Abstract

In an aspect of the invention a ripping mechanism for a vehicle is provided which includes a support frame, a ripping member and an impact mechanism, such as a vibrator, which is configured to reciprocate the ripping member forwardly and rearwardly about a transverse pivot axis. The ripping member is mounted within a sleeve that pivots with the ripping member about the pivot axis, while at the same time selectively permitting movement of the ripping member along the sleeve. The ripping member may thereby be raised or lowered relative to the sleeve in order to adjust the depth of the engagement head relative to the support frame.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 5/32 - Rippers
• A01B 11/00 - Ploughs with oscillating, digging or piercing tools
• E02F 5/00 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes

Abstract

In an aspect, the invention is directed to a ripping mechanism for a vehicle. The ripping mechanism includes a support frame, a ripping member and an impact mechanism which is configured to reciprocate the ripping member forwardly and rearwardly. The impact mechanism is preferably a vibrator mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the ripping mechanism has a longitudinal axis, is mountable to the vehicle and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The ripping member has an engagement head that is configured for plowing a groove in the ground and that is pivotally supported on the support frame about a ripping member pivot axis that is positioned such that pivoting of the ripping member displaces the engagement head longitudinally. The impact mechanism is preferably a vibrator mechanism. The vibrator mechanism is connected to the ripping member wherein activation of the vibrator mechanism causes reciprocating pivoting movement of the ripping member. In another aspect, the ripping mechanism further comprises a pressure sensor and a control system. The control system is configured to determine when the ripping member is engaged with hard material using the pressure sensor. When the ripping member is not engaged with hard material, the control system is configured to deactivate the vibrator mechanism. The invention is particularly useful in ripping hard material, such as rock.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 5/32 - Rippers
• A01B 35/10 - Other machines for working soil with non-rotating tools mounted on tractors
• A01B 35/20 - Other machines for working soil - Details

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 5/10 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with arrangements for making or assembling conduits or for laying conduits or cables
• E02F 5/12 - Dredgers or soil-shifting machines for special purposes for digging trenches or ditches with equipment for back-filling trenches or ditches
• F16L 1/032 - Laying or reclaiming pipes on land, e.g. above the ground in the ground the pipes being continuous
• F16L 1/06 - Accessories therefor, e.g. anchors
• H02G 1/08 - Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing, or dismantling electric cables or lines for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle through tubing or conduit, e.g. rod or draw wire for pushing or pulling
• H02G 9/06 - Installations of electric cables or lines in or on the ground or water in underground tubes or conduits; Tubes or conduits therefor