Abstract: A configuration of a direct drive lawnmower spindle assembly to protect sensitive electric motor components is provided. A spindle shaft of the spindle assembly is supported by upper and lower bearings. An upper end of the spindle shaft is mounted to a rotor of the electric motor and a lower end of the spindle shaft extends through the clearance opening. The lower bearing is supported by a lower bearing carrier that is mounted to the bottom of the spindle housing. The lower bearing can be serviced by removing the lower bearing carrier. A clearance gap between the spindle shaft and the clearance opening is sufficiently small to limit spindle shaft tipping to a degree that will not damage the motor. The invention also provides a friction coupling system for coupling a blade with the rotating spindle shaft.

Abstract: A sensor retrieval system includes a self-propelled unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) having a control system including a navigation controller, an excavator controller and an extractor controller. The navigation controller has instructions to move the UGV to proximate a geodetic position of a sensor disposed proximate a surface of the ground. The UGV further comprises a sensor position locator arranged to determine distance, direction and relative elevation of the sensor with respect to the UGV. An extractor is in signal communication with the extractor controller. The extractor comprises means for lifting the sensor from the ground to a predetermined depth. An excavator is in signal communication with the excavator controller. The excavator comprises means for removing overburden from above the sensor to leave the overburden to at most the predetermined depth.

Abstract: A system and method are described for excavation of gravel from a gravel formation including an elongated cylindrical casing surrounding and supporting a rotating auger extending a chosen distance beyond an open end of the casing, and having openings through its upper surface for permitting gravel to enter the casing in addition to entering through the open end thereof, a source of vibration for vibrating the casing, a conveyor for removing material excavated by the system through an opening in the bottom surface of the casing, and a tracked excavator or other suitable vehicle for preventing the casing from rotating and for pushing the casing in a chosen horizontal direction into the gravel formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fork (1) for collecting animal excrement, in particular horse droppings, comprising a handle (2) and a plurality of tines (3), which, after activation of an electromechanical actuation element (4), can be set into rapid vibration by a vibration device (5) arranged in the handle (2) so as to separate the animal excrement from shavings and other bedding material. The electromechanical actuation element (4) is mechanically and/or electrically decoupled from the vibration device (5).

Abstract: An adjustable auger assembly for a trencher including an auger housing and a position attachment assembly. The auger housing having a central auger tube having a first end and a discharge end opposite the first end. An auger shaft is positioned within the auger tube and is rotatable relative to the central auger tube. At least one material inlet is positioned one of at the first end and between the first end and the discharge end. The position attachment assembly has a first component member coupled to the trencher, and a second component member coupled to the auger housing. The first component member is movably positionable relative to the second component member, to, in turn, adjust the position of the auger housing relative to the trencher.

Abstract: A cutterhead for dredging water-bed material from a body of water. The cutterhead comprises a shroud presenting a front margin for receiving water-bed material into an interior space of the shroud. The shroud additionally includes a port from which water-bed material can be removed from the interior space of the shroud. The cutterhead additionally comprises a rotatable cutterbar at least partially received within the interior space of the shroud. The cutterhead further comprises a debris guard positioned between the cutterbar and the port. The debris guard is operable to filter the water-bed material removed from the shroud through the port. At least a portion of the debris guard that faces the cutterbar includes a concave shape.

Abstract: An adjustable auger assembly for a trencher including an auger housing and a position attachment assembly. The auger housing having a central auger tube having a first end and a discharge end opposite the first end. An auger shaft is positioned within the auger tube and is rotatable relative to the central auger tube. At least one material inlet is positioned one of at the first end and between the first end and the discharge end. The position attachment assembly has a first component member coupled to the trencher, and a second component member coupled to the auger housing. The first component member is movably positionable relative to the second component member, to, in turn, adjust the position of the auger housing relative to the trencher.

Abstract: A low height pivot arrangement allows an excavation tool of a surface excavation machine to be pivoted between an upper transport position and a lower excavating position. The low height pivot arrangement assists in reducing a moment arm of the excavation tool when the excavation tool is raised during non-excavating operations.

Abstract: A system for modifying a boundary of operation of a machine has a change in terrain sensor system. A controller determines a change in terrain based at least in part upon a change in terrain signal. If the change in terrain exceeds a threshold, the controller modifies the boundary of operation of the machine. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A cutting device for producing vertically running trenches in the ground includes a trench wall cutter which has a cutting frame, a first cutting wheel arrangement and a second cutting wheel arrangement. The cutting wheel arrangements are arranged adjacent to each other on the underside of the cutting frame in order to remove ground material underneath the cutting frame. The trench wall cutter has an adjusting mechanism, with which the first cutting wheel arrangement is adjustable in a direction lying obliquely underneath the second cutting wheel arrangement.

Abstract: A drilling bucket adapted to combine with a prime mover vehicle such as an excavator. The drilling bucket includes a floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket during operation. A release assembly is adapted to securely hold the floor in its closed position until it is actuated to release it to its open position. Some embodiments of the drilling bucket comprise two separate internal cavities. The first cavity is adapted to receive the spoils as the bucket is rotated beneath the ground by the prime mover vehicle. The second cavity is adapted to house portions of the release assembly. The second cavity may serve as a vent which allows air to pass the bucket as the bucket is being raised or lowered in a hole.

Abstract: A drilling bucket adapted to combine with a prime mover vehicle such as an excavator. The drilling bucket includes a floor pivotally combined with the bucket. The floor has an open position wherein collected spoils are emptied from the bucket and a closed position for retaining spoils in the bucket during operation. A release assembly is adapted to securely hold the floor in its closed position until it is actuated to release it to its open position. Some embodiments of the drilling bucket comprise two separate internal cavities. The first cavity is adapted to receive the spoils as the bucket is rotated beneath the ground by the prime mover vehicle. The second cavity is adapted to house portions of the release assembly. The second cavity may serve as a vent which allows air to pass the bucket as the bucket is being raised or lowered in a hole.

Abstract: Described herein are tools, systems, and methods for trimming a soil face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter head for a ground cutter machine having at least one cutter motor. Each cutter motor comprises: two hydraulic motors, each comprising a stator and a rotor and having a common axis; a single shaft extending along said common axis and having two ends; two cutter drums mounted to rotate; two transmission assemblies for drivingly connecting each end of the common shaft to one of said cutter drums; and mechanical members for constraining the rotor of each hydraulic motor directly in rotation with the transmission assembly corresponding to the cutter drum that is closer to the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A device is suspended from cables or other flexible or articulated structures, for the mixing in situ of earth for the formation of underground walls or diaphragms includes in its lower part a disaggregator (1) for the disaggregation of the earth. Above the disaggregator is positioned a corrector (5, 13) for the direction of the excavation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool comprising: two pairs of rotary drums in axial alignment on parallel axes; a motor mechanism for driving rotation of the drums; a support element; and a support structure on which the drums are mounted to rotate and serving to connect the drums to the support element; the tool being characterized in that the motor mechanism is mounted inside the drums and in that the support structure comprises a plate forming bearings at its bottom ends for the drums; and a mounting pad for fastening to the support element.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter head for an excavator machine including at least one cutter motor, each cutter motor comprising: a fastener plate; a mounting structure secured to the fastener plate and presenting a central portion and two mounting assemblies disposed on either side of the fastener plate; two hydraulic motors mounted in said mounting assemblies; a shaft common to both hydraulic motors; a plurality of conduits formed in the thickness of said fastener plate for passing the flow of the liquid used by the hydraulic motors; and a plurality of ducts formed in said central portion of the mounting structure, said ducts being connected to said conduits and to said hydraulic motors to connect each of the two motors to each of said conduits.

Abstract: Devices by which certain types of units, such as posts, poles, pilings, anchors, caskets, burial containers, stanchions and the like may be picked up, gripped, maneuvered into a desired position and, pressed, rotated and agitated for the purpose of installing such units at nearly any angle, into earth, sand, snow or other receiving material on dry land, wet land or under water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil comprising a frame, at least one soil-removing device arranged on the frame and a control device for controlling the foundation construction device in the trench, wherein the control device has at least one control body which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and a projecting control position in order to rest on a wall of the trench. Provision is made for the control body to be adjusted into a first projecting control position on a first side of the frame or into a second projecting control position on a second side of the frame that lies opposite the first side of the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foundation construction device for making trenches in the soil comprising a frame, on which a soil-removing tool is arranged, and a control device for aligning the foundation construction device in the trench having two control flaps, which are supported pairwise opposite each other on the frame, and having at least one extendable and retractable guide wheel arranged on the frame.

Abstract: An excavating screw unit equipped with a hydraulic excavating auxiliary blades has developed for an auger crane, comprising: an extension unit having auxiliary excavating blade, cylinder mounting hole, built-in fluid passages in extension unit, hydraulic cylinder, piston, and extension guiding rods; an excavation column formed a hollow center of a square-shaped to mount on top of extension unit; an extension rod having an outer square-shape to fit into the excavation column, a built-in hydraulic passages in the extension rod, at top portion of the extension rod, an inlet and outlet that is bent right angle at top portion of the hydraulic passages to connect to hydraulic tubes, the extension rod is sliding to extend or retract through the excavation column. The extended excavating auxiliary blades are maintained by the pressurized fluid to prevent retracting by digging resistance during the excavating. Thus, this mechanized excavating device is easily digging a burial hole for a utility pole and underbracing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutter head for an excavator machine having at least one cutter motor, each cutter motor comprising: a fastener plate; a mounting structure comprising an end portion and a mounting assembly; a single hydraulic motor mounted in said mounting assembly and having an outlet shaft presenting two ends, said motor and the end portion of the mounting structure being offset in a direction that is orthogonal to said fastener plate; a plurality of conduits formed in the thickness of the fastener plate; and a plurality of ducts formed in said end portion of the mounting structure to connect the hydraulic motor to said conduits.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auger bit for an earth auger, in which at least two curved plates are provided and extend radially outwards from a drilling axis, the axial height decreasing radially outwards.

Abstract: A soil working method, in which a soil working device suspended on at least one supporting cable is lowered by a supporting device and introduced into the ground. Subsequently, the soil working device is raised from the ground using the supporting cable and in addition to the supporting device a holding frame is provided and the supporting cable is connected to said holding frame. A soil working apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a more efficient and economically superior earth auger head in which a percussive excavation mechanism part (down-the-hole hammer) is incorporated in order to break up portions that are unsuitable for rotary excavation by the auger, and an excavation method using this auger head. The auger head comprises a rotary excavation mechanism part (1) in which a spiral vane (12) used for earth discharge is provided to the circumferential surface of a rotary tubular part (11), and in which an excavating bit (13) whose outer circumferential side protrudes further downward than the central side is provided to the lower end of this spiral vane; and further comprises a pneumatic percussive excavation mechanism part (2) that is installed inside the rotary tubular part and is disposed so that a percussive body (23) is accommodated in a position that is higher than the lower tip end of the excavating bit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool comprising: two pairs of rotary drums in axial alignment on parallel axes; motor means for driving rotation of said drums; support means; and a support structure on which said drums are mounted to rotate and serving to connect said drums to the support means; said tool being characterized in that said motor means are mounted inside the drums; and in that said support structure comprises a plate forming bearings at its bottom ends for said drum; and a mounting pad for fastening to the support means, the top edge face of the plate connecting said pad to the bearing-forming means.

Abstract: An excavation device having a pair of milling wheels with a substantially horizontal axis (X) of rotation. Each milling wheel peripherally equipped with an excavation apparatus to define an excavation front substantially parallel to the axis (X). The excavation device also has a chain-type transmission to draw in rotation, in a first operating condition, each of the milling wheels. The transmission is driven by a motor and provided, on its side which is external during use, with an excavation apparatus. The excavation device also has a thruster able to be activated to selectively move the transmission into a second operating position, widened and external with respect to the first operating condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trench cutter comprising at least two cutting wheels or pairs of cutting wheels, whose axes of rotation are offset from each other. A forced synchronization is achieved in accordance with the invention in that a single drive motor is provided which jointly drives the at least two cutting wheels or pairs of cutting wheels by means of a gear arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the soil, in which a trench wall cutter having at least one rotatably driven cutting wheel is lowered into the soil, whereby soil material located below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench is made and a settable liquid is supplied into the cut trench. For this purpose it is intended that a gas is supplied into the cut trench. The invention further relates to a trench wall cutting device for making a trench wall.

Abstract: An excavating screw unit equipped with a hydraulic excavating auxiliary blades has developed for an auger crane, comprising: an extension unit having auxiliary excavating blade, cylinder mounting hole, built-in fluid passages in extension unit, hydraulic cylinder, piston, and extension guiding rods; an excavation column formed a hollow center of a square-shaped to mount on top of extension unit; an extension rod having an outer square-shape to fit into the excavation column, a built-in hydraulic passages in the extension rod, at top portion of the extension rod, an inlet and outlet that is bent right angle at top portion of the hydraulic passages to connect to hydraulic tubes, the extension rod is sliding to extend or retract through the excavation column. The extended excavating auxiliary blades are maintained by the pressurized fluid to prevent retracting by digging resistance during the excavating. Thus, this mechanized excavating device is easily digging a burial hole for a utility pole and underbracing.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: A cutter for working the soil includes a cutting frame, at least two cutting wheels that are supported on the cutting frame in a rotatably drivable manner about parallel axes of rotation, and an adjusting device, The adjusting device functions to adjust the center distance between the parallel axes of rotation of the cutting wheels, and includes a knee-lever mechanism. A method for working the soil is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making a trench wall in the soil comprising a frame, at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the bottom of the frame, at least one further, upper cutting/mixing wheel arranged at the top of the frame, wherein the frame is designed in an intermediate portion between the upper cutting/mixing wheel and the lower cutting/mixing wheel with a smaller cross section with respect to the cutting cross section of the at least one lower cutting/mixing wheel. The invention further relates to a method for making a trench in the soil by means of such a device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cutting wheel for trench wall cutter, having a cutting wheel hub and at least one cutting tooth holder, which is located in substantially radially projecting manner on the cutting wheel hub. The cutting wheel according to the invention is characterized in that there is at least one mixing blade on the outside of the cutting wheel hub.

Abstract: A travelling rolling digger (1) for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The travelling rolling digger (1) includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position. The traveling rolling digger further comprising at least one cleaning blade (6).

Abstract: An excavation device comprises a pair of milling wheels with a substantially horizontal axis (X) of rotation, each peripherally equipped with excavation means, to define an excavation front substantially parallel to the axis (X), chain-type transmission means to draw in rotation, in a first operating condition, each of the milling wheels, in which the transmission means is driven by motor means and is also provided, on its side which is external during use, with excavation means, and also comprises thrust means able to be activated to selectively move the transmission means into a second operating position, widened and external with respect to the first operating condition.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting trenches in the ground having at least one cutting wheel drivable in rotary manner and at least one first cutting element, located on the cutting wheel, for removing soil material during a rotation of the cutting wheel in one rotation direction. On said cutting wheel is provided at least one second cutting element for removing soil material in an oppositely directed, second rotation direction, at least one of the cutting elements is displaceably mounted between a first position for removing soil material and a retracted, second position and a control device is provided for the displacement of the cutting element between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a trench wall in the ground, in which at least one cutting wheel located on a trench wall cutter is given a rotary movement by a drive, the trench wall cutter is lowered into the ground and soil material below the cutting wheel is stripped and a cut trench made, which is filled with a settable liquid. The stripped soil material is conveyed from the cutting wheel into a rear area of the cut trench, that the stripped soil material in the cut trench is intermixed with the settable liquid and that the stripped soil material is at least partly left in the cut trench for forming the trench wall. The invention also relates to a trench wall cutter and a trench wall cutting device.

Abstract: In a chain excavator including an excavation chain with links routed around a drive sprocket and an end idler with a base plate mounted to a link for supporting excavation implements, a stabilizing element extends rearwardly from directly behind the excavation implement in order to contact and be supported by its trailing base plate.

Abstract: Excavator drum for the production of vertical trenches, including a cylindrical shell (22) mounted so sa to rotate about its axis of revolution and a plurality of excavating tools (28, 30) mounted on the external face of the shell. The tools include a plurality of first rollers (36) equipped with cutting elements (38) mounted so as to rotate about axes, the mid-plane of the rollers substantially merging with the mid-plane (P-P?) of the shell, and the length of which is less the an the length of the shell; and a plurality of pairs of second rollers (50, 52) equipped with cutting elements, the rollers of the same pair being mounted so as to rotate about cantilever axles (54, 56) each roller having a length at least equal to the distance that separates one end a first roller from the corresponding end of the shell, the casing of the external end of the second rollers being at least in the plane containing one end (32, 34) of the shell.

Abstract: A utility vehicle or other device for excavating soil or the like includes a utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher, an auger or the like, with a motor-driven utility drum. In preferred embodiments, the motor is contained substantially entirely inside the drum. Preferably, the drive shaft is operatively connected to the drum to rotate the drum at a connection location that is displaced inward from ends of the drum. In some embodiments, the drive shaft is also preferably operatively connected to a second utility mechanism, such as, e.g., a trencher chain. In some embodiments, a planetary transmission is also located inside the drum.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for drilling trenches in the ground, the apparatus comprising a frame and a drilling assembly having a horizontal support plate connected to the bottom end of the frame, said plate supporting drilling tools disposed beneath said plate, said trench being filled with a drilling mud. The periphery of said plate has resilient sealing means for co-operating with the walls of the trench so as to provide at least partial sealing between said plate and the walls of the trench, and means for adjusting drilling mud flow rates from the portion of the trench situated above said plate to the portion of the trench situated beneath said plate, and also in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling trenches in the ground comprising a main frame having two vertical main faces, a drilling assembly comprising a support disposed at the bottom of said frame, means for causing said drilling assembly to move in vertical translation relative to said main frame by applying a predetermined force to said drilling assembly relative to said main frame, and anchoring means mounted on said main faces for anchoring the main frame to the walls of said trench. The anchoring means comprise a plurality of deformable elements secured to said main faces of the top frame, means for injecting a fluid under pressure into said inflatable elements thereby applying a force between said main frame and the walls of the trench, and means enabling said fluid under pressure to escape from said inflatable elements whereby no force is transmitted between said main frame and the walls of the trench.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An excavation cleaning tool or dredge is provided which rotates and scrapes together and captures the loose soil, sand and gravel debris at the bottom of the hole to provide a clean, flat-bottomed hole which is free of compressible excavation waste material.

Abstract: A traveling rolling digger for sequential hole drilling or for producing sequential cultivated spots in soil. The traveling rolling digger includes at least one drilling shaft which is rotatable by a drive mechanism about a longitudinal shaft axis and has a rotating soil penetrating edge. The drilling shaft is mounted to roll about a horizontal shaft in a soil penetrating plane while the horizontal shaft moves in a direction of travel of the traveling rolling digger. The rotating drilling shaft enters the soil at an entry angle and digs into the soil while the horizontal shaft moves in the direction of travel and the drilling shaft continuously changes its angle relative to the soil from the entry angle to a vertical position.

Abstract: A trencher with a rock saw wheel has a foldable section that may be pivoted to one side during transport of the trencher on a truck or trailer, in order to decrease the overall height of the trencher during transport, or can be removed to reduce transport weight.