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.

Abstract: Drill stem elements and connections are shown with advantages such as being mechanically robust. The absence of a side access window in a sonde housing is one design feature that provides robust mechanical properties. Further advantages of sonde housings include being easy to disassemble for access to the sonde unit, or for insertion of the sonde unit. In one embodiment, a cap portion is easily secured or removed using a small allen wrench, or a hammer and a punch. The cap portion is not substantially affected or tightened by rotation of the drill stem during a drilling operation. A further advantage includes the ability to remove cap portions and pull back flexible product such as polyethylene pipe from a small exit pit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A drill gripping device is shown with an inexpensive and compact design. In one embodiment, an inexpensive and more compact design is possible through the use of a single actuator with a single gripping portion of a drill gripping device. Embodiments of drill gripping devices shown are further reduced in price and size due to a force amplification device such as a camming arm. Alternatively, an increased gripping force is possible using an existing size actuator. A drill gripping device is shown with increased precision in gripping. A pair of gripping jaws are synchronized to improve jaw centering capabilities.

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.

Abstract: A pipe breaking assembly is shown with a modular design that allows a user to more economically purchase a single base unit that is adaptable using a number of elements. Combinations of elements such as blade portions and expander cones, etc. allow the modular assembly to be tailored to a variety of job conditions. A pipe breaking assembly is shown that includes a particular configuration where a blade portion is located in front of a shortened expander cone. The shortened expander cone provides a lower contact area that in turn reduces friction.

Abstract: A pipe splitting assembly includes a pipe splitter, for instance, a cutter with one or more blades. An expander is flexibly coupled with the pipe splitter and allows the pipe splitter to rotate out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the expander. In one example, the pipe splitter includes a cylindrical base portion and a frusto-conical base portion proximal to the cyclindrical base portion, and an exterior surface of the frusto-conical base portion is flush with an exterior surface of the expander. In another example, the expander has a larger outer perimeter than the cutter. Optionally, the pipe splitting assembly further includes a puller shoulder sized and shaped to couple with the expander, and a puller sleeve adapted to receive and hold a replacement pipe.

Abstract: Drill stem elements and connections are shown with advantages such as being mechanically robust. The absence of a side access window in a sonde housing is one design feature that provides robust mechanical properties. Further advantages of sonde housings include being easy to disassemble for access to the sonde unit, or for insertion of the sonde unit. In one embodiment, a cap portion is easily secured or removed using a small allen wrench, or a hammer and a punch. The cap portion is not substantially affected or tightened by rotation of the drill stem during a drilling operation. A further advantage includes the ability to remove cap portions and pull back flexible product such as polyethylene pipe from a small exit pit.

Abstract: A device and method for pipe replacement is shown. One advantage of devices and methods provided includes a splitting blade that provides a progressive cut into challenging pipe configurations such as ductile materials, thin walled pipes, corrugated pipes, or combinations of these properties. A pipe splitter and method is also shown that includes at least one hoop tensioning feature protruding from a body portion to pull the pipe against at least one splitting blade and increase splitting effectiveness.

Abstract: Drill stem elements and connections are shown with advantages such as being mechanically robust. The absence of a side access window in a sonde housing is one design feature that provides robust mechanical properties. Further advantages of sonde housings include being easy to disassemble for access to the sonde unit, or for insertion of the sonde unit. In one embodiment, a cap portion is easily secured or removed using a small allen wrench, or a hammer and a punch. The cap portion is not substantially affected or tightened by rotation of the drill stem during a drilling operation. A further advantage includes the ability to remove cap portions and pull back flexible product such as polyethylene pipe from a small exit pit.

Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.

Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.

Abstract: A magazine for greasing drill rods includes a magazine assembly couplable with a drill assembly, for instance, a directional drill. The magazine assembly includes a magazine coupled with the drilling assembly. The magazine is sized and shaped to house a plurality of drill rods. The magazine further arranges the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other drill rod fittings. A cover is moveably coupled with magazine and sized and shaped to conceal the fittings of the plurality of drill rods when in a closed position. A method for greasing drill rods includes positioning a plurality of drill rods within the magazine. The magazine is sized and shaped to arrange the plurality of drill rods so a fitting of each drill rod is in a predetermined pattern relative to other fittings. The method further includes pre-greasing two or more of the fittings of the plurality of drill rods at one time.

Abstract: A drill head is shown that provides improved steering in difficult ground conditions such as dry and compacted soil. A drill head is shown with features that include a narrow front portion, a sharp hardened insert such as a carbide point, and a curved rear portion of the drill head. Angled porting of liquid is included in selected configurations to enhance steering of the drill head. Porting of liquid within a recess portion also enhances steering of the drill head.

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.

Abstract: A device and method for pipe replacement is shown. A pipe replacement device is shown that includes at least one scoring wheel to provide a more progressive cut that provides consistency in the split of the pipe. A pulling force is reduced using pipe replacement devices and methods in a splitting operation. A pipe replacement device is shown that includes at least one skid structures with a long and consistent profile. In methods shown, friction between a pipe replacement device and the pipe being split is reduced.

Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.

Abstract: A drill gripping device is shown with an inexpensive and compact design. In one embodiment, an inexpensive and more compact design is possible through the use of a single actuator with a single gripping portion of a drill gripping device. Embodiments of drill gripping devices shown are further reduced in price and size due to a force amplification device such as a camming arm. Alternatively, an increased gripping force is possible using an existing size actuator. A drill gripping device is shown with increased precision in gripping. A pair of gripping jaws are synchronized to improve jaw centering capabilities.

Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.

Abstract: Drill stem elements and connections are shown with advantages such as being mechanically robust. The absence of a side access window in a sonde housing is one design feature that provides robust mechanical properties. Further advantages of sonde housings include being easy to disassemble for access to the sonde unit, or for insertion of the sonde unit. In one embodiment, a cap portion is easily secured or removed using a small allen wrench, or a hammer and a punch. The cap portion is not substantially affected or tightened by rotation of the drill stem during a drilling operation. A further advantage includes the ability to remove cap portions and pull back flexible product such as polyethylene pipe from a small exit pit.