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: An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through a sidewall of a pit, including a lever arm having a handle at a first end and a gripping arrangement for gripping the elongate component at a second end, the lever arm being pivotably attached to a frame via a sleeve and arranged in use to be pivoted about a pivot point by moving the first, handle, end through an arc, and movement translation means for translating the pivoting movement of the lever arm at the first end into a substantially linear movement at the second, gripping, end.

Abstract: A pipe thrusting apparatus for inserting and removing a pipe from a borehole, comprising a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe; a support frame having at least one anchor securable to the ground; 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.

Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming a substantially uniform path within a trench, laying tile thereon, and covering the tile with dirt from the trench. One apparatus includes a housing, a hook, a pipe insertion frame extending upwardly from the housing, a sloping support wall inside the housing for directing tile from a top side of the housing to an exit at a rear side of the housing, a blade adjacent the housing rear side above the exit, a grip extending above the housing and the pipe insertion frame, and a rigid curved portion extending beneath the housing for forming a substantially uniform path in the trench as the housing is moved along the trench. The blade extends beyond at least one of the housing sidewalls to obtain dirt from the trench. The hook and the grip are configured to engage a machine bucket.

Abstract: A pipe is installed between a pointed front section and a rear section of a tool, and the rear section is subjected to a drive force in the longitudinal direction, so that the pointed section and the pipe is pushed into loosely packed materials. In response to an inadvertent hindrance in the loosely packed materials, the tool and the pipe connected thereto is pulled back by exerting a tractive force on a line connected to the pointed front section and running through the pipe and rear section.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises as one embodiment interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions. Other couplings can be used.

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: A method of directional drilling includes forming first and second pits on corresponding first and second sides of a barrier, forming a pilot bore from the first pit to the second pit, enlarging the pilot bore to a final bore, and extending a cable through the final bore between the first and second pits by attaching the cable to a remote controlled vehicle and driving the remote controlled vehicle through the final bore from one of the pits to the other pit. The method also includes pulling a pipeline through the final bore using the cable.

Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines in the ground, a drill-hole is produced along a laying line, from a starting pit to a target pit, by a drilling head at the start of a pipeline, the drilling head being connected to a laying vehicle on the ground surface via a narrow vertical connecting device. The soil dislodged by the drilling head is removed from the drill-hole and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle and/or by a feed device in the starting pit.

Abstract: Replacement drainage structures and methods for replacing drainage structures are disclosed. An example method includes driving a plurality of sections of a replacement drainage structure around a buried drainage structure to be replaced. At least a portion of the drainage structure to be replaced is positioned within the interior of a section of the replacement drainage structure. Portions of the drainage structure to be replaced are removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe handling assembly for use with a rod pushing and pulling machine in pipe bursting and pipe replacement operations. The assembly uses a rod transport assembly to transport a rod from a vertical receiving position to a horizontal receiving position. A rod transfer assembly then axially advances the rod in a horizontal receiving position to the rod pushing and pulling machine where the rod can be incorporated into a drill string. The rod handling assembly also can be used for transporting rods out of an excavation pit after they have been broken off from a rod string by a rod pushing and pulling machine.

Abstract: A drill rod combination for creating a closed loop geothermal hole in the ground. The heat exchange tube is positioned in the hole simultaneously with the creation of the hole and is mounted to the drill rod. A rudder on the heat exchange tube limits twisting of the tube. An adaptor mounted to the outer end of the sonde housing has the drill bit mounted on its distal end.

Abstract: A technique for aiding an underground communications cable installer in the installation such cable in underground utilities neighborhoods. The technique manages the problem presented by a surface-visible, underground-pathway obstruction such as a sidewalk, which lies across the path of installation. The technique, or method, is useful with any kind of cable, such as fiberoptic cable or copper wire cable. Hydraulic water pressure is applied through a biased, flexible conduit to erode a pathway under the obstruction from ground surface on one side to ground surface on the opposite side of the obstruction, thereby forming a tunnel under the obstruction through which the cable can be easily pulled. In alternative embodiments, the cable can be inserted directly into and through the conduit while it is underground, the conduit then acting as a sleeve for the cable which is subsequently removed prior to burying the cable in a trench dug from street-located handhole to house.

Abstract: An installation tool for installation of earth loops includes a cylindrical body with slots in its outer surface, for receiving of tubes of the earth loops, and a central passage extending therethrough from a grout fitting to a central opening at a leading end face of the cylindrical body. An anchor fits over the end face and includes a face plate with tube apertures extending therethrough, a retainer ring which serves to hold the earth loops in place within the slots during insertion of the tool into the borehole, and a pair of flexible plates extending from opposing positions on the retainer ring, approximately in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A method of driving a pipe into the ground includes steps of placing a pipe to be driven into the ground onto a series of at least two spaced skids each having an upwardly opening cradle thereon so that the pipe spans and is supported by the skid cradles, one skid proximate a front end of the pipe and the other skid proximate a rear end of the pipe, each skid including a vertical jack mechanism for raising and lowering the pipe supported by the skid, positioning the pipe in a position for ramming into the ground by operating the vertical jack mechanisms as needed to raise the pipe into the ramming position, and ramming the pipe using an impact ramming tool applied to push the pipe into the ground.

Abstract: A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises arranging the tubular element in the wellbore such that a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element. An annular space is defined between said expanded and remaining tubular sections. The expanded tubular section is axially extended by moving the remaining section downward relative to the expanded section so that said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. A tube is positioned in the annular space so that the tube extends substantially concentrically with the expanded section and is arranged to support at least one of the remaining section and the expanded tubular section.

Abstract: A technique for aiding an underground communications cable installer in the installation such cable in underground utilities neighborhoods. The technique manages the problem presented by a surface-visible, underground-pathway obstruction such as a sidewalk, which lies across the path of installation. The technique, or method, is useful with any kind of cable, such as fiberoptic cable or copper wire cable. Hydraulic water pressure is applied through a biased, flexible conduit to erode a pathway under the obstruction from ground surface on one side to ground surface on the opposite side of the obstruction, thereby forming a tunnel under the obstruction through which the cable can be easily pulled. In alternative embodiments, the cable can be inserted directly into and through the conduit while it is underground, the conduit then acting as a sleeve for the cable which is subsequently removed prior to burying the cable in a trench dug from street-located handhole to house.

Abstract: An improved back reamer for horizontal directional drilling is provided with multiple components which can be assembled and disassembled before and after the back reaming process. The reamer includes a main shaft connectable to the drill string, a reamer head removably mounted on the main shaft, and a pull tab removably attached to the main shaft. Faceted couplings between the reamer shaft and head, and between the reamer head and pull tab preclude rotation between the components.

Abstract: A pipe thrusting apparatus for inserting and removing a pipe from a borehole, comprising a collar configured to releasably grip the pipe; a support frame having at least one anchor securable to the ground; 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.

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: A method and device for installing a tube of a geothermal closed loop system in the ground. A drill rod includes a hook for removably mounting the heat exchange tube for positioning the tube in the hole bored in the ground by the drill bit. The tube may be inserted into the bored hole once the drill is removed therefrom, mounted to the tube and then reinserted into the hole. Alternatively, the tube is mounted to the drill rod as the hole is being bored.

Abstract: A geothermal flexible conduit loop single pass installation system for dense soil or rock. A conduit loop attachment is secured behind the soil penetrating head and has an engageable element adapted to hook a loop end portion of a flexible conduit loop and draw the conduit loop in a bore hole as it is being formed by the soil penetrating head as it descends in a soil under the influence of a downward force applied to a hollow force transmission shaft. A pressurized medium is released in the bore hole as it is formed. At least the force transmission is withdrawn with the flexible conduit loop retained in the bore hole by surrounding soil or a cement released through the shaft as it is withdrawn.

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 method and device for installing a tube of a geothermal closed loop system in the ground. A drill rod includes a hook for removably mounting the heat exchange tube for positioning the tube in the hole bored in the ground by the drill bit. The tube may be inserted into the bored hole once the drill is removed therefrom, mounted to the tube and then reinserted into the hole. Alternatively, the tube is mounted to the drill rod as the hole is being bored.

Abstract: A soil penetrating plate to position a flexible geothermal conduit loop in spoil is described. The soil penetrating plate has a leading soil penetrating formation which is provided with hook arrangements to hook an end loop portion of a conduit loop. The soil penetrating plate is securable to a force transmitting shaft or cable to displace the soil penetrating plate in soil whereby to position the conduit loop thereinto.

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: 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 guided boring machine includes a cutter head, a steering head and an internal casing with an auger therein for conveying material cut by the cutter head towards the rear end of the auger. The boring machine bores a tunnel from a launch pit to a target pit along a desired boring direction and simultaneously installing a selected one of a plurality of differently-sized product casings in the tunnel. When the internal casing is placed within a selected product casing with its internal casing longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the selected product casing, an annular space is formed with respect to the selected product casing. The guidance assembly includes a laser that is mounted behind the boring machine and oriented so as to direct its beam in a desired boring direction within the annular space. A target mount is mounted to the steering head inside surface. The target mount includes a roll correction slot which is parallel to the adjacent steering head inside surface.

Abstract: An earth boring device for forming horizontally extending bore holes beneath the surface of the earth and installing a conduit therein without substantially disturbing the surface of the earth is disclosed. The earth boring device is a generally elongate member having a cutting tool disposed at a leading end, and means to attach a conduit to be disposed in the bore hole at a trailing end. A pair of spaced apart drive augers is disposed between the leading end and the trailing end to propel the earth boring device through the earth. The earth boring device can include at least one flexible section to enable a bending of the earth boring device for boring a curved bore hole.

Abstract: In the case of a method for laying pipelines (1) in the ground (2), a drill-hole (4) is produced along a laying line (6), from a starting pit (5) to a target pit (7), by a drilling head (3) at the start of a pipeline (1), the drilling head (3) being connected to a laying vehicle (9) on the ground surface (10) via a narrow vertical connecting device (8). The soil dislodged by the drilling head (3) is removed from the drill-hole (4) and conveyed to the surface. The force required for the drilling and laying operation is applied by the laying vehicle (9) and/or by a feed device (12) in the starting pit (5).

Abstract: A power umbilical for transfer of large amounts of electric power, fluids and electric current/signals from the sea surface to equipment deployed on the sea bed, in particular in deep waters, is disclosed. The power umbilical comprises a number of electric power conducting cables (5), pipes (4) and electric conductors/wires (6, 6) collected in a bundle, a filler material (10, 2, 3, 3?) lying at least partly around and between the pipes (4), cables (5) and the conductors/wires (6, 6), and a protective sheath (1) enclosing the pipes, cables conductors/wires and filler material. The load carrying elements (7) of the power umbilical are light weighted rods (7) of composite material that can either be collected in bundles or appear individually or in a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly installing or withdrawing a sealing liner into or out of a subsurface well bore or borehole. An eversion aid, such as an open-ended cylinder, is engaged with the liner, the eversion aid serving to push the liner down the borehole during installation, and to assist in proper liner extraction during its withdrawal from the borehole. Water is transferred between the liner interior and the borehole outside the liner to regulate the disposition of borehole water, and to aid in proper sealing functions of the liner and to promote proper liner extraction during withdrawal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved rod pushing and pulling machine suited for use in underground pipe bursting and replacement with a rod string wherein each rod has at least one radially enlarged upset thereon. The machine includes a housing or frame having a front wall with an access opening therein through which a rod string can extend. At least one main thrust cylinder is mounted on the housing. A movable carriage connected to the thrust cylinder engages the rod, drives it in a pushing or pulling direction, and then releases it for another stroke. Between strokes, a “bungee” vise holds the rod string so that it does not slip back in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth drilling device (1) for boring a borehole into the soil and/or for drawing a line (9) into an underground passage, comprising at least one system line (4, 6) extending from the earth drilling device to a start region, wherein the system line is designed in an electrically insulating manner.

Abstract: A boring machine includes a cutter head, an internal casing and an auger that is located within the internal casing. The cutter head and the auger are operationally connected to a rotational mechanism. A rear bulkhead is located at the rear end of the auger, and a rear hopper is located behind the rear bulkhead. The boring machine also includes means for directing material cut by the cutter head into the auger so that rotation of the auger will convey such material rearwardly to the rear hopper. The boring machine includes a transverse conveyor located behind the rear bulkhead in the rear hopper which is adapted to convey material out of the rear hopper in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the auger.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises as one embodiment interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions. Other couplings can be used.

Abstract: A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore and providing a control line that extends along the tubular element comprises (a) inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element, (b) increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the bending zone to move in axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section, wherein said wall includes a material that is plastically deformed in the bending zone during the bending process so that the expanded tubular section retains an expanded shape as a result of said plastic deformation, and (c) extending the control line along the tubular element.

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: An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through a sidewall of a pit, including a lever arm having a handle at a first end and a gripping arrangement for gripping the elongate component at a second end, the lever arm being pivotably attached to a frame via a sleeve and arranged in use to be pivoted about a pivot point by moving the first, handle, end through an arc, and movement translation means for translating the pivoting movement of the lever arm at the first end into a substantially linear movement at the second, gripping, end.

Abstract: An installation technique is shown for use with a pre-insulated steam piping system having an inner steel carrier pipe surrounded by a layer of foam insulation and then by an outer protective jacket. An expansion loop is used to create an artificial low point in the overall pipeline which allows the pipeline to avoid a buried obstruction without the necessity of increasing the depth of the remaining portion of the pipeline on either side of the loop. The expansion loop has a pair of oppositely arranged side legs which are joined by a cross-leg portion of the loop, the cross-leg portion of the loop being angled downwardly at a predetermined angle, to thereby provide a change in elevation which avoids the buried obstruction in the pathway of the pipeline.

Abstract: In a method of installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth, a channel is formed in the earth by means of a pushing device, thereby causing a compression of the earth as a result of earth being displaced, and inserting a borehole heat exchanger in the channel, causing an elastic component of the earth to move toward the heat exchanger as the earth relaxes in order to provide an intimate contact between the earth and the heat exchanger. Installation of the borehole heat exchanger in elastically displaced earth ensures not only a stable and lasting securement of the heat exchanger in the earth but also the intimate contact between earth and heat exchanger wall so important for heat exchanger.

Abstract: Process for the towing of underwater pipelines by means of head tugs for the pulling and tail tugs for the counter-pulling characterized in that it is effected by the use of a set of equipment, connected to the pipeline itself, including floats, of which at least a part has a variable buoyancy or partially variable buoyancy, which, when placed in a pre-established position and at pre-established intervals, provide a graded buoyancy to the pipeline in relation to the distance from the bed so as to obtain a “festoon” configuration of the pipeline, i.e. with suspended sections of pipeline, in correspondence with the floats, alternating with resting sections.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for pulling pipe involves providing a pipe having an exterior surface with a groove circumscribing the exterior surface of the pipe adjacent to one end and an anchoring collar which is segmented into segments and has an inner circumferential surface with an inwardly projecting tongue. The segments of the anchoring collar are secured together to circumscribe the pipe with the inwardly projecting tongue engaging the groove of the pipe. One end of the pipe is capped with an end cap. The end cap is coupled to the anchoring collar. A tow line is secured to the end cap and exerts a pulling force, with the anchoring collar securing the end cap against removal when pulled and the end cap preventing debris from entering the pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an underground passageway and simultaneously laying therein a conduit or other elongate components comprises a rotary drill member coupled to a rotary and axially movable drill stem. The coupling is one which virtually automatically enables the drill stem to be coupled to and uncoupled from the drill member and comprises interlocking driving lugs carried by the drill stem and the drill member. The driving lugs are sandwiched between telescoped portions of the drill member and the drill stem and thereby are reinforced by such portions of the drill stem and the drill member in such manner as to preclude movement of the driving lugs in both radially inward and radially outward directions.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for replacing old underground conduits (4), the old conduit (4) is first laid bare with the aid of a ground drilling device (8) with an overdrilling head and then, in turn, a new conduit (5) is drawn in with the aid of the drill rods (7) and at the same time—in a uniform operating step—the old conduit is pulled out of the ground.

Abstract: In a method for the trenchless laying of pipes, a drilling operation (5) is firstly carried out by means of controlled heading from a starting point (1) to a finishing point (6). Then the drilling head (3) is disconnected from the heading pipes (4) and the heading pipe run is connected by means of a special connecting pipe to the product pipe run (9), which is prefabricated above ground at the finishing point (6). Subsequently, the heading pipes (4) are drawn back from the drill hole to the starting point (1), the product pipe run (9) simultaneously being drawn into the drill hole.

Abstract: A method for trenchless pipe laying, a pipeline is constructed form a starting point to a goal point undercrossing an obstacle wherein the constructing of a bore hole and laying the prefabricated pipeline, which is constructed in one piece on the surface, are done in one work step, wherein at the front end of the pipeline a steerable drilling device is arranged, wherein a pipe thrusting device is arranged at the starting point applying forces from the outside to the pipeline via traction preferably friction by pushing the pipeline from a starting point to a goal point, wherein at the same time the necessary contact forces for drilling are transferred, wherein the cuttings produced during the drilling by the drilling device are removed and transported hydraulically out of the bore hole via a transport line inside the pipeline, and wherein the annular space between pipeline and bore hole wall created during drilling is continuously filled with a drilling suspension.

Abstract: Systems and methods for concurrently destroying old pipes and installing new pipes in their place. An exemplary embodiment is a pipe bursting and replacement tool that includes a body and first and second connectors. The body has a shape that generally tapers from a smaller diameter at the front end to a larger diameter at the rear end. The taper need not be smoothly increasing, but may alternatively be stepped. The first connector couples the body to a pulling rod to and allows the body to be misaligned with the rod to relieve stress on the connection between the two. The second connector couples the replacement pipe to the body so that the replacement pipe can be pulled behind the body into the space previously occupied by an old pipe that is burst by the tool.

Abstract: A method for installing an underground pipe using a ground piercing tool comprises the steps of: fitting an expander onto a front nose of the tool, securing the pipe to the expander so that the ground piercing tool is disposed inside of the pipe, operating the tool in forward mode over a run to pull the pipe into the ground, removing the ground piercing tool from the expander and pipe by moving it in a rearward direction through the newly installed pipe, and leaving the expander in the ground, preferably to form the front end of the newly installed pipe. It is not required that each of the foregoing steps be conducted in the order recited. For example, the expander could be secured to the pipe after which the expander and pipe could be fitted over the tool.