Hydrovac Excavation System Having Object Detection

Abstract

An excavation system that is configured to utilize water pressure and vacuum to provide removal of terrain from an area wherein the excavation system is further configured to provide detection and alert of subterranean objects in the excavation area. The excavation system includes a digging wand that is operably coupled to a water source. The digging wand includes a plurality of water jets that are configured to emit water. The digging wand further includes in the nozzle thereof a plurality of detection transceivers. The detection transceivers are configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate the nozzle of the digging wand during the excavation process. The controller of the present invention includes a screen that provides image data of the area proximate the nozzle. The controller further provides at least two operational modes wherein one of the operational modes provides reduction of water pressure upon detection of a subterranean object.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An excavation system that is operable to provide excavation of an area and further provide detection of subterranean objects wherein the excavation system comprises:
 a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having at least one water jet configured to have water egress therefrom;   a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;   at least one detection transceiver, said at least one detection transceiver being disposed within said nozzle, said at least one detection transceiver configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.   
     
     
         2 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one detection transceiver is configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray. 
     
     
         3 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and a second operational mode of the excavation system. 
     
     
         4 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said controller is further configured with a screen, said screen providing visual image of an area proximate to said nozzle during excavation. 
     
     
         5 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 4 , and further including a control interface, said control interface operably coupled to said digging wand on said first end thereof, said control interface providing operably coupling of said digging wand to said controller. 
     
     
         6 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 5 , and further including a visual alarm, said visual alarm operable to provide a visual indicator of detection of a subterranean object proximate said nozzle. 
     
     
         7 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein in said second mode of operation of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the at least one water jet subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle. 
     
     
         8 . An excavation system that is configured to utilize a combination of pressurized water and vacuum to provide excavation of an area wherein the excavation system comprises:
 a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;   a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;   a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;   a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand; and   a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area.   
     
     
         9 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the excavation system includes a first operational mode and a second operational mode wherein in the first operational mode water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets is constant. 
     
     
         10 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said controller further includes a screen, said screen being operable to provide image data of an area proximate the digging wand during excavation. 
     
     
         11 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said plurality of detection transceivers are configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray. 
     
     
         12 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said controller further includes an audio and visual alarm, said audio and visual alarm operable to provide visual and audial warning of a subterranean object proximate said digging wand. 
     
     
         13 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 12 , wherein in said second operational mode of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle. 
     
     
         14 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said controller provides a third operational mode wherein in said third operational mode the controller provides preprogrammed water pressures for specific applications. 
     
     
         15 . An excavation system that is configured to utilize a combination of pressurized water and vacuum to provide excavation of an area and detection of subterranean objects during the excavation process wherein the excavation system comprises:
 a storage tank, said storage tank having a vacuum hose operably coupled thereto, said storage tank having an interior volume configured to receive and store excavated material and water;   a digging wand, said digging wand having a first end and a second end, said digging wand being constructed of tubular metal, said digging wand having a nozzle operably coupled thereto at said second end thereof, said nozzle having an interior volume;   a plurality of water jets, said plurality of water jets being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of water jets fluidly coupled to said storage tank;   a controller, said controller having the necessary electronics to store, transmit, receive and manipulate data, said controller being operably coupled to said digging wand;   a plurality of detection transceivers, said plurality of detection transceivers being disposed within the interior volume of said nozzle, said plurality of detection transceivers configured to provide detection of subterranean objects proximate said nozzle during excavation of an area; and   wherein said controller is configured to provide a first operational mode and a second operational mode wherein in said first operational mode said controller is operable to provide a constant water pressure to the plurality of water jets.   
     
     
         16 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 15 , wherein in said second operational mode of the excavation system said controller is configured to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets subsequent detection of a subterranean object being proximate said nozzle. 
     
     
         17 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said plurality of detection transceivers are configured to utilize an imaging technique selected from one of the following: magnetic, ultrasound or x-ray. 
     
     
         18 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein said controller further includes an audio and visual alarm, said audio alarm being a speaker integrated into said controller, said visual alarm being a light on said controller, said audio and visual alarm operable to provide visual and audial warning of a subterranean object proximate said digging wand. 
     
     
         19 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 18 , wherein said controller provides a third operational mode, said third operational mode providing operational parameters for alternate soil types, wherein in said third operational mode the controller provides preprogrammed water pressures for specific applications. 
     
     
         20 . The excavation system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein in said second operational mode the controller is operable to reduce water pressure egressing from the plurality of water jets across a pressure gradient.