Patent ID: 6055749
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: B07B,E02F

Abstract:
A padding machine for obtaining padding material of a maximum predetermined size from excavated material removed from a trench or similar cavity, the apparatus to be mounted to a vehicle which may be located near a side of the cavity, said apparatus comprising:an elongated housing having a first and a second end, the first end having a tapered head fixed thereto whereby at least a portion of the head and first end of the housing may be inserted directly into the excavated material;an inlet assembly formed in the housing proximate the first end of the housing and adapted for being forced at least partially into the excavated material when the head and first end are inserted into the excavated material to a depth sufficient to allow an extracted portion of the excavated material to pass through the inlet assembly and into the housing;a conveyor assembly mounted to the housing and positioned for receiving the extracted portion and conveying the extracted portion toward the second end of the housing;a first outlet assembly formed in the housing between the first and second ends of the housing for receiving at least a portion of the extracted portion and depositing the portion of the extracted portion into the cavity;a screen assembly having openings of the maximum predetermined size to allow particles less than the maximum predetermined size in the excavated material to pass through said screen assembly and be used as padding material, said screen assembly connected to the housing and forming a part of the inlet assembly or first outlet assembly; anda cover assembly positioned on said housing to surround at least a portion of the second end of the housing so as to engage and move at least a part of the excavated material when the second end is forced through a portion of said excavated material.