Automated below ground cable installation within a select fill apparatus and method

• US 9,670,645 B2
• Filed: 03/06/2015
• Issued: 06/06/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P. (Quanta Services Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P. (Quanta Services Incorporated)
• Inventors: Gluskin, Mark A., Quackenbush, Karl, Baker, Jr., James M., Harrison, Rick, Specht, Jr., Edward, Kelly, Brian
• Primary Examiner(s): Armstrong, Kyle
• Application Number:
  US14/640,937
• Publication Number:
  US 20150252551A1
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/06 with digging elements mounted on an endless chain E02F5/109 takes precedence; with digging elements mounted on an endless chain per se E02F3/08
• CPC Class Codes: E02F 5/12 with equipment for back-filling trenches or ditches
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 1/06 for laying cables, e.g. laying apparatus on vehicle

Abstract

The cable embedding device is used to install a cable, such as a copper cable, together with filler material within a void trenched into the surrounding land area. The cable embedding device has a hopper, and a chute extending from a lower end of the hopper. The chute includes a plowing edge attached to a leading edge of the chute. A tube is connected to the device inside the hopper and extending along a major axis of the chute. An arch is formed at a lower edge of the chute.

Claims

1. A apparatus for embedding a cable into a land area, comprising:

a hopper;

a chute extending from a lower end of the hopper;

wherein the chute comprises a plurality of sidewalls, wherein the plurality of sidewalls each have a lower edge, and wherein each of the lower edges of the plurality of sidewalls defines a lower opening from the chute;

wherein the chute includes a plowing edge attached to a leading edge of the chute;

a tube connected to the apparatus for embedding the cable inside the hopper and extending along a major axis of the chute;

an arch joined to at least one of the lower edges of the plurality of sidewalls of the chute;

wherein the plowing edge comprises two plates attached together at one end and joined to at least two of the plurality of sidewalls at another respective end defining a triangular compartment for housing the tube;

a cable extending into the tube proximate the hopper, running through the inner diameter of the tube and emerging at a position proximate and along the lower edges of the plurality of sidewalls of the chute, below and out of the lower opening and the arch;

a volume of filler material in the apparatus for embedding a cable and flowing out through the lower opening at a position above the cable and continuing to a position around the cable;

a first vehicle including a trencher attachment, wherein the chute is connected to the first vehicle with an adaptor;

wherein the adaptor comprises a hydraulic cylinder and a brace, and a rod extendable from the hydraulic cylinder and joined to the plowing edge via a linkage;

wherein another end of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to an arm attached to the trencher attachment;

wherein the brace is joined at one end to the trencher attachment and at another end to the plowing edge; and

a second vehicle including a blade at a position trailing the hopper.

2. The apparatus for embedding the cable according to claim 1, wherein the filler material is a cementitious material.

3. The apparatus for embedding the cable according to claim 1, further comprising a trough mounted on the first vehicle, and wherein the cable extends through the trough and into the tube.

4. The apparatus for embedding the cable according to claim 1, further comprising an end cap attached to the tube at the lower edge of the chute.