The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 14, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 29, 1996
Applicant:
Inventors:
Randy R Runquist, Lovilia, IA (US);
James R Rankin, Montezuma, IA (US);
Mark VanHouwelingen, Knoxville, IA (US);
Assignee:
Vermeer Manufacturing Company, Pella, IA (US);
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E21B / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
175 61 ; 175 73 ; 175398 ;
Abstract
A directional boring apparatus is disclosed where the apparatus is controlled through a method which includes deviating a drill head from a straight path into a desired direction angled away from the straight path. The deviation is achieved by applying an axial force to the drill head when a drill head cutting member is positioned within an arc of rotation through which the desired direction passes. The drill head is retracted when the cutting member is outside of the arc of rotation.