The present invention relates to a system and method for uncovering and removing pipeline from the seafloor using a subsea trenching system using pressurized water to uncover pipe, a subsea shear carried by a barge to cut lengths of the pipeline, and a grapple carried by a barge to lift cut lengths of pipeline for placement on a pipe haul and recovery barge.

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 present invention relates to a system and method for uncovering and removing pipeline from the seafloor using a subsea trenching system using pressurized water to uncover pipe, a subsea shear carried by a barge to cut lengths of the pipeline, and a grapple carried by a barge to lift cut lengths of pipeline for placement on a pipe haul and recovery barge.

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.

The present invention relates to a system and method for uncovering and removing pipeline from the seafloor using a subsea trenching system using pressurized water to uncover pipe, a subsea shear carried by a barge to cut lengths of the pipeline, and a grapple carried by a barge to lift cut lengths of pipeline for placement on a pipe haul and recovery barge.

An excavator system for locating an underground utility line, the system comprising: a signal transmitter installed on the excavator; a signal receiver installed on the excavator; a monitor; and a control unit, in communication with the receiver, wherein the control unit is adapted (a) to analyze a vicinity of the receiver from the underground utility line by an intensity of a received signal by the receiver, and (b) to display indication of the vicinity on the monitor.

A strongarm device for use with a hydro excavation hose includes a support frame configured to carry hydro excavation equipment, a support post having first and second ends, the first end being secured to the support frame, and a boom having a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the support post and configured for the second end of the boom to rotate relative thereto. In addition, the strongarm device includes a bracket secured to and suspended from the second end of the boom, and a roller secured to the bracket and configured for the hydro excavation hose to roll back and forth over an upper surface of the roller.

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 female fitting is disclosed comprising a tube having an end that includes an upset for receiving a male fitting, the upset having an outer circumference and an inwardly extending groove extending around the outer circumference for receiving a clamp or portion of a clamp and the upset having an end face and inner surface, the upset having an undercut between the end face and inner surface for receiving a flange of the male fitting. A male fitting comprises a tube having an end part; and a transition between the tube and the end part, the transition comprising a flange extending radially outward from the tube and a radiused corner connecting the flange to the end part.

A method of cutting a microtrench 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 is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility. Also provided is a method of drilling a substantially horizontal hole under a roadway using a horizontal drill that is controlled by a computer system connected to an under-roadway detection unit that detects a buried utility and stops movement or changes direction of the drill to avoid damaging the buried utility.