Patent · US Expired

Hydraulic clamp for rotary drilling head

US5022472A · kind A · utility

173Cited by
43References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 14, 1989
Grant dateJun 11, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 14, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S285/92
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A rotary drilling head having an upper body incorporating a kelly bushing removably clamped onto a stationary spool. The clamp assembly is hydraulically controlled to permit remote operation and access to the drive bearings and stripper rubbers within the drilling head. Secondary manual means for unclamping the assembly are also provided. The hydraulic clamp includes an annular piston movably disposed within a cylinder and acting upon bearing members to lock and unlock the clamp assembly. Hydraulic pressure is utilized to move the piston within the cylinder. A spring biases the piston towards the locked position to prevent inadvertent unclamping.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.