Abstract A plate-type vibratory compactor which includes an oil-sealed vibrator unit mounted on the sole plate of the compactor. The vibrator unit includes an open-ended housing with bearings and a rotatable eccentric weight removably mounted in the housing. The bearings and eccentric weight may be removed from the housing if replacement is necessary. Oil is contained in the housing for continuously lubricating the bearings. The vibration-generating unit may be applied to either a self-propelled vibratory compactor or a compactor used in connection with a vehicle such as a backhoe. Two vibration-generating units and a transmission may be used with a self-propelled compactor to provide a direction-reversing feature.
The vibration-generating apparatus of claim 1 further comprising seal means for retaining lubricant within said housing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
30 words
The vibration generating apparatus of claim 2 wherein said shaft extends out of said housing and said seal means is positioned between said shaft and one of said cover means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
144 words
A vibratory compactor comprising: a soleplate for engaging the material to be compacted; an open-ended housing secured to said soleplate; bearing means removable mounted within said housing, a shaft positioned within said housing and rotatably mounted in said bearing means; eccentric weight means mounted on said shaft; cover means removably secured to said housing for closing the ends of said housing; said housing being adapted to be at least partially filled with a lubricant, and to confine lubricant therewithin; and means for rotating and drivingly coupled to said shaft and eccentric weight means for generating vibrations in said soleplate; said cover means including at least one access cover at one end of said housing and wherein said bearing means, shaft, and weight means are slidably replaceable through said one end of said housing upon removal from said compactor of only said one access cover.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 4 wherein said means for rotating said shaft and eccentric weight means is a hydraulic motor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 5 further comprising means for mounting the compactor on a vehicle; said mounting means including means for isolating the vibrations from said vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 4 wherein said means for rotating said shaft is a gasoline-powered engine and the vibratory compactor further comprises means for isolating the vibrations generated by said rotating shaft and eccentric weight means from said engine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 7 wherein said housing is positioned so that the rotation of said shaft and weight vibrates said soleplate and moves the compactor horizontally along the material to be compacted.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 8 wherein said soleplate has a portion which is inclined upwardly and said housing is mounted on said portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The vibratory compactor of claim 4 further comprising means positioned between said rotating means and said shaft for reversing the direction of rotation of said shaft.