Ditch Filler Patents (Class 37/142.5)
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Patent number: 10932410Abstract: An unloading system for a combine harvester having a belt-driven unloading auger assembly and a spill saver door mounted proximate to a discharge end of the unloading auger assembly. Engagement of the belt drive is controlled by a first hydraulic cylinder. Opening of the spill saver door is controlled by a second hydraulic actuator. The first and second hydraulic cylinders are hydraulically connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventors: Joseph M. Biggerstaff, Frederic Ducroquet
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Patent number: 10731320Abstract: Improvements in a backfilling sled is disclosed the slurry sled for filling trench holes is pushed or pulled and receives a poured, flow-able medium such as sand or cement for example. The slurry sled self-centers itself over a trench dug or cut in various road or ground surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. The poured flow-able medium enters the top of the unit and flows through the bottom into a trench cut to a specific width and depth as it backfills and levels the backfill material to an evens surface to restore the road or ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: HHS Construction Inc.Inventor: Micah Radnich
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Patent number: 9866089Abstract: A system of providing a mechanical soft start of a load driven by an electrical motor is provided. The system includes, in addition to the rotor driven by the electric motor during normal operation, a drive belt coupled to both the electric motor and the rotor for communicating mechanical power from the electric motor to the rotor. The system further includes a secondary motor, and a primary roller coupled to the secondary motor, wherein the roller is selectively engaged with the drive belt during a mechanical soft-start to communicate mechanical power from the secondary motor to the rotor without requiring mechanical power from primary motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Rotochopper, Inc.Inventors: James Othmar Brick, Nicholas Daniel Lieser
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Patent number: 9743592Abstract: For indoor mushroom cultivation, a method of irrigating the mushrooms includes drip irrigation pipes in the bed. The drip irrigation pipes can be disposed in a casing layer that overlies a substrate layer, and irrigation can be according to measurements taken in the environment outside of the bed.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Netafim, Ltd.Inventors: Dan Levanon, Ofer Danay, Dov Raz
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Patent number: 9169618Abstract: A backfilling device for backfilling an open trench and padding a pipe within the trench has a lateral earth moving device and a sifting device. The backfilling device is attached to a tractor that moves the lateral earth moving device into a backfill spoil pile adjacent to the trench with the sifting device located above the trench. The lateral earth moving devices moves the backfill spoil material laterally into a rotating drum of the sifting device. Smaller particles of the backfill material fall through the rotating drum, which is also vibrating to backfill the trench and pad the pipe with backfill fines. The oversize debris in the backfill material continues to move laterally and falls out the end of the rotating drum to form a pile of large piece backfill material on the side of the trench opposite from the backfill spoil pile.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: BROWN BEAR CORPORATIONInventor: Stanley L. Brown
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Patent number: 9051713Abstract: A trench backfilling attachment for a vehicle or similar machine includes two material moving blades and a plurality of supporting structures securely connected to the vehicle. Upon forward motion of the vehicle, the material moving blades engage and manipulate collected ground material to fill an open utility trench.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Inventor: Darren P. Thompson
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Publication number: 20140144051Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for filling a trench. The machine comprises a tub, release assembly, and a hopper. The tub mixes a material to be filled into the trench. The release assembly releases the material into the hopper and the material flows from the hopper and into the trench. The machine moves parallel to the trench as the trench is being filled. An operator controls the movement of the machine from an operator station on the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.Inventor: Cody L. Sewell
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Patent number: 8734050Abstract: A system and method are provided for depositing fragmentized stonework material in layers within a drainage trench extending alongside a roadway. The system includes a mobile platform, a dispensing arm portion, an actuating portion and a controller. The mobile platform defines a storage compartment for intermediately storing the fragmentized stonework material received from a predetermined source. The dispensing arm portion is coupled to extend transversely from the storage compartment and is selectively activated to convey and expel the fragmentized stonework material from the storage compartment into the drainage trench. The actuating portion couples the dispensing arm portion to the mobile platform in angularly displaceable manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Craig Mercier
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Patent number: 8555530Abstract: An apparatus for padding a pipeline lying in a ditch separates fine particles from coarse particles in the material excavated from the ditch and windrowed along the side of the ditch. The apparatus includes a frame having an open ended hollow separating drum having a plurality of scoop members adapted to lift and drop excavated material through a screen located beneath the scoop members. The scoop members are spaced above the screen a distance such that the efficiency of the separating drum is increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Inventors: Thomas J. Cronk, Jr., Billy W. Cronk
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Patent number: 8360249Abstract: A motor driven crusher for agitating and crushing material is provided. The crusher includes a frame removably coupled to a mechanical bucket and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame and operationally coupled to the motor. The crusher further includes a plurality of crushing agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts; and a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing, wherein material placed on a top side of the crusher is agitated and crushed by the plurality of crushing agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while crushing the larger material on the top side of the crusher to fit within the plurality of screening spaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Albert Ben Currey
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Patent number: 8079163Abstract: A number of front working, trench filling face-compressing, inclinedly disposed sliders are arranged alternately with cutter bits on an endless chain of a trench-forming endless chain cutter on a transporting chassis, and driven with the chain by a drive means so that backward oriented, inclined facet portions of the sliders compress a filling in the trench toward and on a front working face of the wall being formed. An elongate, filling face-compressing shield is adapted to be extended down into the trench and supported with its underground portion on the underground portion of a guide post of the cutter or on the trench bottom for forward and backward oscillation by a drive means to compress the filling face adjacent to the shield. The compacted filling is in these ways being formed by horizontal pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Patent number: 8061065Abstract: A number of slot filling-compressing members are inserted from a framework into and across a slot-shaped excavation at ahead of a frontal face of a continuous, compacted slot filling being formed along the slot, and moved with a drive means connected to the members for intermittently forcing portions of the members against the filling to compress the filling adjacent to the members longitudinally against the face. The compacted filling is in this way formed by longitudinal pressure. The members can be mounted for forward or reciprocating movement in directions along and across the face.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Publication number: 20110277356Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for padding a pipeline lying in a ditch by separating fine particles from coarse particles in the material excavated from the ditch and windrowed along the side of the ditch comprising moving a frame supporting a rotating separator drum at the desired distance above ground to engage windrowed material at the level required to obtain sufficient fines to pad the pipeline while rotating the separating drum to separate the fine and coarse material and conveying the fines laterally into the ditch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Thomas J. Cronk, JR., Billy W. Cronk
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Patent number: 7886463Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes two control station locations. One location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on one side of a ditch, and the other location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on an opposite side of the ditch. Another pipeline padding machine includes a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a material conditioning assembly for conditioning the material. Another pipeline padding machine includes a main frame attached to a transport assembly for transporting the machine, a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a cutting edge for cutting through the material prior to the material being elevated by the escalator assembly. The escalator assembly is pivotable relative to the main frame, and the cutting edge is pivotable relative to the escalator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Worldwide Machinery Pipeline DivisionInventors: Evan Greenberg, Giordano Grassi
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Patent number: 7870683Abstract: A method for trenching below the water table in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Florida Keys is shown. A first pass made by a trencher digs a first trench from the surface to the water table. During the first pass, relatively dry spoil is removed from the first trench. Next, a much deeper second trench is dug below the first trench; however, wet spoil remains in the now combined first and second trench, the combined first and second trench being large enough to accumulate the wet spoil with expansion. Thereafter, the combined first and second trench may be filled with the relatively dry spoil, packed and driven upon. Later, the packed spoil may be removed and water pipes, electric cables, sewer lines or the like buried in the trench. According to the requirements of the work area, the spoil may be used to partially fill the combined first and second trench or be hauled away.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: H.L. Chapman Pipeline Construction, Inc.Inventor: Everett Leslie Waid, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100018908Abstract: A screening apparatus for processing excavated material from a ditch into fines and roughs is disclosed. The screening apparatus includes an inclined lift conveyor for moving the excavated material upward and depositing the excavated material onto a convex vibrating screen surface. A transfer conveyor having an arcuate belt path as disposed below the separator for introducing the fines to the excavation. The separator includes a reversible motor for providing a first vibration and a second vibration to the separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventor: Todd Lewis
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Publication number: 20090200047Abstract: A modified box scraper system that is fitted with a first, second and third plurality of attachment means located on the rearward end and both sides of the box scraper allowing for the attachment of a variety of modified work implements, said modified work implements including a trench backfill blade that attaches to the box scraper and allows the operator to backfill a trench with increased precision because the trenched row material can be funneled back into the trench.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventor: Michael Frederick
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Publication number: 20090031591Abstract: A number of slot filling-compressing members are inserted from a framework into and across a slot-shaped excavation at ahead of a frontal face of a continuous, compacted slot filling being formed along the slot, and moved with a drive means connected to the members for intermittently forcing portions of the members against the filling to compress the filling adjacent to the members longitudinally against the face. The compacted filling is in this way formed by longitudinal pressure. The members can be mounted for forward or reciprocating movement in directions along and across the face.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Publication number: 20080313933Abstract: A hole filling or blast hole filling attachment machine that incorporates a separate vehicle for mobility and power to operate dirt of drill tailing gathering blades and a rotatable blade assembly. The assembly includes a circular housing with a central opening for access to a drilled hole in the ground. No less than six arcuate blades extend outwardly from the center of the circular housing. Two curved dirt gathering blades are mounted with hydraulic cylinders outside of the circular rotating blades and protective housing to pull more tailings toward the arcuate blades. An electromagnet is used to retrieve the primer cord and to raise it up and away from the moving blades. The machine incorporates a video camera and video monitor to observe the hole or blast hole to allow the operator to correctly position the machine over the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: James Dwain Cooper, Russell Kirk Cooper
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Patent number: 7445122Abstract: A mechanical bucket for separating small material from larger material. The mechanical bucket includes a bucket adapted to receive and retain material within the bucket and a roller screen assembly removably secured to a bottom portion of the bucket. The material received within the bucket rests on the roller screen assembly when deactivated. The roller screen assembly is adapted to separate smaller material from larger material of the material received within the bucket when activated. The mechanical bucket may include a scraper device for removing debris from the roller screen assembly when the roller screen assembly is activated.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Albert Ben Currey
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Publication number: 20080092411Abstract: A compact earth filtering machine adapted to engage with a base vehicle includes a frame including a guide structure for guiding earth being screened. A set of rollers is supported by the frame, with each roller associated with a corresponding sprocket. A mesh, forming a continuous loop and supported by the rollers, is provided for elevating and screening earth provided by the guide structure. A drive chain, coupled along an edge of the mesh, is adapted to engage the sprockets associated with the rollers. A driver is provided for rotating a selected one of the rollers and the associated sprocket to thereby cause the mesh to elevate and screen the earth provided by the guide structure. A transverse conveyor supported by the frame transports earth screened by the mesh to a discharge point adjacent to the compact filtering machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: ESI Pipeline Services, Inc.Inventors: Murrell Guth, Gil Marquis, Tom Sarauskas
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Publication number: 20080092410Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2006Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Ricky L. Layh, Giordano Grassi, Evan Greenberg
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Patent number: 7310896Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: PLC Trenching Co., LLCInventor: Michael E. Lopata
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Patent number: 7204046Abstract: A sizing bucket for use in excavation and particularly trench padding. Embodiments of the invention include an angled sizing member extending between a base plate and a back plate of the sizing bucket. An aperture extends through the base plate beneath the sizing member. The bucket further includes an extended scoop portion to assist in transporting material to be sized and a pre-sized material portion behind the sizing member for transporting pre-sized material. A particular embodiment of the invention includes a sizing member with graded mesh sizes. The sizing bucket of embodiments of the invention allow an excavator operator to lower and tie-in pipe in a trench, transport material to the trench, size the material, pad the trench, backfill the trench and clean-up the area around the trench without the need to change buckets or excavating equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Albert Ben Currey
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Patent number: 7186059Abstract: An integrated padding machine that incorporates a front digging auger that is preferably mechanically as opposed to hydraulically powered, which in conjunction with a breaker bar assembly provides for digging and crushing capabilities, and that incorporates several other improvements and advances, including screen and cross-pass conveyor level control, a real-time padding level monitoring system, and an assistant's control module, improved controls, dust control, and cold weather padding, and methods of using the machine.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Inventor: Tommy Barnes
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Patent number: 6981342Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignees: PLC Trenching Co., LLC.Inventor: Michael E. Lopata
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Patent number: 6874973Abstract: A machine body (1) having a traveling equipment (2) is provided with a mixer (3), a soil hopper (8), a raw soil conveying device (7) and a modified soil conveying device (10). Further, a soil conditioner supply device comprising a liquid supplying means (11), a liquid tank (12) and a liquid ejecting means (13) is provided for the machine body (1), and the liquid ejecting member (13) is attached to a portion close to an input port of the mixer (3), so that the liquid soil conditioner is ejected and supplied on the raw soil on the way of being conveyed by the raw soil conveying device (7). Since the soil conditioner is liquid, the liquid tank (12) and the liquid supplying means (11) can be formed to provide an arbitrary shape and can be mounted to an arbitrary portion with respect to the liquid ejecting means or an arbitrary portion apart from the liquid ejecting means.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 6834447Abstract: A sizing bucket for use in excavation and particularly trench padding. Embodiments of the invention include an angled sizing member extending between a base plate and a back plate of the sizing bucket. An aperture extends through the base plate beneath the sizing member. The bucket further includes an extended scoop portion to assist in transporting material to be sized and a pre-sized material portion behind the sizing member for transporting pre-sized material. A particular embodiment of the invention includes a sizing member with graded mesh sizes. The sizing bucket of embodiments of the invention allow an excavator operator to lower and tie-in pipe in a trench, transport material to the trench, size the material, pad the trench, backfill the trench and clean-up the area around the trench without the need to change buckets or excavating equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Inventor: Albert Ben Currey
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Patent number: 6820358Abstract: A compact self-propelled vehicle for composting windrows of compost material found in cramped confines has a low frame forming a central tunnel for mounting a flow-through conveyor. A front pick-up end has a central-flow auger system for attacking into the windrow end-on along the long axis thereof. The conveyor that has a lower intake end immediately trailing the central-flow auger system and a high discharge end for back-depositing the discharged material back into windrow formation. Hence central-flow auger system breaks apart, disintegrates and/or stirs the dug-into material while ultimately accomplishing transfer of it onto the conveyor. In essence, the vehicle worms its way through the windrow by virtue of the wheels rolling through a temporary and traveling void created between the leading pick-up end and the back-deposited material discharged by the discharge end of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Louie Huelsewiesche
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Publication number: 20040211092Abstract: An integrated padding machine that incorporates a front digging auger that is preferably mechanically as opposed to hydraulically powered, which in conjunction with a breaker bar assembly provides for digging and crushing capabilities, and that incorporates several other improvements and advances, including screen and cross-pass conveyor level control means, a real-time padding level monitoring system, and an assistant's control module, improved controls, dust control, and cold weather padding, and methods of using the machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Tommy Barnes
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Patent number: 6725942Abstract: A pulverizer for reducing the clumpiness or aggregation of soil into clumps or clods and for screening materials, the pulverizer having a frame mounting a substantially cylindrically configured screening drum for rotation and a scoop for aiding the delivery of the material to be pulverized or screened to the screening drum. The pulverizer may be mounted as an attachment onto an appropriate power source such as a tractor or a skid-steer loader.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Timothy J. Stevens
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Patent number: 6718659Abstract: A separating device and method for padding pipelines which attaches to a bucket and has a bottom support with sloping walls for directing the padding material. A shaker assembly having a screen a vibrator assembly is mounted on the bottom support, wherein at least one resilient mount is used to mount the shaker assembly to the bottom support.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: HTB, LLCInventors: Steve E. Foutz, Houston T. Barnes
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Patent number: 6663028Abstract: A wheel track closing assembly is described for use with a drive unit of a mechanized irrigation system. Each of the wheel track closing assemblies includes an elongated rigid arm which is longitudinally and pivotally connected to either the drive wheel or the gearbox for the drive wheel. A replaceable soil-engaging member in the form of oppositely disposed shovels is secured to the free end of the rigid arm for engaging the soil adjacent the wheel track to move the soil into the wheel track to close the same. When the direction of movement of the drive tower is reversed, the drive wheels walk-over the soil-engaging members so that the soil-engaging members are repositioned in a trailing position with respect to the associated drive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.Inventors: Craig S. Malsam, Dale A. Christensen
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Patent number: 6622403Abstract: Apparatus for depositing material within a trench including a hopper and an elongated chute extending down from the hopper which is configured to fit within the trench. The apparatus includes a gate between the hopper and the chute for controlling flow of material out of the hopper through the chute. The apparatus preferably is mounted with a variably positionable mount on the back of a tractor and can include a laser guided control system to maintain the deposit of material at a predetermined grade.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Inventor: Michael J. Munie
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Patent number: 6516542Abstract: A tilling machine having independently driven wheels and a generally V-shaped plow. Tilling machine comprises digging chain that moves between a raised position and a lowered position, a housing carried by front wheels and rear casters, a motor that drives front wheels to propel housing, a guide wheel that aligns tilling machine with trench upon a second pass, and a generally V-shaped plow, wherein the plow may be positioned on the front or the rear to collect and deposit the dirt surrounding the trench into the trench. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein a trench is dug by a first pass, soil amendments are added to the trench, and then on the second pass, the excavated dirt is plowed back into the trench and mixed with the amendments. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein vegetation cover between trenched rows is maintained thus utilizing only the ground area that is needed for planting.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Inventor: David McClure
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Publication number: 20030014885Abstract: A separating device and method for padding pipelines which attaches to a bucket and has a bottom support with sloping walls for directing the padding material A shaker assembly having a screen a vibrator assembly is mounted on the bottom support, wherein at least one resilient mount is used to mount the shaker assembly to the bottom support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Steve E. Foutz, Houston T. Barnes
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Patent number: 6502333Abstract: A self-propelled pipeline padding machine and a method for padding pipelines in ditches without damaging the pipeline prior to backfilling of the ditch. A spoils pile comprising dirt, various size rocks, and sand taken from the ditch during the digging thereof lie in a generally continuous pile along side the ditch from the excavation thereof. The machine includes an excavator having an arm with end bucket for scooping up material from the spoils pile on the opposite side of the ditch and placing it into frame mounted padding material sorter mounted to the front of the excavator. The separated padding material falls onto a laterally disposed retractable conveyor below the sorter which moves the padding material onto the pipeline in the ditch ahead of the excavator. The residual rocks and debris fall between the tracks of the excavator. The sorter can be tilted using hydraulic cylinders between the frame supporting the sorter and the undercarriage of the excavator.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Inventor: Randall R. Striegel
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Patent number: 6457267Abstract: A combination machine for trenching, for forming the edge of a bed, and for laying and burying tubing, cable, piping, and the like. The machine includes steerable caster wheels mounted on the rear of the machine which, together with a single front wheel, allow for a tight turning radius when using the machine. The machine also includes a blade height adjustment which allows for the trenching or edging blade depth to be readily adjusted in a substantially infinite variation. An edging blade is provided which when used with the machine forms a groove at the bed's edge for the laying of irrigation lines, or lines for herbicide, pesticide, and/or fertilizer for use in connection with the bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventors: Roger D. Porter, Jerome C. Burroughs
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Patent number: 6434861Abstract: The accessory apparatus is used in conjunction with the vehicle for backfilling a trench. The accessory has a frame with first and second ends. Wheels are rotatably mounted to the first and second ends of the frame, with the wheels being structured and arranged to bear on ground beneath the frame. An auger is rotatably mounted to the ends of the frame. The auger has a shaft with flighting extending outward therefrom. The shaft is horizontal when the apparatus is in use. The auger has a height that is relative to the ground. A motor is coupled to one end of the frame, the motor causing the auger to rotate. A mounting bracket is pivotally coupled to the frame. The mounting bracket is structured and arranged to mount to the vehicle. As the frame pivots with respect to the mounting bracket, the height of the auger is raised or lowered relative to the ground. The mounting bracket can be pivotally coupled by a single set of pins, wherein a screw jack is used to pivot the frame relative to the mounting bracket.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Charles E. McCullough
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Patent number: 6427781Abstract: A wheel track scraper is provided for use with a field irrigation system utilizing a support tower having at least a pair of wheels in trailing alignment wherein the support tower wheels displace dirt as they track a repetitive path across a field as the irrigation system moves. It includes a pair of scraper blades, each having two blade portions joined together at an angle with an apex in the central portion of said scraper blades, attached to an attachment bracket, attached at one end to the support tower, and configured at the other end to hold the pair of opposing scraper blades between said tower wheels and positioned to push field dirt displaced by wheel rotation into the track where the wheel has traveled.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventors: Ronald T. Buhler, Wayne D. Buhler
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Patent number: 6418644Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for padding ground below a duct (1) using excavated soil (2), wherein said method uses a vehicle (6) that comprises a soil feeding organ (13), a transport organ (14) and soil compacting organs (104, 105). The vehicle moves along a ground path (16) which is formed by the soil feeding organ (13) as it collects excavated soil (2). This method allows for a reliable orientation of the soil compacting organs (104, 105) relative to the duct (1), wherein said compacting organs apply a force on the soil previously deposited in the trench (4). This invention also relates to a device which is used for padding ground below a duct (1) and comprises a device (106) for hanging a soil-compacting mechanism (103) to the vehicle (6). The device (106) includes a disconnection mechanism (153) that enables the cyclic displacement of the rammer-type compacting organs (104, 105) in the displacement direction of the vehicle (6).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignees: Obschetvo s Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostju nauchho-issledovateelsky i Tekhnichesky Tsentr“ROTOR”, Aktsionerno Obschesryo Otktytogo Tina Aktsionernaya Kompania po transdortuNrettiMoscowInventors: Alexandr V. Bykov, Stanislav K. Vasilenko, Andrei B. Koval, Alexandr S. Kumylganov, Jury B. Leichenko, Jury M. Mamontov, Aly A. Movchan, Vladimir D. Musiiko, Alexey N. Schipkovsky, Valery D. Chernaev, Viktor I. Yakovlev
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Patent number: 6401368Abstract: An excavator and a method of use of the excavator is provided for use in excavating a trench having a pipeline extending along one side thereof in a longitudinal direction of the trench. The excavator is positioned adjacent the pipeline opposite the trench and includes a hydraulic arm arranged to extend over the pipeline and into the trench. A hydraulic clam bucket is mounted on a free end of the hydraulic arm for excavating earth from the trench. The arm includes articulation joints about both horizontal and vertical axes such that the base of the excavator adjacent the pipeline may remain fixed in relation to the pipeline as the bucket is guided within the trench.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventors: James A. McLeod, Murray Pisony
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Publication number: 20020044830Abstract: Apparatus for depositing material within a trench including a hopper and an elongated chute extending down from the hopper which is configured to fit within the trench. The apparatus includes a gate between the hopper and the chute for controlling flow of material out of the hopper through the chute. The apparatus preferably is mounted with a variably positionable mount on the back of a tractor and can include a laser guided control system to maintain the deposit of material at a predetermined grade.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Michael J. Munie
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Publication number: 20020020084Abstract: A tilling machine having independently driven wheels and a generally V-shaped plow. Tilling machine comprises digging chain that moves between a raised position and a lowered position, a housing carried by front wheels and rear casters, a motor that drives front wheels to propel housing, a guide wheel that aligns tilling machine with trench upon a second pass, and a generally V-shaped plow, wherein the plow may be positioned on the front or the rear to collect and deposit the dirt surrounding the trench into the trench. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein a trench is dug by a first pass, soil amendments are added to the trench, and then on the second pass, the excavated dirt is plowed back into the trench and mixed with the amendments. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein vegetation cover between trenched rows is maintained thus utilizing only the ground area that is needed for planting.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: David McClure
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Patent number: 6338209Abstract: A trenching machine having independently driven wheels. Trenching machine comprises digging chain that moves between a raised position and a lowered position, a housing that is carried by a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear casters, a motor that independently drives front wheels to propel housing, and a guide wheel that aligns trenching machine with trench upon a second pass. Trenching machine also has a front plow and a rear plow that collect and deposit the dirt surrounding the trench into the trench. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein a trench is dug by a first pass, soil amendments are added to the trench, and then on the second pass, the excavated dirt is plowed back into the trench and then mixed with the amendments. A method of gardening/landscaping wherein vegetation cover between trenched rows is maintained thus utilizing only the ground area that is needed for planting.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventor: David McClure
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Patent number: 6318930Abstract: A trench-padding method and apparatus provide a more efficient, cost efficient process of obtaining a maximal amount of padding material from material excavated from a trench, and where selected, provide for trenching. The trench-padding apparatus includes a lead assembly that includes a feeder housing having a front rotating unit with protrusions. The feeder housing may be configured to excavate the trench or alternatively, to scoop up previously excavated material. The front rotating unit is attached to a frame of the trench-padding apparatus immediately in front of an elevator device, and the front rotating unit forces clumps of the excavated material between the front rotating unit and a base of the feeder housing to aid in reducing clump size. The method operates in the manner of the trench-padding apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Erik D. Scudder
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Patent number: 6273637Abstract: A compactor including a forward and rearward compaction wheel each rotatably supported on a support arm and pivotally connected to a main frame. The forward compaction wheel is pivoted to a position aligned forwardly of and positioned below the rearward compaction wheel when in an operating position. A pair of diverter panels are connected to the frame and extend longitudinally on opposing sides of the rearward compactor wheel to divert fill dirt towards the compactor wheels. Each diverter panel has a diverter wing pivotally connected thereto with the diverter wings diverging outwardly and forwardly. The diverter wings are pivotally connected at a point of the forward compaction wheel and proximal thereto. The diverter panels are preferably parallel to one another and extend rearwardly beyond the rearward compaction wheel. The diverter wings preferably extend forwardly beyond the forward compaction wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: Randell D. Peterson
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Patent number: 6237257Abstract: A clam bucket of the present invention has a first and a second bucket halves, each bucket half includes a first and a second side wall, a bucket back wall, and a bucket connecting plate. Optionally, at least a portion of each of the two side walls may be made of a side wall screen. The bucket back wall is rigidly connected between the first and the second side walls and extends from the bucket top edge to the bucket digging edge. At least a portion of the bucket back wall is composed of a back wall screen. The side wall screen, if used, and the back wall screen should be positioned so as to allow padding material to pass through the screen but prohibit the passage of stones through the screen. The bucket connecting plate is rigidly connected to the outside of the bucket back wall and positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall so that connection to a backhoe can be made.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Thomas J. Cronk, Jr.
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Patent number: 6171030Abstract: A vehicular soil treating machine having a base carrier with a crawler type vehicle drive, an upper rotary body rotatably mounted on the base carrier, and an excavation means mounted on the upper rotary body and equipped with a soil excavating bucket. Provided on the base carrier is an elongated continuous soil processing trough having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the base carrier and internally provided with a tumbling/mixing means for uniformly mixing additive soil improving material into sand and soil which is fed from the excavation means. A soil hopper is provided over one end of the continuous processing trough, and an additive feed means is located behind the soil hopper to feed additive soil improving material to the continuous processing trough.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigehiko Miyake, Hisayoshi Hashimoto, Toshikazu Murai, Takami Kusaki, Tetsushiro Miura, Hiroyosi Itaya, Fumiki Nakagiri, Satoshi Sekino
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Patent number: RE38765Abstract: In combination a screen, a shaker, a conveyor and carbody device which is attachable to a vehicle of choice, such as an hydraulic excavator, a backhoe, etc., and when installed thereon allows the vehicle to perform as a padding machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Albert Ben Currey