With Means To Feed Drive Patents (Class 175/122)
  • Patent number: 6047782
    Abstract: An assembly for extracting discrete soil samples from subsurface soil at a lurality of selected depths includes an elongated outer tubular housing, and a soil sample tube for disposal in the outer tubular housing. The soil sample tube is movable axially in the outer tubular housing and provided with a feature thereon for locking the soil sample tube in the outer tubular housing in a fully inserted position in the outer tubular housing. The replaceable soil sample tube defines a sample chamber proximate a distal end thereof. The assembly further includes a cone tip assembly including a cone tip member and a cone tip rod, the cone tip member being fixed to a distal end of the cone tip rod. The cone tip rod is movable axially in the soil sample tube, the cone tip member having a locking feature thereon for locking the cone tip member at the distal end of the soil sample tube with a cone portion of the cone tip member extending distally beyond a distal end of the outer tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John H. Ballard, Bobby E. Reed
  • Patent number: 5964306
    Abstract: The boring machine is disclosed which includes a power and control unit having a power source which uses a large electrical motor, a large hydraulic pump and a torque convertor connected to a speed reducer which controls the speed and torque provided to the auger and cutting head. A second small electrical motor and small hydraulic pump are used to power two hydraulic cylinders for pushing the string of pipe casings into the bored hole using a master pusher. A structural protector frame provides safety protection for an operator seated within the power and control unit. A control console is used by the operator for operating and controlling the boring machine and the direction of the string of pipe casings in the bored hole. Steering and pipe control cables extend into the bored hole from a wire spool mounted on the front of the power and control unit. A generator power by a diesel engine located outside the pit area provides electrical power for the electrical motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Leo J. Barbera
  • Patent number: 5941320
    Abstract: An underground directional boring machine includes a frame and a drive mechanism slidably mounted on the frame. A drill string is coupled to the drive mechanism for rotation and longitudinal advancement and retraction. A drive assembly moves the drive mechanism along the frame. The drive assembly includes two hydraulic cylinders coupled to the drive mechanism and extending in opposite directions. Free ends of the hydraulic cylinders are releasably secured to the frame at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the frame. Selective pressurization of the cylinders results in sequential movement of the drive mechanism along the frame by alternative extension and retraction of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg A. Austin, David P. Langenfeld, Peter C. Rozendaal
  • Patent number: 5873421
    Abstract: A tool for installing an underground pipeline below an existing structure such as a sidewalk or driveway. The tool consists of a steel casing, an auger within the casing, a soil drilling bit at the end of the auger, and an hydraulic motor for driving the auger. A selected length of plastic or steel pipe is slid onto the casing before drilling. After the drilling is completed, the casing, auger, and auger bit are withdrawn from the soil, leaving the pipe length embedded in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Antonio Assenza
  • Patent number: 5868211
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy James Bohn
  • Patent number: 5803189
    Abstract: A directional boring machine is disclosed which is capable of drilling substantially horizontal underground bores of significant length. The boring machine includes a movable carriage, a longitudinal boom mounted on the carriage and a drill head that is mounted on the boom for forward and reversible movement. A first drive normally advances the drill head to accomplish the drilling operation. When an obstacle is encountered, a second drive may be utilized to supplement the first drive to overcome the obstacle. The boom is itself longitudinally slidable relative to the carriage, and the boring machine includes a structure for longitudinally moving the boom between an extended operating position and a retracted transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Robert L. Geldner
  • Patent number: 5778990
    Abstract: Arrangement in a hydraulically operated rock drilling equipment comprising a feed motor (3), a percussion device (2), and a hydraulic pump (1) for feeding hydraulic fluid to the feed motor (3) and the percussion device (2). The arrangement comprises a pressure control valve (17) connected to be controlled on the basis of the control signal of the feed regulation valve (8) when starting the drilling so that when the value of the control signal is below a predetermined switching value, the pressure relief valve (18) is connected to the percussion pressure line (13) of the percussion device (2), and when the control signal exceeds the switching value, the pressure control valve (17) disconnects the pressure relief valve (18) from the percussion pressure line (13) and connects the pressure difference valve (20) in communication with the percussion pressure line (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Tamrock Oy
    Inventor: Jaakko Niemi
  • Patent number: 5709276
    Abstract: A horizontal directional boring machine pivotally mounted to a tractor about a vertical axis of rotation positioned over a common entry point into the ground which permits multiple direction bores which radiate from said common entry point all with a single set-up of the boring machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Straightline Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5701962
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the feed motion of the feed beam of a rock drill, the arrangement including sensing elements for detecting the position of the front and for rear end of the rock drill and for controlling the feed and the return motion. In the arrangement of the invention, inductive sensors are mounted in the middle of the feed beam, and indicators are secured to the cylinder sleeve of the feed cylinder so that the position of the cylinder sleeve indicates the position of the front and the rear end of the drill and thus controls the feed motion of the drill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Tamrock Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Jantunen
  • Patent number: 5695017
    Abstract: An apparatus for boring horizontally extending holes at shallow depths beneath the surface of the earth having a frame detachable connected to the bucket of a backhoe. The frame is rigidly connected to the bucket for movement thereby and includes a coupling and drive unit which is detachably mounted within the frame so that the coupling and drive unit can be reversed to push or pull an auger connected thereto in opposite directions relative to the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Richard W. Gessner
  • Patent number: 5685382
    Abstract: In an augering apparatus for rotating and advancing a cutting head longitudinally of the apparatus driven by a string of auger flights with helical flighting, an auger flight support comprising a plurality of radially extending support legs affixed to a bearing housing surrounding a bearing rotatably affixed to the auger drive shank disposed at one end of a two-ended auger flight to support the auger flight independently of the support provided by the auger flighting to reduce wear and tear of the helical flighting and to eliminate frictional drag of the string of auger flights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Brydet Development Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Deeter
  • Patent number: 5638911
    Abstract: A support mount assembly for use in a drilling apparatus comprises a support member, a connector for removably connecting the support member to a vehicle so that the support member is in a vertical orientation, a support flange integrally connected to the support member near the lower end thereof, a sleeve slidably received upon the support member so as to be longitudinally movable along the support member, a feed mount member preferably comprising a collar integrally connected to the sleeve, and a drill mount member preferably comprising a flange integrally connected to and longitudinally extending along the sleeve. A drilling apparatus using the support mount assembly further comprises a feed leg and a drill. The feed leg has a first feed leg member, such as a cylinder, secured to the feed mount member and a second feed leg member, such as a piston, secured to the support flange. The drill is secured to the drill mount member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Mid-Western Machinery Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory F. Beechwood, C. David Comstock
  • Patent number: 5555947
    Abstract: A mole launcher which has a hydraulically powered, double-acting piston and cylinder unit to push or pull a slider. The slider carries a drill head connected to a drill string. The other end of the drill string carries a mole to bore an underground passage. By releasably locking the slider to the front of the launcher, the cylinder can be moved between a first position in which it projects beyond the chassis of the launcher, and a second position in which it is placed only within the length of the chassis. Thus, the mole launcher is considerably shorter in its transportation state than in its operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignees: British Gas, Bonuscentre Limited
    Inventors: Roger S. A. Bunker, David J. Goodall
  • Patent number: 5524716
    Abstract: A tool driving apparatus having an elongated mast which is collapsibly mounted on a transportable supporting base therefor, wherein the mast has a movable carriage slidably mounted thereon for movement along the length thereof. A first piston is mounted to the supporting base and is drivingly connected to the carriage mounted on the mast for providing slidable movement thereof, and a second piston is carried by the carriage and is drivingly connected to a separate tool, such as a soil probe. The first piston is disposed opposite relative to the second piston, such that extension of the first piston is in a direction opposite to that of the second, and whereby retraction of the first piston and extension of the second piston will cause the tool to be driven in one direction, and extension of the first piston and retraction of the second piston will cause the tool to be retracted in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Wachholz, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne W. Wachholz
  • Patent number: 5497838
    Abstract: An automated burner system for channeling a mineral body consisting of a burner staff carrying a burner at one end, a guide shaft adapted to carry the burner staff for reciprocating motion, a support shaft adapted to mount the guide shaft for oscillating motion, and a carriage adapted to carry said support shaft. A carrying frame is provided to carry the carriage for longitudinal movement. A first drive provides positive reciprocal movement of the burner staff, a second drive provides positive oscillating movement for the guide shaft and the burner staff, and a third drive provides positive longitudinal movement of the carriage along the carrying frame. An electronic control is connected with the first, second and third drives. The electronic control includes a repeating program which controls the burner staff to move a desired distance in each direction of reciprocal movement, the burner staff to oscillate at a prescribed angle and through a prescribed length of oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: W. Allen McCannon, Jr., Dan W. Dye, Cecil F. Bond
  • Patent number: 5437341
    Abstract: The multi-drill mounter allows any combination of two jack hammers, drills or augers to be simultaneously mounted on a tractor and the like. A flat back panel supports an upper and lower horizontal track. Upper and lower sliding brackets support a pair of vertical derricks. Each derrick can hold a drilling tool such as a jack hammer. In operation the active drilling tool is hydraulically pushed to the center of the derrick while the inactive drilling tool is moved to the side. The multi-drill mounter can also be tilted to allow the use of an auger for drilling wide holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventors: Jack Horn, Jerald Werth
  • Patent number: 5388651
    Abstract: A torque break-out system for a top drive drilling unit in a drilling rig. The torque break-out system includes a splined sub which is connected to a tubular member of the top drive drilling unit. A collar is positioned circumferentially around the splined sub. The collar has a plurality of interrupted splines in reciprocal relationship to interrupted splines on the splined sub. The collar is positioned by a pivot member having a pair of arms rotatably connected to the collar and a lift cylinder connected to the pivot member. The lift cylinder positions the pivot member between a first position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are not in substantial horizontal alignment and a second position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are in substantial horizontal alignment. The system includes a back-up wrench assembly having a vertical opening through which the drill string is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Bowen Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe R. Berry
  • Patent number: 5388653
    Abstract: A drilling apparatus for directional drilling. A freely moveable connecting plate is seated in a seating provided for in a drill string motor support. The plate connects a drill string motor and a cylinder drive so that any mechanical stress transmitted by a drill string connected to the motor is substantially damped by the moveable plate. The result is that the drill string remains relatively true running to accurately bore while additionally preventing mechanical stress from damaging the cylinder, drill string motor or support therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: J. Richard England
  • Patent number: 5368112
    Abstract: A measured and controlled tension is applied to one or more lines or cables attached to a drilling rig. Preferably, the tensioned line provide reactive torque support for the power swivel, The controlled tension allows a greater power swivel torque to be used on existing drilling rig structures and better distributes any portion of the torque load reacted by the structure. The controlled tension system can also be integrated into a fail-safe control system, where sensed cable failure or excessive cable loads cause a safe shutdown of operations, or the measured tension may also be based to control other drilling operations, such as hoisting speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Union Oil Company of California
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mount, David G. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5330257
    Abstract: An auger mining apparatus includes a support frame holding a tilt platform. A tilt mechanism displaces the tilt platform at a pitch between 0.degree.-45.degree. relative to the support frame. A stacked, dual carriage arrangement is carried by the tilt platform. A bidirectional auger drive system is mounted to the upper carriage. The dual carriages are mounted for reciprocal movement along independent paths extending substantially perpendicular to one another. An auger clamp mounted to the tilt platform includes a pilot member for guiding auger sections and a mechanism allowing movement on the pilot member through two separate planes; the second perpendicular to the first. The auger clamp also includes a clamping/decoupling plate and a mechanism for moving the plate in a third plane orthogonal to the first and second planes. Thus, the pilot member with the clamping/decoupling plate may also be utilized to clamp and hold an auger line in position even in steeply pitched seams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Salem Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Wurster
  • Patent number: 5303783
    Abstract: The rig has a base frame, with powered ground screw anchors, trunnion attached to a tiltable top frame equipped with pipe handling rollers, pipe clamp, power tongs, and crosshead mounted swivel arranged to slide along the frame to transfer axial forces to a drill string situated parallel to and centered above the top frame. The swivel is plumbed to deliver drilling fluids to the drill string. Remote power sources provide drilling fluid processing and hydraulic power to the various controls to operate; a tilt mechanism to tilt the top frame to align with a well bore, power tongs, to move the crosshead, rotate the ground screws, a pipe stabbing roller and a pipe cradle to move pipe sections into and out of the rig working center. Operator cab stations are positioned along the top frame and are bearing mounted to stay vertical when the top frame is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventors: Rudy J. Begnaud, Bradley Begnaud
  • Patent number: 5289887
    Abstract: In a method of operating a ram boring machine having a rotatory-thrust drill rod an impact force is applied to the rear end of the drill rod. The boring machine includes a thrust unit and a striking tool that are combined to form a thrust/percussion aggregate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik Paul Schmidt Spezialmaschinen KG
    Inventor: Franz-Josef Puttmann
  • Patent number: 5273124
    Abstract: An earth drill for use with a vehicle of a type which performs utility pole hole drilling operations is disclosed. The drill attaches to an end of a movable boom mounted on the vehicle. An elongated guide is rotatably attachable to the boom via a rotatable coupling, enabling the drill to be rotated to a convenient angle and fixed using an eccentric shear pin. A drill head is movably mounted for advance and retraction along the elongated guide. A drilling tool is attachable to the drill head and is oriented to drill a hole as the drill head is moved with respect to a ground surface. A stabilizer attached to a lower end of the elongated guide includes anchoring holes for receiving pins which are driven into the ground in order to resist transverse and rotative movement of the guide. The guide can float upwardly during a drilling operation, guided by the pins, and need not be fixed to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Rock Star Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Lloyd, Thomas C. Lloyd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5228525
    Abstract: An adaptor assembly for an earth boring machine includes a thrust bearing housing removably attachable to the bulkhead plate of an earth boring machine surrounding the torque hub flange. A rear drive flange is attached to the torque hub and a front drive flange is mounted within the housing and carries a thrust bearing movable into and out of contact with the housing. The front drive flange has an extension which projects beyond the housing for attachment of an auger and boring head and is connected to the rear drive flange for rotational movement therewith and axial movement relatively thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Augers Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Denney, Michael D. Howman, Ronald E. Peacock
  • Patent number: 5213169
    Abstract: The drilling system of this invention provides a drill mast mounted on a turntable. The turntable may be mounted on any type of undercarriage or carrier. The drill mast can be positioned around the perimeter of the turntable, it can be positioned near to, or away from, the turntable. The drill mast is carried on a trunnion mounting and can be oriented along Y and Z axis' with respect to the turntable X axis for drilling angle holes. A pipe joint breaker assembly is provided adjacent the lower end of the drilling mast. This assembly can accommodate different size pipe diameters. The drilling systems of this invention is specially adapted to reverse-circulation sample drilling employing a down-the-hole hammer drill. The drilling head configuration provides for simultaneous feeding into a multi-walled drill string of drilling mud, compressed air into the drill string to operate the hammer drill and to feed the hammer drill bit head, and withdrawing of sample-containing return air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Marion E. Heller
  • Patent number: 5211248
    Abstract: A portable soil sampling device is provided that is easily positoned in confined and hard-to-reach locations. The device includes a mast assembly comprising a pair of upright masts mounted on a frame having a pair of wheels. By tilting the frame and mast assembly back using a provided handle, the device may be transported to a sampling location. Where low overhead locations are encountered, such as within buildings, the mast assembly may be lowered with the use of a hinged connection intermediate its ends. The device is powered by hydraulic power from a remote source through flexible hydraulic hose, so as to help reduce the size and weight of the device. A hydraulic motor on the device is used to position a hydraulic hammer over a tube for driving. A hydraulic cylinder on the device is used to pull the sample tube from the ground after it has been driven to the desired depth. The invention also involves the method steps in accomplishing the above operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventors: Michael A. Nosewicz, Stephen B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5158146
    Abstract: A mobile foxhole excavator (MFE) is mounted on a standard military vehicle for transport and positioning. The excavator is powered by a self-contained internal combustion engine, which powers a hydraulic system for positioning an auger mast in three mutually perpendicular planes (horizontal, vertical and lateral) to permit the auger to bore holes at any desired angle between vertical, downward, and horizontal, as well as boring at various overhead angles between horizontal and near vertical. A single hydraulic motor is used to operate the boring auger, as well as various hydraulic cylinders to effect the desired positioning of the auger mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Frank E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5139097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rock drilling apparatus comprising a carrier and at least one drill boom mounted in the carrier and provided with a drifter and a feeding beam. Valves for the control of the operations of the drifter and the feeding beam are arranged in the form of an integral control unit. The control unit is mounted in a cradle provided for the feeding beam and it communicates with the carrier by means of merely two pressure fluid hoses and a control cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Oy Tampella Ab
    Inventor: Rauno Rajala
  • Patent number: 5107940
    Abstract: A torque restraint system for a top drive unit in a drilling rig, in which rigid torque arms rotate about a horizontal axis to transmit reactive force from the power swivel to the mast to prevent rotation of the power swivel about a vertical axis. The rotatability of the torque arms also allows lateral displacement of the motor from an operating position to a parked position behind the vertical axis of the well bore. The torque restraint system can be utilized in conjunction with an inclined mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Hydratech
    Inventor: Joe R. Berry
  • Patent number: 5058688
    Abstract: A convertible drill apparatus for applying force to a probe capable of operating in either a vibratory drilling mode wherein the apparatus is adapted to drive the probe into the material to be drilled or a rotary drilling mode wherein the apparatus drives the probe into the material to be drilled by rotation of the probe. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the probe, rotary drive for imparting a rotary movement to the probe, a vibratory drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the vibratory drive, a rotary drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the rotary drive, a support for supporting and containing the coupling, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention can be easily converted from vibratory drilling modes to rotary drilling modes and back by exchanging the vibratory drive with the rotary drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Meta-Probe Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh Scott, John Porritt
  • Patent number: 5007487
    Abstract: For making drill holes, in particular under cramped conditions, an apparatus is used which comprises a drill rod consisting of individual segments and guided in the cradle or slide. The individual segments comprise end pieces which are constructed as centering bushes and guide bushes and are to be pushed into each other in such a manner that the necessary torques and pressure forces can be effectively transmitted from the drilling motor. The drilling motor itself is displaceable between two clamping tongs which fix the drill rod or the individual segments and ensure that the latter form in each case a rigid unit to which the pressure and rotary forces can thus be effectively transmitted. The flushing hose extending in the individual segments is connected via a rotary duct to the guide segment of the drill rod so that said hose itself does not participate in the rotation and can therefore be led with the loosely engaging segments round a curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Assignees: Bergwerksverband GmbH, Hebben & Fischbach GmbH
    Inventors: Olof Dahle, Manfred Fischbach
  • Patent number: 5004055
    Abstract: A vibratory core drill apparatus for the recovery of soil or sediment core samples. The samples are collected within a rapidly vibrating sample tube which is driven into the ground by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the sample tubes, coupling for coupling the sample tubes to the vibratory drive, support for supporting and restraining the coupling and vibratory drive, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention permits the rapid recovery of representative soil or sediment samples at depths of up to 20 meters without the periodic disassembly of the invention during the drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Meta-Probe Inc.
    Inventors: John Porritt, Hugh Scott
  • Patent number: 4977967
    Abstract: A combined steering and lubricating apparatus for use with earth boring apparatus includes a casing extension pivotally attached to one end of a casing section and controlled by an elongate tube which is movable along an axis parallel to the axis of the casing to pivot the casing extension. The invention includes a first connector for connecting one end of the tube to the casing extension and a second connector assembly connected to the other end of the tube for moving the tube and pivoting the casing extension and for providing lubricating fluid to the tube and first connector for deposit on the exterior of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Augers Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard W. Alston, Ronald E. Peacock, Douglas G. Schondell
  • Patent number: 4971162
    Abstract: A continuous feed system for a drill comprising a down-hole drill assembly having a support end and a drilling bit. Rotation is imported to the down-hole drill assembly between the support end and the drilling bit, which results in a torque being applied to the support end. A vertically disposed support chain has two ends, one end of the chain is connected to the support end. The chain resists the torque with limited torsional flexibility. A drive interacts with the chain at a point between the two ends for positively providing axial extension of a length of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Carl F. Back
    Inventor: Carl F. Back
  • Patent number: 4898251
    Abstract: An earth boring apparatus for driving a boring tool, the tool having a head for penetrating the earth and a longitudinally extending rotary drive shaft (15) for advancing the head. A carriage (18) is mounted to support frame (10) for advancing movement so as to advance and retract the drive shaft (15) and head. A drive shaft extension can be fitted between the carriage (18) and the drive shaft (15) thereby extending the effective length of the drive shaft (15). The apparatus includes a shaft engaging member (40) associated with the frame (10) and selectively operative to engage the shaft (15) having the head thereon and to inhibit rotation thereof thereby enabling the carriage (18) to be retracted and the drive shaft extension to be fitted between the carriage (18) and the shaft (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Maxwell John Clark
    Inventors: Maxwell J. Clark, Roy McMillan, Frank J. Ogden
  • Patent number: 4867255
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for providing an underground tunnel utilizing a steerable pneumatically powered, elongated percussive downhole hammer having a forwardmost cutting bit which is asymmetrically configured with respect to the elongation axis of the hammer. This hammer is steered through the ground, that is, made to move along a straight path or a particular curved path, by controlling the way in which it is pneumatically powered and/or the way in which it is urged forward and/or the way in which its cutting bit is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: FlowMole Corporation
    Inventors: Glen O. Baker, Dmitry Feldman, Shiu S. Ng, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 4860837
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling machine comprising a kelly (5) suspended from a boom (3) mounted for pivoting on a chassis (1), a rotary table (7) through which the kelly is movable axially, drive members provided in the rotary table for rotating the kelly and a rotary drilling tool (8), more particularly a ground auger fixed to the bottom end of the kelly.This machine is essentially characterized in that the rotary table (7) comprises at least two lateral protuberances (24) extending symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the kelly (5), in that the chassis (1) comprises two guide channels (26) disposed one opposite the other so as to receive the protuberances (24) and in that locking teeth (27) are provided for locking the protuberances (24) at any predetermined height in the guide channels (26).The machien of the invention further comprises members for boring by reciprocating for reaching depths of about 80 to 100 meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Sorenam
    Inventor: Henri F. A. Robert
  • Patent number: 4813499
    Abstract: A mechanical concrete drill system is provided which is capable of drilling holes in concrete curbs, walls, and the like, while being permanently mounted to a truck. A hydraulic lift system contained in the truck moves the drill system vertically, so that the drill can be operated in various vertical positions. The drill system is conveniently stored in the truck for movement to other drill sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Inventor: Kenneth McNulty
  • Patent number: 4682660
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the production of circular boreholes in soil, of the type incorporating a pair of bits driven in rotation in opposite directions, the said bits being equipped with teeth or similar members for breaking up the soil.It comprises a first pair of bits (6) which are equipped with teeth, rotating in opposite directions around two parallel axes, each of these bits having the external shape of a volume of revolution the generatrix of which consists of a circular arc corresponding to the circular cross-section of the borehole which it is intended to dig, and a second pair of bits (7) situated above the first, and the bits (14a,14b) of which have the same structural characteristics as the bits of the first pair but whose axes of rotation are offset relative to the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Soletanche
    Inventors: Herve Barthelemy, Yves Legendre
  • Patent number: 4610314
    Abstract: A drilling machine comprises a rotary motor mounted to an assemblage of rigid bar linkages. Means are provided for moving the linkages relative to each other. The linkages are connected together in a configuration which ensures that as the linkages move relative to each other the rotary motor moves along a vertical line. Preferably the machine will be mounted on a suitable vehicle. The invention extends to a method of drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventor: Bernard L. Gien
  • Patent number: 4607980
    Abstract: An apparatus for compacting soil includes a tamping shoe with anvils, a reaction mass with an anvil and an impact mechanism comprising a crank gear installed in a casing and having hammer rams which are oppositely directed and which are coaxial with the anvils of the tamping shoe and reaction mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Spetsialnoe Konstruktorskoe Bjuro "Stroimekhanizatsia"
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Shilkov, Andrei V. Shilkov, Petr D. Kuzmin, Vladimir S. Metrikin, Vladimir A. Chumichev, Anatoly I. Borovtsev, Nikolai I. Dubenkov
  • Patent number: 4605078
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new carriage feed system which utilizes in the preferred embodiment a single double rod feed cylinder having its rod ends mounted to the top bridge and base of the tower respectively.The cylinder is hydraulically fed at the ends of the rod. A sheave carrier is mounted at each end of the barrel of the cylinder. The cylinder barrel forming the structure for support of the carriers which are also guided in the tower structure for linear movement along the tower. The cable reeving for the system is disposed about sheaves on the carrier and anchored at the tower midpoint. Suspended from the cable and guided on the tower is a drill head which performs the usual drilling functions. The system is fully balanced with regard to loads in the cables and about the cylinder to minimize offset stress. In addition, all draw down forces are taken in tension in the cylinder rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Ronald F. Bukovitz, Walter C. Vliet
  • Patent number: 4553612
    Abstract: An earth boring machine for boring straight and level elongated holes through rock-laden earth. The machine includes a stationary elongated frame upon which a first slide is carried. A second slide is carried on the first slide. An elongated auger guiding sleeve is carried adjacent one end of the first slide and has a cutting edge on a remote end thereof. A power-driven auger assembly is carried on the second slide and includes an auger which extends within the guiding sleeve. A cutting tool is carried on the end of the auger adjacent a remote end of the guiding sleeve. An hydraulic cylinder is provided for advancing the first sleeve for driving the cutting edge of the guiding sleeve into the earth while the power driven auger removes the earth as the guiding sleeve is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Marion E. Durham
  • Patent number: 4499698
    Abstract: A recoverable earth-retaining wall anchoring device and method is disclosed which allows the erection of a retaining wall in a quick, inexpensive manner and permits proof-load testing of the anchor during or immediately after installation, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The device includes a screw anchor having a central, elongated shaft with one or more outwardly extending helical blades affixed thereto, and an earth-penetrating lead point at one end. An adapter is attached to the anchor shaft and includes an opposed, threaded bore which receives an elongated threaded rod; a polygonal in cross-section engagement area is also provided between the opposed ends of the adapter. A wrench, having one or more releasably interconnected, tubular, polygonally-shaped shank sections is telescoped over the rod and operably and drivingly engages the adapter engagement area such that axial rotation of the wrench effects corresponding rotation of the anchor for installation and removal purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: A. B. Chance Company
    Inventors: Robert M. Hoyt, Donald E. Bobbitt, Gary E. Bartee, Stanley C. Garton, J. Paul Pilliard
  • Patent number: 4475604
    Abstract: A ground supported mobile machine appropriate for subterranean installation of piping and the like has a tractor vehicle carrying a trencher driven from the tractor power source, a power operated backfill blade operated from such source to facilitate transporting a tool and drill rod holder, and a vertical drilling attachment powered from the tractor power source; this drilling attachment including a vertical mast providing guide rails for the carriage of a rotary drill head that is reciprocated by a hydraulic actuator along such rails to (1) raise the vehicle to enable positioning stabilizing feet for a vertical drilling operation, (2) manipulate the drill rod and drill bit thereon in performing such a drilling operation, and (3) push piping into the drilled hole upon completion of such drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Albertson, Arthur D. Deken
  • Patent number: 4441564
    Abstract: A hole drilling machine which includes a geared stationary drill frame with a guide track to which support legs are attached at either end. A drive shaft made of hollow flexible tubing driven by a motor suspended from the guide track. An adjustable swivel axel to which the drill end is mounted. The drill end is a hollow tube with openings in an end to permit streams of water to wash loose soil out of the hole and assist in the drilling process and a helical knife edge attached thereto. An angled metal piece with exit holes to permit the flow of water is attached to the working end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Inventor: Michael S. Castillo
  • Patent number: 4393945
    Abstract: In a rotary drill having a driven rotary table with an axially directed passage through its center of rotation defined by a hollow spindle, a kelly bar, with annular shoulders, extending through the passage and a chuck mounted on the spindle, plungers are mounted for radial movement in the chuck, into and out of engagement with the annular shoulders on the kelly bar, and fingers are mounted to be moved hydraulically axially to engage the plungers and move them radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: Central Mine Equipment Company
    Inventor: Charles L. Rassieur
  • Patent number: 4340122
    Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a mount in the form of a cylindrical member defining an elongated passageway and being provided with two opposite guiding rails each being formed with an elongated recessed channel communicating with the passageway; a rotary drive for holding a drill rod has a non-rotating casing provided with guiding elements movable in the recesses of the guiding rails; a feeding mechanism for advancing the rotary drive includes either tooth racks arranged in the recesses of the guiding rails and driving pinions mounted on the casing of the rotary drive or cylinder and piston units located in the recesses of the guide rails and cooperating with feed cables or chains. The mount is supported on a mobile undercarriage which is provided with two pairs of vertically adjustable supporting legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Salzgitter Maschinen und Anlagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinrich Manten
  • Patent number: 4105081
    Abstract: A bolt-setting and rock-drilling apparatus has a rail which can be swung about and axis and axially displaced therealong to position a drilling carriage and a bolt-setting carriage alternately with respect to a rock wall in which the bolt is to be lodged. The carriages are slidable on opposite sides of the rail and, in the upper end thereof, in alignment with the drill holder, is an opening drill through which the main drill passes. The opening drill, which is of a configuration enabling it to form a conical mouth to the hole bored, by the main drill, is displaceable parallel to the main drill when its holder engages a clutch member carrying the opening drill. The conical mouth facilitates subsequent insertion of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Societe d'Etude et de Construction de Machines pour Toutes Industries S.E.C.O.M.A.S.A.
    Inventor: Raymond Jean Perraud
  • Patent number: 4047582
    Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the boring of vertically inclined shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections characterized by a main frame portion that supports the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus, and a detachably mounted engine frame portion that permits the transmission of power between the engine and the auger drive and casing pusher apparatus not only when the engine frame portion is positioned on the main frame portion at the boring location but also when said engine frame portion is detached and positioned at a location remote from the main frame means. The machine is further characterized by a novel control means for the casing pusher apparatus that provides for both relatively slow and relatively fast extension and retraction of the casing pusher so as to provide more efficient operation of the earth boring machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1977
    Assignee: The Richmond Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William S. Appleman