Abstract: A directional drill securing device and associated methods are shown. Securing devices and methods shown include a plurality of staking devices on a single lateral side of a directional drill. Using examples shown, a lower force is required to drive multiple staking devices than would be needed for a larger staking device of equivalent area.

Abstract: To provide a screw fastening device that, when performing a screw tightening operation, can substantially reduce the running torque directly applied by external force to a screw driving device.

Abstract: In response to a learning control start command from an external apparatus, an input switch for inputting a position deviation to learning control means and an output switch for outputting correction data from the learning control means are turned on, respectively, so that a position deviation is captured for each period. The position deviation is added to correction data fetched from a learning memory, and the result is stored as correction data in the learning memory. On the other hand, a value obtained by compensating the correction data fetched from the learning memory with a dynamic characteristic compensation element is added to the position deviation, and the result is inputted to a position control section. When a learning control end command is issued after the termination of a command pattern for an identical shape, the input switch and output switch are turned off, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a horizontal underground bore is adapted for attachment to an articulated arm, or boom, attached to conventional construction equipment such as a crawler excavator. The apparatus includes a hydraulic motor attached to an end of the articulated arm by a support frame which allows for vertical pivoting displacement of the hydraulic motor. A keyed shaft of the hydraulic motor is adapted for secure, fixed attachment to the shaft of an auger. The apparatus further includes a support/guide assembly having a generally flat, plate-like base member and an elongated, linear alignment trough attached to the upper surface of the base member. The base member is positioned on the ground adjacent to where the horizontal bore is to be formed. The trough is aligned along the intended direction of the bore and includes a casing end portion which is inserted into the soil where the bore is to begin and is aligned with the intended direction of the bore.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for securing a boring machine to the earth is provided. The anchor assembly includes a shaft equipped with a helical assembly by which the shaft can be driven into and removed from the earth like a screw. The helical assembly preferably includes a plurality of flights and a plurality of wings pivotally attached to the flights and helically aligned therewith. The wings and flights are configured so that rotation in one direction urges the wings into the retracted position. However, counter-rotation for only part of a turn forces the wings into the extended position, which expands the diameter of the helical assembly. Thus, the extended wings bite into soil that was undisturbed during the initial insertion, providing increased frictional engagement between the anchor and the soil. Yet, because the wings are helically aligned with the flights, the extended wings do not substantially resist withdrawal of the anchor assembly from soil by reverse rotation.

Abstract: Heavy duty mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a heavy duty mobile push-it tower. The heavy duty mobile push-it tower and metal foundation holder and push-it carriage mounted on the heavy duty tower are attached to a track roller frame tractor structure. The push-it tower is attached to the track roller frame tractor structure by a hydraulically activated tractor boom arm, a pivot point on the tower, and a hydraulic cylinder for rotating and positioning the tower about the pivot attachment point.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a mobile tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. As the foundation is pushed into the ground, at least one vibrator on said push-it carriage is actuated for vibrating the cylindrical foundation body and longitudinal fins. An auger is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage (2) movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable position on a mobile tower (15). After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger (4) is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors (57) hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger (80) mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole.

Abstract: Mobile metal foundation installation apparatus and method are disclosed including a push-it carriage movably supported through controllable positioning to push a metal foundation into the ground by hydraulic cylinders pushing against a header frame held and secured in adjustable positions on a mobile tower. After the hydraulic cylinders extend to a maximum extension, the pushing reaction bar can be advanced to a lower position in the side frame of the tower. An auger is aligned below the push-it carriage to drill in advance of pushing the metal foundation into the ground in one step. Outboard satellite anchors hold down the mobile tower when the foundation is pushed into the ground. A second auger mounted and detachable on a crane drills holes for the outboard satellite anchors. The second auger can swing laterally to dig a left or right side outboard or satellite anchor hole. An extensible satellite anchor augering guide and anchor structural support extends and retracts on both sides of the mobile tower.

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously augering and thrusting an anchor into the ground for later attachment of a utility pole or road sign. A vehicle is used to transport the thruster machine with a hydraulic control system such that a rail track is moved into thrusting position and locked in place. A winch, plus a system of hydraulic pistons will raise and lower an auger and thrusting device into the position desired. With an anchor affixed to the bottom of a platform, the auger is then used to drill out the dirt and other material so that the anchor may be more easily inserted into the ground. The thrusting process is facilitated by an indexing feature contained within the platform. A series of hydraulic pistons drive the anchor into the ground until fully stroked, whereupon the platform is re-indexed as needed to completely sink the anchor. Furthermore, a counter-thrust device may also be employed to stabilize the vehicle during the thrusting operation.