Excavating method and apparatus utilizing vibration and vacuum to eliminate the need for fluid

Abstract

A method and apparatus for excavation using vibration and vacuum may be connected to a vehicle, mounted to either a chassis or trailer. The apparatus comprises a vacuum tube with an input end. A vacuum generator provides suction at the input end of the vacuum tube, thereby drawing a stream of fluidized material into the vacuum tube. Affixed to the vacuum tube is a vibration generator which causes the vacuum tube to vibrate. The use of the vibration and suction eliminates the need for fluid-based vacuum systems.

I/We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a. a vacuum tube, said vacuum tube having first and second ends;   b. a vacuum generator, said vacuum generator producing a vacuum condition at said second end of said vacuum tube; and,   c. a vibration generator, said vibration generator operatively associated with said vacuum tube and capable of vibrating said vacuum tube.   
     
     
         2 . A method for removing material, the method comprising the steps of:
 a. creating a vacuum condition in the interior of a vacuum tube; and,   b. vibrating said vacuum tube;   c. dislodging the associated soil with said vacuum condition and vibration; and,   d. transporting the associated material from a first location through the vacuum tube to a second location.   
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for excavating, said apparatus comprising:
 a. a vacuum tube, said vacuum tube being cylindrically-shaped and having a first end and second end, said first end of said vacuum tube being operatively connected to an associated boom of an associated vehicle, said second end of said vacuum tube selectively placed in operative association with a certain section of the ground at which the excavation is desired;   b. a vacuum generator, said vacuum generator operatively associated with said vacuum tube and capable of creating a vacuum condition in the interior of said vacuum tube; and,   c. a vibration generator, said vibration generator operatively associated with and attached to said vacuum tube and capable of vibrating said second end of said vacuum tube within a sonic range frequency, so that the suction and vibration dislodge and remove the associated soil without the need for an associated fluid.