US20100095559A1

US20100095559A1 - Mobile vacuum excavation attachment for vehicle

Info

Publication number: US20100095559A1
Application number: US12/592,142
Authority: US
Inventors: Lynn A. Buckner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-22
Filing date: 2009-11-19
Publication date: 2010-04-22

Abstract

A mobile, platform mounted excavator which may include a vacuum container and a device which will create a vacuum condition within the vacuum container. A water container, water pump, hoses and spray nozzles may be mounted on the platform and may be used for cleaning, jettering out conduits, and loosening earthen material. An articulated boom may be pivotably mounted on the platform and the articulated boom may have the added feature of having a means for coupling and supporting in stabilizing in place, auxiliary tools which are useful for accessing, servicing or repairing in ground utilities. The mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program and wireless communication may be used for documenting, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing operation. The above described mobile platform system may be mounted to a variety of vehicles.

Description

This application is a CIP of U.S. Non Provisional application Ser. No. 11/208,565 filed 22 Aug. 2005 and claims the benefit of U.S. Non Provisional Application Ser. No. 10/217,055 filed 12 Aug. 2002 to include it's 24 Sep. 2002 & 12 Mar. 2003 amendment and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/363,058 filed on 11 Mar. 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/384,719 filed on 3 Jun. 2002. Non Provisional Application Ser. No. 10/217,055 is a parent cases of U.S. Non Provisional application Ser. No. 11/208,565 filed 22 Aug. 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mobile vacuum boring, mud recovery, cleaning and excavation method comprising a platform and having mounted on said platform, a vacuum container and a device which will create a vacuum condition within the vacuum container and the platform mounted vacuum container may be mountable to a skid steer, zero turn radius vehicle, hydraulically driven vehicle and the like. The mobile platform may have a water pump mounted on it or an air compressor mounted on it or a combination of a vacuum container, a vacuum producing means, a vacuum conduit, a water pump, a water tank, an air compressor, a boom, a torque wrench or a hydraulic motor. The vacuum container may be mounted on a sufficient incline to allow debris to be emptied out by gravity and to provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a water storage container and may have a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid and or solids into the vacuum container. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container may have the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprises a means to separate a liquid and from solids. An articulated boom may be mounted on the mobile platform and the articulated boom may have the added feature or attachments chosen from an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buried utilities, monitors and controls to operate the attachments and their function, a water spray nozzle, a man hole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, a jetter nozzle, or a camera and a power source to operate them. The above described platform system may further be mounted on a variety of mobile vehicles, chosen from but not limited to a trailer, a truck, railroad car or a skid steer which includes a fork lift, front loader, a track vehicle or zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer. The platform mounted system may document data relative to a utility servicing and repair event; wherein the mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program and wireless communication may be used for documenting, blue tooth transmitting technology, controlling, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Current state of the art vacuum excavation, boring and mud recovery systems have a vacuum producing means and have a vacuum containers mounted horizontally on a trailer or truck during transport and while being filled. After filling said vacuum container to a predetermined capacity, the vacuum producing device must be discontinued, the filling must discontinue, the vacuum environment within the vacuum container is eliminated, the container opened and the contents dumped out. After the container is emptied, the vacuum-producing device may be restarted and the filling and storing may restart. Currently, vacuum containers capable of vacuuming mud and boring earth are operated as a batch process. The vacuum debris container is mounted horizontal and filled with debris. After it is full of debris a hydraulic jack tilts the tank for unloading. The vacuum tank, water tank, and other support equipment are each mounted separately on a trailer or truck bed, thus consuming a lot of floor space.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mobile platform having a receiver attachment means for attaching said platform to an attachment fastener present on skid steers which include, a front loader and zero turn radius vehicles, and further including the use of hydraulic hoses and hydraulic quick connects in order to access and use hydraulic power, which is generated by the skid steer, and the hydraulic power may be used to drive one or more hydraulic motors which in turn may power equipment systems which are mounted on said mobile platform and said equipment systems may be chosen from the group consisting of a vacuum container, a vacuum producing means for creating a vacuum environment within said vacuum container; and a vacuum conduit for vacuuming liquid or solids into said vacuum container; a water container, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and a hose reel; a boom having one or more articulated arms, and said boom having a first end and a second end; said first end of said boom is mounted adjacent to said mobile platform and a tool attachment means for attaching tools is mounted adjacent to said second end of said boom; wherein said tools are selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buried utilities, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls to operate the attachments an their function, or a camera and power source to operate them, and a single hydraulic motor may belt drive one or more equipment systems simultaneously, and each equipment system may use an electric clutch for engaging or disengaging it's operation, and further more an over hung load adapter may be used to reduce side loading of the hydraulic motor bearings.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation system mounted to a mobile platform which may be mounted on a variety of mobile vehicles.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, water excavation and drainage conduit jettering system mounted on a mobile platform which may be mounted to a variety of mobile vehicles.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, air excavation system mounted on a mobile platform which may be mounted to a variety of mobile vehicles.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, articulated boom system mounted on a mobile platform which may be mounted to a variety of mobile vehicles.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation system mounted on a mobile platform which may be coupled to a variety of mobile vehicles, chosen from but not limited to a skid steer, a front loader, or a zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer, wherein the mobile vehicle supplies power to operate the platform mounted excavation equipment.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a mobile equipment means for servicing and repairing in ground utilities wherein the mobile equipment means comprises a mobile platform which may be connected to a front loader skid steer type vehicle wherein the mobile platform may have a vacuum excavator system, a water jetter system, an air excavator system, or an articulated boom arm with utility servicing tools attached mounted on it. A further objective is for the utility servicing and repair event to be documented. The mobile platform mounted systems may have sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program, blue tooth transmitting technology, and wireless communication may be used for documenting, controlling, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like. Graphs, pictures, graphics, and charts relative to the service event may be generated for persons with a need to know.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation system mounted on a mobile platform which may be attached to a variety of mobile vehicles, wherein an RFID tag is positioned adjacent to an in ground access, an in ground valve, an in ground repair, an in ground service point, and in ground wye or tee, or any part of an in ground utility which needs to be located for the purpose of collecting data about the buried utility. An RFID sensor such as an RFID antenna may activate the buried RFID tag. The RFID antenna may be used for gathering data from the RFID TAG for the purpose of location verification and receiving stored data from the RFID tag.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum excavation system mounted on a mobile platform which may have a vacuum container rigidly mounted at a sufficient incline to allow debris to be emptied out by gravity and to provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a water storage container.
It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a means of separating the stored contents by predetermined category and dispense them without stopping the vacuum fill and store operation or eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator to move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit and said suction end of said vacuum conduit have an earth digging bucket mounted adjacent it, and said conduit boom with said earth digging bucket being mounted on a mobile vehicle, and a preferred vehicle being a powered zero turn radius vehicle having the ability to be converted into a towable trailer configuration for the purpose of transporting from job to job.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength, power and articulated movement to allow an operator to move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit into a manhole lateral line along with a jetter spray nozzle.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit with one or more tool attachments adjacently attached to the suction end of said vacuum conduit and said attachments selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, sensor to locate buried utilities, monitors and controls to operate the attachments and their function, water spray nozzle, manhole cover remover, cutting tool, grinding tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose, jetter nozzle, or camera and power source to operate them.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to separate hydrocarbons from the contents vacuumed into the vacuum container.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means to purify or sterilize the contents vacuumed into the vacuum tank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above described objectives and others are met by a method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and the vacuum container being mounted on a mobile platform which may be mounted to a mobile vehicle. A powered mobile vehicle may provide power to operate the platform mounted equipment or a power source may be mounted on the mobile platform. It is common for powered mobile vehicles such as a skid steer, which includes a zero turn radius vehicle, a fork lift, a front loader or the like to have quick connects for attaching platform mounted equipment and to have quick connects for attaching hydraulic hoses and for supplying power to platform mounted equipment.
A vacuum container may be mounted at a sufficient incline angle to allow debris to be emptied out by gravity and to provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a water storage container and may have a vacuum conduit to transport liquid or solids into the vacuum container. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and a vacuum container may have the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprise a means to separate a liquid from solids. A vacuum conduit boom may be used to transport debris into the vacuum container and may have the added feature of being an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit. An articulated boom may be mounted on the mobile platform and may have one or more tool attachment means adjacently mounted to the boom and said attached tools are selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buried utilities, monitors and controls to operate the attachments an their function, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, or a camera and power source to operate them.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a vacuum container according to a first embodiment of the invention having both liquid and solid dispensers and means disposed within the container to separate liquids from solids.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation of a vacuum container according to a second embodiment of the invention using a screen cylinder to separate liquids from solids and having a pump dispenser disposed within the screen and having a vibrator attached to the screen. Purification means are disposed within the vacuum container to remove contaminants from the liquids or solids. Purification means 55, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and sterilization means 57 are shown disposed within the vacuum container although they can be attached to the container or conduits. Purification, hydrocarbon absorbs ion or sterilization means may chosen from, but are not limited to, zealite, ozone or activated carbon or ultra violet light or phasing or ultra sonic or chlorine or peat or diatomasious earth.

FIG. 3 shows a vacuum container and liquid dispenser according to the second embodiment of the invention using a powered boom to articulate the vacuum conduit with vacuum conduit suction end attachments, sensors & controls.

FIG. 4 shows a vacuum container with liquid and solid dispensers according to a third embodiment of the invention using an articulated vacuum and jetter boom to reach into a lateral line of a drain pipe. A vacuum conduit tractor is shown pulling a vacuum conduit & the tractor is shown with a rotating vacuum nozzle, controls, light and camera. A jetter is also shown loosening debris to be vacuumed. The vacuum container is shown to separate solids & liquids. The liquid is shown to be dispensed and recycled. The solids are shown to be ground to a smaller size, and transported to a mobile container.

FIG. 5 shows a mobile platform mounted to a skid steer, and mounted on the mobile platform is a vacuum container, a vacuum producing means, a water container, a water pump, a vacuum conduit, a water conduit and a water spray nozzle shown to be jetting water in order to loosening earthen material for the vacuum conduit to vacuum up, thus excavating an access to a utility. In this example no engine is shown mounted to the mobile platform because a skid steer by customary design supplies hydraulic power to attached platform mounted equipment. This arrangement of the invention illustrates an inclined slope vacuum container with a liquid storage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank. Both solid and liquid dispensers are shown according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The vacuum unit is mounted on a platform and is shown being moved by a skid steer. The liquid is shown to be recycled and the solids are shown to be dispensed.

FIG. 6 shows a vacuum container according to the fourth embodiment of the invention mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle using a powered articulating vacuum conduit boom with telescoping conduit and earth digging bucket. The vacuum conduit is shown with the telescoping section of the vacuum conduit extended, and a liquid spray nozzle or air pressure nozzle is shown to be loosening the earth so it can be vacuumed. The earth digging bucket is shown in the retracted position. An earth penetrating sensor is shown mounted on the bucket.

FIG. 7 shows an articulating vacuum conduit boom with multiple sections reaching into a drainage pipe lateral line to loosen & vacuum debris from the drainage pipe. A telescoping means is used to assist in reaching in the lateral line.

FIG. 8 shows an inclined slope vacuum container supported by a liquid storage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum tank. A filter housing containing filters is shown mounted adjacent to the debris tank. A single door is shown to access both the filter house and the debris tank simultaneously. A solids liquid vibrating screen separator is shown mounted to the debris tank portion of the access door. A powered telescoping cylinder or linear actuator is shown to open or close the access door. A powered articulating vacuum boom is shown with a manhole cover removal attachment. An RFID tag is shown to be positioned within a valve access box and adjacent to an in ground valve. The RFID tag may have identification date stored on it and when the RFID tag is activated it may serve as a transmitter for locating and identifying the in ground utility valve and casement. An RFID antenna is shown to be positioned on the boom arm attachment tool. The RFID antenna may be used for activating the RFID tag and may be used for locating and gathering data from the RFID tag.

FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an earth excavator digging a hole in the earth using a vacuum container mounted on a zero-turn radius vehicle & having a solids and liquid separation and unloading means. The Vacuum container is shown connected to an articulated vacuum conduit boom with an earth digging bucket attached in the retracted position. A telescoping section of the vacuum conduit is shown in the extended position vacuuming dirt that has been by water sprayed from a liquid spray nozzle which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of an indention in the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The indention reduces the size of solid that can enter the vacuum conduit, thus reducing the frequency of solids being clogged in the vacuum conduit. The earth excavator is shown to be convertible between a zero turn radius vehicle and a towable trailer. The excavator is shown in the excavating configuration. With the spreader blade being used as a jack. The debris access door is shown opening by a powered telescoping cylinder which in turn moves the pull bars and dried dirt out of the vacuum tank.

FIG. 10 Shows the earth excavator in the towing configuration as a trailer attached behind a truck. The trailer hitch has been towered & the swivel front wheels have been raised. The articulated vacuum boom has been configured into a stored position and the combination dirt pushing blade and jack has been raised.

FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 5 except that the vacuum tank is not shown to have the internal solids/liquid separator option. The vacuum container 12 is still shown as mounted on platform 31 which in turn is attached to the lifting arm 78 of skid steer 74 via a standard type skid steer quick connect attachment fastener 77.

FIG. 12 is shown as a side view of a platform mounted machine which is shown attached to a skid steer and uses the hydraulic power supply from the skid steer in order to power the platform mounted equipment and in this case three equipment systems are shown to be mounted on a single platform; a vacuum excavation system, a water jettering system, and an articulated boom with a torque wrench mounted on one end the boom arm. An electronic monitoring system is with sensors, GPS, RFID, camera, data logging, PLC controls and wireless communication are illustrated in order to show the systems ability to gather and store data by measuring physical quantities, converting the measurement to a signal and send the data to a data logger and or a PLC. The FIG. 13 is shown as a plan view example of a platform mounted machine which can be attached to a skid steer, which includes a front loader, fork lift, zero turn radius vehicle, or the like, that has a hydraulic power supply which may be connected to a platform mounted hydraulic drive motor. The hydraulic hoses with hydraulic quick connects 84 are shown as the means for accessing the hydraulic power supply from the host vehicle in order to power the platform mounted equipment and in this case three equipment systems are shown to be mounted on a single platform; a vacuum excavation system, a water jettering system, and an articulated boom with a torque wrench mounted on one end the boom arm.

FIG. 14 is shown as a side view example of a mobile equipment means for servicing and repairing in ground utilities. The mobile equipment means illustrated in this example is a mobile platform which is connected to a front loader skid steer type vehicle. The mobile platform is illustrated to have multiple utility servicing systems mounted on it, which include a vacuum excavator system, a water jetter system, and a pivot ably mounted articulated boom arm with a torque wrench utility servicing tool mounted on it. In this example the torque wrench is being used to exercise an in ground utility valve. The torque wrench may be used to loosen valve seats, bolts or the like. The mobile platform mounted systems are also illustrated to include process control and data documentation sensors to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger, a PLC, an RFID, a camera, a GPS, a utility mapping program and wireless communication are illustrated as being used for documenting, controlling, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Using the drawings, the present invention will now be explained.
FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the invention, being one example of various possible arrangements of apparatus within a vacuum container 12 for the purpose of accomplishing a method of separating solids 6 or liquids 2 by predetermined category and then dispensing said solids 6 or liquids 2 using a dispensing means 1 without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container 12. In FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention include a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producing means 11, a conduit 13 to allow air to move from vacuum container 12 to vacuum producing means 11, a second conduit 14 dispenses air from the vacuum producing means 11. Vacuum container 12 has an access door 18 having a hinge 20 and a latching means 19. Solids 6 or liquids 2 are vacuumed into vacuum container 12 by means of a vacuum conduit 17. In FIG. 1, the ground 35 is earthen dirt. Liquid 2, which has been stored in container 8, is pumped by pump 7 through pump discharge conduit 5 to a spray nozzle 26. The pressurized liquid 2 dislodges and emulsifies the ground 35 so it becomes vacuum able. The vacuum able ground 35 and liquid 2 are vacuumed through conduit 17 and into vacuum container 12. The solids 6 and liquids 2 fall onto a screen 21 which is vibrated by vibrator 23. Screen 21 is mounted on springs 22 which are supported by support means 24. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 and is dispensed from the vacuum container 12 by means of a liquid dispenser means 1 which is shown as a rotary void style in this example. The solids 6 which are too large to pass through the vibrating screen 21 are vibrated to a solids dispensing means 10 which in this example is a rotary void style dispenser. The solids 6 are dispensed into solids conveyor 49. The vacuum container 12 is supported by a pivot arm 28 and a cylinder 29 which may be extended to dump contents out of container access door 18. The above system is mounted on a mobile platform 31 with wheels 30. FIG. 1 is shown excavating ground 35 in order to locate a utility 15 without doing damage to said utility 15.
In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the screen 21 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The solids 6 and liquids 2 which are vacuumed through conduit 17, are deposited into vacuum container 12 around the vibrated screen well 21. The solids 6 which cannot pass through the screen well 21, remain in the vacuum container 12 to be dumped out through access door 18 when it is opened and cylinder 29 is extended. Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 thus dewatering the solids 6 which remain in vacuum container 12. Liquid 2, which passes through screen 21, is dispensed from vacuum container 12 by means of liquid dispenser 1, which in this example is a pump. The liquid 2 passes through conduit 16 and into hydro cyclone 25 where the solids 6 and liquid 2 separation is further refined. The solids 6 are discharged through solids discharge conduit 4 into vacuum container 12 and liquids are discharged through conduit 3 which discharges into a liquid 2 storage container 8 thus providing a method to reclaim and recycle vacuumed liquids 2. Purification elements 55 such as ozone, activated carbon or zealite, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and a sterilization means 57 is located within the vacuum container 12. in order to purify, sterilize or remove hydrocarbons from the liquids 2 or solids 6 as they pass through vacuum container 12. The sterilization means 57, or purification means 55 or hydrocarbon means 56 may also be disposed within the suction conduit 17 or dispensing conduit 16, or dispensing means 1 or 10.
FIG. 3 has the added features of a boom means 36 being a powered mobile boom to articulate the movement of vacuum conduit 17 and articulated boom 36 attachments 32 which may consist of cutters, a demolition means, a surface grinders, a cleaners, an air jets, a water jets, a scoop, a torque wrench or the like. Utility location sensors 33 with monitor/controller means 34 are shown to assist in locating and accessing a utility 15 buried under ground 35 which may consist of dirt, stone, asphalt, concrete or a combination there of. The system of FIG. 3 is shown to also be recycling the liquid 2 as it locates, uncovers or avoids a utility 15.
In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the solids 6 are passed through a solids grinder 27 in order to reduce the solids 6 size to a predetermined size before being dispensed by a solids dispenser 10 which in this example is a progressive cavity screw. The dispensed solids are collected in solids receiver container 9 to be hauled off. The liquid 2 is shown being dispensed by liquid dispenser means 1, which in this example is a diaphragm pump. The recycled liquid 2 is pumped through hose reel 37 by transfer pump 7 to a water jetter 39 spraying a water jet 40, thus cleaning drain pipe 38 with recycled water as it moves.
The recycled liquid 2 along with solids 6 washed from drain pipe 38 are vacuumed up by the vacuum conduit 17 which is shown as an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom 36. The articulated powered boom 36 also has means to place the jetter 39 into location down a manhole 59 and into a lateral drainage conduit 38 and dispense the jetter conduit 58. In this example, telescoping cylinder 41 is used to articulate the vacuum conduit boom 36 and jetter 39. Vacuum boom structure 44 allows the vacuum conduit 17 to be rigid enough to move, support weight and force in order to articulate and operate attachments such as the vacuum conduit tractor 51 which is articulated into a starting position by the vacuum conduit boom 36. Vacuum conduit powered tractor 51 then moves vacuum conduit 17 to debris 45 to be vacuumed. Vacuum hose reel 54 unreels and retracts vacuum hose 17 as needed. Vacuum conduit tractor 51 can have a sensor controller means 52 attached so as to monitor and control the vacuuming process. Vacuum conduit tractor 51 can also be fitted with an articulating suction head means 53, which allows the vacuum conduit tractor to access debris 45 in multiple degrees. Although the articulating boom 36 is shown vacuuming debris from a drain pipe, said vacuum conduit boom 36 works equally well vacuuming substances from railcars, barges, tankers, silos, or shavings and dung from the barn and stables.
In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5, & 6 the container 12 is placed on an inclined slope which also creates a location beneath vacuum container 12 to locate a water storage container 8, thus providing a compact vacuum container with a water tank 8 below. The vacuum container 12 having an inclined screen 21, which continues as a portion of the solids dispenser 10 hopper. In this example, the solids dispenser 10 is in the form of a screw conveyor. Liquid 2, which passes through the screen 21, is dispensed by liquid dispenser 1, which in this embodiment is shown as a pump.
In FIG. 5, the vacuum system and water jettering system is skid mounted 31 and is connected 77 to a skid steer 74. FIG. 5 shows a mobile platform 31 mounted to a skid steer 74. Mounted on the mobile platform 31 is a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producing means 11, a water container 8, a water pump 7, a vacuum conduit 17, a water conduit 5 and a water spray nozzle 26 shown to be jetting water 2 in order to loosening earthen material 35 for the vacuum conduit 17 to vacuum up to the vacuum container 12, thus excavating an access to a utility 15. In this vacuum system, the vacuum producing means 11 discharges air to atmosphere through conduit 14 and receives air from container 12 via conduit 13 thus creating a vacuum environment within container 12. As shown in drawing 4, a filter housing 64 having an air filter 65 may be placed between the vacuum producing means 11 and the vacuum container 12. The air filter 65 removes solids from the air in order to protect vacuum producing means 11 from abrasion. Vacuum conduit 17 is shown to have a first end mounted to vacuum container 12 and a second end, being the suction end of the vacuum hose 17, is positioned near earthen material 6 which is to be vacuumed up and air conveyed through vacuum conduit 17 and into vacuum container 12. The vacuum container 12 is shown to be mounted at an inclined angle, however it can be any shape and mounted horizontal as shown in drawing 4 or be mounted vertical, which ever best fits the system configuration and efficiency. As shown in FIG. 6 the suction end of conduit 17 may have an indention 75 adjacent to the second end of conduit 17 for the purpose of restricting solids 6 from entering the vacuum hose 17 if the solid 6 is large enough to get clogged inside vacuum conduit 17. FIG. 6 and FIG. 11 show an air inlet hole 87 in the side of and near the suction end of vacuum conduit 17. The air inlet hole 87 may be added near the suction end of conduit 17 for the purpose of insuring that air is continually available to flow through the vacuum hose 17, thus insuring that the air conveying process is not interrupted thus causing the solids 6 to stop moving and thus clog up the inside of conduit 17. The air inlet hole 87 makes air available to flow through vacuum conduit 17 even if the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17 is clogged. The air inlet hole 87 may be used in conjunction with the vacuum conduit 17 suction end restriction 75. The diameter of air inlet hole 87 may be sized to balance air volume vs. desired inches of Hg. vacuum to be maintained within vacuum conduit 17 while air conveying solids. As Shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, the vacuum hose 17 may be placed on a vacuum hose reel 17 and mounted either horizontally or vertical and may use a rotary joint to support and allow the vacuum conduit to be used while being partially rolled up on it's hose reel 54. The hose reel 54 may be hand rotated or rotated by a motor. Sensors 94 may be used to measure the vacuum in inches of Hg, the length of vacuum hose 17 that is extended, and the torque applied to the vacuum hose reel 54 motor in order to rewind the hose reel.
The water jettering system as shown in example FIG. 5 stores water 2 in a water container 8 which serves as a water supply for water pump 7. A water conduit hose 5 has a first end attached to the water pump 7 and has a second end attached to a water spray nozzle 26. The orifice arrangement and orifice size of water spray nozzle 26 affect the sprayed water 2 volume, pressure and direction. The sprayed water 2 may be used for cutting through earthen material 35, or making a slurry of the earthen material 35 so it becomes vacuum able. As shown in FIG. 5 the combined use of the water jettering system and the vacuum system allows an operator to excavate an access hole to a buried utility 15. FIG. 4 illustrates the combined use of the water jettering system and the vacuum system in order to allow an operator to cut through a clogged drainage pipe 38 and vacuum the debris 45 and earthen material 35 from the drainage pipe 38.
In the FIG. 5 example, no engine is shown mounted to the mobile platform because a skid steer by customary design may supplies hydraulic power to attached platform 31 mounted equipment.
FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 5 except that the vacuum tank is not shown to have the internal solids 6/liquid 2 separator option. The vacuum container 12 is shown as mounted on platform 31 which in turn is connected to the lifting arm 78 of skid steer 74 via a predetermined skid steer quick connect type attachment fastener 77.
FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 5 in that it illustrates a mobile platform 31 being mounted to a skid steer 74 and having a vacuum system and a water jettering system mounted as a part of the mobile platform 31. FIG. 12 also illustrates an articulated boom 36 having a telescoping arm 86 and an auxiliary tool 32. The auxiliary tool 32, in FIG. 12 is an example of a torque wrench and is shown to be rotate ably mounted to a second end of the telescoping arm 86 of the articulated boom 36. The articulated boom is shown to be rotate ably mounted to a vertical support means of the mobile platform 31. In FIG. 13 the rotate ably mounted articulated boom 36 is shown with a telescoping arm 86 having a mounting means 85 for attaching auxiliary tools 32. A vacuum hose reel 54 is shown to be a part of the mobile platform 31 vacuum system. The skid steer 74 is shown to be supplying hydraulic power, in the form of hydraulic fluid under pressure, to the vacuum system and the water jettering system via the hydraulic hoses and hydraulic hose quick connects 84. The pressurized hydraulic fluid powers a hydraulic motor 83 which is illustrated in the plan view of FIG. 13. The hydraulic motor 83 is shown to be mounted to an over hung load adapter 82. The shaft of the over hung load adapter 82 is shown in FIG. 13 to be supporting a pulley 80. FIG. 12 & FIG. 13 both illustrate the multi grove pulley 80 using a belt 81 to transfer power to a clutch mounted pulley 79. In the example of FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 the water pump 7 is powered by a clutch mounted pulley 79 and the vacuum producing means 11 is powered by a clutch mounted pulley 79. The clutch mounted pulley 79 can be activated by a 12 or 24 volt D.C. electric battery supply. An electric clutch mounted pulley system 79 makes it user friendly for an operator to flip a switch in order to turn a water jettering system or a vacuum system on or off. The pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied by the skid steer may also be used to power the torque wrench 32 which is shown in FIG. 12. The mobile platform 31 mounted pressurized hydraulic fluid system may also include flow dividers, electric operated solenoid valves, metering valves and restrictive orifices as needed to regulate the flow rate, the direction of travel and the pressure of the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The function of the hydraulic system may be operated by wireless remote control communication via the transmitter/receiver 88 as can the functions of the vacuum system and the water jetter system. The electric solenoid valves, and electric relay switches are wired in communication with the wireless communication transmitter/receiver 88, thus an operator may use a hand held 95 transmitter/receiver to communicate wirelessly with the mobile platform 31 mounted transmitter/receiver 88. For example a wirelessly operated electric relay switch coupled to a clutch 79 will allow an operator to remotely power the clutch 79, or an electric linear actuator 63, or an electric solenoid operated valve. FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 illustrate an efficient example for using a single hydraulic motor 83 to belt drive one or more systems onboard the mobile platform 31. The mobile platform 31 mounted pressurized hydraulic fluid system may also include a circuit for attaching and powering hydraulic hand tools such as a hydraulic driver jack hammer, a hydraulic driven submergible water pump, a hydraulic driven ground rod driver, a hydraulic driven saw, or the like.
The vacuum container 12 has an access opening for emptying solids 6 or liquid 2. An access door 18 is opened or closed by means of a powered telescoping cylinder 63, and the powered telescoping cylinder 63 may be chosen from an electric powered linear actuator and a hydraulic powered cylinder.
FIG. 6 illustrates an earth excavator which can alternate between the use of vacuum excavation & bucket 43 excavation. This is illustrated in this example by a vacuum container 12, with its components, mobile platform 31 mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle. An articulated powered vacuum conduit boom 36 is also platform 31 mounted to the zero turn radius vehicle. The articulated powered vacuum conduit 17 boom 36 is constructed with sufficient strength to mount & operate an earth digging bucket 43 adjacent to the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The added means of a telescoping 42 section of vacuum conduit 17 extended to vacuum excavate or may be retracted to allow use of a bucket 43 for digging. The suction end of the telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 is shown to have a liquid spray nozzle 26 attached to the outer circumference of an indention 75 in the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention serves both to restrict the size of a solid entering vacuum conduit 17 to a size too small to get clogged in the conduit 17 & to serves as a location to mount the spray nozzle 26 at an orientation which will aim the s liquid 2 spray in a direction which will loosen & emulsify the earth 35 located at the suction end entrance of vacuum conduit 17. Controller 34 represents the sensors & monitors used to automate the sequencing of the articulation of the vacuum conduit boom 36 into location, the locating of utilities 15 by earth penetrating utility sensor 33, and the selection between & sequencing between earth digging bucket 43 & telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 & liquid spray nozzle 26. In this illustration a liquid spray nozzle 26 is shown to be used to loosen the dirt, but an air pressure nozzle may be substituted for the liquid spray nozzle 26 to loosen dirt thus making it vacuum able. A liquid 2 supply conduit 5 is shown to be mounted adjacent to the vacuum conduit 17 boom 36.
FIG. 8 shows a vacuum boring & mud recovery system similar to FIG. 6 preparing to clean a drainage pipe 38. A manhole cover 46 is being removed to gain access to the drainage pipe 38 by a manhole cover 46 removal attachment 47 mounted to the articulated powered vacuum conduit boom 36. A conduit 48 supplies power to the manhole cover removal attachment means 47. The manhole cover removal attachment means 47 may be an electro magnet, a suction cup or a mechanical attachment means. An RFID tag 90 is shown to be positioned within a valve access box 59 and adjacent to an in ground utility valve 98. The RFID tag 90 may have identification date stored on it and when the RFID tag 90 is activated it may serve as a transmitter for locating and identifying the in ground utility valve 98 and casement 59. The RFID tag 90 may be attached adjacent to the utility valve 98 valve stem 99 for the purpose of storing and transmitting identification data associated with the valve and for serving as an electronic beacon for locating the valve stem 99. The RFID tag 90 may be attached to or imbedded in an attachment means for coupling to the utility valve 98 such as a common 2 inch square valve stem 99 adapter used for coupling the valve stem 99 to a valve opening tool such as the common tee handle or torque wrench 32 valve exerciser tool. Sensors 94 may be positioned adjacent to a utility valve 98 or a utility 15 repair area to detect a leak and the leak detection sensor 94 may communicate with the RFID tag 90 thus storing data on the RFID tag 90 for the purpose of documenting a leak occurrence and the time and duration of a leak occurrence. In a similar manner, a sensor 94 may communicate temperature, flow, pressure or the like. An RFID antenna 91 is shown to be positioned on the boom arm 36 attachment tool 47. The RFID antenna 91 may be used for activating the RFID tag 90 and may be used for locating and gathering data from the RFID tag 90. FIG. 8 represents a fifth embodiment of the vacuum container 2 showing the vacuum container 2 mounted on an inclined slope, supported by a liquid container 8 located beneath the incline of the vacuum container 12, and mounted on a generic mobile platform. The inclined angle is sufficient to allow the contents of the vacuum container to be removed by gravity when the door 18 is opened thus letting the solids or liquid empty by gravity through the vacuum container 12 access opening. A filter housing 64 having air filters disposed within it, is shown mounted adjacent to the vacuum container 12 in a configuration to allow simultaneous access to it & the debris tank 12 by a single door 12. A powered telescoping cylinder 63, chosen from a linear actuator or hydraulic, or air cylinder is shown mounted within the vacuum container 12 and to the access door 18. This telescoping cylinder 63 opens or closes the access door 18. A vibrating screen 21 is shown mounted to the access door 18 in this illustration. Mounting the vibrating screen 21 solids 6 liquids 2 separator to the access door 18 allows improved access for emptying & cleaning.
FIG. 7 shows an articulated powered jetter boom 60 having multiple boom sections 50 attached to a mobile platform. The boom 60 is shown loosening debris 45 from a drain pipe 38. Telescoping jetter conduit 61 provides extension of water jetter's reach. Rotary structural support means 44 provide swivel and rotating means.
FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an vacuum boring & mood recovery unit digging a hole in the earth 35 using a vacuum container 12 and platform 31 mounted on a zero-turn radius vehicle & having a solids 6 and liquid 2 separation means being a vibrating screen 21 and solids unloading drag bar 62 means. The Vacuum container 12 is shown connected to an vacuum conduit 17 articulated boom 36 with an earth digging bucket 43 attached in the retracted position. A telescoping section 42 of the vacuum conduit 17 is shown in the extended position vacuuming dirt 6 that has been emulsified by water 2 sprayed from a liquid spray nozzle 26 which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of an indention 75 in the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention reduces the size of solid 6 that can enter the vacuum conduit 17, thus reducing the frequency of solids 6 being clogged in the vacuum conduit 17. The earth excavator is shown to be converted from a self propelled zero turn radius vehicle to a towable trailer, by using the scrapper blade 66 as a jack to raise the front swivel wheels 68 of the ground 35. As shown in FIG. 10 the front swivel wheels 68 may be raised and the tow bar tongue 67 may be lowered thus readying the unit for towing as shown in FIG. 10. The excavator is shown in the excavating configuration. With the spreader blade 66 being used as a jack to sturdy the machine while digging. The debris access door 18 is shown opening by a powered telescoping cylinder 63 which in turn moves the pull bars 62 and dried dirt 6 out of the vacuum tank 12. In this illustration the water tank 8 and the power plant 76 which may include an engine, hydraulic motor, vacuum pump, air compressor, water pump, muffler or controls, are both positioned beneath the slope of the inclined slope vacuum container 12 thus creating an even more compact vacuum boring & mud recovery system with an even greater concentration of weight. The water tank 8 in FIGS. 8,9 & 10 are shown supporting the vacuum container 12. The operator controls the device from the operator seat 73. Control center 34 includes means to control solids 6 liquid 2 separation & recycling, functions of excavation, location & avoidance of utilities, mapping of work area, recording of performance.
FIG. 10 shows the device in towing position behind a towing vehicle 70.
It is recognized that while each of the figures show different types of vacuum methods, vacuum booms, vacuum container arrangements, different types of solid or liquid separation and dispensing, and different types of vehicles, the various apparatuses are interchangeable and can replace one another. Further more, although some of the articulated powered booms are shown with vacuum containers having liquid or solid dispensers, it is recognized that the articulated powered boom and its' attached tools can be used alone or in conjunction with any type of vacuum system arrangement.
FIG. 14 is shown as a side view example of a mobile equipment means for servicing and repairing in ground utilities 15. The mobile equipment means illustrated in this example is a mobile platform 31 which is connected to a front loader skid steer 74 type vehicle. The mobile platform 31 is illustrated to have multiple utility servicing systems mounted on it, which include a vacuum excavator system, a water jetter system, and a pivot ably mounted articulated boom arm 36 with a torque wrench utility servicing tool 32 mounted on it. In this example the torque wrench 32 is being used to exercise an in ground utility valve 98 via an extension rod 100 which is shown to couple the valve stem 99 to the torque wrench 32. The torque wrench 32 may be used to loosen valve seats, bolts or the like. Camera 96 is illustrated as videoing the servicing of the utility valve 98. The water jettering system is illustrated as supplying water 2 to a spray nozzle 26 for the purpose of improving the vacuum ability of earthen material 35. The vacuum excavation system is illustrated as vacuuming up the earthen material 35 thus creating an access opening to an in ground utility 15. The mobile platform 31 mounted systems are also illustrated to include process control and data documentation sensors 89 to measure the physical quantities of the service or repair operation. A data logger 92, a PLC 93, an RFID 90, a camera 96, a GPS signal receiver 89, a utility mapping program 97 and wireless communication via antenna 88 are illustrated as being used for documenting, controlling, displaying and storing data related to a utility servicing or repair operation or the like. A hand held PDA 95 is shown to give a person access to remotely control, gather data and monitor the servicing and repair event. The person wishing to use the PDA 95 is shown to first activate the PDA 95 by means of a personalized RFID tag 90. PDA 95 activation occurs when the person places his RFID tag 95 in communication with the RFID antenna. The PDA 95 will be activated provided that the persons RFID tag is programmed to activate the system. In this way the PDA 95 protected from persons not authorized to use or operate the PDA 95. Use of the RFID tag 95 also documents personal data regarding who is using the system, what he used it for and for what period of time. The described RFID system is also illustrated as mounted to the mobile platform 31 controller 34. The PDA 95 or the controller 34 are also illustrated to receive data from sensors 89 which measure physical quantities such as pressure, temperature, or flow of air, liquid, and solids, as well as measuring speed, counting rotations, measuring distance, counting time, measuring voltage, locate buried utilities and the like. The sensors 89 may send their data to a data logger 92 and or a PLC 93 which in turn may store the data display it on a monitor screen for viewing by a person, use the data for process control, or generate archives of charts, graphs, and useful information formats for future evaluation such as storing the information onto a utility mapping program 97. The utility mapping program 97 is illustrated as being displayed on the hand held devise 95. A GPS signal receiver 89 is illustrated as being used for receiving data from GPS satellites in order to document the latitude, longitude, elevation, time and or date that a utility service was performed. The GPS 89 data may be stored onto a data logger 92, a PLC 93 and a utility mapping program 97. Thus the mobile utility servicing machine as illustrated in FIG. 14 can access an in ground utility 15 with out mechanically damaging the utility 15, perform a service on a utility valve 98, and document who did the service, the physical location of the service, when the service started, what took place during the service event, when the service was completed, how the service event effected the overall utility system, update the utility data storage archives, and generate reports to those with a need to know. The system may also generate pictures and video of the service work.
The preceding description has been presented to illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The sample embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.

# DEFINITION

1—Dispensing means
2—Liquid
3—Liquid Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25
4—Solids Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25
5—Discharge conduit from Liquid transfer pump 7
6—Solids
7—Liquid Transfer pump
8—Container to hold dispensed liquids
9—Container to hold dispensed solids
10—Solids dispenser
11—Vacuum producing means
12—Vacuum container
13—Conduit to connect Vacuum container 12—vacuum producing means 11
14—Discharge conduit from Vacuum producing means 11
15—In ground Utility such as a pipe, a valve or a tee
16—Inlet conduit to Hydro cyclone 25
17—Vacuum conduit
18—End door to Vacuum container 12
19—Means to secure end door 18
20—Hinge for End door 18
21—Screen
22—Spring on Screen 21
23—Vibrator
24—Support for Springs 22
25—Hydro cyclone
26—Liquid spray nozzle
27—Grinder
28—Pivot support for Vacuum container 12
29—Cylinder to Raise and Lower Vacuum Container 12
30—Wheels
31—Mobile Platform—a moveable or transportable surface which may be used to support things
32—Attachment tools—a tool which may be attached to something. Such as a tool that is attached to a boom arm
33—Utility Sensor—an earth penetrating means for locating a buried utility
34—Monitor and/or Controller, which may include but not be limited to a GPS signal receiver, an RFID, a data logger, a PLC, a sensor, a wireless transmitter, a touch-screen interface, a phone, interne connection, a camera, or the like.
35—Ground Surface being dirt, asphalt, stone, or concrete
36—Articulated boom
37—Hose Reel
38—Drain Conduit
39—Jetter
40—Water Jet
41—Means to power the Articulating Vacuum Boom
42—Telescoping Vacuum conduit
43—Digging Bucket
44—Structural Means to Support and Articulate Vacuum Conduit
45—Debris
46—Manhole Cover
47—Means to Remove Manhole Cover such as Electric Magnet, suction, mechanical fastener
48—Power to Manhole Cover removal means 47
49—Solids Conveyer
50—Boom Section
51—Vacuum conduit Tractor
52—Vacuum conduit Tractor Sensor, Controller, Camera, or light
53—Vacuum conduit Tractor Articulating Suction Head
54—Vacuum Hose Reel
55—Purification Elements such as ozone, activated carbon or zealite
56—Hydro carbon Absorbing means
57—Sterilization means
58—Jetter Hose
59—Man Hole
60—Articulating Jetter Boom
61—Telescoping Jetter Conduit
62—Solids Debris Drag Bar
63—Telescoping Rear Door Closure means
64—Filter Housing
65—Filter
66—Scraper Blade/Jack
67—Pivot able Towing Tongue
68—Pivot able/Swivel Wheels
69—Pivot Axle for Combination Tongue 67 and Wheels 68
70—Towing Vehicle
71—Boom Platform
72—Hydraulic Drive Motor
73—Operator Seat
74—Skid Steer type vehicle—a skid steer is a vehicle maneuvered by skid steering, a method of steering through braking or engaging tracks or wheels on one side of a vehicle. The skid steering vehicle is turned by generating differential velocity at the opposite side of the vehicle, as the wheels or tracks are non-steer able (fixed position). Skid steers can pivot steer which is the ability to change direction on the same place without going through any distance in forward or reverse direction. A zero turn radius vehicle and a skid loader are also a skid steer.
75—Indention in the suction end if the vacuum conduit 17
76—Power Plant
77—a standard predetermined type skid steer quick connect type receiving attachment fastener means for connecting implements to a skid steer
78—Lifting arm
79—Clutch
80—Drive Pulley
81—Drive Belt
82—Over Hung Load Adapter
83—Hydraulic motor
84—Hydraulic supply hoses
85—Attachment means to attach tools 32 to articulated boom arm 36
86—Telescoping section of a boom arm
87—Air inlet hole
88—(Wireless communication) is the transfer of information over a distance without the use of electrical conductors or wires. It includes antennas for transmitting and receiving information.
89—(GPS)—is any devise that receives Global Positioning System signals thus the devise may be known as a GPS signal receiver. The GPS signals include data which is use full to locate a present location, which may include time, latitude, longitude and elevation. The GPS signal receiver system may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.
90—(RFID)—Radio-frequency identification is the use of an object (typically referred to as an RFID tag) applied to, incorporated into a product, or applied by a person for the purpose of identification using radio waves. Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One is the integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating a radio-frequency (RF) signal, and other specialized functions. There are generally three types of RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit signals autonomously, passive RFID tags, which have no battery and require an external source to provoke signal transmission, and battery assisted passive (BAP) which require an external source to wake up but have significant higher forward link capacity providing great read range. Item 90 RFID includes using the type RFID tag best suited for the specific field application. The RFID tag may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31. The RFID tag be mounted on a utility access opening, a buried valve or the like for the purpose of finding and or identifying the utility item.
91—RFID antenna—for receiving and transmitting the signal. The RFID antenna may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.
92—Data Logger—is an electronic devise that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. Increasingly, but not entirely, they are based on a digital processor (or computer). The data logger may be small, battery operated, portable, or equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, or sensors. The data logger may interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze the collected data, or may have a local interface device (keypad, LCD) and can be used as a stand-alone device. One of the benefits of using the data logger is the ability to automatically collect data even on a 24-hour 7-day bases. Upon activation, the data logger may measure and record information for the duration of a monitoring period. This allows an accurate picture of the conditions being measured, such as RFID info.; GPS info.; hydraulic flow, pressure or temperature; water flow, pressure or temperature; air flow, pressure and temperature; evaluate process equipment system measurements against predetermined conditions and standards. A USB flash memory data storage device may be used for data storage. The data logger may include or be coupled to a display and soft ware in order to display gathered data in a meaningful, user friendly manor. The data logger may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.
93—(PLC)—programmable logic controller—is a digital computer used for automation of electromechanical processes, such as opening or closing valves or turning switches on or off based or predetermined measurements. A PLC is a real time system wherein output results are produced in response to input conditions within a boundary time. The PLC may be hand held or mounted on the platform 31.
94—Sensor—a sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument such as a data logger, PLC or the like. Examples of a sensor included but are not limited to a volt meter, an amp meter, a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a level sensor, a speed sensor or the like.
95—Hand held electronic device. Is an electronic device which may be held in the hand of an operator. It may be a type of (PDA) Personal Digital Assistant which may include but not be limited to a GPS signal receiver, an RFID, a data logger, a PLC, a sensor, a wireless transmitter, a touch-screen interface, a phone, internet connection, a camera, or the like. It may be keep by the operator person or stored on the mobile platform.
96—Camera—is a device that records images, either as a still photograph or as a moving image known as a video or movie. The camera may work with the visual spectrum or with other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
97—Utility Mapping System to include a GIS Mapping system—A Geological Information System captures, stores, analyzes, edits, manages, displays and presents data that links to location. It includes merging of cartography and database technology. A GIS is a system which includes mapping software and its application to remote sensing, land surveying, water utility piping system surveying, aerial photography, mathematics, photogrammetry, geography, and tools that can be implemented with GIS software.
98—Utility Valve—generally an in ground water valve
99—Valve stem—generally the portion of a valve which is turned in order to open or close a valve.
100—Valve stem extension rod—which may be telescoping.

Claims

1. A platform mounted, vacuum system for mounting to a skid steer comprising: a mobile platform; a connection means for connecting said mobile platform to a skid steer; a vacuum container means for storing solids or liquid; a vacuum producing means for creating a vacuum environment within said vacuum container; and a vacuum conduit means for conveying air, liquid or solids into said vacuum container; wherein said vacuum container means, said vacuum producing means, said vacuum conduit means and said skid steer connection means are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby said mobile platform mounted vacuum system may be quick connected to said skid steer and said vacuum system may be used to vacuum up earthen materials.

2. A platform mounted water jettering system for mounting to a skid steer comprising: a mobile platform; a connection means for connecting said mobile platform to a skid steer; a water container; a water pump; a conduit means for transporting water; and a hose reel; wherein said water container, said water pump, said conduit means for transporting water, said hose reel and said skid steer connection means are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby said mobile platform mounted water jettering system may be quick connected to said skid steer and said water jettering system may be used for cutting through earthen material and cleaning drainage pipes.

3. A platform mounted, articulated boom system for mounting to a skid steer comprising: a mobile platform; a connection means for connecting said mobile platform to a skid steer; an articulated boom having a first end and a second end; and said first end of said boom being pivot ably mounted on said mobile platform and said second end of said articulated boom having an attachment means for attaching a tool; wherein said tool is selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor for locating a buried utility, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull a vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls to operate the attachments and their function, and a camera and power source to operate it, whereby said platform system may be quick connected to said skid steer and said skid steer can mobilize said platform mounted boom and said articulated boom may move said tool into a position to service an in ground utility and said boom may secure said tool in position as the service work is being performed.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 3, wherein a water jettering system comprising a water container, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and a hose reel are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby said water jettering system may be used for loosening earthen material in order to improve it's vacuum ability and the water jettering system may be used for cutting through earthen material and cleaning drainage pipes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, and further comprises an articulated boom having a first end and a second end; said first end of said articulated boom is pivot ably mounted adjacent to said mobile platform and said second end of said articulated boom having an attachment means for mounting a tool; wherein said tool is selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor for locating a buried utility, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull a vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls to operate the attachments an their function, and a camera and power source to operate it.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a water jettering system comprising a water container, a water pump, a conduit for transporting water, and a hose reel are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; whereby said water jettering system may be used for loosening earthen material in order to improve it's vacuum ability and the water jettering system may be used for cutting through earthen material and cleaning drainage pipes; and wherein said mobile platform further comprises an articulated boom having one or more articulated arms; and said boom having a first end and a second end; and said first end of said articulated boom is pivot ably mounted adjacent to said mobile platform and said second end of said articulated boom having an attachment means for mounting a tool; wherein said tool is selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor for locating buried utilities, a water spray nozzle, a manhole cover remover, a cutting tool, a grinding tool, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, a demolition tool, a torque wrench, a tractor to pull vacuum hose, a jetter hose reel, a jetter nozzle, a monitor, controls to operate the attachments and their function, and a camera and power source to operate it; whereby said mobile platform systems may be used to service in ground utilities.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum producing means is powered by a hydraulic motor and said hydraulic motor is adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said hydraulic motor is powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid which is supplied from said skid steer via hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulic fluid from said skid steer to said hydraulic motor and then return said fluid to said skid steer.

9. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said water pump is powered by a hydraulic motor and said hydraulic motor is adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said hydraulic motor is powered by pressurized hydraulic fluid which is supplied from said skid steer via hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulic fluid from said skid steer to said hydraulic motor and then return said fluid to said skid steer.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, and further comprising a hydraulic motor adjacently mounted on said mobile platform; and further comprising an over hung load adapter adjacently mounted to said hydraulic motor; and further comprising a multi grove pulley adjacently mounted to said over hung load adapter; and further comprising an electric clutch mounted pulley mounted to said vacuum producing means, and further comprising an electric clutch mounted pulley mounted on said water pump, and further comprising drive belts adjacently mounted to said multi grove pulley and said electric clutch mounted pulleys, whereby a single hydraulic motor may belt drive the vacuum producing means and the water pump simultaneously and the electric clutch driven pulleys may be activated or deactivated if on operator chooses to only operate one or the other clutches.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, and further comprising one or more hydraulic hoses, hydraulic hose quick connects and hydraulic flow control means for adjusting the flow of hydraulic fluid to said articulated boom arm mounted tools, wherein said hydraulic hose, quick connect and flow control means are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby hydraulic power is supplied to said tool by pressurized hydraulic fluid which is supplied from said skid steer via said hydraulic hoses which flow hydraulic fluid from said skid steer to said hydraulic tool and then return said fluid to said skid steer.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising an air filter housing means adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, and further comprising a vacuum hose reel means for storing said vacuum conduit, wherein said filter housing and said vacuum hose reel are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said filter housing may have filters positioned within it for removing solids from air and said vacuum hose reel may have a rotary joint and connecting vacuum conduit adjacently mounted so as to allow said vacuum hose to vacuum solids or liquid into said vacuum container while said vacuum hose is partially rolled up on said hose reel.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 and further comprising an attachment means for mounting said mobile platform to an attachment receiving means of said skid steer wherein said attachment means is adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said mobile platform attachment means is made to fit and couple with a predetermined skid steer attachment receiving means for attaching implement tool.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 3 and further comprising a wireless communication transmitter/receiver adjacently mounted on said mobile platform whereby the operating functions of said mobile platform mounted systems may have remote wireless transfer of data.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum container further comprises an access opening, an access door and a powered telescoping cylinder wherein said access door is adjacently mounted to said vacuum container access opening and said powered telescoping cylinder has a first end and a second end and said first end of said cylinder is mounted adjacent to said vacuum container and said second end of said cylinder is mounted adjacent to said access door, whereby said access door is opened or closed by retracting or extending said powered telescoping cylinder.

16. A mobile vacuum excavation and data documenting system comprising: a mobile platform means for transporting said system; a vacuum container means for storing solids or liquids; a vacuum producing means for creating a vacuum environment within said vacuum container; a vacuum conduit means for vacuuming air, liquid or solids into said vacuum container; a sensor means for measuring a physical quantity; a GPS signal receiver means for documenting a position; and a data logger means for recording data over time; wherein said vacuum container, said vacuum producing means, said vacuum conduit, said sensor, said GPS signal receiver, and said data logger are adjacently mounted on said mobile platform, whereby said mobile vacuum excavation and data documenting system may excavate an access to a utility and document data relative to the event such as the physical location of the event, when the event started, what took place during the event, and when the event was completed.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, 3 or 16, wherein said platform mounted system, further comprises a data gathering means for documenting the operation of said system and said data gathering means is selected from the group consisting of an RFID tag means for establishing identification; an RFID transmitter means for use with said RFID tag; a GPS signal receiver means for documenting a position; a data logger means for recording data over time; a PLC means for producing output responses relative to input conditions; a sensor means for measuring a physical quantity and converting the measurement into output data; a camera means for recording images; a wireless communication means for transferring information without electrical conductors or wires; and a utility mapping system means for capturing, storing, analyzing, editing, managing, or displaying geological information; whereby the mobile platform mounted system may have sensors for measuring physical quantities relative to a utility service event or repair operation; a data logger; a PLC; an RFID; a camera; a GPS; a utility mapping program; or wireless communication; for documenting, controlling, displaying or storing data related to said service event, repair operation or the like; thus documenting who did the service, the physical location of the service, when the service started, what took place during the service event, when the service was completed, how the service event effected the overall utility system, update the utility data storage archives, and generate reports to those with a need to know.