Patent ID: 6216800
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: B23Q,E21B,G05B

Abstract:
An apparatus for substantially continuously in-situ drilling and flushing of the drill cuttings and dust from the drill hole in the earth comprising:a drill stem having a bit;a drill head with a feed device for feeding said drill stem and bit into said earth as said bit is effective to form the drill hole;a flushing mechanism for removing said cuttings and dust from the hole adjacent said stem by bailing fluid flow so as to substantially eliminate airborne contamination;a transducer monitoring at least one parameter of the fluid flow and generating a signal indicative of the level of said parameter;a drive unit for said drill stem and bit for establishing a rate of driving; anda controller responsive to the signal from said transducer indicative of said flow parameter for substantially constantly regulating the rate of driving and feed of said drill stem and bit during both a normal and approaching overload condition,whereby said cuttings and dust are flushed in a controlled manner to substantially eliminate airborne contamination and provide substantially continuous and optimum drilling operation.