Abstract: The present invention relates to an earth working method for removing earth material by means of a tool (14) rotating around a working axis (R); the rotating tool (14) being carried by a machine frame (20) of an earth working machine (10); the machine frame (20) standing on a substrate (U) by way of a rollable propelling unit (13) and being driven by a propulsion drive apparatus (25, HM) to perform a propelled motion relative to the substrate (U) in a propulsion direction (VR); the propulsion direction (VR) enclosing with the working axis (R) an angle (?) different from 90°; and the present invention further relates to an earth working machine embodied to execute the earth working method.

Abstract: A ground drilling device with a wheel undercarriage, comprising wheels and wheel carriers for the wheels, wherein the wheel undercarriage makes possible a towing of the ground drilling device in highway traffic by a towing vehicle, and no tracked undercarriage is present.

Abstract: A drill device includes a base frame, a feed frame supported for movement relative to the base frame, and a feed device for inserting a drill element into a rock surface. The base frame includes a pair of fluid cylinders. The feed frame extends along a feed axis and includes a plurality of guide bars aligned parallel to the feed axis. The feed device is supported for movement relative to the feed frame in a direction parallel to the feed axis. The feed device includes a first guide member and a second guide member. The first guide member engages a surface of at least one of the guide bars, and the second guide member engages another surface of at least one of the guide bars.

Abstract: A boom for supporting a drilling and bolting tool includes a first portion including a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end; a second portion including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end supported for translational movement relative to the first portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, the distal end configured to support the drilling and bolting tool; an actuator for moving the second portion relative to the first portion parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a fluid passage for conveying pressurized fluid between the first end of the first portion and the drilling and bolting tool adjacent the distal end of the second portion, the fluid passage positioned within the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine may include a mast and a machine frame. The mast may include a mast frame, a movable drill head assembly, a first pivot aperture, and a plurality of first lock apertures each corresponding to a different drilling position of the mast. The machine frame may include an engine, a ground engaging assembly having an axle, and a mast coupling assembly having at least a pair of opposed legs, each leg including at least one plate. The at least one plate of each leg may include a second pivot aperture positioned to align with the first pivot aperture to pivotably couple the mast to each leg. The at least one plate may also include a second lock aperture positioned to align with each of the first lock apertures and receive a lock pin for locking the mast in a drilling position.

Abstract: A slow rate pumping system which includes a discharge line to receive a discharge flow of displacement fluid from a high rate pumper, a return line off of the discharge line to receive a return flow of displacement fluid, a slow rate diversion pumping line off of the discharge line for supplying a diversion flow of displacement fluid downhole, a return valve to control the return flow, and a diversion valve to control the downhole flow. A method of supplying a slow rate flow which includes receiving a main pumping flow through a return line at a pumping pressure, producing a differential pressure between the pumping pressure and a downhole pressure matching a differential setpoint, diverting a slow rate flow of fluid from the main flow using a diversion line off the return line prior to the return valve, and maintaining the differential pressure.

Abstract: A combination tubular handler and power swivel unit having an extendable trough to raise a tubular to a rig floor height without extensions. A raising leg is connected with the trough assembly through an easily installed height adjustment pin which requires no dangerous pinning. A following leg is pivotably coupled with an end of the trough assembly. This handler also moves the power swivel and other miscellaneous tools and equipment to the rig floor without winches or cables. A hydraulic swivel rack allows parking the swivel out of the way in a storage location when not in use.

Abstract: A bolting drill rig arranged to be mountable at a mobile mining machine. The drill rig includes a main frame mounting an axially movable drive unit and head to press against the roof or wall of the mine. A drill rod manipulator assembly is mounted at the main frame to one side of the drive unit and configured to transport a drill rod between a drilling position and a rod storage position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a wellhead or BOP stack with a mast assembly comprising a sensor which provides an initial alignment between a mast and a wellhead or BOP stack. A mast assembly is transported to a well site by a rig carrier and positions the mast assembly adjacent a wellhead, or BOP stack. The mast assembly is raised to an upright position whereby a rear portion of the mast extends over the wellhead. In one embodiment, at least one sensor is mounted to a top drive and/or crown located within the mast assembly. The top drive has a predetermined path of movement and the sensor aligns itself with the wellhead. In another embodiment, at least one sensor is mounted to the wellhead and aligns itself with a laser alignment target fastened to a crown and/or top drive of the mast. In yet another embodiment, at least one sensor is located on a lower portion of the mast assembly to align the mast with the wellhead.

Abstract: Apparatus for steering a boom support vehicle includes a boom support vehicle which has a front section which is rotatably connected at a pivot to a rear section. The one side of the rear end of the front section is connected to the same side of the front end of the rear section by a variable length mechanism. Steering is effected by changing the length of the variable length mechanism thereby causing the rear section to rotate about the pivot with respect to the front section.

Abstract: A rock drilling rig and to a method for transmission thereof is provided. The rock drilling rig includes a carriage that is movable by drive equipment in a mine. The rock drilling rig includes a hydraulic drilling system for which pressure energy is generated by a hydraulic pump. The rock drilling rig is electrically driven and includes an electric motor that is connected to drive both the drive equipment and the hydraulic drilling system. The mechanical drive transmission included in the drive equipment and the hydraulic pump of the hydraulic drilling system may be connected and disconnected independently of one another by means of clutches.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for employing a drill steel centralizer travelling on a feed beam of a rock drill machine. The drill steel centralizer has a pressure fluid-operated actuator for closing a transfer opening intended for a drill rod during drilling, whereby pressure fluid is fed into the actuator during drilling.

Abstract: A drilling unit, comprising a chassis (3, 4) and a drilling machine (1, 2) arranged in front of the same, the chassis encasing an engine-house (8), in which an engine (9) is arranged as well as at least one cooler (14) and at least one fan (15), the drilling unit comprising at least one partition wall (17) that divides the engine house (8) into a first part (18), which accommodates the engine (9), and a second part, which accommodates said cooler (14) and fan (15), and that the partition wall (17) extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis and divides the engine house (8) into a front part (18) and a rear part (19). The first part (18) of the engine house (8) forms the front part and the second part (19) of the engine house (8) forms the rear part.

Abstract: A self-propelled post driving apparatus includes a frame; a post driving mechanism including a post stabilizer and a post ram; a stabilizer and ram control assembly; a driving assembly including a first driving wheel; a second driving wheel; a first wheel driving assembly for driving the first driving wheel; a second wheel driving assembly for driving the second driving wheel; a power assembly including at least one machine for supplying power to at least one of the post driving mechanism, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel; and a driving control assembly for selectively applying power to at least one of the first driving assembly and the second driving assembly for at least one of individual and simultaneous operation of the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel for selective directional movement of the post driving apparatus for selectively positioning the apparatus at a post driving location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to move a modular drilling rig in formation wherein the drilling rig includes a plurality of self-propelled modules to facilitate the movement of the rig while all systems are intact and fully operational. The apparatus includes a plurality of wheel assemblies which are steerable to guide the modules during movement. The apparatus also includes a propulsion system for each of the modules to drive each of the modules during movement. A steering control and position feedback system is also provided for determining the relative position of each module with respect to the master module. This control and feedback system provides feedback to the steering control and feedback systems of other modules in order to move the modules in a formation.

Abstract: A drilling unit, comprising a chassis (3, 4) and a drilling machine (1, 2) arranged in front of the same, the chassis encasing an engine-house (8), in which an engine (9) is arranged as well as at least one cooler (14) and at least one fan (15), the drilling unit comprising at least one partition wall (17) that divides the engine house (8) into a first part (18), which accommodates the engine (9), and a second part, which accommodates said cooler (14) and fan (15), and that the partition wall (17) extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis and divides the engine house (8) into a front part (18) and a rear part (19). The first part (18) of the engine house (8) forms the front part and the second part (19) of the engine house (8) forms the rear part.

Abstract: An articulated, modular, track-mounted, self-propelled, remote-controlled drilling apparatus is demountable into several heli-transportable components, including a drilling module and a drill support module, plus separate hydraulically-driven track carriages on which they are removably mountable. The track carriages are demountably coupled in tandem by a tri-axially articulated hitch mechanism incorporating a track steering mechanism. The drilling module carries a rotary drill, a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the track drive mechanisms, and a primary motor, which selectively drives either the drill or the pump. The use of multiple demountable modules reduces the weight of the components to be heli-transported, thus allowing the use of smaller and more economical helicopters.

Abstract: An improved portable, ground stabilized, drop hammer assembly for impacting a ground surface and adapted to be removably coupled to a driven host transport apparatus is composed of a drop weight, a host transport apparatus engagement assembly, a support assembly supporting the drop weight, and a power assembly for vertically reciprocatingly moving the drop weight to impact the ground surface. A shock absorbing element is carried either the support assembly close to the ground surface or by the drop weight at its end close to the ground. Such shock absorbing material absorbs any movement by the drop weight into the support assembly close to the ground surface to prevent damage to the support assembly.

Abstract: A process to lower or raise a drilling rig for transportation wherein the drilling rig includes a mast and a top drive. The process to lower includes the steps of moving the top drive within the mast with a vertical guide and torque reaction mechanism to a locked position and locking the top drive to the mast with a locking mechanism. The mast and the top drive are lowered together from a vertical position to a horizontal position. The combined mast and top drive may then be transported in the horizontal position without disconnecting electrical, mud line or other services.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus especially useful when mounted on backhoes and other lighter vehicles used in the construction industry. The excavation apparatus does not require a winch for letting out and retracting its cable nor a reel for storing retracted cable which reduces the weight of the excavation apparatus, lowers its cost while facilitating both operation and servicing. The apparatus has a kelly assembly housing which houses an outer kelly section, and an extendable innermost kelly section adaptable for attachment of a tool. More than one extendable kelly section can be used. A rotary table rotates the kelly sections. A support structure supports the rotary table and the housing. A frame allows the housing to slide relative to the frame in a direction parallel to the axis of the assembly. A downcrowd mechanism, supported by the frame, downcrowds the support structure relative to the frame.

Abstract: A post driving apparatus includes a chassis having a longitudinal axis and a frame carried by the chassis. The frame includes an upper support member having an axis of elongation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. A post magazine is indexingly supported by the frame and, a post driving assembly is suspended from a portion of the upper support member for reversible travel therealong so as to laterally position the post driving assembly from the chassis. The post driving assembly includes a post driver adapted to retain a post supplied from the post magazine, the post driver adapted to continuously drive such post.

Abstract: A post driving apparatus includes a chassis having a longitudinal axis and a frame carried by the chassis. The frame includes an upper support member having an axis of elongation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. A post magazine is indexingly supported by the frame and, a post driving assembly is suspended from a portion of the upper support member for reversible travel therealong so as to laterally position the post driving assembly from the chassis. The post driving assembly includes a post driver adapted to retain a post supplied from the post magazine, the post driver adapted to continuously drive such post.

Abstract: The device embodying the invention applies to a variable-moment vibrator comprising at least two trains of eccentrics driven in rotation by a variable-speed motorization, the variation of the vibratory moment being obtained by a phase shifter which generates a phase shift between the rotary motion of the two trains of eccentrics. It comprises at least one accelerometric detector subjected to the vibrations generated by the vibrator, a means for deducing, from the accelerometric data detected, a value representative of the harmfulness of the vibrations, a means for entering a set value and a processor which acts on the phase-shift control of the phase shifter and/or on the component controlling the motorization speed variation in order to maintain the value representing the harmfulness of the vibrations at a level equal to or lower than the set value.

Abstract: A machine for driving posts, drills, large spikes, and the like work pieces into the ground, pavements, or wall structures. The machine comprises an elongated tower, a carriage, a hammer, a combination of an elongated two-way cylinder and a pulley system, at least one control valve box, a plurality of hydraulic pressurized lines, a plurality of hydraulic conduits, and a plurality of fasteners. The tower has two parallel rails for the hammer to slide upward, and then downward so as to exert a force upon the work piece toward a work surface. The machine may further include two two-way cylinders, a hammer guide, constraining springs and an interchangeable plate.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted post hole digger for digging post holes in the ground. The vehicle mounted post hole digger includes a spaced apart pair of adjustably extendible support braces with base pivotally coupled to forwards ends of the support braces. A first end of a telescopic boom arm is pivotally coupled to a first end of the base. A motor is pivotally coupled to a second end of the boom arm. The motor has a rotating shaft outwardly extending therefrom to which an elongate auger is attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the operation and construction of roof bolters or roof bolt installation apparatus. The improvements comprise a roof bolter constructed so that the critical moving parts of its timber jack, feed frame, feed carrier and rotational unit are comprised of a rod and sleeve construction. Such construction allowing the protection of surfaces. The construction also includes feature of a spaced apart rod and sleeve construction which allows motive power units to be housed within the confines of the timber jack and feed carrier. The spaced apart arrangement also provides stability to the roof bolter.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for maneuvering and drilling at least one hole at a site location is described as having an engine mounted in a supporting frame, at least part of the supporting frame including members that are adapted to contain a reservoir of fuel and a reservoir of hydraulic fluid, a hydraulic pump operatively attached to the engine, an electrical-hydraulic system operatively attached to the pump, and four extensible bi-directionally driven wheels along with a control panel that is adapted for remote use to control and to monitor the apparatus. A boom, capable of motion along a plurality of axes, is operatively attached and is adapted to receive a drill column or an accessory device, the accessory device being specifically designed to perform a special operation other than the direct drilling of a hole.

Abstract: A portable hydraulically driven posthole digger is provided. The present invention is mounted to an existing loader-type tractor or skid steer loader by the use of a ball and socket type attachment such as a trailer ball and trailer tongue apparatus. The tongue is mounted vertically above the post hole digger and the trailer ball is mounted on the loader such as the bucket on a front end loader. The posthole digger's hydraulic motor is powered off of the existing hydraulic system of the equipment being used. This configuration not only provides an inexpensive method of digging post holes, but further requires a minimal amount of mounting hardware and can be easily removed and stored when not in use.

Abstract: Augering device is disclosed which is useful for drilling holes in the ground at various angles under relatively low overhead or ceiling conditions. The device is suitable for mounting on a wide variety of vehicles ranging from the bed of small pickup trucks to very large track type caterpillars with booms. The device has an extendable mast powered by a downcrowding mechanism, a kelly assembly, and a kelly rotating mechanism. The extendable mast has a first mast member and a second mast member. A downcrowding hydraulic cylinder extends the second mast member away from the first mast member and pulls the second mast member towards the first mast member. The telescoping kelly sections include at least an outer kelly section and an inner kelly section. The outer kelly section has an axis parallel to but spaced apart from the axis of the first mast member. A bearing rotatable supports the outer kelly section and prevents axial displacement of the outer kelly section relative thereto.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a carrier such as a flatbed truck and a drilling unit carried by the carrier. The drilling unit includes a support frame, a mast and feed frame pivotally mounted on the support frame and movable between a lowered position for road travel and an operative position, and a safety interlock for disabling the engine of the carrier after the mast and/or feed frame have been moved to the operative position until the mast and/or feed frame returned to the fully lowered position.

Abstract: A downcrowdable telescopic augering apparatus including a vehicle having a boom which carries a cradle in which a kelly tube is slidably mounted and on which a kelly winch and a service winch are mounted. A winch management system oversees the operation of said winches to prevent the kelly cable and the service cable from being broken or becoming slack when the kelly tube moves with respect to the cradle. A bottomhole kelly cable arresting system arrests the rotation of the drum of the kelly winch when the kelly cable is slack.

Abstract: An apparatus for excavation of earth around a pole embedded in an earth surface comprises a hollow auger in the form of a cylindrical drum with a helical flight about the outer wall thereof. The hollow auger is constructed in two halves to enable movement between an open position and a closed position embracing the pole. The hollow auger is rotatably journalled in a support frame and is driven by a drive motor engaging a spur gear around the upper position of the auger. The support frame is slidably mounted on a frame to enable extension and retraction of the auger.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a boom assembly which has two straight parallel longitudinal beams of extruded steel, each of a section defining straight parallel inwardly and outwardly facing ways, a drilling head in a carriage and rollers guiding said carriage for linear movement of said drilling head parallel to said inwardly facing ways, two straight parallel longitudinal boom extension members and rollers guiding said boom extension members in said outwardly facing ways, and cross members linking said boom extension members to form a frame, plate braces linking said beams in longitudinally spaced planes perpendicular to the axes of the beams, said plate braces being apertured to provide clearance for assembly and normal movement of said carriage, said drilling head, and drill tubes passing through said drilling head, and further longitudinal members linking said plate braces to form a cradle of the boom assembly, said cradle having brackets for pivotally supporting the boom assembly on a base.

Abstract: Ground piercing attachment for a tractor comprising a bracket which is adapted to be mounted to the lower end of the bucket of a tractor, an elongated bar and connector means for mounting the bar on the bracket so that the longitudinal axis of the bar assumes a vertical position irrespective of the orientation of the tractor so that raising of the bucket enables the bottom end of the bar to be positioned above the ground and subsequent lowering of the bucket causes the bar to be driven into the ground.

Abstract: A heavy duty, mobile drilling machine is disclosed based on a track type vehicle having a rotatable turntable, an operator station and other vehicle machinery being arranged along opposite sides of the turntable to form a central open channel, a boom being pivotably connected to the turntable and arranged in the channel, the boom being of a telescoping type having an extendable and retractable portion forming a chamber for receiving water or other ballast, a drill implement being mounted on a forward end of the extendable boom portion by relative transverse pivots with respective motors or jacks providing for 360.degree. adjustment of the drill implement, the telescoping nature of the boom and the other controls for the drilling implement, boom and turntable permitting use of the drilling implement in a wide variety of operating positions.

Abstract: A vehicular mounted pipe presser includes a pipe-pressing assembly for pressing pipe through a medium wherein the assembly is movably supported by a vehicle and positionable between surfaces which are transverse to the direction of forces employed to press the pipe. The assembly includes a frame having projectable and retractable feet for engaging the transverse surfaces to stabilize the assembly. Movably carried by the frame is a housing for receiving the pipe and a clamping mechanism which floats with the housing for clamping a portion of the pipe. Two clamp jaws of the clamping mechanism are captured within the housing and pressing forces are limited to the housing and the clamp jaws. The projection and retraction of the feet, reciprocable movement of the housing, and clamping of the pipe within the housing are each separately controllable from a stage carried on the housing by hydraulic systems.

Abstract: A mining machine for performing a continuous mining operation in hard rock. The operating portions of the machine are mounted on substantial deck sections hingedly connected to each other to promote maneuverability of the machine in confined spaces. A mining implement capable of breaking ore from the solid is mounted on a rotatable, extensible boom and broken ore is collected by power operated means also provided on the machine. The machine may be adapted for remote operation through a remote hydraulic and/or electric control and may be provided with optional wheels or alternatively may be self propelled.

Abstract: A self-propelled all terrain drill unit having propulsion means for the chassis, a drilling mast mounted on the latter for movement between horizontal and vertical positions and a drilling head carried by the mast wherein all major functions are performed hydraulically, the hydraulic functions being divided into two groups; those of propelling the vehicle to a drilling site and operating the drill at the site provided by a variable displacement pump and those of adjusting the position of the machine at the site and aligning and positioning the drilling head provided by an independent pump.

Abstract: A self-propelled posthole digging machine having a vertical drilling assembly mounted on one side thereof by means of an undercarriage frame attachment. This assembly comprises a vertical guide assembly which is movable laterally from the undercarriage and carries an axially movable and rotating auger unit, the vertical guide assembly being pivotally movable relative to a vertical reference to align the auger axis according to the slant of the hole to be drilled.

Abstract: Augering apparatus is intended for attachment as an accessory to a hydraulically operated boom of a backhoe or the like, the boom having articulated first and second members, the first member being pivotally attached to a tractor and the second member of the boom having a distal end hydraulically positionable in azimuth, elevation and reach from the tractor, and points of attachment for a scoop or the like. Such scoop is replaced by the accessory which includes a mounting bracket for being carried by transverse pins normally present at the end of the boom for mounting the scoop. The bracket carries a yoke in swiveling relationship for movement about a swivel axis lying in the plane of articulation of the boom members, the yoke having first and second oppositely disposed pivot members. A motor enclosure has pivot cooperative members, preferably trunions extending from opposite sides thereof, for pivotally cooperating with the yoke. The enclosure contains a selectively reversible hydraulic motor.

Abstract: The novel apparatus comprises a first, power unit module of limited mobility and a second, bolter unit which is flexibly and disengageably coupled to the first unit by means of an umbilical line. In one embodiment of the invention, the power module comprises the controls whereat and from when the satellite bolter is (remotely) operated, and in an alternate embodiment, the satellite bolter itself includes controls and a control station for an operator to be accommodated thereat, to control the bolter directly.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving posts into the ground, comprises a hammer for striking the top of the post to be driven, an articulated arm for connecting the hammer to a mobile power unit; and means for raising the articulated arm so that the hammer is above the post. The hammer is pivotally connected to the arm so that the hammer will strike the top of the post generally squarely when the power unit is level and when the power unit is not level.

Abstract: A roof drilling apparatus is provided for drilling a plurality of equally spaced holes in a mine roof. The apparatus includes a rotatable base upon which is mounted a drilling mechanism, thereby effecting a circular locus of travel to the drilling mechanism. Assuming equal angular separation between successive positions, the drilling mechanism may conveniently bore a multitude of equally distanced mine roof holes for accepting conventional roof bolts and supporting the roof without dislocative movement of the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a single or double unit or may be formed as an attachment to almost any conventional mining vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic flow dividing and proportioning system is provided for use in conjunction with a multi-function mining vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic system is employed for powering a roof bolting vehicle having the power requiring functions of drill rotation, drill thrusting and vehicle tramming. The system, utilizing a single hydraulic pump, provides for the efficient and selective pumping of hydraulic fluid to those power requiring elements when necessary. The system additionally includes a hydraulic flow proportioner which provides for a smooth and even tramming transition from a stop condition to full drive condition.

Abstract: A hydraulically driven post hole auger apparatus for attachment to implement lifting mechanism of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing having a speed-reducing gear box therein. The gear box has an output shaft extending through an opening in an end wall of the housing and adapted to have the auger attached thereto. A hydraulic motor in the housing is operatively coupled to the gear box. A universal joint mechanism couples the housing to a support member. The support member may be one end of a boom having its other end pivotally connected to the rear end of a tractor. Linkage connects the boom to the power-actuated lifting levers at the rear of the tractor for selectively raising and lowering the boom and the auger apparatus. The support member alternatively may be a bracket assembly adapted to be removably clamped to an arm of front end loader apparatus, the arm being pivotally connected to a tractor.

Abstract: A portable hydraulic actuated machine for driving posts, ground anchors, concrete breakers, core drills and the like work pieces into the ground, pavements, or wall structures, maintains a continuing thrust on the work piece amplified by sequential hammer blows of controlled magnitude to advance the work piece at a rapid rate without damage to the impact receiving end of the work piece. The machine includes an automotive vehicle which is easily transported to the work site and which carries a turntable supporting an upstanding tower on which rides a carriage slidably mounting a spring loaded heavy hammer, a work piece engaging spring loaded anvil struck by the hammer and hydraulical hammer lifting mechanism. The tower is easily raised and lowered, adjusted toward and away from the vehicle and tiltable laterally to present the hammer and anvil to the work piece at the exact desired location in the plane of the work piece.

Abstract: The ditcher is provided with two engines. The first engine powers the hydraulic system which rotates the digging wheel. The second engine powers the hydraulic system which actuates the wheel lifting cylinders, the conveyor system and the track driving means. The two hydraulic systems are selectively interconnected so that, in the event that the second engine fails, the first engine can be used to actuate the wheel lifting cylinders and track driving means. As a result, the ditcher's wheel can be lifted to the travelling position and the tracks driven to move the ditcher off the pipe line right-of-way and enable it to return to a base camp for repairs.