Pipe splitting apparatus with cable engagement system

Abstract

Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.