Abstract: An excavation apparatus having a mast, a sled slidably mounted thereon, a sled driving system for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and non-rotatable but extendable kelly sections that prevent slippage of the sled on the mast. An outer kelly section is attached to the sled, and an inner kelly section is extendable therefrom and retractable therein. A bushing maintains slidable alignment of the kelly sections on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage. A rotary motor, attached to the sled, rotates a telescopic shaft housed within the kelly sections. A transmission secured to the lower end of the inner kelly section increases downhole torque. A boom connector downcrowds and upcrowds the mast for additional drilling depth capability.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus, for mounting on track type excavator, having a mast, a sled slidably mounted on the mast, a sled driving system supported by the mast for downcrowding and upcrowding the sled along the mast, and an extendable kelly section system that prevents slippage of the sled relative to the mast. The extendable kelly section system has a non-rotating outer kelly section attached to the sled, and a non-rotating inner kelly section that is extendable from and retractable into the outer kelly section. A bushing assembly maintains the outer kelly section slidable on the mast. The inner kelly section is automatically powered into and out of the outer kelly section a distance proportional to the distance that the sled is downcrowded or upcrowded along the mast while preventing slippage of the inner kelly section relative to the outer kelly section.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus especially useful when mounted on backhoes and other lighter vehicles used in the construction industry. The excavation apparatus does not require a winch for letting out and retracting its cable nor a reel for storing retracted cable which reduces the weight of the excavation apparatus, lowers its cost while facilitating both operation and servicing. The apparatus has a kelly assembly housing which houses an outer kelly section, and an extendable innermost kelly section adaptable for attachment of a tool. More than one extendable kelly section can be used. A rotary table rotates the kelly sections. A support structure supports the rotary table and the housing. A frame allows the housing to slide relative to the frame in a direction parallel to the axis of the assembly. A downcrowd mechanism, supported by the frame, downcrowds the support structure relative to the frame.

Abstract: An excavation apparatus especially useful when mounted on backhoes and other lighter vehicles used in the construction industry. The excavation apparatus does not require a winch for letting out and retracting its cable nor a reel for storing retracted cable which reduces the weight of the excavation apparatus, lowers its cost while facilitating both operation and servicing. The apparatus has a kelly assembly housing which houses an outer kelly section, and an extendable innermost kelly section adaptable for attachment of a tool. More than one extendable kelly section can be used. A rotary table rotates the kelly sections. A support structure supports the rotary table and the housing. A frame allows the housing to slide relative to the frame in a direction parallel to the axis of the assembly. A downcrowd mechanism, supported by the frame, downcrowds the support structure relative to the frame.

Abstract: Augering device is disclosed which is useful for drilling holes in the ground at various angles under relatively low overhead or ceiling conditions. The device is suitable for mounting on a wide variety of vehicles ranging from the bed of small pickup trucks to very large track type caterpillars with booms. The device has an extendable mast powered by a downcrowding mechanism, a kelly assembly, and a kelly rotating mechanism. The extendable mast has a first mast member and a second mast member. A downcrowding hydraulic cylinder extends the second mast member away from the first mast member and pulls the second mast member towards the first mast member. The telescoping kelly sections include at least an outer kelly section and an inner kelly section. The outer kelly section has an axis parallel to but spaced apart from the axis of the first mast member. A bearing rotatable supports the outer kelly section and prevents axial displacement of the outer kelly section relative thereto.

Abstract: A downcrowdable telescopic augering apparatus and drilling rig is disclosed that has a low overhead requirement and yet can drill large diameter holes ot great depths. The invention is especially useful for drilling foundation holes. One embodiment of the invention can ready over walls and in-place equipment for drilling holes. One embodiment of the invention can drill holes at almost any angle desired into the earth. One embodiment can drill holes on steeply inclined terrains. Because of its low overhead requirement, the drilling rigs of this invention can be used inside existing building without damaging the ceilings or roofs to drill foundation holes for mounting new machinery. The downcrowd means of this invention does not substantially increase the height of the augering apparatus or drilling rig.