Including Trench Forming Plow With Pipe Or Cable Guide Patents (Class 405/180)
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Patent number: 10718463Abstract: A carrier pipe is protected from corrosion by being received inside a casing at a location above ground. The casing, which can be formed from a polymer, defines a gap extending around an exterior surface of the carrier pipe. In one embodiment, the gap is substantially filled with a potting material having a corrosion-resistant property. In another embodiment, a self-contained impressed current cathodic protection system is received in the gap. A pull head is installed on the carrier pipe and/or casing for pulling the pipe assembly, including carrier pipe, casing, and elements received in the gap, into an underground bore as a single unit. In some embodiments multiple pipe assemblies are pulled together into the same bore.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Corrpro Companies, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Burbridge, Levi Blumhagen, Shawn Poworoznik
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Patent number: 10231388Abstract: This disclosure involves advancements in grafting, trellis design, and an implement to raise and lower cold-sensitive vines between a raised growing position and a lowered position where the vine is buried in a trench and covered to protect it from the cold. The implement relieves the operator from the otherwise laborious task of protecting the cold sensitive vines. The apparatus allows the cold-sensitive vine to be buried into a trench without removing the vine from the fruiting wire. The implement directs the fruiting wire with a vine cordon attached thereto into a trench to protect the cordon from cold temperatures. The apparatus causes the vine trunk to bend to accommodate the position of the vine cordon.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Hibervine LLCInventor: David H. Tegtmeier
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Patent number: 9885169Abstract: An automated backslope cutting system which, based on a survey of an area, automatically adjusts a scraper blade during the cutting of a ditch backslope. The automated backslope cutting system generally includes a scraper which is automatically adjusted by a computing device to effectuate cutting of backslopes for a ditch based on a desired cut profile. The desired cut profile may be manually entered by the operator and automatically processed by the computing device. The area is surveyed with a positioning sensor to determine an optimal desired cut profile requiring a minimum number of cuts. A proximity sensor may be provided to accommodate for rotational movement of the cutting blade as the scraper performs cuts. A control software is provided for execution by the computing device to provide functionality including the automatic adjustment of hydraulic actuators controlling movement of the cutting blade as the scraper cuts the ditch and backslopes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: GK Technology, Inc.Inventors: Kelly J. Sharpe, Darin G. Johnson, Travis C. Yeik
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Publication number: 20140334881Abstract: A plough vehicle assembly that is able to lay pipe or cable, the pipe vehicle assembly comprising a plough vehicle and a support mounted to the plough vehicle to support a pipe to be laid, the support being offset from a longitudinal axis of the plough vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: James Francis Darcy
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Publication number: 20140079487Abstract: The present disclosure presents a laying machine for laying at least one flexible casing or tube, cable, or wire. The laying machine includes a blade arrangement for making a trench in the ground. The laying machine can also include a consolidation and laying means being arranged behind the blade arrangement for clearing and safeguarding the trench from collapsing while laying at least one flexible casing or tube, cable or wire into the trench. Additionally, a blade assembly including compartments for cooling fluid and air is presented herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: HUSQVARNA ABInventors: Fredrik Sjodahl, Tobias Nilsson, Lars Gustafsson, Rolf Johansson, Donald F. Meister
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Patent number: 8613568Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Herrenknecht AGInventor: Ruediger Koegler
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Patent number: 8596914Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventor: Thomas Jeffrey Baber
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Patent number: 8568059Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Herrenknecht, AGInventor: Ruediger Koegler
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Publication number: 20130251458Abstract: A method and a mechanized system for deploying plural geophones underground for collecting seismic data. The mechanized system includes a vehicle configured to travel above ground and having a storage area that stores the plural geophones; a digging mechanism attached to the vehicle and configured to dig a trench when in contact with the ground; and a damping mechanism attached to the vehicle and configured to hold a geophone behind the digging mechanism relative to a traveling direction (X)) of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SAInventor: Julien MEUNIER
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Patent number: 8303216Abstract: A laying device simultaneous lays at least two substantially parallel and axially spaced apart groups of flexible media lines in at least one flat layer in the soil, wherein each group of flexible media lines has at least one flexible media line. The laying device has a cutting device for generating at least one slot in the ground. The cutting device has one or more substantially vertical blades and a substantially horizontal blade connected to a lower end of the one or more vertical blades, or the cutting device, viewed in the cutting direction, has a round, semi-circular, oval, polygonal or Y-shaped configuration. At least two devices for dispensing the groups of media lines are arranged on the side of the laying device that is facing away from the cutting direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignees: Doppelacker GmbH, Technische Universität DresdenInventor: Jens Kluge
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Publication number: 20110070030Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: Daniel Paul Miller
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Patent number: 7841802Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Walter Fockersperger, Jr.
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Patent number: 7713001Abstract: The pipe extractor includes a main frame supported by wheels mounted on the main frame. The wheels are vertically movable, relative to the main frame, by a hydraulic cylinder. An extractor frame is pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about an extractor axis. A shank has an upper end attached to the extractor frame. A shoe with a pipe through passage is connected to a lower end of the shank. A self leveling linkage pivots the extractor frame about the extractor axis in response vertical movement of the wheels. A hitch beam is pivotally attached to the main frame. Pipe contacts the pipe through passage in the shoe and steers the main frame. A lister is mounted on the hitch beam. A ramp assembly and rear plow are pivotally connected to the shoe.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Inventors: Joseph J. Harlow, Michael M. Bauman
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Patent number: 7637697Abstract: A trencher boot includes a boxlike structure formed with a compartment extending from an inlet formed in an upper end of the trencher boot to an outlet formed in a lower end of the trencher boot. A cable-orienting structure is formed within the compartment between the inlet and the outlet. The compartment is to concurrently receive three cables from the inlet, guide the three cable to the cable-orienting structure, which interacts with the three cables to arrange the three cables in a V-shaped orientation comprising two of the three cables positioned side-by-side atop a third one of the three cables, and guide the three cables in the V-shaped orientation from the cable-orienting structure to the lower end of the trencher boot and outwardly through the outlet into the V-shaped receiving area formed in the bottom of the trench, which maintains the three cables in the V-shaped orientation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Charles S. Holland
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Publication number: 20090311049Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
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Patent number: 7625154Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
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Patent number: 7614827Abstract: A vibratory plow for installing a conduit below a ground surface. A portable vibrating compactor and a series of rollers provide a “seamless” finish to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.Inventor: Jose F. Makk
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Publication number: 20090263195Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Jeff Horan, Matt Anderson
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Publication number: 20090136300Abstract: 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 (fiction).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
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Publication number: 20090010716Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Walter Fockersperger, JR.
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Patent number: 7470089Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
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Patent number: 7384213Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Patent number: 7310896Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: PLC Trenching Co., LLCInventor: Michael E. Lopata
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Patent number: 7267141Abstract: Novel thermoplastic pipes which can withstand extremely high internally generated and/or applied pressures for utilization within, primarily, high pressure underground liquid and gas transport systems are provided. Such pipes are improvements over standard metal (i.e., steel, lead, and the like) pipes due to construction costs, shipping costs, implementation costs (particularly underground), modulus strength allowances to compensate for underground movements (i.e., earthquakes and tremors), non-rusting characteristics, and ease in manufacture. Such pipes are preferably reinforced with specific fabric articles which permit a lower thickness of plastic to be utilized than is generally required to withstand high pressure situations. A one-step, potentially on-site production method, is also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Willy De Meyer, Michael W. Gilpatrick
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Patent number: 7237982Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Brian J. Crea
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Patent number: 7044684Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves, Brian N. Kenkel
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Patent number: 6981342Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignees: PLC Trenching Co., LLC.Inventor: Michael E. Lopata
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Patent number: 6830412Abstract: A trencher comprising a cutting disc (2) with a prefabricated tongued and grooved element feeder comprising a sweeper box (32) with a U-shaped transverse cross section closed at the front by a rake (34), in such a way that earth cannot fall inside it, and powered drive wheels operably frictionally pushing prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) in order to urge the elements together and to keep the different prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) coupled together during their descent into the inside of the sweeper box (32). This produces a temporary plank mould for the trench, so that the lowering and laying of the prefabricated tongued and grooved elements (33) inside the trench may be carried out automatically, safely, and in a working environment that is free of earth, thus enabling the correct linking of the elements.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Eduardo Gómez Pérez
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Publication number: 20040126191Abstract: An excavating member of a constructing means inserts downwardly from a chassis into the ground with an activating means of the chassis and a drive means of the constructing means located within an excavated section and connected to the excavating member and a supporting frame of the constructing means for forcing portions of the member laterally against the facial wall of the section being advanced relative to the frame in a direction opposite of an advancing direction diverged from the axis of the section to excavate the ground adjacent to the member ahead of the frame toward the advancing direction. The section is in this way formed in the diverged advancing direction. The member can be mounted for lateral movement about an axis perpendicular to the advancing direction and within the central surface of the constructing means. A set of “n” side wall-supporting members can be connected to the frame for relative movement about an axis of turning advancement of the section.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Patent number: 6698979Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: David M. Ambrose
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Patent number: 6637978Abstract: A method and a working machine (1) for the laying of wires (2) and/or infrastructures, wherein the steps of excavation (S) to execute an excavation (S) having a depth and width in accordance with the type of wire (2), of laying the wire (2) inside said excavation (S) and filling up said excavation (S) are executed without interruptions, through the use of just one working machine (1). The machine comprises a milling tool (12) to excavate a bench consolidating device (8), laying device (6) including a feeding duct (19), and filling device (7) including a tank (23) and injector device (24) to inject a semifluid material, for example concrete, into the bench.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Alpitel S.p.A.Inventor: Ivo Genta
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Patent number: 6511260Abstract: A utility line guide chute disposed behind a plow for installing multiple utility lines. Divider members disposed between guide chute-side walls are provided 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. A sidewall of the guide chute is composed of separate parts, the shape of respective ones of said separate parts corresponding at least in part to the position of each of more than one respective utility line within the guide whereby the separate parts of the second wall can be selectively removed to facilitate removal of selected ones of the utility lines without removing other ones of the utility lines.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Brian Kenkel, Keith A. Hoelting, James V. Reeves
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Patent number: 6474909Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Robert Malek
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Patent number: 6435772Abstract: A submarine plough is disclosed comprising a plough share 216 having a cutting edge 207. A heel 220 is arranged rearwardly of the cutting edge 207, and a plough beam 205 has an attachment portion for enabling a towing means 209 to tow the plough to cut a trench in the sea floor. The plough share 216 is pivotable relative to the plough beam 205 to adjust the vertical separation between the cutting edge 207 and the attachment portion. Front skids 204 are arranged adjacent a forward end of the plough beam 205 and hydraulic rams 219 pivot the plough share 216 relative to the plough beam 205. A cable is passed in an arcuate path into the trench rearwardly of the cutting edge 207 and heel 220.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Soil Machine Dynamics LimitedInventor: Alan Richard Reece
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Publication number: 20020066214Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: Copros Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mamoru Miyazaki
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Patent number: 6254313Abstract: A turnable self-propelled, walk-along tractor vehicle, such as a plow for burying tubing is provided. The tractor vehicle has a pair of drive wheels rotatably mounted on a fixed axle in the front of the vehicle, a back support means, a U-shaped turning bracket mounted to the sides of the tractor vehicle, and optionally a vibrating blade for cutting a trench in the earth coupled at the rear of the vehicle. The back support means is mounted to the tractor vehicle at a first position elevated with respect to the ground and is adapted to engage the ground at a second position when downward force is applied to the turning bracket. The turning bracket comprises first and second portions, which may be flat or tubular in shape, which extend rearwardly from the sides of the tractor vehicle and substantially horizontally with respect to the ground when the back support means is in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Angelo DeVito
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Patent number: 6238140Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Inventor: Lanny T. Boes
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Patent number: 6193440Abstract: Apparatus for laying underground cable or conduit (such as innerduct) includes a vertical cable plow connected to the boom of an excavator, the excavator being mounted on a first flat-bed rail car, and a second flat-bed rail car following the first for carrying supply reels of cable or conduit fed from the second car to the first. Cable guides guide the cable or conduit from the supply reels to the plowshare and through the plow assembly to the desired subterranean level in a ditch made by the plow. The first and second flat-bed cars are preferably pulled by a pair of conventional diesel-electric locomotives. A rigid element mountable to the first flat-bed rail car and extending outward from either side of the first flat-bed rail car transfers torque on the plowing assembly to the rail car. The rigid element (“boot”) is preferably removable to temporarily narrow the apparatus for travel mode. The apparatus may be installed on a flat-bed truck or a canal barge instead of a rail car.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventors: Kenneth A. Pidgeon, Alan Pidgeon
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Patent number: 6158925Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Barnard Construction Company, Inc.Inventors: Gregory L. Schleining, Jerry B. Askin, Joseph P. Nelson
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Patent number: 6095721Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Geoteknisk InstitutInventor: Ernst Von Benzon
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Patent number: 6076288Abstract: A rubber tired railway plow (100) has a plow unit (102) mounted to a plate (111) which extends across the forward end of the rubber tired vehicle (100). The plow unit (102) is attached so as to be movable on the plate (111). Wedges (122, 123) are used to maintain the plow unit (102) in position on the plate (111). When the wedges (122, 123) are removed, the plow unit (102) is movable on the plate (111) from one side of the vehicle (100) to the opposite side thereby to be able to plow on either side of the rails (141).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Ledcor Industries LimitedInventors: Lionel Charles Desmarais, Andrew Smith Jackson, Bernie A. Stene, Mark E. Nye
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Patent number: 6036403Abstract: A cable burial system includes a cable burial tool having a base frame, a blade extending downwardly from the base frame and having a vertically oriented internal slot therein with a slot width, and a feed shoe with an arcuate feed shoe periphery and a feed shoe width less than the slot width of the blade. The feed shoe is pivotably connected to the base frame and is pivotable between a lowered position wherein the feed shoe lies within the slot, and a raised position wherein the feed shoe lies outside of the slot. The feed shoe includes a jet opening in a periphery of the feed shoe, and a source of pressurized water in an interior manifold of the feed shoe in communication with the jet opening in the periphery of the feed shoe. A guide is operable to guide a cable into the slot in contact with the feed shoe periphery when the feed shoe is in the lowered position.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Frank H. Hitzke
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Patent number: 5993115Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventors: John Jensen, Eric Jensen
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Patent number: 5975804Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Bockman Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Richard Bockman
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Patent number: 5934834Abstract: According to the invention:said machine comprises:a base plate (8) through which a segment of a disk (4) can pass, said base plate preventing matter from the grooves from being thrown outward;means firmly pressing said base plate and said disk against the ground; andthe disk (4) is mounted so that it can rotate freely, so as to make in the ground, without removing matter, a recess that corresponds to said groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1997Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: S.D.T.O.Inventor: Roger Perrot
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Patent number: 5934833Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1996Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Installation Systems, A California Limited Liability CompanyInventors: Paul M. Hunter, Lemna J. Hunter, Paul Ekegren
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Patent number: 5913638Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Inventor: Michael Lee Lansdale
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Patent number: 5827013Abstract: An anode cable installment system in which the apparatus may comprise a plow for creating a tunnel; a conduit for delivering a linear anode to the tunnel; and a chute disposed proximate the conduit, the chute having a non-metallic inner surface, preferably an epoxy film layer having a lower coefficient of friction than steel. The coke breeze may be delivered to the tunnel by passing it over the non-metallic inner surface of the chute; and to the annular space in the tunnel around the linear anode to provide a horizontal encasement or column for the linear anode with reduced void spaces and increased density.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Mears/CPGInventors: Herbert L. Fluharty, Scot P. Fluharty, John W. Fluharty, II, Daniel P. Werner
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Patent number: 5765966Abstract: A soil sub-surface trenching apparatus adapted to deliver a ribbon deposit of an aggregate material to form a downwardly extending curtain thereof below the soil surface level and thereby provide a soil conditioning method for accomplishing a wide range of subsoil characteristic modifications, being as varied as surface level drainage enhancement with the use of a porous aggregate material in recreational and agricultural applications and the like to that of soil sub-surface stabilization improvement with the use of a solidifying aggregate material for surface level vehicular parking applications and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventors: Thomas B. White, Bruce A. Peterson
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Patent number: 5755530Abstract: The cable laying apparatus, which solves many of the problems heretofore associated with existing cable laying mechanisms for underwater burial machines, uses a pivotally liftable depressor wheel, located within a feed shoe which tracks the groove cut by the plow. There are a pair of arcuate cable guides, one on each side of the depressor wheel, which assist in the guidance of both cables and bodies, without permitting either to bind. When the assembly to which the depressor wheel is attached is raised upward and rearward the guides prevent the cable from escaping while allowing a body to pass through the opening which is formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: AT&T CorpInventor: Donald Lee Garren