Drill rod handling system for moving drill rods to and from an operative position
US9593543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 29, 2014 |
| Grant date | Mar 14, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B19/24
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A drill head assembly for receiving a drill rod in an operative position. The drill head assembly has a chuck and cradle configured for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a drill mast. In the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast. From the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, with pivotal movement being restricted until axial movement is completed. Drill rod handling systems having such drill head assemblies, and methods of using such drill head assemblies, are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.