Abstract: A drill rod clamping system for securing a drill rod in a selected position. The drill rod clamping system has a hollow spindle with an upper portion that defines axial slots and a base portion that defines at least one radial opening. A plurality of jaws are moveable radially inwardly to a drill rod gripping position and radially outwardly to a drill rod releasing position. Each jaw is received within a respective axial slot of the hollow spindle. An actuator moves the plurality of jaws between the drill rod gripping position and the drill rod releasing position. A compressed gas spring assembly exerts force on the actuator to close the jaws. A hydraulic operator exerts force on the actuator to overcome the force of the compressed gas spring assembly to open the jaws. The radial openings of the base portion of the spindle permit flushing of material flowing within the spindle.

Abstract: Drill rod alignment devices, systems, and methods for aligning a drill rod with a drill string in a hand-free manner. A drill rod alignment device can have an arm assembly, rod engagement assembly, and a receiving channel secured to the rod engagement assembly. The arm assembly is moveable from a parked position to a deployed position, and the rod engagement assembly is moveable from an open position to a closed position. With the arm assembly in the deployed position, the drill rod alignment device contacts a drill rod and receives a portion of the drill rod within the receiving channel. The arm assembly is moveable to a closed position in which the drill rod is secured within the receiving channel.

Abstract: A drill rod clamping system for securing a drill rod in a selected position. The drill rod clamping system has a hollow spindle with an upper portion that defines axial slots and a base portion that defines at least one radial opening. A plurality of jaws are moveable radially inwardly to a drill rod gripping position and radially outwardly to a drill rod releasing position. Each jaw is received within a respective axial slot of the hollow spindle. An actuator moves the plurality of jaws between the drill rod gripping position and the drill rod releasing position. A compressed gas spring assembly exerts force on the actuator to close the jaws. A hydraulic operator exerts force on the actuator to overcome the force of the compressed gas spring assembly to open the jaws. The radial openings of the base portion of the spindle permit flushing of material flowing within the spindle.

Abstract: A drill rod clamping system for securing a drill rod in a selected position. The drill rod clamping system has a hollow spindle with an upper portion that defines axial slots and a base portion that defines at least one radial opening. A plurality of jaws are moveable radially inwardly to a drill rod gripping position and radially outwardly to a drill rod releasing position. Each jaw is received within a respective axial slot of the hollow spindle. An actuator moves the plurality of jaws between the drill rod gripping position and the drill rod releasing position. A compressed gas spring assembly exerts force on the actuator to close the jaws. A hydraulic operator exerts force on the actuator to overcome the force of the compressed gas spring assembly to open the jaws. The radial openings of the base portion of the spindle permit flushing of material flowing within the spindle.

Abstract: A drill head assembly for receiving a drill rod in an operative position. The drill head assembly has a chuck and cradle configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a drill mast. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast. From the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, with pivotal movement being restricted until axial movement is completed. Drill rod handling systems having such drill head assemblies, and methods of using such drill head assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill rod clamping system for securing a drill rod in a selected position. The drill rod clamping system has a hollow spindle with an upper portion that defines axial slots and a base portion that defines at least one radial opening. A plurality of jaws are moveable radially inwardly to a drill rod gripping position and radially outwardly to a drill rod releasing position. Each jaw is received within a respective axial slot of the hollow spindle. An actuator moves the plurality of jaws between the drill rod gripping position and the drill rod releasing position. A compressed gas spring assembly exerts force on the actuator to close the jaws. A hydraulic operator exerts force on the actuator to overcome the force of the compressed gas spring assembly to open the jaws. The radial openings of the base portion of the spindle permit flushing of material flowing within the spindle.

Abstract: A drill head assembly for receiving a drill rod in an operative position. The drill head assembly has a chuck and cradle configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a drill mast. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast. From the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, with pivotal movement being restricted until axial movement is completed. Drill rod handling systems having such drill head assemblies, and methods of using such drill head assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill head assembly for receiving a drill rod in an operative position. The drill head assembly has a chuck and cradle configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a drill mast. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast. From the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, with pivotal movement being restricted until axial movement is completed. Drill rod handling systems having such drill head assemblies, and methods of using such drill head assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Drill rod alignment devices, systems, and methods for aligning a drill rod with a drill string in a hand-free manner. A drill rod alignment device can have an arm assembly, rod engagement assembly, and a receiving channel secured to the rod engagement assembly. The arm assembly is moveable from a parked position to a deployed position, and the rod engagement assembly is moveable from an open position to a closed position. With the arm assembly in the deployed position, the drill rod alignment device contacts a drill rod and receives a portion of the drill rod within the receiving channel. The arm assembly is moveable to a closed position in which the drill rod is secured within the receiving channel.

Abstract: A drill head assembly for receiving a drill rod in an operative position. The drill head assembly has a chuck and cradle configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a drill mast. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast. From the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, with pivotal movement being restricted until axial movement is completed. Drill rod handling systems having such drill head assemblies, and methods of using such drill head assemblies, are also disclosed.