Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a joint of pipe with a web of reinforced concrete includes an improved applicator that wraps the joint of pipe with a web of concrete that is reinforced with a steel mesh and which is also layered with a web of poly film. The improved applicator has a motor drive and a gear box that interfaces the motor drive with one of the belt pulleys that drives the applicator belt. The primary applicator belt can be disengaged from the pipe, thereby transferring both pulleys to idler pulleys after pipe wrapping is initiated. This allows the large motor drives that actually rotate the pipe to control the speed at which the web of concrete is applied to the pipe. The motor drive for the applicator belt is initially engaged for a few seconds to overcome initial friction associated with start up of the applicator. A timer can be used to regulate the number of seconds that the applicator motor operates until it is disengaged using the clutch.