Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing an in-ground support footing around subterranean and above-ground portions of an upstanding elongate object, such as a structural pole, post or the like, to enhance structural integrity thereof, includes providing a cylindrical casing of hollow construction having a cutting end concentrically positionable around a lower, above-ground region of the elongate object so that the cutting end engages the ground. A driver is then positionable about a circumferential portion of the casing means operable for engaging and rotating the casing means about its longitudinal axis while simultaneously imparting a downwardly-directed force against the upper edge of the casing means thereby to drive it in the ground to a predetermined depth.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns groundline reinforcement of elongate objects such as a pole (20) and, in particular, a portable appartus (50) for installing an improved cylindrical split casing (30) around both the subterranean and above-ground portions of such an elongate object without cutting, moving, or otherwise disturbing it. The split casing (30) is assembled from two partial cylinders (32) having helical threads (34) formed at one end for engaging the ground (24) about the pole (20). Assembly of these two partial cylinders (32) about the pole (20) establishes a hollow annulus (44) between the pole (20) and the split casing (30). The apparatus (50) for installing the split casing (30) includes a split shell casing rotary drive (52) which is rigidly secured circumferentially about the assembled split casing (30). Also included in the apparatus (50) is a rotary driver (90) which mates with, engages, and is supported upon the split shell casing rotary drive (52).

Abstract: An impulse injector apparatus operates to produce pulsed delivery of injected material, with the material moving during a delivery pulse at high velocity and under the urging of a compressed captured gas supply which is permitted to rapidly expand. The device includes an elongate cylinder and an actuating piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylinder. A captured compressible gas supply is located within a chamber which is defined between one end of the piston and one extremity of the cylinder. Another chamber is defined between the opposite end of the piston and the opposite extremity of the cylinder. A pressurized fluid is controllably admitted into the other chamber, thereby causing movement of the actuating cylinder towards the one extremity of the cylinder and resulting in compression of the captured gas supply.