Patent ID: 6263983
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
In a drill head for use in a directional drilling apparatus, which drill head includes a drill bit having a portion configured for steering the drill head, a housing having an internal chamber for mounting an electronic locating device therein rearwardly of the drilling head for transmitting a signal indicating an orientation of the steering portion of the drilling head, and a joint at which the drill bit is removably mounted at the front of the drill head, the improvement wherein the joint comprises:a projection which has a series of longitudinal, spaced splines thereon;a socket having longitudinal, spaced grooves configured to receive the splines of the projection therein;a keying mechanism provided on the projection and the socket which permits insertion of the projection into the socket only in one or more predetermined orientations; andopenings in the socket and projection configured to receive a removable retainer for mechanically interlocking the projection in the socket with the splines of the projection inserted into corresponding grooves of the socket.