Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a rotary cutting tool having a proximal end and a distal end and further defining a rotary axis generally extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rotary cutting tool includes a proximally directed face located between the proximal and distal ends that face mainly in a proximal direction. The rotary cutting tool also includes an angled mounting face that extends between the proximally directed face and the proximal end. The angled mounting face is angled relative to the proximally directed face and the rotary axis where one of a mounting aperture and a mounting protrusion are provided at the proximally directed face. The one of the mounting aperture and the mounting protrusion have a mounting depth that extends generally in the direction of the rotary axis. The distal end includes a feature that is configured for at least one of cutting and grinding.

Abstract: Bits configured for drilling rock that are of the type that includes a plurality of teeth supported in pockets that are on a cutting face that is driven to rotate. The pockets are configured to allow the teeth to passively rotate while in the pockets. The present disclosure provides a bit having hardfacing around the pockets and related methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a back reamer roller cone that is configured so that the bearings assemblies therein can be relatively easily removed and replaced. Methods of replacing the bearing assemblies in a back reamer are also provided.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus can include a sonde housing that is elongated along a central longitudinal axis. The sonde housing has a length that extends along the central longitudinal axis from a proximal end of the sonde housing to a distal end of the sonde housing. The proximal end of the sonde housing is adapted for connection to a drill string and the distal end of the sonde housing includes a distal end face. The sonde housing further defines first and second sonde-housing fluid-delivery passages. The first and second sonde-housing fluid-delivery passages extend fluidly separately from one another throughout substantially an entire length of the sonde housing. The drilling apparatus can also include a rotary cutting tool that mounts to the distal end of the sonde housing. The rotary cutting tool can further define distinct first and second cutting-tool fluid-delivery passages. The first sonde-housing fluid-delivery passage can be in fluid communication with the first cutting-tool fluid-delivery passage.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a rotary cutting tool having a proximal end and a distal end and further defining a rotary axis generally extending between the proximal and distal ends. The rotary cutting tool includes a proximally directed face located between the proximal and distal ends that face mainly in a proximal direction. The rotary cutting tool also includes an angled mounting face that extends between the proximally directed face and the proximal end. The angled mounting face is angled relative to the proximally directed face and the rotary axis where one of a mounting aperture and a mounting protrusion are provided at the proximally directed face. The one of the mounting aperture and the mounting protrusion have a mounting depth that extends generally in the direction of the rotary axis. The distal end includes a feature that is configured for at least one of cutting and grinding.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a back reamer roller cone that is configured so that the bearings assemblies therein can be relatively easily removed and replaced. Methods of replacing the bearing assemblies in a back reamer are also provided.

Abstract: Bits configured for drilling rock that are of the type that includes a plurality of teeth supported in pockets that are on a cutting face that is driven to rotate. The pockets are configured to allow the teeth to passively rotate while in the pockets. The present disclosure provides a bit having hardfacing around the pockets and related methods.

Abstract: Underground drilling operation often requires connecting a drill tool (e.g., drill bit, backreamer, etc.) to a drill string. It is desirable to connect the drill tools to a drill string in a manner that facilitates quick and easy assembly and disassembly. Low torque coupling, commonly referred to as “torque-less” connection, can provide such functionality. The useful life and strength of such connections can be improved upon. The present disclosure provides a low torque coupling with improved strength and durability.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a horizontal directional drilling machine having a boring tool. A rate of rotation and a rate of thrust are selected by an operator. Controls allow an automatic boring operation mode to be initiated to maintain the selected rate of rotation and thrust without further input from the operator. Periodically, when the rotation and thrust are interrupted, such as to modify the drill string, the automatic boring operation mode is interrupted. The automatic boring operation mode may be resumed without requiring the operator to select the rate of rotation and rate of thrust. The rate of rotation is resumed before the rate of thrust to reduce drill string shock loads and increase drilling performance.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a horizontal directional drilling machine having a boring tool. A rate of rotation and a rate of thrust are selected by an operator. Controls allow an automatic boring operation mode to be initiated to maintain the selected rate of rotation and thrust without further input from the operator. Periodically, when the rotation and thrust are interrupted, such as to modify the drill string, the automatic boring operation mode is interrupted. The automatic boring operation mode may be resumed without requiring the operator to select the rate of rotation and rate of thrust. The rate of rotation is resumed before the rate of thrust to reduce drill string shock loads and increase drilling performance.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for horizontal directional drilling. The drill head includes a device for detecting angular orientation, a holder for the device for detecting angular orientation, the device for detecting angular orientation being disposed therein, a hammer driven by a liquid and a drill bit. The holder, the hammer and the drill bit are connected head to tail along a longitudinal axis of a drill string with the holder at a proximate end of the drill head and the drill bit at a distal end of the drill head.