Pipeline padding apparatus

This patent describes a pipeline padding assembly for movement on a surface in a forward direction along the side of an excavated pipeline trough while separating fine material from excavated spoil piled on the underlying soil surface and placing the fine material in the pipeline trough. It comprises vehicle means adapted for movement on the surface along the pipeline trough; means for separating spoil into fine material and rough material; means for returning fine material from the separating means into the pipeline trough; means for transferring spoil piled along the pipeline trough to the separator means; a spoil guide positioned in the front of the transferring means and having an open bottom configuration which is open substantially the entire width of the transferring means; at least two spaced guide projections being on the spoil guide; a flat, planar extending ground engaging lower surface on each the guide projection