With Plow Vibrating Or Oscillating Means Patents (Class 405/182)
  • Patent number: 11089723
    Abstract: A closing wheel assembly used in planting or other agricultural endeavors. The closing wheel assembly is configured to allow each individual wheel to both vary in angle having an increased pitch so as to more effectively pinch the soil (or other ground cover) so as to fully cover the newly planted seed. The closing wheel assembly is used in connection with a planter so as to more effectively close the trench formed by the planter and fully cover the newly planted seed. The closing wheel generally includes an arm extending behind the planter and over a first closing wheel. The present invention comprises a second closing wheel provided behind the first closing wheel where the second closing wheel may be positioned at a different angle and provided at an approximate 5° pitch to effectively pinch the soil back in place after planting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Inventor: Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 10760244
    Abstract: Systems and methods for trenchless placement of an underground protective network of intertwined cables for protecting buried assets from accidental damage are disclosed. The system includes an apparatus for towing behind a vehicle and laying a plurality of continuous cables directly underground and interweaving the cables to form a cable network. The apparatus includes a plurality of soil rippers mounted at respective radial positions to a rotating carrier. The rotating carrier rotates about an axis that is at least partially normal to the ground surface. The rippers plow through the ground in the direction of vehicle travel and include a cable-feeding guide for directly and continuously feeding cable out underground during operation. In operation, the combined movement of the soil rippers from rotating the carrier and movement in the direction of travel serves to intertwine the cables deposited by respective rippers forming the protective network of intertwined cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Thibault Villette, Waheed Alrafaei, Iqbal Hussain
  • Patent number: 8475082
    Abstract: Spring loaded J-Bar T Handle was created to eliminate time and effort spent loading and unloading material in the Vibratory Plow Blade. Spring mounted J-Bar T handle increases productivity and eliminates need for wrenches and other tools such as wing nuts etc. Invention also eliminates the need of a separate cable guide device allowing material to be fed directly into the chute from larger spools of material thus eliminating kinked and severed wiring and cabling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Lemuel Fagan
  • Publication number: 20130136541
    Abstract: Spring loaded J-Bar T Handle was created to eliminate time and effort spent loading and unloading material in the Vibratory Plow Blade. Spring mounted J-Bar T handle increases productivity and eliminates need for wrenches and other tools such as wing nuts etc. Invention also eliminates the need of a separate cable guide device allowing material to be fed directly into the chute from larger spools of material thus eliminating kinked and severed wiring and cabling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Lemuel Fagan
  • Patent number: 8303216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: Doppelacker GmbH, Technische Universität Dresden
    Inventor: Jens Kluge
  • Publication number: 20110142544
    Abstract: The plow apparatus for laying underground cable includes a heavy plow blade having a laterally slotted metal tube permanently affixed to its trailing edge. The slot allows a wire, cable, etc. to be placed in the tube without need to cut the cable for insertion into the tube from one end thereof. A sleeve is removably installed within the tube, and may have an elongate slot therein. The slotted sleeve is first placed around the cable, and then slid into the tube of the plow blade. The sleeve is rotated to misalign its slot relative to the slot of the blade tube, thereby capturing the cable within the tube and sleeve. The process is reversed for cable removal, thus allowing the cable to be installed in or removed from the tube and blade without cutting the cable. The sleeve may be circumferentially closed, i.e., unslotted, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: DAVID M. MICHAELIS
  • Publication number: 20100044061
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for installing utility lines underground by using a vibratory plow. One aspect of the invention relates to using a resilient member attached to a vibrator assembly, where the resilient member stores the kinetic energy of the vibrator assembly downward movement. The kinetic energy is then released during the upward movement. The energy is applied to a plow blade so as to improve the efficiency of the plow blade as it is drawn through the ground. Another aspect of the invention relates to connecting the resilient member to the ground via a set of wheels that do not appreciably deflect during the downward movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Oral Robert Harvey, Ted Jay Sanders
  • Patent number: 7614827
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose F. Makk
  • Patent number: 6474909
    Abstract: A fluid assisted wedging and compacting device for the installation of underground cable that includes a blade with a cutting edge, two cutting faces a toe, a shoe, a cable feed tube, a pair of deflectors, a pair of grooves and a plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles. The blade is designed so that the deflectors and grooves are positioned in a vertical orientation on the lower half of the cutting faces of the blade. During use, the deflectors on the cutting faces deflect soil creating a soil free zone preventing blockage of the nozzles and allowing the water pressure from the nozzles to effectively aid the blade in cutting through the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Malek
  • Publication number: 20020157285
    Abstract: A plow trenching apparatus for a vehicle having a raisable boom and a trenching plow pivotally mounted at a distal end of the boom in a plow holder, to extend rearwardly and downwardly therefrom. The plow has an upper portion and a lower portion, with a forwardly protruding toe portion, and a forward facing cutting portion. The plow is pivotable in the holder about a pivot axis located behind the holder and behind the plow, as seen in the travel direction of the plow during operation. A pivoting motion is imparted to the plow by a vibrator arranged at the upper portion. The vibrator is arranged to impart vibrations generally in a vertical plane, so that the lower portion is pivoted generally back and forth in the travel direction. The vibrator can be located behind or in front of the upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald H. Hall
  • Patent number: 6397500
    Abstract: A trenching plow adapted for attachment to a vehicle, the plow having an elongated shank having a blade formed along a lower portion of a leading edge of the shank, the blade having a first soil cutting surface along the leading edge, a first cutting arm pivotably arranged at a forward lower portion of one side of the shank generally parallel to the shank and a second cutting arm arranged at a forward lower portion of an opposite side of the shank generally parallel to the shank. Further, a drive means for reciprocating upper portions of the first arm and the second arm is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald Hall
  • Patent number: 6257962
    Abstract: Hollow-ground surfaces are simultaneously formed along opposite sides of a knife blade blank by passing the knife blade blank between a pair of grinding wheels. The grinding wheels carry grinding belts about idler pulleys. The idler pulleys are adjustable toward and away from the respective grinding wheels to adjust belt tension and to accommodate different sizes of grinding belts. The angularity of the idler pulleys relative to the grinding wheels is likewise adjustable such that planes passing through the idler wheels and grinding wheels are angularly adjustable relative to one another enabling the grinding belts to run true about the grinding wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventors: Norman T. Franke, Steven N Cissell
  • Patent number: 6244355
    Abstract: An isolation mount having a first mounting surface arranged on a vehicle. The first surface has substantially vertical first mounting lugs arranged at a lower end of the first surface, and a first fastening device for holding at least one pair of resilient device. The resilient devices comprise first resilient portions and second resilient portions. The first fastening device is preferably arranged at a top end of the first surface. The isolation mount further has a pivoting device, which has a first side facing the first surface, a second side facing away from the first surface and substantially vertical second mounting lugs arranged at a lower end of the first side of the pivoting device. The second mounting lugs are attachable to the first mounting lugs via pins to form a first hinge, about which the pivoting device is pivotable. The pivoting device further has resilient device holding device arranged at a top end of the pivoting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald H. Hall
  • Patent number: 6234718
    Abstract: A vibratory apparatus, useful with a vibrated plow, cable layer or the like, includes a housing and a shaft mounted to the housing for rotation about a shaft axis. Counterrevolving first and second eccentric weights are supported by the shaft for rotation about such axis. A drive gear is fixed with respect to the shaft and another drive gear is fixed with respect to the second weight. A transition gear engages both drive gears for counter-rotation of the weights about the same axis of rotation. Most preferably, the weights are configured to “interdigitate” as the shaft and weights rotate. That is, as the weights rotate in opposite directions, the first weight passes through a cavity in the second weight. The drive gears and the transition gear are preferably bevel gears and form what might be termed a differential gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Moffitt, Emory L. Frey
  • Patent number: 6186242
    Abstract: A depth gauge (30) is connected to a vibratory plow (10) for indicating the depth of a blade (13). The depth gauge (30) has a rod (31) pivotally connected to the housing (11). The rod (31) has a first end (31a), a second intermediate ground following portion (31b) and a second end (31c). An indicator bar (36) has its first end (36a) connected to the second end (31c) of the rod (31). A depth indicator (50) is provided. The second end of the rod (31c) is restrained for a general vertical movement proximate the depth indicator (50), wherein as the housing (11) is raised or lowered, the ground following portion (31b) stays in contact with the ground and results in pivotal movement of the rod (31) and thereby a vertical displacement of the indicator bar (36), thereby providing a depth gauge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Thomas K. Bricko
  • Patent number: 6142711
    Abstract: A vibrator for vibrating an object. The vibrator is provided with a rotary housing mounted on a frame for rotation about an axis. Multiple rotary eccentric masses are mounted at equally spaced intervals in this housing about the housing axis and they are mounted for rotation on their respective axes which are parallel to the housing axis. A rotary drive is connected for simultaneously rotating the eccentric masses in the same direction and in synchronism such that all masses are directed simultaneously to their inner most and their outer most positions of movement relative to the housing axis. This generates a force moment about the housing axis which rotatably oscillates the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: R. Robert Goughnour
  • Patent number: 6126363
    Abstract: A vibratory plow used for laying pipe or electrical cable in the ground is provided with an improved V-shaped oscillating blade. The V-shaped blade has two blade arms that are not connected at their lower ends, so that each blade is free to move in an oscillatory path in the plane of the blade without interference from and independently of the other blade arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Installation Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Lemna J. Hunter
  • Patent number: 5765966
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Thomas B. White, Bruce A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5482121
    Abstract: A vibratory cable plow assembly including a frame assembly for connecting a plow blade to a frame of a prime mover. The frame assembly supports a vibrating mechanism or shaker that is adapted to impart vibratory movements to the plow blade. The frame assembly includes a lower support that extends rearwardly from its pivotal connection to the frame of the prime mover. The lower support mounts a blade supporting frame for rocking movement about a generally horizontal pivot mechanism. The blade supporting frame is mounted toward a distal end of the lower support intermediate its free ends and has the plow blade attached to a free end thereof. The vibratory mechanism is mounted on the blade supporting frame. An extendable/retractable driver extends about the lower support and is pivotally connected between the frame of the prime mover and the other free end of the blade supporting frame. An elastomeric bearing assembly isolates the blade supporting frame from transferring vibrations to the prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Draney, James W. Donoghue, Mark D. Bird, David W. Beatenbough
  • Patent number: 5433277
    Abstract: A slitting or tenching tool is described comprising a blade adapted to be lowered vertically into the soil and pulled therethrough so as to define a slit or trench having a depth determined by the mean depth to which the blade penetrates the soil, in which a vibrator causes the blade to vibrate at least in a generally up and down manner at the same time as it is moved in a forward direction. A second blade may be provided which is oscillated in a backwards and forwards manner. The second blade includes wings at its lower end to form a horizontal slit which communicates with the vertical trench or slit formed by the first blade. The second blade may be hollow so that finely divided particulate material maybe dispensed therethrough into the trench for backfilling. A pipe or cable dispensing leg may be associated with the blades or situated between them. A tape may be fed into the horizontal slit formed by the second blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Davison
  • Patent number: 5392541
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly 201 incorporates a vertical ground parting blade 202 with a front cutting edge 203 and a ripper tooth 208. The blade 202 is bifurcated rearwardly of the cutting edge 203, the blade 202 being formed by two spaced-apart side plates 214. The upper part of the plates 214 constitute a support frame which is pivotally connected by a pin 205 to a base plate 240. Attached rearwardly of the pivot pin 205 and preferably cantilevered beyond the plates 214 is a vibrator unit 232. The vibrator unit 232 when operational provides a vibratory frequency of between 5 Hz and 17 Hz to the ripper tooth 208 in both a vertical and arcuate path. The pivot pin 205 is preferably located above or forwardly of the cutting edge 203. The base plate 240 and support frame, by virtue of the vibratory unit 232, experience relative movement in the manner of a pair of jaws the mouth of which extends rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Michael O'Riordan
  • Patent number: 5380123
    Abstract: A method for building a road bed by providing a plurality of vaulted structures located at a road bed site. A first layer of concrete is applied on the structures for reinforcing the structures. The structures can be comprised of a profiled steel plate or a sheet metal mesh. They may have reinforcement braces comprised of troughs or corrugations provided on an outer surface of the structures which receive the first layer of concrete. The first layer of concrete is allowed to set before a second layer of concrete is applied to the structures and to the first layer to form a concrete casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Gesertek Oy
    Inventor: Seppo Ryynanen
  • Patent number: 5281054
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly 201 incorporates a vertical ground parting blade 202 with a front cutting edge 203 and a ripper tooth 208. The blade 202 is bifurcated rearwardly of the cutting edge 203, the blade 202 being formed by two spaced-apart side plates 214. The upper part of the plates 214 constitute a support frame which is pivotally connected by a pin 205 to a base plate 240. Attached rearwardly of the pivot pin 205 and preferably cantilevered beyond the plates 214 is a vibrator unit 232. The vibrator unit 232 when operational provides a vibratory frequency of between 5 Hz and 17 Hz to the ripper tooth 208 in both a vertical and arcuate path. The pivot pin 205 is preferably located above or forwardly of the cutting edge 203. The base plate 240 and supply frame, by virtue of the vibratory unit 232, experience relative movement in the manner of a pair of jaws the mouth of which extends rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Inventor: Michael O'Riordan
  • Patent number: 5144760
    Abstract: A trencher comprises a ground running, powered vehicle which travels in a forward direction carrying a trenching wheel driven by power to rotate in a vertical plane containing the forward direction so that cutting tips on the wheel's periphery excavate spoil from the ground leaving a trench therebehind. A plough just behind the front end of the trenching wheel pushes the spoil aside from the trench. The plough comprises two blades in V-shaped disposition, each blade being at a respective opposite side of the trenching wheel with leading ends of the plough blades being nearer sides of the wheel then their trailing ends. The plough blades, which are vibrated by vibrators driven by hydraulic motors, are mounted by elastically deformable anti-vibration mountings on respective supporting plates alongside the plough blades. The plough blades and these plates are raisable and lowerable hydraulically, and can be held braced in any desired V-shape by hydraulic struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: British Gas PLC
    Inventor: Brian E. McGuire
  • Patent number: 5067853
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a platform mounts a drive motor that directs rotary motion to an eccentrically arranged crank pin to effect oscillating motion to a blade member directed downwardly relative to the platform. The blade includes a foot member that is formed with a conically tapered forward end and a reduced cylindrical rear end to permit securement of a conduit hose to the rear end to pull the conduit hose in a conduit laying procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Bernard Radnis
  • Patent number: 5056244
    Abstract: The digging chain support boom of a continuous chain type excavating machine is vibrated in a directional mode so as to enhance digging efficiency. Directionally compliant mounting of the boom isolates this vibration from the machine proper while allowing unimpaired application of digging torque and crowd forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: John F. Bryan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5039252
    Abstract: A cable feed subassembly for use with a vibratory plow in placing a cable or tube in the earth. The plow includes a plow blade and an associated vibratory unit. A cable guide assembly is mounted on the rear side of the plow blade and an incremental cable feed subassembly is mounted in association with the vibratory unit so as to be oscillated in synchronism with the vibratory cycles of the vibratory unit. The cable feed subassembly includes a pair of cooperating rollers through which the cable is passed, and by which it is forced downwardly by the periodic, incremental rotation of at least one of the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Schuermann
  • Patent number: 4909332
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly for improving the mounting of the plow blade and optimally locating the gage wheels. The assembly includes a plow blade and gage wheel holder that is pivotally mounted to a vibrator frame. The holder includes hollow bearing members for mounting the gage wheels and spaced apart hanger arms for advantageously assisting in the mounting of the plow blade. The plow blade is mounted between the hanger arms such that its upper mounting location is supported between opposed slots in the hanger arms and its lower mounting location is supported between the opposed hollow bearing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Edgar K. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 4909333
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which provides improved vibratory plowing through the mounting of the plow blade and maneuverability of the assembly. The assembly includes a forward frame member, a rearward frame member, and spaced apart link members pivotally connecting the frame members to permit relative vertical movement. A plow blade and gage wheel holder is pivotally mounted to the rearward frame member which also includes a vibrator for the plow blade. The forward frame member is pivotally mounted to a vehicle for movement about a vertical axis, and the plow blade holder is pivotally mounted to the rearward frame member for movement about a vertical axis. Further, the assembly is constructed such that the plow blade moves into a tucked relationship with respect to the connecting links between the frame members, thereby permitting loading and unloading of the plow assembly without the need to remove the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Edgar K. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 4904116
    Abstract: An apparatus for making tunnels and for laying supply lines in the ground comprises an earth displacing machine which is guided by a sword projecting out of the ground to allow the attachment of a power drive engaging the free end of the sword, and makes it possible to lay the supply lines accurately over long stretches, in particular along walls or the line of roadways or paths or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Paul Schmidt
    Inventor: Alfons Hesse
  • Patent number: 4871027
    Abstract: A vibratory plow including a cutter assembly which slices the ground covering and breaks the sod ahead of the cable-laying plow blade. The plow assembly includes a blade holder that is pivotally mounted to a vibrator frame. A mounting member attaches the cutting blade of the cutter assembly to the blade holder. The cutting blade is polygonal in shape and includes a plurality of mounting holes located in polygonal patterns. The mounting member includes a complementary set of mounting holes also arranged in a polygonal pattern. The present construction permits the cutting blade to be moved to a plurality of cutting positions rather than replacing the cutter after a cutting edge is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Edgar K. Lindstrom, Marvin L. Morris
  • Patent number: 4867607
    Abstract: Linkage apparatus for connecting a use device, preferably a vibrating cable plow, to a ground-engaging vehicle. The linkage apparatus comprises a first arm member having a first mechanism for connecting the first end to the vehicle, a second arm member having a second mechanism for connecting the second end to the use device, a third mechanism for pivotally connecting the first and second arm members, and a mechanism for dampening vibrations between the first and second arm members perferably including resilient members such as air cushion bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: R. M. Johnson Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Johnson, Ralph V. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4867606
    Abstract: A tamper attachment for a vibratory plow vehicle of the type wherein a vibrator imparts vibrations to a plow which is used to plow a narrow, relatively shallow furrow to receive a line or cable. The tamper attachment comprises attachment means for attaching the tamper to the vibrating means of the plow and a housing fixedly secured to the attachment means. A tamper foot comprising a cylindrical roller is positioned below the housing in ground contacting relation for rapidly impacting the ground in response to vibrations transmitted by the vibratory means for closing and tamping the furrow opened by the vibratory plow. A pair of spaced apart, spring loaded tamper foot guide arms are connected to the tamper foot and are slidably mounted in the housing for transmitting rapid up and down movement from the vibrating means through the housing to the tamper foot. A tamper adjustment arm is connected to the tamper foot and mounted in the housing for limiting reciprocatory movement of the tamper foot guide arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Alvin K. Wright
  • Patent number: 4834581
    Abstract: A root cutting cable laying plow adapted for attachment to a tractor is provided. The plow includes a shank having a longitudinal blade formed in the leading edge of a lower portion of the shank and having a flat transverse cutting surface above the blade. A cutter having a sharpened lower end is movable with respect to the shank into engagement with the flat cutting surface by a double acting hydraulic cylinder. The cutter and the cylinder rod move between parallel mounting flanges of the tractor, allowing the hydraulic cylinder itself to be attached to the shank above the mounting flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventor: John W. Soules, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4790687
    Abstract: A tamper attachment for a vibrator plow vehicle of the type wherein a vibrator imparts vibrations to a plow which is used to plow a narrow, relatively shallow furrow to receive a line or cable. The tamper attachment comprises attachment means for attaching the tamper to the vibrating means of the plow and a housing fixedly secured to the attachment means. A tamper foot is positioned below the housing in ground contacting relation for rapidly impacting the ground in response to vibrations transmitted by the vibratory means for closing and tamping the furrow opened by the vibratory plow. A pair of spaced apart, spring loaded tamper foot guide arms are connected to the tamper foot and are slidably mounted in the housing for transmitting rapid up and down movement from the vibrating means through the housing to the tamper foot. A tamper adjustment arm is connected to the tamper foot and mounted in the housing for limiting reciprocatory movement of the tamper foot guide arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Alvin K. Wright
  • Patent number: 4685832
    Abstract: An apparatus for burying filiform objects such as ducts, conduits, cables and the like into the ground. The apparatus has the general appearance of a gasoline-powered manually-driven soil tiller with a V-shaped blade extending into the ground to a predetermined depth. The blade is given a fore-and-aft oscillating movement which temporarily slices a pie-shaped section of the soil as the apparatus progresses over the ground.A chinese finger mounted on the apex of the blade is used to crimp the end of the filiform object which is then pulled under the sliced soil section. Manually controlled clutches allowing the operator to separately activate the forward motion of the apparatus and the vibrating motion of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: William J. Decker
  • Patent number: 4682912
    Abstract: For laying and joining successive sections of pipe, a vehicle is movable over a course along which the pipe is to be laid. Carried on the vehicle is a crane, the outer end portion of which is movable both vertically and horizontally relative to the course of the pipeline. A controllable grapple mounted on that outer end of the crane is engageable with a section of the pipe, so that operation of the grapple together with the crane enables each section of the pipe to be picked up, moved into position over and deposited along the course. A vibrator is attached to the grapple and serves to induce vibration thereinto and from the grapple into the section of pipe being carried. The vibration is induced as an end of the section carried by the grapple is slidably mated with another section of the pipe which lies along the course. The vibration also is used to assist in bedding the pipe section being laid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Inventor: John T. Henry
  • Patent number: 4652176
    Abstract: A vibratory plow blade having a tapered leading edge, a trailing edge, and a tapered bottom edge wherein the plow blade is configured such that its longitudinal axis regresses or is arcuately angled away from the towing vehicle. The tapered leading edge of the plow blade includes an upper straight cutting section and a plurality of forward angled serrations along its length which provide for downward and upward cutting and fracturing of the soil with each successive stroke of the blade during vibratory action. The guide chute for the cable is mounted to the trailing edge at a substantial bend radius for reducing the flexing required of the cable and reducing the weight of the guide chute. The construction permits close proximity between the plow blade and guide chute for providing increased chute protection and a reduction in the chute frictional drag thereby leaving more vibrational energy for soil displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Emil T. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4498813
    Abstract: An underground cable installing apparatus is disclosed herein along with its method of operation. The apparatus utilizes a power driven land vehicle and an elongated cable laying plow handle supported by and for movement with the vehicle in a way which places a lowermost end portion of the blade in the ground with its cutting edge disposed in the direction of movement of the vehicle. In accordance with one operational feature of the apparatus disclosed herein, a plurality of high impact fluid jets are used to aid the cable laying plow blade in cutting through the earth. In accordance with another feature, the blade is also subjected to vibration, preferably by placing a vibratory member on the in-ground portion of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Nelson, James M. Reichman
  • Patent number: 4463509
    Abstract: A vibratory plow assembly which eliminates the need for elastic torque cushioning elements. The plow assembly includes a vertically extending support frame and a vertically extending shaker frame having an elongated plow blade attached thereto with an oscillating mechanism supported on the shaker frame for reciprocating the shaker frame and plow blade. The support and shaker frames are interconnected adjacent their upper ends by conventional connecting links. The lower ends of the support and shaker frames are interconnected by a generally planar, horizontally disposed, spring plate member which is fixedly attached to the support frame at one end and is secured to the bottom of the shaker frame at its opposite end. The spring plate member withstands the loading imposed upon it by the shaker frame and plow blade while being flexible to deflect vertically thereby permitting the vibratory motion from the oscillating mechanism to be transmitted to the plow blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: J.I. Case Company
    Inventor: Emil T. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4260290
    Abstract: The disclosed vibratory cable plow has a generally horizontal boom supported on transverse horizontal and vertical pivots and a trailer supported on the boom by a vertical pivot. A plow blade is supported on a vibration isolating frame beneath the trailer. In a first embodiment, the rear of the assembly is supported on wheels which are pivoted by piston-cylinders to control the depth of penetration of the plow blade. The first embodiment of the disclosed plow assembly provides remote steering, blade pitch, boom tilt, and depth adjustment and the entire assembly may be raised by piston-cylinders, about the transverse horizontal pivot, for transport. In a second embodiment of the cable plow, the rear of the assembly is supported on V-shaped struts, and the plow frame is supported within the opening formed by the struts on converging upper and lower links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: James S. Flippin
  • Patent number: 4200410
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for excavating a trench in frozen or unfrozen soil and introducing cable within the trench thereby excavated. An integral vibrating or reciprocally moving blade breaks frozen soil and cuts roots, and trench depth, as well as blade angle of attack is controllable by means of an eccentric mounting structure for the blade. Angulated projections on each side of the blade lift soil from the trench formed, and a vertically adjustable connection between the blade and a following cable laying guide maintains proper elevational relationship therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1980
    Inventors: Edward S. Baker, Richard M. Talley
  • Patent number: 4179227
    Abstract: A plow assembly and method useful for burying an elongated flexible member at a predetermined depth beneath ground level. The arrangement utilizes a frame assembly adapted to be pulled by a tractor type vehicle and which frame assembly has a vertically-extending plow support unit. A dynamic plow unit is mounted at the lower end of the plow support unit and includes a generally horizontal base. The forward end of the plow unit includes a plow nose portion having an inclined top surface. The top of the plow unit is defined by a plate member having an upper surface which extends rearwardly from the nose generally parallel to the base. The plate member is mounted about a transverse axis closely adjacent the nose portion for pivotal oscillating movement by hydraulic cylinder means. Such oscillation is between a first position generally parallel to the plow unit base and a second position spaced angularly upward therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Assignee: Hancor, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Child, Jr., James L. Fouss, Erwin K. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 4164982
    Abstract: The disclosed cable plow assembly is adapted to reduce the power requirements of cable and line laying plows. The plow blade is suspended on the rear of a resilient frame assembly having two pair of vertically spaced links. Each link is pivotally supported on forward and rear frame members by resilient torsional bushings. The links of each pair preferably converge toward the direction of movement of the plow or the supporting vehicle at an angle of about fifteen to twenty degrees or about three to four horizontal units to one vertical. This arrangement generates a unique forward elliptical cleaving action in the plow blade, reducing the force required to cut the earth and pull the blade through the ground. In the most preferred embodiment, the forward ends of the lower links of each pair are adjustable vertically to adjust the angle between the links and thereby adjust the elliptical motion of the plow blade to accommodate various soil conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Draney
  • Patent number: 4140425
    Abstract: The disclosed vibratory cable plow has a generally horizontal boom supported on transverse horizontal and vertical pivots and a trailer supported on the boom by a vertical pivot. A plow blade is supported on a vibration isolating frame beneath the trailer and the rear of the assembly is supported on wheels which are pivoted by piston-cylinders to control the depth of penetration of the plow blade. The disclosed plow assembly provides remote steering, blade pitch and depth adjustment and the entire assembly may be raised by piston-cylinders, about the transverse horizontal pivot, for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventor: James S. Flippin
  • Patent number: 4119157
    Abstract: A control mechanism for adjusting the angle and lateral position of a plow blade, which is particularly useful for laying cable, pipe and the like underground. The disclosed control mechanism includes a fixed frame, which is supported on a suitable vehicle and a slide frame, which supports the plow blade. The slide frame is slideably supported on a horizontal rail of the fixed frame. A piston or other power means is connected to the fixed and slide frames to adjust the lateral position of the supported plow blade. The disclosed plow includes a support frame which is pivotally mounted on a vertical pivot on a slide frame and the control mechanism includes means to angularly adjust the blade on the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: J. I. Case Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Schuck, John M. Baylor