Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a ground engaging base, a torque transmitting apparatus for engaging and transmitting torque to drill pipe, and hydraulic cylinders connected to the base for moving the torque transmitting apparatus back and forth along the drill pipe axis. The hydraulic cylinders are connected to the base and include open ends facing away from the base. A piston rod is movable in and projects outwardly from the open end of each cylinder. A guide tube surrounds and is connected to the outer end of each piston rod. The guide tubes include inner surface portions which overlap and slidingly engage outer surface portions of the cylinders and the torque transmitting apparatus is connected between the guide tubes.

Abstract: A chuck mechanism for a raise drill includes a rotatable drive shaft, drill pipe and a chuck for engaging the drill pipe co-axial with the drive shaft and transmitting torque from the drive shaft to the drill pipe. The drive shaft is rotatably coupled to the chuck with relative axial movement allowed. First spaced apart cooperating contact surfaces between the drive shaft and the chuck can be brought together for transmitting axial force from the drive shaft to the chuck in the downward drilling direction. Second spaced apart cooperating contact surfaces between the drive shaft and chuck can be brought together for transmitting axial force from the drive shaft to the chuck in the upward raise drilling direction. The drive shaft and chuck move axially relative to each other when contact is switched from the first to second contact surfaces or vice-versa. The second pair of contact surfaces are shaped and dimensioned for allowing relative angular movement therebetween when the drill pipe is deflected laterally.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a drilling apparatus where torque is transmitted to drill pipe, a plurality of thrust cylinders move the torque transmitter back and forth along the drill pipe axis, and a hydraulic motor supplies torque to the torque transmitter, includes: a first drive pump for supplying hydraulic fluid to the motor; a first valve between the first drive pump and motor for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the motor; a second drive pump for selectively supplying fluid either to the thrust cylinders or motor; a second valve between the second drive pump, on one side, and the thrust cylinders and motor, on the other side, for selectively diverting fluid flow from the second pump either to the thrust cylinders or the motor; a third pump for supplying fluid to the thrust cylinders; a third valve connected between the second and third pumps, on one side, and the thrust cylinders, on the other side, for selectively controlling the direction of fluid flowing to the thrust cylinders; a