Abstract: A system for breaking the skin friction between an underground pipe section and the surrounding soil. The system uses a pipe twisting device attached to one end of the pipe section. The pipe twisting device applies a torsional force to the pipe section so as to torsionally deform the pipe section. Such deformation breaks the skin friction between the pipe section and the surrounding soil. After the skin friction is broken along the entire length of the pipe section, an apparatus configured to apply an axial force to the pipe section pulls the pipe section out of the soil.

Abstract: A portable winch and method of use is shown. One advantage of winches shown includes an ability to lower a boom or boom sections into limited access exit pit for winching operations such as pipe bursting. Sectional boom designs shown provide the ability to easily raise and lower a boom large distances without the need for a single long boom. Selected winch designs shown include flexible inserts between the boom and the winch frame that help resist damage from unforeseen shifting of the device during operation. Designs and methods shown also include multiple pulleys on a boom end unit. Fasteners are shown that reduce build up of debris.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving pipe rehabilitation objects, such as a pipe liner through a host pipeline. Flexible tubing is used to connect to the pipe rehabilitation object and to apply a force to cause the pipe rehabilitation objection to move through host pipeline. The flexible tubing is also capable of conveying a fluid, such as a lubricant through the tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bursting head device or tool whose interior accommodates a pulley system competent to engage a pulling cable. The pulley can comprise a wheel on an axle or shaft designed to support movement and change of direction of the pulling cable and can include a groove or channel around its circumference to locate the cable. The improved bursting head device is competent to increase the effective pulling force or capacity of a bursting head pulling machine and can increase the machine's effective range of replacement pipe diameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide intelligent redirection and notification of feature activation. Intelligent redirection includes user configurable rules/conditions for specifying destinations for call redirection. Intelligent redirection may also include notifying the caller of the redirection (including redirection options) and a new destination for the call. Intelligent notification of feature activation includes determining users affected by a feature activation (e.g., target user(s)) and notifying the target user(s) of when the call feature is activated. The intelligent feature notification may also include allowing the target user(s) to accept/reject the activation of the call feature. The intelligent feature notification may further include allowing a user to querying for information related to any call features activated by or on them.

Abstract: A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

Abstract: A system and for providing a bore sight in a piercing tool. A transmitter emits a magnetic field. The flux lines which emanate along the transmitter axis are substantially straight. A receiver at a remote, target location can detect these flux lines. The receiver and transmitter are oriented such that the substantially straight flux line are along an intended bore path. Then, a piercing tool or other boring tool is oriented along the same path and a bore is created.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for an electric drive object that generates a drive force in response to receiving electric power, the diagnostic apparatus includes a circuitry configured to: acquire time series force data associated with the drive force; identify a force oscillation level associated with the drive force based on the force data; set an oscillation threshold at a first level when the drive object operates at a first speed and set the threshold at a second level higher than the first level when the drive object operates at a second speed higher than the first speed; and identify an irregularity of the drive object in response to determining that the force oscillation level exceeds the oscillation threshold.

Abstract: A wire pulling assembly for pulling a wire carrying tooling through an underground environment. The pulling assembly includes a cyclical vise carried by one or more hydraulic cylinders attached to a frame. The cylinders have a pulling stroke and a retraction stroke. A powered reel is used to store the wire as it is removed from the ground. During a pulling stroke, the reel is hydraulically isolated such that cable is stripped from the reel with tension maintained in the cable. During a retraction stroke, a motor turns the reel to load excess cable onto the reel.

Abstract: A pipe pulling lubrication apparatus includes a pipe anchor having an anchor body. The anchor body includes a first coupling feature near an anchor body proximal portion and a distal pipe coupling feature near an anchor body distal portion. The distal pipe coupling feature is configured to couple and position a replacement pipe exterior surface near an anchor body exterior surface. The lubrication apparatus further includes a lubrication system including a lubricant conduit extending within the anchor body from the distal pipe coupling feature toward an anchor body intermediate portion between the first coupling feature and the distal pipe coupling feature. The lubrication system includes a lubricant distributor having one or more lubricant passages extending from the lubricant conduit toward the anchor body exterior surface, the lubricant distributor is configured to deliver a lubricant to the replacement pipe exterior surface.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling method includes operation of a HDD machine to power a drill string terminating at a drill head to create an underground borehole extending at least partially horizontally between an entry point and an exit point. A utility line and a pair of insulated wires are attached to the drill string at the exit point. An observation device is also attached to the drill string, and the observation device is connected with an uphole module via power line communication (PLC) over the pair of insulated wires. The horizontal directional drilling machine performs a pullback of the drill string, with the utility line, the pair of insulated wires, and the observation device connected thereto, back toward the entry point. Data from the observation device are displayed on the uphole module during pullback of the drill string.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for assembling ducts or conduits with multi-part spacers for underground installation. Sequential loading of conduits to multi-part spacers, as opposed to older methods of end loading, allows construction workers to easily assemble conduits to a plurality of multi-part duct spacers above-ground. The multi-part loading technique allows sequential loading of conduits into portions of spacers, the spacers having bores to accommodate the conduits. The parts or components of the multi-part spacers may themselves cooperate to mount conduits into a conduit bank or bundle. Thus, conduits are assembled or mounted to a first portion of the spacer, followed by mounting a second portion of the spacer and then additional conduits, which may be mounted to either or both of the first and second portions. Once assembled, the banks or bundles may then be secured with banding and wheeled into a protective casing.

Abstract: A pipeline is assembled traversing steep terrain by digging a trench down an incline, assembling pipe joints together in proximity to the incline, and then using equipment to push and/or pull the assembled pipe joints down the incline and through the trench while the pipeline is suspended above the bottom of the trench. A series of connected sleds are used to partially carry the load of the assembled pipeline, keep it off the bottom of the trench until it is in place, and permit the installation of supports under it prior to backfilling.

Abstract: A rapid construction method of pipe jacking for underground rescue tunnel with large section is disclosed. The present invention realizes rock breaking through the cutting head of a roadheader cutting unit, and pushes pipe jacking forward through a pushing thruster. During the process, a protecting bush fixedly connected with a stretchable part is adopted for circumferential support; and since the cutting head and the protecting bush occupy the rock breaking space, and the pushing thruster pushes pipe jacking forward to push the coal rock in the annular space to the circumferential direction, the effect of moving forward without slag discharge can be achieved. The present invention can establish a rescue tunnel quickly and effectively, which saves rescue time and greatly reduces the threat to the life safety of trapped people. The present invention can establish a fast and safe underground rescue tunnel with large section for the rescue of people.

Abstract: A cable retention and release mechanism includes a cable gripping device including a cable passage. A cable extends through the cable passage. A cable gripping device collar is movably coupled around the cable gripping device. An outer cable gripping device surface is seated against a cable gripping device receiving inner surface preventing movement of the cable gripping device relative to the cable gripping device collar. The cable gripping device receiving inner surface clamps the cable gripping device on the cable and prevents sliding movement of the cable. A jack is movably coupled with the cable gripping device collar. In a first engaged position the jack is engaged against the cable gripping device proximal end. In a second engaged position the jack unseats the outer cable gripping device surface from the cable gripping device receiving inner surface and releases the clamping of the cable.

Abstract: A pipe extraction machine can be used to remove a buried pipe from the ground. The machine has a carriage with jaws that grip the buried pipe. While gripped, the carriage moves relative to a support structure to pull the pipe out of the ground. Jaws are actuated by rotating clamp plates and maintained in opposition by static horizontal grooves. The jaws remain opposed and aligned during rotation of the clamp plates. A pipe shear may remove the pipe one piece at a time. A pipe puller can be used at the back end of the pipe being removed to simultaneously install a new pipe along the same path.

Abstract: A plow assembly for forming a trench within soil of a selected land area. The plow assembly has a blade element, a displacement element, and an attachment element that permits attachment of the plow assembly to a vehicle, such as a tractor. A first end of the displacement element is secured to a distal end of the blade element, and a second end of the displacement element is spaced from a rear edge of the blade element and connected to a pipe. As the plow assembly is advanced within soil, the cutting edge of the blade element cuts through the soil and the displacement element displaces the soil to form the trench and pulls the pipe into the trench as the trench is formed.

Abstract: A drilling rig system may include a drilling rig including a plurality of surface rig equipment thereon and a plurality of orientation sensors disposed on the plurality of surface rig equipment. The plurality of orientation sensors may be configured to provide relational positioning of the plurality of surface rig equipment on the drilling rig.

Abstract: A double raft foundation for buildings includes: a lower raft, a layer of a material with a low friction coefficient applied on the lower raft, a platform having slabs of material with a low friction coefficient, slidingly disposed on the layer, an upper raft joined with the slab platform and a superstructure joined with the upper raft; wherein the upper raft is disposed on the lower raft in such manner that, in case of an earthquake, the platform of slabs of the upper raft can slide slidingly on the layer of the lower raft, allowing the upper raft to move relatively with respect to the lower raft.

Abstract: Provided are articulating, rotating pipe bursting head devices for bursting a buried pipe and simultaneously pulling a replacement pipe through the same location. The bursting heads can comprise an integrated, substantially hollow cone body having one or more cutting knives arranged radially about its outer surface, and an end cap at its posterior end. Protruding from the posterior end of the end cap is a swiveling quick release coupling means for linking the bursting head to a replacement pipe carrier such as a universal duct puller. The swiveling quick release coupling means allows for rotation and articulation of the replacement pipe relative to the bursting head during operation, enhancing entry of the replacement pipe into an existing pipe underground. The bursting head body further can comprise an axial opening at its anterior end for receiving a cable, an internal magnetized cable gripping mechanism and a quick-release tool.

Abstract: Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a pipe splitting apparatus includes an outer surface including a recess. A blade including a portion is disposed within the recess. A hardenable material is disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is configured to flow upon application to fill empty space within the recess and at least partially around the portion of the blade disposed within the recess. The hardenable material is further configured to harden after application to secure the portion of the blade within the recess and fix the blade to the pipe splitting apparatus.

Abstract: A borehole pipe protection apparatus includes a sheet of material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a longitudinal direction and a width direction defined by two edges of the sheet along the longitudinal direction. A fastening structure is configured to join the two edges to form a seam as the sheet of material is wrapped in the width direction around a pipe that is configured to be installed into the borehole to form a sock along the longitudinal direction. The sock is configured to be installed in the borehole with the pipe about which it is wrapped, yet to remain for a service life in non-bonding contact with the pipe. A method for protecting pipe during and after insertion into a borehole is also described.

Abstract: A system for determining the orientation of a casing string in a wellbore. The system includes a downhole tool disposed interiorly of the casing string in a known orientation relative to at least one feature of the casing string. A sensor module is operably associated with the downhole tool and is configured to obtain data relating to the orientation of the casing string. A communication module is operably associated with the sensor module. The communication module is configured to transmit information to a surface location, wherein, the information corresponds to the data obtained by the sensor module relating to the orientation of the casing string.

Abstract: A pipe has a tubular body with a male end and a female end. The male end has an external surface with a first engagement groove. The female end has an internal surface with a second engagement groove, and an aperture extending from an outer surface of the tubular body to the second engagement groove. The female end receives the male end of another pipe such that the first engagement groove of the male end axially aligns with the second engagement groove of the female end to establish a spline engagement groove having a groove length, LG. A flexible spline is located in the spline engagement groove to lock the pipes together and establish a pipe assembly. The flexible spline has a spline length, LS, and LS?LG.

Abstract: A pipe protection apparatus includes a sheet of permeable material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a longitudinal direction and a width direction defined by two edges of the sheet along the longitudinal direction. A fastening structure is configured to join the two edges to form a seam as the sheet of permeable material is wrapped in the width direction around a drain pipe configured to be installed underground to form a sock along the longitudinal direction. The sock is configured to be installed underground with the drain pipe about which it is wrapped, yet to remain for a service life in non-bonding contact with the pipe.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a water catchment pipe burying assistance instrument and a water catchment pipe burying method employing same with which it is possible to bury a resin water catchment pipe without damaging same even when dirt flows into a lead hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for renovation and replacement of existing underground pipes and/or the installation of new pipes by using module pipes. The method comprises the step of screwing a second and further module pipe together with the first or consecutive module pipe, if the first or consecutive module pipe has mainly been pushed or pulled into the existing underground pipe.

Abstract: A pipeline insertion system may include an insertion device outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame and a movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position and a second position along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments mounted in the tunnel. A controller is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

Abstract: A portable pipe thrusting apparatus for inserting and removing a pipe from a borehole, comprising a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe; and a bi-directional driver coupled between the collar and the support frame, the driver configured to drive the collar toward and away from the borehole, to insert and remove the pipe from the borehole, wherein the support frame is portable and is transportable by a truck to the drilling site.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through one of a plurality of sidewalls of a pit, including a gripping arrangement for releasably gripping the elongate component, a lever arm comprising a handle at a first end and the gripping arrangement at the second end, and a frame to which the lever arm is attached, wherein during use the frame is positioned substantially above the pit, and the gripping arrangement hangs downwardly from the frame into the pit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the overground operation of underground sewer tools, especially of expander and pulling heads comprising a rod assembly that is rigid when pushed and a supporting device absorbing shear or tractive forces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for longitudinally subdividing buried sewer pipes having an asymmetric, generally oval cross section, made substantially of a support shoe opposing a cutting blade acting in the direction of the pipe axis. The device also has two side cutting blades and is moved through the old pipe by means of a rod and a cylindrical calibration mandrel.

Abstract: A method of installing a tubular heat exchanger into soil includes providing the tubular heat exchanger and screwing the tubular heat exchanger into the soil with an installation apparatus. The installation apparatus may be removed from the soil without removing the tubular heat exchanger from the soil.

Abstract: A pipe retriever for retrieving an unsecured pipe has a head connectable to a drilling pipe and defines a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the head is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drilling pipe when connected. A tail extends from the head at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tail defines a hook shape having inward and outward surfaces. The inward hook surface defines a pipe recess sized to receive the unsecured pipe.

Abstract: A system for pushing and pulling rod strings through the ground or an underground pipe. The apparatus has a downhole tool attached to the distal end of the rod string. The push/pull machine has a stationary frame that is placed against the ground to provide a reaction surface. The stationary frame has an opening for the rod string to pass through. A rod gripping assembly is supported on the machine frame and moveable relative to the stationary frame. The rod gripping assembly has a slip bowl, jaws, a thrust member and an actuator. The actuator powers movement of the jaws into the slop bowl to cause a powered gripping of the rod string by the machine. With the rod string gripped a cylinder assembly is activated to push the rod gripping assembly toward the stationary frame thereby pushing the rod string into the ground.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method for installing a sensing cable along a pipeline, comprising the steps of, attaching one or more conduits to an outer-surface of a pipe which is to be installed in a bore hole to form a pipeline assembly; moving the pipeline assembly into the bore hole; moving an fiber optic sensing cable into one or more of the conduit after the pipeline assembly has been moved into the bore hole or before the pipeline assembly has been moved into the bore hole. There is further provided a corresponding pipeline assembly, and a attachment head which can facilitate attachment of a pulling line to a pipeline assembly.

Abstract: A pull back system to install or replace underground utilities that is used with a hammer used in horizontal directional drilling operations. The system comprises a drill bit attached to the hammer. The drill bit comprises a cutting face comprising a first and second passage. The system further comprises a pull back adapter comprising an attachment member, a first member, and a second member. The attachment member may be secured to the cutting face of the drill bit by inserting the first member of the pull back adapter through the first passage of the cutting face and inserting the second member of the pull back adapter through the second passage of the cutting face. The first member secures to the second member within an internal cavity of the drill bit to hold the attachment member for movement with the drill bit. A new pipe may be secured to a shackle on the pull back adapter. The drilling machine will then pull the hammer rearwardly through the borehole which in turn pulls the new pipe into the borehole.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide improvements in bursting head designs and methods of use for pulling cable or pipe through space underground.

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.

Abstract: A skid for positioning a pipe or a piece of earth boring equipment includes a first frame and a second frame slidably mounted on the first frame. The second frame forms a rectangular trough having an open upper end. An upwardly opening cradle rests in the open upper end of the rectangular tough of the second frame that supports the pipe or the piece of earth boring equipment. A first vertical sack mechanism is attached to a first end of the first frame and a first end of the second frame. A second vertical jack mechanism is attached to a second end of the first frame and a second end of the second frame. The first and second vertical jack mechanisms raise and lower the second frame and the upwardly opening cradle supporting the pipe or the earth boring equipment to a desired position.

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.

Abstract: A pipeline insertion system (100) may include an insertion device (102) outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame (104) and a movable clamp device (106) in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position (108) and a second position (110) along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames (118) remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments (122) mounted in the tunnel. A controller (126) is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

Abstract: A pipeline insertion system may include an insertion device outside a tunnel that includes an insertion device frame and a movable clamp device in slidable engagement with the insertion device frame. A drive may cause the movable clamp device engaged with a pipeline to move between a first position and a second position along the frame. Inside the tunnel, the system may also include a plurality of support frames remote from the insertion device and remote from each other which support the pipeline on bearings as the pipeline is pushed (or pulled) by the insertion device through the bores of a plurality of housing segments mounted in the tunnel. A controller is operative to control the drive and the movable clamp device responsive to transducers which measure pipeline slippage, thrust force, and clamping pressure.

Abstract: A method is described for installing a geothermal heat loop in the ground so that the heat loop extends downwardly and outwardly into the ground from a pit dug in the ground. The method also includes the utilization of means for extending the heat loop through a drilled bore hole.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through a sidewall of a pit, including a frame, a lever arm pivotably attached to the frame and comprising a handle at a first end, a gripping arrangement pivotably attached to the lever arm at a second end at a gripping pivot point, allowing the gripping arrangement to pivot about the gripping pivot point to assume a first and a second installation position, wherein in a first installation position during use the gripping arrangement grips the elongate component as the lever arm pivots in a first direction and releases the elongate component as the lever arm pivots in a second, opposite, direction, and wherein in a second installation position during use the gripping arrangement releases the elongate component as the lever arm pivots in a first direction and grips the elongate component as the lever arm pivots in a second, opposite, direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing underground pipe is described, including a resistance plate from which a pair of hydraulic cylinders extend perpendicularly in parallel with each other. The cylinders operate cyclically with a pulling bridge having a cable gripper to provide a sequence of pulling strokes to a cable pulling a mole. The mole pulls a replacement pipe behind it through the old pipe, which has been burst, slit, or otherwise expanded by the mole. The resistance plate is provided with a slot, and the cylinders are positions such as to allow the mode to be pulled substantially completely into the apparatus. A holding bridge is releasably mounted spanning the slot in the reaction plate to position a second cable gripper for holding the cable on return stroke of the pulling bridge. The holding bridge may be removed at the end of the pulling operation to accommodate the mole.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven agitator sub includes: a tubular body for connection within a string including a first mandrel and a second mandrel, and a central bore defining a longitudinal axis of the tubular body and creating a flow path permitting a flow of fluids between the two mandrels and through the tubular body, the second mandrel secured, at least partially, within an annular bore of the first mandrel so that the second mandrel is telescopically arranged with and axially moveable within the first mandrel between a telescopically extended position and a compressed position; and a first sealing part and a second sealing part, one of the first and the second sealing part being secured to the first mandrel and the other sealing part being secured to the second mandrel, both sealing parts being within the fluid flow path of the tubular body, the first sealing part and the second sealing part being positioned to come together when the first mandrel and the second mandrel are in the compressed position to form a

Abstract: A pipe setting tool includes a tool shaft, a coupler mounted on a first end of the tool shaft, and a tool sleeve affixed to the tool shaft defining a space therebetween. An outside diameter of the tool sleeve ensures close conformity to a borehole to position a geothermal pipe mounted thereto in close proximity to the outside diameter of the borehole. A moveable seal cap may be mounted on the tool shaft, moveable between a first position spaced-apart from the tool sleeve during down-hole movement of the tool to permit fluid flow through the space and a second position against the tool sleeve during up-hole movement of the tool to establish a seal with the tool sleeve to prevent fluid flow through the space. A second end of the tool shaft may receive a pipe hook to attach a geothermal pipe to the pipe setting tool.

Abstract: A pipe retriever for retrieving an unsecured pipe has a head connectable to a drilling pipe and defines a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the head is arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drilling pipe when connected. A tail extends from the head at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tail defines a hook shape having inward and outward surfaces. The inward hook surface defines a pipe recess sized to receive the unsecured pipe.