Montana Patent of the Month – August 2022

Roddie, Inc. started out as an underground contractor in California where they developed the first static pipe bursting machine in the early 1990s. Over the years, the company has continued development of their technology, innovating and expanding their offerings as they grew into the original equipment manufacturer they are today. Now based in Northwest Montana, the company is the go-to expert for the design of industry leading trenchless pipe bursting equipment and pit launch directional drills. With a story like this, it’s no surprise that the company was recently awarded a patent for their bursting head device.

A bursting head device is a component in a pipe bursting process which uses hydraulic or pneumatic expansion to force a pipe out of a bursting tool. Pipe bursting was first developed in the 1970s as a means to replace gas mains without needing to dig them up. The existing pipe is simply opened and forced outward by the bursting tool. The traditional tools are often static, lacking flexibility and rotational movement. 

Roddie’s newly patented bursting head device is designed to improve flexibility and increase its applicability. The reduced size and weight ensure it can be set up even in confined spaces. Their design allows both articulation and rotation by coupling a universal duct puller to the front end of the product pipe. This means the replacement pipe can rotate relative to the bursting pipe head device. The reduced size ensures there is no wrestling match with the pipe and no distortion to the entry hole. Between rotation and a smaller size, the bursting head can really simplify the bursting process. 

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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