Variable moment vibratory systems and methods

A coupler system for a vibratory system comprising an eccentric system comprising first and second upper transfer gears operatively connected to first and second upper eccentric members and first and second lower transfer gears operatively connected to first and second lower eccentric members, respectively, the coupler system comprising:

• a coupler housing defining a coupler axis;
• first and second drive racks supported for linear movement within the coupler housing;
• a coupler drive system for causing linear movement of the first and second drive racks within the coupler housing;
• first and second coupler gears arranged to engage the second upper transfer gear and the second lower transfer gear, respectively;
• and
• first and second pinion assemblies, where the first pinion assembly is operatively connected between the first drive rack and first coupler gear and the second pinion assembly is operatively connected between the second drive rack and the second coupler gear such that linear movement of the first and second drive racks causes rotation of the first and second coupler gears around the coupler axis to alter angular relationships between the first and second upper eccentric members and the first and second lower eccentric members.

A vibratory system for displacing piles comprising:

• an eccentric system comprising
• first and second upper transfer gears operatively connected to first and second upper eccentric members, and
• first and second lower transfer gears operatively connected to first and second lower eccentric members, respectively;
• a main drive system comprising
• an upper main drive gear connected to the first upper transfer gear, and
• a lower main drive gear connected to the first lower transfer gear;
• a coupler system comprising
• a coupler housing defining a coupler axis;
• first and second drive racks supported for linear movement within the coupler housing;
• a coupler drive system for causing linear movement of the first and second drive racks within the coupler housing;
• first and second coupler gears arranged to engage the second upper transfer gear and the second lower transfer gear, respectively;
• and
• first and second pinion assemblies, wherein
• the first pinion assembly is operatively connected between the first drive rack and first coupler gear and the second pinion assembly is operatively connected between the second drive rack and the second coupler gear such that linear movement of the first and second drive racks causes rotation of the first and second coupler gears around the coupler axis;
• and
• the first and second coupler gears are operatively connected to the second upper transfer gear and the second lower transfer gear, respectively, such that rotation of the first and second coupler gears around the coupler axis alters angular relationships between the first and second upper eccentric members and the first and second lower eccentric members.

A method of altering an angular relationship between at least upper and lower eccentric members of an eccentric system of a vibratory system, where the eccentric system comprises at least one transfer gear operatively connected to the at least upper and lower eccentric members, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a coupler housing defining a coupler axis;
• supporting at least one drive rack for linear movement within the coupler housing;
• arranging a coupler drive system to cause linear movement of the at least one drive rack within the coupler housing;
• arranging at least one coupler gear to engage the at least one transfer gear;
• operatively connecting at least one pinion assembly the at least one drive rack and the at least one coupler gear;
• and
• operating the coupler drive system such that linear movement of the at least one drive rack causes rotation of the at least one coupler gear around the coupler axis to alter the angular relationship between the upper and lower eccentric members.