By Means Advancing Along Terrain And Guiding Pipe Or Cable Into Subterranean Position Patents (Class 405/174)
  • Patent number: 11598450
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for laying pipe in a ditch. The apparatus comprises a mobile platform having a longitudinal central axis. A support extends from the mobile platform and includes a cradle. The cradle supports a weight of a pipe segment in alignment with the central longitudinal axis of the mobile platform as the pipe laying apparatus transports the pipe segment to a location where the pipe segment is to be placed and as the pipe laying apparatus offloads the pipe segment at the location where the pipe segment is to be placed in the ditch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: JT Lewellen
  • Patent number: 10851915
    Abstract: A pullhead includes a housing that has a first end and a second end. The housing is separable between a first body and a second body. The first and second bodies are pivotally coupled at a joint and the first and second bodies together define an interior pocket of the housing. The interior pocket has an interior pocket width. The pullhead head includes a pulling feature at the first end. The interior pocket includes an interior retainer flange that has an inner width and is disposed within the interior pocket. The inner width is less than the interior pocket width. The first body and second body are pivotable relative to each other around an axis at the joint that is transverse to a pulling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Clinton J. Baumgartner, Jason M. Gillard, Nick P. Skogen, Russell H. Hilsman, Travis J. Baumgartner, Jeremy R. Ellingson
  • Patent number: 10696526
    Abstract: A crane having at least one jib system, a sensor unit for detecting a deformation of the jib system transversely to a load plane, and to an activatable adjustment unit for influencing the deformation of the jib system transversely to the load plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Terex Global GmbH
    Inventors: Alfons Weckbecker, Frank Schnittker
  • Patent number: 10571045
    Abstract: Provided is a microtrench fill comprising cement, a polymer, and a colorant. Also provided is a method of using the microtrench fill to fill a microtrench in a roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CCIIP LLC
    Inventors: Angelo J. Pino, Jr., Daniel Urban
  • Patent number: 10385524
    Abstract: A method for placing at least one duct/communication cable below a road surface in an area. The area comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being a road layer, such as asphalt or concrete, and the second layer being a bearing layer for the first layer and being located below the first layer. The method comprising the steps of cutting a micro trench in the area through the first layer into the second layer, placing at least one duct/communication cable in the micro trench so that that duct/communication cable is placed below the first layer, and filling the micro trench so as to restore the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: DellCron Innovation AB
    Inventors: Conny Gustavsson, Hasse Hultman
  • Patent number: 9631741
    Abstract: A casing puller includes a body and at least one arm. The body has first and second ends, at least one end connectable to a drill pipe. The body defines a longitudinal axis and sized for insertion into a casing pipe. The at least one arm is disposed on the body and moves between a stowed position and a deployed position. The at least one arm extends away from the longitudinal axis when in its deployed position and is arranged to engage an arm receiver defined by the casing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Southeast Directional Drilling, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Heieie
  • Publication number: 20140334881
    Abstract: A plough vehicle assembly that is able to lay pipe or cable, the pipe vehicle assembly comprising a plough vehicle and a support mounted to the plough vehicle to support a pipe to be laid, the support being offset from a longitudinal axis of the plough vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: James Francis Darcy
  • Patent number: 8840340
    Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for deploying a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors (5) joined together by connection cables (6) in one or more “chains”, and connected to an input/output device (8). An input/output connection unit (7, 15) is provided on a carrier (10), and the sensors are held on or in deployment devices (14a-14e) mounted to the carrier with their connection cables (6) connected to the input/output connection unit (7, 15). The input/output device (8) may also be mounted to the carrier, and connected to the connection unit (7, 15). The carrier (10), sensors, and input/output device (8) may be delivered as a single package to the area where the sensor array is to be deployed. The sensors are then moved from the carrier to their final positions. The deployment devices (14a-14e) may be detached from the carrier and moved sequentially to the sensor positions, and a sensor may be removed from the deployment device at each sensor position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: TGS Geophysical Company (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Frank L. Eisenhower, Richard Edward Luff, Peter Hadfield, Ike Greenberg, Michael Henshaw, John Churchill
  • Patent number: 8790041
    Abstract: Device (1) for applying a push or pull action on tubes (100) to be laid in the ground for overcoming waterways or other types of obstacle, includes two push blocks (2, 2?), disposed parallel to and mirroring each other, and a vice (8), which couples the device (1) to a tube (100) to be pushed/pulled. Each push block (2, 2?) including, in turn, a base (5, 5?), a main cylinder (3, 3?), a movable arm (6, 6?), one positioning cylinder (4, 4?) and vertical regulation cylinder (7, 7?). The arms (6, 6?) conferring a variable geometry to device (1) which is able to assume corresponding positions and positive and negative angles. The device finds application in the field of ancillary equipment for horizontal controlled drilling and horizontal directional drilling (TOC and HDD), i.e. suitable technologies for installing new pipelines without opencast digging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Roberto Bernardoni
  • Patent number: 8764344
    Abstract: A method for laying a pipe includes predisposing first and second releasable gripping devices for firmly gripping or releasing the pipe. The gripping devices are located along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The gripping devices when activated grip and move the pipe so that only a predetermined longitudinal pipe section is received in the laying site. The gripping devices are rearranged and activated, instant by instant, so that the pipe is at all times solidly gripped by at least one gripping device. The above step is repeated until multiple longitudinal sections are housed in the laying site. A machine for laying pipe has gripping devices independently activatable for firmly gripping or releasing the pipe and also for moving the first and/or second gripping devices a predetermined number of times while gripping the pipe, for moving multiple longitudinal pipe sections into the laying site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enereco S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aurelio Simoncelli, Giuliano Ciaroni
  • Patent number: 8727665
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for introducing at least one pipe for at least one optical cable into a solid bed with the aid of a laying device. At least one groove is milled or cut in the bed and the at least one pipe is inserted in the groove. At least one side wall of the groove is configured with a step for supporting a filler material. After laying the pipe the remaining volume of the groove is filled. Alternatively, the pipe can be formed according to the groove. In addition, the friction between the at least one pipe laid in the groove and the side walls of the groove can be increased so that emergence of the at least one pipe of its own accord from the at least one groove is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Michael Pichler, Alois Pichler
  • Publication number: 20140086688
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to cable trailer that can carry a cable drum having a weight up to 10 ton. The cable trailer is designed to carry and unwind cable from the cable drum and direct and lay the cable in or along a trench. The cable trailer has a trailer chassis with an internal aperture enclosed by a tail gate. The tail gate can open or be removed to provide access to the space of the internal aperture for the cable drum. The cable trailer has two mounting arms to mount the cable drum. The cable trailer has a bridge with a cable director to facilitate removing cable from the cable drum and at least one cable support arm extendable from a side of the chassis for directing and laying of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kerry Hull, Kevin Hul
  • Patent number: 8613568
    Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Herrenknecht AG
    Inventor: Ruediger Koegler
  • Patent number: 8596916
    Abstract: Apparatus for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises as one embodiment interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions. Other couplings can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph M Rohde, Richard A Rohde, Robert L Gilling, James R. Heim, Michael J Kenny, Thomas A Kenny
  • Patent number: 8596914
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming a substantially uniform path within a trench, laying tile thereon, and covering the tile with dirt from the trench. One apparatus includes a housing, a hook, a pipe insertion frame extending upwardly from the housing, a sloping support wall inside the housing for directing tile from a top side of the housing to an exit at a rear side of the housing, a blade adjacent the housing rear side above the exit, a grip extending above the housing and the pipe insertion frame, and a rigid curved portion extending beneath the housing for forming a substantially uniform path in the trench as the housing is moved along the trench. The blade extends beyond at least one of the housing sidewalls to obtain dirt from the trench. The hook and the grip are configured to engage a machine bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Jeffrey Baber
  • Publication number: 20130294839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for placing at least one duct/communication cable below a road surface in an area, said area comprising a first layer (L1 and a second layer (L2), said first layer (L1) being a road layer, such as asphalt or concrete, and said second layer (L2) being a bearing layer for said first layer (L1) and being located below said first layer (L1), said method comprising the steps of: cutting a micro trench in said area through said first layer (L1) into said second layer (L2); placing at least one duct/communication cable in said micro trench so that said at least one duct/communication cable is placed below said first layer (L1); and filling said micro trench so as to restore said road surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Conny Gustavsson, Hasse Hultman
  • Publication number: 20130287500
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cutting a trench (e.g., for a fiber optic cable or wire conductors) in an existing covering surface (e.g., a road surface), wherein the trench has a depth of approximately 10 to 12 inches and a width of approximately 0.5 to 1.25 inches. Debris from the cut trench is evacuated (e.g., vacuumed) from the trench as the trench is cut. The trench may be backfilled by flowing a non-shrinking composition into at least a portion of the trench and, after hardening of the non-shrinking composition, applying a topping material to a remaining portion of the trench. In one example, the non-shrinking composition is configured to rigidify within one hour of being flowed into the trench, be substantially impermeable thereafter (e.g., having a hydraulic permeability of less than 0.0000001 cm/s upon drying), and be non-compressible and non-expanding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Paul Miller
  • Patent number: 8568059
    Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Herrenknecht, AG
    Inventor: Ruediger Koegler
  • Publication number: 20130121769
    Abstract: When placing pipes, such as pipe sections, into a trench it is desirable to obviate the need for human intervention in an attempt to eliminate the potential for injury to operatives working in a trench caused by trench collapse. Disclosed herein is an automated device (101) having a retractable side boom (104,106) and an associated retractable descendent/downwardly extending boom. The device may further comprise a gripping assembly (108) which is capable of setting a pipe (110) gripped therein to a specific slope or gradient, thus allowing for maximum precision in for example a pipe laying process. The side and descendent booms are operable to deliver a pipe such as a pipe section into a trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Pearse Gately
  • Publication number: 20130051922
    Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines (1) in the ground (2), a drill-hole (4) is produced along a laying line (6), from a starting pit (5) to a target pit (7), by a drilling head (3) at the start of a pipeline (1), the drilling head (3) being connected to a laying vehicle (9) on the ground surface (10) via a narrow vertical connecting device (8). The soil dislodged by the drilling head (3) is removed from the drill-hole (4) and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle (9) and/or by a feed device (12) in the starting pit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: HERRENKNECHT AG
    Inventor: HERRENKNECHT AG
  • Publication number: 20120285716
    Abstract: A continuous communications conduit for use in a well is disclosed. A first 101 and second 102 conduit section are threadably engaged and a weldment is formed 200. A heat shield conduit 220 can be disposed within a bore (111, 112) of a conduit section (101, 102) between a first conduit section shoulder 151 and a second conduit section shoulder 152. A first 301, second 302, and third 303 conduit section can be threadably engaged and a weldment 400 formed. An electrical conductor 300 can be disposed in a bore of the conduit sections (301, 302, 303). A heat shield conduit 320 can be disposed between a first conduit section shoulder 351 and a second conduit section shoulder 352. Optionally, an elastomeric stabilizer (410, 420) may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Lu Mei
  • Patent number: 8303215
    Abstract: A wick assembly for installation under a roadway according to the invention includes a perforated drain pipe, an inner sheet of a wicking fabric disposed on the perforated drain pipe in a manner effective to cover the perforations therein, an outer sheet of a wicking fabric, and a layer of filter aggregates confined between the inner and outer wicking fabric sheets to form a wick drain in combination with the perforated drain pipe. Water passes through the sheets and filter aggregates in order to enter the perforated drain pipe through the perforations therein. The wick drain may be disposed inside an outer pipe with the outer fabric sheet in slidable contact with the inner periphery of the pipe casing. The outer pipe casing serves to protect the wick drain during installation and is later removed once the wick drain is in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Harr Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Harr
  • Patent number: 8221032
    Abstract: A soil penetrating plate to position a flexible geothermal conduit loop in spoil is described. The soil penetrating plate has a leading soil penetrating formation which is provided with hook arrangements to hook an end loop portion of a conduit loop. The soil penetrating plate is securable to a force transmitting shaft or cable to displace the soil penetrating plate in soil whereby to position the conduit loop thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pretech
    Inventor: Alain Desmeules
  • Publication number: 20120177444
    Abstract: A method for laying a pipe includes predisposing first and second releasable gripping devices for firmly gripping or releasing the pipe. The gripping devices are located along the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The gripping devices when activated grip and move the pipe so that only a predetermined longitudinal pipe section is received in the laying site. The gripping devices are rearranged and activated, instant by instant, so that the pipe is at all times solidly gripped by at least one gripping device. The above step is repeated until multiple longitudinal sections are housed in the laying site. A machine for laying pipe has gripping devices independently activatable for firmly gripping or releasing the pipe and also for moving the first and/or second gripping devices a predetermined number of times while gripping the pipe, for moving multiple longitudinal pipe sections into the laying site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ENERECO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Aurelio Simoncelli, Giuliano Ciaroni
  • Patent number: 8196681
    Abstract: An earth boring device for forming horizontally extending bore holes beneath the surface of the earth and installing a conduit therein without substantially disturbing the surface of the earth is disclosed. The earth boring device is a generally elongate member having a cutting tool disposed at a leading end, and means to attach a conduit to be disposed in the bore hole at a trailing end. A pair of spaced apart drive augers is disposed between the leading end and the trailing end to propel the earth boring device through the earth. The earth boring device can include at least one flexible section to enable a bending of the earth boring device for boring a curved bore hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Thad Bick
  • Publication number: 20120141211
    Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines (1) in the ground (2), a drill-hole (4) is produced along a laying line (6), from a starting pit (5) to a target pit (7), by a drilling head (3) at the start of a pipeline (1), the drilling head (3) being connected to a laying vehicle (9) on the ground surface (10) via a narrow vertical connecting device (8). The soil dislodged by the drilling head (3) is removed from the drill-hole (4) and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle (9) and/or by a feed device (12) in the starting pit (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Ruediger Koegler
  • Patent number: 8152412
    Abstract: A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 8151453
    Abstract: The machine allows the placing of small troughs in trenches, made up by a loading platform (1) with a rotating conveyor (4) or sliding (7) for the small troughs (CA) to a feeding train (2) directing them towards an aligning box (3). The feeding train has folding sections (21), (22) and (23), being the central section (22) the one that has the coupling and linking means (24) to the tractor (T) and also where the loading platform (1) is journalled, the first section (21) is the one receiving the small troughs from the rotating conveyor (4), the second section (22) receives them from the sliding conveyor (7) and the third section (23) deposits the small troughs (CA) in the aligning box (2), which aligns the small troughs (CA) on which the corresponding covers (P) are overlapped by a device based on a framework (8) and an inclined platform (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Lorenzo Garcia Tercero
  • Publication number: 20120069706
    Abstract: A seismic cable for use in land applications is described. The cable includes seismic sensors for measuring seismic signals reflected from subterranean or subsea formations. The cable may be deployed in trenches dug in the survey region to provide adequate sensor coupling to ground. Sensor units may be inline with the cable and may further be disposed in slim casings, thus facilitating handling and deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Nicolas Goujon, Emmanuel Coste, Qinglin Liu, Kevin O'Connell, Jostein Fonneland, Kazuya Yoshida, Hitoshi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 7976243
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Green Core Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Rohde, Richard A. Rohde, Robert L. Gilling, James R. Heim, Michael J. Kenny, Thomas A. Kenny
  • Publication number: 20110033245
    Abstract: A drill rod combination for creating a closed loop geothermal hole in the ground. The heat exchange tube is positioned in the hole simultaneously with the creation of the hole and is mounted to the drill rod. A rudder on the heat exchange tube limits twisting of the tube. An adaptor mounted to the outer end of the sone housing has the drill bit mounted on its distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Terry R. Biggs, Joseph A. Huck, Blake E. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20100316448
    Abstract: The present invention consists in a system and a method for installation of duct lines and/or pipelines comprising a pipe shop, supporting, rolling and guiding elements previously provided along a path of duct line/pipeline designed to be formed, the quantity of elements varying according to the length and the characteristics of the path, the said pipe shop comprising within the same a facility for welding, inspection and finishing of the pipes for forming the duct line/pipeline, the elements comprising a supporting base and a roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Paulo Roberto Gomes Fernandes
  • Patent number: 7841802
    Abstract: A strand-like material laying device for an appliance for laying any kind of strand-like material into the ground is disclosed. The strand-like material laying device is designed to lay a more rigid strand-like material such as steel pipes into the ground, and assures that the strand-like material to be laid can smoothly be fed into a trench formed in the ground without risking that a bending radius thereof falls below a minimum allowable bending radius which depends on the type of the strand-like material to be laid. The strand-like material laying device can also be immersed into the ground to form a subterranean trench while being moved in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Walter Fockersperger, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7726909
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for concurrently forming a plurality of pipelines. The apparatus includes a support chassis coupled to at least one transportation facilitation member. The transportation facilitation member facilities the movement of the support chassis along a surface. A first pipe fuser is disposed on the support chassis and is configured to fuse a first section of pipe to a first pipeline. A second pipe fuser may also be disposed on the support chassis. The second pipe fuser may be configured to independently fuse a second section of pipe to a second pipeline. The first pipe fuser fuses the first section of pipe to the first pipeline with the support chassis in a stationary position. The second pipe fuser fuses the second section of pipe to the second pipeline with the support chassis in the same stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hi-Pointe Management Services, Inc
    Inventors: Beverly A. Miller, William H. Miller, Christopher S. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7717647
    Abstract: A pipe conveyor system which operates to assemble and disassemble a plurality of pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: EJTJ Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Henry Fulton
  • Patent number: 7713001
    Abstract: The pipe extractor includes a main frame supported by wheels mounted on the main frame. The wheels are vertically movable, relative to the main frame, by a hydraulic cylinder. An extractor frame is pivotally attached to the main frame for pivotal movement about an extractor axis. A shank has an upper end attached to the extractor frame. A shoe with a pipe through passage is connected to a lower end of the shank. A self leveling linkage pivots the extractor frame about the extractor axis in response vertical movement of the wheels. A hitch beam is pivotally attached to the main frame. Pipe contacts the pipe through passage in the shoe and steers the main frame. A lister is mounted on the hitch beam. A ramp assembly and rear plow are pivotally connected to the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph J. Harlow, Michael M. Bauman
  • Patent number: 7645094
    Abstract: A piping transport structure for use with a deployment vehicle to provide for improved efficiencies in laying temporary or semi-permanent piping structures. There is also a system for having one or more deployment vehicles smoothly lay piping and to allow for long pipe lays to be carried out in less time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Krise, Ken Broussard, John Wootton
  • Patent number: 7637697
    Abstract: A trencher boot includes a boxlike structure formed with a compartment extending from an inlet formed in an upper end of the trencher boot to an outlet formed in a lower end of the trencher boot. A cable-orienting structure is formed within the compartment between the inlet and the outlet. The compartment is to concurrently receive three cables from the inlet, guide the three cable to the cable-orienting structure, which interacts with the three cables to arrange the three cables in a V-shaped orientation comprising two of the three cables positioned side-by-side atop a third one of the three cables, and guide the three cables in the V-shaped orientation from the cable-orienting structure to the lower end of the trencher boot and outwardly through the outlet into the V-shaped receiving area formed in the bottom of the trench, which maintains the three cables in the V-shaped orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Charles S. Holland
  • Publication number: 20090297275
    Abstract: A pipelayer having an undercarriage with at least two tracks and a main assembly. Each track has a track frame coupled to the undercarriage and a track shoe supported by and movable around the track frame. The main assembly is supported by and rotatable relative to the undercarriage, and has a main frame, a boom pivotally mounted to the main frame, an operator cab, and a cab riser connecting the operator cab to the main frame. The cab riser is operable to selectively raise and lower the operator cab relative to the main frame. Also provided is a movable cab assembly having an operator cab, an adjustment mechanism to connect the cab to a vehicle frame and move to change the operator's view, and a guide to align the cab. A method for laying pipe using a pipelayer having a movable cab is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel E. Davis
  • Patent number: 7624817
    Abstract: A bore hole reaming apparatus characterized by one or more cleaning devices such as bursting heads attached to a pull rod and typically having one or more mandrels attached thereto in tandem for pulling a length of pipe through a pre-bored opening using a pulling apparatus. In a typical embodiment the bore hole reaming apparatus is characterized by a pair of bursting heads mounted in spaced-apart relationship in tandem on the pull rod and fitted with one or more mandrels attached to a third bursting head. The mandrel(s) is typically secured to a fourth bursting head by a cable and the fourth bursting head is attached to a string of typically HDPE pipe to be pulled through the bore hole. The mandrel(s) straighten irregularities and clean, smooth and enlarge the bore hole to facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel W. Putnam
  • Patent number: 7607863
    Abstract: A trench box, including a pair of oppositely disposed parallel elongated sidewalls defining a work volume, distal and proximal support members extending between the sidewalls, and a track positioned between the sidewalls. Track adjusting members extend between the track and the support members and a movable tram connecting plate is connected to the track. An actuator is coupled to the track and energizable to move the tram connecting plate and a tool module is operationally connectable to the tram connecting plate. A pipe dispensing assembly and a gravel hopper assembly are positionable within the working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Paull
  • Patent number: 7581600
    Abstract: An improved method of forming a trenchless flow line is provided. The method includes support of the boring tool at each sight relief hole using a hook extending downwardly into the hole so as to overcome the force of gravity on the tool during the pilot hole drilling step. Then, a back reaming tool is connected to the end of the boring tool, and the pipe is connected to the reaming tool, such that the reaming tool reams the pilot hole to a larger diameter ahead of the pipe, which is pulled through the hole with the reaming tool. Drilling fluid is supplied during the reaming process to form a slurry which is pushed ahead of the pipe and upwardly into the sight relief holes, as the pipe is pulled through the reamed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Ted R. Dimitroff
  • Publication number: 20090185866
    Abstract: With a method for trenchless pipe laying a pipeline (8) is constructed form a starting point (1) to a goal point (3) undercrossing an obstacle (9) wherein the constructing of a bore hole (12) and laying the prefabricated pipeline (8), which is constructed in one piece on surface, are done in one work step, wherein at the front end of the pipeline (8) a steerable drilling device (6) is arranged, wherein a pipe thrusting device (5) is arranged at the starting point (1) applying forces from the outside to the pipeline (8) via traction preferably fiction by pushing the pipeline (8) from a starting point (1) to a goal point (3), wherein at the same time the necessary contact forces for drilling are transferred, wherein the cuttings produced during the drilling by the drilling device (6) are removed and transported hydraulically out of the bore hole (12) via a transport line inside the pipeline (8), and wherein the annular space between pipeline (8) and bore hole wall (11) created during drilling is continuously fi
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: HERRENKNECHT AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Koegler
  • Patent number: 7465124
    Abstract: A ground piercing pipe tool for carrying and depositing pipes of different inner diameter under a ground surface, comprising a ground piercing tip and impact-receiving end cap respectively connected to forward and rear ends of a rod and characterized by at least one of the tip and end cap being releasably connected to the rod so as to allow the pipes to receive the rod and further characterized by the tip and end cap having radially spaced outer supports dimensioned to engage inner surfaces of different ones of the pipes at tip and end cap ends thereof and to longitudinally support the pipes on the rod for selective deposit under the ground surface upon removal of one of the tip or end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen J. LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 7377722
    Abstract: A cable handling accessory for use on an earth moving vehicle, such as a back hoe. The accessory replaces the front bucket of a backhoe and has cable rolled thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Bill D. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20080101869
    Abstract: Abstract of disclosureA cable guide device for a manhole includes a wall supporting plate supported against a wall surface of an entrance part of the manhole, a cable guide body positioned at the bottom part of the wall supporting plate, a rotation shaft mounted vertically to the cable guide body and the wall supporting plate so that the cable guide body can be rotated from side to side with regard to the wall supporting plate, and at least one guide roller which rotates integrally with a roller shaft combined with the cable guide body so as to guide the cable into at least one underground pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: KT CORPORATION
    Inventors: SEONG TAEK JEONG, JIN WOO HAN, BYONG SOO WOO
  • Publication number: 20080044233
    Abstract: A bend-limiting conduit controls the curvature of a catenary riser extending from the seafloor as it enters the centerwell of a spar-type offshore platform through the keel of the platform. The conduit has a bore dimensioned to receive the riser, and it extends from an upper end constrained within the keel to a lower end disposed below the keel. The conduit has increasing flexibility and weight per unit length from the upper end to the lower end, which results in a lateral load being applied to the riser as it passes through the conduit, thereby causing a gentle and gradual transition in the riser from a curved configuration at the lower end of the conduit, to a straight configuration as it emerges from the upper end of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: James O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20070286681
    Abstract: A mole-plough for forming a subterranean channel for laying a line includes a body incorporating a leading edge and nose for cutting the channel, a guide plate on the body located at the desired terrain surface level, an arcuate passage within the body for feeding each line to be laid, and a stabilizer disposed adjacent the exit of the passage and extending rearwardly of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michel Parent
  • Patent number: 7275892
    Abstract: A tool used for installing water systems. The tool consists of a probe having a central body, a tapered end, and an anvil end. Pipe is slid over the central body forming a pipe and probe assembly which can be installed in soil traversing beneath an immovable structure by impacting the anvil end, such as with a jack hammer. A method for installing water systems using the tool is also contemplated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: James Ammons
  • Patent number: 7270500
    Abstract: A method for installing water pipe beneath nonmoving objects with a presence in the earth with a tool for installing water pipe made of a central body, a ring encircling the central body, a tapered end, an anvil end, and a ring. The method further comprises selecting a water pipe and sliding the water pipe over the tapered end and the ring to contact without covering the anvil end and forming a gap and the water pipe forming a tool and water pipe combination. Orienting the tool and water pipe combination to position the tapered end which the water pipe is to be installed and impacting the anvil end of the tool and water pipe combination with pressure causing the combination to travel beneath the nonmoving object. Pulling the tool by the anvil end to remove the tool from the water pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: James E. Ammons, Taylor Allan Ammons, Ronald Allen Ammons