Patent ID: 8967911
Filing Date: 2015-03-03
Classification: E21B,F16L

Abstract:
1. A method for operating a pipeline tool in an underground pipeline, comprising: connecting the pipeline tool to a rod assembly, which is able to negotiate curves, the rod assembly having a concave circular arc section; inserting push and pull forces into a pit via the rod assembly, from above ground; and redirecting the push and pull forces into a pipeline axis by absorbing the push and pull forces with a curved guide positioned in the pit and having inner and outer roller tracks respectively provided along an inner radius and an outer radius of the curved guide, wherein the push forces are redirected by guiding the rod assembly along the outer roller track, and wherein the pull forces are redirected by guiding the concave circular arc section of the rod assembly along the inner roller track, wherein the concave circular arc section comprises a track having a curved profile defined about an axis oriented generally transverse to a direction of motion of the rod assembly imparted by the push and pull forces so as to engage at least one of the inner and outer roller tracks.