Pipe Splitting, Breaking, Or Expanding Patents (Class 405/184.3)
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Patent number: 6811356Abstract: A cable for laying in plastic tubes for transporting gas or water is described that comprises a cable core assembly and a plastic sheath surrounding the cable core assembly, in which cable the plastic used for the plastic tube and the plastic for the sheath can be welded together.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Klaus Nothofer, Hans-Detlef Leppert
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Patent number: 6799923Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: TRIC Tools, Inc.Inventors: Robert Williams Carter, Robert Ward Carter
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Patent number: 6793442Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: TRIC Tools, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ward Carter, Robert Williams Carter
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Publication number: 20040146361Abstract: A cable pulling machine of the invention includes a frame, a mechanical linkage including first and second links having first and second cable gripping shoes disposed thereon respectively in opposed positions, a latching cylinder actuable to cause the mechanical linkage to pivot on multiple axes to bring the shoes into engagement with a cable disposed therebetween, a main cylinder having one end mounted on the frame and actuable to move the linkage in a manner effective to pull the cable in a pulling stroke once the latching cylinder has brought the shoes into engagement with the cable, and suitable means for extending and retracting the main and latching cylinders. The machine may also include suitable means for holding the cable in tension between pulling strokes, such as a pivoting wedge mechanism as described hereafter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Paul W. Hau
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Patent number: 6761507Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Mark D. Randa
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Publication number: 20040131426Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splitting old pipes by means of cutting rollers arranged next to one another on a body, in which case the revolving cutting edges of adjacent cutting rollers do not lie in one plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2004Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Franz-Josef Puttmann
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Patent number: 6755592Abstract: A device for repairing underground sewers, pipe or the like provided a cylindrical hollow body, which has an elastically expandable casing acting as an outer wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventor: Franz Janssen
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Patent number: 6755593Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Paul W. Hau
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Publication number: 20040081516Abstract: The inventions concerns to a bundle (1) of tubes for the laying of tubes (2) by means of a trenchless laying according to the fluid-assisted drilling method, in which in a first drilling process a drilling channel (9) is generated and during the retracting movement of the boring-flushing head (5) this drilling channel (9) is expanded and in this process the bundle (1) of tubes is retracted into the drilling channel (9). Such a bundle (1) of tubes stands out by that the bundle (1) of tubes is formed by a number of single tubes (2) which are ordered in distance to each other by means of flanges (3) distantly arranged at the tubes (2) in lengthwise direction (15) of the tubes (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Martin John, Klaus Rous
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Publication number: 20040067108Abstract: The invention relates to a device for replacing lines without excavation, comprising an annular overdrilling head and a drive for rotating a front module arranged on the overdrilling head.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Hans Joachim Bayer
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Patent number: 6702520Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitating and increasing the functionality of existing underground conduits wherein a plurality of conduits are simultaneously inserted into an existing conduit by bursting the existing conduit to create a tunnel and inserting a plurality of new conduits into the tunnel, such that at least one of the new conduits has a capacity equal to or greater than the capacity of the existing conduit, are provided. The new conduits are either separate from or removeably connected to one another, such that the new conduits are capable of being diverted from the tunnel at separate locations and the new conduit system can be used primarily for carrying media similar to that of the original conduit or additionally for completely different and unrelated media such as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or electrical cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: C.I. TechnologiesInventor: Stephen Paletta
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Patent number: 6702521Abstract: The invention is a tool for replacing underground pipe. The tool has a nose coupler for coupling a pulling chain for pulling the tool through the underground pipe, a rear portion with a rear coupler for coupling a retaining chain, a plurality of breaking elements extending along the central longitudinal axis from the nose to the rear portion, and a plurality of nozzles on the rearward facing edges of the breaking elements, the nozzles operative to emit jets of high-pressure water against surrounding soil and fragments of the underground pipe.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Patent number: 6672802Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Inventor: Samuel W. Putnam
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Patent number: 6669406Abstract: The method and two devices provide for the underground connection of pipe with minimal disruption of the surrounding landscape. A main pipe is cleaned by a surface preparation tool designed to access the main pipe through a small hole. An adaptor is attached to a second pipe, and then placed in a clamping device designed to access the main pipe and clamp the adaptor thereto through the small hole. Electricity is passed through the adaptor, thereby softening the plastic so that this softening and the pressure of the clamp secures the adaptor to the main pipe. The main pipe is then pierced by the adaptor's tapping tee.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Omega Tools, Inc.Inventors: William M. Hutton, Frank P. Russo, John K. Gilday, Michael G. Palmer
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Publication number: 20030223823Abstract: The invention is a tool for replacing underground pipe. The tool has a nose coupler for coupling a pulling chain for pulling said tool through the underground pipe, a rear portion with a rear coupler for coupling a retaining chain, a plurality of breaking elements extending along the central longitudinal axis from said nose to said rear portion, and a plurality of nozzles on said rearward facing edges of said breaking elements, said nozzles operative to emit jets of high-pressure water against surrounding soil and fragments of the underground pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Patent number: 6655874Abstract: A method of slitting a flexible conduit in an underground bore, the conduit having entry and exit ends thereof exposed for access, includes: (1) fitting a retainer to flexible underground conduit adjacent to the entry end thereof, the retainer securing the flexible conduit to limit longitudinal movement thereof relative to the bore, (2) passing pulling means through the flexible conduit; (3) connecting the pulling means to a pipe slitter, and (4) pulling the pipe slitter through the retainer and flexible conduit to slit the conduit, the retainer holding the flexible conduit taut as the slitter passes through the conduit. In one embodiment, the retainer is a shoring clamp assembly including a pair of ring clamps that are secured onto a split end of the flexible conduit and transfer the longitudinal forces applied to the conduit during the slitting operation to an adjacent structure such as a pit wall, thereby holding the conduit taut during the slitting operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.c.Inventors: Robert F. Crane, Steven W. Wentworth
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Publication number: 20030165360Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Mark D. Randa, Robert F. Crane
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Publication number: 20030147700Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Robert Ward Carter, Robert Williams Carter
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Publication number: 20030131898Abstract: By a method for the assembly of two carcass ends (1, 3), each of which consists of common, wound profiles, the end areas of the carcass pipes' common profiles are fixed. The fixing is carried out by a punctiform deformation process, which can expediently be effected by a punching process, riveting process or screw process. After the fixing, the two carcass ends are screwed into each other. In this way a fixing and a screw connection can be effected, where there is no risk of changes in the material of which the carcass pipe consists, such as can arise e.g. if a welding process is used. Especially with the punching process, it is further achieved that there is no risk that galvanic corrosion can arise. The method is especially applicable for the assembly of e.g. end lengths of new carcass pipes, and for the repair of a carcass pipe where a piece of the carcass pipe must be removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Martin Andersen, Steen Hojrup Knudsen
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Patent number: 6588983Abstract: The apparatus and technique of the invention constitutes a hydraulic jack system for pushing sections of new pipe which, in turn, pushes a sleeve-cone expander arrangement to break up the old pipe and define a straight path for the new pipe. Apparatus is employed to determine the skin friction and the penetration friction, and to dispense a lubricant to reduce such frictional forces.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: Albert A. Tenbusch, II
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Patent number: 6585453Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Patent number: 6568488Abstract: A pipe bursting system of the invention operates by compaction rather than by reaming. The system includes a conventional directional boring machine, a drill string, and a pipe burster attached to the terminal end of the drill string. A pipe burster according to the invention includes a frame having a front connecting portion configured for connection to a drill string that can pull and rotate the frame about an axis of rotation, at least two axles mounted on the frame, and rollers mounted on each axle. Each roller has a curved outer surface forwardly inclined towards the axis of rotation of the frame, whereby rotation of the frame about its axis of rotation results in rotation of the rollers when the curved outer surfaces of the rollers engage a cylindrical inner surface of a pipe being burst.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Earth Tool Company, L.L.C.Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Paul W. Hau
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Patent number: 6551028Abstract: A tool for replacing pipe, in which the existing underground pipe is fractured or cut into fragments, which are forced inward so that they pass through the tool. The tool has breaking members that extend radially outwards and backwards from a nose such that, when the tool is pulled through an existing underground pipe, the breaking members are forced against the inside of the existing underground pipe, thereby breaking it. The fragments are forced inwards by the leading edge of the cylindrical base of the tool and pass through a bore in the cylindrical base. In this way the replacement of existing underground pipe is made possible without expanding the cavity of the existing underground pipe. The tool may additionally include a pipe guide for guiding replacement pipe into place behind the tool as the tool is pulled through the existing underground pipe. The fragments pass through the pipe guide and into the replacement pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Publication number: 20030059260Abstract: A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Samuel W. Putnam
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Publication number: 20030053867Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for replacing pipe, in which the existing underground pipe is fractured or cut into fragments, which are forced inward so that they pass through the tool. The tool has breaking members that extend radially outwards and backwards from a nose such that, when the tool is pulled through an existing underground pipe, the breaking members are forced against the inside of the existing underground pipe, thereby breaking it. The fragments are forced inwards by the leading edge of the cylindrical base of the tool and pass through a bore in the cylindrical base. In this way the replacement of existing underground pipe is made possible without expanding the cavity of the existing underground pipe. The tool may additionally include a pipe guide for guiding replacement pipe into place behind the tool as the tool is pulled through the existing underground pipe. The fragments pass through the pipe guide and into the replacement pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Publication number: 20030044238Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Mark D. Randa
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Publication number: 20030044237Abstract: The trenchless water pipe replacement device includes a cable pulling device, a pipe splitter, a length of cable and a cable end piece. The cable is fished through a pipe that is to be replaced, and a length of replacement pipe is attached to the end piece. The pipe splitter is disposed at the front end of the pipe and the cable pulling device is disposed behind the pipe splitter. When the cable pulling device is activated, the end piece makes contact with the rear end of the pipe and sufficient pulling force is applied to the cable to dislodge the pipe and pull it onto the pipe splitter, which splits the pipe as it is pulled from the ground. The replacement pipe is pulled behind the end piece, such that when the end piece is entirely pulled through the ground, the replacement pipe is disposed in its place.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Robert Williams Carter, Robert Ward Carter
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Patent number: 6524031Abstract: A trenchless pipe replacement device including a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement device that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device includes a reciprocating cable engagement mechanism that grips the cable on a pulling stroke and holds the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device engagement device generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: WRB Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ward Carter, Robert Williams Carter
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Publication number: 20030017008Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventor: Gerald M. Robinson
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Patent number: 6499912Abstract: A tool for replacing existing plastic water service pipes that are buried underground. The proposed tool is pulled through an existing pipe by a stranded steel cable. The internal wall of the pipe is scored by a single cutting blade incorporated into the tool. The pipe is split open along the scoring as a result of the outward pressure created by a rearward portion of the conically shaped tool which is larger in diameter than the inside of the existing pipe. A replacement pipe is attached to the end of the tool and simultaneously pulled into place. The short tapered shape of the tool allows it to be pulled through bends encountered in the existing plastic pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Inventor: Darren L. Coon
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Patent number: 6491476Abstract: Apparatus and method for the trenchless laying of pipework underground, having a total and a gauge for the continuous widening of a preferably wound preformed pipe on a linkage for use in pits of small dimensions, preferably inspection shafts of sewage systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt SpezialmaschinenInventor: Alfons Hesse
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Publication number: 20020114671Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Steven W. Wentworth, Robert F. Crane, Paul W. Hau
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Patent number: 6386797Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting device and method for cutting openings in rehabilitative sewer pipe liners and other surfaces in confined spaces. The present invention utilizes a stream of ultra-high pressured fluid as a cutting medium to reduce mechanical vibration, reduce the need for the withdrawal of equipment from a confined space for repair or bit replacement, and provide a cleaning medium that allows the cleaning of remote sensing equipment at the remote location without the need for withdrawal of the equipment. The device of the present invention is a generally cylindrical or oblong body and sled having a cutting head extendible therefrom for positioning and aiming a cutting stream of ultra-high pressured fluid towards a surface to be cut.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Stephen V. Gearhart
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Patent number: 6382877Abstract: The invention concerns the replacement of underground pipes (52) wherein a former/cutting blade device (10) is pulled along the line of the existing pipe (52) by a cable fed (30) previously into the existing pipe (52). As the device (10) is so pulled it cuts and spreads the existing pipe (52). At the same time a new pipe (26) attached to the rear of the former (12) is pulled into place. The invention is of particular use in the replacement of small size lead water pipes which lead to consumer dwellings, and provides that the cable (30) which must be as large a diameter as possible to take the loads involved, is connected to the former (12) by having a ferrule (28) at one end which is located in a recess (27) in the former (12) so as not to interfere with the former profile. Also, the recess (27) is to the rear of the cutting blade (40) so that the ferrule (28) does not to cause an obstruction to the cutting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Kenton Utilities and Developments LTDInventor: Alistair Hodgson
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Publication number: 20020044837Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for rehabilitating and increasing the functionality of existing underground conduits wherein a plurality of conduits are simultaneously inserted into an existing conduit by bursting the existing conduit to create a tunnel and inserting a plurality of new conduits into the tunnel, such that at least one of the new conduits has a capacity equal to or greater than the capacity of the existing conduit, are provided. The new conduits are either separate from or removeably connected to one another, such that the new conduits are capable of being diverted from the tunnel at separate locations and the new conduit system can be used primarily for carrying media similar to that of the original conduit or additionally for completely different and unrelated media such as fiber optic cable, coaxial cable or electrical cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Inventor: Stephen Paletta
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Patent number: 6357967Abstract: An apparatus for bursting and replacing gas, water, sewer or other underground utility pipes. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus is characterized by a specially-designed rod-pulling device which is situated typically in a manhole or excavation, at one end of the pipe to be replaced. A rod is extended from the rod-pulling device through the pipe and is attached to a stored energy head disposed in a tapered bursting head which initially engages the opposite end of the pipe. A pneumatic hammer is typically seated in the stored energy head and a replacement pipe is removably attached to the bursting head. In typical operation, the rod-pulling device pus the stored energy head against the bursting head and thus, the bursting head against the pipe as the pneumatic hammer repeatedly strikes the stored energy head against the bursting head.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Samuel W. Putnam
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Patent number: 6340270Abstract: An apparatus for longitudinal splitting, in particular longitudinal slitting, of pipes laid underground and for the simultaneous trenchless pulling-in of a new pipeline comprises a carriage in the form of a frame, in which a cutting wheel for cutting open the pipe wall and a support roller, which serves as an abutment and is supported on the pipe wall, are arranged above one another. The carriage or frame has a base which engages in a form-fitting manner in a frame-like window of a pull and/or push linkage.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt SpezialmaschinenInventor: Franz-Josef PĆ¼ttmann
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Patent number: 6305880Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement frame that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement frame generally includes a reaction plate and an annulus member for removably engaging the cable pulling device with the frame. The frame is configured for the sideways engagement of the cable within the frame and the annulus member. Two pairs of cable engagement collets are preferably utilized; a first pair being disposed within the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a pulling stroke, and a second pair may be disposed within the frame or the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device is preferably a post tensioning ram (PTR).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: WRB Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert Ward Carter, Robert Williams Carter
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Publication number: 20010018007Abstract: An apparatus for longitudinal splitting, in particular longitudinal slitting, of pipes laid underground and for the simultaneous trenchless pulling-in of a new pipeline comprises a carriage in the form of a frame, in which a cutting wheel for cutting open the pipe wall and a support roller, which serves as an abutment and is supported on the pipe wall, are arranged above one another. The carriage or frame has a base which engages in a form-fitting manner in a frame-like window of a pull and/or push linkage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventor: Franz-Josef Puttmann