Trenching system
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsMichael C. Ruhl, David R. Bazzell, Vernon T. Stellman, Steven P. Seabolt, Andrew A. Schuermann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A ground engaging surface on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.
Claims13
A mobile system for cutting a narrow trench comprising:
- a work machine;
- a trenching assembly, movably attached to the work machine, the trenching assembly comprising:
- a frame;
- a removable blade cover attached to the frame,
- wherein the blade cover and frame define a ground engaging surface and a blade opening;
- a hub, attachable to the frame such that the vertical position of the hub relative to the frame is moveable;
- a blade, located substantially within the frame and the blade cover and supported on the hub, wherein the blade extends beyond the blade opening;
- and
- a cylinder assembly operatively attached to the work machine and the frame wherein operation of the cylinder assembly manipulates an orientation of the ground engaging surface about three axes relative to the work machine, side-to-side tilt and front-to back tilt.
A mobile system for cutting a narrow trench comprising:
- a work machine;
- a trenching assembly movably attached to the work machine comprising:
- a frame;
- a removable blade cover attached to the frame;
- wherein the blade cover and frame define a ground engaging surface and a blade opening such that the blade opening is substantially sealed when engaged with the ground by an orientation of the ground engaging surface;
- a cylinder assembly for manipulating the orientation of the ground engaging surface about three axes, side-to-side tilt and front-to-back tilt;
- a hub, attachable to the frame such that the vertical position of the hub relative to the frame is moveable to alter a cutting depth of the trenching assembly;
- a blade, located substantially within frame and the blade cover and supported on the hub, wherein the blade extends beyond the blade opening;
- and
- a vacuum system operatively connected to the frame.
A method for cutting a narrow trench in a surface comprising:
- providing a saw blade with a plurality of rotatable teeth wherein the saw blade is rotatably and moveably attached to a frame;
- choosing a saw blade wherein the plurality of teeth are rotated to achieve a desired trench width;
- adjusting the saw blade relative to the frame to achieve a desired trench depth;
- rotating the saw blade to cut a trench;
- substantially sealing the surface by tilting a ground engaging surface of the frame and a blade cover front-to-back and side-to-side and translating the ground engaging surface about three axes;
- and
- applying a vacuum within the frame and the blade cover to remove spoils.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.