Abstract The system comprises an enclosure for enveloping a portion of drill rod used with an earth drilling machine the enclosure having only one side opening formed therein for coupling to a source of suction. The enclosure has axially aligned holes formed in the top and bottom thereof for admitting drill rod therethrough for address to the earth; and at least one ''''floating'''' type seal disposed about the drill rod for tracking radial excursions of the drill rod during drilling. A baffle plate fixed to the enclosure prevents the travel of large earth cuttings to the source of suction. Further, a flexible hood is carried about the enclosure, and is movably mounted for elevation from the ground area and for lowering thereto to prevent an escape of earth cuttings dust.
Sealing means, for use in an earth drilling machine dust control system having a drill rod enclosure with seal-receiving dowels extending therefrom, comprising: at least one, compliant, flat sheet having a hole formed therein for admitting rotatable drill rod therethrough; said sheet also having a plurality of slits formed therein extending radially from said hole; wherein said sheet further has means for effecting a spaced-apart, noncontacting envelopment of enclosure seal-receiving dowels, to cause said sheet to effect limited circular movement in response to radial excursions of drill rod in penetration of said sheet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
Sealing means, for use in an earth drilling machine dust control system having a drill rod enclosure with seal-receiving dowels extending therefrom, comprising: at least one, compliant, flat sheet having a hole formed therein for admitting rotatable drill rod therethrough; said sheet also having a plurality of slits formed therein extending radially from said hole; wherein said sheet further has means for effecting a spaced-apart, noncontacting envelopment of enclosure seal-receiving dowels, to cause said sheet to effect limited circular movement in response to radial excursions of drill rod in penetration of said sheet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
145 words
Sealing means, according to claim 1, wherein: said slits are spaced apart not less than 90* and not more than 180* of arc; and further including A second, compliant, flat sheet having a hole formed therein for admitting rotatable drill rod therethrough; said second sheet also having a plurality of slits formed therein extending radially from said drill rod hole in said second sheet; wherein said slits in said second sheet are spaced apart not less than 90* and not more than 180* of arc; said second sheet further has means for effecting a spaced-apart, non-contacting envelopment of enclosure seal-receiving dowels; and said slits of said second sheet are angularly displaced, relative to said slits of said one sheet, with both said sheets being received by dowels, to cause said slits of each of said sheets to be misaligned with said slits of the other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Sealing means, according to claim 2, wherein: said means comprise a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes formed in each of said sheets.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
Sealing means, according to claim 3, further including: means for retaining said sheets on said dowels in surmounting, overlying relationship, including a retainer plate having a plurality of spaced-apart mounting holes formed therein for engaging said dowels therein; and means for securing said plate in engagement with said dowels.