Reedrill, Inc.

Alonzo Wireman

A self-aligning linear bearing for use with the feed column of a drilling rig includes a bearing block having a pivot shaft extending therefrom. A pivot block connected to a mounting plate of a drill head rotatably connects with the pivot shaft, enabling the bearing to rotate such that the bearing surfaces of the bearing maintain substantially full contact with the feed column despite forces moving the drill head and mounting plate away from or toward the feed column.

Self-aligning linear bearing

A drill rod changing apparatus is disclosed including a support assembly connected to a drilling rig for supporting a plurality of drill rods. Connected to the support assembly is a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering a drill rod along the longitudinal axis of a drill string. Movement of the drill rod along the longitudinal axis of the drill string is assisted by a gripping assembly which engages a drill rod integrated with the lifting mechanism. The gripping assembly further assists in threading or unthreading adjacent coupling connections to the drill rod by preventing rotation of the drill rod while an adjacent connection is unthreaded. The apparatus further enables rotation of a gripped drill rod from a first position at the drill string to a second storage position.

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Sherman, TX, United States of America

Alonzo Wireman