Abstract: Apparatus for typically transforming into a pipe laying machine a motorized frame mounted on crawler tracks and upperly provided with a rotatable horizontal platform, comrises a first structure which at one end is intended to be hinged to said platform on a horizontal axis, and at its other end presents a coupling means intended to be secured to a track guide carriage, and to which there is hinged on a horizontal axis a second structure which at its free end carries a lifting member.

Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically testing a pipe-in-pipe pipeline during the construction, installation, commissioning, operation, or dismantling phases of an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe subsea pipeline. One embodiment is directed to a high voltage qualification test of the electrical integrity of a segment of a pipe-in-pipe pipeline. Another embodiment is directed to a method and an apparatus for performing a high voltage pulse test of the electrical integrity of a pipe-in-pipe pipeline. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for performing a low voltage pulse test of the electrical integrity of a pipe-in-pipe pipeline, which may be performed during the operation phase of an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling fitting (18) (8, 70, 250, 300) attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing (30) attached to the first drilling fitting by using a first manipulator (34) located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism (60), until a second drilling fitting (80) is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism. A conduit or cable is installed in a gas service line, to provide an optical fiber between an optical fiber trunk line or ring and building.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the profile of an underwater pipeline extending between a pipelaying vessel and the seabed comprises deploying multi beam scanning sonar apparatus from the vessel; transmitting acoustic signals from the sonar, detecting return signals reflected from the pipeline; and processing the return signals to obtain a 3-dimensional model of the pipeline and to determine the pipeline touchdown point therefrom. In preferred embodiments, the sonar is located below the vessel on a flexible tether at a depth outside the thruster noise zone of the vessel. Additional sonar apparatus may be used for monitoring the range and bearing of the main sonar relative to the pipeline and its distance above the seabed.

Abstract: A method to set a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig 5 driven by a flow flowing into the flow pipe to displace a hollow device to a point where a stop halts a displacement of hollow device, thereby setting hollow device into position. A method to retrieve a hollow device from an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into flow pipe to retrieve hollow device from a location where hollow device operates.

Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.

Abstract: The method and two devices provide for the underground connection of pipe with minimal disruption of the surrounding landscape. A main pipe is cleaned by a surface preparation tool designed to access the main pipe through a small hole. An adaptor is attached to a second pipe, and then placed in a clamping device designed to access the main pipe and clamp the adaptor thereto through the small hole. Electricity is passed through the adaptor, thereby softening the plastic so that this softening and the pressure of the clamp secures the adaptor to the main pipe. The main pipe is then pierced by the adaptor's tapping tee.

Abstract: An Electrical Insulating Joint (EIJ) for a pipe-in-pipe electrically heated pipeline is provided. A ceramic disk under compressive load and dielectrics in an annulus provide electrical isolation and mechanical strength. An insulative liner extends around the ceramic disk to provide electrical isolation when materials other than hydrocarbons pass through the EIJ. The insulative liner may be extended through a knee joint. Pressure ports may be used to monitor fluid leaks and a built-in transformer may be used to monitor electrical leakage current.

Abstract: A laying method for cables, which consists of a conduit and electrical and/or optical information cables, which can be inserted in the latter, is proposed. The cables are laid in grooves of a laying foundation which follows the path of a switching network.

Abstract: A method for installing conduits etc. on a mountain using cables, comprising the steps of (1) having at least one cable cross over the ridge of the mountain, installing said at least one cable on a mountainside and another mountainside opposite that mountainside that is bounded by the ridge of the mountain from that mountainside, positioning the cable along both mountainsides, (2) directly or indirectly mooring conduits, underground multi-purpose ducts, inlets (“conduits etc.”), through which water, fuel gases, electric wiring etc. pass, to the longitudinal cable that is installed on one mountainside, (3) directly or indirectly mooring a base plate or a frame member to the longitudinal cable that is installed on one mountainside, fixing on the base etc. or the side plates conduits, underground multi-purpose ducts, or inlets, through which water, fuel gases, electric wiring etc.

Abstract: A method of installing a formed-in-situ repair in a pipe 40 comprising locating a sleeve of reinforcement material impregnated with a settable resin within a tube 36 of soft, impervious sheet material; everting the tube into said pipe such that the sleeve is carried into a desired zone and brought into intimate contact with its inner surface; guiding the point of eversion 43 of said tube through directional changes in the pipe with guiding means 21; maintaining the inflation of the everted tube while passing a heated fluid medium through its interior to accelerate curing of the settable resin; and, when the settable resin is cured, de-everting the tube with withdrawal means 19 and withdrawing it from the pipe, leaving the sleeve of reinforcement material in place within it.

Abstract: An existing straight pipe 1 is cut off at two locations by rotating two seal-up housings 2 each mounted with a cutter 3, to form two cutoff groove 12C. A straight pipe portion 1p between the two cutoff grooves 12C remains left without retrieval, to impart a flexibility and contraction and expansion properties to a pipeline.

Abstract: A device (6) for attachment to a pipe (7) to be installed in the ground has load cells (17) for detecting a pulling force applied to the pipe (7), as the latter is pulled through the ground, an inclinometer (18), for detecting the inclination of the device (6), and a pressure transducer (20) for detecting the pressure surrounding the device. Data representative of the pulling force, inclination and pressure is stored in the device (6) and protected against unauthorised access by a security code or procedure, so that a verifiable record of the pipe installation process is available.

Abstract: To obviate the need for hydraulic lines, from the surface, external water pressure is used to compress a seal member and form a seal with a surrounding pip. Valve is opened at depth to allow water to act on a piston, moving it within a chamber so as to compress the seal member. A second valve may be opened so that water acts on the opposite end of the piston to release the seal member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the maintenance of pipelines. A number of points along the pipeline (30) is selected and the pipeline is raised at these points by an amount that the height difference between these points does not exceed the international flexibility standards. The pipeline (30) is supported at these points and thereafter maintenance is performed on those segments which have been raised enough to allow performance of the maintenance procedures. The distance between two adjacent points may be 30 meters and the height difference between two adjacent points may be not more than and preferably close to 22 cm. The initial cross-section of the selected segments are allowed to rest on the beds of the trenches because of their weights.

Abstract: A process for providing a power grid distribution system using the interstate highway system and larger state highway systems for mass distribution of energy products including petroleum, gas, electricity, gasoline and fiber optics comprises the steps of placing energy product supply lines below the ground surface of median and adjacent right-of-way areas of interstate highways Each energy product supply line is connected to a source of the energy product. An outlet conduit is connected to lines each supply conduit and these outlet lines are located below the surface of the ground The outlet lines interconnect the supply lines with distributors and end users of the energy products.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship has a hull with a deck area and a moon pool that extends through the hull midships. The pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck in between the bow of the hull and the moon pool. A superstructure is positioned in front of the moon pool and extends upwardly from the deck. The superstructure includes a track that is comprised of a plurality of supports for supporting a pipeline to be launched to the seabed. The superstructure has upper and lower sections that are removable with respect to each other. The upper section pivots upon the lower section in the preferred embodiment. The superstructure lower section supports the welded pipeline as it is being fabricated in a first plane that includes a central longitudinal axis fo the pipeline. The upper section supports the pipeline on a second plane that forms an acute angle with the first plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for near vertical laying of a pipeline offshore by a pipe laying vessel includes a tower to which is attached a strongback that load pipe sections from a supply point on the vessel into the tower where the lower end of the pipe section is welded onto the upper end of a pipe line that extends into the sea while the strongback returns to the supply point for a second pipe joint. Where the pipe section includes a bulky item such as a valve assembly box, after the pipe section has been welded to the pipeline the pipe section is moved generally horizontally out of the tower and a hoisting cable lowers the pipe section to a predetermined depth below the tower. The hoisting cable then returns the pipe section and attached pipeline to their original position.

Abstract: A method for installing conduits on a mountain is provided. The method includes placing at least one cable longitudinally across a ridge of the mountain and installing the at least one cable on a front side and a back side of the mountain. The front and back sides of the mountain are bounded by the ridge, and the at least one cable crosses over the ridge. The cable is positioned along both the front side and the back side of the mountain. At least one conduit is moored to the at least one cable on the front side of the mountain, and at least one cable is anchored on the back side of the mountain.

Abstract: A pipe handling apparatus for laying elongate articles in deep waters includes a tiltable pipe handling structure housing a traveling clamp for holding and/or paying out under tension the elongate article and a fixed clamp. The traveling clamp is driven via an articulated rack located by a guide mechanism. The rack driven by a pinion drive mechanism and acts at a lower portion of the rack, such that the center of gravity of the apparatus is lowered, and loading in the structure is reduced.

Abstract: An underwater cable deployment system includes a series of cables, pre-wound on a set of reels, disposed upon a pallet and connected to a distribution hub on the pallet. The pallet is lowered to the ocean floor and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is also lowered to the ocean floor to deploy cables to form a predetermined array on the ocean floor. Preferably, the pallet is delivered to the ocean floor in advance by crane with the reel-mounted sensor array cables being deployed later by ROV. Optionally, the ROV may include a jetting package configured to bury the sensor cable as it is being deployed from the reel on the ROV.

Abstract: A method of installing fibre optic cables consists of cutting a shallow and narrow trench or channel within a road surface or building wall. A narrow fibre optic cable is laid within the channel, and subsequently covered with a patch material. A branching cable network is provided by cutting at periodic and selected locations, a slightly broader and deeper region of the channel, within which cable loops and/or junction boxes are installed. The nodes may consist of branching nodes, or alternatively non-branching nodes containing a cable loop and/or junction box, the installation of which at a location permits a junction node to be formed at a close by location. The invention also consists of a junction box for use with the system.

Abstract: Fiber-optic cable is dispensed underwater into a trench from a vehicle moving along the bed of the body of water. The cable is wound on a stationary spool and dispensed over the end of the spool by a rotary arm driven by a motor controlled to maintain a desired tension in the cable. The cable has a fiber optic core, metal wires wound around the core, and a tensioned laminate of copper tape adhered to plastic tape wound around the wires.

Abstract: A passive installation reel stand automatically dispenses a flexible conduit pipe, such as irrigation pipe for underground sprinkler systems, in a desired position within a trench dug in the ground by a vibratory plow. The power of the forward advancing vibratory plow machine pulls the flexible conduit pipe from its spiral coil configuration upon a reel mounted upon the stand. The stand includes a wheel barrow-type carriage having one or more wheels, at a front end, and a kickstand at a liftable rear end with at least one handle. The reel is passively rotated by the flexible conduit pipe being pulled by a connection, such as a chain linkage, linked to the forward moving vibratory plow digging a trench for installation of the flexible conduit pipe therethrough. The coiled, flexible conduit pipe is mounted on the reel, fed through a guide opening, picked off the reel, and attached in the trench dug by the advancing vibratory plow.

Abstract: A continuous ditch excavator including a chassis having a forward portion and a rear portion, first and second motive elements carried by the chassis in laterally spaced-apart relation to each other for cooperatively driving the chassis along a ground surface, the first and second motive elements defining a centrally-disposed excavation work area therebetween, and an excavating auger mounted on the chassis in the excavation work area forwardly of the rear portion of the chassis and rearwardly of the forward portion of the chassis for penetrating and excavating a ditch in the ground as the chassis is driven along the ground,the auger defining a pivot point about which the first and second motive means are adapted to rotate the chassis to control the direction of ditch excavation.

Abstract: Provided is a high density multimodal polyethylene, having a shear ratio (SR) of 18 or more and comprising at least 20% by weight of a high molecular weight fraction, which high molecular weight fraction has: (a) a density (p) of 0.930 g/cm3 or less; and (b) a high load melt index (HLMI) of 0.30 g/10 mins or less.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A portable pipe irrigation system that is used primarily for temporary drip and sprinkler installations includes a unique trailer that comprises a platform which simplifies installation and removal of the irrigation system. The trailer is either self propelled or pulled by a tractor. A magazine in the central portion of the trailer is of a sufficient length to accommodate pipe of various lengths and cross sections. A work platform is located at either end of the magazine, allowing workers to manipulate the pipe in the magazine and load the pipe into one of two installation chutes. Catwalks are located on one or both sides of the magazine. Two chutes or channels are located on the platform at a comfortable work level. A primary chute is located closest to the magazine and is fitted with a fixed stop on the front end and a pushing lever on the rear end. A secondary chute is provided for final assembly of the pipe sections.

Abstract: A method to set a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to displace a hollow device to a point where a stop means halts a displacement of said hollow device, thereby setting said hollow device into position. A method to retrieve a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to retrieve said hollow device from a location where said hollow device operates halted by a stopping means.

Abstract: In combination, a lower pipeline, an upper pipeline which crosses the lower pipeline, and at least one pipeline crossing module for supporting the upper pipeline above the lower pipeline. The pipeline crossing module may comprise a spacing element; a clip element attached to the spacing element and sized for surrounding the upper pipeline while permitting the module to rotate about the upper pipeline to a position in which the module is disposed downward from the upper pipeline. The at least one module may comprise a first module and a second module, the first module and the second module being disposed on the upper pipeline so as to define a downward-facing support surface for contacting an upper surface of the lower pipeline to support the upper pipeline thereon.

Abstract: A method of introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first drilling nipple attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first drilling nipple by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The duct rod is advanced within pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until a second drilling nipple is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back or pulled forward through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: A pipeline laying ship and an improved method of laying a pipeline in a marine environment is disclosed. The pipeline laying ship is a dynamically positioned barge or self-propelled dynamically positioned vessel with a hull having a deck area that supports a pair of reels. The reels are independently rotatable, and are position to generally port and starboard relative to one another. A pipe joint storage area is provided for containing multiple joints of pipe. One or more pipeline welding stations are provided on the deck next to the reels, the pipeline welding stations being positioned to join the joints of pipe together to form an elongated pipeline that can be wound upon a selected reel of said pair of reels. A tower is provided for guiding the elongated pipeline as it is unwound from a selected reel, the tower including at least a bend controller, a straightener and a tensioner.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pipeline includes a plurality of vehicles for straddling a ditch. Al of the vehicles are carried by wide, relatively soft tires for minimizing damage to the soil surface. A first vehicle receives, aligns and maintains sections of pipe in position over a trench while effecting a first weld. Additional welding of the joints between pipe sections is effected in successive vehicles, and the weld joint is inspected and then coated with plastic. Finally, the pipeline is deposited in the trench, and the latter is backfilled by the last vehicle in the train of vehicles.

Abstract: Methods are provided for installing an electrically heated pipe-in-pipe pipeline on the seafloor. Inner and outer pipe segments are formed and the inner pipe is coated and insulated. Coating may include sprayed polyurethane foam and insulating half-shells that are placed around welds. Epoxy is preferably coated on the inner pipe before other coatings. The segments are loaded on a lay barge and water stops are preferably installed in the annulus as the pipeline is formed. Water stops may be formed by placing a liquid polymer in the annulus and allowing it to cure.

Abstract: A device for repairing underground sewers, pipes or similar provides a cylindrical hollow body (1; 21), which has an elastically expandable casing (2; 22) acting as an outer wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying underground electric cables, in particular for high-voltage lines, having a vehicle towable along a trench and carrying, on a first van, a first deposition unit adapted to form a base layer of inert material for heat dissipation at the trench bottom. Mounted on the first van is a guide structure engaging the cable for laying it on the base layer previously compacted by a vibrating plate. A second van carries a second deposition unit forming a covering layer of inert material upon the previously laid-down base layer and cable.

Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a pipeline has a lower portion formed so as to be screwed into soil and firmly retained in the latter, an extension having a lower end connected with the lower portion and an upper end connectable to a rotary drive, and tether ropes having lower ends connected with the lower portion and upper ends adapted to be wrapped around a pipeline and firmly connected to the latter, so that the pipeline is held by the tether ropes at a desired depth.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a pipeline has a tubular lower portion formed so as to be screwed into soil and firmly retained in the soil, a tubular extension having a lower end connected with the lower portion and an upper end connectable to a rotary drive, and tether ropes extending inside the tubular lower portion and tubular extension and having lower ends connected with the lower portion and upper ends adapted to be wrapped around a pipeline and firmly connected to the pipeline, so that the pipeline is held by the tether ropes at a desired depth.

Abstract: A multiple pig subsea pig launcher is disclosed. The pig launcher can be assembled on a production pipeline subsea with the aid of an ROV. In the preferred embodiment, the pigs are connected to each other and spaced apart by a spine. The pig launcher is configured to capture the next pig to be launched in such a manner that the spine behind it is in alignment with a shearing valve; for example, coiled tubing or wireline. Sequential valve operation shears the spine and applies pressure behind the pig to launch it from the launcher past the pig detector and onto a platform for recapture.

Abstract: A device to accommodate simple and efficient insertion of elongate articles, such as wires, cables or pipes, into clamps adjacent one another inside an inaccessible tube. A setting head having at least two parallel and adjacent receiving grooves receive the elongate articles and a guide means is adjustable to accommodate various sized tables.

Abstract: A method for attaching subsea manifolds to subsea pipelines which includes attaching a tee member into the pipeline on a vessel, running the portion of the pipeline through support structures which would not pass the manifold, and to an underwater location between the vessel and the ocean floor, then attaching the manifold to the tee section, and then lowering the tee and manifold to the ocean floor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the trenchless laying of pipework underground, having a tool and a gauge for the continuous widening of a probably wound preformed pipe on a linkage for use in pits of small dimensions, preferably inspection shafts of sewage systems.

Abstract: A method for laying electrical cables from a first offshore wind power plant to a second offshore wind power plant. The method comprises placing the cable to be laid in the tower or the foundation of the first offshore wind power plant before the plant is erected, erection of the first offshore wind power plant, taking a tow line from one wind power plant to the other wind power plant, and drawing the leading end of the cable from the first wind power plant to the second wind power plant while releasing the cable from the tower or the foundation component of the first wind power plant.

Abstract: A tailer for transporting coiled pipe and assisting in the unwinding of the pipe for laying in a trench. A support cradle contacts the outer surface of the coil, thereby obviating the need for a reel. The cradle includes self-centering support rollers upon which the coil freely rotates during the pipe laying operation. Horizontal rollers are provided as a retainer for engaging the inner surface of the coil. The position of the retainer rollers is adjustable to accommodate a variety of coil diameters. To remove coil set from the pipe unwinding from the coil, a reforming assembly includes a straightener and rerounder. The pipe reforming assembly is mounted on rollers on the base of the trailer for translating back and forth to track the pipe during unwinding to maintain alignment. The rerounder and straightener are provided with a releasable gate and top portion respectively, to assist in the loading and unloading of the pipe in the reforming assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed above are a device and method for protecting underground conveyances, wherein said device comprises a carrier containing fill material and, optionally, comprising a web material reinforcing said carrier. The device is oriented over an underground conveyance above a given amount of backfill so that it is detected and encountered by an excavator before the underground conveyance is damaged. In one embodiment, the device is preferably retrieved or brought to view by means of the webbing being snagged on the teeth of the excavating equipment.