GB1228373A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,228,373. Mole ploughs. A. N. EDE. 1 May, 1968 [3 May, 1967], No. 55073/70. Divided out of 1,228,372. Heading A1B. [Also in Division F2] A submersible mole plough which incorporates variable-buoyancy flotation means so that it can float upon a body of water 73 or can be submerged for laying pipes below the surface 60 beneath the body of water comprises a hollow triangular framework which can be filled with air and which pivotally supports, at 40, a hollow coulter and mole 45 having a tube 51 for feeding rearwardly a flexible tube 51 through a hinged extension shell 48. The framework 40 has roller-floats 56, 56, and 63, 63 respectively connected by pivotal arms 57, 57 and 62, 62 to its forward and rearward ends, the upward pivotal movement of the arms being limited respectively by stops 59, 68. The plough is made buoyant by supplying compressed air through a pipe 70 and into the hollow frame 40 and coulter the air escaping, at a controlled rate, through bleed holes 71. The roller-floats 56, 63 also assist the plough to float. Decking 72 may be laid across the top of the frame 40 and the rear arms 62, 62 when it is intended to float the plough to its position of use. When the plough is to be towed on land the arms 57, 57 and 62, 62 are drawn towards each other, Fig. 4, e.g. by means of a block and tackle not shown, to raise the coulter and mole off the ground the arms being locked in position respectively by the front stays 61 and rear pins 69. (For Figures see next page.)