Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes a debris-resistant escalator flight. A pipeline padding machine includes an escalator assembly with multiple flight sections attached to a track. A gap between leading and trailing edges of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially the same when the track is substantially straight, and when the track is at its maximum curvature. Leading and trailing edge portions of each flight section may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of a corresponding track section by a same angle as that between adjacent track sections when the track is at its maximum curvature. The edge portions of respective adjacent flight sections may be substantially parallel to each other when the track is at its maximum curvature.

Abstract: A padding machine for separating padding from residue and depositing the padding in a ditch. The padding machine may include a material collection assembly for collecting excavated material, an escalator assembly for lifting the excavated material, a separator for separating the padding from the residue, a conveyor assembly for conveying the padding to the ditch, a transport assembly for moving the padding machine and a wireless telemetry receiver for controlling functions of the padding machine. The separator may include a screen belt and at least one drive chain attached to the screen belt.

Abstract: Apparatus for gathering and processing excavated material which lies in a long pile on the ground adjacent to a ditch, so as to provide padding material which is conveyed onto a pipe lying in the ditch, with the residue from the process being returned to the ground adjacent to the ditch. The apparatus has a gathering head at the forward end thereof and a separator at the rear end thereof. A longitudinally arranged conveyor translocates the gathered material from the gathering head onto the separator. A lateral conveyor underlies the separator and translocates processed material which passes through the screen into the ditch, to thereby cover a pipeline with padding material. The separator apparatus includes means for redepositing the residual material onto the ground along a path parallel to the ditch.

Abstract: A padding machine for transporting padding material from a dump truck into a pipeline ditch. The padding machine is supported forwardly of a vehicle. A bumper attached to the forward portion of the padding machine engages and pushes the rear end of a dump truck, while padding material is transferred from the dump truck into a upwardly opening trough which forms part of the padding machine. The floor of the trough is comprised of an upper run of a conveyor means, and continuously transports the padding material into the pipeline ditch.