An elbow fitting for an excavating apparatus can include a curved cylindrical pipe that can include a first metal material. In an example, the fitting can be configured for coupling to a hose. The pipe can include an interior surface and an exterior surface. Optionally, a perimeter of the pipe does not exceed a diameter of a first end of the pipe. The fitting can include a cladding layer (e.g., a second metal material) that can be coupled to the first metal material within the interior surface of the pipe. The cladding layer can include an abrasion-resistant material. The cladding layer can be coupled to the pipe such as with a welding operation. The cladding layer can include one or more ridges. The cladding layer can corregate the interior surface of the fitting and exterior surfaces of the fitting which can come into contact with abrasive material.

The invention relates to a device (07) for receiving and transporting components, in particular pipes or tubes (15), on a vehicle (01). The vehicle (01) carries a container (03) having a container cover (05) that is tiltable about a cover axis (19). A carrier (12) of the device is mountable on the container cover (05). An adjustment drive (22) that can pivot the carrier (12) about a pivot axis (21) between a transport position and a working position is preferably also present. Also provided are a retaining device (13) for accommodating at least one component (15), and a drive unit for moving the retaining device (13) relative to the carrier (12) between an upper holding position and a lower removal position. The invention further relates to a suction excavator (01) having a material collection container (03) that includes such a device for receiving and transporting pipes.

Provided is a microtrencher having a utility avoidance system that detects objects buried under the roadway, identifies whether the buried object is a utility and determines whether the buried utility is in the path of the cutting wheel. If the buried utility is in the path of the cutting wheel, an alert is sent to the operator, the vehicle is stopped, and/or the cutting wheel is raised in relation to the roadway. Also provided is a method of using the microtrencher to cut a microtrench in a roadway and to avoid cutting a buried utility in the path of the cutting wheel.

A boom hose apparatus for a material collection vehicle includes a telescoping boom assembly and a hose assembly supported by the boom assembly. The boom assembly includes a plurality of telescoping conduits. A flexible hose is received through the telescoping conduits and can slidably extend from, or retract into, the conduits independently from the telescoping of the conduits.

A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

A system for controlling pressure to a vacuum tank. The system comprises a conduit disposed between the vacuum tank and a blower. The conduit has a sealable connection disposed along its length between two sections that are geometrically conforming. The connection may be conical and threadless. Tilting the vacuum tank relative to the blower causes the connection to separate, allowing pressure within the vacuum tank to equalize with atmospheric pressure. Filters may be provided on each side of the connection for removing particulates from air evacuated from the tank.

An excavation system that is configured to utilize water pressure and vacuum to provide removal of terrain from an area wherein the excavation system is further configured to provide detection and alert of subterranean objects in the excavation area. The excavation system includes a digging wand that is operably coupled to a water source. The digging wand includes a plurality of water jets that are configured to emit water. The digging wand further includes in the nozzle thereof a plurality of detection transceivers. The detection transceivers are configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate the nozzle of the digging wand during the excavation process. The controller of the present invention includes a screen that provides image data of the area proximate the nozzle. The controller further provides at least two operational modes wherein one of the operational modes provides reduction of water pressure upon detection of a subterranean object.

De-trenching apparatus (100) for extracting a buried line, such as a cable or pipeline, is disclosed. The de-trenching apparatus comprises a channel (112) configured to receive a buried line to be extracted, the channel comprising a first flared opening (114) at a front end of the de-trenching apparatus and a second flared opening (115) at the rear end of the de-trenching apparatus, the first and second flared openings each having a curved surface (111) configured to support the line during extraction, and material removal means for removing material from around the buried line ahead of the de-trenching apparatus.

The hydro excavation remote dig system provides for a primary and secondary dig tube attachments that permit a vacuum truck to be used for a remote dig setup. Specifically, the attachments include various attachable handles, corrugated tubing that connects to a reinforcement bar device with releasable clamps to maintain the corrugated tubing in an elongated state during use, a debris box with an integrated safety valve, and a dig tip.

A method of cutting a microtrech in which the buried utility is exposed by opening an access hole in a roadway above the buried utility using a roadway access hole drill that rotates and vibrates the drill bit. A roadway access hole drill having a down-the-hole jack-hammer drill bit and a motor to rotate the down-the-hole jack-hammer drill.