Patent ID: 7025536
Filing Date: 2006-04-11
Classification: F16L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for pulling an elongated operating member attached to a bursting and stored energy head through a pipe, said apparatus comprising oppositely-disposed sets of fluid cylinders and a spring-operated, linearly-aligned gripping element connected to each of said sets of fluid cylinders, said gripping element comprising a housing having a tapered bore; an articulating wedge slidably disposed in said tapered bore of said housing for engaging the operating member, said articulating wedge operable for positioning in a first position in said tapered bore wherein said articulating wedge grips the operating member and a second position in said tapered bore wherein said articulating wedge releases the operating member; a first compression plate carried by said articulating wedge, bias means disposed against said first compression plate for biasing said articulating wedge in said first position, and a second compression plate engaging said bias means for selectively adjusting pressure against said bias means.