US3554302A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Directional control of earth boring apparatus
Assignee: American Gas Association Inc
•
Filing: 1968-07-05
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Granted: 1971-01-12
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Expires: 1988-07-05
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for exercising directional control over earth boring equipment wherein means which may be periodically caused to engage the wall of the bore hole are provided. The bore wall engaging means are carried by an auger head and will engage the bore wall during a portion of each revolution of the boring apparatus when energized. The arc of the circle along which the bore wall engaging means will be extended from the auger head may be selectively adjusted to thereby permit the compensation for undesired borehole drift in any direction.
Inventors
- 👤 David E Adkins
- 👤 Donald J Hackman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 15:29
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B10/00; E21B10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
Directionally controllable earth boring apparatus comprising: an elongated rotatable auger; an auger head mounted adjacent a first end of said auger for rotation therewith; retractable bore wall engaging means mounted in said auger head, said retractable means in the normal retracted position lying in flush relation with said auger head, said retractable means being movable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of said auger; and selectively energizable control means for causing said wall engaging means to extend from said auger head and engage the bore wall during a selective portion of each auger revolution.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
Directionally controllable earth boring apparatus comprising: an elongated rotatable auger; an auger head mounted adjacent a first end of said auger for rotation therewith; retractable bore wall engaging means mounted in said auger head, said retractable means in the normal retracted position lying in flush relation with said auger head, said retractable means being movable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of said auger; and selectively energizable control means for causing said wall engaging means to extend from said auger head and engage the bore wall during a selective portion of each auger revolution.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means is controllable from a point remote from said auger head.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control means comprises: angular position indicating means mounted on and rotating with said auger; and means responsive to said angular position indicating means for generating control signals for said retractable means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said auger head includes a cylinder and wherein said retractable means comprises; a fluid-operated piston, said piston being movable within said auger head cylinder; and bore wall engaging means operatively connected to said piston.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said control signal generating means comprises: valve means operated by said angular position indicating means; a source of pressurized fluid; means connecting said fluid source to said valve means; and means connecting said valve means to said auger head cylinder whereby operation of said valve by said rotating angular position indicating means results in periodic extension and retraction of said bore wall engaging means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said valve means and said angular position indicating means are adjustably positionable relative to one another whereby extension of said bore wall engaging means along a preselected arc of the circle transcribed by said rotating auger may be obtained.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said angular position indicating means comprises a cam mounted on said auger for rotation therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said value means comprises: a hydraulic valve; and adjustable support means for said valve, said support means enabling the position of said valve means to be angularly adjusted relative to said auger cam and enabling said valve means to be moved into operative relationship with said cam when diRectional control of said auger is to be effected.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said wall engaging means comprises a cutter blade.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said wall engaging means comprises a wedge.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
102 words
Directionally controllable earth boring apparatus comprising: an elongated rotatable auger; an auger head mounted adjacent a first end of said auger for rotation therewith; retractable bore wall engaging means mounted in said auger head, said retractable means being movable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of said auger; sensing means for sensing a deviation of said auger from a predetermined path; and control means responsive to said sensing means for causing said wall engaging means to extend from said auger head and engage the bore wall during a selective portion of each auger revolution to correct auger path deviations.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
102 words
Directionally controllable earth boring apparatus comprising: an elongated rotatable auger; an auger head mounted adjacent a first end of said auger for rotation therewith; retractable bore wall engaging means mounted in said auger head, said retractable means being movable in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of said auger; sensing means for sensing a deviation of said auger from a predetermined path; and control means responsive to said sensing means for causing said wall engaging means to extend from said auger head and engage the bore wall during a selective portion of each auger revolution to correct auger path deviations.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-11 | 1974-07-13 | 1975-01-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-11 | 1978-07-13 | 1979-01-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-11 | 1982-07-13 | 1983-01-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |