Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an underground borehole is presented, wherein pressurized air may be used to discharge out of the borehole cuttings created by a cutter head. A casing may be secured to the cutter head such that the cutter head and casing may be rotatable together as a unit. The casing may have larger and smaller diameter sections. An auger may be disposed adjacent the front of the casing.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus may include an earth-boring cutter head, and a casing secured to the cutter head and extending rearwardly therefrom so that the casing and cutter head are rotatable together as a unit. A casing cuttings passage may extend from adjacent the casing front end to adjacent the casing back end. An entrance opening of the casing cuttings passage, which is adjacent the cutter head, is adapted to allow cuttings to move through the entrance opening into the casing cuttings passage. In some implementations there may be a stationary auger positioned within the casing cuttings passage rearwardly from the entrance opening, such that the stationary auger does not rotate when the casing and cutter head are rotated together as a unit.

Abstract: A cutting assembly and method for drilling an underground borehole. The cutting assembly includes front and rear cutting heads of different diameters mounted on a shaft. An air passage defined through the cutting assembly may be placed in fluid communication with a pressurized remote air source and with a bore of a casing extending rearwardly from the cutting assembly. Pressurized air flows through the air passage and entrains cuttings produced by the front and rear cutting heads. A housing extends rearwardly from the larger diameter rear cutting head and an auger provided within the housing aids in directing cuttings into the casing. The auger rotates independently of the rest of the cutting assembly and may be configured to further reduce the size of the cuttings. A collar on the housing seals the borehole cut by the rear cutting assembly and aids in preventing frac-out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an underground borehole is presented, wherein pressurized air may be used to discharge out of the borehole cuttings created by a cutter head. A casing may be secured to the cutter head such that the cutter head and casing may be rotatable together as a unit. The casing may have larger and smaller diameter sections. An auger may be disposed adjacent the front of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling an underground borehole where pressurized air may be used to discharge cuttings produced by a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a shaft having a first and second ends and a bore extending between the ends. First and second cutting heads are provided on the shaft a distance apart. The second cutting head is rearward of the first cutting head and is of a greater diameter. Each cutting head defines an air passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the shaft's bore. A housing extends rearwardly from the second cutting head and connects to a length of casing. An annular flange, concentric with the housing, seals the borehole as the cutting assembly rotates and moves forward through the ground. Cuttings generated by the assembly are moved therethrough and discharged from the casing by pressurized air provided to the assembly through the shaft's bore.

Abstract: A ground engaging stake used to anchor and support equipment with respect to the soil includes an I-beam and a spring assembly which engages the I-beam. The I-beam includes a web plate and a pair of end plates which extend perpendicularly to the web plate at opposite edges thereof. A pair of guide plates are spaced from and parallel to a middle portion of the web plate. A pair of cams are mounted on each side of the web plate adjacent a bottom end thereof. The spring assembly includes a pair of spaced parallel springs rigidly attached to one another at a top thereof by a center stop. A pair of side stop blocks are attached to the top outer surface of each spring. Springs 32 extend between a slot formed between the guide plates and web plate of the I-beam. The spring is driven downwardly causing the springs to deflect against an angled top surface of each cam and bend slightly outwardly away from the I-beam.

Abstract: A modified hemostat adapted to be used as a multipurpose fishing tool has a clamping section, a fulcrum and handles. The clamping section has a first short space proximate to the tips and a longer space proximate to flat-shaped sections adjacent the fulcrum. The spaces are on the inner surface of the clamping section and are formed by cavities in the jaws. The jaws should be designed to be in substantial contact when the hemostat is in the closed position. The unit can also have crimpers, cutters and vices on its inner surfaces.