Patent ID: 11952744
Assignee: CRARY INDUSTRIES, INC.
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E | IPC E

Claim 21:
22. A ditch forming apparatus having a front and rear and comprising:
a frame;
a primary ditch forming assembly on the frame and comprising: a) a first subassembly for penetrating and separating subjacent ground material; and b) a second subassembly for directing separated subjacent ground material away from a ditch formed by the primary ditch forming assembly as the frame is advanced in an operating path; and
a ground treatment assembly on at least one of the frame and primary ditch forming assembly configured to facilitate delivery of separated subjacent ground material to the second subassembly,
the ground treatment assembly comprising at least one ground engaging component that is turned around a first axis to thereby cause the at least one ground engaging component to treat subjacent ground material delivered to the second subassembly,
wherein the ditch forming apparatus is configured so that at least one of: a) a vertical height of the first axis relative to the frame can be changed; b) a variable vertical force generated between the at least one ground engaging component and frame can be changed; c) a fore and aft position of the first axis relative to the frame can be changed; d) a speed of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis can be changed; and e) a direction of turning of the at least one ground engaging component around the first axis can be changed,
wherein the ditch forming apparatus comprises a drive for turning the shaft around the first axis, the drive configured to selectively turn the first shaft in opposite directions around the first axis.