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US 11,231,127 B2Granted
Frame for trenchless pipe replacement system and method
AssigneeTT Technologies, Inc.
InventorMichael Tjader
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pipe replacement system and cable guide frame are shown. Configurations are shown that include plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame to define a curved path between a pipe to be replaced and a cable pulling system. Configurations are shown where a pipe breaking tool is pulled over the plurality of guide pulleys for ease of removal after a replacement operation. Configurations are also shown that include a stationary splitter adjacent to the cable pulling system to prevent jamming of the cable pulling system.
Claims18
A pipe replacement system, comprising:
- a cable pulling system;
- a pipe breaking tool coupled to a cable, the pipe breaking tool having a diameter larger than the cable;
- a cable guide frame coupled to the cable pulling system;
- a plurality of guide pulleys attached to the cable guide frame, wherein the plurality of guide pulleys are positioned to define a common arc between a pipe to be replaced and the cable pulling system, the common arc having a radius that allows passage of the pipe breaking tool over the plurality of guide pulleys, the plurality of guide pulleys including an inner width to center the cable, and a second width, wider than the first width, to accept the diameter of the pipe breaking tool;
- an opening between the plurality of guide pulleys and the cable pulling system, wherein the opening is sized to allow passage of the pipe breaking tool past the plurality of guide pulleys. and
- a circular manhole adaptor plate coupled to the cable guide frame, wherein the diameter of the manhole adaptor plate extends beyond each end of the common arc in plan view and wherein the cable pulling system is adapted to be located above ground and above the manhole adaptor plate.
3 more elements
A pipe replacement system, comprising:
- a continuous tension cable pulling system;
- a pipe breaking tool coupled to a cable, the pipe breaking tool having a diameter larger than the cable;
- a boom coupled to the cable pulling system;
- a plurality of guide pulleys attached to the boom, wherein the plurality of guide pulleys are positioned to define a common arc between a pipe to be replaced and the continuous tension cable pulling system, the common arc having a radius that allows passage of the pipe breaking tool over the plurality of guide pulleys, the plurality of guide pulleys including an inner width to center the cable, and a second width, wider than the first width, to accept the diameter of the pipe breaking tool;
- and
- an opening between the plurality of guide pulleys and the cable pulling system, wherein the opening is sized to allow passage of the pipe breaking tool past the plurality of guide pulleys. and
- a circular manhole adaptor plate coupled to the boom, wherein the diameter of the manhole adaptor plate extends beyond each end of the common arc in plan view and wherein the cable pulling system is adapted to be located above ground and above the manhole adaptor plate.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.