Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for laying conduit within a trench, using a separable boxlike structure with end walls, side walls, a fill bin compartment internal of the boxlike structure for receiving fill material and dispensing fill material onto the bottom of the trench, and a conduit laying compartment through which conduit is fed for positioning on the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure has a rigidly mounted tow bar which facilitates application of vertical, longitudinal and lateral forces on the boxlike structure to thereby enable an operator of the apparatus to maneuver it on-grade and in alignment along the bottom of the trench. The boxlike structure is maintained on-grade and in alignment with the assistance of a laser transmitter/receiver assembly and several grade-maintenance features, including a shearing blade which automatically adjusts its vertical position in response to the laser. When an obstacle is encountered, the boxlike structure may be separated into an upper portion and lower portion so that the upper portion can be unconnected and removed from the lower portion. The laying of conduit within the trench can continue using only the lower portion until it is clear of the obstacle and the upper portion can be repositioned on the lower portion. The apparatus may also have a dewatering system, a conduit setting system, and a system for dispensing fill material around the conduit and onto the bottom of the trench.

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First Claim