Abstract: A mechanized unit that is moved through a trench in the ground for the purpose of placing a length or lengths of a utility or utilities by a guide device on the bottom of the trench, and then encasing the placed utility or utilities. The unit has at least one plow to sweep the material excavated from the ground to form the trench back into the trench onto a screening member mounted to the movable unit. The screening unit has sections of progressively larger openings from front to rear. The screening member preferably is vibrated to deposit onto the one or more utilities layers of the excavated material having particles of progressively larger size from the bottom toward the top of the trench to protect the utility or utilities from physical damage caused by larger excavated particles.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that is moved through a trench in the ground for the purpose of placing a length or lengths of a utility or utilities by a guide device on the bottom of the trench, and then encasing the placed utility or utilities. The unit has at least one plow to sweep the material excavated from the ground to form the trench back into the trench onto a screening member mounted to the unit. The screening unit has spaced screens one above another with progressively smaller openings from top to bottom and the screening member is vibrated to deposit onto the one or more utilities layers of the excavated material having particles of progressively larger size from the bottom to the top of the trench to protect the utility or utilities from physical damage caused by larger excavated particles.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that places a predetermined and adjustable depth of a selected bedding material on the bottom of a trench in the ground, then places on the bed a continuous length of a utility or utilities having a predetermined spatial relationship with each other and then encases the utility or utilities with additional select material to a predetermined and adjustable depth of cover in a continuous operation. The unit has a single hopper that receives and contains the material that is used both to form the bed and also to encase the one or more utilities laid on the bed. The hopper conveys material in the direction of movement of the unit and the material is dispensed from the conveyor into the trench to form the bed. An adjustable height blade is provided which both sets the bed height and also smoothes the bed upper surface. As the unit moves, the utility or utilities are laid on the bed upper surface.