditch. A nose cap at the blade apex provides an improved ground breaking action, while internally braced blade structures will roll formed skins provide durability and smooth rolling action of displaced earth.

Abstract: A simulation system for a machine is disclosed. The simulation system has a user interface configured to display a simulated environment, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive historical information related to performance of a machine, and recreate a past operation of the machine from the received historical information. The controller is also configured to provide to the user interface the recreated past operation for display in the simulated environment.

Abstract: The present invention is a silt fence installer of unique design wherein the frame is angular rather than longitudinal and the fabric chute assembly is oriented parallel with the angular frame. This arrangement results in an installer with a generally perpendicular trailing edge, a fabric chute assembly with a closed leading edge and no need for hinged relationship between the sidewalls, and simple fabric threading with a single directional turn of the fabric. Further, the angular frame results in a shorter installer able to be more responsive to turns. In addition, the invention includes a sliding offset hitch wherein a silt fence installer may be adjusted laterally by hand due to strategic placement of rollers.

Abstract: An articulated loader has an articulated chassis, two A-frames, and four track assemblies. A narrow portion each of the A-frames faces a narrow portion of the other A-frame. The articulated chassis includes a front portion and a rear portion. Likewise, there is a front or first A-frame and a rear or second A-frame. The A-frames are connected to the overall chassis at points close to but offset from the point of vehicle articulation via ball joints and via hydraulic suspension cylinders toward the wider portions of the “A”s. The chassis of the vehicle is suspended above the first and second A-frames. The vehicle is propelled along the ground by tracks that are independently suspended. The bulk of the load from the blade, i.e., the blade load, is transferred directly to the tracks via the first and second Aframes; the first and second ball joints and pivot connections between the first and second A-frames and the track frames for each track assembly.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plough chain strand 50 with horizontal chain links and vertical chain links consisting of normal chain links 30, 40, the chain link legs of which are connected by means of chain link arcs and engage one another alternately in an intractable manner. In the chain strand 50 in front of and behind the chain connector link 10 is arranged in the same installation position as this at least one special chain link 20, the link legs of which comprise the same outer contour, especially the same width and the same thickness, as the outer legs of the connector link parts of the chain connector link 10. Due to the special chain links 20 preceding and trailing the chain connector link and having the same or a marginally larger contour as this, the wear of the chain connector link 10 of the chain strand 50 according to the invention is reduced or avoided if compared to known plough chains.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a layer of soil and spreading the cut soil over adjacent ground comprises a disc having a rotational plane sloping backward and upward from a lower portion of the apparatus at an angle between 45 and 75 degrees above a horizontal plane. The disc surface includes an annular outer portion adjacent to the outer edge, and an inner portion. Spreading members are oriented upright on the disc surface. A blade is mounted ahead of and below the outer edge of the disc and is operative to cut a layer of soil. A pan extends from the blade rearward and over the outer portion of the disc surface. Soil flows over the pan onto the inner portion, but is prevented from flowing onto the outer portion of the disc. A kicker propels soil rearward and toward the center of the disc.

Abstract: A ground surface treatment apparatus including a frame adapted to be operatively received by a ground ripping attachment of a self propelled vehicle, and a ground engaging implement carried by the frame for treating the ground surface is provided. The apparatus further includes a resiliently responsive linkage interposed between a portion of the frame and a portion of the ground ripping attachment such that the frame is resiliently responsive to ground ripping tool manipulations and ground surface contours.

Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.

Abstract: A feeding device for a ditch digging and cleaning system for allowing soil to be easily fed into one or more rotating dispersing members. The device includes a beater member positioned in the front portion of a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a front blade, a pair of side blades, a dispersing member rotatably attached to the frame behind the front blade and the beater member, a power train mechanically connected to the dispersing member, and an adjustable deflector assembly attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing member is comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing member is juxtaposed behind a pan attached to the front blade. The dispersing member is also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blade preferably is V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil.

Abstract: A ditch digging and cleaning device includes a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a pair of front blades, a pair of side blades, a pair of dispersing members rotatably attached to the frame, a drive system mechanically connected to the dispersing members, and a pair of deflector structures attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing members are each comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing members are juxtaposed behind pans attached to the front blades. The dispersing members are also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blades preferably are V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil. Coulters may be added in front of the front blade for loosening the ground or a beater member. In operation, the front blades sever the dirt from the ground surface at a desired depth.

Abstract: A ditch digging and cleaning system includes a frame having a hitch and a pair of support arms with wheels, a front blade, a pair of side blades, a dispersing member rotatably attached to the frame, a power train mechanically connected to the dispersing member, and an adjustable deflector assembly attached to the rear portion of the frame. The dispersing member is comprised of a circular base, and a plurality of fan blades orthogonally attached to an upper surface of the circular base. The dispersing member is juxtaposed behind a pan attached to the front blade. The dispersing member is also less than 45 degrees with respect to the ground surface. The blade preferably is V-shaped for penetrating hardened soil. Coulters may be added in front of the front blade for loosening the ground. In operation, the front blade severs the dirt from the ground surface at a desired depth.

Abstract: A terracing attachment assembly is used with a moldboard plow movable in a forward direction across a field. The plow includes a plurality of moldboard plow bottoms supported below the plow frame in a spaced apart and laterally staggered relation along the direction of forward movement. The terracing attachment assembly includes a plurality of elongated blades being one less in number than the number of plow bottoms and a plurality of mounting components adjustably attaching the blades to the plow frame in generally transverse relation to the direction of forward movement and adjacent to given ones of the plow bottoms other than a lead one thereof.