Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the hit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the hit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.

Abstract: A steerable rock bit attached by a drill string to a horizontal directional drill. The bit comprises a plurality of flanges radially extending from a central hub and a slanted face formed in the body of the bit. Cutting elements such as polycrystalline diamond compacts are disposed on the flanges on one side of the flanges such that they will provide cutting force when the bit is rotated in the direction of the cutting elements. The bit is advanced generally straight when the bit is rotated and is advanced at an angle away from the slanted face when the bit is not rotated.

Abstract: An assembly for housing a beacon comprising a number of tools for tracking and locating a drill bit. The assembly is for use as part of a drill string for horizontal directional drilling applications. The housing allows the beacon to be loaded at an end, and provides a side window at an opposite end for viewing the orientation of the beacon within the housing. The housing comprises a locating tab for pairing with a locating slot of the beacon to provide proper orientation. The window has a removable cover to secure the beacon when the access window is not needed for inspection of the beacon.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.

Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.