Directional control mechanism for underground driven pipes and conduits

• US 4,042,046 A
• Filed: 03/27/1974
• Issued: 08/16/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Augers Unlimited, Inc.
• Original Assignee: The Richmond Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Capoccia, Anastasio
• Primary Examiner(s): Purser, Ernest R.
• Application Number:
  US05/455,188
• Time in Patent Office: 1,238 Days
• Field of Search: 175/73, 175/76, 175/61, 175/62, 175/45, 175/122
• US Class Current: 175/73
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 47/022 of the borehole, e.g. using geomagnetism
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/046 horizontal drilling drilling with mechanical conveying means E21B7/003
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 7/062 the tool shaft rotating inside a non-rotating guide travelling with the shaft E21B7/067 and E21B7/068 take precedence

Abstract

A mechanism carried at the forward end of a tubular pipe which is adapted to be driven underground over a considerable distance while maintained at a particular grade level. In the preferred embodiment the control mechanism comprises a cylindrically shaped steering head pivotally mounted to the forward end of the pipe and including means attachable to the steering head for rotating the same a predetermined amount with respect to the direction of movement of the pipe so as to initiate a movement of the pipe in either vertical or horizontal directions. In another version of the present invention a second cylindrically shaped steering head is mounted at the forward end of the first steering head with the second steering head being movable about an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first head whereby the direction of movement of the pipe may be selectively controlled in perpendicular planes.

Claims

1. A mechanism for controlling the direction of movement of a pipe being driven underground generally along a horizontal path, and wherein a mechanical device is employed at the rear end of the pipe to forcibly drive the pipe along the path, said mechanism comprising:

a pipe;

an auger means mounted coaxially within the pipe for removing earth in the path of the movement of the pipe;

a cylindrical head pivotally mounted to the forward end of the pipe, said cylindrical head being pivotable independently of said auger means;

control means for inclining said cylindrical head with respect to the longitudinal axis of said pipe, the movement of said cylindrical head being inclined independently with respect to said auger means;

a second cylindrical head pivotally carried by the forward end of said first mentioned cylindrical head for pivotal movement in a direction transverse to the direction of pivotal movement of said first mentioned cylindrical head and independently of said first mentioned cylindrical head to control the direction and movement of said pipe independently of said first head;

second control means carried by said second head and extendable rearwardly of said pipe; and

means for moving said second control means axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of said pipe for controlling the amount of inclination of said second cylindrical head with respect to said pipe axis.