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Pipe laying assembly

  • US 5,522,699 A
  • Filed: 04/21/1994
  • Issued: 06/04/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for laying and assembling segments of pipe to form a pipeline, the pipe segments being asymmetrical and having a makeup end and an insert end, the apparatus comprising:

  • pipe storage means for storing a plurality of segments of pipe, the pipe storage means comprising a pipe delivery means for biasing the pipe segments toward a queuing position;

    pipe removal means for removing each individual pipe segment from the pipe storage means, the pipe removal means comprising;

    an inclined pipe support ramp; and

    restraining means for selectively restraining the pipe segments and for permitting a single pipe segment in the queuing position to slide onto the inclined pipe support ramp;

    means for supporting and aligning the pipe segment coextensive to the pipeline, comprising;

    pipe elevator means receiving a pipe segment from the inclined pipe ramp for lowering and aligning the queued pipe segment in longitudinal alignment with the longitudinal axis of the pipeline;

    means for coupling the aligned pipe segment to the end segment of the pipeline;

    means for orienting the individual pipe segment so that the insert end of such pipe segment is oriented in a predetermined position;

    driving means for driving the apparatus along a selected path as the length of the pipeline increases;

    sag control means for supporting an end of the pipeline and for lowering the pipeline to a desired position as the driving means drives the apparatus along the selected path; and

    wherein the pipe storage means comprises a frame supported by the driving means; and

    wherein the pipe elevator means comprises;

    an inclined conveyor disposed in substantial alignment with the pipeline;

    a pipe elevator pivotally supported by the frame and pivotable between an upper position and a lower position, the lower position being substantially adjacent the inclined conveyor;

    pipe transfer means for effecting transfer of the pipe segment from the pipe elevator to the inclined conveyor when the pipe elevator is moved to the lower position; and

    means for selectively moving the pipe elevator between its upper and lower positions.

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