Patent ID: 6173483
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: E02B,F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for manufacturing a drainage line unit, the apparatus comprising:a) a mandrel having a wall defining an inner cavity, and including rear, upper and front openings communicating with said cavity;b) a pipe feeder positioned for feeding a predetermined length of perforated vent pipe through the inner cavity in a direction of manufacture from said rear opening to said front opening and therethrough, the pipe being positioned within the inner cavity so as to define a void space between the pipe and the wall;c) a hopper assembly connected to the mandrel, having an exit port positioned in communication with the inner cavity for therethrough feeding a plurality of plastic bodies into said cavity; andd) a blower positioned in communication with the inner cavity for producing a sufficient air flow therethrough for moving the plurality of plastic bodies to substantially fill said void space so that the pipe emerges from the front opening of the mandrel surrounded by the plurality of plastic bodies.