Patent ID: 6250404
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A directional boring head assembly for use with a boring machine capable of directionally drilling boreholes in underground earth, wherein the boring machine includes a drill string with an end for supporting the directional boring head assembly, the directional boring head assembly comprising:a directional boring head comprising a body, the body comprising a rear end and a forward portion, the rear end connectable to the end of the drill string and the forward portion comprising a slot;a cutting member having a planar rear portion, a forward end, and a body portion therebetween, the planar rear portion insertable into the slot of the directional boring head, the forward end comprising a cutting edge, and wherein the cutting member is removably connected to the directional boring head; andwherein the forward portion of the directional boring head defines a deflection surface engageable with the underground earth when the drill string is advanced without rotation to steer the drilling operation along a desired path, the deflection surface inclined at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the directional boring head, and wherein a portion of the cutting member extends beyond the forward portion of the directional boring head.