Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for filling a trench. The machine comprises a tub, release assembly, and a hopper. The tub mixes a material to be filled into the trench. The release assembly releases the material into the hopper and the material flows from the hopper and into the trench. The machine moves parallel to the trench as the trench is being filled. An operator controls the movement of the machine from an operator station on the machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the configuration of an elongate inner member of a dual-member pipe. The elongate inner member of the dual-member pipe is disposed within an outer member and rotatable independent of the outer member. The inner member comprises a geometrically-shaped pin end and a box end having a geometrically-shaped opening. The geometrically-shaped opening of the box end has at least one internal angle greater than 180 degrees. The pin end of the inner member may be inserted into the box end of an adjacent similarly formed inner member to form an inner member pipe joint. The configuration of the pin end and the box end allows the pin end and the box end to be in connector free torque-transmitting engagement but also provides clearance for potential misalignment of the pin end and the box during make-up of an inner member drill string.

Abstract: A stand-up, ride-on work vehicle adapted for multiple applications. The vehicle comprises a base unit, an articulating joint, and one of a plurality of interchangeable equipment chassis. The base unit has at least one ground supporting member, and provides power and mobility to the work vehicle. The articulation joint is supported on a front end of the base unit. An operator station extends from a back end of the base unit. Each of the plurality of chassis comprises at least one ground support member and is pivotally connected to the base unit by the articulation joint. Each of the plurality of chassis may be a dedicated equipment chassis or a universal equipment chassis. Each dedicated chassis comprises a dedicated work tool. Each universal chassis comprises an attachment surface for connection to one of a plurality of work tools. The ground supporting members may be any combination of drive wheels, trail wheels, tracks, or work tools.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from the drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a magazine, a cradle for supporting the magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the cradle and the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine. The magazine may be removed from the cradle when empty or full to continue with the boring operation.

Abstract: An apparatus used to excavate trenches. In a preferred embodiment the trenching machine has a cutting disc supported on a frame and adapted to operate with the center point of the cutting disc below ground. A spoils handler supported above the cutting disc and forward of the center point is used to move spoils away from the cutting disc. The ratio of cutting depth to weight of the trenching assembly and the cutting depth to wheel diameter is improved through the use of a cutting disc that is concave. The outer rim of the concave disc may support a plurality of replaceable cutting member. The cutting disc is rotated using a drive assembly that is contained within the cutting width of the cutting disc.

Abstract: A control system for a work machine. The control system allows an operator to selectively maintain control of a ground drive, a work tool, or both the ground drive and the work tool. The system provides a foot pedal movable between multiple positions. The foot pedal allows an operator to selectively hold the position of one or both of the ground drive control and work tool control. When the foot pedal is in a first position, the work tool control and ground drive control are not affected. When the foot pedal is in a second position, the position of the work tool control is maintained, while the ground drive control is not affected. When the foot pedal is in a third position, the position of the work tool control is maintained and the position of the ground drive control is maintained. A work tool control lock is used to prevent the work tool control from engaging when the foot pedal is in the second position or the third position.

Abstract: A trenching assembly featuring a novel auger arrangement. The arrangement comprises an auger assembly and a digging chain rotatably connected to a trenching boom. The digging chain rotates, driven by a motor, to dislodge soil and creating a trench. The dislodged soil, or spoil, builds up near a projected path of the digging chain. The auger assembly operates to move the spoil from a projected path of the trench. The auger rotates independently from the digging chain and is positioned such that a projected width of the digging chain intersects a threaded length of the auger assembly. The auger may rotate faster than if driven by the digging chain, allowing the auger to have a smaller diameter than conventional augers. Further, the auger can be used in conjunction with a backfill blade to refill cleaned trenches without operation of the digging chain.

Abstract: An pipe handling assembly for transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a movable magazine, a support member, a drive system, and a transfer assembly. The drive system may move the magazine laterally on the support member or may pivot the magazine. The transfer assembly transfers pipe sections between the magazine and the spindle connection area. The magazine and the support frame are disposed above the spindle connection area such that only empty columns of the magazine are outside of the footprint of the boring machine.