Mobile foxhole excavator
OwnerFrank E. Fullerinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mobile foxhole excavator (MFE) is mounted on a standard military vehicle for transport and positioning. The excavator is powered by a self-contained internal combustion engine, which powers a hydraulic system for positioning an auger mast in three mutually perpendicular planes (horizontal, vertical and lateral) to permit the auger to bore holes at any desired angle between vertical, downward, and horizontal, as well as boring at various overhead angles between horizontal and near vertical. A single hydraulic motor is used to operate the boring auger, as well as various hydraulic cylinders to effect the desired positioning of the auger mast.
Claims11
A mobile apparatus for rapidly and efficiently excavating foxholes under combat conditions to establish defense perimeters employing a self-contained boring mechanism mounted on a standard transport vehicle, said boring apparatus including in combination:
- an operating power source;
- a translating auger;
- an auger mast on which said translating auger is mounted;
- an auger mast support and positioning frame for said auger mast;
- means coupled with said power source for adjusting and positioning said support and positioning frame for horizontal plane adjustments;
- means on said support and positioning frame for adjusting and positioning aid auger mast in vertical and lateral planes;
- a pivot guide plate and link assembly on said support and positioning frame with said plate having a slot therein with a predetermined width and formed as a segment of a circular arc, for guidance control and limitation of motion, said slot functioning to stop travel of said means for adjusting and positioning said auger mast in the vertical and lateral planes;
- an articulating link captured by a guide pin in the slot in said plate, and coupled with said means for adjusting and positioning said auger mast to significantly resist motion of said means for adjusting and positioning said auger mast normal to said plate while providing smooth motion of said means for adjusting and positioning said auger mast within the slot in said plate, while simultaneously reducing vibration amplitude.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.