Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for deviated hole drilling upwardly and outwardly from beneath a shallow hydrocarbon formation pay zone. A large diameter vertical hole is first formed as by drilling below the pay zone. A first casing having a directional window provided in its wall is cemented in the large diameter hole. One or more casings are then provided in the borehole below the first casing. A carriage assembly loaded with drilling tools for drilling upwardly and outwardly is then lowered by means of a working drill string and landed within the first casing.The carriage assembly has a first passage in fluid communication with the drill string. The drilling tools are loaded within a second passage of the carriage assembly. The top opening of the second passage is below the directional window when the carriage assembly is landed and angularly oriented in the first casing.

Abstract: Discloses a machine and method for drilling a horizontal bore through earth formation including a directional guide for supporting the rotating drill stem near the bore entrance to cause the drill stem to extend into the drilled bore toward a designated target. The directional guide includes a base member adapted to be supported upon the earth surface across a trench, a first guide sleeve for supporting rotatable drill stem and extending below the base member into the trench through a first riser guide member rigidly connected to the first sleeve and adjustably connected to the base member, adjustment means for connecting the first guide member to the base member to position and to support said first sleeve from said base member at a designated longitudinal distance from said base member and a designated lateral distance and rotational relation with respect to the base member.

Abstract: The invention concerns itself with a process and a device for drilling the soil, more particularly but not exclusively, for the purpose of laying pipelines.

Abstract: Tunnels are constructed by freezing soil and removing frozen soil between starting and end shafts of the tunnels. Tunnels are driven in an uncomplicated manner in rapidly changing soils without auxiliary construction means. A hole is bored in or near the planned axis of the intended tunnel between starting and end shafts. A soil freezing work pipe is inserted into the hole. The pipe is cooled by a cooling agent. The soil freezing work pipe continues to be cooled until an ice and frozen soil mass has formed around the work pipe, which frozen mass has a diameter which is larger than that of the planned tunnel. Frozen soil is subsequently excavated, leaving a frozen soil lining, which is immediately supported by a primary support lining or a permanent lining.

Abstract: A propulsion-jack driven pipe laying system including a pilot head having a cutter mounted at the leading end thereof and a propulsion-jack mounted in a pit behind the pilot head for propelling the same into the underground. The system further includes a water supply pipe and a slurry discharge pipe both mounted to the pilot head. Earth and sand excavated by the cutter is introduced into a receiving chamber where it is mixed with water supplied through the water pipe and converted into a slurry and the slurry is discharged through the slurry discharge pipe.In one embodiment, a flowmeter is disposed in a slurry conduit connected with the slurry discharge pipe for detecting flow rate of the slurry and controlling the restriction rate of a valve disposed in the slurry conduit. In another embodiment, a differential pressure detector is mounted within underground pressure at the cutter and a pressure in the receiving chamber and controlling the restriction rate of a valve disposed in the slurry circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying a pipeline in the underground. First, a pilot pipeline of small diameter is laid in the underground between a departure pit and an arrival pit. A cutter head having a cutter drum mounted thereto is attached to the trailing end of the pilot pipeline. By rotating the cutter drum, earth and sand is excavated and taken in inside the cutter drum where earth and sand is converted into a slurry state by injecting therein water through a water supply pipe mounted to the pilot pipeline. The slurried earth and sand is then discharged through a slurry discharge pipe mounted to the pilot pipeline to a tank provided in the arrival pit. By actuating a propulsion jack installed in the departure pit, the cutter head is propelled into the underground and then a pipe to be laid is connected to the rear end of the cutter head. By repeating the excavation and the propulsion steps, a pipeline of a larger diameter is laid in the underground.

Abstract: A process for controlling the direction of advance of a generally horizontal borehole extended through a subterranean coal-bearing formation by a rotary drilling operation. As the drill string is rotated in the hole, the advance of the drill bit is guided along a designated path by repeatedly deflecting the drill string from its axis in a constant radial direction. The drill string may also be centralized and the deflection operation carried out either within or outside of the drill-pipe segment between the bit and the centralizer. A deflection unit includes a plurality of deflector pads disposed about the periphery of a segment of the drill pipe. The deflector pads are cyclicly actuated to sequentially place each pad in an extended position at a constant rotational position of the drill pipe segment.

Abstract: Rotary process and apparatus for drilling a borehole through a subterranean formation in which the path of a rotary drill bit is varied by deflecting the drill string in response to the pulsating flow of drilling fluid through the drill string. The pulsating drilling-fluid flow is synchronized with the rotation of the drill string by generating a function representative of the rotational position of the drill string and, in response to this function, diverting a portion of the drilling fluid through a secondary line. Flow through the secondary line is controlled by a valve which is opened and closed in synchronization with the rotational position of the drill string. The diverted fluid is supplied to the drilling fluid source for recirculation.

Abstract: To install a pipe or cable in the ground without disturbing the surface or the ground above the pipe or cable such for example as where a pipe is to be installed under a street, driveway or sidewalk, it is customary to place an underground pipe installing device in an operating trench on one side of where the pipe is to be installed, and to force a solid installation rod through the ground to a target trench on the opposite side. The pipe or cable to be installed is then connected to the installation rod, and the rod is withdrawn to install the pipe or cable in the hole made by the rod.To drive the rod through the ground it is customary to grip or clamp the rod firmly on opposite sides, with a sufficient pressure to force the rod through the ground when an axially directed force is exerted on it.

Abstract: A drilling rig for drilling a selected underground path is provided. The drilling rig includes a pipe handling apparatus having a hydraulic cylinder and ram mounted on an inclined ramp over a substructure wherein rooms for housing supplies and control equipment are provided. Methods for preparing an arcuate path opening, or for placing a pipeline and laying a cable wherein all pulling and pushing of pipe is accomplished by the hydraulic pipe handling apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A borehole is formed down into the ground and extends towards an underlying pay zone, and then is turned horizontally through the pay zone, and then continues back up towards the surface of the earth; so that the resultant borehole is continuous from an inlet to an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being spaced from one another. When the free end of the drill string arrives at the outlet, one end of a casing string is attached thereto, and the casing string is pulled back through the entire borehole so that the borehole is cased from the outlet to the inlet, or vice versa. The casing is perforated adjacent to the pay zone so that the hydrocarbons may flow from the pay zone into the interior of the casing. Production is achieved through either of the spaced inlet or outlet; or, by using one vertical length of the borehole to force fluid to flow through the entire borehole, thereby forcing the production to the surface.

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.

Abstract: The method of making holes in the soil includes driving a capsule into the oil by percussive action and filling the capsule with the soil. Then the driving of the capsule into the soil by percussive action is continued, with the soil passing therethrough. The capsule is then withdrawn from the hole, and the soil that has passed through the capsule is also removed from the hole, whereafter the soil is removed from the capsule itself. The apparatus for making holes, performing the disclosed method, comprises a capsule capable of receiving the soil therein, having an open soil intake end, its opposite end being a partly open one. The capsule incorporates a percussive mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of installing a conduit in the earth below a grade which includes the steps of pulling a cable through the earth along the course to be traveled by the conduit and marking the ends of the cable.

Abstract: An earth boring machine and method are disclosed. An above-ground reference line, such as a laser beam, is established for a hole to be bored. The direction of the reference line is detected. The direction of a cutting head of the boring machine in a bore hole is detected and signals of the detected direction are transmitted to a control unit for comparison with the reference line direction. The boring machine is controlled with, for example, cam actuated adjustable peripheral cutters on the cutting head so that the direction of the boring machine can be adjusted to that of the reference line.

Abstract: In situations where it is necessary to directionally drill boreholes from the surface in a substantially horizontal attitude, such as for pipeline river crossings, the precise directional parameters of drilling become critical. A system of tools for efficiently accommodating the precise directional steering of the drilling includes a continuous electrical communications path within a drill string, which path provides steering data at the surface for controlling the drilling operation. A side entry sub is positioned in the tool string at its upper end. A cable system is employed in each pipe section placed in the string and includes provisions for breaking and making connections with the cable without withdrawing the cable from the pipe string. A steering tool is fixedly positioned in the drill pipe near the drill bit and is not normally withdrawn from the hole except with the drill bit.

Abstract: A method of controlling the direction of a generally horizontal borehole drilled with a rotary drilling unit in a subterranean formation such as a coal seam. The method comprises predetermining drilling conditions for the formation being drilled and the equipment being utilized which will provide an upward buildup to the borehole trajectory, a downward change in trajectory, or a substantially level borehole trajectory. The predetermined conditions include the number of drill bit revolutions per unit length of borehole drilled. Periodic borehole surveys indicate to an operator which set of drilling conditions should be utilized for the next increment of hole drilled to maintain the hole within the boundaries of the formation being drilled.

Abstract: A hole is drilled laterally from a main well bore by lowering a drilling unit into the bore in a position of extension essentially longitudinally thereof, and then swinging the unit to a position of extension transversely of the well bore to drill the lateral hole. The drilling unit is desirably held by a carrier as the drilling unit and carrier are lowered into the well, and preferably is of a self-propelling character adapted to move entirely out of the carrier and grip the wall of the lateral hole in a manner transmitting the reactive forces of the drilling operation directly to the earth formation.

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.

Abstract: A borehole is formed down into the ground and extends towards an underlying pay zone, and then is turned horizontally through the pay zone, and then continues back up towards the surface of the earth; so that the resultant borehole is continuous from an inlet to an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being spaced from one another. When the free end of the drill string arrives at the outlet, one end of a casing string is attached thereto, and the casing string is pulled back through the entire borehole so that the borehole is cased from the outlet to the inlet, or vice versa. The casing is perforated adjacent to the pay zone so that the hydrocarbons may flow from the pay zone into the interior of the casing. Production is achieved through either of the spaced inlet or outlet; or, by using one vertical length of the borehole to force fluid to flow through the entire borehole, thereby forcing the production to the surface.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and apparatus for drilling horizontal holes in geological strata from a vertical position. The geological structures intended to be penetrated in this fashion are coal seams, as for in situ gasification or methane drainage, or in oil-bearing strata for increasing the flow rate from a pre-existing well. Other possible uses for this device might be for use in the leaching of uranium ore from underground deposits or for introducing horizontal channels for water and steam injections.

Abstract: An improved deflecting device is provided for a drilling apparatus having a rotatable drill shaft extending from a power source through said deflection device to a drill bit. The deflection device includes an outer housing affixed to the power source and extending axially therefrom. An inner ring is disposed within the housing and encompasses a portion of the drill shaft. An intermediate ring is disposed between the outer housing and the inner ring and has an inner configuration such that the inner ring is immovable relative to the intermediate ring in a first direction, and is prevented from rotating relative to said intermediate ring about an axis parallel to a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, and such that said inner ring is movable relative to the intermediate ring in said second direction.

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit from a remote point, particularly useful in mining pitching or horizontal seams, comprises boring, casing and preparing a log of a probe hole; the casing will later be used as a guide for the mining head. All personnel are remotely located from the mining face and the mining head follows the probe hole and is rotated by means of a novel drive stem powered from a portal based plant. Thrust is imparted to the rotating mining head in a non-cyclical manner by the intermittently supported drive stem. The mineral being mined is automatically removed from the face and discharged at the portal. Steel or reinforced concrete support collars follow the mining head and support the drive stem until the bore is mined out whereupon the collars, the drive stem and the guide are removed for reuse.

Abstract: A pair of elongated abutment members are provided in a parallel arrangement outwardly of respective sides of an underground pipe installer device, and a link arrangement connects the abutment members to the respective sides in a manner whereby the spacing between the members may be forcibly expanded by utilizing the drive forces of the pipe installer by interconnecting an underground hole forming rod, conventionally engaged in the installer to the link arrangement during a forward drive operation thereof. A pair of screw shafts connect between the installer device and the linkage in a manner whereby lock nuts, when engaged on the screw shafts, serve to lock the abutment members in their expanded positions. Removal of the lock nuts relieves the expansion forces and permits the abutment members to be moved oppositely inwardly toward the installer device.

Abstract: A process for drilling spaced horizontal boreholes in a coal or other mineral deposit in excess of 1500 feet in length in a pattern determined to maximize gas removal. Directional guidance is provided by a continuous downhole survey tool connected to data display devices by an internal drill rod cable system. Apparatus is provided to permit the passage of said cable system through the interior of a rotatable drill chuck assembly comprising a part of a drilling apparatus for drilling said boreholes. The apparatus supports the cable such that the cable is maintained in a substantially nonrotating position within the drill chuck assembly. Directional drilling control is provided by a positive displacement motor positioned at the end of the drill string and operated by a flow of drilling fluid through the drill string from the drilling rig. Upon completion of the borehole, the drill string is removed and gas which enters the borehole from the surrounding deposit is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method of boring holes in the ground, which holes are open at both ends, includes forming an open-ended pilot bore by means of a first self-propelled displacement hammer of smaller diameter. Next a cable is introduced through the pilot bore and then the diameter of the pilot bore is increased to form the hole by means of a second displacement hammer of greater diameter. The second displacement hammer is guided through the pilot bore by pulling it with the cable which for this purpose is attached to the leading end of the second hammer.

Abstract: In forming holes in the earth, a circular frame of columns supported by structural members is placed in the earth to provide lateral support for the side walls of the hole while the hole is being excavated and after the hole is excavated. The structural members are generally concentric with the circle formed by the columns and, in reaction to the compressive forces of the earth acting on the columns, compressed between at least two columns. The method is specially adapted for use in forming holes in loose soils.

Abstract: A machine for making underground excavations by compacting soil comprises an eccentric shaft having journals on which there are mounted for a free rotation in a sequence, beginning from the front end, a conical member and tapered rolls forming in combination a conically expanding body. The eccentric shaft is coupled to a drive for rotation. The conical member has a through longitudinal diffuser passage, and the eccentric shaft also has a through longitudinal diffuser passage of a cross-sectional area enlarging in the direction away from the face of the excavation being made. The cross-sectional area of the passage of the conical member is smaller than the smallest cross-sectional area of the passage of the eccentric shaft by an amount such that the inside cross-sectional area of the passage of the conical member is substantially within the limits of the inside cross-sectional area of the passage of the eccentric shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a borehole or other restricted space to bore a side hole into the strata surrounding the borehole, including a flexible shaft with a drill at its end, and two trains of sheathing members that can be progressively locked together into a rigid structure around the flexible shaft as it is directed sidewardly into the strata.

Abstract: A device for removing the earth generated while tunneling to install conduit, pipe or the like. The earth removed from the tunnel is conveyed to the surface as it is generated. The apparatus includes a first auger-conveyor disposed at the side of the tunneling machine having a tray for catching the loose dirt from the tunneling operation as the tunneling advances, and a plurality of inlet apertures along the outer wall of the conveyor to ingest the loose dirt generated. A second auger-conveyor consumes the discharge of the first conveyor translating the loose dirt to the surface.

Abstract: A heavy cylinder having an axial flow passage is pumped down a rotary drill string to a position adjacent a drill bit to cause an in-seam horizontal drill to be guided in a downward direction. The cylinder can be removed with a latchable retrieval tool after the path of the borehole is sufficiently altered.

Abstract: A hole in the earth is formed utilizing a drill string containing an instrument connected by a flexible conductive line to a unit at the surface of the earth. During intervals when the length of the drill string is being changed, as by addition of another pipe section to the outer end of the string, the connection between the flexible line and the surface unit is temporarily broken, so that the instrument and line can be left in the drill string while the section is added and for ultimate reconnection to the surface unit through the added section. A portion of the flexible line may be wound about an element in the string, to be unwound therefrom each time that the string is lengthened, to thereby correspondingly increase the effective length of the line.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and apparatus for placing, insitu, beneath roadways and the like, pipe or other longitudinal members, without the need to remove the overburden. This accomplished by vibrating the pipe into position with the use of a special frame which holds the pipe and a vibrating tool and guides the pipe into its insitu position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for enabling an instrument and a connected flexible line contained in a drill string to be left in the string while a pipe section is being added to or removed from the string, to thereby avoid the inconvenience and loss of time normally involved in removing the instrument and flexible line from the string on each such occasion. This result is preferably accomplished by initially threading the flexible line at the surface of the earth through a series of extra pipe sections positioned at a storage location adjacent the well, so that each of these sections can then be successively moved from that location to a position of connection into the upper end of the drill string with the flexible line already installed in the added section.

Abstract: The boring and compacting tool comprising an elongated shaft having a front conical section and a rear cylindrical portion. A front helical spring is wrapped about the conical section and attached thereto at the ends thereof. A cutting head is threaded onto a front end of the conical portion. A distinct annular cylindrical collar fits about the cylindrical section of the shaft and is removably secured thereto. A rear helical spring is fitted about the conical portion of the shaft behind the collar and is threaded about the shaft in the same direction as the front helical spring.

Abstract: The disclosed method of cutting a tunnel in plastic soil uses a pipe and a cutting head mounted on one end of the pipe. The inner diameter of the cutting head is less than the inner diameter of the pipe, and the outer diameter of the cutting head is greater than the outer diameter of the pipe. The method comprises the steps of (1) driving the pipe into plastic soil, cutting head first; (2) providing a lubricating flow of water on both the outside and the inside of the pipe adjacent to the cutting head; (3) withdrawing the pipe from the plastic soil in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was inserted; (4) raising the pipe and swinging to dumping area; and (5) suspending the pipe in the air with the cutting head uppermost in order to allow the soil within the pipe to slide out.

Abstract: A hole-opener and a hole-opener apparatus is provided for enlarging a pilot hole of the inverted arcuate type which bypasses an obstacle, the pilot hole having an entrance and terminal end, both ends usually being accessible to surface drilling equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for emplacing a relatively large casing under and spanning an obstacle such as a river is disclosed. The casing is emplaced along the arcuate path of a previously bored and placed existing pilot string running beneath the obstacle between positions near ground level on opposite sides of the obstacle. A seal is provided between the outer surface of the leading portion of the casing and the reamed pilot hole so that the drilling mud containing the entrained cuttings flows into the leading end of the advancing casing. In one preferred embodiment a washover pipe circumscribing the pilot string serves the dual function of rotating a case-leading reamer and driving a positive displacement pump-typically of the moineau variety-to evacuate drilling fluid and entrained cuttings. This evacuation can occur through the drill string.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus comprises a support structure adapted to be moved on rails to position a drilling assembly mounted thereon adjacent to a selected drilling site. The drilling assembly includes a carriage movably mounted on the support structure for longitudinal movements thereon and a shroud secured on the carriage and having an auger rotatably mounted therein. A cutting edge, having a square configuration, is disposed adjacent to a forward end of the auger and at least one double-acting hydraulic cylinder is interconnected between the support structure and the carriage to aid in pushing the auger and cutting edge through material to form an opening having a square cross section. Upon full extension of the auger and cutting edge, a second drilling assembly may be attached rearwardly on the first-mentioned drilling assembly to increase the overall penetration capabilities of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: An excavating tool having an auger head of conventional construction at one end of a horizontal rod with a ratchet drive for rotating said rod at the other end thereof. An outer drive tube covers the intermediate portion of said rod and a thrust washer is secured to said drive rod adjacent the auger head for receiving horizontal thrust from the outer covering drive tube. Perpendicular bars fastened to said covering tube provide engagement means for a drive bar driven into the soil for applying horizontal pressure to the auger head while the auger head is being rotated. This device permits the boring of horizontal holes beneath foundations, sidewalks, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for emplacing a relatively large casing under and spanning an obstacle such as a river is disclosed. The casing is emplaced along the path of a previously bored and placed existing pilot string running beneath the obstacle. The pilot string extends typically in an inverted arcuate contour from a first position at or near ground level on one side of the obstacle to a second position at or near ground level on the other side of the obstacle. The system includes apparatus for concentrically reaming the pilot hole to an enlarged diameter and entraining the cuttings from the excavated annulus of the reaming operation in drilling mud. The casing is advanced along the reamed pilot hole in following relationship to the reaming apparatus. A seal is provided between the outer surface of the leading portion of the casing and the reamed pilot hole so that the drilling mud containing the entrained cuttings flows into the leading end of the advancing casing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pilot head used for laying small-diameter pipes such as gas, water conduits or the like precisely in position in the ground. The pilot head comprises an expandable and contractable pilot jack disposed within a pilot casing, a pivoting cylinder adapted for pivoting said pilot jack in any selected direction in a plane normal to the central axis of the pilot head, and an electromagnetic valve for operating said cylinder. The pilot head further includes a target and a clinometer both for detecting the position and posture thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for laying small-diameter gas, water pipes or the like precisely in the ground. Small-diameter pilot pipes are first laid in while at the same time, a pilot head is measured and controlled to make its straight advance. Pipes of a larger diameter are then laid in successively, the pipes being led by the pilot pipes. Concurrent with this, excavated earth is discharged through the laid-in pilot pipes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of laying small-diameter pipes such as gas, water pipes or the like precisely in position in the ground. Small-diameter pilot pipes are first laid in with a pilot head being measured and controlled in order to make its advance straight. Pipes which are larger in diameter than the pilot pipes are then laid in successively, the large-diameter pipes being led by the pilot pipes. A multistage head is used as a head utilized for consolidation of soil and disposed in a following relationship to the pilot pipes, thereby reducing resistance exerted upon the head.

Abstract: A compression wave type signal of a selected frequency is transmitted into the ground at the bottom of a well bore being drilled. The signal is picked up by four microphones that are positioned in another well bore. The microphones have a known orientation with respect to the desired course of the well bore being drilled. The phase relationship of the transmitted signal picked up by the microphones is used to indicate at the surface the deviation between the course of the well being drilled and the desired course.

Abstract: Method of constructing a tunnel under an existing structure, such as railroad tracks, without disruption of the existing structure, i.e. without interrupting railroad service on the tracks and without requiring construction of expensive track run arounds. The method comprises the steps of boring or drilling a plurality of pipes in side-by-side relationship generally horizontally beneath the railroad right-of-way; if need be, reinforcing the pipes to assist in carrying incremental components of the loading on the tracks; incrementally excavating a small segment of the tunnel immediately beneath said pipes and placing tunnel forming members in the excavated segment in supporting relationship with the pipes; and repeating the last two steps until the tunnel, complete with tunnel forming-pipe supporting members, extends beneath the railroad tracks and right-of-way.

Abstract: An augering machine and method for underground mining of minerals by selectively cutting shallow cylindrical kerfs into the face of a mine entry, comprising a wheeled vehicle having an independently elevatable side arm which carries a cutter head and an attached auger flight, a motor for rotation thereof, and a flight-advancing sump device. A selectively controllable operator-warming system that is usable for any hydraulically operated machine is also provided.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head particularly adapted for rock drilling operations which head is positioned at the front of the casings and remotely controlled by the machine operator so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.

Abstract: .[.A carriage movable by a power unit along a track carrying a drive shaft connected sequentially to a plurality of drill rods. The drill rods are supplied by spaced apart transversely movable rack assemblies having upwardly opening spaced recesses therein. Transverse, spaced apart support arms are mounted for pivotal movement in vertical planes about a common axis selectively to an upper position in alignment with the drive shaft and to a lower position beneath the drill rods carried by the rack assembly. The rack assemblies are moved to position drill rods sequentially in alignment with the path of movement of the support arms..]..Iadd.A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus adapted for drilling holes into the side of a mass of earth and including thereon improved drill rod carrying and transfer means.