Patent ID: 7798252
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A drive assembly for use with an auger boring machine pilot tube with at least one pilot tube segment having leading and trailing ends defining therebetween a first length; the drive assembly comprising: a frame; a pilot tube engaging member movably mounted on the frame and adapted to drivingly engage the pilot tube; a drive mechanism for driving the engaging member a first distance equal to or greater than the first length while the frame is stationary; a lubrication feed swivel comprising first and second portions mounted on one another with relative rotation therebetween; the second portion having leading and trailing ends; a first coupling member on the leading end of the second portion adapted for mounting on the trailing end of the pilot tube whereby the second portion of the swivel serves as the pilot tube engaging member; a first lubrication through passage formed in the first portion; a second lubrication through passage formed in the second portion which communicates with the first through passage and which has an exit opening on the leading end of the second portion whereby the second through passage is adapted to communicate with a third lubrication through passage formed in the pilot tube; a first line of sight through passage which is formed in the second portion extending from the trailing end of the second portion to the leading end of the second portion, which is separate from the second lubrication through passage, and which is adapted to communicate with a second line of sight passage formed in the pilot tube.