Abstract: A drill rig includes a base, a drill tower coupled to and extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to and supported by the drill tower, an air compressor coupled to the base, a prime mover coupled to the air compressor, and a fluid coupling disposed between and coupled to both the prime mover and the air compressor.

Abstract: A system for bracing a reciprocating shaft having a first shaft portion that moves along a long axis with respect to a second shaft portion and a short axis orthogonal to the long axis. The first shaft portion moves past a switch in a first direction to disengage the switch and past the switch in a second direction to engage the switch. A bracing member is carried by the switch and has a tip that, when the switch is engaged, is located immediately adjacent and laterally braces the second shaft portion by limiting movement of the second shaft portion along the short axis. When the switch is disengaged, the tip of the bracing member is not located immediately adjacent the shaft.

Abstract: A drill rig includes a base, a drill tower coupled to and extending from the base, a drill pipe coupled to and supported by the drill tower, an air compressor coupled to the base, a prime mover coupled to the air compressor, and a fluid coupling disposed between and coupled to both the prime mover and the air compressor.

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 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: 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: 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: A drilling machine includes a frame, a tower that is supported by the frame, two tracks for movement over the ground, at least three yokes that interconnect the frame and the two tracks, at least three hydraulic cylinders, an inclinometer that senses the inclination of the frame and produces an output signal that is indicative of the inclination of the frame, and a controller that receives the output signal from the inclinometer. The tower includes a drill string. Each yoke is connected to the frame and one of the tracks. Each hydraulic cylinder is extendible and retractable in response to an associated control signal and connected to the frame and an associated yoke. The controller generates control signals for the hydraulic cylinders such that the hydraulic cylinders are controlled to extend or retract to maintain the frame in a level position.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a frame, a tower that is supported by the frame, two tracks for movement over the ground, at least four yokes that interconnect the frame and the two tracks, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. The tower includes a drill string. Each yoke is connected to the frame and one of the tracks. Each hydraulic cylinder is movable in response to a control signal and connected to the frame and a yoke. Each sensor senses a parameter indicative of force and generates an output signal that represents the force. The controller receives the output signals from the sensors, determines a center of gravity of the drilling machine, and generates the control signals for the hydraulic cylinders based on the center of gravity. Each hydraulic cylinder is controlled to move to maintain the center of gravity within a boundary area.

Abstract: A telescoping sub (50) for mining operations and the like. The telescoping sub (50) includes a rotor (94) portion couplable to the rotary head of a drilling rig, and a stator (74) portion that is couplable to a drill rod. The rotor (94) portion is slideably 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 includes a frame, two tracks, and a plurality of yokes interconnecting the frame and the tracks. Each yoke is pivotable with respect to the frame by the extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder. Each of a plurality of sensors senses a parameter indicative of force and generates a signal representing the force. A controller receives the force signals, and generates control signals to extend or retract the hydraulic cylinders when an associated force deviation for a hydraulic cylinder exceeds a predetermined magnitude.