Boring or penetrating the earth – With above-ground means for handling drilling fluid or cutting – With tool shaft having plural passages for drilling fluid
Reexamination Certificate
2008-12-15
2010-12-07
Gay, Jennifer H (Department: 3672)
Boring or penetrating the earth
With above-ground means for handling drilling fluid or cutting
With tool shaft having plural passages for drilling fluid
C175S062000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07845432
ABSTRACT:
A microtunnelling apparatus and system that includes an external drive system having rotational and linear thrust drive means, a drill head section having drill rotor and drill rod and connecting to intermediate drill rods allowing extension of the boring hole created by the drill head section driven by the drive system. The drill head includes a modular construction having a plurality of circular disc like elements, a bearing module, a steering module, a spacer module, and a mounting module, for axial alignment and abutment and mounting within a cylindrical steering shell. Directional steering of the drill head includes a plurality of substantially radially extending channels in steering module, each with an hydraulically movable protuberance movable by control means to redirect the outer steering casing and thereby redirect the drill head section mounted on the distal end of the drill rods.
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USPTO Offi
Harrison Stuart
Salins Andis
Gay Jennifer H
Hutchins Cathleen R
Merchant & Gould P.C.
Vermeer Manufacturing Company
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