Patent ID: 9593543
Date: 2017-03-14
CPC Classifications: E21B

Claim:
1. A drill head assembly for securing a drill rod in an operative position, the drill rod having a longitudinal axis, the drill head assembly operatively coupled to a drill mast, the drill mast having a longitudinal axis, the drill head assembly comprising: a cradle configured for movement relative to both the longitudinal axis of the drill mast and a transverse axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast; and a chuck operatively supported by the cradle, the chuck having a longitudinal axis and defining an opening, the opening being configured to securely receive a portion of the drill rod such that the longitudinal axis of the drill rod is substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the chuck, wherein the cradle is configured for movement between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast, wherein, from the first position, the cradle is configured for sequential axial and then pivotal movement relative to the transverse axis to reach the second position, wherein, in the second position, the longitudinal axis of the chuck is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill mast, and wherein, during movement of the cradle between the first and second positions, pivotal movement of the cradle is restricted until the completion of axial movement relative to the transverse axis.