Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force – Pipe or rod jack – Tie rod tensioner
Reexamination Certificate
1999-02-19
2001-03-27
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force
Pipe or rod jack
Tie rod tensioner
C254S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206345
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for installing a pipe, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for progressively pushing pipe segments through a preexisting hole to thereby install a pipe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
When installing gas lines, water lines, sewer lines and the like, a pipe pusher is typically used to push a series of pipe segments through a generally horizontally extending hole or tunnel below ground level. Each sequentially installed pipe segment is connected to an adjacent pipe segment to form the pipeline. A pipe pusher may also be used to install a piping system inside a preexisting gas, sewer or water lines, in which case the pipe segments are pushed inside the preexisting pipelines. In either case, in order to gain access to the hole in which the pipe is to be installed, a generally vertically extending shaft is excavated down to the elevation of the hole. The shaft is typically circular in diameter, and is large enough to allow workmen and equipment access to the hole.
Once access to the hole is established, various methods may be utilized for pushing the pipe into the hole. For example, a backhoe anchored at ground level may extend into the shaft, and may be manually operated to grip and push the pipe segments into the hole. However, because the backhoe is located remotely from the pipe and must be operated at awkward angles, its efficiency is limited. It is more desirable to utilize a pipe pusher that can be located within the shaft at the same elevation as the installed pipe. In one such embodiment, a reciprocating hydraulic or pneumatic piston/shaft combination is used to push the pipe into the tunnel. However, when the piston of such a pipe pusher is in its withdrawn (retracted) position, substantial clearance is required behind the pipe pusher to accommodate the withdrawn piston. This requires a shaft that is increased is size to accommodate the piston, which adds to the time and expense of the installation operation. In reduce the required space in the shaft, pipe pushers utilizing a variety of ropes, wires, belts, and/or chains and pulleys have been developed that push or pull the pipe into the tunnel. The wire and pulley arrangement eliminates the need for substantial clearance behind the pipe pusher frame. However, the various wires and pulleys are complex to set up and operate, and can bind or become untracked relatively easily.
Furthermore, it often desired change the direction in which the pipe is being pushed. For example, there may be a second hole or tunnel within the shaft that is about 180 degrees apart from the hole into which pipe is being pushed. In order to push pipe in this second hole, most existing pipe pushers must be lifted by a crane and rotated about 180 degrees in the shaft so that the pipe pusher is properly oriented to push pipe in the second hole. However, this process is difficult and time consuming.
Accordingly, there is a need for a pipe pusher which can fit into a shaft and is relatively compact, which is robust and reliable in operation, and which can push pipe in two, opposed directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a pipe pusher for pushing a pipe or other member into a tunnel. The pipe pusher of the present invention utilizes a rack and pinion mechanism for driving a pushing element that engages and pushes the pipe into the tunnel. The rack and pinion arrangement provides a relatively compact pipe pusher that reduces the space required in the shaft, and is reliable and robust. Furthermore, the rack and pinion mechanism can be mounted to either end of the pipe pusher frame, which allows the pipe pusher to install pipe in two opposed directions without having to adjust the location of the frame.
In particular, the present invention is an apparatus for pushing tubular members along a tunnel, the apparatus comprising a frame shaped to receive a tubular member therein and having an open end shaped to receive the tubular member therethrough, and a pushing element mounted on and displaceable along the frame for engaging a tubular member within the frame and pushing the tubular member along the frame and through the open end. The apparatus further includes a drive motor mounted on the pushing element and engaging the frame, the drive motor displacing the pushing element along the frame relative to the open end. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
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Fraley Bernam G.
Kaletta Mark R.
Koehmstedt, Jr. David E.
Lenahan Lawrence M.
McNally Tunneling Corporation
Thompson Hine & Flory LLP
Watson Robert C.
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