Patent ID: 6374927
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A cartridge and support structure for a horizontal directional drill assembly, comprising:a) a drill assembly on said support structure; b) support structure providing torsional stability to said cartridge; c) an opening on a bottom side of said cartridge for allowing drilling pipes to feed out of the cartridge and into said drill assembly; d) said cartridge being detachable from said drill assembly support structure; e) a bracket assembly including, i) side members, with ii) said side members being pivotally attached to said cartridge; and f) a multiple position locking mechanism movable between i) a first position that restrains said bracket assembly in a storage position and allows said drilling pipes to feed out through said bottom side open portion, and ii) a second position that allows the bracket assembly to support the weight of the drilling pipes to prevent the drilling pipes from feeding out through said opening; g) said multiple position locking mechanism being effective, when in said first position, to lock said cartridge to said drill assembly support structure.