Method and apparatus for installing an underground pipe
US7914233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 29, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/1658
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.