Abstract: A system for assuring that a rotation brake has engaged on a directional drilling machine. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. The spindle is in turn attached to the above-ground end of a drill string. After the rotation brake is actuated, a controller causes the motor to transmit oppositely-directed rotational pulses to the spindle. If the brake is properly engaged, the pulses will produce spikes in pressure within the hydraulic circuit that powers the pump. When a pressure sensor detects such spikes, it signals the controller and confirms that the brake is engaged.

Abstract: A brake system for maintaining an angular position of a spindle assembly. A pump-powered motor drives rotation of a spindle on the machine. When no rotation is desired, the spindle will slow, then stop at a desired angular orientation. A rotational sensor will determine the clock position, and a controller compares that to a desired angular orientation. If an error tolerance is exceeded, the motor will rotate the spindle back to the desired orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.

Abstract: A spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drill has a wrench assembly and a lubricant application assembly. The wrench assembly operates to make-up and break out pipe segments from a drill string while the lubricant application assembly applies lubricant to the pipe joints. The wrench assembly has a rotatable wrench and a stationary wrench for applying torque to pipe joints. Each of these wrenches is substantially vertically oriented, with a movable upper jaw and a stationary lower jaw. Lubricant pressure is maintained in the application assembly with a pump and a follower weight disposed on the surface of a storage container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.

Abstract: A rotation brake for stopping rotation of a spindle assembly on a horizontal directional drill. The rotation brake comprises a brake lock that is actuated by a cylinder and spring to interact with a non-rotating brake cap and a rotating pinion, thereby stopping rotation of the pinion. The brake lock is removed from the pinion by applying pressurized fluid to a cylinder such that a cylinder rod moves the brake lock out of a cavity between the brake cap and the pinion. Upon removing fluid pressure from the cylinder, a compressed spring moves the brake lock back to into the cavity, preventing rotation.