Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment.

Abstract: A fingerboard having at least one fingerboard row for storing a plurality of threaded tubulars is provided. A plurality of latches are connected to the at least one fingerboard row for lockingly retaining at least one threaded tubular, wherein each of the plurality of latches is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A row controller is connected to each of the latches for individually and sequentially moving the latches between the locked and unlocked positions, wherein the row controller is manually operable from a location remote from the latches such that the latches are manually and remotely controlled.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving pipe on a rig floor between a number of different stations including an off-floor rack, a preparation opening, a borehole, and a storage area, such that tubulars can be loaded onto the drill floor, prepared at the preparation opening, loaded onto or off of the storage rack, and connected to a drill string while drilling is simultaneously conducted at the borehole, comprising at least two pipehandling devices, at least one of the pipehandling devices having multiple independent gripping arms, the pipehandling devices being arranged for communicating pipe between a storage area off the drill floor, a storage area on the drill floor, at least one preparation opening, and a drill opening are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for moving pipe on a rig floor between a number of different stations are provided. Generally the apparatus includes pipehandling equipment arranged to interact with an off-floor rack, a preparation opening, a borehole, and a storage area, such that tubulars can be loaded onto the drill floor, prepared at the preparation opening, loaded onto or off of the storage rack, and connected to a drill string while drilling is simultaneously conducted at borehole. In one embodiment, the system includes at least two pipehandling devices for communicating pipe between a storage area off the drill floor, a storage area on the drill floor, at least one preparation opening, and a drill opening.

Abstract: The invention is a new drill for making micropiles, equipped with a mast on which the head-carrying trolley slides and having at the bottom of the mast two pairs of vices, a lower fixed vice and a upper unscrewing vice. Besides being able to rotate around the drilling axis, the unscrewing vice is able to move along said mast with respect to the lower fixed vice. The advantages are considerable, since it is no longer necessary to dismantle the rod and the covering during the extraction stages.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment.

Abstract: A service rig, comprising a mast, a torque carrier suspended from the mast; and a brace having a torque carrier end connected to the torque carrier for conveying torque from the torque carrier into the brace and an anchored end with a fastener for attaching the brace to a substructure at a well or the back of the service rig. When the service rig is in operation over a well and has a substructure, the anchored end of the brace is horizontally offset from a point on the substructure directly below the torque carrier end of the brace. The anchored end of the brace, when in operative position, is oriented parallel to an extension of the torque carrier. The anchored end of the brace preferably constitutes an offset extension of the torque carrier. If a substructure is not available, the torque carrier extension may be anchored to the back of the service or workover rig.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is supportably retained in a vertically movable retainer. The retainer is adapted for controllably elevating the spider above the rig floor when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated spider and above the rig floor. Personnel are provided with access to the pipe string for applying a fastener to secure the control line to the pipe string.

Abstract: A drilling machine and drilling rig for exploratory drillings and producing wells, include a base mounting atop drive, and a multifunctional gripper for gripping drilling pipe from a stock and to be raised on the base for eventual positions positioning at a well center, an elevator being provided below the top drive. The base can be rotatably mounted and have a live ring at a base lower end region, the base being rotated to the pipe stock location and being rotatable to a well center as well. A drilling pipe upper end when raised on the base can be connected to the top drive, and an iron roughneck on a rig floor can be used to connect a pipe lower end to a pipe section in the well. Where two drilling machine are used, one can be used for actual drilling at the well center, and the second supplied with pipework for the operation.

Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A centering tool assembly helps centrally position a casing in a tubing using a baseplate, actuator, support tube, power source, and reaction studs. The baseplate is positioned on an outside edge of the tubing. The actuator is either preinstalled on the baseplate or installed after positioning on the tubing's outside edge. The support tube vertically adjusts the actuator. The power source activates the actuator which provides a force against the casing, moving the casing into the central position. Reaction studs or counteracting members help stabilize the centering tool assembly during this positioning. The centering tool assembly may be used to either pull or push the casing into the desired position. Additionally, a method for centering a casing into a central or desired position in a tubing involves placing a baseplate on the edge of the casing. An actuator is installed on the baseplate and vertically adjusted via a support tube.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head is disclosed herein. The drive head includes a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: A drill rig assembly comprising a drill mast (3), a storage device (9) for storing a number of drill pipes (1) in a lying position near said drill mast, and a rotary head (5) mounted onto a rotary head trolley assembly (4) which is movable up and down along said drill mast (3). In order to enable a quick, easy and safe transfer of the drill pipes (1) from the storage device (9) to the rotary head (5), this rotary head itself is provided with a clamping assembly (15) arranged to hold a drill pipe with its extremity. The drill rig assembly further comprises means for moving the rotary head (5) with respect to said rotary head trolley assembly (4) to enable the rotary head to clamp with said clamping assembly (15) a drill pipe in the storage device (9) and to position the drill pipe on top of the drill string, substantially in axial alignment thereto. Since no separate drill pipe handling device is necessary, the system can be produced at a lower cost.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring pipe according to which a pipe joint is positioned in a pipe lift in a first position and moved to a second position before being transferred from the pipe lift to a pipe shuttle and moved to a third position.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: An underground horizontal boring apparatus includes a framework having a pair of guide tracks and a carriage connected to the framework for movement along the tracks. The apparatus includes a mechanism for moving the carriage in forward or backward directions along the guide tracks. A drill assembly is mounted to the carriage having a drill motor for rotation of a drill rod releasably coupled thereto. A clamp assembly is mounted to one end of the framework and includes a clamp for selectively gripping the drill rod so as to rotatably release the drill rod from the drill motor when the drill motor is operated in a reverse direction. Upon release, the carriage may be moved to a start position, another drill rod may be attached to the drill motor and first rod, and boring resumed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head is disclosed herein. The drive head includes a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: Methods and apparati are disclosed for continuous circulation of drilling fluids while adding or removing tubulars to and from a drill string, and also for continuing drilling during the addition or removal of tubulars to and from the drill string.

Abstract: A ground drilling machine includes a machine body a rod propelling device, a rod exchanging device and a support unit provided for the machine body for supporting the rod exchanging device. The rod propelling device has a frame movably mounted to the machine body. The frame is slidable on a support portion provided for the machine body. The rod exchanging device is attached to the frame of the rod propelling device via a transverse mounting member. The rod exchanging device is also supported on the support unit so as to be slidable on the support unit along with the movement of the rod propelling device without changing of its relative position to the rod propelling device. The rod exchanging device can be made light and compact because the rod exchanging device is supported by the support unit which is provided for the machine body and accordingly a large bending load is not applied to the main body portion of the rod exchanging device.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment. The pipe running tool having a greater slip back offset such that drill pipe and drill pipe tool joints may be passed through the central passageway of the tool without interfering with the front of the slip.

Abstract: A pipe handling system comprising at least one pipe magazine, a pipe conveyor system, and a pipe arm for handling pipes in conjunction with a drill rig for drilling a well bore. The pipe handling system operates to transfer pipe joints from each pipe magazine to a pipe arm via the pipe conveyor system. The pipe arm then moves to transfer each pipe to the drilling rig for connection to drill string. The pipe handling system also operates to remove each pipe from the drill string. The arm engages the pipe to be removed and moves to transfer the pipe to the pipe conveyor system. The pipe conveyor system then transfers the pipes to each pipe magazine. The system is alternatively comprises electronic sensors that measure the location of pipe. The entire system is also alternatively operated with software and a general-purpose computer.

Abstract: Arrangement for replacing a drilling component in a rock drilling apparatus, which arrangement comprises a component magazine for storing replaceable components required in drilling and means for driving the drilling unit to a predefined position and location relative to the component magazine. The arrangement further comprises a changing unit for moving the components between the component magazine and the drilling unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular stands between a substantially horizontal position on the catwalk and a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry. In one embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by moving bundles of individual tubulars to the process area, where a stand make-up/break-out machine, also called a bucking machine, makes up the tubular stands. The bucking machine aligns and stabs the connections and makes up the connection to the correct torque. The tubular stand is then transferred from the bucking machine to a stand storage area or to a trolley pick-up area. When additional stands are needed by the drilling operation, a trolley is moved into position over the trolley pick-up area to retrieve the stands previously placed in the trolley pick-up area. The stands are clamped to the trolley and the trolley is moved from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position at the rig floor entry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for transferring pipe between a storage device for the pipe and a pipe string extending over a well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, for making and breaking connections in a horizontal boring drillstring, comprising a skid-mounted torque wrench and a spinning unit hydraulically operated from a remote control station, therefore allowing a coupling to be made or broken without manual intervention. One embodiment of a preferred torque wrench and spinning unit is horizontally mounted on a structural frame that is adapted to allow movement relative to a horizontal drill string. A preferred torque wrench comprises a gripping mechanism that serves to hold stationary one half of a coupling and a torquing mechanism that arcuately translates the adjoining half of the coupling to either make-up or break-out the coupling. A preferred spinning unit comprises a plurality of drive rollers that impart rotational motion into the pipe to engage or disengage the threads of a coupling.

Abstract: Equipment (1) for stowing and handling drill pipes (2), the equipment being provided with a device for transporting the drill pipes (2) from a service well (9) to a rack container (11); the transport device being defined by a central control tower (23) located in front of the container (11) and being able to rotate around an axis of vertical rotation (A) and by a grip device (24) supported by the central tower (23) and movable together with, and in relationship to, the central tower itself from a working grip position at the well (9) to a working release position at the bin (12) of the container (11).

Abstract: A horizontal boring apparatus comprises a traveling framework (10) on which is arranged a boring ramp (18) for guiding a boring rod (19), a rod magazine (22) for receiving individual boring rod sections (19), a drive apparatus (24) for the travelling framework (10) and the boring rod (19). In addition, the horizontal boring apparatus is comprised of an operating station (14, 16), and a mixing apparatus for the preparation of flushing fluid. The mixing apparatus includes a mixing unit (32) having a mixing pump, and is arranged on the traveling framework (10) without a flushing fluid tank. The mixing apparatus has a first inlet port connectable with a flushing fluid source and at least one outlet port releasably connectable with a flushing fluid receiver.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a drilling rig and a drilling rig which can be used for exploratory drillings and producing wells, particularly in hydrocarbon deposits, both onshore and offshore. The drilling machine includes a base, on or in which a top drive is displaceable axially to the longitudinal axis of the base and a pipe-handling apparatus which is movable, especially by sliding, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the base and which grips the drilling pipe. The base is pivotably and/or rotatably mounted in the region of the foot, and it is possible for a virtually continuous drilling process to be carried out using a combination of two drilling machines.

Abstract: A lubrication system and method for dispensing a lubricant to threads of a drill rod and/or a spindle of a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine during a rod loading or unloading operation employs a pumping system having a lubricant reservoir, a pump, an applicator, and a lubricant supply conduit coupled between the pump and applicator. A heating unit is coupled to the pumping station and heats lubricant contained within the pumping system. A control unit coupled to the pumping system activates the pumping system to dispense a volume of lubricant from the applicator to the threads of the drill rod and/or spindle in response to an operator signal or an HDD machine control signal. A lubricant may be sprayed onto the spindle/drill rod threads. Alternatively, the lubricant may be communicated through a passageway defined within the spindle to one or more apertures defined within the threads of the spindle and/or the drill rod.

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling system for automatically transporting pipe sections to and from a horizontal boring machine. The system comprises a pipe handling assembly, a pipe lubrication assembly, a makeup/breakout assembly, and an automatic control system. The pipe handling assembly stores pipe sections and transports the pipe sections to and from the drill string of a boring machine. As the pipe handling assembly transports a pipe section, the pipe lubrication assembly lubricates the appropriate pipe joints. The makeup/breakout assembly secures the drill string and pipe joints so that pipe sections can be added to or removed from the drill string. A programmed controller automatically operates the pipe handling system and its components by synchronizing the operations of the pipe handling system. The controller sequences and times the operation of each aspect of the pipe handling system during both the boring operation and the backreaming operation.

Abstract: An automatic loader (10) for drill rods (11) adapted to be associated with a boring machine having a guide and drive assembly (12) for the drill rods (11) includes at least a store (13) containing a plurality of drill rods (11) and a movement assembly (14) that is able to selectively remove, one at a time, the drill rods (11) from the store (13) to position them on the guide and drive assembly (12). The movement assembly (14) is arranged in an intermediate position between the store (13) and the guide and drive assembly (12), so as to not interfere with the latter during the removal of the drill rods (11) from the store (13).

Abstract: An automatic pipe handling device (10) is disclosed which includes a support frame (12) mounted on a boring device (14). Removable pipe racks (16, 80, 130, 140) can be placed in position on the support frame (12) to deliver pipe to the spindle axis or to remove pipe therefrom as required. The pipe sections are removed from the pipe rack and positioned on the spindle axis by pipe grippers (32) mounted on hydraulic cylinders (28, 30) mounted on a rotating longitudinal shaft (20). The grippers and shaft similarly return the used pipe sections for storage to the pipe rack. In one pipe rack (16) an S-shaped guide path (72) is used. In another pipe rack (80) a plurality of rows (88, 90, 92) of pipe sections are used. In another embodiment, pipe is stored in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A drill rig assembly comprising a drill mast (3), a storage device (9) for storing a number of drill pipes (1) in a lying position near said drill mast, and a rotary head (5) mounted onto a rotary head trolley assembly (4) which is movable up and down along said drill mast (3). In order to enable a quick, easy and safe transfer of the drill pipes (1) from the storage device (9) to the rotary head (5), this rotary head itself is provided with a clamping assembly (15) arranged to hold a drill pipe with its extremity. The drill rig assembly further comprises means for moving the rotary head (5) with respect to said rotary head trolley assembly (4) to enable the rotary head to clamp with said clamping assembly (15) a drill pipe in the storage device (9) and to position the drill pipe on top of the drill string, substantially in axial alignment thereto. Since no separate drill pipe handling device is necessary, the system can be produced at a lower cost.

Abstract: An articulating derrick having a back face, a pair of opposed sides with each side having at least one leg, and an open face. The back face of the derrick includes a plurality of pairs of back face cross supports. Each cross support has a first and a second opposed end. Each first end is pivotally attached to one of the legs. A bushing pivotally connects the second ends of each pair of cross supports in order to permit movement of the back face between a folded, storage position and an open position.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head is disclosed herein. The drive head includes a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located under the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for handling pipes, such as rods and drilling strings, in drilling rigs and drilling installations for sinking boreholes, in particular on hydrocarbon reservoirs. The apparatus according to the invention for handling pipes and drilling strings in a drilling installation having a steelwork structure with a set-down platform, a working platform, a lifting device, a drill drive and a pipe connecting device is defined in particular by the fact that there is arranged on the drilling installation a wireline, a two-axis crane which is connected to the wireline and to the steelwork structure and an extension element, which is arranged on the outside of the racking platform and has a passage to the racking platform, and also by the fact that a set-down and make-up device, arranged beside or on the working platform, is provided for vertical pipes, it being possible for the set-down and make-up device to be accessed by the wireline.

Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A pipe handling device for use with a horizontal directional drilling machine. A pipe handling device includes a magazine for storing pipe sections and a pipe handling assembly to transport pipe sections between the magazine and the drilling machine. In one embodiment, pipe sections are stored in the magazine randomly. Pipe sections are positioned in the magazine using a vertical lift positioned beneath the magazine and having a plurality of notches. As the vertical lift is raised, the lift contacts the pipe sections in the magazine and positions the pipe sections for release through a discharge opening.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: A pipe running tool for use in an oil drilling system and the like comprises a lower drive shaft adapted to engage a drive shaft of a top drive assembly for rotation therewith. The pipe running tool further includes a lower pipe engagement assembly which is driven to rotate by the lower drive shaft, and is designed to releasably engage a pipe segment in such a manner to substantially prevent relative rotation between the two. Thus, when the lower pipe engagement assembly is actuated to securely hold a pipe segment, the top drive assembly may be actuated to rotate the top drive output shaft, which causes the lower drive shaft and lower pipe engagement assembly to rotate, which in turn rotates the pipe segment.

Abstract: A drilling machine 1 with a drill pipe holder 10 to be operated automatically in boring as well as in pulling, disposes over a gripper 20, which is constructed rotatably about an axis 21 and beyond that also axially displaceably, and has a telescoping support arm 22. The pipes 8, 9 can be arranged, i.e. stored, inserted into one another in pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 forming a partial circle 15 and can also be pulled out of them and swiveled into the drilling axis 7 with the aid of the gripper 20. When pulling the drilling string, the pipes 8, 9 can then be individually fanned out into the pipe depositories 11, 12, 13 and then later on the outer pipes 8 can be slid over. The entire process is operated automatically with the gripper 20.

Abstract: An underground augering system comprising a drill unit adjustably connected to a retrieving unit by interchangeable and adjustable connectors to provide for simultaneous drilling of one hole and the removal of auger flights from a previous drilled hole, a crowd mechanism within each unit to move the drill and retrieval carriages to and from holes, a transfer arm to move auger flights to and from a staging rack within the retrieval unit and belly pan within the drill unit, and belly pan within the retrieval unit, a mechanism and staging rack for the storage of auger flights, and a delatch mechanism within the drill unit and retrieval unit to disengage the latch lever in an auger flight for removal of the auger flight from a string of auger flights.

Abstract: A rock bolter has a drill and a bolt driver, both mounted to a turret that rotates relative to a base to align either the drill or the bolt driver with a work axis. A stinger/centralizer has two head elements, each advanced along a curvilinear path. When advanced, the head elements mate to provide a centralizer passage on the work axis. A supplementary stinger affixed to the base extends to engage the rock surface and provide stability as the head elements are retracted. The drill and the bolt driver are mounted on carriages activated by a common mechanism. A drill carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the drill carriage when the drill is off the work axis, and a bolt driver carriage disabling surface is affixed to the base to block the bolt driver carriage when the bolt driver is off the work axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drilling apparatus including a magazine for holding a plurality of pipes, and a drive head including a drive member adapted to be coupled to a pipe. The drive member is aligned along a drive axis. The drilling apparatus includes a first drive mechanism for rotating the drive member about the drive axis, and a second drive mechanism for moving the drive member axially along the drive axis. The drilling apparatus also includes a pipe transfer member for transferring pipes between the magazine and the drive head. The pipe transfer member defines a pipe receiving region for receiving a pipe. The pipe transfer member is movable between a first orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the magazine, and a second orientation in which the pipe receiving region is located adjacent to the drive axis of the drive head.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine including a rod transfer member having a rod retainer that is movable between a first position and a second position. When the rod retainer is in the first position, the rod retainer is adapted to retain a pipe on the transfer member. By contrast, when the rod retainer is in the second position, a rod can be moved from the transfer member without being obstructed by the rod retainer. A sensor is provided for detecting when a pipe is positioned on the pipe transfer member, and for causing the rod retainer to automatically move from the second position to the first position when a rod is detected.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of lubricating an object. The method involves the steps of spraying lubricant on a rotating object, and synchronizing the duration of spray to the rotation of the object so that the spray continues only for an interval of spray time corresponding to rotation of the object through a predetermined range of rotation. Apparatus for spraying lubricant on a rotating object is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for exploring the subsoil by means of a string of rods in which the bottom rod carries a tool, the rods being hinged to one another and being wound on a drum, which drum is moved in reciprocating rectilinear motion on a tower and is moved in rotary motion so as to enable successive rods to be lowered and subsequently to enable them to be wound back onto the drum.