Patents by Inventor Tod J. Michael

Tod J. Michael has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9127510
    Abstract: A dual drive drilling system having a plurality of drill rods that make up a drill string and a steering element for controlling the path of the drill string is disclosed. The dual drive drilling system also includes a drill bit located near the end of the drill string, a first rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a steering element, and a second rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a drill bit. Further, the dual drive drilling system also includes a joystick capable of moving along a first and second axis for controlling both the first and second rotational drives, wherein the movement of the joystick along the first axis controls rotation of the first rotational drive, and the movement of the joystick along the second axis controls rotation of the second rotational drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew David Stringer, Nathaniel Zadok Gustavson, Michael Dale Van Zee, Philip Robert Lane, Kevin Duane Sebolt, Tod J. Michael
  • Publication number: 20140102799
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a dual drive drilling system having a plurality of drill rods that make up a drill string and a steering element for controlling the path of the drill string. The dual drive drilling system also includes a drill bit located near the end of the drill string, a first rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a steering element, and a second rotational drive for controlling the rotation of a drill bit. Further the dual drive drilling system also includes a joystick capable of moving along a first and second axis for controlling both the first and second rotational drives, wherein the movement of the joystick along the first axis controls rotation of the first rotational drive, and the movement of the joystick along the second axis controls rotation of the second rotational drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew David Stringer, Nathaniel Zadok Gustavson, Michael Dale Van Zee, Philip Robert Lane, Kevin Duane Sebolt, Tod J. Michael
  • Patent number: 7694753
    Abstract: A drill rod assembly including inner and outer drill rods. The drill rod assembly further including flow passages that are in fluid communication with an annular fluid flow path defined between the inner and outer drill rods. The passages preventing blockage of a drill string fluid flow path when a number of drill rod assemblies are interconnected to form a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robin Carlson, Randy R. Runquist, Tod J. Michael, Shawn Moyer
  • Patent number: 7243737
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to back reamers having bases including leading ends that can be connected to a drill string and trailing ends that can be connected to product desired to be pulled through a bore being backreamed. The back reamers also include reaming components that are detachably secured to the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Tod J. Michael