Dual-ended apparatus for cutting openings in lined conduits
US5960882A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/265
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A motor with a single driven shaft and double-ended collet is attached to a movable work unit for cutting laterals in a lined pipeline. The motor is preferably operated by an operator at a remote location. The motor attaches to the front arm of the extension ram of a typical remote work unit, which can index at least 180.degree. relative to the unit. The work unit is positioned in an existing conduit lined with a synthetic liner at the location of a lateral and a cutter bit at one end of the shaft is used to cut an aperture through the liner. The cutter bit is retracted radially without displacing the work unit, and the motor is indexed circumferentially 180.degree. relative to the extension ram. This positions the finishing bit at the other end of the shaft to trim the edges of the aperture, and the finishing bit is then retracted radially. The underground work unit can then be withdrawn from the pipe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.