High voltage ripping apparatus

U.S. Patent Number: 5386877

Abstract: An apparatus (102) assists an earthmoving vehicle (104) in the fracture of material (106). The apparatus (102) includes a ripping structure (108) having at least one ripper (112) and one electrode (130). The apparatus (102) generates electrical energy and discharges the electrical energy into the material through the ripping structure (108).

Inventors: Codina; George G. (Van Nuys, CA), Price; Robert J. (Dunlap, IL), Grajales; Liliana (Blacksburg, VA), Richards; Thomas J. (Peoria, IL)

Assignee: Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL)

Application Number: 07/829,028

Issued: 1995-02-07

Expired: 2007-02-07

Classes: 172/699

Field of search: 172/699,700,6,5,2 175/16 299/14

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