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:
Aug. 24, 1999
Filed:
Jun. 24, 1997
Gregg A Austin, Pella, IA (US);
David P Langenfeld, Pella, IA (US);
Peter C Rozendaal, Pella, IA (US);
Vermeer Manufacturing Company, Pella, IA (US);
Abstract
An underground directional boring machine includes a frame and a drive mechanism slidably mounted on the frame. A drill string is coupled to the drive mechanism for rotation and longitudinal advancement and retraction. A drive assembly moves the drive mechanism along the frame. The drive assembly includes two hydraulic cylinders coupled to the drive mechanism and extending in opposite directions. Free ends of the hydraulic cylinders are releasably secured to the frame at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the frame. Selective pressurization of the cylinders results in sequential movement of the drive mechanism along the frame by alternative extension and retraction of the cylinders.