Latch body components having multiple functions, and drilling head assembly incorporating same

A drilling head assembly comprising:

• a latch body having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the latch body defining a central bore extending along the longitudinal length of the latch body through the proximal and distal end portions of the latch body, the latch body comprising:
• a plurality of male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions having a leading end spaced a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the latch body;
• and
• a plurality of channels extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each channel of the plurality of channels spanning between the leading ends of adjacent male protrusions,
• wherein each channel of the plurality of channels of the latch body is substantially U-shaped, and
• wherein the distal end portion of the latch body comprises a port section, the port section comprising a chamber in fluid communication with the central bore of the latch body, and at least one port in fluid communication with the chamber;
• a check valve element, at least a portion of the check valve element being positioned within the chamber of the port section of the latch body;
• a hollow spindle operatively coupled thereto and in fluid communication with the chamber of the port section of the latch body;
• and
• a fluid control subassembly,
• wherein the proximal end portion of the latch body is configured to support the fluid control subassembly in an operative position.

A drilling head assembly comprising:

• a latch body having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the latch body defining a central bore extending along the longitudinal length of the latch body through the proximal and distal end portions of the latch body, the latch body comprising:
• a plurality of male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions having a leading end spaced a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the latch body;
• and
• a plurality of channels extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each channel of the plurality of channels spanning between the leading ends of adjacent male protrusions,
• wherein the distal end portion of the latch body comprises a port section, the port section comprising a chamber in fluid communication with the central bore of the latch body, and at least one port in fluid communication with the chamber;
• a check valve element, at least a portion of the check valve element being positioned within the chamber of the port section of the latch body;
• and
• a fluid control subassembly having a common longitudinal axis with the latch body, the fluid control subassembly comprising:
• a valve member configured for movement relative to the common longitudinal axis;
• a spring positioned in abutting relation to the valve member and the proximal end portion of the latch body such that the spring is biased against the valve member;
• and
• a bushing axially surrounding at least a portion of the spring of the fluid control subassembly;
• wherein the proximal end portion of the latch body is configured to support the fluid control subassembly in an operative position, and
• wherein each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions of the latch body defines a proximal engagement surface oriented substantially perpendicularly to the common longitudinal axis of the latch body and the fluid control subassembly, the proximal engagement surface of each male protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions being configured to abut the spring of the fluid control subassembly.

A latch body for use in a drilling head assembly having a fluid control subassembly and a check valve element, the latch body having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the latch body defining a central bore extending along the longitudinal length of the latch body through the proximal and distal end portions of the latch body, the latch body comprising:

• a plurality of male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions having a leading end spaced a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the latch body;
• a plurality of channels extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each channel of the plurality of channels spanning between the leading ends of adjacent male protrusions,
• wherein the distal end portion of the latch body comprises a port section, the port section defining a chamber in fluid communication with the central bore of the latch body, and at least one port in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the chamber of the port section is configured to receive at least a portion of the check valve element,
• wherein the proximal end portion of the latch body is configured to support the fluid control subassembly of the drilling head assembly in an operative position,
• wherein the chamber of the port section has an inner surface configured to promote movement of the check valve element between a blocking position in which fluid flow through at least a portion of the chamber is blocked and an open position in which fluid flow through the chamber is permitted, and
• wherein the latch body further comprises a spring at least partially received within the chamber of the port section, the spring being configured to bias the check valve element in the blocking position.

A drilling head assembly comprising:

• a latch body having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the latch body defining a central bore extending along the longitudinal length of the latch body through the proximal and distal end portions of the latch body, the latch body comprising:
• a plurality of male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions having a leading end spaced a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the latch body;
• and
• a plurality of channels extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each channel of the plurality of channels spanning between the leading ends of adjacent male protrusions,
• wherein the distal end portion of the latch body comprises a port section, the port section comprising a chamber in fluid communication with the central bore of the latch body, and at least one port in fluid communication with the chamber;
• a check valve element, at least a portion of the check valve element being positioned within the chamber of the port section of the latch body;
• a hollow spindle operatively coupled thereto and in fluid communication with the chamber of the port section of the latch body;
• and
• a fluid control subassembly,
• wherein the proximal end portion of the latch body is configured to support the fluid control subassembly in an operative position,
• wherein the chamber of the port section of the latch body has an inner surface configured to promote movement of the check valve element between a blocking position in which fluid flow through at least a portion of the chamber is blocked and an open position in which fluid flow through the chamber is permitted,
• wherein the hollow spindle is configured to support the check valve element in the blocking position, and
• wherein the latch body further comprises a spring at least partially received within the chamber of the port section, the spring being configured to bias the check valve element against the hollow spindle in the blocking position.