Abstract: A system for feeding a cable into a pipeline or other conduit comprises a rotating turret and a local cable feeding mechanism for drawing the cable off of the turret reel and loading it thereon. A remote cable feeding mechanism for inserting the cable into or withdrawing it from the pipeline is attached to a launch saddle secured to the pipeline, and its feeding rate is synchronized with that of the local cable feeding mechanism. Where the cable acts as an umbilical cable carrying fluids and electrical power to a tool inside the pipeline, the fluid and power supplies may be located on the floor of the reel, connected to an operator station by an electrical cable which winds onto and off of the turret shaft and is kept taut by a spring-biased tensioning arm. A flexible fibreglass rod extends through the cable to prevent coiling or bunching up within the pipeline while permitting the cable to traverse bends and corners.

Abstract: A buried pipe laying method of additionally coupling a new pipe with the extreme end of a buried pipe laid underground involves flatly deforming a cylindrical pipe having a pipe length smaller than the inside diameter of the buried pipe, conveying the deformed cylindrical pipe to the extreme end of the buried pipe laid underground through the interior thereof, and then returning the deformed shape of the cylindrical pipe to its original circular shape and coupling it with the extreme end of the buried pipe.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and a process which can be employed for sealing building branch lines (3b) leading from a building or a collecting manhole directly to a sewer main (4) using a relining process in which liners (1) made of self-hardening/self-curing sealant are used. In the process according to the invention, a pipe repairing machine (6) is employed which features a rope guiding device (10) at its front end (14), said rope guiding device (10) being comprised of a roller mount (15) to which a deflection pulley (5) and a retaining roller (16) are affixed. The pipe repairing machine (6) into whose rope guiding device (10) the rope (7) to which the liner (1) is attached is threaded is positioned inside the sewer main (4) at the building branch line junction (2) in such a manner that the rope (7) does not come into contact with the building branch line edge (9) facing the pipe repairing machine (6) when taut.

Abstract: A rehabilitation system has been developed for cleaning, testing and slip lining pipe particularly sewer lines while in service. The system includes the use of equipment adapted for use on mobile vehicles to increase efficiency and mobility of the system. The cleaning system utilizes a specialized cleaning bucket that can be pulled from excavations and existing manholes. The testing and lining systems also utilize specialized test mandrels and pulling mandrels for the pipe liner that can be used with equipment operating, in part, from existing manholes.

Abstract: Equipment is positioned within a pipeline for providing many functions related to the construction and operation of the pipeline. A mandrel is positioned within a segment of pipe for bending the pipe segment for use in fabricating the pipeline. It is important that equipment used within a pipeline, in many applications, be positioned at a correct longitudinal location within the pipeline. A electromagnetic frequency communication system is used which includes a transmit antenna external to the pipeline and a receiving antenna mounted on the equipment within the pipeline. In a preferred embodiment, these antennas are oriented at right angles to each other, with one being parallel to the axis of the pipeline and the other being perpendicular to the axis of the pipeline. The external apparatus transmits a periodic sinusoidal pulse.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: An in-ground conduit system for a ground source heat pump is provided. The in-ground conduit system is a conduit-loop having at least one wing member mounted on the conduit loop such that the wing member contacts the ground in such a way so as to resist upward movement of the conduit loop.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: Relatively thick-walled (or solid) tubular members may be cut by a cutting tool which includes an annular frame having a rotatable ring which is adapted to surround the tubular member to be cut. A cutting assembly is radially connected to the rotatable ring of the annular frame so as to be orbitally movable about the tubular member to be cut in response to rotation of said rotatable ring. The radial cutting assembly carries a bit subassembly for cutting said tubular member. A drive/indexing assembly is provided so as to rotate the rotatable ring (and thereby cause the radial cutting assembly to move orbitally about said tubular member), and indexing the bit radially toward a central longitudinal axis of the tubular member in response to orbital movement of the radial cutting assembly. The bit subassembly includes a cutting bit having a dimension D.sub.1 as measured parallel to said central longitudinal axis, and a planar bit support block radially extending rearwardly of said bit.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing buried pipe with a replacement pipe comprising the steps of positioning a drilling unit of the type typically used with directional boring systems, at ground level over the pipe to be replaced, operating the drilling unit to drive and guide a hollow flexible drill stem through the earth and into an open end of the section of existing pipe to be replaced, further operating the drilling unit to extend the drill stem through the section of existing pipe to be replaced and to protrude from its other end, attaching to the leading end of the drill stem a conical back reaming bit, attaching to the trailing end of the back reaming bit a flexible replacement pipe, and operating the drilling unit drill to apply a pulling force to the drill stem and to apply rotational torque to the drill stem, causing the back reaming bit to be driven and rotated laterally into and through the existing pipe, grinding away the existing pipe, and causing the replacement pipe to be simultaneously pulled i

Abstract: The underground pipe replacement method and apparatus includes placing a ripping tool having cutting blades into the bore of one end of the existing pipe; pulling the ripping tool through the bore of the existing pipe and cutting a plurality of slots through the wall of the existing pipe; disposing a length of rods throughout the existing pipe as the ripping tool passes through the existing pipe; plugging one end of the ripped pipe and allowing water to pass through the open end of the pipe; allowing the water to stand in the existing pipe and flow through the slots in the pipe and into the formation; softening the earth formation around the pipe; and crushing the existing pipe with a crushing tool.

Abstract: The apparatus and technique of the invention constitutes a stationary hydraulic jack for pushing sections of new pipe which, in turn, push a frontal cone expander to break up the old pipe and define a path for the new pipe. Frontal apparatus located in front of the new pipe and pushed thereby can include a hydraulic jack for independently advancing the cone expander without operating the stationary hydraulic jack.

Abstract: A tubular structure (21) composed mainly of a sheet material (22) formed from a thickened solution of an ultraviolet-curing resin in which high-strength fibers are dispersed, is inserted into a pipeline (7) so as to face a damaged part (26) thereof, is expanded into intimate contact with the inner surface of the pipeline (7), and is irradiated with ultraviolet light on its inner surface, whereby the resin is cured. Sealing members (24, 24') capable of swelling with water are fitted about the opposite end portions of the tubular structure (21) so that the sealing members (24, 24') may be located on the opposite sides of the damaged part (26) of the pipeline (7) from each other.

Abstract: A substantially rigid thermoplastic pipe for repairing a pipeline by installing the thermoplastic pipe in an existing underground pipeline, such as a service lateral, having access from only one end and a bend along its length is provided. The thermoplastic pipe may be manufactured in reduced form so as to have a memory for the reduced form, is heated to make it pliable for installation, and is pulled into the lateral from the access opening using a cable-and-pulley arrangement anchored temporarily at the intersection of lateral and main pipelines. When installed in a lateral, it is rounded and cooled in its rounded shape by passing steam under pressure through passages along the folds of the pipe while its leading end is restricted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: In a tube eversion apparatus having a chamber in which eversion pressure is produced, that pressure is controllably sealed by providing curtain means communicating with the chamber through which the eversion tube slides and by providing inflatable means, preferably one on each side of the curtain means, which when inflated is caused to press against the curtain means, thereby to press the curtain means against the eversion tube sliding therethrough so as to produce the seal which maintains the eversion pressure in the chamber. A pair of sets of such inflatable means may be mounted on the apparatus one above the other with the individual sets of inflatable means being individually controlled, thus producing not only redundancy of the sealing means but also permitting enlarged or discontinuous portions of the eversion tube assembly to pass through the sealing means without interfering with the seal produced thereby.

Abstract: A cutting/expanding tool includes a cylindrical support body having a guide side and a cutting side, a pair of guide rollers mounted in tandem along the longitudinal axis of the support body on the guide side, a cutting wheel mounted between the tandem guide rollers on the cutting side of the support body, and an expander connected rearwardly of the support body. A plurality of cutting wheels may also be provided, each of progressively increasing diameter. A scoring wheel may be mounted forwardly of the cutting wheels to prescore the surface to be cut, so as to facilitate the cutting action, and a deburrer may be mounted rearwardly of all the cutting wheels so as to smooth the cut edge. A method of using the cutting/expanding tool is also described, whereby after the tool has been propelled through a buried main to cut and to expand it, a replacement main is drawn back through the existing main. A conical, wedge or pie shaped expander may be used.

Abstract: To rehabilitate an internally corroded underground pipeline, excavations are made at its opposite ends to which launching and receiving pipe structures are then secured. Various pig member sets, with appropriate treatment fluids carried thereby, are air-driven through the entire length of the pipeline to successively acid clean, etch, and neutralize its interior surface. The interior pipeline surface is then thoroughly dried by flowing dehydrated air through the pipeline. Specially designed leading and trailing extruder pigs, with 100% solid, high viscosity, solvent-free epoxy coating material therebetween, are then air-driven through the pipeline to extrude a first protective coating layer onto its interior surface. The first layer is then dried with dehydrated air.

Abstract: In order to replace a first underground pipe such as a metal pipe by a second pipe of mean diameter substantially equal to or greater than that of the first pipe, the first pipe is cut longitudinally by a localized projection of a flow of matter, particles or radiation thanks to a localized projection means which are displaced inside the first pipe in order to divide the first pipe longitudinally into at least two segments. Cutting by localized projection avoids in particular the creation of vibrations during fragmentation of the pipe to be replaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an individual conduit located within a bank of individual conduits, without rendering inoperable the surrounding adjacent individual conduits of the bank. A conduit expander is pulled through the subject individual conduit to break it and push the pieces out. Knife blades may be used to split the individual conduit. A rearward flared out portion pushes the broken conduit outwardly far enough for a new conduit to be moved therethrough, but not far enough to render inoperable the surrounding adjacent individual conduits of the bank. A replacement conduit is attached to the rear end of the conduit expander and moved into the individual conduit as the conduit expander moves therethrough.

Abstract: Procedure for the enlargement of the passage of a pipe (2) in the ground (1), according to which procedure this pipe (2) in the ground (1) is pushed open, characterized in that in the pipe (2) at least one high pressure hose (3) is installed, which, in condition filled by fluid under high pressure, is thicker than the inside of the pipe (2), but in another state without this high pressure, can be brought into the pipe, the high pressure hose (3) is put under pressure with fluid under high pressure until the pipe (2) expands after which the pressure of the fluid (4) in the high pressure hose (3) is lowered.

Abstract: A pipelay apparatus and method comprising a steel turntable and a stinger pipe guide which can be supported on the construction deck of a repair vessel or drill ship are provided. The turntable is framed so that loads from two hanging pipes can be securely supported. The table-supported framing members can be moved so the load centerline for each pipeline can be placed an appropriate distance from the center of turntable rotation, which is useful where the two pipelines are of different diameters. This apparatus permits a vessel to simultaneously handle different sizes of pipe and pass large diameter appurtenances without modifying the stinger pipe guide.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing underground telecommunications cable which involves excavating the earth at predetermined intervals, such as 100 to 150 feet, to expose a segment of cable, severing the exposed segment of cable, placing an air-tight cap on each end of the cable to be removed, evacuating the air out of the cable until the cable has collapsed via a vacuum device coupled to one of the caps, removing the caps from both ends and hitching a winch to one end, and applying a pulling force with the winch. If the cable is being removed for scrap, it may be necessary to cut the cable into pieces of a size which is sufficient for transportation. It may also be deemed necessary to remove and reapply the hitch as the cable is being removed. The same method may be used to remove telecommunications cable from manholes without the excavation step.

Abstract: A cutting/expanding tool includes a cylindrical support body having a guide side and a cutting side, a pair of guide rollers mounted in tandem along the longitudinal axis of the support body on the guide side, a cutting wheel mounted between the tandem guide rollers on the cutting side of the support body, and an expander connected rearwardly of the support body. A plurality of cutting wheels may also be provided, each of progressively increasing diameter. A scoring wheel may be mounted forwardly of the cutting wheels to prescore the surface to be cut, so as to facilitate the cutting action, and a deburrer may be mounted rearwardly of all the cutting wheels so as to smooth the cut edge. A method of using the cutting/expanding tool is also described, whereby after the tool has been propelled through a buried main to cut and to expand it, a replacement main is drawn back through the existing main. A conical or wedge shaped expander may be used.

Abstract: A remotely controlled locator material dispensing apparatus for use within a conduit having an axis to mark specific conduit locations for later identification. The apparatus includes a control device located outside of the conduit for generating a plurality of control signals for controlling the operation of the locator material dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a first structural unit having a source of locator material to be dispensed onto an interior surface of the conduit. The first structural unit is connected to the control device for receiving the control signals therefrom, and for dispensing the locator material from the first structural unit onto the interior surface of the conduit in accordance with the received control signals. A monitor is positioned within the conduit for locating the specific conduit locations and monitoring the dispensing of the locator material.

Abstract: A mobile train for mixing foamed cement grout within a tunnel and injecting the grout into the annular cavity between the tunnel bore and liner. Cement slurry is suppled to the train through a conduit from a remote mixing plant, and finished foam is formed by a foam generator on the train and mixed with the cement slurry to form the fooamed cement grout. The train is movable longitudinally through the tunnel so that the liner can be grouted in segments while at the same time avoiding the need to pump the foamed cement grout over excessively long distance. The train is made up of several wheeled cars which are pulled through the tunnel by a tractor.

Abstract: A percussion boring machine for destructive replacement of buried pipelines, having an opening-out cone at the back of the machine housing and cutters spaced in front of said cone, wherein the cutters form part of a breaking-up head slipped on to the housing and the opening-out cone is likewise slipped on to the housing.

Abstract: Underground frangible pipe replacement apparatus and methods for replacing an existing unserviceable pipe by first crushing the existing pipe entirely inwardly, or imploding it, to destroy it. The resulting shards are then forced outwardly into the surrounding soil, creating a bore large enough to accommodate a replacement pipe at least as large as, or large than, the old pipe. The new pipe is pulled into place substantially simultaneously with the expansion of the bore. The crushing tool includes a generally tubular main body and a plurality of longitudinally extending, tapered blades circumferentially disposed about the ID of the main body of the crushing tool. The blades taper outwardly and forwardly from near the midportion of the crushing tool. The crushing tool has a connecting rod at its center, including means for connecting the crushing tool to a motive force at one end and means for connecting the crushing tool to the expanding plug at the other end.

Abstract: A cutting/expanding tool includes a cylindrical support body having a guide side and a cutting side, a pair of guide rollers mounted in tandem along the longitudinal axis of the support body on the guide side, a cutting wheel mounted between the tandem guide rollers on the cutting side of the support body, and an expander connected rearwardly of the support body. A plurality of cutting wheels may also be provided, each of progressively increasing diameter. A scoring wheel may be mounted forwardly of the cutting wheels to prescore the surface to be cut, so as to facilitate the cutting action, and a deburrer may be mounted rearwardly of all the cutting wheels so as to smooth the cut edge. A method of using the cutting/expanding tool is also described, whereby after the tool has been propelled through a buried main to cut and to expand it, a replacement main is drawn back through the existing main.

Abstract: A duct for transmission cable including a polymeric tubing having an inner and an outer wall. Spiral ribs having peaks and valleys are located on the inner wall. The valleys are adapted to receive lubrication and the peaks form a surface over which cable may travel at reduced friction. The spiral makes one revolution from about one to six linear feet, at rib heights from about 0.005 to 0.125 inch, and the spacing between the ribs is about 0.025 to 0.500 inch. The duct may be located in an outer duct which is normally buried underground, or directly buried or plowed. There may be a plurality of ducts placed in the ground with an outer duct. Longitudinal ribbing on the external walls prevents rotation.

Abstract: Tool for slitting and laterally expanding underground steel gas mains and inserting replacement plastic piping into the spread apart pipeline has a forward end cylindrical portion mounting a single, rearwardly angled blade to make only one line of cut, and a conical pipe spreader portion at its rearward end. The conical spreader portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to the forward end cylindrical portion. A single roller type pipe slitter aligned with the fixed blade may be mounted on a removable extension of the forward end cylindrical portion, to initially groove and weaken the pipe along the intended line of cut. A pneumatically operated impact ram is attached to the rearward end of the tool, as is the leading end of the replacement piping. A wire cable pulls the tool through the underground pipe, thereby grooving, slitting and laterally expanding the pipe.

Abstract: A remotely controlled locator material dispensing apparatus for use within a conduit having an axis to mark specific conduit locations for later identification. The apparatus includes a control device located outside of the conduit for generating a plurality of control signals for controlling the operation of the locator material dispensing apparatus. The dispensing apparatus includes a first structural unit having a source of locator material to be dispensed onto an interior surface of the conduit. The first structural unit is connected to the control device for receiving the control signals therefrom, and for dispensing the locator material from the first structural unit onto the interior surface of the conduit in accordance with the received control signals. A monitor is positioned within the conduit for locating the specific conduit locations and monitoring the dispensing of the locator material.

Abstract: A liner or other elongated duct is made by joining lengths of thin-walled polyethylene fusion. Typical thickness 2-4 mm, diameter 200 mm. Pipe ends are clamped in clamps which restore circularity. The ends are trimmed leaving aligned ends normal to pipe length. The clamps force the ends against a heated body, which is retracted and the ends are then forced together. The total heating period, say 15 seconds, and the periord between separation from the body and engagement of the ends, say 1 second, are very short. Good joint strengths and small beads result. The liner can be pulled into burst cast-iron gas main before a new main is passed through the liner; or the liner is a seal in a pipe. The method is applicable to other polyolefins e.g. polyropylene.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for relining buried pipeline with interconnectable plastic type pipe sections. The method comprises gaining access to an open end of the buried pipeline, such as through a manhole, passing pipe sections down the manhole and inserting individually each pipe section into the buried pipeline open end. Each pipe section is of a length to permit, within the confines of the manhole, insertion of each pipe section into the pipeline open end. Each pipe is of a diameter to fit within the pipeline. The pipe section to be inserted is interconnected to the pipe section already inserted within the buried pipeline. Such interconnected sections are sequentially moved into the buried pipeline to permit insertion of the next pipe section into buried pipeline until the entire length of the pipeline to the next access area has been relined.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of grouting a slipliner in a sewer or drain pipe using foam cements having a specific gravity less than 1.0 and have adequate compressure strength to maintain the slipliner in position within the sewer or drain pipe.

Abstract: A method for renewing an existing pipeline comprises the steps of advancing a shield tunnelling machine from one end of an existing pipe defining the existing pipeline to the other end thereof, excavating at least the existing pipe by the machine and disposing a new pipe in an excavated spot while the machine is advanced, whereby the existing pipeline is renewed by breaking the existing pipe embedded in the ground while laying the new pipe therein. An existing pipeline renewing apparatus embodying the method described above comprises a shield tunnelling machine for excavating an existing pipe embedded in the ground so as to define an existing pipeline and a means for disposing a new pipe in a spot excavated by the machine. Accordingly, since the new pipe is disposed while excavating the existing pipe by the shield tunnelling machine, it is not necessary to excavate the spot, in which the existing pipe to be renewed is laid, by an open cut method.

Abstract: A pipe splitter having an elongated frame, a first end and a second end is disclosed. A first roller and a second roller is rotatably positioned proximate the first end and the second end of the elongated frame, respectively, to rotatably support the elongated frame when positioned in use into the bore of a pipe to be split. A first coupling means is securably positioned at the first end of the elongated frame to enable the elongated frame to be pulled along a longitudinal dimension of the pipe to be split. A cutting wheel is positioned between the first end and the second end of the elongated frame to enable a cutting engagement of the pipe in order to split the pipe along a single longitudinal path thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus of the instant invention includes a surface traversing mobile frame which, in the preferred embodiment, transports the elements of the invention. Means for dispensing a continuous length of hollow sheath and for dispensing a continuous length of signal-transmitting cable are provided. An assembly table for inserting the cable into the interior of the sheath includes a device for dividing a side of the sheath. Devices for forming a subsurface trench and for training the assembly produced by the assembly are mounted on the frame.The method of the invention includes opening the side of a hollow sheath along its length, and directing a cable into the opening to produce an elongate, continuous assembly of sheath having the cable inside of it. The wall of the plastimer sheath is permitted to assume a non-joined, closed condition along the region previously opened.

Abstract: An innerduct is disclosed which can fit inside a preexisting conduit and extend along the length thereof or can be directly buried with a plow or in an open trench, for receiving transmission cables and, in particular, fiber optic cables. The innerduct is formed by coextruding first and second materials, the material for the inner portion of the innerduct including a lubricous material impregnated therein so that friction is reduced between the inner surface of the interduct and cables which are pulled therethrough. Ribs can be provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the innerduct of the duct can be formed with undulated walls so as to further reduce friction between same and cables slid therethrough by minimizing the surface contact between these elments. The ribs and/or undulations also faciliate the dissipation of heat due to friction of assembly, heat during the extrusion process, and from ambient sources of heat.

Abstract: Apparatus for enlarging or removing irregularities in an underground duct comprises first and second expandable segmented nose and intermediate shell portions (10,20) each comprising a respective set of shell parts (14,18) arranged around a longitudinal axis (16). The shell parts (14) of the nose portion (10) are pivotally connected to a nose cone (12) and to the front ends of the shell parts (18), while the shell parts (18) are pivotally connected at their rear ends to a rear pivot assembly (22). Expansion of the duct is achieved by repeatedly driving the joints between the shell parts (14) of the nose portion (10) and the shell parts (18) of the intermediate portion (20) outwards so as to force the wall of the duct outwards, returning the shell parts (14,18) to a contracted configuration, and moving the apparatus forward in the duct.

Abstract: A method for reconditioning a length of air core cable and for discharging moisture from the cable. Gas under pressure is forced into one end of the cable to cause discharge of moisture from an opposite end of the cable. A quantity of fluid solvent and lubricant is injected into the end of the cable and forced by gas under pressure as a unitary charge along the length of the cable.

Abstract: An anchor for hooking and cutting a submarine cable comprises an anchor body part, a cable-hooking part and a connecting part, these parts being connected together into a form like a fishing hook. A cable-sensing device is provided on the inner side of the connecting part and spring-biased in the floating-up direction. A cutting device is provided for cutting and holding the submarine cable by being advanced from the anchor body part by hydraulic pressure making use of a force such as sea water pressure or a tugging force for raising the submarine cable externally applied to the anchor body part when the cable-sensing device is caused to sink against the biasing force in the floating-up direction by receiving the tension in the cable hooked on the inner side of the connecting part.

Abstract: An existing underground sewer or other pipe is renovated by rupturing and radially expanding the pipe and installing a replacement pipeline within the ruptured pipe. The pipe is ruptured and radially expanded by introducing a plurality of radially expandable tubular members into the pipe so as to form a liner. Each member is then radially expanded so that the liner engages with and then ruptures the portion of the pipe adjacent thereto. The tubular members may be radially expanded by inflating a bag within the confines of the members.

Abstract: An apparatus for rerounding flexible deflected pipe and having a housing of slightly smaller outside diameter than the inside diameter of a pipe to be rerounded. The apparatus includes a plurality of bearings in which a crankshaft is journalled. The crankshaft supports an eccentrically mounted weight for generating vibrations in the crankshaft when the crankshaft is rotated. An air motor drives the crankshaft. The crankshaft includes a central bore and radial passages for equalizing air pressure across the bearings. Flanges are secured in heat conducting relationship with both the bearings and with the housing to conduct heat away from the bearings, thereby cooling the bearings. One of the flanges includes apertures for conducting air which is expelled from the air motor, thereby cooling the flange and the bearings.

Abstract: A process for making a rigid pipe with the aid of flexible parallel coextensive skins interiorly filled with a catalyst-curable flexible filler, where the flexible skins and filler are laid along any desired surface contour and then the interior space within the inner skin is expanded to form the pipe and catalyst is introduced through one or both of the skins which is catalyst-permeable, to produce a rigidized pipe.

Abstract: In a ram boring machine for laying pipelines without trenching, a double blade that is axially moveable against a compression spring is housed in an impact tip and projects through slots in the impact tip. The double blade is struck by a striker piston and moves, during the breaking-up of an old pipe laid in the ground, substantially independently of the ram boring machine or of its housing. In this way substantially all the impact energy of the piston is used for the benefit of the breaking-up operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of relining a sewer especially a small diameter sewer with a plurality of lengths of pipe.From a control station remote from the sewer, pipes are moved up the sewer to the fixed lining. The pipe is then inductively fusion welded to the lining and the annulus between the pipe and the sewer is sealed with grout. All these operations are controlled from the control station.Also provided by the invention is a method of accurately locating laterals in the sewer and cutting holes in the pipe and accurately aligning these holes with the lateral to accommodate the lateral.Also provided is a grouting pump for forming grout in situ in the sewer.

Abstract: In the procedure for the installation of plastic pipe pieces with lateral branch openings into sewage pipes to be repaired, the first step is the measuring in the longitudinal axial direction of the branch of the sewage pipe from the inside with respect to the already installed piece of plastic pipe. After that, a lateral opening is formed in the plastic pipe while the pipe is above ground and outside of the sewage pipe. Next, the already prepared plastic pipe is joined in an aligned position with the already installed plastic pipe, with the help of a movable transporter inside the sewage pipe.

Abstract: To prepare an existing buried main made from a material which is tough at ambient temperature for replacement by a new main of the same or a larger size via a mole device by fracturing the existing main by compressive and impact forces and by widening the bore for the insertion of the new main that is clamped to the mole device, a liquefied gas having as low a boiling point as possible at atmospheric pressure is sprayed against the conduit wall from a cooling carriage that is pulled through the existing main prior to the movement of the mole device therethrough, thereby cooling the existing main to a temperature causing low-temperature embrittlement of the material of the existing main.

Abstract: Tool for slitting and laterally expanding underground steel gas mains and inserting replacement plastic piping into the spread apart pipeline has a forward end cylindrical portion mounting a single, rearwardly angled blade to make only one line of cut, and a conical pipe spreader portion at its rearward end. The conical spreader portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to the forward end cylindrical portion. A single roller type pipe slitter aligned with the fixed blade may be mounted on a removable extension of the forward end cylindrical portion, to initially groove and weaken the pipe along the intended line of cut. A pneumatically operated impact ram is attached to the rearward end of the tool, as is the leading end of the replacement piping, A wire cable pulls the tool through the underground pipe, thereby grooving, slitting and laterally expanding the pipe.