Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving and extracting piles that includes a vibration/tension load absorber assembly mounted between a housing and the vibratory unit which includes shear-type vibration absorbers connected between the housing and the vibratory unit and operating in combination with at least one compression-type vibration absorber positioned to be compressed between first and second compression plates when the tension load reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A universal drain fitting for use with prefabricated drains of all sizes for joining the drain and a cylindrical-shaped pipe for making the transition between a drain and a drain outlet or between two drains in a drainage system. In the first and second preferred embodiments, the universal drain fitting includes a drain fitting portion formed by two walls in spaced parallel relationship with one another to define an open cavity and a pipe fitting portion connected to the drain fitting portion which includes a hollow cylindrical section with an opening adapted to be connected to a pipe. The open cavity has a plurality of sides formed by the space between the walls and includes at least two open sides adjacent to and in communication with one another for receiving a portion of a drain into the open cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting an elongated flexible prefabricated vertical (PV) drain downwardly into the earth. The apparatus includes a vertical mast having a lower standard mast base and a lightweight extra long mast extension. A vehicle supports the mast from its mast base in order to raise and lower the mast to and from vertical and to otherwise manipulate and transport the mast in a conventional manner. A longitudinal chamber extends for the entire length of the mast and carries therein an earth penetrating tube for vertical movement. This earth penetrating tube also has a passage therethrough for receiving the elongated flexible PV drain for movement with this insertion tube down into the earth when driven therein. The mast extension includes a series of axially aligned extension tubes constructed of light weight material and removably connected together end to end, and a combination spar and guy mechanism is utilized for supporting this long mast extension from the relatively short mast base.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting flexible drainage wick members downwardly into the earth which comprises a mast having a hollow longitudinally extending chamber therein, and an insertion tube disposed in the chamber for movement therein, the insertion tube being provided with a projecting flange that extends outwardly from the chamber through a longitudinal slot therein and that includes openings located at spaced intervals along the longitudinal extent of the flange. A drive gear, operated by a motor, is mounted near the bottom of the mast so that the teeth of the drive gear can positively engage the openings in the insertion tube flange and positively drive the insertion tube into and out of the earth. A pair of spaced support rollers are positioned behind the insertion tube flange at its point of contact with the drive gear to support the flange and also permit any foreign matter ejected from the flange openings by the gear teeth to fall to the earth.