Abstract: A method of and apparatus for moving large trees is disclosed that includes digging a trench around the tree, enclosing the soil inside the trench in the walls of a container, and sequentially removing sections of the supporting soil under the tree between trenches on opposite sides and replacing the sections with support members that form the bottom of the container. A vehicle for lifting the container upwardly until it clears the ground for moving the trees on the construction site is disclosed as is a unique trailer for moving the trees on a public road.

Abstract: A ditching method and apparatus wherein an excavator wheel provided with an annular array of peripheral scoops is rotated about a horizontal axis while the wheel is moved along the terrain alongside a railroad track. The axis of rotation of the wheel is positioned selectively to be disposed within the range of perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the track to substantially parallel thereto, whereby the scoops excavate a ditch correspondingly in the range of a narrow trench having a width equal to the transverse extent of the scoops to a wide ditch having a profile corresponding generally to the circumference of the wheel. The wheel is carried on the distal end of a boom having the opposite end mounted to a wheeled support. The wheels are carried on suitable trucks adjustably connected to the support to permit leveling of the support. In one form, the wheel is reversibly rotated and provided with double-ended scoops to permit excavation in either direction of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: Method of excavating overburden from a mineral or coal deposit seam using a low wall winch component, a high wall which component and a hoe. The hoe is attached to the low wall winch component by one or more draglines and the hoe is attached to the high wall winch component by a tail line.The method includes the steps of:(i) moving the hoe by tensioning of the draglines by the low wall winch component through overburden created by preliminary drilling and blasting to move said overburden away from the mineral or coal deposit seams in one or more traverses wherein overburden is loaded onto the hoe and subsequently dumped onto a spoil bank; and(ii) moving the hoe at the end of the or each traverse back to the starting point of the traverse by untensioning of the draglines by the low wall winch component and tensioning of the tail line by the high wall winch component.There is also included dragline apparatus including the aforementioned low wall winch component, high wall winch component, and the hoe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering viscous fluid such as asphalt, which utilizes an elongated insulated buoyant housing with an elongated heating element disposed therein. The heating element extends through the elongated housing and out at an open end thereof to heat the viscous fluid. A pump located at a second end of the elongated housing is utilized to draw the heated viscous fluid through the housing. The insulated nature of the housing concentrates the output of the heating element into the fluid within the housing and prevents heat loss.

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 turbidity control system for dredging operations wherein turbidity adjacent the dredge head is controlled by one or more operating characteristics of the dredging operation. The dredge head includes water jets for agitating, slurrying, loosening the material being removed and directing the material toward the dredge head and control apparatus regulating the water flow into the dredge head, the direction of the jets, the rate of water removal from the head, and the rate of dredge head advancement is adjusted in accord with the turbidity to permit dredging operations within acceptable environmental limits. A turbidity sensor may be mounted adjacent the dredge head to sense the extent of turbidity existing, and the sensor may be used to automatically operate the control apparatus.

Abstract: An under reaming pile bore excavating bucket by which an under reamed part of a pile bore is excavated and the excavated soil is moved into the bucket for easy removal of the soil. In use, the bucket is lowered to the bottom of an already excavated straight pile bore; side apertures of the bucket are opened; the slidable wing drill bits are rotated and moved downward and outward along guide rails to excavate an under reamed part. The excavated soil is taken into the bucket through the side apertures and openable bottom apertures. When the drill bits reach their lowermost position, the drill bits are rotated reversely to house the drill bits again into the bucket and lastly the side apertures are closed. The soil within the bucket is raised from the excavated pile bore. In particular, a drive shaft is spline engaged with an outer pipe fixed to the center of the bucket body for allowing the slidable bits to rotate and further move downward or outward.

Abstract: A process and a stationary dredging apparatus for periodically removing marine or river sediment of relatively high density from the bottom of an arm of the sea, a channel or a harbor basin by means of a stationary dredging means consisting of a substantially horizontal intake duct, which may be positioned at the bottom of a mud trap, an individual riser pipe operating either on the principle of an air-lift pump, or by aspiration of a mechanical pump, optionally according to a preestablished programme by regulating the air-arrival or the opening of the valves of the riser pipes, and a delivery pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently and economically hydraulically dredging to a level bottom. The method includes the use of a cutter head which is pivotally mounted to the end of a dredging ladder. The cutter head is swung through its cutting arcs with the axis of rotation of the cutter head aligned with the longitudinal axis of the ladder. The cutter head is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the ladder until the cutter blades are parallel to the level bottom to be cut with the adjustment accomplished before the cutter head is swung through the last cutting arc above the level bottom to be reached. The apparatus includes a pivotal connection between the cutter head and the ladder which is located at the trailing edges of the cutter blades so as to follow the path of the trailing edge of the swath of the normal cut of the cutter head.

Abstract: A construction machine with a cutter is provided to simultaneously cut a slot in an ice sheet, to excavate a trench in the underlying seabed, and to bottom-tow a pipeline in the trench formed by the cutter.

Abstract: The operation of a dragline machine in digging below the earth's surface is monitored to provide measurements of the variations in pull cable length, lift cable length, and main boom inclination. From these measurements, the angle of inclination of the pull cable below the horizontal is determined. The depth of the excavation is then determined from the length of the pull cable and its inclination.

Abstract: A method for removing fine-grained sediments from flowing or standing bodies of water. The sediment is dredged from the bottom of the body of water. The dredged sediment is dewatered and classified in a sieve plant. At least a fine-grained admixture material such as fly ash or refined clay is admixed to the dewatered sediment material. The admixture is granulated and the resulting granulate is dried and fired under swelling. The swelled, fired granulate is cooled and further processed. The light weight granulate is admixed to concrete or used in the production of building materials such as sinter blocks and bricks. The noxious materials and heavy metals contained in the sediment are substantially sealed into the granules produced by sintering. The resulting waste waters can be cleared such that they are suitable for feeding back into the bodies of water. The residues of the waste water treatment can also be employed as admixture component in the granulate production.

Abstract: Method for suctioning submerged bottom material with the aid of at least a suction pipe connected to a vessel, whereby said suction pipe is lowered from said vessel in an inclined or vertical position and an underpressure is created in said suction tube for suctioning a mixture of bottom material and water through the tube via one or more suction openings near the lower side of the suction tube. The lower part of the suction tube is forced over a certain distance into the bottom such that during suctioning of the mixture of bottom material and water always at least a part of the weight of the suction tube is carried by the bottom material, e.g. by a supporting surface formed in said bottom material. The suction tube is at least in longitudinal direction anchored, and the mixture of bottom material and water is suctioned by transversal openings in the suction tube at a distance from this supporting surface.

Abstract: A compactor for use in compacting the backfill in trenches is disclosed. A rigid ramp, the width of a trench, has an angular foot and is fitted with vibratory plates. The device is placed in a trench, backfill is loaded into the trench from behind the ramp, and the ramp vibrated to compact the fill across the entire width, depth and length of the ramp in a continuous operation. The device may be reinforced, if required, and also includes a supplemental weight distributor fastened above its vibratory plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting a low pressure slurry into a high pressure stream to form a high pressure slurry by injecting a high pressure fluid into a chamber. A portion of the high pressure fluid is removed at a certain location in the chamber, to form a fluid low pressure vortex. The low pressure slurry is injected into the low pressure vortex where it mixes with the high pressure fluids. The slurry, at a high pressure, is removed from a high pressure outlet.

Abstract: An oceanic mining system. A sea bulldozer is movable across the bottom of the ocean by means of driven wheels to scrape up sediment from the ocean floor. The wheels are driven by an engine of the type which uses electrolysis to convert sea water into hydrogen and oxygen and then ignites the hydrogen and oxygen to provide power for driving the engine output. A mobile material transporting platform has a loading edge for receiving sediment from the bulldozer. The mobile platform is raised to the surface of the ocean and lowered to the bottom by a cable and winch system mounted on at least one ship with the cables attached to the platform. A cargo ship receives material from the platform. The cargo ship having a material receiving opening. Cable and winch are provided in the cargo ship with the cable attached to the end of the platform opposite the loading edge for maneuvering the loading edge of the platform into operative relationship with the opening for dumping the material into the cargo ship.

Abstract: A working head which is in contact with the bottom of the body of water is mounted at one end of an arm hingedly connected at its other end to a carriage. The carriage is vertically displaceable on the anchoring device, at least in the lower portion of the latter, between a working position in which the arm forms a relatively small angle with the anchoring device and a position in which it is substantially parallel to the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: When sucking ground material through a lying, elongated suction slot moved ver the ground, the water stream for suctioning this ground material is adjusted in dependence upon the types of ground material to be fluidized.

Abstract: A dredging apparatus has a chamber with a substantially circular cross section. A first inlet and outlet is formed through the chamber with an axis of the inlet and outlet normal to a diameter of the chamber. A suction inlet is formed through the axis of the chamber along the axis of the vortex formed as the fluids leave the inlet and pass to a second outlet formed substantially coaxially with the vortex. Apparatus is provided for supporting the dredging apparatus in a position so that the suction inlet can remove material desired to be dredged.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer and insecticide carrier-filler material which is produced from phosphatic clays is disclosed along with its method of production. The granular carrier-filler material is water-degradable, and is prepared from waste phosphatic clays by tilling the source material, allowing it to dry, crushing the dried material into granules, heating the granules at a temperature of about 450.degree. F. to less than 1600.degree. F. to obtain a granular carrier-filler material having a moisture content of no more than about 15% by weight. Depending upon end use applications, the granular carrier-filler material may be sized as by screening.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting root-balled trees comprising a plurality of cone-shaped receptacles having an open bottom and being pivotally mounted to the frame of the trailer about a horizontal axis so that the trees may be held in a reclined position during transit.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head is lowered into the sediment and continuously moved in the sediment. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a pivot plate with blades which pivot relative to the suction head in response to continuous movement of the suction head to scrape the sediment to loosen it.

Abstract: Method for controlling the position of the suction head of a dredge in relation to the sludge layer on the bottom of a water way. Acoustic pulses are transmitted in front of the suction head from the dredge to the bottom. The reflected pulses are received and the time difference between the transmitting and the receiving moment is determined as well as the energy difference between the transmitted and received pulses. Based on these differences the configuration and composition of the sludge layers as well as the preferred position of the suction head in relation to said sludge is determined. Thereafter the system for controlling the position of said suction head is operated to bring the suction head into the most favorable position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for the recovery of sediments from the sea bottom, a suction head having a mouth is lowered into the sediment, raised from the sediment to form a depression, laterally moved to a new location adjacent the first depression, and the cycle is repeated to form a new depression. The suction head includes loosening means in the form of a worm or flukes which exert a low frictional resistance with respect to the sediment during lowering of the suction head and high frictional resistance when the head is being raised from the sediment.

Abstract: A method for controlling the production of a dredging apparatus such that the highest possible concentration of the mixture is obtained, by using for controlling the dredger, the difference between the forces occurring at the dredging implement and the forces occurring upon maximum concentration. The value of that maximum force, which depends on the dredging conditions, is continuously adapted to the ratio between the existing concentration and the existing loosening force in order to obtain an immediate response to changing conditions during dredging.

Abstract: Polymetallic nodules are collected by means of a plurality of self-propelled vehicles which move upwards and downwards between the sea floor and a surface platform under the action of excess ballast which is partially and progressively released as the vehicle approaches the bottom. The vehicles are propelled along the sea floor by means of at least two supporting units each having at least one helical propulsion fin, the remainder of the ballast being released in order to return the vehicles upwards for docking, unloading and energy-recharging in the surface platform.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a dredging apparatus provided with a cutting tool according to changes in at least one parameter such as soil resistance, comprises performing a working stroke with the cutting tool, measuring that parameter during that one stroke, recording the measured parameter as a function of the distance covered during that one working stroke, and regulating the hauling speed during the following working stroke according to that function. In this way, maximum permissible hauling speed can be achieved without overloading.

Abstract: An arrangement for directly transporting manganese nodules obtained in ocean bottom mining, entrained in carrier water, to a ship includes a riser conduit and a submersible motor-pump arrangement located at the ocean bottom and discharging into the riser conduit in continuous operation. The motor-pump arrangement is so designed and operated that the highest possible pressure reduction therein due to changing consistency of the respective flowable medium minus the pressure differential along the characteristic curve of the pump arrangement at most equals, for all operating points along a characteristic control line, the pressure differential between a continuous operating point and the lowest pressure of the corresponding characteristic curve of the riser conduit at the operating limit.

Abstract: The method of ditching over a buried line involves making a hole, in advance of ditching, down to a level near a section of the buried line lying at the intersection with a proposed trench, spanning the line section with a line protector, and driving a ditching machine so that its excavating member makes the trench and in so doing rides in the trench over the protector and above the line section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing settled sediment from a water-covered bed such as a silt pond. It also relates to a method and apparatus for the transfer of the removed sediment to a disposal site.

Abstract: A continuous vertical the ground-excavating method which comprises driving a guide post vertically into the ground deeper than the predetermined depth of excavation so that said guide post can stand independently of excavation, fixing a lower earth loading mechanism to a desired part of said guide post by using slidable securing means, excavating the ground and placing the excavated earth onto said lower earth loading mechanism, carrying up the excavated earth vertically from said lower earth loading mechanism by a conveyor system comprising endless chains and conveying containers, and further carrying the earth along an upper horizontal earth discharging mechanism secured to the top end of said guide post so as to extend horizontally, lowering said lower earth loading mechanism by a distance equal to the depth of the ground excavated, then cutting the endless chains and adding complementary endless chains while mounting supplementary conveying containers, and repeating said steps the required number of times

Abstract: Method and apparatus for breaking hard snow such as has been thawed and later frozen, and having glazed top surface and consisting of a solid mass to a substantial depth. The apparatus for performing that method includes a plurality of spiders or wheels having spikes or teeth that are generally radial. The device is drawn along an area in which the snow is to be broken, such as a ski trail, the spiders rolling as the device is moved therealong, and the teeth penetrating into the snow, digging out and removing portions of the hard snow, forming a top layer of loose snow and a bottom layer of hard snow as part of the original solid mass and forming holes or pits in the surface of the bottom layer. The top layer of loose snow includes chunks and these are later crushed at least partially, such as by a roller, rolling thereover, reducing the size of the chunks and forming at least a portion of fine snow.

Abstract: An excavator tooth assembly mountable on a tooth support member of a dipper or bucket of an excavator, having an opening therethrough, generally comprising a tooth mounted on a tooth support member, having a pair of aligned openings registering with the tooth support opening to provide a pin receiving opening, a locking pin retainer disposed in the pin receiving opening, having a resilient pad engaging the tooth support member, a set of shims, each interposed between an end portion of the locking pin retainer and the tooth member, and a tapered locking pin inserted in the pin receiving opening and engaging the locking pin retainer and the tooth support member in wedging relation to positively secure the tooth member on the tooth support member.

Abstract: A method of removing snow from ground surfaces, comprising discharging into a layer of snow lying on the ground in front of a travelling vehicle, high velocity water from a plurality of nozzles mounted on the front portion of the vehicle extending horizontally across the width of the vehicle, in a forward and downward direction at a pressure of not less than 40 kg./cm.sup.2 and at a rate of at least 30 liters/min.

Abstract: A dredging system operates entirely by siphon action and includes a completely sealed conduit system having the intake end disposed upstream or at an upper level from the outlet end which is disposed sufficiently below the inlet end to maintain a flow of water once started. A pump and bypass system is provided for starting the system in operation with the pump bypassed once the system begins this operation. The system is designed to operate continuously without the need for auxiliary power at dams and reservoirs and the like.

Abstract: In digging and hauling soil, rocks, minerals and the like by the use of a dragline the invention provides a novel combination of said dragline, a conveyor for hauling the materials dug, and a hopper disposed over and movable along the conveyor whereby material may be efficiently excavated and transported out of the working area.

Abstract: A method for drying, curing and mining bentonite clay in a clay pit wherein that overburden of non-clay material which may exist is removed and the surface of the bentonite ore body is tilled to loosen or break up a tier of the bentonite to expose it to the natural drying and curing effects of the atmosphere, the dried and cured tier of bentonite is removed thus exposing another tier of uncured bentonite, which is again tilled for drying and curing, and the process is repeated until the bentonite ore body is exhausted.

Abstract: A snow-removal device includes a frame having a handle at one end and a blade at the other. The frame rests on the ground at the blade end, and a flexible sheet extends from the blade end back toward the handle end. The sheet is attached at either end but is free to bend lengthwise so that the length of the sheet resting on the ground varies as the handle is lifted. This arrangement permits the device to be emptied with a minimum of strain on the user.

Abstract: A pressure displacement dredging system capable of effective and efficient operation, without surging, over a wide depth range and under varying bottom conditions, comprises a submersible dredging head including at least three pressure vessels each having a material intake port and a material discharge port with appropriate check valves, each having an inlet port for air or other operating fluid connected to a high pressure fluid source through an inlet valve and each having an operating fluid exhaust port vented to the atmosphere through an exhaust valve.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the position of the last section of a suction pipe with a drag head, wherein the suction pipe comprises at least two pivotally connected sections and wherein there are provided at least two independently operable hoisting winches for the suction pipe and wherein the hoisting installations are operated so that the last section of the suction pipe with drag head is kept at a specific, pre-determined angle of inclination.

Abstract: A dredging and treatment apparatus is provided for the working of alluvial deposits in deep waters in excess of 100 meters. The apparatus comprises an elongated pontoon having a container at one end and a treatment plant at the other. A plurality of grab units mounted on rails are movable from positions laterally of both sides of the pontoon to discharge positions over said container. A bucket elevator is pivoted at its upper end to support means on said pontoon so that its lower end may be moved to a position relative to the container section in accordance with the level of the material in the container. The treatment plant is thereby able to receive the material at a constant rate for onboard processing, the tailings being discharged back into the sea.

Abstract: A method of collecting shellfish using a device riding on the bottom of the water and towed by a boat. The device has a number of obliquely extending tines and a net bag at the back of the tines for collecting shellfish which ride up onto the tines. The device is held by a rope without powered movement of the boat itself and moved selectively with respect to the boat by pulling on the rope through a winch, thereby moving the apparatus on the water bed to collect the shellfish.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trenching beneath an elongated member lying on the bottom of a body of water are disclosed. The apparatus has a movable frame member, at least one cutting assembly, an assembly support means connected to the frame member for supporting each cutting assembly and for moving each cutting assembly at least in a laterally directed plane, and a spoil removal system. Each cutting assembly comprises at least two actuatable cutting tools which are driven for cutting movement relative to cutting tool axes. The cutting tool axes, for each cutting assembly, define an assembly cutting plane and means are provided for rotating the assembly cutting plane relative to the laterally directed plane, thereby, varying the cutting swath of the associated cutting assembly. In one aspect the method of the invention is directed to trenching from both sides of and beneath the elongated member to be buried.

Abstract: An improved method for dredging by means of a pair of spuds provided on the respective sides of the stern of a dredger and adapted to be alternately driven into the bottom of the water, a ladder projected from the bow portion of the dredger and a suction port member that is mounted at the extreme end portion of the ladder.

Abstract: A lift adapter apparatus by which one of a plurality of digging buckets can be attached to one of a plurality of backhoe machines comprising an upper and lower bushing and pin assembly attached to spaced lifting ears located on the bucket. The bushings are attached to the ears and receive the pin therethrough so that the dipper receptacle and the curl cylinder receptacle can be attached in journaled relationship to a medial length of the exposed upper and lower pins. The width of the bushings and the pin diameter can be selected to enable any one bucket to become operatively attached to any compatible size backhoe machine.

Abstract: A suction device for clearing the bottom of waterways includes a suction end having an inlet opening. Mounted to the horizontal edges of the inlet opening are either forcedriven conveyor screws or triangular flanges, with rollers mounted on the vertical edges of the inlet opening. The rollers in cooperation with either the triangular flanges or the conveyor screws turn material snagged in the waterway endwise into a suction pipe terminating at the suction end. Debris sucked into the suction pipe is delivered to a load basket at the other end of the suction pipe. The loading basket is constructed for lifting from the water by means such as a crane, and further constructed for unloading from the bottom thereof.

Abstract: In order to accurately control the cutter head of a cutter head suction dredger anchored by means of ropes, the tension in at least one of the two longitudinal ropes is measured and the winch of at least one of the two longitudinal ropes is actuated in dependence upon the tension measured in the one longitudinal rope.

Abstract: When breaking up lumps of stone from a subaqueous stony ground, the lumps are loosened by means of at least one chisel inserted into the ground and being moved along the ground surface. In order to break up lumps of stone by low power and to main a predetermined size of the loosened lumps of stone suitable for being lifted by a suction dredger system, the structure of the top layer of the stony ground is disturbed by inserting displacers from above into the ground at places distributed over the ground surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for digging a trench beneath a pipeline laid on the bottom of sea or a water body, in which a clamp arrangement is split into a wider sector portion and a narrower sector portion which, as they are united under the control of a driving mechanism, embrace the pipeline and allow a set of digging discs to excavate the ground beneath the pipeline. Provisions are made to remove the debris on completion of digging. The apparatus is driven along the pipeline and means are provided to maintain both the correct vertical trim of the entire apparatus and the correct position of the pipeline track.

Abstract: A working head which is in contact with the bottom of the body of water is mounted at one end of an arm hingedly connected at its other end to a carriage. The carriage is vertically displaceable on the anchoring device, at least in the lower portion of the latter, between a working position in which the arm forms a relatively small angle with the anchoring device and a position in which it is substantially parallel to the bottom of the body of water.