A method of dredging which comprises suspending dredging apparatus 200 from a vehicle 360. The sediment agitating apparatus comprising a chassis 210, and mounted on the chassis are an extractor, sediment agitating apparatus and respective pumps 220, 230. The dredging apparatus 200 is disposed above, but not in contact with a waterbed 340 to be dredged of sediment 350. The sediment 350 is agitated then extracted with the extractor. The dredging apparatus 200 is moved around the water and the extracted sediment 400 is deposited underwater and above the dredging apparatus 200, so that the sediment 400 is transported and deposited away from an area being dredged by the natural movement of the water. Apparatus and use of the apparatus are also described.

A system and method for excavating an aggregate from below or beside a foundation through an access hole is provided. The system includes an air compressor and an air line fluidly coupled to the air compressor. The system further includes a valve disposed in fluid communication on the air line, and an end effector in fluid communication with the air compressor. The end effector extends between a first end coupled to one of the air line or the valve and a second end. The end effector is sized to fit through the access hole. The system further includes a nozzle coupled to the second end of the end effector.

Systems and methods for a vacuum excavator to prevent to formation of blockages know as spoil bridges are provided. The vacuum excavator includes a high vacuum blower that is coupled through a multi-stage airflow system that has a debris tank to which an excavation hose is coupled. A knuckle boom having two arm segments includes actuators to angularly position the arm segments, and hose roller assemblies that carry the excavation hose. The systems and methods control the angular position of the arm segments to control the flow curvature of the excavation hose from an excavation site to the debris tank in order to eliminate or reduce the occurrences of spoil bridges therein.

Hydro excavation vacuum apparatus that process spoil material onboard the apparatus by separating water from the cut earthen material are disclosed.

Hydro excavation vacuum apparatus that process spoil material onboard the apparatus by separating water from the cut earthen material are disclosed.

A method of exposing a buried utility under a roadway by cutting an access hole in the roadway, vacuuming away dirt surrounding the buried utility, and spraying at least one of pressurized water or compressed air into the dirt to loosen the dirt. A vacuum device having a vacuum nozzle, a compressed air nozzle, and a pressurized water nozzle.

A method for recovering rare-earth mud including steps of: (A) penetrating a mud gathering pipe into a layer containing rare-earth mud under the seafloor, (B) preparing a slurry containing a rare earth by loosening rare-earth mud in the mud gathering pipe, and (C) transferring the slurry through a mud raising pipe. A rare-earth mud recovery system including: a mud gathering pipe configured to penetrate into a layer containing rare-earth mud under a seafloor; a stirring device configured to loosen rare-earth mud in the mud gathering pipe; and a mud raising pipe connected to the mud gathering pipe.

A device for the removal of a layer of sludge and/or sand from the bottom of a wetland includes: a diving bell with an open bottom and a lower free edge; a unit for driving the diving bell with its lower edge into the layer of sludge to be removed; a dredge pump installed in the space of the diving bell and provided with an inlet for pumping up the sludge and/or an outlet to which a pipe is connected for pumping the pumped up sludge and/or sand to a collector; and a compressor for pumping gas under pressure into the space of the diving bell during dredging. The diving bell is also provided with a gas outlet for the compressed gas, the gas outlet being adjustable in height in the diving bell because the outlet is attached to a float that can float on the sludge.

A method and apparatus for digging and removing excavated material provides a mobile device, having a movable or self-propelled chassis, and an elongated, preferably articulated boom with a free end portion having an excavating implement (e.g., digging, excavating or jetting tool). The boom has at least three sections that are foldable to a storage position on the chassis wherein one boom section stacks upon or is aligned with another boom section. The vacuum line is supported upon the boom, extending along the boom and above the earth's surface, wherein the vacuum line extends between the free end portion of the boom and the chassis. The boom attaches to the chassis at a base. The excavated material is vacuumed with the vacuum line into a collection vessel or tank that can be a part of a wheeled vehicle. A separate vacuum truck can provide a vacuum to a selected collection tank.

A device for coupling to a working end of a hydrovac boom hose is disclosed. The device includes a tubular suction tube configured for removably coupling to the working end of the hydrovac boom hose such that an opening of the working end remains unobstructed. A plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles is located around a circumference of the tubular suction tube such that the water jet nozzles surround the working end of the hydrovac boom hose to dislodge earthly materials under the device. The high pressure water jet nozzles are configured for emitting high pressure that dislodge earthly material. A cylindrical housing to enclose and protect the tubular suction tube, water jet nozzles, locating device and provide an air duct for the ambient air to pass down threw. A plurality of air vents in the cylindrical housing that provide flow of ambient air to an area being excavated. The conduit coupled with the cylindrical housing, the conduit for allowing ingress of water to the plurality of high pressure water jet nozzles.