Abstract: Apparatus for moving an earth boring machine along a track includes a module which is releasably connected as a unit to the earth boring machine. The module includes a support plate releasably connected to the earth boring machine.

Abstract: An automatic fluid valve (25) includes a drive member (32) having an aperture (43) and a driven member (54). The automatic fluid valve (25) also includes at least one torque transfer member (38) for transferring torque from the drive member (37) to the driven member (54) and at least one elastic member (36) disposed between the drive member (32) and the driven member (54). The at least one elastic member (36) is responsive to a force transferred by the driven member (54). The automatic fluid valve (25) also includes a fluid blocking member (30) disposed within the aperture (43) for selectively allowing or preventing the flow of fluid (100) through the aperture (43). The fluid blocking member (30) is responsive to compression or decompression of the at least one elastic member (36).

Abstract: Drilling apparatus which comprises support structure mounted guide tracks which extend in a drilling direction. A rotating and pushing unit is mounted on said guide tracks for movement in the drilling direction. The apparatus is provided with a series of members for adjusting the height of the rotating and pushing unit in relation to the guide tracks, the members extending in the drilling direction and allowing the rotating and pushing unit to glide in the drilling direction.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for an earth boring machine includes a thrust bearing housing removably attachable to the bulkhead plate of an earth boring machine surrounding the torque hub flange. A rear drive flange is attached to the torque hub and a front drive flange is mounted within the housing and carries a thrust bearing movable into and out of contact with the housing. The front drive flange has an extension which projects beyond the housing for attachment of an auger and boring head and is connected to the rear drive flange for rotational movement therewith and axial movement relatively thereof.

Abstract: A combined steering and lubricating apparatus for use with earth boring apparatus includes a casing extension pivotally attached to one end of a casing section and controlled by an elongate tube which is movable along an axis parallel to the axis of the casing to pivot the casing extension. The invention includes a first connector for connecting one end of the tube to the casing extension and a second connector assembly connected to the other end of the tube for moving the tube and pivoting the casing extension and for providing lubricating fluid to the tube and first connector for deposit on the exterior of the casing.

Abstract: The automatic feed drill includes a spindle mounted therein for rotating in reciprocating movement. The spindle is rotated by spindle rotation gear that is engaged with the main drive gear which is ultimately driven by an air motor or the like. The feed and retraction movement (reciprocation) is caused by a spindle feed gear that is threaded onto the spindle. The spindle feed gear is engaged with a feed gear which, during feed movement, is driven by the main drive gear, and during retraction movement, is shifted into a position wherein the feed gear is prevented from rotating. The spindle also carries a collar or other abutment that engages a shift lever at the end of the feed movement. The shift lever is moved by the collar, and, due to its interconnection with the feed gear, moves the feed gear out of engagement with the main drive gear and into the position wherein it is prevented from rotating. The apparatus also includes a yieldable stop device that holds the feed gear stopped during retraction movement.

Abstract: The automatic feed drill includes a spindle mounted therein for rotating in reciprocating movement. The spindle is rotated by spindle rotation gear that is engaged with the main drive gear which is ultimately driven by an air motor or the like. The feed and retraction movement (reciprocation) is caused by a spindle feed gear that is threaded onto the spindle. The spindle feed gear is engaged with a feed gear which, during feed movement, is driven by the main drive gear, and during retraction movement, is shifted into a position wherein the feed gear is prevented from rotating. The spindle also carries a collar or other abutment that engages a shift lever at the end of the feed movement. The shift lever is moved by the collar, and, due to its interconnection with the feed gear, moves the feed gear out of engagement with the main drive gear and into the position wherein it is prevented from rotating. The apparatus also includes a yieldable stop device that holds the feed gear stopped during retraction movement.

Abstract: The automatic feed drill includes a spindle mounted therein for rotating and reciprocating movement. The spindle is rotated by a spindle rotation gear that is engaged with the main drive gear which is ultimately driven by an air motor or the like. The feed and retraction movement (reciprocation) is caused by a spindle feed gear that is threaded onto the spindle. The spindle feed gear is engaged with a feed gear which, during normal feed movement, is driven by the main drive gear, and during retraction and rapid feed movement, is shifted into a position wherein the feed gear is prevented from rotating. During rapid feed the motor direction is reversed by a reversing valve. The apparatus also includes a yieldable stop device that holds the feed gear stopped during retraction and rapid feed movement.