Patent ID: 6299382
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B25B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for installing an underground pipe using a ground piercing tool having an elongated tubular tool body with a front nose and a striker disposed for reciprocation within an internal chamber of the body to impart impacts to an impact surface for driving the tool forwardly through the ground, comprising the steps of:fitting an expander onto the nose of the tool body;securing the pipe to the expander so that the ground piercing tool is disposed inside of the pipe;operating the tool in forward mode over a run to pull the pipe into the ground;when the tool has reached a manhole at the end of the run, removing the nose of the tool from the expander and disconnecting the expander from the pipe;removing the ground piercing tool from the pipe by moving it in a rearward direction through the newly installed pipe.