Abstract: Trench digging and carrying with the same bucket attachment present on one track vehicle, the created dual functionality saves both time and expense by doing on-site what would normally be required to be done with two separate vehicles and additional manpower. The bucket attachment is especially advantageous when used in areas with limited space. Another advantage is that the modification can be adapted to bucket vehicles of various sizes.

Abstract: A method of exposing a buried utility under a roadway by cutting an access hole in the roadway, vacuuming away dirt surrounding the buried utility, and spraying at least one of pressurized water or compressed air into the dirt to loosen the dirt. A vacuum device having a vacuum nozzle, a compressed air nozzle, and a pressurized water nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a multifunctional reel carrier, spoil material handling container device having a first trailer or first truck bed, a first container constructed to contain spoil on the first trailer or first truck bed, at least one spoil transporting device constructed to transfer spoil from a micro trencher and deposit the spoil in the first container and constructed to transfer spoil from the first container to a fill device, and at least one reel holder constructed to hold a reel of cable and/or innerduct/microduct present on the first truck or first trailer, or present on a second trailer or second truck. Also provided is a method of using the multifunctional reel carrier, spoil material handling container device to lay cable and/or innerduct/microduct underground.

Abstract: A seabed trenching plow has a chassis, a sled and a towing assembly. The towing assembly has a pair of wings extending laterally from each side of the chassis. The wings are aligned on an axis transverse to the chassis and adapted for connection to a towing line. The transverse axis is forward of the center of gravity of the plow and rearward of the sled, affording an over the stern releasable and retrievable trenching plow of sufficient weight and strength to excavate a three meter trench in a single pass. To assess the protective capabilities of the trench, a threshold signal indicative of a desired composition of seabed-trench soil is compared with a real-time data signal indicative of the actual to produce an alarm signal when the real-time data signal is not protective-capability compliant with the threshold signal.

Abstract: Serrated plow blades for vibratory plowing systems are presented. A plow blade assembly in a first embodiment includes a plurality of serrations welded along the leading edge of a plow blade in a substantially contiguous series, for exerting a cutting force on subsoil and underground obstructions. The serrations may have tapered faces and a knife-like upper edge that is oriented at an acute angle relative to the leading edge of the plow blade. In a second embodiment, a plow blade assembly is manufactured from a single plate that is precisely cut to form a blade with integral serrations. These serrated plow blades last longer and the sawing action allows more continuous plowing through subsoil obstructions without stopping.

Abstract: A plow attachment for an excavator, including a distal portion having elongated curved front and rear walls, and an elongated top wall, a pair of oppositely disposed elongated hook-shaped side walls connected to the top, front and rear walls and defining an elongated trough, a soil-deflecting wedge portion extending from between the sidewall portions and positioned opposite the top wall member. The plow attachment includes a proximal portion connected to the distal portion and having a flat skid plate member, a structural member connected to the flat plate member, and a hoe connecting member connected to the structural member.

Abstract: A tile plow disclosed herein includes a horizontal beam, a shoe extending downwardly from the beam, a front portion including a first pair of hydraulic cylinders each pivotally coupled to a first portion of the beam, a rear portion including a second pair of hydraulic cylinders each pivotally coupled to a second portion of the beam, a leading sensor adjacent the front portion that receives a signal from a position control system and controls operation of the first pair of hydraulic cylinders to position the front portion to an intended grade path, and a trailing sensor adjacent the rear portion that controls operation of the second pair of hydraulic cylinders to position the rear portion to follow the intended grade path. The shoe may have a cutting edge that is curved from a leading edge to a trailing edge thereof.

Abstract: An earth shaping apparatus is described that allows a ditch to be excavated and the surrounding area leveled in a single pass. The earth shaping apparatus has a leveling blade with an elongated lower contacting edge that is adapted to be moved in a ditching direction. The lower contacting edge is arranged at an angle to the ditching direction. The earth shaping apparatus further has a ditching blade coupled to the earth shaping apparatus in front of the leveling blade with respect to the ditching direction. The ditching blade has a contacting edge extending below the lower contacting edge of the leveling blade when in use.

Abstract: A strand-like material laying device for an appliance for laying any kind of strand-like material into the ground is disclosed. The strand-like material laying device is designed to lay a more rigid strand-like material such as steel pipes into the ground, and assures that the strand-like material to be laid can smoothly be fed into a trench formed in the ground without risking that a bending radius thereof falls below a minimum allowable bending radius which depends on the type of the strand-like material to be laid. The strand-like material laying device can also be immersed into the ground to form a subterranean trench while being moved in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a silt fence installer of unique design wherein the frame is angular rather than longitudinal and the fabric chute assembly is oriented parallel with the angular frame. This arrangement results in an installer with a generally perpendicular trailing edge, a fabric chute assembly with a closed leading edge and no need for hinged relationship between the sidewalls, and simple fabric threading with a single directional turn of the fabric. Further, the angular frame results in a shorter installer able to be more responsive to turns. In addition, the invention includes a sliding offset hitch wherein a silt fence installer may be adjusted laterally by hand due to strategic placement of rollers.

Abstract: A gooseneck frame is attached to the forward ends of a pair of lift arms which extend forwardly from a vehicle such as a skid steer vehicle with the forward end of the gooseneck frame being secured to the forward end of a silt fence installing machine so that the silt fence installing machine is pulled through the ground in advance of the vehicle. An improved coulter disk includes a cylindrical hub which limits the downward movement of the coulter disc with respect to the ground.

Abstract: A plow blade having a fluid passageway and points of fluid ejection is produced with basic manufacturing processes allowing for efficient production. The blade construction has a multiple component assembly for providing the ability to rebuild a blade and replacing a portion of the blade that may be worn. In another aspect of the invention a process of ejecting a specific fluid at specific points along a plow blade the desirable characteristics are maximized, while the volume of ejected fluid is minimized. This method is adaptable in static plowing and vibratory plowing utilities since lubricating the sides of the blade/chute that come into contact with the ground with fluid has been found to greatly reduce the amount of drag (friction).

Abstract: A plow assembly includes a housing, a shaft having a first eccentricity and a shaft having a second eccentricity. The shaft having a first eccentricity is mounted within the housing for rotation about a first axis of rotation, and the shaft having a second eccentricity is mounted within the housing for rotation about a second axis of rotation. The assembly also includes a surface breaker blade and a balancing assembly. The surface breaker blade is mounted on the shaft having a first eccentricity in such a manner that rotation of the shaft having a first eccentricity causes the surface breaker blade to move in response to the first eccentricity of the shaft. The balancing assembly is mounted on the shaft having the second eccentricity in such a manner that rotation of the shaft having the second eccentricity causes the balancing assembly to move in response to the second eccentricity of the shaft.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A machine to install the lower edge of silt fence fabric in a seam in the soil includes a frame with a plow member attached. The frame can be mounted to the three point hitch of a tractor so that the machine can be raised, lowered, and tilted while being supported by the tractor. Silt fence fabric from a roll carried on a rod on the machine is fed into a chute formed by two parallel plates of the plow member. The fabric is drawn out the front of the plow member and drawn along the side of the plow member by friction with the soil through which the plow member is drawn.

Abstract: A marine plough includes twin, complementary steering mechanisms, one or more soil-engaging fins, which are able to be steered, and a tow rope attachment mechanism that enables adjustment of the position of the tow rope retention point relative to the plough. This alters the position at which the line of a tow rope crosses the longitudinal axis of the plough, so that the plough can operate at offset tow positions. The tow rope attachment mechanism includes a bridle having two bridle limbs terminating at respective bridle limb retention points. The adjustment of the position of the tow rope retention point relative to the plough is done by moving the bridle rope retention points or adjusting the relative length of the bridle limbs. The bridle limb retention points can be moved, using cylinders, from towing positions to lifting positions at which the tow bridle can be used to lift plough in a substantially level attitude.

Abstract: A hand tool for subsurface placement of wires, cables and other elongated strand-like elements into soil and like materials wherein the tool includes a body having a front tapered penetration end. The tool is generally hollow having a channel which extends from a rear portion of the body to a discharge opening adjacent the penetration end. The tool may include an elongated tortuous slot formed in a side wall of the body through which the wires and cables may be laterally inserted into the channel.

Abstract: A method and system for laying and burying pipe a seabed using a pipe trenching plow that is advanced along the seabed to form a continuous trench. The pipe trenching plow cuts a pilot hole in the seabed using a cutting apparatus and widens and forms a trench from the pilot hole using expandable spreading side sections. A pipe guiding sled also is used to support and guide the pipe into the trench and a trench box section retains the trench geometry as the pipe trenching plow is continuously advanced in a forward direction. The pipe trenching plow cutting the trench and burying the pipe with minimal turbidity and seabed disturbance.

Abstract: A plow trenching apparatus for a vehicle having a raisable boom and a trenching plow pivotally mounted at a distal end of the boom in a plow holder, to extend rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. The plow has an upper portion and a lower portion, with a forwardly protruding toe portion, and a forward facing cutting portion. The plow is pivotable in the holder about a pivot axis located behind the holder and behind the plow, as seen in the travel direction of the plow during operation. A pivoting motion is imparted to the plow by a vibrator arranged at the upper portion. The vibrator is arranged to impart vibrations generally in a vertical plane, so that the lower portion is pivoted generally back and forth in the travel direction. The vibrator can be located behind or in front of the upper portion.

Abstract: A plowing apparatus for installing multiple utility lines having a plow is adapted to be attached to a prime mover for cutting and opening in the ground to a predetermined distance below the surface of the ground as the prime mover moves along the top of the ground. A utility line guide chute is disposed behind of the plow and is operatively attached to the plow. The guide chute includes a forward wall, bottom wall, a first and second side wall operatively attached to the front wall and at least a partially opened top for receiving utility lines to be installed into the ground as the plow moves forwardly. Divider members are disposed between the first and second guide walls for guiding the multiple utility lines in the top of the guide and out a lower rearward portion of the guide whereby utility lines can be laid into the ground at predetermined depths in vertically spaced relationships with respect to each other as the plow and guide chute move forward.

Abstract: Provided is an underdrain excavation apparatus by which, while an underdrain is excavated in the ground, a hydrophobic material and/or a water-holding material (functional material) can be filled in the underdrain executed in a smooth and reliable manner. In the underdrain excavation apparatus, a soil cutting shank 11 which is vertically held and a bullet-like underdrain borer 12 which is provided on a lower end of the soil cutting shank 11 are pulled in a horizontal direction by a bulldozer 14 to excavate an underdrain 22 in a ground 21, and a functional material supplied via a functional material transport line 13 provided in the soil cutting shank 11 and in the underdrain borer 12 is filled in the underdrain. A gas flow generator generating a gas flow by jetting a high-pressure gas supplied from a high-pressure gas generator into a tubular body is connected with the functional material transport line 13.

Abstract: A trenching plow adapted for attachment to a vehicle, the plow having an elongated shank having a blade formed along a lower portion of a leading edge of the shank, the blade having a first soil cutting surface along the leading edge, a first cutting arm pivotably arranged at a forward lower portion of one side of the shank generally parallel to the shank and a second cutting arm arranged at a forward lower portion of an opposite side of the shank generally parallel to the shank. Further, a drive means for reciprocating upper portions of the first arm and the second arm is used.

Abstract: A tractor carries a vertically adjustable frame supporting a horizontal shaft for a supply roll of silt fence fabric. A flat vertical plow blade is mounted on the frame and has a front surface and a rear surface. A thinner flat vertical fin is supported directly behind the plow blade by a horizontal fabric guide bar attached to the frame. The fin has a downwardly and rearwardly curved front surface for receiving an intermediate portion of the fabric directed around the guide bar and for folding an edge portion of the fabric into the slot formed by the plow blade. After the ground is compacted by a tractor wheel, steel rebar stakes are driven into the ground, and the fabric is attached to wood or plastic cap members mounted on the stakes.

Abstract: A process for introducing an optical cable, in the form of a microcable or minicable (1), in solid ground (17) with the aid of a laying unit (23). The microcable or minicable (1) used for this purpose comprises a homogeneous and pressurized-water-tight tube (8) which has an external diameter of from 2.0 to 10 mm and into which optical waveguides (3) are introduced.

Abstract: A plow trenching apparatus for a vehicle having a raisable boom structure, for example a skid steer vehicle. The apparatus comprises a tool attached to a tool mounting plate of the boom structure. The tool has an arm mounting plate, attachable to the tool mounting plate, a J-shaped curved arm having an arm mount arranged at one end and a plow holder mount arranged at the other end, a plow holder attachable to the plow holder mount, the plow holder mount permitting the plow holder to pivot horizontally, a plow attachable to the plow holder, and a hydraulic cylinder. The arm mount is attachable to the arm mounting plate via an arm pivot attachment. The curved arm is horizontally pivotable at the arm mount by the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is extendable and retractable and attached to the arm mounting plate via a hydraulic cylinder attachment and attached to the curved arm via an arm pivoting attachment arranged on the curved arm.

Abstract: A blade assembly for a walk-behind trencher is described. The trencher includes a restraining bar which is affixed to the roller boom and which extends horizontally over the roller boom/digging chain assembly. When rotation of the digging chain is disengaged and the roller boom digger, including the retraining bar, is placed essentially horizontal position, the front end of the backfill blade assembly is mounted on the restraining bar and the rear end of the backfill blade assembly is releasably affixed to the side of the trencher. The trencher itself, after digging a trench, can raise the roller boom to which the restraining bar is attached to a horizontal position, the backfill blade assembly can be quickly installed and the trencher can then be positioned so as to drive over the trench pushing dirt from the side of the trench back into it. A stabilizing bar is longitudinally adjustable so that the backfill blade assembly can be used with differing roller boom lengths.

Abstract: A method for burying pipe or tile and, especially, double walled drainage tile. The method comprises the steps of digging a relatively wide trench having a bottom with a desired grade and loosening the soil in a central portion of the trench bottom by pulling a groove cutter which is attached to an excavating bucket along the trench bottom so that the bucket rides on the trench bottom and the groove cutter extends below the bottom surface of the trench. After the groove cutter loosens the soil, a modified trench shield or trench box is advanced along the trench bottom. The trench shield is provided, at its leading end, with a groove shaper which removes loosened soil from the central portion of the trench and forms a relatively narrow groove in the bottom of the trench. The width of the groove, adjacent the floor of the trench, may be a little larger or smaller or equal to the drain tile diameter.

Abstract: A depth gauge (30) is connected to a vibratory plow (10) for indicating the depth of a blade (13). The depth gauge (30) has a rod (31) pivotally connected to the housing (11). The rod (31) has a first end (31a), a second intermediate ground following portion (31b) and a second end (31c). An indicator bar (36) has its first end (36a) connected to the second end (31c) of the rod (31). A depth indicator (50) is provided. The second end of the rod (31c) is restrained for a general vertical movement proximate the depth indicator (50), wherein as the housing (11) is raised or lowered, the ground following portion (31b) stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod (31) and thereby a vertical displacement of the indicator bar (36), thereby providing a depth gauge.

Abstract: A machine includes a number of saw blades rotatably supported on a spindle for cutting a timber into a number of panels. One or more feeder rollers may feed the timber through the saw blades. A number of cutter elements are disposed between the saw blades for forming a gap between the saw blades and for machining a rounded edge to each of the panels. A milling cutter is rotatably supported in front of the saw blades and includes one or more milling blades for machining the timber to form a number of rounded bulges before the timber is cut into the panels by the saw blades.

Abstract: A vibratory plow used for laying pipe or electrical cable in the ground is provided with an improved V-shaped oscillating blade. The V-shaped blade has two blade arms that are not connected at their lower ends, so that each blade is free to move in an oscillatory path in the plane of the blade without interference from and independently of the other blade arm.

Abstract: A method for the penetration of a body (8), having a leading edge (21) and an inclined ground contacting surface (C, D, E) extending upwardly therefrom, into a porous ground material, the pores of the ground material being at least partially filled with water. The method comprises applying a driving force to the penetrating body in the direction of penetration, and discharging from the penetrating body (8) at least one flow of high-pressure gas to the inclined surface so as to facilitate the penetration of the body. Moreover, a penetrating body (8) and a plough assembly both of which can be used in the method. The method and equipment may e.g. be used for embedding drain tubes, pipes, cables or similar objects into a ground material also at a relatively great depth larger than 100 cm. Moreover, the embedding can be performed by employing a relatively high speed and can be performed at a relatively low energy consumption.

Abstract: A ditch trenching device is adapted to be connected to earth moving equipment that use buckets. A dirt port is dimensioned in a lower portion of a bucket. A trencher is attached to the dirt port and is defined by two side members each with a front, back, top, and floor that are spaced apart the width of the dirt port; a floor member with a distal end is attached to the floors; and a back member is attached to the backs. There is an acute angle between the front and floor. A first cutting edge is placed at the distal end and a second cutting edge is connected to the front by the floor.

Abstract: A steerable plow configured for underwater towing along a sea bed. The plow includes a plow body and a soil cutting member attached to the body. The soil cutting member is configured for forming a trench in the sea bed in a forward direction of travel of the plow. A tow member is attached to the body for attaching the plow to a tow cable. The tow member defines an effective tow point which is forward of the cutting member. A steering device is provided for creating a steering moment capable of varying the direction of travel. The steering device is positioned rearwardly relative to said tow member.

Abstract: A tile plow includes a horizontal beam and a shoe extending downwardly from the beam. The beam and shoe are supported on a rear wheel assembly, and a front linkage assembly. The beam and shoe are movable between a raised transport position and a lowered plowing position. The position of the rear wheel assembly and front linkage assembly is controlled by a slave hydraulic system for simultaneously raising and lowering the tile plow. A secondary hydraulic outlet adjusts the rear hydraulic cylinders relative to the front hydraulic cylinders. When the tile plow is laying a tile line, the rear wheels are positioned substantially behind the shoe.

Abstract: As an utility conveyance (12), such as a pipe or cable is buried, its location is accurately determined by a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) Reading device (32) at the initial point of burial, and preferably, at successive lengths of the conveyance. A data logger (34) records the GPS location coordinates, as well as length measurement of the conveyance, to provide a permanent record of the location of the conveyance that is not require reference to any physical landmarks to enable re-location.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus adapted for connection to a tool of a construction vehicle comprises a framework having a proximal end and a distal end, the framework including a trenching device positioned intermediate the proximal end and the distal end for digging a furrow in which a silt fence is positioned. The proximal end has a mounting arrangement for clamping the framework to the tool of the construction vehicle and the distal end has a depth limiting arrangement for limiting the digging depth of the trenching device.

Abstract: A self-propelled, and winch assisted, steerable vibratory plow for laying underground pipe or cable, having a V-shaped blade connected to an oscillator which provides both elliptical and horizontal plow blade motion as needed, and with auxiliary straight blade plows for laying lateral lines on the sides of the main line. The main plow's gasoline engine powers a hydraulic system which powers the winch and a transaxle connected to the forward drive wheels, and powers the oscillator and a steering cylinder, as well as powering a hydraulic cylinder for lowering and raising the plow blade.

Abstract: A sand channel trenching and pipe laying apparatus for attachment to a tractor or other motor driven vehicle has an elongated frame with a turf precutter assembly which includes both a pair of vertical cutting blades and horizontal blades for removing a strip of turf. Channel excavation apparatus for digging a pipe channel is operably mounted to the frame. A pipe dispenser for laying and positioning pipe in the pipe channel is secured to a subframe mounted on a rearward portion of the frame. A sand funnel for funneling and directing sand into the pipe channel is operably linked to a sand hopper and is mounted on the same subframe as the pipe layer. A ball valve and hose attachment device provide a controlled flow of water in the sand hopper allowing for liquification of the sand in the sand hopper forcing the sand to flow through the sand funnel into the pipe channel.

Abstract: An earth and root removing implement is formed from a cylindrical steel walled tube having a mouth at the front end for penetrating the earth into the root structure of a plant to be removed. To aid in penetration and permit disengaging of earth and roots received within the tube, the mouth includes an opening in the tube wall extending and tapering rearwardly to an apex. To maintain sufficient structural rigidity of the tube, the opening extends about the circumference of the tube for less than 180.degree. and defines in combination with the front end a scoop-like configuration. Attachment devices, including slots at the rear end of the tube for receiving the blade of a bucket of a front end loader and chains extending from the bucket to the tube, mounts the implement upon the bucket. By manipulating the bucket, and hence the implement, the implement is used to dig under, loosen and pry out of the earth the roots of selected plants.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus adapted for connection to a tool of a construction vehicle comprises a framework having a proximal end and a distal end, the framework including a trenching device positioned intermediate the proximal end and the distal end for digging a furrow in which a silt fence is positioned. The proximal end has a mounting arrangement for clamping the framework to the tool of the construction vehicle and the distal end has a depth limiting arrangement for limiting the digging depth of the trenching device.

Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly 201 incorporates a vertical ground parting blade 202 with a front cutting edge 203 and a ripper tooth 208. The blade 202 is bifurcated rearwardly of the cutting edge 203, the blade 202 being formed by two spaced-apart side plates 214. The upper part of the plates 214 constitute a support frame which is pivotally connected by a pin 205 to a base plate 240. Attached rearwardly of the pivot pin 205 and preferably cantilevered beyond the plates 214 is a vibrator unit 232. The vibrator unit 232 when operational provides a vibratory frequency of between 5 Hz and 17 Hz to the ripper tooth 208 in both a vertical and arcuate path. The pivot pin 205 is preferably located above or forwardly of the cutting edge 203. The base plate 240 and support frame, by virtue of the vibratory unit 232, experience relative movement in the manner of a pair of jaws the mouth of which extends rearwardly.

Abstract: A wear resistant and impact tolerant plow blade comprising a plurality of ternate layers of wear resistant and impact resistant materials. Each layer extends from the leading edges of the plow blade rearwardly and is fabricated of a homogeneous material. Each layer has substantially parallel sides and abuts an adjacent layer or layers to form a substantially seamless plow.