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.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the drilling of a borehole and its simultaneous lining with cement or the like by the same apparatus. The apparatus comprises a combination spray head and reamer head, a means to drive the reamer head through a borehole and a means for delivering cement to the spray head. Cement is fed to a rotatable spray disc or arms of the spray head, which is arranged to distribute the cement substantially evenly over the internal surface of the borehole created by the reamer head. The apparatus uses lined drill rods, as well as a lined reamer core with a double walled plastic tube. An air transfer assembly is used to connect an internal air source to an air passage contained in the plastic tube, such that the external air source remains stationary during rotation of the lined drill rods and attached reamer and spray heads.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: A percussive drill bit or reamer having a plurality of bit segments formed into a circular pattern suitable for drilling or reaming a hole. The bit segments are close-fitted and shaped to increase the cutting area and improve efficiency. Pressurized air exhausted from driving the percussion mechanism, or provided from a separate source, is passed into the bit segment and exits from a side face thereof into the gap formed between adjacent bit segments, thereby driving out any debris present in the gap and preventing binding of the bit segments. When utilized with mechanically-driven percussive bit assemblies, where air is only needed to remove debris from a rock face, separately-provided air is delivered to the bit segments of the present invention as described above to clear the gaps of debris.

Abstract: A back reaming tool is disclosed which includes a tool body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, and at least cutting structure mounted to a leg and having cutting elements disposed thereon. The leg is removably coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: An extension rod has an interior end and an exterior end. The exterior end is formed with male screw threads. A primary bit has a cylindrical interior end and a conical exterior. Female threads at the interior end releasably couple with the extension rod. A secondary bit has a cylindrical interior end and a conical exterior end. Female threads at the interior end releasably couple with the extension rod. A length of line is coupled to the exterior end of the secondary bit. A coupler has a rearward end couplable to a linear member. A forward end is couplable to the rearward end of the secondary bit. In this manner the line, secondary bit and linear member may be pulled through the bore hole.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer apparatus for a ground boring machine that is capable of restricting increase in drawing resistance when performing drawing of a buried pipe by using a reamer and of efficiently performing drawing operations of the buried pipe without degrading properties such as flexibility and rotatability. The reamer apparatus includes a reamer main body of substantially hollow conical shape that reduces in diameter towards a drawing side, and a rod connecting portion that provided at a narrow diameter end portion of the reamer main body and connected with a rod. The reamer main body is connected to a buried pipe through a coupling structure disposed on an opposite side to the rod connecting portion. The coupling structure has a Swivel joint that allows rotation of the reamer main body with respect to the buried pipe, wherein a main portion of the Swivel joint is substantially accumulated in the reamer main body.

Abstract: A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The at least two blades and the cutting elements are arranged to increase a diameter of a previously drilled wellbore. A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The hole opener includes a pilot hole conditioning section. The pilot hole conditioning section includes at least two pilot blades formed on the tool body in a position axially ahead of the blades.

Abstract: An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reamer (100) having at least one journal body (110) and at least one toroidal cutter body (116). The toroidal cutter body (116) has a maximum diameter (MD), an outer perimeter (OP) and a plurality of cutting elements (112, 145, 149) on the cutting surface (118). The toroidal cutter body is rotatably attached to the journal (110). When in the installed position, the axis of rotation (RA) of the at least one toroidal cutter body (116) intersects the longitudinal axis of the drill string at an acute angle.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for heating a hydrocarbon containing formation may include providing heat from one or more heaters to an opening in the formation. A first end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a first location and a second end of the opening may contact the earth's surface at a second location. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the opening to at least a part of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in the formation. In certain embodiments, providing the heat to the opening may include providing heat, heated materials, and/or oxidation products from at least one heater to the opening.

Abstract: A device for replacing lines without excavation including an annular overdrilling head and a drive for rotating a front module arranged on the drilling head.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: A bundle of tubes or pipes is arranged without trenches according to a fluid-assisted drilling method. A bore channel is made in a first boring step and the bore channel is widened when the bore/flushing head is removed therefrom, the bundle of tubes being drawn into the bore channel. The bundle is composed of individual tubes and flanges arranged lengthwise at a distance from and used as spacers for the tubes. A method is also described, wherein a rotational decoupling device prevents the rotational movement of the bore/flushing head produced during the removal process from being transmitted to the bundle of tubes. The bundle of tubes are supported by stabilizing devices inside the bore channel in the same spatial position as that of the tubes in relation to each other and the surrounding environment and are drawn through the bore channel.

Abstract: A raise boring head includes a roller cutter body and a saddle intended for rotary drilling in earth and rock formations. The roller cutter body is rotatably journalled on a shaft that is provided with two shaft spigots at its opposite ends. Each spigot has a second support surface provided for cooperation with a first support surface of the saddle to hold the roller cutter to the saddle. Each shaft spigot is provided with a hole for receiving a fastener that also passes through the second support surface in order to connect the shaft spigot to the saddle. The first support surface and the second support surface are curved. The first support surface and the second support surface connect directly or indirectly to stop shoulders for counteracting rotation of the shaft. The fastener is eccentric to the shaft axis and arranged to press the stop surfaces together.

Abstract: A drilling assembly and an eccentric, adjustable diameter reamer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The method and apparatus provide for stabilizing the drilling assembly so that the reamer may be used in back reaming the hole. Retainer means, such as shear pins or spring-biased reciprocating latch members, are provided to prevent premature extension of the reamer's moveable members, including blades and pistons. The shear pins are preferably accessible from the outer surface of the reamer housing so as to expedite field replacement of the shear pins without requiring disassembly of the reamer. The spring-biased latching members repeatedly latch and unlatch so that field replacement is not required, and so that the movable members may be extended and contracted multiple times while the reamer is downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the drilling of a borehole and its simultaneous lining with cement or the like by the same apparatus. The apparatus comprises a combination spray bead and reamer head, a means to drive the reamer head through a borehole and a means for delivering cement to the spray head. Cement is fed to a rotatable spray disc or arms of the spray head, which is arranged to distribute the cement substantially evenly over the internal surface of the borehole created by the reamer head, The apparatus uses lined drill rods, as well as a lined reamer core with a double walled plastic tube. An air transfer assembly is used to connect an internal air source to an air passage contained in the plastic tube, such that the external air source remains stationary during rotation of the lined drill rods and attached reamer and spray beads.

Abstract: A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The at least two blades and the cutting elements are arranged to increase a diameter of a previously drilled wellbore.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine for replacement of underground pipes includes a bursting head having a rearwardly opening recess and a front end opening that communicates with the recess. An inlet pipe is connected at its front end to a distal end of the drill string and extends into the recess of the bursting head through the front end opening. A striker is mounted for sliding movement along the inlet pipe, and a distributing mechanism responsive to pressure fluid supplied through the drill string and inlet pipe causes the striker to reciprocate in the rearwardly opening recess of the head to deliver forward impacts against the bursting head. The striker and distributing mechanism are mounted in a tubular housing, and a pulling connection is provided by which the impactor can be pulled by the drill string while the striker is delivering impacts against the head in the same direction as a pulling force exerted by the drill string.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling apparatus for enlarging a bore in the ground, comprising a drilling head (6) having a drilling bit (12); a percussion piston (14) which is driven by a drive medium (9) and which impacts against the drilling bit (12), and a hollow drill string (8) to which the drilling head (6) is fixed and through the cavity of which the drive medium (9) is passed to the percussion piston (14). The drill string (8) is surrounded by a hollow outer string (3) enclosing an annular space which surrounds the drill string (8) and through which the drive medium (9) is passed out of the borehole. The invention further concerns a method of enlarging an existing borehole, using a drilling head of that kind.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: A back reaming tool is disclosed which includes a tool body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, and at least cutting structure mounted to a leg and having cutting elements disposed thereon. The leg is removably coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement means that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement means generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be advantageously used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring conditions in subterranean borehole during drilling and pullback operations in real time. The apparatus includes a drill string having a working end. A measurement system suitable for measuring at least one operational characteristic of the apparatus and having a metallic section in direct contact with the drill string is operably connected to the working end of the drill string. At least one toroid is circumferentially disposed around a first portion of the metallic section and has toroidal electrically conductive windings. A non-conductive material is disposed around the toroid whereby contact between the toroid and a subterranean environment during operation of the apparatus is precluded.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of installing a flowline below the surface. The method includes the steps of establishing first and second sight relief holes along a linear path, positioning a directional drilling machine on the surface, boring a first portion of a pilot hole from the surface to the first sight relief hole, determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the boring tool to the desired depth, boring a second portion of the pilot hole to the second relief hole, and determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the tool to the desired depth. In another aspect of the invention, a method for directionally boring a flowline is provided.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity from within a well bore includes a housing adapted to be disposed within the well bore. The underreamer includes at least one cutter, wherein each cutter has a first end and a second end. The first end of each cutter is pivotally coupled to the housing. The underreamer also includes an actuator slidably positioned in the housing, wherein the actuator has a first end and a second end. The underreamer includes an enlarged portion of the actuator proximate the second end of the actuator. A first axial force applied to the actuator is operable to slide the actuator relative to the housing causing the enlarged portion to contact each cutter and extend the second end of each cutter radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position to a first position. A second axial force applied to the underreamer may be operable to further extend the second end of each cutter radially outward relative to the housing from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A back reaming tool is disclosed which includes a tool body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, and at least one roller cone rotatably mounted to a leg and having cutting elements disposed thereon. The leg is removably coupled to the tool body. The at least one roller cone is open at only one axial end thereof.

Abstract: The drill device has a body with a front end and a rear end and which is connectable to the shaft of a drilling apparatus. A plurality of angularly spaced apart slots are formed in the exterior of the device which extend between the front and rear ends. Each slot has a lip extending from each of its front and rear ends respectively. A cutting member is provided for each of the slots with each cutting member having a connecting portion located in one of the slots and having a forward end and a rearward. Each connecting portion has a hook near its front and rear ends respectively for connection to the lips of the slot in which it is located.

Abstract: A method for the trenchless installation of new underground pipe accurately on line and on grade by microtunneling to install a pilot tube, installing a drill string along the pilot pipe line using a directional drilling machine, installing a back reamer to the drill string and using a directional drilling machine to pull back the reamer and install a product pipe behind the reamer. A pilot tube is installed on line and on grade by utilizing the guidance system of a microtunneling apparatus to install a pilot tubes between jacking and target shafts. A drill string is installed to displace the pilot tubes and a back reamer is attached to the drill string with a product pipe attached to the reamer. The reamer may be pulled using any suitable pulling device such as a directional drilling machine.

Abstract: A steerable reamer and method for use in horizontal directional drilling. The reamer includes a carrier frame rotatably coupled to a reaming body, a carrier frame housing slidably coupled to the carrier frame, and an hydraulic cylinder for tilting the carrier frame relative to the carrier frame housing. The reamer may also include sondes for monitoring the position and orientation of the reamer during operation or a laser guidance system for automatically steering the reamer along a pilot bore.

Abstract: The backreamer assembly for enlarging shallow depth boreholes in an earthen environment includes a substantially conical cutting surface. Contained within the substantially conical cutting surface is a speed reduction, torque increasing gearbox which transmits rotational power from a drive motor to the substantially conical cutting surface.

Abstract: A method of slitting a flexible conduit in an underground bore, the conduit having entry and exit ends thereof exposed for access, includes: (1) fitting a retainer to flexible underground conduit adjacent to the entry end thereof, the retainer securing the flexible conduit to limit longitudinal movement thereof relative to the bore, (2) passing pulling means through the flexible conduit; (3) connecting the pulling means to a pipe slitter, and (4) pulling the pipe slitter through the retainer and flexible conduit to slit the conduit, the retainer holding the flexible conduit taut as the slitter passes through the conduit. In one embodiment, the retainer is a shoring clamp assembly including a pair of ring clamps that are secured onto a split end of the flexible conduit and transfer the longitudinal forces applied to the conduit during the slitting operation to an adjacent structure such as a pit wall, thereby holding the conduit taut during the slitting operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.

Abstract: A reamer with a planetary gear train for use in horizontal directional drilling allows a reaming surface of the reamer to rotate at slower speeds while simultaneously conveying more power to the reamer via fast drill string rotational speeds. The reamer may also include mixing elements that may rotate at the same speed as the drill string. The reamer may further be steerable and include an offset mount that is rotatably coupled to the reamer. The offset mount being configured to couple a ream string to the reamer in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the ream string is not collinear with the axis of rotation of the reamer. The reamer may also include u-joints which couple the reamer to a drill string and ream string, the u-joints allowing for a greater range of angles to be achieved when tilting the reamer by means of rotating and positioning the ream line.

Abstract: A raise boring head includes a roller cutter body and a saddle intended for rotary drilling in earth and rock formations. The roller cutter body is rotatably journalled on a shaft that is provided with two shaft spigots at its opposite ends. Each spigot has a second support surface provided for cooperation with a first support surface of the saddle to hold the roller cutter to the saddle. Each shaft spigot is provided with a hole for receiving a fastener that also passes through the second support surface in order to connect the shaft spigot to the saddle. The first support surface and the second support surface are curved. The first support surface and the second support surface connect directly or indirectly to stop shoulders for counteracting rotation of the shaft. The fastener is eccentric to the shaft axis and arranged to press the stop surfaces together.

Abstract: A pipe bursting system of the invention operates by compaction rather than by reaming. The system includes a conventional directional boring machine, a drill string, and a pipe burster attached to the terminal end of the drill string. A pipe burster according to the invention includes a frame having a front connecting portion configured for connection to a drill string that can pull and rotate the frame about an axis of rotation, at least two axles mounted on the frame, and rollers mounted on each axle. Each roller has a curved outer surface forwardly inclined towards the axis of rotation of the frame, whereby rotation of the frame about its axis of rotation results in rotation of the rollers when the curved outer surfaces of the rollers engage a cylindrical inner surface of a pipe being burst.

Abstract: A tool for replacing pipe, in which the existing underground pipe is fractured or cut into fragments, which are forced inward so that they pass through the tool. The tool has breaking members that extend radially outwards and backwards from a nose such that, when the tool is pulled through an existing underground pipe, the breaking members are forced against the inside of the existing underground pipe, thereby breaking it. The fragments are forced inwards by the leading edge of the cylindrical base of the tool and pass through a bore in the cylindrical base. In this way the replacement of existing underground pipe is made possible without expanding the cavity of the existing underground pipe. The tool may additionally include a pipe guide for guiding replacement pipe into place behind the tool as the tool is pulled through the existing underground pipe. The fragments pass through the pipe guide and into the replacement pipe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling apparatus for enlarging a bore in the ground, comprising a drilling head (6) having a drilling bit (12); a percussion piston (14) which is driven by a drive medium (9) and which impacts against the drilling bit (12), and a hollow drill string (8) to which the drilling head (6) is fixed and through the cavity of which the drive medium (9) is passed to the percussion piston (14). One object of the invention is to ensure improved removal of the drive medium out of the borehole. That object is attained in that the drill string (8) is surrounded by a hollow outer string (3) enclosing an annular space which surrounds the drill string (8) and through which the drive medium (9) is passed out of the borehole. The invention further concerns a method of enlarging an existing borehole, using a drilling head of that kind.

Abstract: A trenchless pipe replacement device including a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement device that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device includes a reciprocating cable engagement mechanism that grips the cable on a pulling stroke and holds the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device engagement device generally includes a reaction plate and a structure for removably engaging the cable pulling device therewithin. A cable pulling frame may be used to facilitate the removal of the cable from a relatively small hole that is created at the pulling end of the pipe.

Abstract: The backreamer assembly for enlarging shallow depth boreholes in an earthen environment includes a substantially conical cutting surface. Contained within the substantially conical cutting surface is a speed reduction, torque increasing gearbox which transmits rotational power from a drive motor to the substantially conical cutting surface.

Abstract: A pipe bursting system of the invention operates by compaction rather than by reaming. The system includes a conventional directional boring machine, a drill string, and a pipe burster attached to the terminal end of the drill string. A pipe burster according to the invention includes a frame having a front connecting portion configured for connection to a drill string that can pull and rotate the frame about an axis of rotation, at least two axles mounted on the frame, and rollers mounted on each axle. Each roller has a curved outer surface forwardly inclined towards the axis of rotation of the frame, whereby rotation of the frame about its axis of rotation results in rotation of the rollers when the curved outer surfaces of the rollers engage a cylindrical inner surface of a pipe being burst.

Abstract: A method of slitting a flexible conduit in an underground bore, the conduit having entry and exit ends thereof exposed for access, includes: (1) fitting a retainer to flexible underground conduit adjacent to the entry end thereof, the retainer securing the flexible conduit to limit longitudinal movement thereof relative to the bore, (2) passing pulling means through the flexible conduit; (3) connecting the pulling means to a pipe slitter, and (4) pulling the pipe slitter through the retainer and flexible conduit to slit the conduit, the retainer holding the flexible conduit taut as the slitter passes through the conduit. In one embodiment, the retainer is a shoring clamp assembly including a pair of ring clamps that are secured onto a split end of the flexible conduit and transfer the longitudinal forces applied to the conduit during the slitting operation to an adjacent structure such as a pit wall, thereby holding the conduit taut during the slitting operation.

Abstract: An improved starter rod connects a back reamer to the distal end of a drill string. The starter rod is an elongated body having a front end portion which has a first connecting portion configured for connecting the starter rod to the back reamer, a rear end portion having a second connecting portion configured for connecting the starter rod to the drill string, a fluid passage configured for conveying fluid from the drill string through the starter rod from the rear end to the front end, and a branch passage extending from the fluid passage to a side surface of the starter rod configured to pass part of the fluid in the fluid passage outside the starter rod. Generally, the front end portion of the starter rod is also used to connect to a drill head and thus has an outer diameter greater than the rear end which connects to the drill string. In a preferred embodiment, the branch passage opens rearwardly of the large diameter front end portion so that the lubricating fluid is injected in the hole ahead of it.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for trenchless placement of pipe or conduit that allows termination at a vault or manhole structure without destruction of the vault or manhole. The specific improvement is the means of making the bursting ram and all components used in the procedure (but for the replacement pipe) disassemblable in a small space, such as a vault or manhole. The disclosed improvement is a means to keep the bursting ram together during use but then to allow the bursting ram after it enters into the manhole or vault, to be disassembled with hand tools and removed in parts without destruction or damage to the vault structure. This makes the trenchless placement of conduit or piping non-destructive over the distance of the route as well as at the termination at a manhole.

Abstract: A back reaming tool is disclosed which includes a tool body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, and at least one roller cone rotatably mounted to a leg and having cutting elements disposed thereon. The leg is removably coupled to the tool body. The at least one roller cone is open at only one axial end thereof.

Abstract: A steerable reamer and method for use in horizontal directional drilling. The reamer includes a carrier frame rotatably coupled to a reaming body, a carrier frame housing slidably coupled to the carrier frame, and an hydraulic cylinder for tilting the carrier frame relative to the carrier frame housing. The reamer may also include sondes for monitoring the position and orientation of the reamer during operation or a laser guidance system for automatically steering the reamer along a pilot bore.

Abstract: A reamer with a planetary gear train for use in horizontal directional drilling allows a reaming surface of the reamer to rotate at slower speeds while simultaneously conveying more power to the reamer via fast drill string rotational speeds. The reamer may also include mixing elements that may rotate at the same speed as the drill string. The reamer may further be steerable and include an offset mount that is rotatably coupled to the reamer. The offset mount being configured to couple a ream string to the reamer in such a manner that a longitudinal axis of the ream string is not collinear with the axis of rotation of the reamer. The reamer may also include u-joints which couple the reamer to a drill string and ream string, the u-joints allowing for a greater range of angles to be achieved when tilting the reamer by means of rotating and positioning the ream line.

Abstract: A hole opener and method for using same which allows for a greater number of cone utters to be attached to the hole opener. The support structure provided by the present invention uses a barrel which is attached to the drill stem to effectively increase the diameter of the drill stem so that additional cutters may be attached to the hole opener. Using the barrel structure, the structural integrity of the tool is not compromised, and a strong support structure for the cutters is provided. The cone cutters may be removable from the barrel. The removable structure is provided by placing a bolt inside the segments which is used to mate the segment with a pocket attached to the barrel. This results in a very versatile tool in that the same boring head may be used for boring various types of materials. The barrel structure of the present invention also provides a means for trapping cones inside the barrel to prevent the cone cutters from being left inside the hole.