US3823787A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drill hole guidance system
Assignee: C0NSOLIDATION COAL Co
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Filing: 1972-04-21
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Granted: 1974-07-16
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Expires: 1992-04-21
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for directing the drilling of a bore hole through a mineral vein which includes a drilling apparatus which has means for changing its direction near the bit, a guidance system mounted near the bit which includes a radiation source, a radiation detector and electrical and mechanical apparatus operated in accordance with the detected signal and connected to the direction changing apparatus to cause the drill to bore a hole in a prescribed manner. The bore hole drill is capable of following precisely between the top and the bottom of a coal seam or at the prescribed distance from the top or the bottom of a coal seam.
Inventors
- 👤 G Haworth
- 👤 T Edmond
- 👤 W Poundstone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:55
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B7/00; E21B7/04; E21B7/06; E21B7/062; E21B44/00; E21B44/005; E21B47/00; E21B47/02; E21B47/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
In combination with a cylindrically shaped bore hole drilling apparatus having a longitudinal axis having means incorporated therein for arcuately deflecting said axis for changing the direction of said drilling apparatus thereby changing the axial direction of said bore hole; a guidance system, said guidance system having a radiation source means, a radiation backscattering receiving means; radiation counter means having an input and an output, said input connected to the output of said radiation backscattering receiving means and producing an output responsive to the received backscattered radiation, said output connected to said means for arcuately deflecting said axis for changing the direction of said drilling apparatus, whereby as said drilling apparatus deviates from a prescribed direction, said received backscattered radiation as received will indicate said deviation and supply a responsive signal from the output of said radiation counter means to said means for changing direction of said drilling apparatus to return said drilling apparatus to its prescribed direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
In combination with a cylindrically shaped bore hole drilling apparatus having a longitudinal axis having means incorporated therein for arcuately deflecting said axis for changing the direction of said drilling apparatus thereby changing the axial direction of said bore hole; a guidance system, said guidance system having a radiation source means, a radiation backscattering receiving means; radiation counter means having an input and an output, said input connected to the output of said radiation backscattering receiving means and producing an output responsive to the received backscattered radiation, said output connected to said means for arcuately deflecting said axis for changing the direction of said drilling apparatus, whereby as said drilling apparatus deviates from a prescribed direction, said received backscattered radiation as received will indicate said deviation and supply a responsive signal from the output of said radiation counter means to said means for changing direction of said drilling apparatus to return said drilling apparatus to its prescribed direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
151 words
A device as described in claim 1 wherein said drilling apparatus comprises a housing, a drill shaft axially mounted in said housing by end bearings, means for changing direction of said drill apparatus comprising a third bearing supporting said drill shaft, said third bearing mounted between said end bearings, an upper and lower threaded sleeve means attached between the upper and lower portion of Said third bearing and said housing, a rack drive means, gear means co-operatively engaging said upper and lower threaded sleeve means and said rack drive means, and control means connected to said rack means and to the output of said receiving source, whereby a signal from said receiving source will cause a responsive movement of said rack means, rotating said gear means which results in said upper and lower threaded sleeves moving said third bearing up or down thereby changing the axial alignment of said drill shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination as described in claim 1, further defined to include said source means adapted to focus radiation in opposite directions and wherein said receiving means includes first and second oppositely positioned detectors adapted to receive the backscattering from said radiation focussed in opposite directions; and shield means between said source means and said receivers.
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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) | 1977-07-15 | 1978-01-14 | 1978-07-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-15 | 1982-01-14 | 1982-07-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-15 | 1986-01-14 | 1986-07-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |