Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used. In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used.In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A backfiller and tamper unit (10) is disclosed which is a self contained unit that acts to both backfill and compact soil into a trench for complete restoration. The unit includes a tractor (12) which mounts a vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) and a backfill auger assembly (16). The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly (14) is mounted on a mast (50) which is pivotally secured to the tractor for limited arcuate motion from vertical. This permits the mast to be tilted so that the compaction force of the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is most effectively directed to compact the soil in the trench. The vibrator and tamping wheel assembly is free floating on the mast which isolates the tractor from vibration generated by the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly and provides greater compaction efficiency. Further, the vibrator and tamping wheel assembly can be lifted vertically on the mast by a lift mechanism (62) for storage.

Abstract: A soft excavator (10, 90, 110, 130) is disclosed which utilizes a jet of high velocity fluid flow such as air or water flow, preferably supersonic, through a nozzle (48, 92, 112) to excavate a material, such as the ground. A second passage for air flow is provided which is directed by an evacuator skirt (52, 102) in a direction along the excavator generally opposite the direction of discharge of the high velocity excavating flow to entrain the material excavated for disposal.

Abstract: A soft excavator (10, 90, 110, 130) is disclosed which utilizes a jet of high velocity fluid flow such as air or water flow, preferably supersonic, through a nozzle (48, 92, 112) to excavate a material, such as the ground. A second passage for air flow is provided which is directed by an evacuator skirt (52, 102) in a direction along the excavator generally opposite the direction of discharge of the high velocity excavating flow to entrain the material excavated for disposal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a horizontal controlled borehole in the earth includes a drill frame, a drill string and a downhole tool. The drill frame includes a wrench attached to the frame for assisting in breaking and forming joints. The downhole tool includes removable blade assemblies having, for example, stepped or spade-like profiles and hard facing at areas of primary contact with the soil. When fluid is added for cooling, lubricating and flushing away cuttings, the downhole tool can include a nozzle parallel to the centerline of the longitudinal axis of the drill string, a check valve means for preventing downhole particles from entering the fluid passageway and/or a transmitter protecting waterproof plug for diverting fluid to a fluid passageway and for allowing an on-board downhole transmitter to be near the drill bit. Also, the blade assembly can be placed so as to divert fluid from the nozzle to an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string.