Patents Assigned to TT Technologies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9334999
    Abstract: A pipe pulling lubrication apparatus includes a pipe anchor having an anchor body. The anchor body includes a first coupling feature near an anchor body proximal portion and a distal pipe coupling feature near an anchor body distal portion. The distal pipe coupling feature is configured to couple and position a replacement pipe exterior surface near an anchor body exterior surface. The lubrication apparatus further includes a lubrication system including a lubricant conduit extending within the anchor body from the distal pipe coupling feature toward an anchor body intermediate portion between the first coupling feature and the distal pipe coupling feature. The lubrication system includes a lubricant distributor having one or more lubricant passages extending from the lubricant conduit toward the anchor body exterior surface, the lubricant distributor is configured to deliver a lubricant to the replacement pipe exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 9261220
    Abstract: A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 9103483
    Abstract: A pipe splitting assembly includes an articulating hammer nose assembly having a pipe splitting cutter and a rotatable joint coupled with the pipe splitting cutter. A pneumatic hammer is distal to the articulating hammer nose assembly, The pneumatic hammer is configured to drive the articulating hammer nose assembly proximally away from the pneumatic hammer. The rotatable joint is coupled between the pipe splitting cutter and the pneumatic hammer, and the articulating hammer nose assembly is rotatable into one or more angles relative to the pneumatic hammer through the rotatable joint. A cable coupling is interposed between the pneumatic hammer and the articulated hammer nose assembly. The cable coupling is configured to attach a cable to the pipe splitting assembly. The cable coupling and the rotatable joint are configured to transmit to the pipe splitting cutter a compression force from the cable coupling and dynamic percussive forces from the pneumatic hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8998538
    Abstract: Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8919736
    Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8899878
    Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20140241813
    Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20140237792
    Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8784009
    Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8720038
    Abstract: A pipe removal method includes navigating a flexible element through a first pipe. At least a portion of the flexible element is coupled with the first pipe. The flexible element and the first pipe are pulled as a composite assembly, and the flexible element reinforces the tensile strength of the first pipe. In one example, the first pipe is at least pulled in compression between the point of coupling between the flexible element and the first pipe and a proximal end of the flexile element. In another example, the method includes wrapping the composite assembly around a spool. The composite assembly is thereby removed from the ground surrounding the first pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8721223
    Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20140086689
    Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a pipe splitting apparatus includes an outer surface including a recess. A blade including a portion is disposed within the recess. A hardenable material is disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is configured to flow upon application to fill empty space within the recess and at least partially around the portion of the blade disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is further configured to harden after application to secure the portion of the blade within the recess and fix the blade to the pipe splitting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20140037386
    Abstract: A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8561721
    Abstract: A drill head system and method of use is shown. Drill head systems shown provide for a secure drill head connection to a cylindrical portion or sonde housing, while still allowing for easy removal of a drill head without using pipe wrenches, breaker bars, etc. An internal fastener further provides easy assembly and disassembly of the drill head by protecting components from dirt or other debris. A tapered connection with male and female fittings are shown in one example that further provide a robust joint between components such as a drill head and a sonde housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8474795
    Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20130156505
    Abstract: A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20130156507
    Abstract: Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8459614
    Abstract: A puller is provided with a number of advantages. Pullers are described that have a high power to weight ratio, and a high power to volume ratio. Examples of pullers and pulling systems include harmonic drive gear reduction elements and configurations that provide high cable friction in a small device volume. Examples of pullers and pulling systems also include constant force pulling which is desirable in particular for small diameter pipe replacement. Using pullers and pulling systems as described, minimally invasive pipe replacement operations are possible. Reversible pullers are also provided that decrease the amount of time needed to burst or split multiple segments of pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Publication number: 20130094911
    Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a pipe splitting apparatus includes an outer surface including a recess. A blade including a portion is disposed within the recess. A hardenable material is disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is configured to flow upon application to fill empty space within the recess and at least partially around the portion of the blade disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is further configured to harden after application to secure the portion of the blade within the recess and fix the blade to the pipe splitting apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 8414225
    Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader