Abstract: A cutter for a trenchless boring apparatus includes a mount having a first end to be coupled to a free end of a drill pipe. A plurality of cutting teeth are secured to the mount with the teeth arranged in a helical pattern surrounding an axis of the mount.

Abstract: An information acquisition and control system and process acquires geological information from a subsurface and modifies the operation of an excavating machine using the acquired geological information. The system includes a data acquisition system to acquire geological information along an excavation route, a machine controller to control the operation of the excavating machine, and a main controller that produces estimated machine performance parameters for use by the machine controller using the acquired geological information and machine operation information. In another embodiment, geologic characteristics acquired for a first subsurface are associated with excavation performance information for the first subsurface to produce correlation data. Geologic characteristics acquired at a second subsurface are compared with the correlation data to produce estimated excavation performance information for the second subsurface.

Abstract: An underground boring machine including an automatic pipe loading apparatus. A plurality of pipes are gravity fed through a discharge opening at a lower end of a magazine combining several columns of pipe. A selection member has a plurality of pipe receiving pockets, equal in number to the columns present in the magazine. The selection member can be in one of a first position wherein a first pipe receiving pocket is aligned with a first column or a second position wherein the first pipe receiving pocket is moved towards the machine. A pick-and-place lever arm picks a pipe from the first pipe receiving pocket and transports the pipe towards the machine. Lift-up arms selectively support the pipes within the magazine.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling the steering of a track trencher excavation machine includes a multiple mode steering control that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A computer modifies the functions of the multiple mode steering control depending on a selected operational mode, and coordinates propulsion of the track drives of a track trencher to effect steering changes of the track trencher in response to signals produced by the steering control.

Abstract: An apparatus to maintain optimum engine speed and cutter wheel speed to maintain peak power output of the engine and peak flywheel effect of the stump cutter wheel. The stump cutter has a rotating cutting wheel powered by an engine, and the cutter is mounted to be moved laterally. The mounting includes a boom and at least a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the boom to move along the path of travel over the surface of a stump. The hydraulic cylinder is activated by a hydraulic circuit which includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A pressure hydraulic line connects the source of hydraulic fluid to a first port of the hydraulic cylinder and a return line is connected to a second port of the hydraulic cylinder. A valve diverts a portion of flow from the pressure line to the return line or to a sump. The valve is shiftable between at least a first and a second position. In the first position, substantially all hydraulic fluid is passed along the pressure line to the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A system for acquiring and displaying information associated with the operational conditions of a track trencher excavation machine. A plurality of informational messages indicative of one of a plurality of operating conditions of the track trencher are selectively communicated to an operator over a display. Data acquired from a plurality of track trencher sensors is processed and interpreted by a computer to provide status, diagnostic, safety, and instructional messages to an operator in an immediately understandable format.

Abstract: An automatic pipe loading device includes a magazine containing a plurality of pipes which are gravity fed through a discharge opening at a discharge end of the magazine. A pipe transfer member is mounted beneath the magazine and rotates between load and unload positions. In a load position, the pipe transfer mechanism presents a pocket in alignment with a discharge opening of the magazine. In all other positions, the pipe transfer mechanism presents a blocking surface preventing pipes from being discharged from the magazine. The pipe transfer member includes a pipe grip for grasping a pipe received within the receiving pocket and releasing the grasped pipe at a desired location.

Abstract: An excavator data acquisition and control system and process for characterizing the subsurface geology of an excavation site, and for utilizing the acquired data to optimize the production performance of an excavator. A geologic imaging system and a geographic positioning system are employed to initially survey a predetermined excavation site or route. A geologic characterization unit may also be employed to enhance the geologic imaging data. The acquired data are processed to provide detailed geologic and position data for the excavation site and utilized by a main control unit to optimize excavator production performance. In one embodiment, the main control unit accesses a geologic filter database, which includes geologic profile data for numerous types of geology, when analyzing unknown subsurface geology. Removing geological filter data content corresponding to known geology from the acquired geologic imaging data provides for immediate recognition of unknown and suspect subsurface objects.

Abstract: A system and process for operating a track trencher excavation machine includes multiple mode propulsion and steering controls that perform a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A computer modifies the functions of the multiple mode propulsion and steering controls depending on a selected operational mode, and coordinates propulsion of the engine and track drives of a track trencher in response to signals produced by the propulsion and steering controls. A display communicates status, fault, and other information to an operator during track trencher operation. Operator presence within a control area of the track trencher is monitored. Excavation and track trencher operation is interrupted upon detection of an operator leaving the control area. Automatic shutdown of the engine preferably occurs upon detection of one of a plurality of severe anomalous operating conditions.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling propulsion of a track trencher excavation machine includes a multiple mode propulsion control that performs a plurality of functions depending on a selection of one of a plurality of operational modes. A computer modifies the functions of the multiple mode propulsion control depending on a selected operational mode, and coordinates propulsion of the engine and track drives of a track trencher in response to signals produced by the propulsion control.

Abstract: A hammer for mounting to and rotary movement by a rotor of a material reducing machine. The hammer is mounted at a first end portion thereof for free pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. A material engaging tooth extends radially outwardly from the second end portion thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the tooth is a rotary conical bit.

Abstract: A direct drive system for a baler of large round bales. A plurality of driven gearboxes, each of which has a planetary gear system and an interconnected bevel gear system, are located on each of a pair of sidewalls of the baler and are each drivably connected to one of a plurality of transverse driven shafts of the baler. A distribution gearbox on each side of the baler are connected through a right angle gearbox to the power take-off of a tractor. Power from the distribution gearboxes is distributed to the plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of driven gearboxes through a plurality of lateral drive shafts. The direct drive system of the present invention replaces substantially all of the roller chain and sprocket drive system of known balers.

Abstract: An improvement to roll-forming baling machines of the type having a plurality of endless belts supported on belt rollers that extend between a pair of transversely opposite sidewalls. One or more notches are created in the outside edge of the pair of belts that travel adjacent the sidewalls of the baler machine. The notches act to provide a cleaning effect for the baling machine to remove crop material unincorporated into the forming bales from the areas which result in undesired accumulation of such crop material.

Abstract: A ramp for loading and unloading vehicles includes an elevated track assembly. A ramp assembly is mounted on the track assembly. The ramp has wheel support surfaces extending substantially an entire length of the ramp. A movable track is carried on the track assembly with the track extending a length of the assembly. The ramp is coupled to the track for the ramp to be urged by the track to slide on the assembly.

Abstract: A trenching bridge mounting interface for a trenching machine that is adjustable to alter the effective length of a fixed length bridge so as to accommodate trenching bars of different lengths. The interface includes a prime mover mounting structure that is releasably secured to the prime mover of the trenching machine and a bridge mounting structure attached to the fixed length bridge. The effective length of the bridge is adjusted between a short length and a long length by reversing of the prime mover mounting structure.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a rotational drive unit. The rotational drive unit includes a socket portion which receives a truck or carrier. Opposing engagement surfaces of the carrier are separated by a distance greater than the length of the socket. The resulting lost motion connection allows for a range of free movement of the rotational head on the carrier.

Abstract: A motion sensing safety interlock which disables one or more equipment elements of a ground-traveling machine upon stopping or slowing of the machine below a preselected ground speed. A speedometer cable interconnects a wheel of the machine and a monitor box in which is mounted for rotation by the cable a ferrous star wheel. Lobes of the star wheel pass between poles of a magnetic reed switch which changes state at a frequency corresponding to the rotational speed of the wheel. Electrical circuitry monitors the reed switch and disengages an electric clutch to stop the equipment elements upon the stopping of ground travel of the machine.

Abstract: A drive system for a baler of large cylindrical bales that permits a plurality of transverse driven shafts to be slidably engaged and disengaged for quick and easy assembly and repair of the baler. The transverse driven shafts extend between a pair of spaced apart sidewalls. A gear box for each of the driven shafts is mounted on one of the sidewalls and includes longitudinal drive surfaces. Mating longitudinal drive surfaces are formed on the driven shafts for slidable engagement with and disengagements from the drive surfaces of the associated gear box. A releasable mounting secures the nondriven ends of the shafts at the opposite sidewall.

Abstract: A unidirectional drum roller for a baler of large cylindrical bales. A plurality of ramped steps extend longitudinally along the periphery of a substantially cylindrical drum. Each ramped step includes a steeply inclined leading edge portion and a gradually inclined following portion. The unidirectional construction provides a drum roller which has aggressive feeding action but allows a counter-rotating forming bale to slip past in the non-driven direction. The ramped steps are formed from a single sheet of material by die stamping so that there are no crevices or interstices on the drum roller to trap crop material and the drum roller is essentially self-cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for centering a steerable wheel or wheels of a ground-travelling machine. The centering apparatus includes an electrically controlled hydraulic steering system for steering of a wheel or wheels which is operable in either a manual or automatic mode. A cam is mounted for pivotal movement in response to the steering direction of the wheel or wheels. A pair of switches are mounted adjacent the cam and are alternately actuated by the cam in response to pivotal movement of the wheel or wheels. When the automatic mode is selected, the corresponding one of the switches will act to control the hydraulic system so as to pivot the wheel or wheels to the centered position. Upon reaching the centered position, the cam will release the actuated switch thereby ceasing steering movement of the wheel or wheels.