Manipulating Trenching Apparatus and Methods

摘要

Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprises a main body portion, ground contacting assemblies on which said main body portion is mounted, said ground contact assemblies being operable to convey the apparatus over a ground surface, a trench cutting device, and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from said main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate said main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from said main body portion, said distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus. The mounting arm is provided with a lifting device configured to lift, and/or support assembly configured to support, said longitudinally extensive member, proximate said distal end thereof. Detection apparatus may also be provided at or near the distal end, for determining the position of said longitudinally extensive member. A corresponding de-mounting arm may be provided at a side of the main body opposite the mounting arm.

主权项

1. Apparatus for manipulating a longitudinally extensive member comprising:
a main body portion; ground contacting assemblies on which the main body portion is mounted, the ground contacting assemblies being operable for conveying the apparatus over a ground surface; a trench cutting device; and a mounting arm depending directly or indirectly from the main body portion and having a proximal end arranged proximate the main body portion and a distal end arranged distal from the main body portion, the distal end being operatively laterally movable with respect to the main body portion between a first limit position towards a first side of the apparatus and a second limit position towards an opposite second side of the apparatus and wherein a lifting device configured to lift, and/or a support assembly configured to support, the longitudinally extensive member are mounted on the mounting arm proximate the distal end thereof.