Patents Assigned to TT Technologies, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130082224Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: TT Technologies, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130058726Abstract: A splitter system and methods are shown. Examples of splitter systems provide limited possibility of damage to adjacent utilities in the ground. Further, examples of splitter systems relax a shape memory of split pipe, which in turn reduces friction in a splitting operation. Configurations are further shown that provide lubrication to splitting operations in a number of locations along a splitter system. Configurations are also shown that provide electrical isolation to cutting blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: TT Technologies, Inc.
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Patent number: 8328468Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefore, 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8317427Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20120279366Abstract: A pipe cutter and methods are shown. Examples of pipe cutters allow a user to only rotate the pipe cutter back and forth by a small number of degrees sufficient to provide each path cut by a number of cutter wheels to intersect. Cutter wheels with shoulders are shown, that keep cutting blades from penetrating to an inner diameter of a protective housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8292545Abstract: A pipe splitter is shown including a splitter body having a central opening configured to accept a pulling or pushing member. An expander has an entry profile smaller than an inner diameter of a pipe to be split and an expanded profile that is larger than the inner diameter of the pipe to be split. A protrusion is disposed on the expander. The protrusion is configured to concentrate splitting stress at a location on the pipe. The concentrated splitting stress is greater than a threshold stress of the pipe to burst the pipe. In some examples, a method of pipe splitting is described.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8191638Abstract: A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2011Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20120093586Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20120060341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8109694Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, devices, apparatuses, and methods for the replacement of existing underground pipes. In general, an apparatus comprises a body, including a receiving portion, and a breaking assembly adapted to be positioned within the receiving portion and detachably coupled to the body. In one example, the body and the breaking assembly are adapted, when coupled, to split the existing underground pipe when pulled therethrough using one or more cutting wheels. In varying examples, each cutting wheel radially protrudes out of a breaking assembly housing an increasing amount along a length of the apparatus allowing for a clean, progressive cut of the existing pipe. In another example, the body and the breaking assembly are adapted, when coupled, to burst the existing pipe when pulled therethrough. Advantageously, the present devices, apparatuses, and methods may provide replacement of underground pipes requiring minimal excavation and making economical use of parts.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8083213Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 14, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 8061001Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110233494Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 7963504Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110113934Abstract: A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110079126Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110081205Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110081206Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Publication number: 20110079469Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Applicant: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader
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Patent number: 7874370Abstract: A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: TT Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Michael Tjader