Abstract: A flexible in-ground shield includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a plurality of shoring members, and a plurality of pivoting couplers. The first wall is disposed on a first side of the flexible in-ground shield, the second wall is disposed on a second side of the flexible in-ground shield, and the third wall is disposed on a third side of the flexible in-ground shield and coupled to the first and second walls. The plurality of shoring members extend between the first wall and the second wall, and the plurality of pivoting couplers, coupled to ends of the plurality of shoring members, respectively, allow the first wall and the second wall to pivot relative to the third wall.

Abstract: The present configuration relates to the use of a hanging bracket which may be assembled on a construction job site in order to allow such materials to be dispensed along with the use of typical onsite construction vehicles such as backhoes, bucket loaders, etc. This configuration allows for effective attachment to various bucket sizes, and also may be folded into a compact configuration when stored or transported.

Abstract: A pipe-laying system and method includes assessing an environment and placing of a pipe from an excavator to a trench. The system comprises a frame, a boom assembly, and an implement. The boom assembly includes a large boom and a dipper stick. The implement is detachable coupled to the dipper stick and moveable relative to the dipper stick. The system also includes at least one sensor operable to sense a position or a direction of movement of the large boom, dipper stick, or implement. The system also includes a stereo camera to obtain visual data. A controller is adapted to receive the visual data signal, identify an edge of the pipe, receive a signal from the sensor, associate the visual data with corresponding data, create visual feedback and an input signal the position of the boom assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a monitoring system of a cable laying state, comprising: a rotary connector, a composite steel cable and a monitoring system. Both ends of the rotary connector are respectively connected with a laid cable and the composite steel cable, wherein the rotary connector is provided with a tension sensor, a video sensor and an inertial navigation measurement module; and tensile force, video, and inertial navigation information are transmitted to the monitoring system through the composite steel cable. The monitoring system of the cable laying state disclosed by the present invention combines a video technology, a measurement technology and an inertial navigation technology and can monitor an environment in a pipeline, a cable core stress state and a three-dimensional coordinate of an actual path during a cable laying process in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine arranged for sawing micro trenches and placing ducts/cables in micro trenches, said machine comprising a saw blade arranged for sawing a micro trench in an area; said machine further comprising: a stabilizing device arranged for stabilizing the walls of said micro trench when placing ducts/cables into said micro trench, said stabilizing device being positioned immediately behind said saw blade in said micro trench, and said stabilizing device comprising guiding means for guiding at least one duct/cable when placed into said micro trench; at least three wheels for driving said machine, wherein said wheels are individually vertically adjustable so that a height and/or tilting of said machine relative to ground can be controlled.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to advance pipe elements (18) for constructing an elongate structure in a soft, stony, rocky, and/or monolithic ground. Said aim is achieved by determining the force of advancement (40), the eccentricity (52) thereof in relation to the neutral axis (N), and/or the direction of advancement (28) with the aid of a pressing device (24) and extension elements (44) which are filled with fluid and are disposed on the face of the joints (70) of the tubing (14). The fluid pressure (p) is measured in at least one portion of the extension elements (44) which extends along the entire length of the tubing (14), and/or the deformation is measured in some of the joints (70). The force of advancement (40) and the eccentricity (52) are calculated from said parameters, and the values are stored and/or are compared to stored standard values.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the location of an air/sea interface on an Instrumented Tow Cable (ITC) when distributed temperature measurements are provided. The air/sea interface is determined by estimating the variance of observed temperature in the proximity of each measurement cell. The method and system described herein uses a sliding variance across the entire cable length. The variance of the cell or cells in the area of the interface has been found to be large compared to other cells. Accordingly, the location of the air/sea interface is determined based on the location of the peak variance. The location of the air/sea interface is used in determining the catenary of the ITC.

Abstract: A trench box, including a pair of oppositely disposed parallel elongated sidewalls defining a work volume, distal and proximal support members extending between the sidewalls, and a track positioned between the sidewalls. Track adjusting members extend between the track and the support members and a movable tram connecting plate is connected to the track. An actuator is coupled to the track and energizable to move the tram connecting plate and a tool module is operationally connectable to the tram connecting plate. A pipe dispensing assembly and a gravel hopper assembly are positionable within the working volume.

Abstract: A slit trench-excavating plough has an elongate frame supporting components of the plough, a number of side wall-supporters movable longitudinally, about and laterally relative to the frame, a number of wedge-shaped cutters pivoted laterally relative to the supporters. The cutters can be turned by an underground driver coupled between the cutter and the supporter to control the direction of excavation and steer the apparatus. The supporters can be moved by the drivers and rams coupled between the frame and the supporters simultaneously in opposite directions to advance the apparatus continuously.

Abstract: An integrated padding machine that incorporates a front digging auger that is preferably mechanically as opposed to hydraulically powered, which in conjunction with a breaker bar assembly provides for digging and crushing capabilities, and that incorporates several other improvements and advances, including screen and cross-pass conveyor level control, a real-time padding level monitoring system, and an assistant's control module, improved controls, dust control, and cold weather padding, and methods of using the machine.

Abstract: A construction apparatus (12) and method of controlling a construction apparatus from a laser source (38) made up of a substantially non-rotating beam (56). The construction apparatus includes a body (14), a construction tool (16) adapted to move material, a support moveably supporting the construction tool from the body and a control for guiding movement of the construction tool. A control is provided including a camera (28) that is adapted to capture an illuminated image that is derived from the laser source. The control determines direction information of the illuminated image with respect to the apparatus at least in part from an output of the camera. The control is further adapted to determine separation information of the spot with respect to the body and a physical relationship between the construction tool and the illuminated image.

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: A fiber optic cable (10) is buried below ground, either by direct burial, or by being pulled through a previously buried duct. During cable burial, the instantaneous resistance between the sheath and ground (the sheath-to-ground resistance) is continuously monitored. If the instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance drops below a prescribed value, an alarm is generated, signaling a sheath fault. During burial, the length of cable paid out and placed underground is monitored, thus providing an indication of the relative location of the sheath fault.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a working implement, for use with an excavating type machine, which semi-automatically brings a pipe section to a specified grade, slope, and line for emplacement in a line of pipe sections to be laid on the specified grade slope and line. The implement is rigidly mounted to the excavation machine whereby the position of the implement can be maintained within narrow tolerances while the pipe section is linearly inserted into a previously laid pipe section, and can be retained at the specified grade, slope, and line while fill material is emplaced and consolidated about and under the pipe, with sufficient density that the pipe can be released without the pipe moving outside normal tolerances of the specified grade, slope and line.

Abstract: A pipeline trenching and laying device is disclosed, having a tractor supported portion, a ripper and a pipe feed chute. The tractor supported portion supports the pipe as it passes over the tractor. A plurality of rollers are spaced and elevated in a manner that carefully controls the curvature of the pipe. A ripper, towed behind the tractor by a rigid fixed connection, cuts a trench. A pipe feed chute is in turn towed by the ripper. The pipe feed chute provides forward and rearward portions separated by an articulating joint. A following roller, having a winch attached, allows pressure to be put on the pipe to cause it to curve in a manner calculated to pass over the tractor supported portion and through the pipe feed chute without bending excessively or kinking.

Abstract: An improved method of operating a drilling system for purposes of installing an underground line and associated apparatus are disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill rig which is positionable at a drilling site and a drill string which is configured for extension by the drill rig such that the drill string is extendable to a predetermined location in a way which forms a pilot bore and which is further configured for retraction, such that one end of a line may be attached to the drill string at the predetermined location and pulled through the pilot bore from the predetermined location to the drill rig as the drill string is retracted. The improvement comprises monitoring tension levels in the line during retraction which tension levels are caused by the force of retraction on the line and transmitting the tension levels to an above ground location for use in establishing the condition of the line as it is installed underground.

Abstract: Apparatus for laying pipe in a trench includes a housing with a bottom, side walls, a leading end wall and a trailing end wall, with a tapered nose at the leading end, the nose being designed to be pulled along a trench by a backhoe. The nose is hinged to the leading end wall and can be pivoted up and down when the housing is moved along the trench. The housing includes a trough which receives and orients a pipe and a pusher which moves the pipe along the trough and into assembled relationship with an end of a previously-laid pipe. A hopper near the trailing end of the housing has a chute which deposits fill material around the pipe. The trailing end wall has an opening with a slidable door to strike off the top of the fill material. Mechanism is connected to the trough and door to simultaneously move them up and down to maintain the pipe on grade and to maintain the depth of fill material constant relative to the pipe.

Abstract: In mobile laying apparatus for laying an elongated element, such as a cable, in a trench, especially a trench in a sea bed, which apparatus is advanced in a predetermined direction and includes apparatus for digging the trench and ways along which the element slides as it is deposited in the trench, tension control apparatus and a method for preventing the accumulation of such element upstream of the laying apparatus as the element is laid. In the method, a tension force is applied to the element so that the tension thereon upstream of the laying apparatus is at least equal to the tension on the element downstream of the laying apparatus. The tension control apparatus includes motor driven rollers or tracks at the ways which engage the element. The torque which the driving motors apply or alternatively, the energization of the driving motors and the advance of the laying apparatus is controlled by the position of a portion of the element upstream of the laying apparatus.

Abstract: Optical fibre cable laying apparatus comprising a mobile carrier for paying out cable from a reel and laying the cable in a trench formed by a tyne on the carrier. The reel is rotated, to effect paying out, in a fashion such as to control the tension in the cable. A slack loop is formed in the cable during paying out and the amount of cable in that slack loop is monitored. When the amount of cable in the slack loop decreases, the rate of paying out is increased, and when there is a greater amount of cable in the slack loop, the rate of paying out is decreased. Tension rollers are employed to further minimize tension in the cable as laid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying conduit within a trench, using a separable boxlike structure with end walls, side walls, a fill bin compartment internal of the boxlike structure for receiving fill material and dispensing fill material onto the bottom of the trench, and a conduit laying compartment through which conduit is fed for positioning on the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure has a rigidly mounted tow bar which facilitates application of vertical, longitudinal and lateral forces on the boxlike structure to thereby enable an operator of the apparatus to maneuver it on-grade and in alignment along the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure is maintained on-grade and in alignment with the assistance of a laser transmitter/receiver assembly and several grade-maintenance features, including a shearing blade which automatically adjusts its vertical position in response to the laser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying conduit within a trench, using a separable boxlike structure with end walls, side walls, a fill bin compartment internal of the boxlike structure for receiving fill material and dispensing fill material onto the bottom of the trench, and a conduit laying compartment through which conduit is fed for positioning on the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure has a rigidly mounted tow bar which facilitates application of vertical, longitudinal and lateral forces on the boxlike structure to thereby enable an operator of the apparatus to maneuver it on grade and in alignment along the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure is maintained on grade and in alignment with the assistance of a laser transmitter/receiver assembly and several grade-maintenance features. When an obstacle is encountered, the boxlike structure may be separated into an upper portion and lower portion so that the upper portion can be unconnected and removed from the lower portion.

Abstract: A tractor provided with a cable reel at one end and a plow at the trailing end includes a system to monitor tension applied to the cable during underground placement. A capstan engages the cable while driven by a hyraulic motor and the pressure of the fluid supply to the motor is monitored by a pressure transducer. An electrical signal from the pressure transducer is fed to a control which also receives a setpoint signal corresponding to a maximum allowable tension on the cable. An output signal from the control is used to slow down or stop advancing movement of the vehicle and a second signal is used to operate a valve to divert fluid pressure from the hydraulic motor. Tension on the cable extending between the capstan and the reel can be monitored as well as tension on the cable between the capstan and the plow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for determining the position in a substantially vertical plane of a supple pipe, such as a drain, in the course of being buried in the ground at the bottom of a trench by a working tool. According to the invention, this process is characterized in that the inclination of at least one sensor element connected to the tool is continuously detected, said inclination being indicative of the gradient of the increment of section of supple pipe which has just been laid in the bottom of the trench. The invention is applicable to the laying of drains in trenches.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a method and a device for guiding the cable burying device along the cable effectively as well as accurately even if the cable should be reburied after repairment. The present invention is mainly characterized in that an ultrasonic command signal transmitted from an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver mounted upon the cable burying device is received by an ultrasonic, transponder which has been mounted on the cable. An ultrasonic signal is transmitted in turn from said ultrasonic transponder to be received by said ultrasonic transmitter/receiver so that the position of said ultrasonic transponder on the cable is detected by processing such signals.

Abstract: A ditchless drainlayer comprising a frame mounting a cutter-type working element for laying drainpipes. It is provided with a hydraulic cylinder for changing its angular position and a transmitter of its angular position with an amplifier-converter. Also, a device for controlling the height of the working element made as a support connected to said working element, swivels around the horizontal transverse axis and is provided with a cylinder for turning said support. The swivelling support is connected by its turning cylinder and by an additional amplifier-converter with a transmitter of the height of the working element installed on said element.

Abstract: A guidance system suitable for use in burying cable uses a previously buried signal-emitting cable to produce a signal along the cable path. A vehicle mounted plow used to plow a second path has a receiver which analyzes signal from the buried cable and determines from it both the lateral direction and the extent of vehicle movement in order to maintain a predetermined lateral spacing of the two paths.

Abstract: An improved guidance device for use with an earthworking machine, more especially a drain tile laying machine, comprising a earthworking element mounted about a pivot connection. This guidance device comprises a signal emitter and two signal receivers mounted on the earthworking element of the machine. The two signal receivers are mounted on the element in a longitudinal spaced apart relation, so as to distinguish between a depth change or an attitude change in the element. The guidance device also comprises operating means including an electronic control circuit and an hydraulic operating circuit for adjusting the attitude or depth of the element depending on the indication given by the signal receivers.