Method of and apparatus for laying a pipe-line

US4060992A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Herbert Heitkamp · Werne, DE
• Heinz Husemann

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 30, 1976
• Grant date: Dec 6, 1977
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 1996

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E02D17/086
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for laying down a pipe-line in an open trench employs an advanceable shield with elongate parallel cutter planks contacting the floor and side walls of the trench. The planks are supported by a frame which is connected through hydraulic rams to a second rear frame. Means is provided to selectively lock each plank to the rear frame and the rams are operated to advance the shield and the trench. Individual pipe sections are laid end-to-end in the trench behind the rear frame and elongate thrust devices, which can be stowed in an inoperative position, are connected with the rear frame. These thrust devices are designed to engage on the free end of the pipe section last introduced into the trench and the rams are operated to move the rear frame so that the thrust device impart thrust to the pipe sections to effect their interconnection.