Accessory For Converting Excavators

Abstract

Accessory for providing an excavator with a dual function in earth-moving tasks: digging and refilling trenches, and as a crane (hoisting capability), to be used with advantage in the construction of pipelines. The accessory includes a frame, sheaves and a winch with hydraulic action, installable on top of the boom of a hydraulic excavator without involving modifications to the original machine, thereby providing the excavator with hoisting capability.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS / PRIORITY BENEFIT CLAIM[0001]The present application claims priority to Bolivian patent application SP 0127-08 filed Apr. 18, 2008 in the Bolivian Patent Office (SENAPI—Servicio Nacional De Propriedad Intelectual—Bolivia), by the same inventors (Delius and Aeschbacher), the entirety of which Bolivian patent application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention is in the field of accessories for providing an excavator with a dual function in earth-moving tasks: digging and refilling trenches, and as a crane (hoisting capability), to be used with advantage in the construction of pipelines.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]In a construction work with mechanical facilities, such as pipe laying, particularly in the petroleum and gas industry, pipes are required for transporting fluids (hydrocarbons and water).[0004]In the construction of pipelines, two types of machines are required: excavators and pipe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]This is achieved by an accessory consisting of a frame, a winch with a hydraulic motor and a sheave installed at the top of the boom of a common excavator without having to modify the original machine.

[0022]The accessory comprises a frame, sheaves and a winch with hydraulic action, installable on top of the boom of a hydraulic excavator without involving modifications to the original machine, thereby providing the excavator with hoisting capability.

[0023]The advantage of this invention in relation to the present state of the technology used in pipe laying (track mounted) is that, since the excavator has a body with a boom capable of rotating around the lower body by means of a vertical shaft, it greatly facilitates all loading and unloading operations given that they can be carried out irrespective of the location of the machine (it can rotate 360 degrees). This feature is what makes this machine stand out from the pipe layers based on tractors with caterpillar tracks which, in order to change the position of the boom, have to turn the entire machine. This movement is achieved by moving the caterpillar tracks.

[0024]With regard to the state of technology presented by Davis, the proposed invention differs in that it is significantly more economical from the investment point of view. Furthermore, it requires considerably less time and effort; fewer resources are needed to change from one operating mode to another (for example, another crane to assist in the positioning of the supporting structure of the winch and the boom). Last, but not least, it requires less space which reduces the cost of transporting the unit to the building site.

Problems solved by technology

In conventional operations, two types of expensive machines are required.

The excavator is limited to earth moving tasks and the pipe layer is specialized in hoisting and pipe laying operations.

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