Abstract: A canal paving machine is described. The machine comprises an elongated frame which extends transversely across the canal and which is propelled the length thereof while water continues to flow in the canal. A concrete paver is supported on the frame and is designed to lay concrete on one of the sides of the canal and at least a portion of the bottom of the canal as the frame is moved along the length of the canal. Dam members encircle the concrete paving apparatus to protect it from water flowing in the canal during the paving operation.

Abstract: A canal trimming machine is disclosed which is designed to trim the bottom and sides of an earthen canal so that the canal may be lined and paved. The machine comprises a frame which extends across the width of the canal and which has propelling tracks at the opposite ends thereof which are driven along the canal in the proper direction and at the proper grade. A trimmer is longitudinally movably mounted on the frame and trims at least one-half of the bottom and a majority of one side of the canal. The trimmer is automatically positioned at the proper grade to ensure that the bottom and sides of the canal will be properly prepared for the lining and paving operation. A rock spreader is also mounted on the frame and trails behind the trimmer to fill low spots in the canal so that an even surface will be provided for the lining and trimming operation.

Abstract: A method for aligning a series of posts begins with providing a first alignment apparatus adjacent a first hole. A first post is attached to one end of the alignment apparatus and hung at the desired elevation in the post hole. A second alignment apparatus is then provided and one end is connected to the first post such that the alignment apparatus may be swung about the post like a door. Once the second alignment apparatus is positioned in the desired orientation, support members are lowered to support the frame. A second post is then provided and hung on the opposite end of the second alignment apparatus at the desired elevation within a second post hole. The second post is plumed and aligned with respect to the first post upon attachment to the second alignment apparatus. Subsequent alignment apparatus and posts may be attached in a similar fashion to form a series of aligned posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a canal is described as well as the method for lining the canal. The apparatus comprises an elongated frame which extends transversely across the canal and which is propelled the length thereof. A concrete paver is supported on the frame and is designed to lay concrete on one of the sides of the canal and at least a portion of the bottom of the canal as the frame is moved along the length of the canal. A flexible sheet material is positioned on the canal sides and bottom just prior to the concrete being positioned thereon. The PVC is positioned on the canal in a substantially wrinkle-free and untensioned condition. The method of lining the canal is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for plumbing a series of posts includes a generally vertical frame supported on three operable jacks mounted to form a three-point support for the frame. Each jack is operable to raise or lower that support and thereby align and plumb the frame. The frame includes upper, intermediate and lower horizontal members, vertically spaced-apart and parallel. The horizontal members are comprised of a pair of telescoping halves, so as to be selectively and adjustably extensible. A winch and strap is affixed proximal to each end of each horizontal member, which is operable to hang a post against each end of the frame.

Abstract: A method and means for pulling a length of fiber optic cable through an underground conduit is described wherein a lead puller is positioned at the exit of the conduit and one or more booster pullers are positioned at intermediate positions along the length of the conduit upstream from the exit thereof. The booster puller pulls the cable from the cable entry to the intermediate location and the cable is then fed downstream into the conduit with the lead puller being simultaneously operated to pull the conduit from the intermediate location to the exit. The lead and booster pullers each have a pair of hydraulically operated pinch wheels mounted thereon which may be selectively series connected or connected in parallel to achieve either maximum speed or maximum torque.

Abstract: A beam picker adapted to be mounted on the boom tip of a conventional hydraulic crane is described to facilitate the removal of shoring beams positioned beneath a completed structure. The beam picker comprises a first support which is mounted on the outer end of a hydraulic crane and which has a second support pivotally secured thereto about a horizontal axis. A third support is rotatably and pivotally mounted on the second support so that the third support may be rotated and tilted relative to the second support. Movable jaws are provided on the third support for grasping the lower flange of the shoring beam.

Abstract: A mechanical figure eighting apparatus is disclosed which permits a fiber optic cable to be deposited on the ground in a random or figure eight configuration. Fiber optic cable is passed over a rotating drive wheel and is held in frictional engagement with the peripheral rim portion of the drive wheel by a pressure wheel mounted thereover. The fiber optic cable is passed or pushed outwardly through a tubular member extending outwardly from the drive wheel. The fiber optic cable is deposited on the ground in a random fashion or figure eight fashion as it is discharged from the tubular member.

Abstract: A means for pulling a length of fiber optic cable through an underground conduit is described wherein a lead puller is positioned at the exit of the conduit and one or more booster pullers are positioned at intermediate positions along the length of the conduit upstream from the exit thereof. The booster puller pulls the cable from the cable entry to the intermediate location and the cable is then fed downstream into the conduit with the lead puller being simultaneously operated to pull the conduit from the intermediate location to the exit. The lead and booster pullers each have a pair of hydraulically operated pinch wheels mounted thereon which may be selectively series connected or connected in parallel to achieve either maximum speed or maximum torque.

Abstract: A mechanical figure eighting apparatus is disclosed which permits a fiber optic cable to be deposited on the ground in a random or figure eight configuration. Fiber optic cable is passed over a rotating drive wheel and is held in frictional engagement with the peripheral rim portion of the drive wheel by a pressure wheel mounted thereover. The fiber optic cable is passed or pushed outwardly through a tubular member extending outwardly from the drive wheel. The fiber optic cable is deposited on the ground in a random fashion or figure eight fashion as it is discharged from the tubular member.