Horizontal Directional Drill Pipe Drive Connection With Locking Feature
AssigneeThe Charles Machine Works, Inc.
InventorsGreg L. Slaughter, JR., Floyd R. Gunsaulis, Max A. Metcalf
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a spindle assembly for connecting a drill string to a rotational drive for use in a horizontal directional drilling operation. The assembly comprises a saver sub attached to the rotational drive, and a drive chuck for connection to the drill string. The drive chuck and saver sub form a torque-transmitting connection by engaging through a seat in the saver sub and an engagement point on the drive chuck. Dowel pins may be used to rotationally lock and provide the engagement between the saver sub and the drive chuck. A collar may thread to the saver sub and cause an interference fit by engaging the drive chuck at a shoulder.
Claims21
A torque-transmitting assembly for use in a horizontal directional operation, the assembly comprising;
- a saver sub having an end;
- a drive chuck having an end;
- an external collar that joins adjacent ends of the saver sub and drive chuck at an interface where they are maintained in coaxial and non-contacting relationship;
- and
- an internal key that locks the drive chuck and saver sub in rotationally-fixed relationship.
A spindle assembly for rotating a drill string, the spindle assembly comprising:
- a saver sub;
- a drive chuck;
- and
- a key disposed between the saver sub and the drive chuck at an engagement point;
- wherein the saver sub and drive chuck are in non-threaded torque-transmitting engagement and are engaged at the engagement point only through the key.
A kit comprising:
- a collar configured to surround interfacing ends of a saver sub an a drive chuck to maintain them in coaxial and non-contacting relationship;
- and
- a plurality of dowel pins configured to lock the collard saver sub and drive chuck in rotationally-fixed relationship.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.