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 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: The present invention is directed to 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: An angular offset tool for directionally drilling an underground borehole is formed from a collar, a housing, and a wedge. The collar and the housing are joined by a ball-and-socket connection. An internal wedge is situated between the collar and the housing within the ball-and-socket connection such that the collar and housing are joined at a non-straight angle. At least one of the collar and the housing has a recess formed in an element of the ball-and-socket connection. The wedge is situated in the recess in contacting relationship with the collar and the housing. The wedge and the housing have interlocking features that prevent rotation of the wedge within the recess.

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: An assembly for a torque-transmitting connection in an inner pipe string of a dual-member drill string is formed from a collar, a retaining ring, and an inner pipe member. An endless internal groove having adjacent shallow and deep sections is formed in the collar. Formed in the inner pipe member, an endless external groove is situated in concentric relationship with the internal groove. The retaining ring, situated within the grooves, resists disconnection of the collar from the inner pipe member. When the assembly is subjected to an axial force that might otherwise tend to pull it apart, the retaining ring resists the tendency by wedging between the bottom of the shallow section of the internal groove and the crest of the external groove.

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 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 downhole tool assembly for use in directional drilling operations. The assembly has a housing, a chuck, a cutting tool, a hub, and an elongate drive member. The housing has a spindle for supporting the hub and chuck for rotation thereon. The chuck is connected to the hub and has a non-circular interior surface and a box for supporting a cutting tool for rotation with the chuck. The elongate drive member is disposed within the housing, the hub, and the chuck. The drive member is operatively connected to the inner member of a dual-member drill string for rotation independently of the housing. The drive member has a non-circular external surface corresponding to the non-circular interior surface of the chuck. The pin end of the drive is slidably receivable in connector free torque-transmitting engagement with the interior surface of the chuck to drive rotation of the cutting tool, chuck, and hub independently of the housing.

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 pipe assembly used in horizontal directional drilling operations. The pipe assembly has an outer member, an inner member, and first removable collar. The inner member has a polygonal outer profile of uniform shape along its length and is partially contained within the outer member. The first removable collar is supported on the inner member within the outer member and limits relative axial movement of the inner member and the outer member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to 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 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 downhole tool assembly for use in directional drilling operations. The assembly has a housing, a chuck, a cutting tool, a hub, and an elongate drive member. The housing has a spindle for supporting the hub and chuck for rotation thereon. The chuck is connected to the hub and has a non-circular interior surface and a box for supporting a cutting tool for rotation with the chuck. The elongate drive member is disposed within the housing, the hub, and the chuck. The drive member is operatively connected to the inner member of a dual-member drill string for rotation independently of the housing. The drive member has a non-circular external surface corresponding to the non-circular interior surface of the chuck. The pin end of the drive is slidably receivable in connector free torque-transmitting engagement with the interior surface of the chuck to drive rotation of the cutting tool, chuck, and hub independently of the housing.