Trenching apparatus and method
US4214387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 1, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F5/105
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus and method for trenching beneath an elongated member lying on the bottom of a body of water are disclosed. The apparatus has a movable frame member, at least one cutting assembly, an assembly support means connected to the frame member for supporting each cutting assembly and for moving each cutting assembly at least in a laterally directed plane, and a spoil removal system. Each cutting assembly comprises at least two actuatable cutting tools which are driven for cutting movement relative to cutting tool axes. The cutting tool axes, for each cutting assembly, define an assembly cutting plane and means are provided for rotating the assembly cutting plane relative to the laterally directed plane, thereby, varying the cutting swath of the associated cutting assembly. In one aspect the method of the invention is directed to trenching from both sides of and beneath the elongated member to be buried. In another aspect, the method is directed to trenching from one side only, or from one side of and then from the other side of and beneath the elongated member to be buried.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.