Abstract: A coupling for connecting sections of flexible hose so that quick and safe emergency disconnection can be automatically effected. The coupling includes a female section carrying peripheral cam lever pins adjacent radial openings through the wall of the female section, and a male section sealingly engageable with the female section. The male section carries a peripheral cam groove positioned for alignment with the cam pins when the sections are joined. Each of the sections carries a valve subassembly which normally closes the open end of the respective section, but which is automatically repositioned to open the respective section when the sections are coupled.

Abstract: A trench excavating machine which includes a self-propelled vehicle having a front end and including a prime mover drivingly connected to an auger mounted forwardly of the vehicle and extending in a generally vertical direction. The auger is rotatably mounted concentrically within a dirt shield of arcuate or generally semi-circular cross-sectional configuration, and is positioned within the dirt shield so that a leading side of the auger projects forwardly of the dirt shield. A helical blade constituting part of the auger is made to extend into a location immediately above, and at the forward side of, a very thin keel structure.