Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an absorber-replenisher to supply fluid to a low pressure circuit in a hydrostatic circuit or recover surplus energy usually wasted across a pressure relief valve in the low pressure side by intensifying it for use in a high pressure circuit in the hydrostatic circuit. The absorber-replenisher 1) allows fluid flow through a high pressure motor-pump section of the absorber-replenisher from a high pressure circuit source causing a low pressure motor-pump section to turn providing additional fluid flow to the hydrostatic circuit, or 2) allows increased fluid flow from the low pressure portion of the hydrostatic circuit to increase pressure until the higher pressure induces a higher net torque of the low pressure motor-pump section to reverse the direction of the absorber-replenisher and pump fluid flow into a high pressure circuit through the high pressure motor-pump section.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a cylinder lock valve to control fluid flow to a hydraulic cylinder operating a drilling rig sub-system. The lock valve 1) allows fluid flow through the valve if pressure on a main and pilot area overcomes a closing spring force on the valve, or 2) blocks flow through the valve if a loss in charge pressure in the main and pilot area falls below the closing spring force on the valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for storing kinetic energy in a fluid-base power circuit. A regenerative control valve manifold diverts fluid flow from a hydraulic device performing a first operation into an accumulator. The accumulator stores a fluid volume sufficient to perform a second operation. The regenerative control valve manifold connects the accumulator to the power circuit providing a fluid flow and charge pressure sufficient to perform the second operation.

Abstract: A telescoping sub (50) for mining operations and the like. The telescoping sub (50) includes a rotor (94) portion coupleadle to the rotary head of a drilling rig, and a stator (74) portion that is coupleable to a drill rod. The rotor (94) portion is slideadly coupled to the stator (74) portion and is moveable with respect thereto between an extended position and a retracted position. With the telescoping sub (50) in the retracted position, the drilling rig is operated to drill to a first depth. The drilling rig is then operated to move the rotor (94) portion to the extended position, and the drilling rig is operated to drill to a second depth that is greater than the first depth.

Abstract: A drilling machine including a frame, a tower, a rotary head, and a rod handling device. The frame is supported for movement over the ground and the tower is mounted on the frame. The rotary head is movable along the tower and is engageable with the drill string for rotating the drill string. The rod handling device is movable along the tower and operable to selectively support the drill string. The rod handling device is biased to a first position along the tower.