Abstract: A concrete pipe making machine having a packerhead consisting of a rollerhead and a longbottom in which the rollerhead and longbottom are quickly assembleable and disassembleable as a unit from the packerhead drive means with one connector and brought into final adjustment off the machine, said drive means providing no obstruction to the flow of wet concrete toward the compaction area, the speed ratios between the rollerhead and longbottom being infinitely variable, and easily replaceable protective wear rings for precluding erosive deformation of the permanent parts of the machine due to undesired penetration of wet concrete into the longbottom.

Abstract: A concrete pipe making machine having a packerhead consisting of a rollerhead and a longbottom in which the rollerhead and longbottom are quickly assembleable and disassembleable as a unit from the packerhead drive means with one connector and brought into final adjustment off the machine, said drive means providing no obstruction to the flow of wet concrete toward the compaction area, the speed ratios between the rollerhead and longbottom being infinitely variable, and easily replaceable protective wear rings for precluding erosive deformation of the permanent parts of the machine due to undesired penetration of wet concrete into the longbottom.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic vibrator configuration is provided. Specifically, the vibrator is annular in configuration which enables functional elements of adjacent components in a multi-component system to be passed through the vibrator. The configuration of the annular vibrator of the present invention conserves space in multi-component manufacturing systems.

Abstract: An improved combination counter rotating packerhead and vibrator assembly is provided. A counter rotating packerhead including counter rotating roller assemblies, longbottom assemblies or a combination thereof is disposed directly over an annular pneumatic vibrator. The coaxial drive shaft for the counter rotating packerhead passes through the vibrator thereby permitting the power transmission means to be located below, and isolated from, the vibrator. The vibrator is disposed below, but adjacent to, the counter rotating packerhead for faster pipe production.

Abstract: An apparatus for making concrete pipe having vinyl liners. An expandable core is used to hold a tubular vinyl liner. The core has over-center latches which lock the core in an expanded position to hold the liner against the outside surface of the core. The core is a flexible and expandable shell which can be deformed by a forming module into an exact desired shape prior to placing concrete arount the liner and the core. The liner and core are inserted along with a reinforcing cage into a dry-cast concrete form. Then the form is placed over the module and the module is actuated into engagement with the inside surface of the core. The module has a series of disc assemblies, each of which has a plurality of radially moveable shoes capable of being moved to expanded and retracted positions. The form is filled and immediately taken off the module.

Abstract: A method for making concrete pipe. Vinyl liners are held by an expandable liner carrying device. The carrying device is expanded so as to hold the liner in engagement with the outer surface, forming a liner/carrier assembly. Concrete reinforcing bars are placed around the liner/carrier assembly. The liner/carrier assembly and reinforcing bars are surrounded by a dry-cast concrete form. Then, the form is placed on a forming module, and the module is actuated into engagement with the inside surface of the core forcing the liner/carrier assembly to assume a predetermined, usually cylindrical, shape. The form is filled and immediately taken off of the module. The form is immediately stripped, but the core, held immobile by the dry cast concrete, which sets quickly, continues to hold the liner in engagement with the concrete until a complete bond is established. Finally, the core is retracted from engagement with the liner and removed from the finished lined pipe.

Abstract: A vibrating type concrete pipe making machine, in which very high frequencies of vibration and large inputs may be attained without excessive wear on the mold or shortened bearing life. It also includes lubricant and coolant systems which are combined into a single system.