Right-of-way double jointer

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for joining pipe sections on or along side a pipeline right-of-way. The apparatus comprises a main frame and one or more telescoping subframes. The two pipe sections are supported in a first position where their ends are beveled. The two pipe sections are moved to a second position where they are pushed together, held in place with a clamp, and rolled while a welding head joins the two pipe sections. The joined pipe sections are moved to a third position to await removal from the apparatus by a crane. In the meantime, pipe sections are continually loaded and unloaded from the apparatus so that pipe sections can be joined on a continuous basis. The subframe telescopes into and out of the main frame to support a pipe section thereon. Road wheels and tractor wheels are provided on the main frame to allow the apparatus to be transported and positioned along the pipeline right-of-way in inaccessible and remote locations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.