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Loading Devices and Methods of Loading Pipe Fusion Machines

  • US 20170023152A1
  • Filed: 10/04/2016
  • Published: 01/26/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of loading a pipe having an elongate axis into a pipe fusion machine, the method comprising:

  • a. positioning a loading device coupled to the pipe fusion machine proximate the pipe, the loading device comprising a front boom, a first effector arm and a second effector arm;

    b. positioning a first end effector coupled to the first effector arm and a second end effector coupled to the second effector arm along opposite sides of the pipe;

    c. pivoting a first effector arm about a first fulcrum surface of the loading device towards the pipe and the second effector arm about a second fulcrum surface of the loading device towards the pipe;

    d. contacting the pipe with the first end effector and the second end effector to apply a lifting force to the pipe at a location below the elongate axis; and

    e. causing the pipe to traverse the front boom into the pipe fusion machine.

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