A device and method for the creation of a water proof component void form unit to create space between concrete structures and expansive soil for the passage of plumbing lines, electrical lines and other utility conduit lines is described. The unit includes a plurality of panels interlocked with one or more connectors. The panels are aligned opposite one another and are configured to abut one another to create a route. The panels are located in a trench and configured to define a void space underground for the passage of the utility conduit lines. A top cap overlays across the panels. Utility conduit lines are routed within the void space and adjusted according to needs. The unit is configured to resist soil expansive forces so as to protect the placement and integrity of the utility conduit lines.

A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.

A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.

A pipe puller removably couples to a pipe handler skate using two manually removable pins. The pipe puller includes at least one slide and linear bearing combination, a skate plate affixed adjacent a first end of the slide and interposed between a front skate face and a pipe in the skidway, a pipe grasp pivotal between a first position disengaged from the pipe and a second position engaged with the pipe, linkage coupling the skate plate to pipe grasp and converting reciprocal movement of the skate plate into rotary movement of the pipe grasp, and a puller stop bracket secured to the pipe handler. A pair of force threshold activated pipe grasp assists retain the pipe grasp in either pipe-engaged or pipe-disengaged position until a force threshold is reached greater than and separate from the static and dynamic coefficients of friction of the various pintles and linear bearings.

A pipe puller removably couples to a pipe handler skate using two manually removable pins. The pipe puller includes at least one slide and linear bearing combination, a skate plate affixed adjacent a first end of the slide and interposed between a front skate face and a pipe in the skidway, a pipe grasp pivotal between a first position disengaged from the pipe and a second position engaged with the pipe, linkage coupling the skate plate to pipe grasp and converting reciprocal movement of the skate plate into rotary movement of the pipe grasp, and a puller stop bracket secured to the pipe handler. A pair of force threshold activated pipe grasp assists retain the pipe grasp in either pipe-engaged or pipe-disengaged position until a force threshold is reached greater than and separate from the static and dynamic coefficients of friction of the various pintles and linear bearings.

A pipe loosening device and methods are shown. In one example, the pipe loosening device enables a method wherein a pipe to be replaced is deformed but not burst, and a portion of a sidewall of the pipe is forced outward into the surrounding soil to compact a local region of the surrounding soil and loosen the existing pipe. The pipe may then pulled from the ground along an axis of the pipe.

A pipe loosening device and methods are shown. In one example, the pipe loosening device enables a method wherein a pipe to be replaced is deformed but not burst, and a portion of a sidewall of the pipe is forced outward into the surrounding soil to compact a local region of the surrounding soil and loosen the existing pipe. The pipe may then pulled from the ground along an axis of the pipe.

A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.

A pipe replacement system and method are shown. Configurations are shown that include a pulley that does not damage a bursting tool, as the bursting tool is pulled into a pit. Configurations are also shown that include a boom that does not need an extraction cage for the bursting tool.

A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.