Vertical pull apparatus
OwnerSamuel W. Putnaminventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vertical pull apparatus for converting a vertical pulling motion to a horizontal pulling motion, which vertical pull apparatus typically includes a support for positioning in a generally vertical position. A cable-engaging mechanism is provided on the support, which cable-engaging mechanism engages a cable and defines a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in the cable. A first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element on the support alternately and repeatedly grip and release the vertical cable segment of the cable. At least one of the cable-gripping elements is adapted for gripping and pulling the vertical cable segment of the cable along a vertical axis, such that the horizontal cable segment is pulled along a horizontal axis.
Claims20
A vertical pull apparatus for transmitting a generally vertical pulling motion into a generally horizontal pulling motion, said apparatus comprising:
- a support for positioning in a generally vertical position;
- a cable-engaging mechanism provided on said support;
- a cable engaging said cable-engaging mechanism, said cable-engaging mechanism defining a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in said cable;
- a first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element provided on said support for alternately engaging said vertical cable segment of said cable;
- and
- wherein at least one of said first cable-gripping element and said second cable-gripping element is adapted for selective bidirectional movement between a first position and a second position on said support and substantially engaging said generally vertical cable segment upon movement from said first position to said second position and releasing said generally vertical cable segment of said cable upon movement from said second position to said first position.
A vertical pull apparatus for transmitting a generally vertical pulling motion into a generally horizontal pulling motion, said apparatus comprising:
- a support for positioning in a generally vertical position;
- a cable-engaging mechanism provided on said support;
- a cable engaging said cable-engaging mechanism, said cable-engaging mechanism defining a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in said cable;
- a hydraulic cylinder provided on said support and a piston extendible from said hydraulic cylinder;
- a first cable-gripping element provided on said piston for selective bidirectional movement between a first position and a second position on said support responsive to operation of said hydraulic cylinder, said first cable-gripping element adapted for removably engaging said generally vertical cable segment of said cable upon movement from said first position to said second position and releasing said generally vertical cable segment upon movement from said second position to said first position;
- and
- a second cable-gripping element provided on said support for gripping said vertical cable segment upon movement of said first cable-gripping element from said second position to said first position and releasing said vertical cable segment upon movement of said first cable-gripping element from said first position to said second position.
A vertical pull apparatus for transmitting a generally vertical pulling motion into a generally horizontal pulling motion and bursting a subterranean horizontal pipe, said apparatus comprising:
- a support for positioning in a generally vertical position;
- a cable-engaging mechanism provided on said support;
- a cable engaging said cable-engaging mechanism, said cable-engaging mechanism defining a generally vertical cable segment and a generally horizontal cable segment in said cable;
- a first cable-gripping element and a second cable-gripping element provided on said support for alternately engaging said vertical cable segment of said cable;
- wherein at least one of said first cable-gripping element and said second cable-gripping element is adapted for selective bidirectional movement between a first position and a second position on said support and substantially engaging said generally vertical cable segment of said cable upon movement from said first position to said second position and releasing said generally vertical cable segment of said cable upon movement from said second position to said first position;
- and
- a pipe-bursting head provided on said generally horizontal cable segment of said cable for engaging the pipe, whereby said cable pulls said pipe-bursting head against the pipe and said pipe-bursting head migrates along the pipe and bursts the pipe responsive to operation of said first cable-gripping element and said second cable-gripping element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.