Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
The trench backfill compaction apparatus which comprises: a self-propelled carriage having transversely-spaced means for advancing same along a trench in straddling relation to a pipe laid therein; an upright mast mounted on the forward end of the carriage; a forwardly-extending boom mounted on the mast for relative movement up and down the latter in overhanging relation to the trench; means connected between a fixed support movable with said carriage and said boom operative upon actuation to raise and lower the latter; a transversely-extending tool-carrying platform suspended from said boom; at least one pair of combination puddling and vibrating subassemblies suspended beneath said tool-carrying platform positioned to enter the trench on opposite sides of a pipe laid therein, said subassemblies each including an elongate rigid nozzle for introducing water beneath the surface of loose soil backfilling the trench and a vibrator connected to said nozzle for coordinated movement therewith; means for introducing water into said nozzles connectable to a remote pressurized source thereof; and, means comprising a self-contained source of power for said vibrators on board the carriage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
The trench backfill compaction apparatus which comprises: a self-propelled carriage having transversely-spaced means for advancing same along a trench in straddling relation to a pipe laid therein; an upright mast mounted on the forward end of the carriage; a forwardly-extending boom mounted on the mast for relative movement up and down the latter in overhanging relation to the trench; means connected between a fixed support movable with said carriage and said boom operative upon actuation to raise and lower the latter; a transversely-extending tool-carrying platform suspended from said boom; at least one pair of combination puddling and vibrating subassemblies suspended beneath said tool-carrying platform positioned to enter the trench on opposite sides of a pipe laid therein, said subassemblies each including an elongate rigid nozzle for introducing water beneath the surface of loose soil backfilling the trench and a vibrator connected to said nozzle for coordinated movement therewith; means for introducing water into said nozzles connectable to a remote pressurized source thereof; and, means comprising a self-contained source of power for said vibrators on board the carriage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The compaction apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the mast is hingedly attached to the carriage for tiltable movement forwardly and rearwardly relative thereto; and wherein means interconnects said carriage and mast operative upon actuation to effect tiltable movement thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
162 words
The compaction apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the mast includes a fixed section and a movable section telescopically received within said fixed section; the boom is secured to the movable section for relative movement up and down the latter; and the means for raising and lowering said boom comprises a first means connected between the fixed and movable sections of said mast operative upon actuation to extend and retract the latter relative to the former and hoisting means connecting the boom to a fixed support movable with the carriage, said hoisting means including pulley-forming means carried by the movable section of the mast and a line reaved from the boom over said pulley-forming means to said fixed support, said boom-actuating means being operative upon actuation of said first means in a direction to extend the movable section of the mast to simultaneously actuate said hoisting means so as to elevate the boom twice the distance said mast section extends.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The compaction apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the combination puddling and vibrating subassemblies are hingedly suspended from the tool-carrying platform for free-hanging universal movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The compaction apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the tool-carrying platform is hingedly attached to the underside of the boom for side-to-side tiltable movement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
The compaction apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: means comprising a scissor linkage interconnects the carriage with an elevatable element of the apparatus, said linkage supporting the means for carrying water to the nozzles, and said linkage being responsive to movement of said elevatable element by raising and lowering said supply means so as to remove slack therefrom.