Abstract: A vehicle is provided for installing in a prepared area along a ground surface a protective structural support proximate a buried pipeline in an automated manner. The vehicle includes a chassis with a plurality of wheels and a payload release mechanism coupled to the chassis and including a roller for holding the protective structural support. The payload release mechanism is configured to dispense and lay down the protective structural support in the prepared area. The vehicle includes a liquid dispensing mechanism that is coupled to the chassis and is located downstream of the payload release mechanism. The liquid dispensing mechanism includes a liquid source and a dispenser that is in fluid communication with the liquid source and is configured to dispense liquid across a spray area.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated steep slope collapse simulation system including: a base; a tower provided at one end of the base; a soil tank structure having one side being connected to the tower so that the soil tank structure is inclined, the soil tank structure being filled with soil, and the soil being rammed; a work platform provided with a working stand moving along the base and moving up and down; a soil moving device supplying soil to an interior of the soil tank structure; an artificial rainfall device provided above the soil tank structure, the artificial rainfall device injecting water downward toward the soil rammed inside the soil tank structure; and an underground water reproduction device injecting water upward through the bottom surface of the soil tank structure from the underside of the soil rammed in the soil tank structure. There is an effect that it is possible to accurately analyze an actual behavior of soil in the natural environment.

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: A bedding box has a container formed by sloped end plates and side plates joined to a bottom plate, with gusseted wing plates reinforcing the side plates. The wing plates extend outwards from the container to facilitate loading. A frame attaches to each of the end plates, one frame having horizontally-extending, vertically-spaced apart bars to allow the bucket of a compact excavator to be wedged therebetween to lift the bedding box, while the other end serves to attach one or more support brackets that can be lifted by a scraper blade of the excavator, allowing support at both ends of the bedding box for transportation over uneven terrain. Skids can be affixed to the bottom plate to reinforce it, to facilitate dragging the bedding box, and to facilitate lifting the bedding box from one end with a forklift.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for depositing fragmentized stonework material in layers within a drainage trench extending alongside a roadway. The system includes a mobile platform, a dispensing arm portion, an actuating portion and a controller. The mobile platform defines a storage compartment for intermediately storing the fragmentized stonework material received from a predetermined source. The dispensing arm portion is coupled to extend transversely from the storage compartment and is selectively activated to convey and expel the fragmentized stonework material from the storage compartment into the drainage trench. The actuating portion couples the dispensing arm portion to the mobile platform in angularly displaceable manner.

Abstract: A drill rod combination for creating a closed loop geothermal hole in the ground. A combination hollow drill rod and slurry dispenser is connected to a slurry pump and direct slurry through the rod and dispenser while within the geothermal hole. The slurry exits the dispenser surrounding a heat exchange tube removably mounted to the dispenser and left in the hole when the drill rod and dispenser are withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming a substantially uniform path within a trench, laying tile thereon, and covering the tile with dirt from the trench. One apparatus includes a housing, a hook, a pipe insertion frame extending upwardly from the housing, a sloping support wall inside the housing for directing tile from a top side of the housing to an exit at a rear side of the housing, a blade adjacent the housing rear side above the exit, a grip extending above the housing and the pipe insertion frame, and a rigid curved portion extending beneath the housing for forming a substantially uniform path in the trench as the housing is moved along the trench. The blade extends beyond at least one of the housing sidewalls to obtain dirt from the trench. The hook and the grip are configured to engage a machine bucket.

Abstract: To construct an underground cable line in-situ, cut and immediately evacuate a void in the existing covering surface. Next, lay or apply cable(s) into the void. Then, flow a non-shrinking composition into a portion of the void around the cable to fill a portion of the void. Upon rigidification the cable is encased in the void by the non-shrinking composition. Last, apply a topping material to the exposed surface of the composition in such volume as to fill any remaining portion of the void.

Abstract: A trench paver attachment which can be used to backfill a trench to varying grade heights, the attachment being designed primarily for use on paved roads. The attachment in one configuration is able to backfill a trench with crushed rock and cement or the like to a suitable height corresponding to the base of the adjacent pavement, and in another configuration it is able to apply base, binder and top in whatever lifts are called for. The attachment may be adjusted to allow for the paving of any trench from an 18? width up to a 96? width, which widths may be varied by the operator during the course of paving the trench.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a subterranean structure. The method can include, but is not limited to, removing at least a portion of earth disposed above a subterranean structure to provide a foundation; depositing an isolation layer above the subterranean structure; and depositing at least a portion of the removed earth, a fill material or both to at least partially cover the isolation layer.

Abstract: A system for trench and drain installation. The system utilizes an implement driven trenching assembly and a backfill pipe installation assembly. The implement driven trenching assembly digs a trench utilizing a circular trenching blade which is hydraulically operated and is mounted onto a front loader plate. The backfill pipe installation assembly uses a backfill hopper to simultaneously install drainage pipe above the trench floor and envelop the drainage pipe in backfill material to maintain the drainage pipe at a constant height above the trench floor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a conduit laying system for laying conduit, including a vehicle, a trench former, a conduit feed system and a base material handling system. The trench former is configured for forming a trench. The conduit feed system includes a conduit feed passage having a conduit feed passage inlet for receiving at least one conduit and a conduit feed passage outlet positioned to deposit the at least one conduit in the trench. The base material handling system includes a base material hopper and at least one base material passage. The at least one base material passage is positioned to receive base material from the base material hopper and to discharge base material in the trench around the at least one conduit. The base material handling system, the conduit feed system and the trench former are driven by the vehicle.

Abstract: A pipeline padding machine includes two control station locations. One location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on one side of a ditch, and the other location is for controlling operation of the machine while the machine is operated on an opposite side of the ditch. Another pipeline padding machine includes a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a material conditioning assembly for conditioning the material. Another pipeline padding machine includes a main frame attached to a transport assembly for transporting the machine, a material escalator assembly for elevating material, and a cutting edge for cutting through the material prior to the material being elevated by the escalator assembly. The escalator assembly is pivotable relative to the main frame, and the cutting edge is pivotable relative to the escalator assembly.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of making and using a flowable thermal backfill. The flowable thermal backfill has a low thermal resistivity, useful for filling trenches containing electrical cables and other lines that generate heat. The method includes process steps of blending ingredients of stone, sand and fly ash, making a flowable thermal fill by mixing the blended stone, sand and fly ash with Portland cement and water, and pouring the flowable thermal fill in an excavation containing heat generating lines, immediately after mixing the flowable thermal backfill.

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 system for trench and drain installation. The system utilizes an implement driven trenching assembly and a backfill pipe installation assembly. The implement driven trencher assembly digs a trench utilizing a circular trenching blade which is hydraulically operated and is mounted onto the front loader plate. The backfill pipe installation assembly uses a backfill hopper to simultaneously install drainage pipe above the trench floor and envelope the drainage pipe in backfill material to maintain the drainage pipe that a constant height above the trench floor.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of making and using a flowable thermal backfill. The flowable thermal backfill has a low thermal resistivity, useful for filling trenches containing electrical cables and other lines that generate heat. The method includes process steps of blending ingredients of stone, sand and fly ash, making a flowable thermal fill by mixing the blended stone, sand and fly ash with Portland cement and water, and pouring the flowable thermal fill in an excavation containing heat generating lines, immediately after mixing the flowable thermal backfill.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport and placement of fill material in trenches and for backfilling. The vehicle features a tiltable hopper connected to a central portion of a chassis which may be tilted to adjust the vehicle's center of gravity. Two conveyors deposit two independent volumes of fill material on or adjacent to a target through the positioning of one conveyor a distance from the hopper further than the other. The speed of the conveyors or the volume of fill material placed thereon may be varied to vary each respective discharged volume of material from each conveyor. The conveyors and hopper may be engaged to the base of the vehicle on a chassis that is rotatable on the base and fluid dispensers may be positioned over each conveyor to dampen the fill material.

Abstract: A compact earth filtering machine adapted to engage with a base vehicle includes a frame including a guide structure for guiding earth being screened. A set of rollers is supported by the frame, with each roller associated with a corresponding sprocket. A mesh, forming a continuous loop and supported by the rollers, is provided for elevating and screening earth provided by the guide structure. A drive chain, coupled along an edge of the mesh, is adapted to engage the sprockets associated with the rollers. A driver is provided for rotating a selected one of the rollers and the associated sprocket to thereby cause the mesh to elevate and screen the earth provided by the guide structure. A transverse conveyor supported by the frame transports earth screened by the mesh to a discharge point adjacent to the compact filtering machine.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that is moved through a trench in the ground for the purpose of placing a length or lengths of a utility or utilities by a guide device on the bottom of the trench, and then encasing the placed utility or utilities. The unit has at least one plow to sweep the material excavated from the ground to form the trench back into the trench onto a screening member mounted to the movable unit. The screening unit has sections of progressively larger openings from front to rear. The screening member preferably is vibrated to deposit onto the one or more utilities layers of the excavated material having particles of progressively larger size from the bottom toward the top of the trench to protect the utility or utilities from physical damage caused by larger excavated particles.

Abstract: The present invention is an agricultural implement for installing an irrigation system. The implement is made up of a frame structure having front and rear ends including a hitch for attaching the frame structure to a tow vehicle. An earth-excavating chute is attached to the frame structure. The earth-excavating chute has a forward earth intake end and a rearward earth discharge end. The earth-excavating chute has a longitudinal axis that is downwardly inclined such that the earth discharge end is higher than the earth intake end. A spool support attached to the frame structure supports a spool of liner material beneath the chute and between the earth intake and discharge ends and transverse to the chute longitudinal axis to allow the liner material to unwind from the spool and be covered with discharged earth during an irrigation system installation operation.

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: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that is moved through a trench in the ground for the purpose of placing a length or lengths of a utility or utilities by a guide device on the bottom of the trench, and then encasing the placed utility or utilities. The unit has at least one plow to sweep the material excavated from the ground to form the trench back into the trench onto a screening member mounted to the unit. The screening unit has spaced screens one above another with progressively smaller openings from top to bottom and the screening member is vibrated to deposit onto the one or more utilities layers of the excavated material having particles of progressively larger size from the bottom to the top of the trench to protect the utility or utilities from physical damage caused by larger excavated particles.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: A mechanized unit that places a predetermined and adjustable depth of a selected bedding material on the bottom of a trench in the ground, then places on the bed a continuous length of a utility or utilities having a predetermined spatial relationship with each other and then encases the utility or utilities with additional select material to a predetermined and adjustable depth of cover in a continuous operation. The unit has a single hopper that receives and contains the material that is used both to form the bed and also to encase the one or more utilities laid on the bed. The hopper conveys material in the direction of movement of the unit and the material is dispensed from the conveyor into the trench to form the bed. An adjustable height blade is provided which both sets the bed height and also smoothes the bed upper surface. As the unit moves, the utility or utilities are laid on the bed upper surface.

Abstract: A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. The fill material is deposited on the conveyor at a receiving and discharged at the distal end of the conveyor either directly or via a flow director attached to the distal end attached thereto. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

Abstract: A system for carrying electrical energy in connections in underground cables. In particular, it relates to a method of laying cables and a trench filler having a low thermal resistivity, used for laying underground cables for carrying electrical energy. More particularly, it relates to the use of an inert filler to be disposed in an area around the cables or the parts of the system, such as joints, which are disposed underground. The method of laying cables disposed in a trench includes: removing the original soil to prepare the trench; disposing a first layer of a first composition in the trench; disposing the cables on top of the first layer; disposing a second layer of the first composition on top of the cables; disposing a third layer on top of the second layer formed by a second composition to fill the trench. The first composition comprises: 60-90% by weight of crushed sand; 4-15% by weight of silt; 2-12% by weight of cement; and 4-15% by weight of water.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing material within a trench including a hopper and an elongated chute extending down from the hopper which is configured to fit within the trench. The apparatus includes a gate between the hopper and the chute for controlling flow of material out of the hopper through the chute. The apparatus preferably is mounted with a variably positionable mount on the back of a tractor and can include a laser guided control system to maintain the deposit of material at a predetermined grade.

Abstract: A device for digging and backfilling of ditches, in particular for laying pipes, comprising an automotive travelling mechanism (2) carrying a machine frame (4) with an upper structure, a boom (6) pivoted on the machine frame (4) and having a plurality of boom arms (8, 10, 12) connected with each other with hinges and an excavator bucket (16) pivoted on the free end of the boom (6) is provided with a milling/mixing rotor (22) mounted to the excavator bucket (16).

Abstract: A self-propelled pipeline padding machine and a method for padding pipelines in ditches without damaging the pipeline prior to backfilling of the ditch. A spoils pile comprising dirt, various size rocks, and sand taken from the ditch during the digging thereof lie in a generally continuous pile along side the ditch from the excavation thereof. The machine includes an excavator having an arm with end bucket for scooping up material from the spoils pile on the opposite side of the ditch and placing it into frame mounted padding material sorter mounted to the front of the excavator. The separated padding material falls onto a laterally disposed retractable conveyor below the sorter which moves the padding material onto the pipeline in the ditch ahead of the excavator. The residual rocks and debris fall between the tracks of the excavator. The sorter can be tilted using hydraulic cylinders between the frame supporting the sorter and the undercarriage of the excavator.

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: The present invention relates to a method for padding ground below a duct (1) using excavated soil (2), wherein said method uses a vehicle (6) that comprises a soil feeding organ (13), a transport organ (14) and soil compacting organs (104, 105). The vehicle moves along a ground path (16) which is formed by the soil feeding organ (13) as it collects excavated soil (2). This method allows for a reliable orientation of the soil compacting organs (104, 105) relative to the duct (1), wherein said compacting organs apply a force on the soil previously deposited in the trench (4). This invention also relates to a device which is used for padding ground below a duct (1) and comprises a device (106) for hanging a soil-compacting mechanism (103) to the vehicle (6). The device (106) includes a disconnection mechanism (153) that enables the cyclic displacement of the rammer-type compacting organs (104, 105) in the displacement direction of the vehicle (6).

Abstract: A method for supporting an underground pipeline in an excavated trench. The method involves supporting the pipeline on specially-designed support benches at spaced intervals. The benches are designed to fail when exposed to a predetermined load, which load will be placed on the benches at some point during the backfilling of the trench or when the pipeline undergoes hydrostatic testing. When the benches fail, the fill under the pipeline is compacted and thereby supports the pipeline in lieu of the support benches.

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: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the installation of a drain field using a bin that receives an aggregate fill material and has an outlet for releasing the fill material into a trench to create a layer of the aggregate. A guide within the bin receives a corrugated drain field pipe and positions the pipe into the center of the fill material. The apparatus is propelled forward on a pair of gauge wheels using a backhoe or motorized means and causes the fill material to be released and the pipe laid therein. A roller on the rear of the bin places a layer of water absorbent geotextile material atop the aggregate as the apparatus moves forward.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for sealing of abandoned water well bores includes a hopper for dispensing comminuted well bore packing material such as a bentonite clay onto an inclined screening surface which removes undesired fine materials. A chute for collecting material flowing off of the screening surface and directing the same into the well bore is generally funnel shaped. The apparatus includes an eccentric vibrating mechanism for vibrating the inclined screening surface to remove the undesired fine materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for carrying electrical energy in connections made by means of underground cables. In particular, it relates to a method of laying cables and a trench filler having a low thermal resistivity, used for laying underground cables for carrying electrical energy. More particularly, it relates to the use of an inert filler to be disposed in an area around the cables or the parts of the system, such as joints, which are disposed underground.

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: An apparatus for laying underground electric cables, in particular for high-voltage lines, comprises a vehicle (2) towable along a trench (3) and carrying, on a first van (4), a first deposition unit (12) adapted to form a base layer (13) of inert material for heat dissipation at the trench bottom. Mounted on the first van (4) is a guide structure (20) engaging the cable (21) for laying it on the base layer (13) previously compacted by a vibrating plate (18). A second van (5) carries a second deposition unit (30) forming a covering layer (31) of inert material upon the previously laid-down base layer (13) and cable (21).

Abstract: An underground storage tank with backfill deflectors is provided to permit installation of the storage tank underground without requiring any workers to enter the excavation. The backfill deflectors are preferably elongate, and generally the same length as or longer than the storage tanks with which they are used and are installed on the bottom of the excavation on either side of the tank. The deflectors have walls which are sloped or inclined in a direction which tends to direct backfill dumped thereon underneath the storage tank. Desirably, the deflectors direct the backfill under the tank without requiring any of the workers to enter the excavation to shovel the backfill underneath the lower portion or haunches of the tank. After a sufficient level of backfill is introduced into the excavation and directed under the tank by the deflectors, the backfill is vibrated to achieve a compacted backfill under the tank which is sufficient to support the tank.

Abstract: A trench-padding method and apparatus provide a more efficient, cost efficient process of obtaining a maximal amount of padding material from material excavated from a trench, and where selected, provide for trenching. The trench-padding apparatus includes a lead assembly that includes a feeder housing having a front rotating unit with protrusions. The feeder housing may be configured to excavate the trench or alternatively, to scoop up previously excavated material. The front rotating unit is attached to a frame of the trench-padding apparatus immediately in front of an elevator device, and the front rotating unit forces clumps of the excavated material between the front rotating unit and a base of the feeder housing to aid in reducing clump size. The method operates in the manner of the trench-padding apparatus.

Abstract: A device for digging and backfilling of ditches, in particular for laying pipes, comprising an automotive travelling mechanism (2) carrying a machine frame (4) with an upper structure, a boom (6) pivoted on the machine frame (4) and having a plurality of boom arms (8, 10, 12) connected with each other with hinges and an excavator bucket (16) pivoted on the free end of the boom (6) is provided with a milling/mixing rotor (22) mounted to the excavator bucket (16).

Abstract: A self propelled vehicle for transport and placement of an onboard supply of fill material in an onboard hopper. The hopper is connected to said vehicle at a point operatively positioned to discharge fill material placed therein on a conveyor belt mounted to a support structure. At the distal end of the conveyor where the material is discharged a flow director is operatively attached to the support structure to receive the flow of fill material carried by said conveyor from the hopper. The flow director bifurcates the stream of fill material allowing the operator to place more or less of the fill in two streams using a plurality of independently adjustable channeling ramps. The hopper is optionally adjustable from an angle normal to the vehicle to allow for adjustment in the vehicle center of gravity on grades. The flow director can also be configured for attachment to existing conveyors to increase their utility or used as part of the entire self propelled device in a single unit.

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: An apparatus for depositing fill material over a pipeline. A wide-track carriage is provided for straddling the pipeline trench, and this includes a shaker screen mechanism for screening aggregate fill material, such as excavated native spoils. The screened fill material is fed into the trench via a pivoting conveyor which is controlled by means of a pivotable and extensible boom. A mix auger is also provided for mixing water and cement with the fill material to form a cementitious Controlled Low Strength Material fill in those installations where this is needed.

Abstract: A trench filler having a generally synclinal front section having a solid top and generally downwardly extending sidewalls, a rear section of unitary construction with the front section, the rear section having a solid top and generally downwardly extending sidewalls that are generally longitudinally parallel to each other, and integral running skids beneath the sidewalls that extend forwardly beyond the front section and having upwardly curled ends wherein dirt located beside a trench is gathered by the front section and released through the rear section back into the trench without substantially disturbing the turf located about the trench.

Abstract: A padding machine (10, 100) is disclosed which is capable of separating materials in a spoils bank beside a trench into coarser materials, which are redeposited in the spoils bank behind the machine, and finer materials which are conveyed to the trench for padding the pipeline. The machine includes a conveyor with a conveyor chain which moves around the perimeter of the machine. Material caught by the scraper blade (28) is conveyed by the conveyor chain along a belly pan (70) and thereafter over a plurality of grizzly bars (72). Coarser material which will not pass through the grizzly bars is conveyed by the conveyor chain (56) to the rearward end of the machine and dumped off the rearward end of the machine back to the ground. The finer materials passing through the grizzly bars are again separated by a vibrator unit (76, 104).

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.