Patent Abstract:
A compact mobile vacuum boring, and excavation method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and having a vacuum conduit to air convey a liquid and or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum container air inlet &amp; outlet conduit arrangement may also facilitate the separation of solids from the vacuumed air flow by producing a cyclone effect within the vacuum container. A circular cyclone effect is created within the vacuum container by the arrangement relationship between the inlet and outlet vacuum air conduits and baffles. As the air velocity slows, the solids precipitate out of the air and settle in the vacuum container. A housing with filters disposed within it is also adjacently mounted near the vacuum container in order to reduce the quantity of connecting conduits and facilitate a compact, efficient and clean interaction between the vacuum container and the filter housing. The vacuum container access door and the filter housing access door may be adjacently placed in near proximity to each other for user friendly access to empty and clean the vacuum container and filter house or a common door may access both. A compressible seal and conduit arrangement may be used as a quick disconnect between the vacuum producing means and the filter housing. A reversing valve arrangement may be used to back flow air through the filter. Sensors, data gathering, data logging and documentation of a service event may be included. The above systems may be mounted on a variety of mobile platforms.

Full Description:
[0001]    This patent application is a CIP of Non Provisional application Ser. No. 11/809,957 filed 4 Jun. 2007 whose parent was application Ser. No. 11/208,565 filed Aug. 22, 2005 This application claims the benefit of provisional application No. 61/277,201 filed 22 Sep. 2009 and provisional application No. 61/275,411 filed on 28 Aug. 2009 and provisional application No. 61/203,830 filed on 30 Dec. 2008; and claims the benefits of provisional application No. 60/810,747 filed Jun. 5, 2006, and claims the benefits of provisional application No. 60/814,791 filed Jun. 20, 2006, and claims the benefits of provisional application No. 60/814,721 filed Jun. 20, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a compact mobile vacuum boring and excavation method having a power supply, generally being a combustion engine, a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and having a vacuum conduit to air convey or transport solid particles and or liquids into the vacuum container. The vacuum container arrangement may also facilitate the separation of solids from the vacuumed air flow by producing a circular cyclone effect within the vacuum container. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Current state of the art mobile vacuum boring, and excavation systems are large and cumbersome, having an engine, a vacuum pump, a stand alone air water separator tank, a stand alone large air bag house filter, a stand alone air cyclone apparatus, and a stand alone vacuum container all mounted individually on the surface of a trailer or truck bed with inter connecting vacuum hoses to each component. Basically, it is a large and unsightly spider web of hoses &amp; equipment. Length and width of the packaged unit is important to access work areas in congested areas &amp; cities. The vacuum container has the ability to be filled and store liquid and solid particles. Currently, vacuum containers capable of vacuuming mud and boring earth are operated as a batch process. The vacuum container is mounted horizontal and filled with solids or liquid. After it is full of solids or liquid a hydraulic jack inclines the tank for unloading. Because of inclining the vacuum container for unloading, even longer interconnecting vacuum hoses are used to connect stationary equipment to the inclinable vacuum container. An operator climbs up on the truck or trailer bed, drains water from the air/liquid separator and then vertically lifts the filter bag with it&#39;s dirt from it&#39;s housing, shakes &amp; hand washes the dirt from the bag filter and then pushes it back down into the housing. This process is dirty, labor intensive &amp; time consuming so the filter does not get proper maintenance. 
         [0006]    An objective of the present invention is to provide a means to improve the efficiency of air/solids separation within the vacuum container, improve air filter cleanness by vibrating solids from the air filter during operation, reduce the quantity of component interconnecting conduits, provide user friendly access to the vacuum container and air filter clean out doors and end up with a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum boring and excavation package mounted on a mobile platform. 
         [0007]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container. 
         [0008]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container, and said vacuum container and said air filter housing have a connecting vacuum air flow conduit. 
         [0009]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container, and said vacuum container and said air filter housing having a connecting vacuum air flow conduit and said conduit being located near the rear of said vacuum container (the rear of said vacuum container being the end nearest to the vacuum container access door  12 ), and said height of said filter housing giving vertical space to extent said conduit a distance above the top of said vacuum container. There are several advantages to the conduits location near the back of said vacuum container: 1. When the mobile vehicle stops, liquid in the vacuum tank will be pushed away from the conduit instead of being sloshed up through the conduit and into the filter housing. 2. Solids and liquid being vacuumed into the vacuum tank from the rear of the vacuum tank will be propelled by vacuum air velocity past said conduit. 
         [0010]    The advantage of the extra conduit height within the filter housing above the vacuum tank is to: 1. Serve as a stand pipe above the vacuum container liquid in order to reduce the risk of the liquid sloshing out through the conduit. 2. To allow the lower volume of the filter housing to serve as a liquid/air separator. 
         [0011]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container, and said vacuum container and said air filter housing have a connecting vertical vacuum air flow conduit and the lower end of said conduit having a seal and float ball to serve as a high liquid level shut off in order to stop the vacuum air flow to the filter housing when the vacuum container is full of liquid and or solids. 
         [0012]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container and said air filter housing and said vacuum container share a common connecting wall. 
         [0013]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing near the vacuum container and said air filter have air filter disposed within it. 
         [0014]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container and said air filter housing having an air filter disposed within it and said filter housing having an access door adjacently mounted near to said vacuum container access door. 
         [0015]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing near the vacuum container and said air filter having an air filter disposed within it and said filter housing having an access door to remove solids and to give access to wash said filters with a pressurized spray nozzle. 
         [0016]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container and said air filter have an air filter disposed within it and to have an air vacuum conduit connecting a vacuum producing devise to said air filter and a 4 way valve arrangement may be placed in said air vacuum conduit between the filter housing and the vacuum producing means for the purpose of reversing the direction of air flow temporally for the purpose of back flow cleaning of said air filters. 
         [0017]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an air compressor to provide a volume of pressurized air to be used in loosening dirt so that the earthen material will be more vacuum able. 
         [0018]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide ample air solids separation in order to precipitate the solids into the vacuum container so that they may later be emptied from the vacuum container and be used to refill excavated holes with pack able dirt and earthen material. 
         [0019]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of adjacently mounting an air filter housing above the vacuum container and said air filter have an air filter disposed within it and to have an air vacuum conduit connecting a vacuum producing devise to said air filter and said air vacuum conduit have a sealed disconnect positioned so as to allow temporary disconnecting of said filter housing from said vacuum producing means for the purpose of tilting said vacuum container to remove solids. 
         [0020]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means to accomplish a compact, concentrated weight, vacuum boring &amp; excavation system by mounting a vacuum container at a sufficient incline to allow solids to be emptied out by gravity and to provide space beneath said vacuum container to locate a water storage container. 
         [0021]    It is yet another objective of the invention to provide a means of separating the stored contents by predetermined category and dispensing them without stopping the vacuum fill and store operation or eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. 
         [0022]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means of separating the stored contents by predetermined category and dispensing them without stopping the vacuum fill and store operation or eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. 
         [0023]    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 tow able trailer configuration for the purpose of transporting from job to job. 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a powered articulated boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator to remotely move, control and stabilize the location of a tool attachment end of said boom within one or more tools may be adjacently attached to the tool attachment end of said articulated boom and said tool is selected from the group consisting of an earth digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, a sensor to locate buried utilities, a monitors and controls for operating the attachments and 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 nozzle, a hose reel, a cord reel, a cable reel, and a camera and power source to operate it. 
         [0026]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to separate hydrocarbons from the contents vacuumed into the vacuum container. 
         [0027]    It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a means to purify or sterilize the contents vacuumed into the vacuum tank. 
         [0028]    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 quick coupled 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, a fire hydrant tester to include a water presser dissipater and water diffuser which may also include a dechlorinator, or an articulated boom arm with utility servicing tools attached mounted on it. 
         [0029]    It is yet another objective of the invention 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. 
         [0030]    It is yet another objective of the invention to position an RFID means adjacent to an in ground utility valve, valve stem, tee, junction point, service area, access area, or the like for the purpose of locating, identifying data, verifying information, storing information, retrieving information, or the like, relative to a utility item, function, service or the like. 
         [0031]    It is yet another objective of the invention to manufacture a valve stem adapter with an RFID means adjacently positioned on said valve stem adapter. 
         [0032]    It is yet another objective of the invention to manufacture utility fittings such as a tee, an ell, a flange, a valve, or the like, having an RFID means adjacently positioned on said utility fitting. 
         [0033]    It is yet another objective of the invention to position a valve stem adapter on the valve stem of a utility valve wherein said valve stem adapter contains an RFID means. 
         [0034]    It is yet another objective of the invention to transmit and or receive data or information to or from an RFID means which has been positioned adjacent to a utility. 
         [0035]    It is yet another objective of the invention to locate a air inlet hole near the suction end of the vacuum conduit for the purpose of insuring that air conveying does not stop when the suction end of the vacuum conduit is clogged. It is another objective to place a check valve over said hole which will open at a predetermined vacuum. 
         [0036]    It is yet another objective of the invention to position a vibrator means adjacent to the suction end of a vacuum conduit for the purpose of loosening earthen material and improving it&#39;s vacuum ability. It is yet another objective to use the vibrator simultaneously with a pressurized air excavation nozzle, where both work in communication with the other to expedite the rate of excavation. 
         [0037]    It is yet another objective of the invention to add water to pressurized air which is being used for air excavation. It is yet another objective of the invention for said water to add mass said air. It is yet another objective of the invention for the ratio of said water to said air to be regulated to a predetermined amount for establishing a predetermined excavation efficiency. It is yet another objective of the invention for said water to said air ratio to be regulated to accomplish a predetermined ratio of dust and mud. 
         [0038]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted vacuum excavation system with a vacuum hose reel pivot ably mounted adjacent to a vacuum container and the vacuum hose reel allowing the vacuum hose to be used for vacuuming up solids or liquid while the vacuum hose is still partially rolled up on the vacuum hose reel and the vacuum hose reel being able to retract or dispense a length of vacuum hose as needed in order for the suction end of the vacuum hose to be placed near vacuum able solids or liquids. 
         [0039]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted vacuum excavation system with a vacuum hose reel pivot ably mounted adjacent to a vacuum container and said vacuum container also adding structural support to said pivotably mounted vacuum hose reel and the pivot ably mounted vacuum hose reel having a means to rotate said hose reel in order to retract or dispense a length of vacuum hose as needed in order for the suction end of the vacuum hose to be placed near vacuum able solids or liquids and said means of rotating said hose reel being chose from a group consisting of a handle for manually rotating said hose reel, an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, an air motor, a vacuum motor, or the like. 
         [0040]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted vacuum excavation system with a vacuum hose reel pivot ably mounted adjacent to a vacuum container and the pivot ably mounted vacuum hose reel having a means to rotate said hose reel in order to retract or dispense lengths of vacuum hose as needed in order for the suction end of the vacuum hose to be placed near vacuum able solids or liquids and said means of pivot ably attaching said vacuum hose reel to said vacuum container being chosen from a shaft with a bearing plate, a hollow shaft with bearing and a seal, and a slewing ring gear drive such as a Model S-7 hourglass worm slew drive made by Kinematics Mfg. Inc., 
         [0041]    Another object of this invention is to have a pivot able mounted articulated boom means which will allow an operator to move a reel to a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated boom arm is attached and said reel being chosen from a group consisting of a conduit reel, hose reel, a power cord reel, a fiber optic reel, a rope reel, and a cable reel. 
         [0042]    It is an object of the present invention to use a slewing ring gear drive as the bearing support and rotational axis means to articulate the boom arm in relation to the mounting base on the mobile vehicle. An example of a slewing ring gear drive could be a Model S-7 hourglass worm slew drive made by Kinematics Mfg. Inc. 
         [0043]    It is an object of the present invention to power a slewing ring gear drive with a hydraulic motor or electric motor. 
         [0044]    It is an object of the present invention to use a motor to wind the reel and it is an objective of the present invention to monitor and document the torque required to turn the reel. 
         [0045]    It is an object of the present invention to have a sensor means to monitor the length of cable or hose that is dispensed from the reel. A sensor means can measure and count the feet or units lengths of cable or hose as it is being dispensed and rewound onto the reel. 
         [0046]    It is an object of the present invention to position sensors and transmitters adjacent to the reel to allow wireless communication and control of data associated with the operation and interaction of equipment and the utilities. 
         [0047]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle mounted vacuum excavation system and water jetter system, with a vacuum hose reel pivot ably mounted adjacent to a vacuum container and the pivot ably mounted vacuum hose reel having a means to rotate said hose reel in order to retract or dispense a length of vacuum hose as needed in order for the suction end of the vacuum hose to be placed near vacuum able solids or liquids and said vacuum hose having an articulated support means pivot ably mounted adjacent to a jetter hose reel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    The above described objectives and others are met by a method having a vacuum container arrangement which may also facilitate the separation of solids from the vacuumed air flow by producing a circular cyclone effect within the vacuum container. The circular cyclone affect is generated by an inlet vacuum conduit entering the vacuum tank on the same end as the solids unloading door is located (being the back end of the vacuum container) and being the same end near to the conduit that conveys air from the vacuum container to the air filter. By extending the inlet vacuum conduit to a point just past the conduit that conveys air from the vacuum container to the filter and pointing the open end of the inlet vacuum conduit toward the vacuum container end opposite the solids unloading door (being the front end of the vacuum container), the velocity of the air flowing through the inlet vacuum conduit will propel any solids or liquid it is conveying to the front end of the vacuum container. Also the cross sectional area of the vacuum container is many times more than the cross sectional area of the inlet conduit, thus the velocity of the conveying air is also substantially reduced (as in a circular cyclone solids separator devise), thus the solids and liquid precipitate out of the air flow and settle on the bottom of the vacuum tank. The velocity of the conveying air slows even more as it reverses direction in a circular motion in order to exit the vacuum container and enter the filter housing through the exit conduit located near the back of the vacuum container. Thus performing a cyclone effect of circling and slowing the air velocity to facilitate removing a maximum of solids and liquid from the air before the air reaches the air filters. A baffle may be arranged around the inlet conduit that flows air from the vacuum container to the filter housing. This baffle may also be arranged so as to create an additional cyclone environment for further separating solids from the air. A housing with filters is adjacently mounted above the vacuum container in order to reduce the quantity of connecting conduit and facilitate a compact, efficient and clean interaction between the vacuum container and the filter housing. The filter housing and the vacuum container may share a common dividing wall. A 4 way valve arrangement may be used between the filter housing and the vacuum producing means to reverse the direction of air flow temporally for the purpose of back flow cleaning of the air filters. A compressible seal and conduit arrangement may be used as a quick disconnect between the vacuum producing means and the filter housing. The vacuum container access door and the filter housing access door may be adjacently placed in near proximity to each other for user friendly access to empty and clean the vacuum container and filter house. By inclining the vacuum tank and filter housing, they may be emptied by gravity. Vibrating the air filters creates a self cleaning effect. The vibration of the air filters may be created for example, by using tubular air filters that are mounted to the filter housing only by one end. Each movement of the vacuum filter housing vibrates solids from the filter and stores the solids in the filter housing until the housing is inclined and the access door is opened for emptying and cleaning. A pressurized water wash wand may be extended through the access door to wash the air filters. A baffle mounted within the filter housing adjacent to the filter housing air inlet conduit facilitates the efficiency of air flow &amp; reduces sloshing of liquids into the air inlet conduit during mobile travel. The filter housing may also be designed to temporally store quantities of liquid carried over from the vacuum container, thus reducing the risk of liquid flowing through the filter to the vacuum pump. A vacuum conduit seal connector can be used to connect vacuum hoses that need to be separated temperately during the process of emptying solids from the vacuum tank. This invention generates an efficient compact mobile vacuum system having a minimum of interconnecting vacuum hoses to convey air from one step of the process to the next. Stacking the filter house above the vacuum container, reduces the square feet of mobile floor surface area requires to mount all the equipment. In other words this invention allows all the required equipment to be mounted on a skid, trailer or truck bed that is shorter and or more narrow than conventional state of the art equipment. In addition to reduced size, the invention has the advantage of operating more efficiently, have a cleaner, more simplistic look, be easier to perform maintenance on and even be more efficient to manufacture at a completive cost. The vacuum container may also have a means to separate a liquid from solids and dispense them from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. 
         [0049]    The vacuum conduit used to transport debris into the vacuum container may have the added feature of being mounted on a powered remote operated articulated boom with sufficient structural strength to allow an operator to remotely move and control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit and may have one or more attachments adjacently attached to the boom arm or to the suction end of said vacuum conduit and said attachments being chosen from 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, vibrator, 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. 
         [0050]    This invention also includes the use if the described tool used in conjunction with each other and with or without the vacuum container. Such as a skid mounted, powered, remote control, articulated boom with an attached tool such as a torque wrench; and also having a fire hydrant system tester, a water diffuser and a de chlorinator as part of the skid mounted water utility servicing system and also having a quick coupler for attaching the skid mounted utility servicing system to the front loader arm of a skid steer. 
         [0051]    The above described vacuum system may be mounted on a variety of mobile platforms, chosen from but not limited to a trailer, truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, air craft, space craft, boat, barge or zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertible between a powered vehicle &amp; a trailer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0052]      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. 
           [0053]      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 diatomaceous earth. 
           [0054]      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 &amp; controls. 
           [0055]      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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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. 
           [0056]      FIG. 5  shows a skid steer attachment being a platform with a vacuum excavation system, a water jetting system, a performance measuring, monitoring, data storage and documentation system, and an articulated boom arm system with tools attached to it and the tools are supported by the boom and secured in place during a service event such as exercising a valve or doing a repair to an in ground utility. 
           [0057]      FIG. 5B  is a side view of a skid mounted fire hydrant testing system quick coupled to a skid steer. 
           [0058]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a vacuum hose guider support which is shown to be supported by a pivot ably mounted, articulated hose guider support boom arm, and said pivot ably mounted, articulated hose guider support boom arm is shown to be mounted adjacent to a jetter hose reel. The vacuum hose guider support can be a length of conduit or it can be a sleeve that the vacuum hose slides through or it can be an arrangement of rollers that serve to support and or guide the vacuum hose. Said rollers may be idler rollers or driven rollers used to assist in dispensing or retracting the vacuum hose. The suction end of the vacuum hose is shown to be vacuuming solids  45  or liquid  2  from a utility man hole basin  59 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 6B  is an end view of a vacuum hose reel which is shown to be pivot ably mounted adjacent to a vacuum container, but said vacuum hose reel is shown to be supported on a mobile vehicle platform by a vacuum hose reel support. A vacuum conduit connector is shown to connect the ridged vacuum conduit pipe to the vacuum conduit piping of the rotate able mounting attachment. The vacuum conduit connector can be a ridged fixed connector or it can be a quick release connector or a compression type seal connection which will separate in order to allow a vacuum container to be raised for unloading solids. 
           [0060]      FIG. 7  shows an articulating boom with a multiple conduits  72  reaching into a drainage pipe lateral line to loosen &amp; vacuum debris from the drainage pipe. The earthen material is vacuumed into the vacuum container and then conveyed out of the vacuum container via a screw conveyor  10 . At the discharge end of the conveyor  10  the discharge air from the vacuum producing means  11  is utilized to further convey the earthen materials  35  or debris  45  through a solids dispensing conduit boom. An air nozzle/orifice arrangement means  69  is illustrated as a means to direct the flow of air which is used to convey solids. 
           [0061]      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. 
           [0062]      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 &amp; 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 tow able 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. 
           [0063]      FIG. 10  Shows the earth excavator configuration as a trailer attached behind a truck. The trailer hitch has been lowered &amp; 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. A powered articulated boom is illustrated as mounted adjacent to the vacuum container and air filter housing. Said boom is illustrated to have a torque wrench tool  32  coupled to the attachment means of the telescoping boom arm. The hydraulics which could power the torque wrench tool are illustrated as supplying hydraulic power to a hydraulic driven submergible pump which has been lowered into a pit of water by the powered articulated boom arm. The water is being pumped from the pit by said submergible pump  7 . The pit could be a lift station such as a waste water utility lift station. A Jetter  26  or  39  could be used to break up any surface solids or a grinder pump  27  could be added to grind up solids so that they would be small enough to pump out or to vacuum up. 
           [0064]      FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional side view of a trailer mounted vacuum excavator and surface cleaner with the filter housing  64  mounted above the vacuum container  12 . An air conduit  13 C allows air to flow from the vacuum container  12  to the filter housing  64  and then the air  77  flows through the air filter  65 , the air conduit  13 , through the conduit disconnect seal assembly  83  &amp;  84 . The air  77  is then shown passing through a 4 way diverter valve  81  which may be used to temporarily reverse the flow of air back through the air filter  65 . The air flow reversing is important to assist in cleaning dirt from the filter  65  by blow dirt from the filter  65  to the cavity of the filter housing  64 . This process is especially useful when vacuuming dusty dry solids such as during the process of using air under pressure for excavating dirt. Vacuum suction hose  17  is shown vacuuming solids  6  into the vacuum container  12  through it&#39;s rear wall. This side elevation shows the air path and depicts the cyclone effect created by locating both the conduit  13 C and the vacuum hose  17  discharge adjacent to each other as well as being adjacent to the vacuum tank rear access door  12 . The air  77  is shown to slow in velocity, change directions and precipitate the solids it has been carrying adjacent to the bottom front of the vacuum container. The air filter housing  64  and the vacuum container  12  are also shown to be separated by a common dividing wall.
       An air compressor  101  is shown to receive air  77  through an air filter  102 . The air  77  flows through conduit  103 , then through air compressor  101  then through conduit  104  then through air nozzle  105  just before air  77  impinges the earthen material  35  thus making the earthen solids  6  more vacuum able.         
           [0066]      FIG. 12  shows a cross sectional end view of a trailer vacuum excavator like is shown in  FIG. 14 . This view allows a better visualization of the relation ship between the air conduit  13 C, and the high level vacuum shut off ball  79 . The baffle  78 , the rear vacuum hose inlet  17 , an end view of the air filters  65  orientation relation ship is also shown. The air flow  77  is also shown dropping solids  6 . 
           [0067]      FIG. 13  shows a cross sectional top view of a trailer vacuum excavator like is shown in  FIG. 14 . This view allows a better visualization of the relation ship between the air conduit  13 C, and the rear vacuum hose inlet  17 , and the air filters  65 . The air flow  77  is also shown dropping solids  6 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 14  shows a trailer  31  vacuum excavator side view with the vacuum tank laying horizontal during the process of filling it with solids or liquid. The air filter housing  64  is shown mounted horizontally above the vacuum container  12 . The filter housing door  18 F and the vacuum container rear access door  18  are both shown in the closed position during the vacuum filling of the vacuum container  12 . Vacuum filling hose  17  is shown to be vacuum air conveying solids  6  from the ground  35  into the vacuum container  12 . Water storage container  8  is shown as a saddle tank mounted adjacent to the trailer  31  finders &amp; wheels. 
           [0069]      FIG. 15  shows a trailer  31  vacuum excavator side view with the vacuum container  12  temporally raised to an inclined position for the purpose of unloading solids  6  from the vacuum container  12 . The vacuum container  12  read door  18  is shown in the open position with solids  6  flowing from the vacuum container  12 . The filter housing  64  rear access door  18 F is shown emptying solids  6 . The rear access door  18 F gives access to empty solids from the filter housing  64  by gravity as well as giving the operator a user friendly access to the air filters  65 . The open rear access door  18 F gives the operator easy access to insert a pressurized water nozzle within the filter housing  64  in order to wash clean both the air filters  65  and the filter housing  64 . The wash water and dirt flow freely by gravity from the filter housing  64 . The vacuum container can also be washed clean by the operator using a pressurized water nozzle &amp; gravity. Permanent wash nozzles way be mounted and piped into the filter housing  64  or vacuum container  12 . Remote controls can be used to operate the water nozzles. 
           [0070]      FIG. 16  shows a trailer mounted vacuum excavation machine EPI per the present invention showing its vacuum conduit  17  connecting a vacuum container  12 TP. The vacuum tank  12 TP is shown mounted on a trailer  30 TP being pulled by a truck  70 . Vacuum container  12 TP is shown getting it&#39;s vacuum source through conduit  17 . Conduit  17 TP is shown vacuuming earthen material  35  into the vacuum container  12 TP. Water  2  under pressure is shown passing through water conduit  5  &amp; through water spray nozzle  26  in order to impinge the earthen material  35  and make it vacuum able. Vacuum excavation machine EPI is shown supplying the power, vacuum source, and pressurized water supply for the excavation. The larger vacuum container  12 TP is shown as a storage container for vacuumed solids &amp; liquid. When it is filled, it will be hauled off to an unloading location by truck  70 . The EPI vacuum excavator will remain in place ready to fill another  12 TP vacuum container. Thus this arrangement functions like a track loader filling a dump trucks with dirt. 
       
    
    
     SOME DEFINITIONS 
       [0000]    
       
           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 for 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, internet connection, a camera, or the like. 
           37 —Reel—is an object around which lengths of another material (usually long and flexible) are wound for storage. Generally a reel has a cylindrical core and walls on the sides to retain the material wound around the core. 
           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. 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. 
           177 —a standard predetermined type skid steer quick connect type receiving attachment fastener means for connecting implements to a skid steer 
           178 —Lifting arm such as that of a skid steer or front loader. 
           184 —Hydraulic quick connects and associated hydraulic hoses. 
           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 may be mounted on a utility access opening, at a repair location, at a buried valve, mounted as part of the valve stem, valve stem adapter or the like for the purpose of finding an in ground valve, a junction point, a repair location or identifying information relative to a utility item, it&#39;s performance, maintenance history or the like. 
           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, to include a utility piping system displayed relative to geographic information. 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, photo grammetry, 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. 
           120 —Water diffuser—a tool used when testing a fire hydrant for receiving pressurized water from a fire hydrant. The diffuser is configured so as to discharge the water it receives at a pressure and velocity that is less than the pressure and velocity at which the water entered the diffuser. The effectiveness of the diffuser is improved by improving the reduction of pressure or velocity. 
           121 —De Chlorinator—is a means for removing a chlorine chemical from water. 
         Data—means groups of information that represent the qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable or set of variables. Data are typically the results of measurements and can be the basis of graphs, images, or observation of a set of variables. Data are often viewed as the lowest level of abstraction from which information and knowledge are derived. 
         Document—is to present data in a file or format which may be useable for representation of a body of information. To document (verb) is to produce an artifact of data by collecting and representing information. 
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0097]    Using the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained. 
         [0098]      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 . 
         [0099]    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 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 3  has the added features of a mobilization means  36  being a powered mobile boom to articulate the movement of vacuum conduit  17  and vacuum conduit attachments  32  which may consist of cutters, demolition means, surface grinders, cleaners, air jets, water jets, scoops, etc. 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 . 
         [0101]    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. 
         [0102]    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 vacuum conduit 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. 
         [0103]      FIG. 6  illustrate the vacuum hose reel  54  rotate ably mounted and supported by a vacuum container  12  and the vacuum hose reel  54  is also illustrated to rotate around a horizontal axis, however the vacuum hose reel  54  could also be mounted to rotate around a vertical axis instead or have an adjustable mount attached in such a way as to pivot said vacuum hose reel  54  from a horizontal to a vertical axis of rotation. The vacuum container  12  is illustrated to be of the incline slope design which is rigidly mounted and does not further incline in order to unload its contents. However, the vacuum hose reel  54  could be rotate ably mounted adjacently to a vacuum container  12  which is filled in a horizontal orientation and then inclined in order to unload its contents. The vacuum hose  17  is shown to be supported and guided by a support guider  17 B which is being supported by an articulated arm  36  which is mounted adjacent to a jetter hose reel  37 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a cross section end view of a vacuum hose reel  54  pivot ably attached to a vacuum container  12  by means of a ridged vacuum conduit pipe  17 A extending from the vacuum container  12 . In  FIG. 6  the vacuum hose reel  54  is shown to rotate around a horizontal axes. The Vacuum container  12  is shown to give structural support to the ridged vacuum conduit pipe  17 A which in turn is shown to give structural support to a rotate able mounting attachment  303  which has bearings and seals. The rotate able mounting attachment  303  is shown to be supporting the vacuum hose reel  54 . The vacuum hose  17  is attached to the rotate able mounting attachment  303  by means of vacuum conduit connector  17 C. In this drawing, the rotate able mounting attachment  303  with its bearings and seals is shown to be an hourglass worm slewing ring gear drive  303 . An electric motor, a hydraulic motor or a handle may be used to rotate the hourglass worm slewing ring gear drive  303  which then turns the vacuum hose reel  54  in order to retract or dispense a length of vacuum hose  17 . 
         [0105]      FIG. 5  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  177  to a front loader lifting arm  178  of a skid steer  74  type vehicle via a skid steer coupling means  177 . The skid steer hydraulic system is illustrated as providing the power source for powering the vacuum producing means  11 , the water pump  7 , and the valve exerciser tool  32  which is attached to an in ground utility valve  98  via an extension arm  100 . 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 open and close valves or 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  94  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  90  in communication with the RFID antenna  91 . The PDA  95  will be activated provided that the persons RFID tag is programmed to activate the system. In this way the PDA  95  is protected from persons not authorized to use or operate the PDA  95 . Use of the RFID tag  90  also documents personal data regarding who is using the system, what he used it for, for what period of time and what took place during his use of the PDA  95 . The described RFID system is also illustrated as being mounted to the mobile platform  31  controller  34 . The PDA  95  or the controller  34  are also illustrated to receive data from sensors  94  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  94  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  and documenting. 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  FIGS. 5 ,  11  and  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.  FIG. 5B  illustrates another platform  31  mounted utility testing system quick coupled  77  to a skid steer  74 , similar to  FIG. 5 . The fire hydrant tester illustrated in  FIG. 5B  could be included with the utility servicing systems illustrated in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5B  illustrates a mobile platform  31  quick coupled  77  to a skid steer  74  with an articulated boom means  36  mounted on said mobile platform  31 . The remote controlled, powered, articulated boom means  36  is shown to have a linear actuator  41  illustrated a a powered means for lifting the telescoping boom arm. A torque wrench  32  is illustrated as being connected to and supported by the articulated boom means  36 . The Torque wrench  32  is also illustrated a being used for opening or closing a fire hydrant valve  98 . A water hose is illustrated for transporting water under pressure from the fire hydrant to a water diffuser  120  which is mounted on the mobile platform  31 . Sensors  94  are illustrated to be measuring the performance of a fire hydrant and of the utility supply system. The data gathering system is shown to be hand held and capable of wireless transmission of the data. A water diffuser  120  is illustrated as receiving water  2  from the fire hydrant. The Diffuser  120  is also illustrated as discharging the water  2  onto the ground  35  with a minimum of pressure and a minimum of velocity. A De chlorinator  121  is illustrated as a means of removing chlorine from the water  2  before it is released to the ground  35 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 9  illustrates an earth excavator which can alternate between the use of vacuum excavation &amp; bucket  43  excavation. This is illustrated in this example by a vacuum container  12 , with its components, mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle  31 . An articulated powered vacuum conduit boom  36  is also mounted to the zero turn radius vehicle  31 . The articulated powered vacuum conduit  17  boom  36  is constructed with sufficient strength to mount &amp; 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  &amp; 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 &amp; emulsify the earth  35  located at the suction end entrance of vacuum conduit  17 . Controller  34  represents the sensors &amp; 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 &amp; sequencing between earth digging bucket  43  &amp; telescoping  42  vacuum conduit  17  &amp; 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 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 8  shows a vacuum boring &amp; mud recovery system 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.  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. 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 &amp; 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 &amp; cleaning. 
         [0108]      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&#39;s reach. Rotary structural support means  44  provide swivel and rotating means. 
         [0109]      FIG. 9  Shows a cross sectional view of an vacuum boring &amp; mood recovery unit digging a hole in the earth  35  using a vacuum container  12  mounted on a zero-turn radius vehicle  31  &amp; 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  which functions as part of the articulated boom  36  with has 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 . Near the suction end of the vacuum conduit  17  is illustrated a hole or orifice  17 H in the side if the vacuum conduit  17 . The size of said hole  17 H and the number of said orifices  17 H and the location of said orifice  17 H is predetermined in order to allow a given quantity of air to enter the vacuum conduit for assisting in the air conveying of solids  6  or liquid  2  through said vacuum conduit  17 . Vacuum excavation depends on the velocity of air flowing through the vacuum conduit  17  for conveying solids  6  or liquid  2 . If the suction end of the vacuum conduit  17  becomes clogged then the air can no longer enter through the suction end of the vacuum conduit  17 , thus stopping the air conveying of solids  6  or water  2 , thus further clogging the vacuum conduit  17  along it&#39;s length. The addition of holes  17 H provides an alternate place for air to enter said vacuum conduit  17 , thus allowing the air conveying process to continue even if the suction end of said vacuum conduit  17  is clogged. Said hole  17 H may also be equipped with a check valve means which will remain closed until the vacuum value within said vacuum conduit  17  reaches a predetermined vacuum. The suction end of the vacuum conduit  17  is also restricted  17 R by rolling the sided of the suction inlet inward, which is commonly known as swedging the end of a pipe. The restriction  17 R may also be accomplished by placing an indention in the suction end of the vacuum conduit  17 . The restriction  17 R also increases the air velocity at the suction end of conduit  17  thus improving the ability to vacuum up solids  6  or liquid  2 . The earth excavator is shown to be secured in place during the excavation event by using the scrapper blade  66  as a jack to raise the front swivel wheels  68  off 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 &amp; mud recovery system with an even greater concentration of weight. The water tank  8  in FIGS.  8 , 9  &amp;  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 &amp; recycling, functions of excavation, location &amp; avoidance of utilities, mapping of work area, recording of performance. 
         [0110]      FIG. 10  shows the device position behind a towing vehicle  70 . 
         [0111]      FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional side view of a trailer mounted vacuum excavator and surface cleaner with the filter housing  64  mounted above the vacuum container  12 . An air conduit  13 C allows air to flow from the vacuum container  12  to the filter housing  64  and then the air  77  flows through the air filter  65 , the air conduit  13 , through the conduit disconnect seal assembly  83  &amp;  84 . The air  77  is then shown passing through a 4 way diverter valve  81  which may be used to temporarily reverse the flow of air back through the air filter  65 . The air flow reversing is important to assist in cleaning dirt from the filter  65  by blow dirt from the filter  65  to the cavity of the filter housing  64 . This process is especially useful when vacuuming dusty dry solids such as during the process of using air under pressure for excavating dirt. Vacuum suction hose  17  is shown vacuuming solids  6  into the vacuum container  12  through it&#39;s rear wall. This side elevation shows the air path and depicts the cyclone effect created by locating both the conduit  13 C and the vacuum hose  17  discharge adjacent to each other as well as being adjacent to the vacuum tank rear access door  12 . The air  77  is shown to slow in velocity, change directions and precipitate the solids it has been carrying adjacent to the bottom front of the vacuum container. The air filter housing  64  and the vacuum container  12  are also shown to be separated by a common dividing wall. 
         [0112]    An air compressor  101  is shown to receive air  77  through an air filter  102 . The air  77  flows through conduit  103 , then through air compressor  101  then through conduit  104  then through air nozzle  105  just before air  77  impinges the earthen material  35  thus making the earthen solids  6  more vacuum able. 
         [0113]      FIG. 12  shows a cross sectional end view of a trailer vacuum excavator like is shown in  FIG. 14 . This view allows a better visualization of the relation ship between the air conduit  13 C, and the high level vacuum shut off ball  79 . The baffle  78 , the rear vacuum hose inlet  17 , an end view of the air filters  65  orientation relation ship is also shown. The air flow  77  is also shown dropping solids  6 . 
         [0114]      FIG. 13  shows a cross sectional top view of a trailer vacuum excavator like is shown in  FIG. 14 . This view allows a better visualization of the relation ship between the air conduit  13 C, and the rear vacuum hose inlet  17 , and the air filters  65 . The air flow  77  is also shown dropping solids  6 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 14  shows a trailer  31  vacuum excavator side view with the vacuum tank laying horizontal during the process of filling it with solids or liquid. The air filter housing  64  is shown mounted horizontally above the vacuum container  12 . The filter housing door  18 F and the vacuum container rear access door  18  are both shown in the closed position during the vacuum filling of the vacuum container  12 . Vacuum conduit  17  is shown to be vacuum air conveying solids  6  from the ground  35  into the vacuum container  12 . Air  77  under pressure is shown to be discharged through air nozzle  105  for the purpose of loosening the earthen material thus making it vacuum able. A vibrator  17 V is also being used to loosen the earthen material in order to make it vacuum able. The vibrator  17 V is position adjacent to the suction end of the vacuum conduit  17  and may be attached to the suction end of the vacuum conduit via a flexible connection. The vibrator  17 V may be powered by air, electric, hydraulic or the like. A rod or blade or conduit may be attached to the vibrator  17 V for the purpose of attachment and for adding to the earth loosening process. The pressurized air conduit may be a part of the vibrator attachment means and may have orifices tragically placed in said pressurized air conduit for the purpose of loosening earthen material adjacent to the suction end of said suction end of said vacuum conduit  17 . Water  2  may be introduced into said pressurized air at a regulated rate so as to add mass to the air  77  excavation process. Greater mass increases the rate of making earthen material vacuum able. The water  2  volume may also be regulated proportionate to the amount of dust versus mud is desired. Water storage container  8  is shown as a saddle tank mounted adjacent to the trailer  31  finders &amp; wheels. The suction end of the vacuum conduit  17  is being used for providing access to a buried valve  98  which has an RFID tag  90  positioned adjacent to a valve stem  99  adapter. The RFID tag  90  has been activated and used to locate the buried valve  98 . The RFID tag  90  may have data stored which saves and documents the events of this service activity. The RFID tag  90  in this illustration is imbedded within a valve stem  99  adapter so that the RFID tag  90  remains with the valve  98  for the purpose of assisting in the process of locating and identifying information relative to the maintenance and performance of said valve  98 . An RFID antenna  91 , sensors  94  and a data logger  92  may be used in conjunction with the RFID tag  90 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 15  shows a trailer  31  vacuum excavator side view with the vacuum container  12  temporally raised to an inclined position for the purpose of unloading solids  6  from the vacuum container  12 . The vacuum container  12  read door  18  is shown in the open position with solids  6  flowing from the vacuum container  12 . The filter housing  64  rear access door  18 F is shown emptying solids  6 . The rear access door  18 F gives access to empty solids from the filter housing  64  by gravity as well as giving the operator a user friendly access to the air filters  65 . The open rear access door  18 F gives the operator easy access to insert a pressurized water nozzle within the filter housing  64  in order to wash clean both the air filters  65  and the filter housing  64 . The wash water and dirt flow freely by gravity from the filter housing  64 . The vacuum container can also be washed clean by the operator using a pressurized water nozzle &amp; gravity. Permanent wash nozzles way be mounted and piped into the filter housing  64  or vacuum container  12 . Remote controls can be used to operate the water nozzles. 
         [0117]      FIG. 16  shows a trailer mounted vacuum excavation machine EPI per the present invention showing its vacuum conduit  17  connecting a vacuum container  12 TP. The vacuum tank  12 TP is shown mounted on a trailer  30 TP being pulled by a truck  70 . Vacuum container  12 TP is shown getting it&#39;s vacuum source through conduit  17 . Conduit  17 TP is shown vacuuming earthen material  35  into the vacuum container  12 TP. Water under pressure  2  is shown passing through water conduit  5  &amp; through water spray nozzle  26  in order to impinge the earthen material  35  and make it vacuum able. Vacuum excavation machine EPI is shown supplying the power, vacuum source, and pressurized water supply for the excavation. The larger vacuum container  12 TP is shown as a storage container for vacuumed solids &amp; liquid. When it is filled, it will be hauled off to an unloading location by truck  70 . The EPI vacuum excavator will remain in place ready to fill another  12 TP vacuum container. Thus this arrangement functions like a track loader filling a dump trucks with dirt. 
         [0118]    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. 
         [0119]    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. The invention includes a variety of tools and processes. Further patent divisional and continuations of this patent application will be filed for the purpose of claiming each of the novel tools and process which have been taught and illustrated in this patent application. It is intended that this invention be defined by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4