Abstract: A wheeled vehicle and core saw system has a chassis, a first sub-frame, a core saw attached to the first sub-frame, and a second sub-frame attached to the chassis frame and attached to the first sub-frame. A selectively engageable bearing may be disposed between the second sub-frame and the chassis frame that facilitates movement between the second sub-frame and the chassis frame. The second sub-frame may be moveable with respect to the chassis frame and a water tank.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A fill device for use with a water reservoir tank in an earth reduction system, the fill device comprising a ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pipe having a first end connected to the top surface of the ring and a second end for connection to a water supply, a skirt affixed to the bottom surface of the center ring, an opening surrounded by a plate and defining a tortuous path and positioned below the first end of the pipe and the skirt, and a check valve support with a check valve mounted below the opening and the plate.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A fluid dispenser is disposed in a void defined between the outer tube and the body.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: A fill device for use with a water reservoir tank in an earth reduction system, the fill device comprising a ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pipe having a first end connected to the top surface of the ring and a second end for connection to a water supply, a skirt affixed to the bottom surface of the center ring, an opening surrounded by a plate and defining a tortuous path and positioned below the first end of the pipe and the skirt, and a check valve support with a check valve mounted below the opening and the plate.

Abstract: A system for locating an underground utility that emits an electromagnetic signal comprises first and second receivers. The first receiver has electronics that respond to a spatial position of the first receiver with respect to the electromagnetic signal and therefore the utility. The second receiver is adapted for communication with the first receiver. The first receiver is configured for disposition within an underground excavation proximate to the utility.

Abstract: A fill device for use with a water reservoir tank in an earth reduction system, the fill device comprising a ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, a pipe having a first end connected to the top surface of the ring and a second end for connection to a water supply, a skirt affixed to the bottom surface of the center ring, an opening surrounded by a plate and defining a tortuous path and positioned below the first end of the pipe and the skirt, and a check valve support with a check valve mounted below the opening and the plate.

Abstract: A system for locating an underground utility that emits an electromagnetic signal comprises first and second receivers. The first receiver has electronics that respond to a spatial position of the first receiver with respect to the electromagnetic signal and therefore the utility. The second receiver is adapted for communication with the first receiver. The first receiver is configured for disposition within an underground excavation proximate to the utility.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A fluid dispenser is disposed in a void defined between the outer tube and the body.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.