Abstract: A slide carrier includes: a base support; and a slide platform having a surface that is parallel to a first plane defined by a first vector and a second vector, wherein a vector extending in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is normal with respect to a second plane defined by a third vector and a fourth vector, an angle between the first vector and the third vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the second vector and the fourth vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A loose crown underreamer apparatus (10) for boring into earth and other materials includes a crown (28) loosely coupled to a bit shank (12). The loose coupling mechanism (34) employed in the present invention reduces the occurrence of friction welds occurring between crown (28) and bit shank (12). Coupling mechanism (34) employed in the present invention includes a plurality of deformable polyurethane retainer balls (36) disposed in shank sockets (38) and corresponding crown sockets (40). Coupling mechanism (34) employed in the present invention allows for crown (28) to be uncoupled and re-coupled to bit shank (12) at will.