Apparatus and Method for Inserting an Elongate Object Into a Trench
AssigneeSoil Machine Dynamics Limited
InventorsJohn Graeme Walker, Roger Paul White
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wheel cutter tractor for inserting a cable into a trench is disclosed. The tractor comprises a wheel cutter for cutting a trench, and tracks for moving the tractor relative to the trench. A cable support tray supports the cable in a first position displaced from the wheel cutter in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the tractor, and in a second position above the wheel cutter. A cable grab and lifting device transfers the cable into the cable support tray.
Claims19
An apparatus for inserting an elongate object into a trench, the apparatus comprising:
- a trench cutting device for cutting a trench;
- a moving device for moving the trench cutting device relative to the trench;
- a support device for supporting at least part of an elongate object in at least one first position displaced from the trench cutting device in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the apparatus, and in at least one second position above the trench cutting device;
- and
- a transfer device for transferring at least part of the elongate object into the support device.
A method of operating an apparatus for inserting an elongate object into a trench, the method comprising:
- cutting a trench using a trench cutting device;
- moving the trench cutting device relative to the trench;
- and
- supporting at least part of an elongate object in at least one first position displaced from the trench cutting device in a direction transverse to a direction of travel of the apparatus during cutting of the trench.
An apparatus for inserting an elongate object into a trench, the apparatus comprising:
- a trench cutting device for cutting a trench;
- a moving device for moving the trench cutting device relative to the trench;
- and
- a first lifting device comprising a gripping device, for gripping and lifting the elongate object, and at least one second lifting device for applying a lifting force to a lower surface of the elongate object at a plurality of locations spaced apart along the elongate object.
A method of operating an apparatus for inserting an elongate object into a trench, the method comprising:
- cutting a trench using a trench cutting device;
- moving the trench cutting device relative to the trench;
- and
- applying a lifting force to a lower surface of the elongate object at a plurality of locations spaced apart along the elongate object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.