Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.

Abstract: A system for boring horizontal boreholes and installing products using a dual member drill string. The system is comprised of a boring machine with a frame and a rotary drive supported on the frame, a downhole tool, and a dual member drill string. The drill string comprises an inner member disposed within a tubular outer member such that the inner member is rotatable independent of the outer member. The outer member has at least one helical projection supported on an exterior surface of the outer member. The projections on the outer member function as an auger to clear spoils and support the bore. The auger arrangement with the dual member drill string can be used in forward reaming or backreaming operations.

Abstract: A system for boring horizontal boreholes and installing products using a dual member drill string. The system is comprised of a boring machine with a frame and a rotary drive supported on the frame, a downhole tool, and a dual member drill string. The drill string comprises an inner member disposed within a tubular outer member such that the inner member is rotatable independent of the outer member. The outer member has at least one helical projection supported on an exterior surface of the outer member. The projections on the outer member function as an auger to clear spoils and support the bore. The auger arrangement with the dual member drill string can be used in forward reaming or backreaming operations.

Abstract: A generator assembly for generating power in the downhole end of a drill string used to form a borehole in horizontal directional drilling. The drill string provides a fluid passageway in which the downhole generator is receivingly disposed, at least in part, to subject a rotatable turbine to a pressurized fluid flowing in the fluid passageway, thereby imparting a mechanical rotation to the turbine. The turbine is coupled to a generator so that the mechanical rotation of the turbine is transferred to a power output of the generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deviating the direction of a borehole. The method comprises the steps of rotating a boring head underground through a material which is to be cut and oscillates the boring head to achieve a desired direction change. The boring head has one or more roller cones and may further comprise a deflection structure. The deflection structure may be separately mountable to the boring head or may be integrally formed with the boring head. The boring head is rotated to bore a generally straight hole. To change direction, the roller cone is oriented to achieve the desired direction change and oscillated to deviate the direction of the borehole. Oscillation of the roller cone may be carried out by oscillating the drill string, the boring head and/or the roller cone.

Abstract: A directional boring machine equipped with a boring head comprising a blade assembly. The blade assembly may comprise a plurality of blades with deflecting surfaces. Alternately, the blade assembly has a single, stepped or serrated blade. The serrated blade assembly has a planar blade which is tapered in thickness and width from its base to its forward end. The forward end has teeth cut away on the backside to provide a recess or relief space for cuttings during the drilling process. A relief space or slot also is provided between the front two teeth for the same purpose. The blade is divided into two halves, and the halves are offset so that each of the teeth on each half provides a separate cutting point. The blade is angled in an upward direction relative to the base of the blade assembly to improve penetration and cutting actions. The blade assembly in combination with the boring head body provides exceptional cutting performance in a variety of soils and rock.

Abstract: A drill pipe (10, 100, 220, 200, 210, 250) is disclosed which includes a cylindrical pipe section (12), a box end (14), a pin end (16) and a hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260) inserted between the box and pin ends and extending within the cylindrical pipe section. All, or the majority of drilling fluid passes through the hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260). The interior surface of the cylindrical pipe section (12) may or may not be exposed to the drilling fluid but any corrosion generated by metal-to-fluid contact is generally trapped between the hose or tube and the pipe section. The reduced volume of the hydraulic hose assembly (202, 18) or tube (212, 90, 260) relative to conveying the drilling fluid through the interior of the cylindrical pipe section reduces significantly the waste of drilling fluid, allows the fluid to be pressurized more rapidly to initiate drilling operation, and limits fluid spill damage to the environment.

Abstract: A directional boring machine equipped with a boring head comprising a blade assembly. The blade assembly may comprise a plurality of blades with deflecting surfaces. Alternately, the blade assembly has a single, stepped or serrated blade. The serrated blade assembly has a planar blade which is tapered in thickness and width from its base to its forward end. The forward end has teeth cut away on the backside to provide a recess or relief space for cuttings during the drilling process. A relief space or slot also is provided between the front two teeth for the same purpose. The blade is divided into two halves, and the halves are offset so that each of the teeth on each half provides a separate cutting point. The blade is angled in an upward direction relative to the base of the blade assembly to improve penetration and cutting actions. The blade assembly in combination with the boring head body provides exceptional cutting performance in a variety of soils and rock.