Abstract: A stacked-plate system for a backreamer. The backreamer has a set of plates disposed about a central shaft for providing fluid for use in reaming operations. A distributor plate forms a cavity within a plate assembly for receiving fluid from the central shaft through radial fluid ports. Fluid from the cavity is then expelled through nozzles that overlay the cavity in a separate plate. The direction of fluid flow at the nozzles is axial, rather than toward the sidewall of the enlarged bore.

Abstract: A sprocket having one or more mud relief portions offset from the midpoint between adjacent teeth. The sprocket has a plurality of teeth, and saddle sections disposed on the periphery of the sprocket between each of the plurality of teeth. The saddle has a seat disposed at a midpoint between the adjacent teeth, and one or more mud relief portions disposed on each side of the seat. The mud relief portions are recessed within the sprocket. The mud relief portions may be mirror images of one another, or the saddle may alternatively be asymmetrically formed.

Abstract: A beacon assembly located at a downhole end of a drill string proximate a boring tool. The beacon assembly transmits data to an above-ground receiver. The beacon has a housing with a housing wall located between its sensors, such as gradiometers, accelerometers, and other orientation sensors, and an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly has a protective covering made of electromagnetically transparent material.

Abstract: A tracker used to analyze a desired borepath prior to horizontal directional drilling operations. The tracker analyzes an amount of interference present at a plurality of different frequencies at multiple locations along the borepath and maps a plot of the interference at the different frequencies. The lower the point on the plot, the less interference present at that frequency at the location analyzed. The tracker summarizes the overall interference along the desired borepath for the different frequencies analyzed and will recommend a preferred frequency. An operator may program the beacon prior to boring operations to emit a beacon signal at the preferred frequency. The operator may also tune the tracker to receive the preferred frequency. The tracker and beacon may then communicate during boring operations at the preferred frequency in order to detect the position of the beacon underground relative to the tracker.

Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.

Abstract: A reamer for use in horizontal directional drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises an elongate body having an intermediate section, a first end, and a second end. The circumference of the intermediate section is larger than the circumference of the first end and the second end. A pocket or a plurality of pockets are formed on the intermediate section. The pockets are configured such that a cutter or a plurality of cutters may be secured within the pockets via the use of fasteners. The cutters are replaceable with cutters of like size or cutters of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a vacuum tank door. The apparatus comprises a circular flange attached to a door panel of a vacuum tank, a horizontal crossbar connected to the center of the door panel and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly comprises an upper linkage arm, a lower linkage arm, and a hydraulic cylinder. Activation of the hydraulic cylinder causes the linkage assembly to move downwards pulling on the horizontal crossbar and pulling the vacuum tank door towards the tank. Activation of the hydraulic cylinder also causes a connection point of the lower linkage arm and the upper linkage arm to move over-center of the connection between the lower linkage arm to the to the tank creating a tight seal between the vacuum tank door and the tank.

Abstract: A dual member drill string having a plurality of dual member drill string sections for use in horizontal directional drilling operations. Each drill string section having an outer member and an inner member that is rotatable independently of the outer member. The outer member has a pin end and a box end. The inner member has a pin end disposed within the pin end of the outer member and a box end disposed within the box end of the outer member.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting connection for a dual-member drill string. An elongate inner ember of a dual-member pipe is disposed within an outer member and rotatable independent of the outer member. The inner member comprises a geometrically-shaped pin end and a box end having a geometrically-shaped opening. The geometrically-shaped opening of the box end has at least one internal angle greater than 180 degrees. The pin end of the inner member may be inserted into the box end of an adjacent similarly formed inner member to form an inner member pipe joint. The configuration of the pin end and the box end allows the pin end and the box end to be in connector free torque-transmitting engagement but also provides clearance for potential misalignment of the pin end and the box during make-up of an inner member drill string.

Abstract: A system for uncovering and sealing a narrow trench. The system comprises several subsystems, including a work machine, a frame for providing a seal with the surface to be trenched, a saw blade, a vacuum system, a system for placing product, and a resealer. The blade includes rotatable tooth bits, which may be rotated and secured to create a blade for narrower or a wider trench. A removable cover and the blade are easily changeable. A surface engaging member on the frame is manipulated to maintain a seal with changing ground surfaces. Additionally, the vertical location of the blade within the frame is adjustable to create a deeper or shallower trench.

Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

Abstract: A vehicle having a long track or wheel-trail wheel combination on one side and a smaller ground engaging member, such as a short track or wheel on the other. The vehicle has a work attachment on one end of its frame, which is provided clearance on the side of the vehicle with the short track or wheel. A control system is provided to allow an operator to properly control a direction of the vehicle despite the fact that different forces may be required to operate the long track and the short track or wheel.

Abstract: A reamer for use in underground drilling back-reaming operations. The reamer comprises a body comprising a plurality of pockets. The pockets are configured such that an arm, a rolling cutter, and a retainer may fit within each of the pockets. Each of the rolling cutters is connected to each of the arms via a spindle. The rolling cutters are held on the spindle and connected to each of the pockets via a retainer. Each of the arms are secured to each of the pockets via a plurality of fasteners. A mechanical lock is used to secure at least one of the fasteners in place. Each of the arms comprise a grease passage and a pressure compensation system. The rolling cutters are replaceable with rolling cutters of like size or rolling cutters of different sizes and shapes.