Pipe replacement system

• US 10,253,916 B2
• Filed: 12/29/2017
• Issued: 04/09/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/20/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: T Technology Incorporated
• Original Assignee: T Technology Incorporated
• Inventors: Tjader, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Lagman, Frederick L
• Application Number:
  US15/859,120
• Publication Number:
  US 20180119867A1
• Time in Patent Office: 466 Days
• Field of Search: 4051841, 4051842, 4051843
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 75/40 mobile or transportable
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 1/028 in the ground F16L1/026 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 1/032 the pipes being continuous F16L1/038 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/1658 the old pipe being ruptured prior to insertion of a new pipe
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 55/18 Appliances for use in repairing pipes F16L55/10 takes precedence

Abstract

Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.

Claims

1. A replacement pipe supply device, comprising:

a reel coupled to a reel frame;

a length of replacement pipe wound around the reel;

a pneumatic hose pre-installed within the length of replacement pipe; and

a pneumatic supply line located within a hub of the reel.

2. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 1, further including a lubricant supply line located within the hub.

3. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 1, further including a guide coupled to the frame to direct replacement pipe off the reel.

4. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 3, wherein the guide includes one or more rollers.

5. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 1, further including a hydraulic motor coupled to the hub to rotate the reel.

6. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 1, further including a lubricant supply hose pre-installed within the length of replacement pipe.

7. A replacement pipe supply device, comprising:

a reel coupled to a reel frame;

a length of replacement pipe wound around the reel;

a lubricant supply hose pre-installed within the length of replacement pipe; and

a lubricant supply line located within a hub of the reel.

8. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 7, further including a guide coupled to the frame to direct replacement pipe off the reel.

9. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 7, wherein the guide includes one or more rollers.

10. The replacement pipe supply device of claim 7, further including a hydraulic motor coupled to the hub to rotate the reel.