System and method to excavate using vacuum excavator

Abstract

A system and method to excavate using a vacuum hose is disclosed. The system includes a suction wand handle, where a first end of the suction wand handle is adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a first and second grip project from opposing sides of the suction wand handle are adapted for a user to grasp. In addition, a suction wand is secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, where the suction wand includes an open end. An air line is secured to the suction wand, where a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the system comprising:
 a suction wand handle, wherein a first end of the suction wand handle adapted to be secured to a suction hose;   a first and second grip projecting from opposing sides of the suction wand handle and adapted for a user to grasp;   a suction wand secured to a second end of the suction wand handle, wherein the suction wand having an open end; and   an air line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a water line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the water line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized water source and the second end terminates in at least one water nozzle at the open end of the suction wand. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one water nozzle, air nozzle, or any combination thereof, generates a dynamic spray pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , further comprising a valve to intermittently allow a flow to the at least one water nozzle, air nozzle, or any combination thereof, causing the flow to pulsate. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the suction wand further comprising an upper portion and an angled lower portion to the open end. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the angled lower portion is adapted to rotate manually or automatically causing the open end to track in a circular motion covering an area larger than a diameter of the suction wand. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , further comprising a motor causing the angled lower portion to rotate about the upper portion of the suction wand when the motor is activated. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a rod connecting the motor to the angled lower portion. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the angled lower portion is a flexible hose structurally supported by the rod. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the air line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the water line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand. 
     
     
         12 . A system to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the system comprising:
 a suction wand, wherein a first end of the suction wand adapted to be secured to a suction hose and a second end of the suction wand having an open end; and   an air line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the air line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one air nozzle at the open end of the suction wand.   
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , further comprising a water line secured to the suction wand, wherein a first end of the water line is adapted to be in communication with a pressurized air source and the second end terminates in at least one water nozzle at the open end of the suction wand. 
     
     
         14 . A method to excavate using a vacuum excavator, the method comprising:
 grasping an elongated suction wand, wherein a first end of the suction wand is secured to a suction hose and a second end of the suction wand being open;   placing downward force on the suction wand to excavate material from a hole using suction from the suction hose; and   directing pressurized air adjacent to an open end of the suction wand to loosen material.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising rotating the pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, when discharged at the open end of the suction wand to generate a dynamic spray pattern. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising pulsating a flow of pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, when discharged at the open end of the suction wand. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising rotating an angled lower portion of the suction wand in a circular motion to cover an area larger than a diameter of the suction wand. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the flow of pressurized air, pressurized water, or any combination thereof, is discharged adjacent to the open end of the suction wand. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the water line is secured to an interior portion or exterior portion of a sidewall of the suction wand from a top portion to a lower portion of the suction wand and within a diameter of the suction wand. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the angled lower portion of the suction wand is comprised of flexible hose.