Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC

John Francis Halterman

Charles Taylor Hudson

Yagneshwar Natarajan

During drilling operations by a drilling rig, drill bits may need to be changed, which can lead to inefficiency. Thus, a process is disclosed for automatically changing drill bits. The process utilizes the existing ability of the drill to tilt. In particular, a magazine may be provided that comprise a plurality of drill-bit pockets arranged in at least one column. Each of the drill-bit pockets within one column holds a drill bit at a different angle within the range of angles at which the drill is able to tilt. The process may control the angle of the drill to align with the angle of any one of the drill-bit pockets, and operate a drill string to release a drill bit into, or engage a drill bit within, that drill-bit pocket. Also, the magazine may comprise two or more columns, in which case, the magazine may be configured to slide laterally.

Automated changing of drill bits via mast angle

An auxiliary motivation system for a work machine may be provided where the work machine has a power source for powering a hydraulic system to hydraulically power a hydraulic motor of a drive system of the work machine. The auxiliary motivation system may include an auxiliary motivation device that includes an auxiliary power source and an auxiliary hydraulic system powered by the auxiliary power source. The auxiliary hydraulic system may be configured for fluid coupling to the hydraulic motor of the drive system of the work machine to drive the work machine in place of the hydraulic system on the work machine.

Growing community of inventors

Sherman, TX, United States of America

John Francis Halterman