Pipe retrieval system

Abstract

A pipe retrieval system winds a pipe onto a spool. During winding, the pipe is pressed between two sectors of a tensioning device wherein at least one of the sectors is resiliently flexible.

1 . A pipe retrieval system comprising a tensioning device and a spool,
 an irrigation pipe being retrieved from a field passing through the tensioning device to wind on the spool, wherein   during winding the pipe is pressed between at least two sectors of the tensioning device.   
   
   
       2 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 1 , wherein a section of the pipe between the tensioning device and spool is under tension during winding. 
   
   
       3 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 2 , wherein during winding the section urges the sectors to bear against each other. 
   
   
       4 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 3 , wherein the sectors bear against each other at a location in which the pipe passes. 
   
   
       5 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the tensioning device is flexible and at least one of the sectors constitutes a part of that portion. 
   
   
       6 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning device comprises two wheels and each sector is located on a respective wheel. 
   
   
       7 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 6 , wherein the tensioning device comprises a handle, each wheel having an axis of rotation and an imaginary plane includes the axes, wherein at least one wheel is attached to the handle at a point along its axis and the handle is attached to the tensioning device at a point aside of the plane and distal of the spool. 
   
   
       8 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 6 , wherein the wheels are filled with fluid. 
   
   
       9 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 8 , wherein the fluid is compressed air or gas. 
   
   
       10 . A pipe retrieval system comprising a tensioning device and a spool,
 an irrigation pipe being retrieved from a field passing through the tensioning device to wind on the spool, wherein during winding the pipe is pressed between at least two sectors of the tensioning device and at least one of the sectors is a flexible wheel.   
   
   
       11 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 10 , wherein the wheel is filled with fluid. 
   
   
       12 . A pipe retrieval system according to  claim 11 , wherein the fluid is compressed air or gas. 
   
   
       13 . An irrigation pipe retrieval system comprising:
 a spool configured to receive and wind an irrigation pipe;   a tensioning device spaced apart from the spool and configured to apply tension to an irrigation pipe that is being wound on the spool;   an arranger positioned between the tensioning device and the spool; and   an arm connecting the tensioning device to the arranger; wherein:   an irrigation pipe being retrieved passes through the tensioning device to wind on the spool; and   during winding, the irrigation pipe is pressed between at least two sectors of the tensioning device.   
   
   
       14 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 13 , wherein the tensioning device comprises:
 first and second tensioning wheels in abutment with each other, the first sector belonging to the first tensioning wheel and the second sector belonging to the second tensioning wheel.   
   
   
       15 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least two sectors bear against each other at a location between the wheels through which the pipe passes. 
   
   
       16 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 14 , wherein:
 the tensioning device comprises a handle;   each wheel has an axis of rotation and an imaginary plane includes the axes;   at least one wheel is attached to the handle at a point along its axis of rotation; and   the handle is attached to the tensioning device at a point aside of the plane and distal of the spool.   
   
   
       17 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 14 , wherein the wheels are filled with a fluid. 
   
   
       18 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 17 , wherein the fluid is compressed air or gas. 
   
   
       19 . The irrigation pipe retrieval system according to  claim 13 , wherein at least a portion of the tensioning device is flexible and at least one of the sectors constitutes a part of that portion.