Pipe Laying Machine and Pipe Laying Methods

Abstract

Pipe laying machines are provided. The machines can include: a platform configured to support a plurality of pipe; ambulatory assemblies supporting the platform and sufficiently spaced apart to straddle a trench; a pipe setting station located about a center portion of the platform; a pipe feeding assembly configured to provide pipe laterally to the pipe setting station; and a pipe ejection assembly configured to extend pipe lengthwise from the platform. Methods for laying pipe within a trench using a machine are provided. The methods can include: supporting a plurality of pipe above a trench with a machine; matriculating the trench with the supported pipe and the machine; laterally feeding the pipe to a pipe setting station using the machine; and extending the pipe lengthwise into the trench using the machine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.