Patent · US Expired

Ram burster

US6443658B1 · kind B1 · utility

13Cited by
5References
4Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 3, 2000
Grant dateSep 3, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 3, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B7/30
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved method and apparatus for trenchless placement of pipe or conduit that allows termination at a vault or manhole structure without destruction of the vault or manhole. The specific improvement is the means of making the bursting ram and all components used in the procedure (but for the replacement pipe) disassemblable in a small space, such as a vault or manhole. The disclosed improvement is a means to keep the bursting ram together during use but then to allow the bursting ram after it enters into the manhole or vault, to be disassembled with hand tools and removed in parts without destruction or damage to the vault structure. This makes the trenchless placement of conduit or piping non-destructive over the distance of the route as well as at the termination at a manhole.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.