Pipe retriever apparatus, system, and method

US11054060B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NORTH AMERICAN PIPE CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Joshua E. Clapper · Downingtown, US
• Dmitry Yashin · Haverford, US
• Aaron Blinn · Wayne, US
• Mark Brunni · Wayne, US
• John Swartzentruber · Wayne, US
• Michael A. Dotsey · Chester Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2019
• Grant date: Jul 6, 2021
• Expiry date: Jan 1, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16L1/10
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pipe retrieval machine has a frame defining a decoupling region and a travel axis and a transporting mechanism having a first gripping structure adjacent an infeed end of the machine and a second gripping structure adjacent an outfeed end of the machine. The decoupling region is disposed between the first and second gripping structures. A drive system is configured to move the first and second gripping structures at a steady state speed to direct the pipe along the travel axis. A decoupling device in the decoupling region has a decoupler that is automatically operable to engage a locking part of the coupling. The decoupling device is configured to selectively and automatically stop the pipe relative to the decoupling device, to disassemble at least one pipe section from the pipe, to move the detached pipe section from the machine, and to advance the remaining pipe for disassembly.