Abstract: A silt filtering device includes a moving bottom plate. A first material conveying water pump, a stirring box, a filter box and a compression box are sequentially arranged on an upper portion of the moving bottom plate. A roller mechanism is arranged on each of four diagonal portions of a lower portion of the moving bottom plate. A controller, an infrared sensor and a high-definition camera assembly are arranged on the upper portion of the moving bottom plate. The first material conveying water pump conveys silt material to the stirring box through a convey pipe. A jitter mechanism assembly is arranged at a bottom portion of the stirring box to generate jittering. The jitter mechanism assembly comprises a plurality of identically shaking spring bodies and a driving cylinder arranged on the shaking spring bodies.

Abstract: Track-module bogie-suspension apparatus for attachment to a track module having a frame, a drive wheel and an endless track. The bogie-suspension apparatus comprises (a) a bogie assembly having a bogie mount, at least one rotatable ground-engaging bogie wheel thereon, and forward and rearward bogie-mount connections; (b) first and second load- and ground-responsive suspension joints spaced from one another in a forward/rearward direction; and (c) leading and trailing suspension elements each having an upper end and a lower end, the upper ends of the leading and trailing suspension elements rotatably attached to the first and second suspension joints, respectively, and the lower ends thereof rotatably attached to the rearward and forward bogie-mount connections, respectively.

Abstract: In vehicle track-module apparatus including a module frame, a drive wheel rotatable with respect to the frame, ground-engaging leading and trailing wheels, at least one ground-engaging bogie wheel, and an endless track extending around the wheels and driven by its engagement with the drive wheel, the improvement comprising: (a) a leading suspension arm rotatable with respect to the frame and extending forwardly to a distal end at which a leading-wheel assembly is rotatably attached and rearwardly to a rearward suspension end; (b) a trailing suspension arm rotatable with respect to the frame and extending rearwardly to a distal end at which a trailing-wheel assembly is rotatably attached and forwardly to a forward suspension end; (c) a bogie assembly having a bogie mount and the at least one bogie wheel rotatable with respect thereto; and (d) leading and trailing suspension elements rotatably attached to and extending from the rearward and forward suspension ends, respectively, to rearward and forward rotatabl

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A system and method to excavate using a pneumatic shock wave is disclosed. The system includes a supply of pressurized fluid, a suction wand, and an air line in communication with the supply of pressurized fluid. A portion of the air line is integrated within the suction wand. The system also includes a dump valve interposed between the supply of pressurized fluid and the portion of the air line integrated within the suction wand. The dump valve is configured to rapidly discharge a pulse of the pressurized fluid out an open end of the air line to generate a shock wave at a distal end of the suction wand to fracture and dislodge soil so that the suction wand can excavate the soil.

Abstract: A system and method to excavate using a vacuum hose is disclosed. The system includes a suction wand handle, where a first end of the suction wand handle is adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a first and second grip project from opposing sides of the suction wand handle are adapted for a user to grasp. In addition, a suction wand is secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, where the suction wand includes an open end. An air line is secured to the suction wand, where a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A machine includes an axle assembly coupled with a frame and defining a central axis. The axle assembly includes a wheel axle disposed within a spindle housing, and a rotary actuator configured to rotate the wheel axle about the central axis by rotating the spindle housing. According to one embodiment, for example, the rotary actuator may be configured to adjust a wheel axis of rotation relative to the frame of a machine, such as a scraper, by rotating the spindle housing.

Abstract: A mobile, platform mounted excavator which may include a vacuum container and a device which will create a vacuum condition within the vacuum container. A water container, water pump, hoses and spray nozzles may be mounted on the platform and may be used for cleaning, jettering out conduits, and loosening earthen material. An articulated boom may be pivotably mounted on the platform and the articulated boom may have the added feature of having a means for coupling and supporting in stabilizing in place, auxiliary tools which are useful for accessing, servicing or repairing in ground utilities. The mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program and wireless communication may be used for documenting, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing operation. The above described mobile platform system may be mounted to a variety of vehicles.

Abstract: A compact mobile vacuum boring, mud recovery, excavation and surface cleaning method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and the vacuum container may be mounted on an incline slope to provide space beneath it to locate a water storage container. A vacuum conduit may be used to transport liquid or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may be mounted adjacent to an articulated boom with one or more elbows and arms and the boom arm may have multiple utilities and tools attached. The vacuum tank may be mounted at a slope sufficient to assist emptying it's contents by gravity. An air filter housing may be adjacently mounted above the vacuum tank for efficiency and compactness. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously.

Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a counterbalanced fork lift truck, has a stabilizing device to increase its stability against tipping. The invention teaches that a plurality of wheel load sensors (R1, R2, R3, R4), each of which corresponds to an individual wheel (1, 2, 3, 4) are connected to a monitoring device (5) which controls and/or regulates the load lifting system (7) and/or the truck drive system (8) (actuator units for the inclination of a lifting mast (H) and/or the height of the load and/or the truck speed or acceleration and/or the braking intensity and/or the steering angle). The wheel load sensors (R1, R2, R3, R4) are preferably provided on all the wheels (1, 2, 3, 4) and are each integrated into the respective wheel bearing. The monitoring device (5) has an evaluation unit (6) which determines the transverse tipping forces and/or the longitudinal tipping forces and/or the tipping moments and/or the load.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vacuum excavation system for use in the excavation of earth, waste, or other materials. A liftable and pivotable slurry or spoils tank and vacuum system are mounted on a mobile base. If required, a fluid source may be used to loosen earth or hard-packed material that may be drawn into the tank by the vacuum system. The slurry tank includes a manifold system that may receive air or other fluid to agitate the slurry or spoils to facilitate the release of solids from the tank. An exit port is provided in the tank to allow controlled release of the slurry. A valve means is utilized to allow for the use of a pump or air moving system wherein flow may be directed alternatively between the vacuum function to draw a slurry stream into the tank and a pressurizing function wherein air or other fluid is forced into the tank through the manifold system.

Abstract: An excavation cleanup device is provided that includes a frame configured to support a collection tray that defines a through opening with a fence extending therearound. The through opening is configured and arranged to admit excavation devices such as augers. The collection tray has a low profile configuration that permits it to lie flat on the ground during the excavation process, and further includes an outer rim that cooperates with the fence to aid in the retention of materials deposited on the collection tray by the excavation device. The low profile construction of the collection tray also serves to minimize the risk of interference between the excavation cleanup device and the device used to perform the excavation process. The excavation cleanup device further includes a pair of handles and a wheel, to facilitate ready transportation of the excavation cleanup device from one site to another.

Abstract: An earth-moving machine is provided with a first actuator cylinder, which can impart to a lifting arm oscillation around a corresponding pivoting shaft, and with a second actuator cylinder, which can maintain a loading unit in a pre-determined angular position during oscillation of the lifting arm itself; the first and the second actuator cylinder being disposed adjacent and parallel to one another, and being connected mechanically to one another in order to increase the resistance of the second actuator cylinder to the load generated on the second actuator cylinder itself by the lifting arm.

Abstract: A wheeled work machine includes a rigid frame assembly having a support with a boom pivot. A front wheel assembly is joined to the frame assembly proximate the support, while a rear wheel assembly is joined to the frame assembly at an end remote from the support. The frame assembly further supports an engine, operator platform and cargo support. The operator platform is supported by the frame assembly between the boom pivot and the engine, while the cargo support is disposed behind the operator platform.

Abstract: A rigid frame assembly for a wheeled work machine includes a pair of spaced apart longitudinal members with transverse ties. The longitudinal members define a cargo support portion at one end of the longitudinal members and a front portion at an end remote from the cargo support portion. A middle portion is disposed between the cargo support portion and the front portion. The middle portion has a transverse width greater than at least one of the cargo support portion and the front portion. An upstanding support is joined to the front portion. The upstanding support includes a lift arm pivot.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved vacuum excavation system for use in the excavation of earth, waste, or other materials. A slurry or spoils tank and vacuum system are mounted on a mobile base. If required, a fluid source may be used to loosen earth or hard-packed material that may be drawn into the tank by the vacuum system. The slurry tank includes a manifold system that may receive air or other fluid to agitate the slurry or spoils to facilitate the release of solids from the tank. An exit port is provided in the tank to allow controlled release of the slurry. A valve means is utilized to allow for the use of a pump or air moving system wherein flow may be directed alternatively between the vacuum function to draw a slurry stream into the tank and a pressurizing function wherein air or other fluid is forced into the tank through the manifold system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of continuously sifting pre-tilled topsoil to a controlled depth in place to remove stone, weed, grass and other materials and separate the stone and heavy materials from vegetation which is compressed into bundles.

Abstract: A manual dozer comprising a frame having a front and a rear and wheels for supporting the frame and allowing the frame to roll, The frame includes a handle extending upwardly from the frame for pushing pulling and steering the frame. A container is mounted on the frame, the container having a closed rear end and an open front end. A scoop is pivoted on the frame adjacent the front end thereof and extending in front of the open front end of the container. The scoop normally assumes a down position wherein a front edge of the scope is proximate the surface over which the manual dozer rolls. An arrangement is provided for pivoting the scoop from the down position to a raised position in which the front edge of the scoop tilts back toward the opening in the container to move scooped material into the container.

Abstract: Multifunction building machine used in civil construction sites and public works. The machine combines on a self-propelled frame, a concrete-mixer (20) with a set of tools on one side, comprising a loading power shovel (60), a grader (70) and a digging shovel (80) and on the other side a dumper (50). The concrete mixer is of the fixed container type provided with a rotary mixer (33), a hinged cover (25) being adapted to form a spout for transfering the contents from the loading shovel to the dumper.