Abstract: This invention relates to a drill string (32) for use with micro tunnelling apparatus (1) having a cutter (21) at a distal end of the drill string (32) and external drive mechanism (2) at a proximal end of the drill string (32). The drill string (32) being formed by a plurality of connected string segments (13), each string segment (13) with a drive shaft (33) aligned along the central axis for rotation there about and an elongate casing (34) that houses the drive shaft (33). The front end of one string segment (13) is adapted to connect with the back end of another string segment (13) to form the drill string (32) by way of a latch connection, the latch connection being adjustable so as to vary the tolerance between said front end of one string segment (13) and said back end of another string segment (13) while connected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reamer assembly (6) for enlarging a substantially horizontal pilot hole (14) in the ground to produce a bore hole (18), including a cutter (21) which is rotatable about an axis X-X. A gear box (20) is positioned on a first side of the cutter (21) for interacting with a drive shaft (33) which is rotated about the axis X-X by a drive apparatus (2) outside the pilot bore hole (14) and a body (15) positioned on a second side of the cutter (21) for transferring thrust from a thrust apparatus (4) outside of the enlarged bore hole (18) to the cutter (21).

Abstract: This invention relates to a drill string (32) for use with micro tunnelling apparatus (1) having a cutter (21) at a distal end of the drill string (32) and external drive mechanism (2) at a proximal end of the drill string (32). The drill string (32) being formed by a plurality of connected string segments (13), each string segment (13) with a drive shaft (33) aligned along the central axis for rotation there about and an elongate casing (34) that houses the drive shaft (33). The front end of one string segment (13) is adapted to connect with the back end of another string segment (13) to form the drill string (32) by way of a latch connection, the latch connection being adjustable so as to vary the tolerance between said front end of one string segment (13) and said back end of another string segment (13) while connected.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reamer assembly (6) for enlarging a substantially horizontal pilot hole (14) in the ground to produce a bore hole (18), including a cutter (21) which is rotatable about an axis X-X. A gear box (20) is positioned on a first side of the cutter (21) for interacting with a drive shaft (33) which is rotated about the axis X-X by a drive apparatus (2) outside the pilot bore hole (14) and a body (15) positioned on a second side of the cutter (21) for transferring thrust from a thrust apparatus (4) outside of the enlarged bore hole (18) to the cutter (21).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an auger boring machine for boring through the earth. The auger boring machine includes a cutting head for engaging a working face of the earth to cut a bore. The cutting head is rotatable about a drive axis so as to cut the earth at the working face. The auger boring machine further includes an auger that is rotatable about the drive axis for transporting spoil resulting from the operation of the cutting head away from the cutting head. Additionally, the auger boring machine includes a casing housing the auger which is urged to move into the bore behind the cutting head. The cutting head and the auger are movable along the drive axis relative to the casing. Furthermore, the auger boring machine includes a steering member positioned near the cutting head for directing movement of the casing into the bore in a steered direction transverse to the drive axis.

Abstract: A drill rod is disclosed. The drill rod includes a casing assembly defining a length that extends axially between a first end and an opposite second end of the drill rod, and a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the casing assembly. The drive shaft extends axially along the drill rod generally from the first end of the casing assembly to the second end of the casing assembly. The drill rod also includes latching pins at the first end of the drill rod and latching pin receivers at the second end of the drill rod. The drill rod further includes latches provided adjacent the latching pin receivers. The latches are movable between latching and non-latching positions. The latches move along an orientation of movement then the latches between the latching and non-latching positions. The drill rod may also include biasing structures that apply retention forces to the latches for retaining the latches in the non-latching position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an auger boring machine for boring through the earth. The auger boring machine includes a cutting head for engaging a working face of the earth to cut a bore. The cutting head is rotatable about a drive axis so as to cut the earth at the working face. The auger boring machine further includes an auger that is rotatable about the drive axis for transporting spoil resulting from the operation of the cutting head away from the cutting head. Additionally, the auger boring machine includes a casing housing the auger which is urged to move into the bore behind the cutting head. The cutting head and the auger are movable along the drive axis relative to the casing. Furthermore, the auger boring machine includes a steering member positioned near the cutting head for directing movement of the casing into the bore in a steered direction transverse to the drive axis.