US20090288883A1 - Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing - Google Patents
Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing Download PDFInfo
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- US20090288883A1 US20090288883A1 US12/537,018 US53701809A US2009288883A1 US 20090288883 A1 US20090288883 A1 US 20090288883A1 US 53701809 A US53701809 A US 53701809A US 2009288883 A1 US2009288883 A1 US 2009288883A1
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- Prior art keywords
- auger
- diameter
- smaller
- rotating
- larger
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/04—Directional drilling
- E21B7/046—Directional drilling horizontal drilling
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/20—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes
- E21B7/201—Driving or forcing casings or pipes into boreholes, e.g. sinking; Simultaneously drilling and casing boreholes with helical conveying means
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
- E21B7/28—Enlarging drilled holes, e.g. by counterboring
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
Abstract
The invention includes a pair of swivels for use with an auger boring machine. One of the swivels allows for rotation of a first auger of a first auger assembly connected to the trailing end of a pilot tube without rotating the pilot tube. The other swivel allows for rotation of a larger diameter second auger connected to the trailing end of the first auger assembly without rotating the first auger. Each of the swivels includes a thrust bearing.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/715,134, filed Mar. 7, 2007; the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates generally to an auger boring machine and a method of use in the trenchless installation of underground pipe. More particularly, the invention relates to such a machine which utilizes a pilot tube for forming a pilot hole for guiding smaller and larger diameter augers of the machine. Specifically, the invention relates to a swivel between the pilot tube and smaller diameter auger and a swivel between the smaller and large diameter augers.
- 2. Background Information
- The use of an auger boring machine for installing underground pipe between two locations without digging a trench there between is broadly known. In addition, it is known to use a pilot tube formed of a plurality of pilot tube segments to create a pilot hole for guiding an auger which bores a larger hole so that the auger remains within a reasonably precise line and grade. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,109 granted to Monier et al. An enormous amount of force is involved in driving the pilot tube and in rotating the augers. During the driving of the pilot tube, the pilot tube is rotatable to provide steering in order to keep the pilot tube on a reasonably accurate line and grade. However, once the pilot hole is completed, there is no longer a need to rotate the pilot tube and continuing such rotation substantially adds to the amount of force required in the auger boring process. Similarly, once it is time for the larger diameter auger and cutting head to begin cutting the larger diameter hole, there is no need to continue rotation of the smaller diameter auger which likewise requires additional force. The present invention solves this and other problems in the art.
- The present invention provides a method comprising the steps of: pushing a smaller diameter cylindrical casing forward with a first section of a swivel through an underground hole having a first diameter; and during the step of pushing, rotating a second section of the swivel, a first cutting head rearward of the smaller diameter casing and a first auger rearward of the first cutting head relative to the first section and smaller diameter casing to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than that of the smaller diameter casing.
- The present invention also provides a method comprising the steps of: rotating a smaller cutting head and smaller auger of a smaller auger assembly to cut an underground hole having a first diameter; mounting a first section of a swivel on a trailing end of the smaller auger assembly after the underground hole with the first diameter has been cut; and rotating a second section of the swivel, a larger cuffing head and a larger auger of a larger auger assembly relative to the first section to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than the first diameter.
- The present invention further provides a method comprising the steps of: pushing a swivel forward with a first auger assembly through an underground hole having a first diameter; the swivel comprising first and second sections mounted on one another with relative rotation therebetween; the first auger assembly comprising a first cutting head and a first auger; during the step of pushing, rotating the second section, first cutting head and first auger relative to the first section to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than the first diameter; the step of rotating comprising the step of rotating the first auger within a cylindrical casing having a diameter larger than that of the first diameter; and moving the casing forward into the enlarged underground hole.
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FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the auger boring machine of the present invention shown in a pit formed in the earth. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the auger boring machine. -
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar toFIG. 1 showing the pilot tube drive assembly removed from the frame of the boring machine. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drive assembly. -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis of a pilot tube segment showing the internal structure thereof and the coupling members. -
FIG. 6 is an end elevational view taken on line 6-6 ofFIG. 5 showing one of the coupling members. -
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view taken on line 7-7 ofFIG. 5 showing the other coupling member. -
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the auger boring machine showing the smaller diameter auger assembly mounted on the pilot tube by the first swivel. -
FIG. 8A is similar toFIG. 8 and shows the larger diameter auger assembly mounted on the smaller diameter auger assembly by the second swivel. -
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on line 9-9 ofFIG. 8 showing the connection between the pilot tube segments via the connection of the coupling members. -
FIG. 10 is sectional view taken on line 10-10 ofFIG. 8 showing the internal structure of the first swivel and connections with the pilot tube and smaller diameter cutting head. -
FIG. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the second swivel connected to each of the smaller and larger diameter auger assemblies. -
FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on line 12-12 ofFIG. 11 showing the internal structure of the second swivel and its connections with the smaller and larger diameter auger assemblies. -
FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the drive mechanism showing an extension of the hydraulic actuators to provide an initial stage of pilot hole formation and also showing the steering capability of the pilot tube. -
FIG. 14 is similar toFIG. 13 and shows the subsequent pilot tube segment connected to the previously driven pilot tube segment and the drive mechanism. -
FIG. 15 is similar toFIG. 14 and shows the extension of the hydraulic actuators of the drive mechanism to drive the pilot tube with the newly installed pilot tube segment thereof to lengthen the pilot hole. -
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the boring machine showing the pilot tube drive assembly being removed from the frame of the auger boring machine. -
FIG. 17 is similar toFIG. 16 and shows the auger and first swivel connected to the smaller diameter auger assembly and pilot tube. -
FIG. 18 is similar toFIG. 17 and shows the smaller auger assembly boring an intermediate diameter hole as it follows the pilot tube. -
FIG. 19 is similar toFIG. 18 and shows a second segment of the smaller diameter auger assembly having been connected to the first segment and mounted on the auger drive. -
FIG. 20 is similar toFIG. 19 and shows additional boring with the subsequent segment of the smaller diameter auger assembly to lengthen the intermediate diameter hole. -
FIG. 21 is similar toFIG. 20 and shows the installation of the larger diameter auger assembly on the auger drive and on the smaller diameter auger assembly via the second swivel. -
FIG. 22 is similar toFIG. 21 and shows the larger diameter auger assembly boring at an initial stage of the enlarged diameter hole in which the underground pipe will be disposed. -
FIG. 23 is similar toFIG. 22 and shows the larger diameter hole completed with the pipe disposed therein. -
FIG. 24 is similar toFIG. 8 and shows the smaller diameter auger assembly mounted on a second embodiment of the pilot tube by a second embodiment of the first swivel and a shock rod. -
FIG. 25 is a sectional view taken on line 25-25 ofFIG. 24 showing the second embodiment of the swivel and its respective connections with the trailing end of the pilot tube and the leading end of the shock rod. -
FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken on line 26-26 ofFIG. 24 and shows the connection between the trailing shock rod coupler and the cutting head coupler. -
FIG. 27 is similar toFIG. 18 and shows a smaller auger assembly boring an intermediate diameter hole as it follows the second embodiment of the pilot tube, first swivel and shock rod. -
FIG. 28 is similar toFIG. 27 and shows the smaller auger assembly disconnected from the shock rod and removed from the intermediate diameter hole. - Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings.
- The auger boring machine of the present invention is indicated generally at 10 in
FIGS. 1 and 2 . Referring toFIG. 1 ,machine 10 is typically disposed in apit 6 formed in the earth's soil orground 8 and configured to bore a hole throughground 8 for the purpose of laying underground pipe in the bored hole.Machine 10 typically bores a hole from within a pit such aspit 6 to another pit which may be spaced several hundred feet away.Machine 10 includes aframe 12 which extends from afront end 14 to arear end 16 ofmachine 10. Front andrear end machine 10.Machine 10 further has first and secondopposed sides 18 and 20 (FIG. 2 ) defining there between a lateral direction ofmachine 10. - An
engine compartment 22 is mounted onframe 12 and houses therein a fuel poweredengine 24, anelectric generator 26 powered byengine 24 and ahydraulic pump 28 also powered byengine 24. Anauger drive compartment 30 is disposed in front ofcompartment 22 and houses therein an auger drive having arotational output shaft 32 for rotationally driving an auger 34 (FIG. 25 ).Frame 12 further includes a pair of spaced longitudinally extendingrails 36 secured to a plurality ofcross bars 38 which are mounted onground 8 in the bottom ofpit 6. A pair of adjustable stabilizingpoles 40 are telescopically received in and adjustably mounted respectively onrails 36 and configured to press against the wall ofground 8 which boundspit 6. - A pilot tube guidance and drive
assembly 42 is removably mounted onframe 12 and more particularly onrails 36 via mounting legs 44 (FIG. 3 ) which are removably insertable intoopenings 46 formed in each of rails 36. Mountinglegs 44 and the mounting mechanism of which they are a part are described in further detail in the copending application entitled Pilot Tube System And Attachment Mechanism for Auger Boring Machine which is incorporated herein by reference and filed concurrently herewith.Assembly 42 when mounted onframe 12 is positioned so that a central axially extending axis X of apilot tube 48 is coaxial with an axially extending axis Y which passes centrally throughoutput shaft 32 and about whichshaft 32 is rotated when drivingauger 34.Assembly 42 includes a generally circularrear plate 50 which abutscompartment 30 whenassembly 42 is mounted onframe 12 and includes a portion which is inserted intocompartment 30 to assist with the alignment ofassembly 42. -
Assembly 42 includes front andrear mounting assemblies assembly 42.Assemblies rails 36 offrame 12 whenassembly 42 is mounted onframe 12. A pair of axially extending parallel spacedrails assemblies assembly 42. Adjustable stabilizingpoles 60 are telescopically mounted respectively within first andsecond rails ground 8 in the same manner aspoles 40. - A rigid
front cross member 62 extends between and is connected to each ofrails pilot tube support 64 mounted thereon centrally betweenrails Support 64 includes a plurality of bearings which engage thepilot tube 48 to allow axial movement oftube 48 as well as rotational movement oftube 48 about axis X to allow for the steering thereof.Rear plate 50 and associated structure attached thereto serve as a rear cross member for rigidly connectingrails assembly 42. Anintermediate cross member 66 extends laterally betweenrails rails second roller assemblies 68 and 70 (FIGS. 1 and 3 ). Each roller assembly includes a pair ofupper rollers 72 andlower rollers 74 which respectively rollingly engage upper and lowerparallel surfaces respective rails - An electric
guidance control motor 80 is mounted oncross member 66 for selectively rotatingpilot tube 48 in either direction about axis X. Alubricant feed swivel 82 having alubricant inlet 84 is mounted onmotor 80 by a pair of spaced mountingrods 86.Swivel 82 serves as an engaging member for drivingly engagingtube 48 during operation ofassembly 42.Inlet 84 ofswivel 82 is in fluid communication with a lubricant feedline which is in fluid communication with a source of lubricant, which is typically water.Swivel 82 receives water throughinlet 84 to pump the water throughpilot tube 48 and through asteering head 88 connected to the front ofpilot tube 48, the water flowing out a forward exit opening 90 and a plurality oflateral exit openings 92. Acord carrier 96 includes a plurality oflinks 98 which are pivotally connected to one another so that electrical cords (not shown) for poweringmotor 80 will not become tangled during the driving ofpilot tube 48. - During the driving of
pilot tube 48, a steering mechanism keepstube 48 on line and grade using a theodolite which utilizes acamera 100 in electrical communication with adisplay monitor 102 which displays the view of the camera throughpilot tube 48 of an illuminated LED target 104 (FIG. 4 ) disposed withinpilot tube 48adjacent steering head 88. In order forcamera 100 to viewLED target 104,pilot tube 48 is hollow, as are the other structuresintermediate camera 100 andtarget 104, such asmotor 80 andswivel 82, in order to provide a line of sight Z (FIGS. 5 , 9, 13) betweencamera 100 andtarget 104. Aguidance control unit 106 is mounted onrail 58 and includes manuallyoperable controls 108 in electrical communication withmotor 80 in order to send a signal tomotor 80 to control rotation ofpilot tube 48. -
Assembly 42 includes adrive mechanism 110 comprising a pair of hydraulic piston-cylinder combinations 112 which are powered bypump 28 and provide a substantial amount of forward and reverse thrust. For example, the forward thrust produced bycombinations 112 on one preferred embodiment has a maximum thrust of 280,000 pounds while the reverse thrust has a maximum thrust of 140,000 pounds.Drive mechanism 110 is described in greater detail in the copending application entitled Method And Apparatus For Providing A Continuous Stroke Auger Boring Machine which is incorporated herein by reference and filed concurrently herewith. -
Pilot tube 48 is made up of a plurality of pilot tube segments which are connected end to end to sequentially increase the length ofpilot tube 48 during the driving process.Pilot tube 48 includes leadpilot tube segment 122, which housestarget 104, is connected to steeringhead 88 and is shorter than the standardpilot tube segments 124 connected sequentially behindsegment 122. - As noted previously,
pilot tube 48 is configured to allow a lubricant such as water to flow therethrough to steeringhead 88. With reference toFIGS. 5-7 ,segment 124 has first andsecond coupling members first coupling member 130 oftube segment 124 may be coupled to asecond coupling member 132 of anothertube segment 124 to formpilot tube 48 during the process of driving the pilot tube.Members central section 134, which includes anouter pipe 135 and aninner pipe 166 defining therebetween anannular passage 170. Each ofouter pipe 135 andcoupling members FIG. 7 ) which is the diameter ofpilot tube 48.First coupling member 130 includes an externally threadedend portion 138. Sixlubricant passages 140 are formed infirst coupling member 130 and communicate withpassage 170. A centralhexagonal opening 148 extends inwardly from the trailing end ofmember 130. -
Second coupling member 132 includes aninner member 150 and an internally threadedcollar 152 rotatably mounted oninner member 150 and configured to threadably engage the threadedportion 138 of acoupling member 130 of anotherpilot tube segment 124.Inner member 150 includes ahexagonal segment 158 which is receivable within and has a mating configuration withhexagonal opening 148 offirst coupling member 130.Inner member 150 includes anannular wall 160 and defines acentral passage 162 and sixlubricant passages 164 communicating withpassage 170 and arranged to align withpassages 140 when a first andsecond coupling member Passages tube segment 124 extending from adjacent its leading end to adjacent its trailing end. -
Inner pipe 166 defines acentral passage 168 which communicates withpassage 162 andopening 148 so that a through passage is formed insegment 124 to provide for line of sight Z.FIG. 9 shows twopilot tube segments 124 connected via the coupling ofmembers Passages 140 are aligned respectively withpassages 164 withseals 165 therebetween. The lubrication system ofassembly 42 is described in further detail in the copending application entitled Lubricated Pilot Tubes For Use With Auger Boring Machine Pilot Steering System which is incorporated herein by referenced and filed concurrently herewith. -
FIG. 8 shows machine 10 withdrive assembly 42 removed therefrom subsequent topilot tube 48 having been driven to form apilot hole 172 extending frompit 6 to another open space such aspit 174.FIG. 8 also shows thatpilot tube 48 includes a firstpilot tube segment 124A and a secondpilot tube segment 124B connected thereto. In addition, a first smallerdiameter auger assembly 176 is mounted onpilot tube 48 via afirst swivel 178 disposed therebetween.Auger assembly 176 has a diameter D2 (FIG. 11 ) which is substantially larger than diameter D1 (FIG. 7 ) ofpilot tube 48.Assembly 176 includes acylindrical casing 180,auger 34 disposed therein and a cuttinghead 182 mounted on the leading end ofauger 34 and rotatable therewith.Auger 34 is mounted ondrive 32 so thatFIG. 8 shows machine 10 in preparation for boring a hole with cuttinghead 182 which is larger thanpilot hole 172. -
FIG. 8A showsmachine 10 having been operated so thatauger assembly 176 has formed such a larger diameterintermediate hole 184 insoil 8.FIG. 8A also shows thatauger assembly 176 includes first andsecond segments second auger assembly 188 is mounted on the trailing end offirst auger assembly 176 via asecond swivel 190.Assembly 188 has a diameter D3 (FIG. 11 ) which is substantially larger that diameter D2 offirst assembly 176.Assembly 188 includes acylindrical casing 192,auger 194 disposed therein and a cuttinghead 196 mounted on the leading end ofauger 194 and rotatable therewith.Second swivel 190 includes an axially elongatedcylindrical mounting insert 198 which is slidably received within the trailing end portion ofcasing 180 ofsegment 186B. More particularly, insert 198 is disposed within the interior cavity in which auger 34 is disposed and slidably engages the inner surface of casing 180 upon insertion therein.Auger 194 is mounted ondrive 32 so thatFIG. 8A showsmachine 10 in preparation for boring a larger diameter hole than that ofintermediate hole 184. - Referring to
FIG. 10 ,first swivel 178 and its connection topilot tube 48 andauger assembly 176 is described in further detail.Swivel 178 has leading and trailing ends defining therebetween an axial direction thereof.Swivel 178 is configured to allow for the rotation of cuttinghead 182 andauger 34 independent of the movement ofpilot tube 48 and typically without rotation ofpilot tube 48. This is achieved primarily by the use of a pair of axially spacedannular thrust bearings head 182 relative to another portion or section ofswivel 178 which is referred to herein as the non-rotating portion for simplicity. More particularly, the rotatable portion includes amain shaft 202 and a retaining flange orcap 204 mounted on the leading end ofmain shaft 202.Shaft 202 is mounted on cuttinghead 182 by abolt 206 and nut threaded thereon.Cap 204 is secured toshaft 202 by a plurality ofbolts 208 extending through holes formed incap 204 and threadably engagingshaft 202.Shaft 202 includes a hexagonal or othernon-circular projection 210 which extends rearwardly into a mating hexagonal or other non-circular opening formed in cuttinghead 182 and defines a hole through whichbolt 206 passes.Shaft 202 steps outwardly fromprojection 10 to acylindrical flange 212 at the leading end ofprojection 210, then steps inwardly to acylindrical seal seat 214 and steps further inwardly to a forwardcylindrical portion 216 forward ofseal seat 214. Thrust bearings 200circumscribe portion 216, abutting the cylindrical outer surface thereof.Bearing 200A abuts the trailing end ofcap 204 and bearing 200B abuts the leading end ofseat 214.Lubricant passages 218 are formed inforward portion 216 to allow movement of lubricant therethrough which is used in lubricating thrust bearings 200. Arearmost seal 220 abuts the outer cylindrical surface offlange 212, and a pair ofseals 222 likewise abut the outer surface ofseal seat 214 with one ofseals 222 abutting the rear edge of thrust bearing 200B. - Swivel 178 also includes a non-rotating portion which is mounted on
pilot tube 48. The non-rotatable portion includes amain shaft 224 and a mounting flange or cap 226 connected to the rear end thereof by a plurality ofbolts 228 which threadably engageshaft 224. More particularly,shaft 224 includes a hexagonal or other non-circularforward projection 230 which is received in hexagonal or othernon-circular opening 148 in a mating fashion therewith.Shaft 224 further includes anannular flange 232 extending radially outwardly from the trailing end offorward projection 230, and arear projection 234 extending rearwardly fromflange 232.Flange 232 has a leading orfront end 236 and a trailing orrear end 238.Front end 236 engagesseals 165 and the trailing end ofpilot tube 48 when mounted thereon so thatflange 232 serves as a pushing member for pushingpilot tube 48 during operation.Front end 236 thus completely coversentrance openings 239 at the trailing end ofrespective passages 140 on the outer surface ofpilot tube 48. Swivel 178 further includes an internally threadedcollar 240 which threadably engages threadedportion 138 of therearmost coupling member 130 ofpilot tube 48.Collar 240 has a cylindrical side wall and anannular flange 242 extending radially inwardly from the rear end of the cylindrical side wall.Flange 242 engagesrear end 238 offlange 232 whenswivel 178 is mounted onpilot tube 48. Anannular wall 244 defines an interior chamber in whichrear projection 234 is received.Wall 244 is secured to cap 226 by a plurality ofbolts 246 which threadably engagewall 244.Wall 244 further includes a taperedsection 248 which tapers rearwardly and radially outwardly from adjacent trailing end ofcollar 240.Wall 244 further includes an externally threadedportion 250 disposed rearwardly ofsection 248. -
Wall 244 further includes anannular flange 252 extending rearwardly from threadedportion 250 and forming the trailing end ofwall 244.Flange 252 defines therewithin a cavity which serves as acounter bore 254 in which mountingcap 226 is received in abutment with a rearwardly facing counter boreledge 256 which bounds counter bore 254. The heads ofbolts bolts 208 disposed radially inwardly ofbolts 246 to prevent interference therebetween during rotation of cuttinghead 182 and the rotatable portion ofswivel 178. An outwardly facing annular groove is formed in the outer surface offlange 252 for receiving therein anannular seal 258. - The non-rotating portion of
swivel 178 further includes a central generally cup-shaped connectingmember 260 which includes abase 262 and acylindrical side wall 264 extending forward therefrom.Side wall 264 at the front thereof includes an internally threadedportion 266 which threadably engages threadedportion 250 to securemember 260 toannular wall 244 with an inner surface ofside wall 264abutting seal 258 to provide a seal between the two members.Member 260 defines aninterior chamber 268 with which an externally accessiblelubricant access port 270 communicates. The front offorward portion 216 and retainingcap 204 of the rotatable portion ofswivel 178 are disposed withininterior chamber 268 along with thrust bearing 200A.Base 262 includes an externally threadedportion 272 and defines an annular groove along its outer surface rearward ofportion 272 for receiving therein anannular seal 274. The non-rotating portion ofswivel 178 further includes arear connecting member 276 comprising a substantially cylindrical side wall having an internally threadedportion 278 at the front thereof which threadably engages threadedportion 272 of central connectingmember 260. The inner surface of connectingmember 276 immediately behind threadedportion 278 abutsseal 274. An inwardly facing annular groove is formed inmember 276 adjacent the rear end thereof for receiving therein seal 220. The inner surface ofmember 276 also abutsseals 222. The inner surface of connectingmember 276 cooperates with the rear facing surface ofbase 262 ofmember 260, the forward facing surface ofseal seat 214 and the outer circumference offorward portion 216 to define an annularinterior chamber 280 in which thrust bearing 200B is disposed. An externally accessiblelubricant access port 282 communicates withinterior chamber 280. - Referring to
FIG. 12 ,second swivel 190 is described in further detail.Swivel 190 has leading and trailing ends defining therebetween an axial direction thereof.Swivel 190 includes a rotatable portion or section which is mounted on cuttinghead 196 and rotatable therewith relative to another portion or section ofswivel 190 referred to herein as a non-rotating portion for simplicity. The non-rotating portion is mounted on casing 180 ofauger assembly 176.Insert 198 is part of the non-rotating portion and includes acylindrical side wall 284 and anend wall 286 connected to the front ofside wall 284.Side wall 284 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that ofauger 34. It is noted that the only connection betweenswivel 190 and therearmost casing 180 is the simple insertion ofinsert 198 and abutment of pushingplate 288 against the trailing end of saidcasing 180. Thus, there are no fasteners extending betweenswivel 190 andcasing 180 to connectswivel 190 tocasing 180, nor other fasteners used in the connection.Insert 198 thus extends into the interior chamber of therearmost casing 180 to provide sufficient stability to the connection. Slidable removal ofinsert 198 from withincasing 180 involves no more than frictional engagement between the cylindrical outer surface ofinsert 198 and the cylindrical inner surface ofcasing 180. - A pushing member in the form of an annular pushing
plate 288 is connected to the rear ofside wall 284 and abuts the trailing edge ofcasing 180 along its outer perimeter.Plate 288 defines a central opening in which a cylindricalinner pipe 290 is disposed.Inner pipe 290 has a rear threadedportion 291 on which anut 293 is threadably mounted. Anannular flange 292 extends radially outwardly from the front end ofinner pipe 290 and is mounted onplate 288 in abutment with the front surface thereof by a plurality ofbolts 294. Anannular cup 296 is disposed on the rear side ofplate 288 and includes anannular base 298 and acylindrical side wall 300 connected thereto and extending rearwardly therefrom.Cup 296 is connected to plate 288 by a plurality ofbolts 302.Cup 296 defines therein a rearward facingcylindrical cavity 304 for receiving therein a portion of athrust bearing 306. A cylindricalrear side wall 308 having the same outer diameter ascasing 180 is connected to and extends rearwardly fromplate 288. An externallyaccessible lubrication port 310 is mounted onside wall 308. - The rotating part of
swivel 190 includes a hexagonalrear projection 312 which is received within a mating hexagonal opening of cuttinghead 196 and mounted thereon via abolt 314 and nut mounted thereon. A cup-shapedportion 316 is connected to the front end ofprojection 312 and includes anannular base 318 which extends radially outwardly fromprojection 312 and anannular side wall 320 which extends forward from the outer perimeter ofbase 318. Anannular seal plate 322 is connected to the front ofside wall 320 by a plurality ofbolts 324.Plates 322 defines a central opening in which a portion ofinner pipe 290 is disposed immediately forward of threadedportion 291.Plate 322 along the center perimeter defines a rearwardly opening notch in which a pair ofannular seals 326 are disposed in abutment with each ofplate 322 and the outer surface ofinner pipe 290. The rearward seal is also abutted bynut 293. Aninterior chamber 328 is defined by the inner surface ofrear side wall 308 in cooperation withplates annular cup 296 and the outer surface ofpipe 290.Thrust bearing 306 is disposed ininterior chamber 328 in abutment withplate 322,pipe 290 and cup-shapedmember 296. - The operation of boring
machine 10 is now described with reference toFIGS. 13-23 .FIGS. 13-15 are shown withoutmain frame 12 ofmachine 10 for simplicity.FIG. 13 shows assembly 42 in the process of driving ofpilot tube 48 to form apilot hole 172 with anoperator 330 operatingassembly 42. More particularly,pistons 116 are extended to drivepilot tube 48 intoground 8 as indicated at arrow E inFIG. 13 . During the extension ofpistons 116 andpilot tube 48,camera 100 senses or receives input fromLED target 104 and relays the images of illuminations fromtarget 104 to monitor 102.Operator 330 views display monitor 102 in order to determine whether steeringhead 88 needs to be adjusted to maintain the line and grade ofpilot tube 48.Operator 330 will usecontrols 108 in order to make any necessary adjustments, specifically rotatingpilot tube 48 as indicated at arrow F inFIG. 13 viamotor 80. For use with longer pilot holes,machine 10 may include additional steering control mechanisms, as described in further detail in the copending application entitled Auger Boring Machine With Two-Stage Guidance Control System which is incorporated herein by referenced and filed concurrently herewith. Simultaneously with driving andsteering pilot tube 48, water may be pumped throughpilot tube 48 viaswivel 82 to steeringhead 88 and through the exit openings thereof in order to facilitate the formation ofpilot hole 206. - Once the initial driving of
tube 48 is performed,pistons 112 are retracted and apilot tube segment 124B is positioned and connected totube segment 124A androtatable portion 186 ofswivel 82 as indicated at arrow H inFIG. 14 in preparation for additional driving oftube 48.Drive mechanism 110 is then operated to drivepilot tube 48 includingsegments 124A and B to lengthenpilot hole 172 as indicated at arrow J inFIG. 15 whileoperator 330 provides any rotational adjustment to steeringhead 88 as indicated at arrow K. The pattern of adding tube segments and continuing to drivepilot tube 48 goes on until the pilot hole is completed or more particularly so that thepilot tube 48 extends out ofground 8, as atpit 174, so that sections ofpilot tube 48 may be removed as the auger boring operation is underway and thus movespilot tube 48 gradually forward. - Once
pilot hole 206 is completed,assembly 42 is removed fromframe 12 ofauger boring machine 10 as indicated at arrow L inFIG. 16 . As shown inFIG. 17 ,auger 34 is then connected tooutput shaft 32 along with the pipe or casing 180 in which auger 34 is disposed and cuttinghead 182 connected to the front ofauger 34.Swivel 178 is also connected to the trailing end ofpilot tube 48 and the front of cuttinghead 182 to allow for the rotation ofauger 34 and cuttinghead 210 independently of and generally without rotatingpilot tube 48. As shown inFIG. 18 ,engine 24 is then operated to rotateoutput shaft 32,auger 34 and cutting head 182 (arrow N) asengine 24 moves forward onrails 36 withauger 34 as indicated at arrow P to form alarger diameter hole 332 in whichcasing 180 will be disposed to form underground piping.Auger 34 carries soil displaced by cuttinghead 182 rearwardly to discharge from its trailing end so that it can be removed frompit 6. As shown inFIG. 19 ,engine 24 then moves rearwardly along rails 36 (Arrow Q) so that anothercasing 180 withauger 34 disposed therein is connected (Arrow R) to theprevious casing 180 andauger 34 in end to end fashion to increase the length of the pipe to be laid, eachcasing 180 being welded to thesubsequent casing 180. Once theadditional casing 180 andauger 34 are connected,engine 24 is once again operated to rotateoutput shaft 32 and said augers to lengthenhole 332 as indicated at arrow S inFIG. 20 .Additional casings 180 andaugers 34 are connected and operated byengine 24 untilcasings 180reach pit 174, where they are removed from one another and frompit 174. - As shown in
FIG. 21 ,second auger assembly 188 is then connected to the rear of first auger assembly 176 (arrow T). More particularly, insert 198 is slidably inserted into the rear of the last ofcasings 180 so that pushingplate 288 abuts the trailing end thereof. Cuttinghead 196 is connected tosecond swivel 190 and auger 194 (not shown) is connected tooutput shaft 32. Referring toFIG. 22 ,engine 24 is then operated to rotateshaft 32,auger 194 and cutting head 196 (arrow U) to cut ahole 334 which is substantially larger thanhole 332 asengine 24 andsecond auger assembly 188 move forward as indicated at arrow V. During the process of cuttinghole 334, pushingplate 288 pushes against the trailing edge ofrearmost casing 180 to push it throughhole 332.Swivel 190 allows for the rotation of cuttinghead 196 andauger 194 independently of and without rotation ofauger 34 withincasing 180. As shown inFIG. 23 , anadditional casing segment 192 with an auger (not shown) disposed therein is connected to the rear of thefirst casing 192 with the auger connected to drive 32 and then advanced in the same manner as indicated at arrow W.Additional casings 192 andaugers 194 are added in sequence and moved along to lengthenhole 334 until reachingpit 174, at whichtime casing segments 192 together form the final underground pipe. Cuttinghead 186 andaugers 194 are then removed from withincasing 192. It is noted thatengine 24 serves as a single power source for operatingaugers generator 26 and hydraulic pump 28 (FIG. 2 ), as described in further detail in the copending application entitled Auger Boring Machine With Included Pilot Tube Steering Mechanism which is incorporated herein by referenced and filed concurrently herewith. - Referring to
FIG. 24 , the second embodiment of theswivel 336 and associated structure is now described.Swivel 336 serves the same function as that ofswivel 178 and is shown connected to the trailing end of apilot tube segment 338 which is described in greater detail in the previously mentioned copending application entitled Lubricated Pilot Tubes for Use With Auger Boring Machine Pilot Steering System. Whileswivel 178 was shown connected directly to a coupler of a cutting head,swivel 336 is connected indirectly to the cutting head via connection with ashock rod 340 which is connected to the trailing end ofswivel 336. In turn,shock rod 340 is connected to a cuttinghead coupler 342. - Referring to
FIG. 25 ,swivel 336 and its associated connections are described in greater detail. The leading end ofswivel 336 is connected to acoupling member 344 on the trailing end ofpilot tube segment 338.Coupler member 344 includes anannular member 346 having an externally threadedsection 348 adjacent its trailing end with a hexagonal cavity orpassage 350 extending forward from its trailing end.Swivel 336 includes a front coupling member including anannular member 352 and an internally threadedcollar 354 which is rotatably mounted thereon and threadedly engages threadedsection 348 to connectswivel 336 topilot tube segment 338. Ahexagonal cavity 356 is formed inannular member 352. Ahexagonal drive shaft 358 is disposed withinhexagonal cavities Swivel 336 includes ahexagonal projection 360 adjacent its trailing end which is matingly received within afront cavity 362 of anannular coupler 364 ofshock rod 340.Front cavity 362 is shaped to provide for a driving torque engagement withprojection 360. Aconnector pin 366 extends through respective holes formed incoupler 364 andprojection 360 to connect the two and provide an additional torque connection. - With continued reference to
FIG. 25 ,swivel 336 is further described.Swivel 336 includes first andsecond portions annular bearing assembly 372 and six rear angularcontact bearing assemblies 374.First portion 368 includes anannular member 352, atapered member 376 rigidly connected tomember 352 and anouter sleeve 378 connected to taperedmember 376.Tapered member 376 includes an externally threadedportion 380 adjacent its trailing edge which threadedly engages an internally threaded leadingportion 382 ofouter sleeve 378 to provide the connection therebetween.Outer sleeve 378 steps inwardly at anannular flange 384 to provide a forward-facing surface orledge 384 and a rearward-facing surface orledge 386. -
Second portion 370 includesprojection 360, acylindrical flange 388 extending outwardly from the leading end thereof and acylindrical shaft 390 which is stepped inwardly fromflange 388 and extends forward therefrom. A pair ofannular seals 392 are disposed respectively in annular grooves formed in the cylindrical outer surface offlange 388 to provide a seal with the inner surface ofouter sleeve 378.Flange 388 provides an annular forward-facing surface orledge 394. - A
retaining mechanism 396 or flange is connected adjacent the leading end ofshaft 390 and abuts frontcontact bearing assembly 372 so thatassembly 372 is sandwiched between the trailing end ofmechanism 396 andledge 384.Mechanism 396 may include a nut which threadedly engages the front ofshaft 390 or may include a clip or other suitable connector or retaining structure to prevent rearward movement ofsecond portion 370 relative tofirst portion 368. - Each of bearing
assemblies inner ring 398, anouter ring 400 and a full complement ofspherical ball bearings 402 disposed therebetween. Each ofinner rings 398 abuts and rotates withshaft 390. Each ofouter rings 400 abuts the cylindrical inner surface ofsleeve 378 and rotates therewith.Ball bearings 402 thus provide for the rotatable relation between first andsecond portions inner ring 398 offront bearing assembly 372 abuts retainingmechanism 396 and theouter ring 400 thereof abutsledge 384. Theouter ring 400 of the leadingrear bearing assembly 374 abutsledge 386 while theinner ring 398 of the trailing orrearmost bearing assembly 374 abutsledge 394.Bearing assemblies 374 are stacked in abutment with one another in order to handle the substantial thrust which occurs during operation ofmachine 10 as the cutter head which rotatessecond portion 370 ofswivel 336 cuts through the soil and forces a pilot tube forward. This forward force is thus transmitted from pushingsurface 394 to bearingassemblies 374 tofirst portion 368 via pushingsurface 386 offlange 388. It is noted that only asingle bearing assembly 372 is disposed forward offlange 388. If a rearward force were applied to move the pilot tube out of the pilot hole,additional assemblies 372 would typically be stacked ahead offlange 388 to handle the rearward thrust. However, as described below, this is not necessary with the present system. - Referring to
FIG. 26 , the connection betweenshock rod 340 and the smaller diameter auger assembly is described in greater detail.Shock rod 340 has acentral section 404 andrear coupler 406 connected to the trailing end thereof.Coupler 406 includes a projection or insert 407 comprising ahexagonal section 408 and aconical section 410 connected to and extending rearwardly fromsection 408. Conical section 420 tapers rearwardly and inwardly to a point. A receivingcavity 412 is formed incoupler 342 and includes a leading taperedsection 414 which tapers rearwardly and inwardly a short distance to an engagingsection 416 of a mating configuration withhexagonal section 408 to provide for a torque drive connection.Section 416 may be hexagonal or another shape of mating configuration withhexagonal section 408.Insert 407 simply slides intocavity 412 ofcoupler 342 with no additional mechanism for making the connection betweencoupler section 416 engage the outer surfaces ofhexagonal section 408 to provide the torque drive connection between the couplers. However, there is no other engagement between the two couplers which prevents them from sliding apart if a suitable force is applied to move the two away from one another. Thus, there are no fasteners extending betweencoupler - Referring to
FIG. 27 , the embodiments described with reference toFIGS. 24-26 are shown in use withauger assembly 176, which has bored intoground 8 to push the pilot tube ahead of it whileswivel 336 allows further rotation of cuttinghead 182 independent of any rotation of the pilot tube. Should the cutting head ofauger assembly 176 become stuck or damaged, it may be necessary to remove the cutting head for repair or replacement. As illustrated inFIG. 19 , this is greatly simplified by the simple slide fit connection betweencoupler machine 10 is operated to moveauger assembly 176 rearwardly out of the intermediate diameter hole cut thereby while leaving the pilot tube,swivel 336 andshock rod 340 within the pilot hole. As previously noted, the ability to leave these elements within the pilot hole eliminates the need for an increased number offront bearing assemblies 372 withinswivel 336. In addition, this greatly facilitates the ability to repair or replace the cutting head ofassembly 176. Without this simple disconnection betweencouplers assembly 176 which would require a substantial amount of force and energy expended therefore. In addition, pilot tube segments which have previously been removed atpit 174 would have to be reconnected to the portion of the pilot tube remaining within the pilot hole to ensure that upon subsequent forward thrust of the pilot tube that it would be properly aligned within the pilot hole and not be damaged. - Thus,
auger machine 10 provides for the driving of a pilot tube and subsequent connection of a swivel to the pilot tube to allow for the rotation of a cutting head and auger independent of the pilot tube in order to create a hole of increased diameter which follows the pilot hole. In addition,machine 10 provides a cutting head having a coupler which may be disconnected from the pilot tube while the pilot tube remains within the pilot hole so that the cutting head may be repaired or removed and replaced if necessary. Moreover,machine 10 provides a second swivel to allow for independent rotation of a larger diameter cutting head and auger independent of the smaller diameter auger. This configuration greatly facilitates the boring process in the laying of underground pipe, minimizing the force required in order to bore the related holes. - In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.
- Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.
Claims (20)
1. A method comprising the steps of:
pushing a smaller diameter cylindrical casing forward with a first section of a swivel through an underground hole having a first diameter; and
during the step of pushing, rotating a second section of the swivel, a first cuffing head rearward of the smaller diameter casing and a first auger rearward of the first cutting head relative to the first section and smaller diameter casing to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than that of the smaller diameter casing.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first cutting head and first auger are respectively a larger cutting head and a larger auger of a larger auger assembly; and further comprising the steps of rotating a smaller cutting head and smaller auger of a smaller auger assembly to cut the underground hole having the first diameter; and mounting the first section of the swivel on a trailing end of the smaller auger assembly after the underground hole with the first diameter has been cut.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the smaller auger assembly comprises the smaller cylindrical casing; and the step of mounting comprises the step of abutting a trailing edge of the smaller cylindrical casing with the first section of the swivel.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first cutting head and first auger are respectively a larger cutting head and a larger auger of a larger auger assembly; and further comprising the steps of rotating a smaller cutting head and smaller auger of a smaller auger assembly to cut the underground hole having the first diameter; and wherein the step of rotating the second section of the swivel comprises the step of rotating the larger auger without rotating the smaller auger at the same time.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of rotating the smaller cutting head and smaller auger comprises the step of rotating the smaller auger within the smaller diameter casing.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of rotating the second section of the swivel comprises the step of rotating the larger auger within a larger diameter cylindrical casing having a diameter larger than that of the smaller diameter casing.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the first auger within a larger diameter cylindrical casing having a diameter larger than that of the smaller diameter casing.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of moving the larger diameter casing forward into the enlarged underground hole.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the swivel is forward of a leading end of the larger diameter casing throughout the steps of rotating and moving.
10. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of rotating a smaller auger within the smaller diameter casing.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the second section rearward of a trailing end of the smaller diameter casing and forward of a leading end of the larger diameter casing.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the second section, first cutting head and first auger with an auger drive which is rearward of a trailing end of the larger diameter casing.
13. The method of claim 1 wherein the first cutting head has an outer diameter which is greater than an outermost diameter of the first auger.
14. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of inserting a wall of the first section into the smaller diameter casing so that a cylindrical outer surface of the wall abuts a cylindrical inner surface of the smaller diameter casing.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of abutting a circular trailing edge of the smaller diameter casing with a circular pushing member connected to the inserted wall and extending radially outwardly of the cylindrical outer surface of the wall.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of pushing comprises the step of pushing a circular trailing edge of the smaller diameter casing with a circular pushing member of the first section.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the second section, first cutting head and first auger with an auger drive; and further comprising the step of moving the auger drive rearwardly relative to the swivel.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of rotating comprises the step of rotating the first auger within a first larger diameter cylindrical casing having a diameter larger than that of the smaller diameter casing; and further comprising, after the step of moving, the steps of connecting a leading end of a second larger diameter cylindrical casing having a diameter the same as that of the first larger diameter casing to a trailing end of the first larger diameter casing; connecting a leading end of a second auger to a trailing end of the first auger; and rotating the first auger within the first larger diameter casing and the second auger within the second larger diameter casing with the auger drive.
19. A method comprising the steps of:
rotating a smaller cutting head and smaller auger of a smaller auger assembly to cut an underground hole having a first diameter;
mounting a first section of a swivel on a trailing end of the smaller auger assembly after the underground hole with the first diameter has been cut; and
rotating a second section of the swivel, a larger cutting head and a larger auger of a larger auger assembly relative to the first section to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than the first diameter.
20. A method comprising the steps of:
pushing a swivel forward with a first auger assembly through an underground hole having a first diameter; the swivel comprising first and second sections mounted on one another with relative rotation therebetween; the first auger assembly comprising a first cutting head and a first auger;
during the step of pushing, rotating the second section, first cutting head and first auger relative to the first section to enlarge the underground hole from the first diameter to a second diameter larger than the first diameter; the step of rotating comprising the step of rotating the first auger within a cylindrical casing having a diameter larger than that of the first diameter; and
moving the casing forward into the enlarged underground hole.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/537,018 US20090288883A1 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2009-08-06 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/715,134 US7779938B2 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-03-07 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
US12/537,018 US20090288883A1 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2009-08-06 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/715,134 Continuation US7779938B2 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-03-07 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090288883A1 true US20090288883A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
Family
ID=39740508
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/715,134 Active 2027-04-22 US7779938B2 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-03-07 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
US12/537,018 Abandoned US20090288883A1 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2009-08-06 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/715,134 Active 2027-04-22 US7779938B2 (en) | 2007-03-07 | 2007-03-07 | Swivel for use in installing large diameter casing |
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US (2) | US7779938B2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10180031B2 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2019-01-15 | Barbco, Inc. | Apparatus and method for drilling generally horizontal underground boreholes |
US10465460B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2019-11-05 | Barbco, Inc. | Cutting assembly for a boring device |
US10526846B2 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2020-01-07 | Barbco, Inc. | Material exhaust connection for horizontal bore |
US20240084649A1 (en) * | 2022-09-13 | 2024-03-14 | Brocato Construction Company Inc. | Auger boring using a pipe seal assembly to join together casing pipe sections |
Families Citing this family (3)
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EP2320023A1 (en) * | 2009-11-10 | 2011-05-11 | Plum, Heinz | Method and device for expanding a pilot borehole in soil |
US9290993B2 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2016-03-22 | Robert E Harr | Method and system for installation of in-ground conduit |
CN113550758A (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2021-10-26 | 广州市市政集团有限公司 | Guide type miniature pipe jacking construction method |
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US10180031B2 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2019-01-15 | Barbco, Inc. | Apparatus and method for drilling generally horizontal underground boreholes |
US10526846B2 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2020-01-07 | Barbco, Inc. | Material exhaust connection for horizontal bore |
US10900286B2 (en) | 2014-03-06 | 2021-01-26 | Barbco, Inc. | Apparatus and method for drilling generally horizontal underground boreholes |
US10465460B2 (en) | 2017-06-27 | 2019-11-05 | Barbco, Inc. | Cutting assembly for a boring device |
US20240084649A1 (en) * | 2022-09-13 | 2024-03-14 | Brocato Construction Company Inc. | Auger boring using a pipe seal assembly to join together casing pipe sections |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20080217068A1 (en) | 2008-09-11 |
US7779938B2 (en) | 2010-08-24 |
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