Patent Description:
Drill rigs form part of an integrated system used for drilling holes, for example, mineral exploration, water, oil and gas, as well as other applications. Common to all drill rigs is a drill string which connects the rig to a drilling bit, or pneumatic hammer, used to penetrate the earth. The drill string is made up of drill pipe or rod segments which are screwed together. Typically, the drill pipe segments are made up of one or more drill rods. Drill pipe segments vary in length depending upon the application. To handle the drill pipe segments, into or from the rig, a hoisting winch is used.

One common type of exploration drill rigs is a multi-purpose drill rig. Multi-purpose drill rigs differ from specific-purpose drill rigs in their capacity to perform diamond core, standard rotary hammer or reverse circulation drilling.

The most time-consuming drilling program is deep diamond core drilling. Deep diamond core drilling is commonly performed with mast inclinations of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. Typically, drill rig practice involves drawing, or returning, drill segments, or rods, to a sloop or body truck parked behind the drill rig using a main haul hoisting winch (shown in <FIG>). The main haul winch hauls the drill rods out of the hole, typically in drill pipe segments. The capacity of the main haul winch often defines the maximum drill depth.

In design life calculation, for a rig similar to that shown in <FIG>, it is anticipated that the winch rope movement for a <NUM>-year life is around <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> metres. The high cycle rate and meterage results from rod tripping, for example, to change worn diamond impregnated bits or for drill hole alignment steering methods. Bit life varies due to geology and rock type. In addition, rod size can change at different depths.

Drill rods, used in deep diamond core drilling, are provided in <NUM> metre lengths, which are screwed together to make <NUM> metre or <NUM> metre length segments. The maximum segment length that can extracted using the main haul winch (shown <FIG>) is typically <NUM> or <NUM> metres (<NUM> or <NUM> times <NUM> metre drill rods attached together). In Australia, normal practice for larger drills is to add rods in <NUM> metre lengths.

In light of the above, drill rods are transported to site in <NUM> metre lengths on a rod truck or sloop. In some instances, for example in the case of smaller drills, drill rods are left in <NUM> metre lengths. In Australia, the majority of drilling machines in operation add in <NUM> or <NUM> metre lengths, and pull in <NUM> or <NUM> metre lengths.

As the drill hole becomes deeper, and the drill bit needs to be replaced, there is a need to rack the <NUM> or <NUM> metre rod segments on top of the stored <NUM> metre rod segments. Drill rods vary in outside diameter depending on the depth or drilling program.

The main function of deep diamond core drilling, also referred to as continuous coring, is the retrieval of a core sample. A wireline winch fitted with a rope length to match its drill depth is attached to a latching mechanism called an overshot. This is used during the retrieval of the core sample. The drill string is clamped at the mast base with the pipe in an open configuration. The drill rotation head, which connects and rotates the rods, travels to the mast top and is racked away or to the side. The overshot is lowered down the open pipe until it latches with the inner tube head assembly down below. Depending on the hole depth this may take some time.

The inner tube contains the rock core sample. If intact, the rock core sample may be in the form of a cylindrical rod which needs to be handled after it exits the drill string. Relatively recently, rod pushers (shown in <FIG>) have been added to the mast to assist with either the movement of the inner tube assembly towards a rear positioned slide, or the drill rods to or from the sloop. Rod pushers assist with rod handling. However, rod pushers may present other issues, including uneven rope spooling back to the winch drum.

<CIT> describes a device for handling rigid elongated members such as drill string elements, particularly for equipping floating installations.

In light of the above, the present invention aims to overcome at least one or more issues described above or provide a useful alternative to known commercial products already available.

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

In an aspect, the invention provides a rod handling apparatus for a drill rig including a drill rig mast and a hoisting winch, the rod handling apparatus including:.

In preferred embodiments, the conveyor assembly includes a plug for securing to an end of the drill rod.

In preferred embodiments, the conveyor assembly further includes one or more roller clamp assemblies and/or a jaw assembly.

In preferred embodiments, the rod handling apparatus is fully automatic and requires little to no manual handling of the drill rod. Advantageously, injuries relating to manual handling of drill rods during assembly of a drill string and/or pulling of drill rods are minimised.

The rod handling apparatus may be configurable into at least a non-use configuration and an in-use configuration. When in the in-use configuration, the conveyor assembly may be configured to be substantially elongate. When in the non-use configuration, the conveyor assembly may be configured to be substantially U-shaped.

The linkage assembly may include one or more sub-assemblies. In most embodiments, the linkage assembly includes five sub-assemblies, in the form of: a first sub-assembly, a second sub-assembly, a third sub-assembly, a fourth sub-assembly and a fifth sub-assembly. Typically, the sub-assemblies are connected in series to form the linkage assembly. In most embodiments, one or more of the sub-assemblies may be adapted to pivot relative to one another. In most embodiments, one or more of the sub-assemblies may be adapted to pivot in a vertical direction relative to one another.

The linkage assembly may be adapted to house one or more hydraulic lines.

Turning to the first sub-assembly, the first sub-assembly may be substantially elongate. The first sub-assembly may include: a primary body, in the form of a first link member; and, a second arm extending from the primary body. The primary body may be in the form of an elongate cranked beam defining a first end for mounting the secondary arm and a second end for mounting to the second sub-assembly. The secondary arm may be in the form of an elongate arm defining a first end for pivotally mounting a hoist assembly and a second end for pivotally mounting to the primary body.

The first sub-assembly may further include the hoist assembly and a frame assembly for mounting the hoist assembly to the secondary arm. Advantageously, at least a portion of the frame assembly may be tilted to match or substantially match an angle of a drill string and/or drill rig mast. The frame assembly may include: a primary frame body for pivotally mounting relative to the secondary arm, and a float body for floating or moving relative to the primary frame body. The primary frame body may be pivoted or tilted away from the secondary arm. The primary frame may be tilted from <NUM> through to <NUM> degrees. In a non-tilted position, the primary frame body may rest parallel, or substantially parallel, to the secondary arm. In most embodiments, the float body is adapted to be lowered or raised through a spinner located on or toward a base the drill rig mast. Advantageously, a plug is able to be lowered or raised through the spinner in order to pull rods. The float body may include one or more stop members for limiting movement relative to the primary frame body.

In most embodiments, the frame assembly may further include a hydraulic member; and/or, chain member for moving the float body relative to the primary frame body. In most embodiments, the hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder and/or the chain member may be in the form of an anti-back bend chain. Alternatively, the frame assembly may use gravity and/or the hoisting winch for moving the float body relative to the primary frame body.

The hoist assembly may include the plug for securing to the end of a drill rod or drill string; and/or, a drive motor for rotating the plug. The drive motor and/or the plug may be mountable to the frame assembly. Typically, the drive motor and/or plug is mounted to the float body of the frame assembly. The drive motor may include a clutch.

The plug may include an elongate body defining a first end and a second end. The plug may define a hoist assembly centreline. In most embodiments, the plug is mounted to the float portion of the frame assembly along a mid-portion of the elongate body, between the first and the second ends of the plug. Typically, the first end of the plug may include an opening, in the form of a bail, for mounting the plug to an end of a hoisting winch. The second end of the plug may include a threaded outer surface for mounting to an end of a drill rod or the drill string.

In most embodiments, the first sub-assembly may further include one or more tilt assemblies. Typically, the first sub-assembly includes: a first tilt assembly for tilting the primary body; a second tilt assembly for tilting the secondary arm; and/or, a third tilt assembly for tilting the frame of the hoist assembly. Each tilt assembly may include a hydraulic member. Each hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. Each tilt assembly may be adapted to tilt in a single plane.

The second sub-assembly may include an elongate body, in the form of a second link member. The elongate body including a first end for mounting to the first sub-assembly and a second end for mounting to the third sub-assembly. Alternatively, the second end may be for mounting to the fourth sub-assembly (when the third sub-assembly is not in use).

The second sub-assembly may include at least one: guide roller assembly, roller clamp assembly, and/or a jaw assembly. In some embodiments, the second sub-assembly may include at least a pair of guide roller assemblies. In some embodiments, each guide roller assembly is located towards an end of the elongate body. In some embodiments, the jaw clamp assembly and the roller clamp assembly are located towards opposite ends of the elongate body. In most embodiments, the jaw assembly is located towards the first end of the elongate body and the roller clamp assembly is located towards the second end of the elongate body.

The third sub-assembly may include an elongate body, in the form of a third link member. The elongate body including a first end for mounting to the second sub-assembly and a second end for mounting to the fourth sub-assembly. The third sub-assembly may include a guide roller assembly. In most embodiments, the guide roller assembly is located towards the second end.

The fourth sub-assembly may include a body comprising a first end for mounting to the third sub-assembly, or second sub-assembly when the third sub-assembly is not in use, and a second end for mounting to the fifth sub-assembly. The fourth sub-assembly may be adapted to be configurable into at least two configurations. The at least two configurable configurations may include an elongate configuration and/or a U-shaped configuration.

The body of the fourth sub-assembly may include multiple body portions. The multiple body positions may include: a first portion, in the form of a fourth link member; a second portion, in the form of a fifth link member; and, a third portion, in the form of a sixth link member. The first, second and third portions may be secured together in series to form the body of the fourth sub-assembly. The first, second and third portions may be secured together using one or more bolts. The second portion and the third portion may be adapted to pivot in a horizontal direction relative to the first portion. The second portion and the third portion may also be adapted to prevent pivoting in the vertical direction such that the first, second and third portions together form a ridge body.

The fourth sub-assembly may further include one or more lock bolts. The lock bolts may be removable lock bolts. In most embodiments, the lock bolts may have an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration. When the lock bolts are in the engaged configuration, the first, second and third portions are prevented from pivoting relative to one another. When the lock bolts are in the non-engaged configuration, the second and third portions are allowed to pivoting relative to the first portion. Advantageously, when not in use, the conveyor assembly may be folded into a shorter configuration, for example, in anticipation of transportation.

The fourth sub-assembly may further include: a clamp roller assembly; and/or, a guide roller assembly. Typically, the clamp roller assembly and/or the guide roller assembly may each be located on the third portion. In some embodiments, the clamp roller assembly and/or the guide roller assembly may each be located towards the same end of the fourth sub-assembly. In most embodiments, the clamp roller assembly and/or the guide roller assembly may each be located towards the second end of the fourth sub-assembly.

The fifth sub-assembly may include a first end for mounting to the fourth sub-assembly and a second end for mounting to a drive assembly. The fifth sub-assembly may include a first body, in the form of a seventh link member, and a second body. The first body may be in the form of an outer or primary body and the second body may be in the form of an inner or secondary body. The first body may be in the form of an elongate tube defining an elongate channel for receiving at least a portion of the second body. The first body may include a capped end for preventing the inner body from extending all the way through the outer body. The second body may be in the form of a corresponding elongate body. The second body may include one or more stop formations to prevent the inner body from extending all the way out of the outer body. The second body may include one or more rib formations for guiding movement of the second body relative to the first body.

The fifth sub-assembly may further include a hydraulic member for extending the secondary arm relative to the primary arm. The hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. Advantageously, in preferred embodiments, the fifth link assembly may act to fine position the hoist drive centreline with a mast drill string centreline defined by the drilling rig. The fifth sub-assembly may also provide an allowance for different site set up positions of the rig relative to the loader.

As mentioned above, the conveyor assembly further includes a drive assembly for driving the linkage assembly. The drive assembly may further include an attachment formation for attaching the drive assembly to the fifth sub-assembly. The attachment formation may be in the form of a pin for being received within a corresponding attachment formation of the fifth sub-assembly.

The drive assembly may further include at least one hydraulic member. In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes at least two hydraulic members for side to side adjustment of the drill rod or plug. Each hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. The drive assembly may include an encoder.

The drive assembly may be in the form of a drive trolley. The drive assembly may include a trolley frame for mounting components of the drive assembly; a drive motor for driving the linkage assembly; drive rollers; idler rollers; track rollers; and/or, a brake for decreasing the speed of, or locking in position, the drive assembly.

According to the appended claims, the drive assembly comprises a guide trolley and a winch assembly for winching the guide trolley along the pair of rails. The guide trolley may include a guide trolley frame for mounting one or more components of the guide trolley. The one or more components of the guide trolley may include idler rollers, track rollers, wear strips and/or one or more attachment formations for attaching the winch assembly. The guide trolley frame may further include one or more attachment formations for attaching one or more cables of the winch assembly to the guide trolley. The winch assembly may include a winch. The winch may include a motor drive, in the form of a hydraulic motor drive. The winch may be a two-sided winch. The winch assembly may further include a pair of pulleys, and a pair of cables connected to a drum. Each pulley may be in the form of an idler sheave. The winch assembly may be mounted to the frame assembly of the handling apparatus. Advantageously, the guide trolley may be pushed or pulled along the pair of rails using the winch assembly. The winch assembly may include the encoder of the drive assembly.

As mentioned above, the conveyor assembly includes: one or more guide roller assemblies adapted to travel along the pair of rails, one or more roller clamp assemblies adapted to clamp a portion of a drill rod, a jaw assembly adapted to hold a portion of a drill rod, and/or one or more stop assemblies adapted to prevent vertical pivoting between adjacent sub-assemblies.

In most embodiments, each guide roller assembly includes: a pair of arms for mounting a pair of guide rollers; the pair of guide rollers for travel along the pair of rails of the frame; and/or, a pair of shock absorbers for absorbing movement of the respective sub-assembly. Each shock absorber may be in the form of a spring. As mentioned above, at least the second, third and fourth sub-assemblies each include at least one guide roller assembly.

In most embodiments, each roller clamp assembly includes: a pair of rollers for hugging or clamping a drill rod; and/or, a pair of hydraulic members for activating or deactivating the pair of rollers. Each of the hydraulic members may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. The pair of rollers may be interconnected with gear teeth and rotated using a single cylinder. Advantageously, the roller clamp assembly holds the drill rod centrally but allows the rod to move axially. As mentioned above, at least the second sub-assembly and the fourth sub-assembly each include at least one roller clamp assembly.

In most embodiments, the jaw assembly includes at least one frame for housing the at least one chain. In some embodiments, the jaw assembly may include at least one upper clamp frame and at least one side clamp frame. In most embodiments, the jaw assembly may include at least one upper clamp frame and a pair of side clamp frames. The upper clamp frame may be adjustable. Further, each side clamp frame may be in the form of a plate. Each jaw assembly may further include at least one chain. In some embodiments, the jaw assembly may further include at least one upper chain and at least one side chain. In most embodiments, the jaw assembly further include at least one upper chain and at least two side chains. In most embodiments, the upper chain may be spring loaded. Each jaw assembly may further include a pair of hydraulic members for operating the side jaw frames. Each hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. As mentioned above, at least the second sub-assembly includes a jaw assembly.

In most embodiments, each stop assembly includes: a stop member; an elongate arm for abutting the stop member when in an activated condition; and/or, a hydraulic member for moving the elongate arm from a first portion to a second position, wherein the first position is an activated condition which prevents vertical pivoting between adjacent sub-assemblies, and the second position is a deactivated position that allows vertical pivoting between adjacent sub-assemblies. The hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. Typically, the hydraulic member and the elongate arm are mounted to one sub-assembly and the stop member is mounted to an adjacent sub-assembly. Each stop assembly may prevent vertical pivoting between a pair of adjacent sub-assemblies. Usually, the conveyor assembly includes at least two stop assemblies, in the form of a first stop assembly located between the second and third sub-assemblies, and a second stop assembly located between the third and fourth sub-assemblies.

The rod handling apparatus may further include an inner tube handling assembly. Typically, the inner tube handling assembly may be mounted to the frame of the rod handling apparatus such that manoeuvring of the frame, in turn, manoeuvres the inner tube assembly. In most embodiments, the inner tube handling assembly may be mounted above, or substantially above, the frame of the rod handling apparatus.

The inner tube handling assembly may include: a primary tray; a secondary tray; and/or, an extension arm for mounting the secondary tray to the primary tray. The primary tray may be raised and lowered relative to the frame of the rod handling apparatus, and extended towards and away from the drill rig mast, using one or more arms. The arms may be in the form of pivot arms. The primary tray may include a first end for mounting the secondary tray and a second end. The second end of the primary tray may include a roller. The primary tray may further include a side wall. The side wall of the primary tray may be adapted to be raised and/or lowered.

The secondary tray may include a first free end and a second end for mounting to the extension arm. The free end of the secondary tray may include a roller. The secondary tray may be pivoted relative to the primary tray such that the inclination of the secondary tray relative to the primary tray matches, or substantially matches, the inclination of the drill rig mast.

The extension arm may be adapted to extend between the primary tray and the secondary tray. The extension arm may include a first end for mounting to the secondary arm and a second end for mounting to the primary arm. The extension arm may be adapted to vary the distance between the primary tray and the secondary tray. The extension arm may be adapted to extend the secondary tray away from the primary tray and/or towards the drill rig mast.

The inner tube handling assembly may include one or more hydraulic members. In most embodiments, the inner tube handling assembly includes: a primary tray hydraulic member for pivoting the primary tray; an extension arm hydraulic member for extending or retracting the extension arm; a secondary tray hydraulic member for tilting the secondary tray; and/or, a side wall hydraulic member for raise or lowering the side wall of the primary tray. Each hydraulic member may be in the form of a hydraulic cylinder.

As mentioned above, the rod handling apparatus may be configurable into at least a non-use configuration and an in-use configuration. When in the non-use configuration, the hydraulic members of the inner tube handling assembly may all be retracted such that: the primary tray is located below the pair of rails; the secondary tray is positioned perpendicular to the primary tray; the extension arm is fully retracted such that the secondary and the primary tray are positioned adjacent to one another; and/or, the side wall is in a closed position.

The rod handling apparatus may further include a presenter assembly for presenting the drill rod, or a rod segment including the drill rod, to the conveyor assembly. The presenter assembly may be mounted to the frame of the rod handling apparatus such that manoeuvring of the frame, in turn, manoeuvres the presenter assembly. Typically, the presenter assembly is positioned under, or substantially under, the conveyor assembly.

The presenter assembly may include at least one arm assembly for manoeuvring the drill rod or rod segment. In most embodiments, the presenter assembly may include a pair of arm assemblies, in the form of a first arm assembly for manoeuvring the drill rod, or rod segment, from a sloop or truck to the rod handling apparatus; and, a second arm assembly for manoeuvring the drill rod, or rod segment, from the first arm assembly toward the conveyor assembly. Each arm assembly may include an arm and a U-shaped hand for cupping the drill rod or rod segment. The U-shaped hand of the second arm assembly may include a fixed member and a pivotable member for pivoting relative to the fixed portion. Both arm assemblies may be adapted to be raised and/or lowered relative to the pair of rails.

The rod handling apparatus may further include a rail assembly. The rail assembly may include the pair of rails. The pair of rails may be in the form of a pair of elongate rails. Typically, the elongate pair of rails will be parallel or substantially parallel. The pair of rails may be any size or shape. In most embodiments, the pair of rails will extend be at least the length of the total length of the conveyor assembly, or longer.

The rail assembly may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may be fixed to the frame of the rod handling apparatus such that manoeuvring of the frame, in turn, manoeuvres the frame assembly. Each portion of the frame assembly may be substantially elongate and define a first end and a second end. The second end of the first portion may abut the first end of the second portion. The second portion may be adapted to pivot relative to the first portion. The rail assembly may include a hinge member for pivoting the second portion relative to the first portion such that the first portion and the second portion form a U-shape. The rail assembly may include at least one securing mechanism for securing the second portion relative to the first portion.

As mentioned above, the rod handling apparatus may be configurable into at least a non-use configuration and an in-use configuration. When in the in-use configuration, the rail assembly may be configured to be substantially elongate. When in the non-use configuration, the rail assembly may be configured to be substantially U-shaped. When in the in-use configuration, the rail assembly may be configured such that the first portion and the second portion are located in series relative to one another. When in the non-use configuration, the rail assembly may be configured such that the first portion and the second portion are located parallel, or substantially parallel, to one another.

As mentioned above, the rod handling apparatus includes a frame assembly including a frame, and a base assembly for mounting the frame assembly, the base assembly, including a base. The base may be any size or shape suitable for mounting the frame. The base assembly may include legs. In some embodiments, the base assembly includes four legs. In most embodiments, the base assembly include six legs. The legs may be in the form of height adjustable legs. The legs may be in the form of jack legs. The base assembly may further include a pair of frame rails along which the frame assembly is movable. The frame assembly may be any suitable size or shape for mounting the inner tube assembly, presenter assembly, conveyor assembly, and/or rail assembly.

The rod handling apparatus may be configurable in at least two configurations. The at least two configurations may be an operative or in-use configuration and a non-operative or non-use configuration. When in the operative configuration, the conveyor assembly is configured in an elongate configuration. When in a non-operative configuration, the conveyor assembly is configured in a folded or U-shaped configuration.

In most embodiments, the conveyor assembly is hauled by a winch cable, up and down a drill rig mast, both of which form part of the drilling rig.

The conveyor assembly may be in the form of a rod handling assembly.

In most embodiments, the conveyor assembly may be adapted to secure the drill rod, or rod segment, thereto. In most embodiments, the conveyor assembly may be adapted to hold and/or grip the drill rod, or rod segment. Typically, at least a portion of the conveyor assembly may be adapted to pivot away from away from the pair of rails of the frame. Typically, at least a portion of the conveyor assembly may be adapted to maintain engagement with the pair of rails during hauling of a drill rod, or rod segment.

Preferably, the rod handling apparatus further comprising a controller configured to control the winch assembly and the hoisting winch to create a rod path, and the controller is further configured to control the winch assembly based on feedback from the hoisting winch and the winch assembly.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for conveying a drill rod to and/or from a drill rig, the drill rig including a drill rod mast, hoisting winch and a drill rotation head and/or spinner, the method including:.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for conveying a drill rod to and/or from a drill rig, the drill rig including a drill rod mast, hoisting winch and a spinner, the method including:.

Preferably, in either method provided for conveying a drill rod to and/or from a drill rig, the method is fully automated using a controller adapted to receive information from one or more of: an encoder fitted to the drive assembly of the conveyor assembly, speed and/or direction sensors fitted to the hoisting winch of the drill rig, and/or an inclinometer fitted to the drill rig mast.

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:.

<FIG> shows a rod handling apparatus <NUM> for a drill rig <NUM> in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Rod handling apparatus <NUM> includes a base <NUM>; a frame <NUM> mounted to the base, the frame including a pair of rails <NUM>; and, a conveyor assembly <NUM> for loading a drill rod <NUM>; wherein the conveyor assembly <NUM> is adapted to travel along the pair of rails.

In the preferred embodiments, the rod handling apparatus is fully-automatic and requires little to no manual handling of the drill rod, or rod segment that includes the drill rod. Advantageously, injuries relating to manual handling of drill rods during assembly of a drill string and/or pulling of drill rods is minimised.

As best shown in <FIG>, the preferred embodiment of the rod handling apparatus <NUM> includes: base assembly <NUM> for mounting a frame assembly <NUM>, the base assembly including a base; the frame assembly <NUM> for mounting a rail assembly <NUM>, the frame assembly including the frame; rail assembly <NUM> for mounting a conveyor assembly <NUM>; the conveyor assembly <NUM> adapted travel along the pair of rails <NUM>; a presenter assembly <NUM> for presenting the drill rod, or rod segment, to the conveyor assembly; and, an inner core handling assembly <NUM> for handling an inner core sample. Rail assembly, presenter assembly and the inner tube handling assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to frame assembly <NUM> such that manoeuvring of the frame assembly relative to base assembly <NUM> concurrently manoeuvres the rail assembly, presenter assembly and the inner tube handling assembly. Further, conveyor assembly <NUM> is mounted to rail assembly <NUM> such that the conveyor assembly is adapted to travel along rails <NUM>.

Turning to conveyor assembly <NUM>, assembly <NUM> includes: a linkage assembly <NUM> including first, second, third, fourth and fifth sub-assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>; and, drive assembly, in the form of drive trolley <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, sub-assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and drive assembly are connected in series to form linkage assembly <NUM>, and are adapted to pivot relative to one another in the vertical direction.

Turning to <FIG>, first sub-assembly <NUM> is substantially elongate, and includes a first end 506a for mounting to an end of a drill rod, or rod segment, and a second end 506b for pivotally mounting to second sub-assembly <NUM>. First sub-assembly <NUM> includes: a primary body, in the form of a first link member <NUM>; and, a second arm <NUM> extending from, and pivotally mounted, to an end of the primary body. In the preferred embodiment shown, first link member <NUM> is in the form of an elongate cranked beam. First sub-assembly <NUM> further includes hoist assembly <NUM> and frame assembly <NUM> for mounting the hoist assembly to second arm <NUM>. Frame assembly <NUM> includes primary frame body <NUM> for pivotally mounting relative to the secondary arm, and float body <NUM> for moving relative to the primary frame body. In the preferred embodiment shown, primary frame body <NUM> is tiltable away from secondary arm about a pivot located towards the first end of the sub-assembly <NUM>. In the preferred embodiment shown, primary frame body <NUM> is tiltable from <NUM> through to <NUM> degrees. Advantageously, the primary frame body is tiltable to match, or substantially match, an angle of a drill string such that plug <NUM> is able be secured onto the end of the drill string. In a non-tilted position, the primary frame body <NUM> rests parallel, or substantially parallel, relative to secondary arm <NUM>. In the preferred embodiment show, hoist assembly <NUM> is secured to float body <NUM> such that the hoist assembly moves with the float body. Float body <NUM> is adapted to be lowered or raised such that the plug <NUM> attached thereto is lowered or raised through a spinner located on or toward a base of the drill rig mast (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Advantageously, a plug <NUM> is able to be lowered or raised through the spinner such that the plug is mountable to the end of the drill string. Float body <NUM> includes stop members (not shown) for limiting movement relative to primary frame body <NUM>. Frame assembly <NUM> further includes a hydraulic cylinder <NUM>; and anti-back bend chain <NUM> for moving float portion <NUM> relative to primary frame body <NUM>. Hoist assembly <NUM> includes plug <NUM> for securing to the end of a drill rod or drill string; and drive motor <NUM> for rotating the plug. As mentioned above, both drive motor <NUM> and plug <NUM> are mounted to float body <NUM>. The drive motor includes a clutch (not shown). Plug <NUM> includes an elongate body defining a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The plug also defines a hoist assembly centreline <NUM>. In the preferred embodiment shown, plug <NUM> is mounted to the float portion along a mid-portion of the elongate body, between the first and the second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the plug. End <NUM> of plug <NUM> includes opening, in the form of a bail <NUM>, for mounting the plug to an end of the drill rig (i.e. hoisting) winch (not shown). End <NUM> of the plug includes a threaded outer surface <NUM> for mounting to an end of drill string <NUM>.

First sub-assembly <NUM> further includes a first tilt assembly, in the form of primary body tilt assembly, for tilting the primary body, the first tilt assembly includes a hydraulic cylinder <NUM>; a second tilt assembly, in the form of second arm tilt assembly, for tilting the secondary arm, the second tilt assembly including another hydraulic cylinder <NUM>; and, a third tilt assembly, in the form of a hoist assembly tilt assembly, for tilting the frame of the hoist assembly, the third tilt assembly including a further hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. Each tilt assembly may be adapted to tilt in a single plane.

Turning to <FIG>, second sub-assembly <NUM> includes an elongate body, in the form of a second link member <NUM>. Link member <NUM> includes a first end 508a for mounting to first sub-assembly <NUM> and a second end 508b for mounting to third sub-assembly <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), second end 508b is mountable to fourth sub-assembly <NUM> (when the third sub-assembly is not in use).

Second sub-assembly <NUM> further includes a pair of guide roller assemblies 1300a, 1300b, a roller clamp assembly 1500a and jaw assembly <NUM>. Guide roller assemblies 1300a and 1300b are located towards opposite ends of link member <NUM>. Further, roller clamp assembly 1500a is located towards end 508b and jaw assembly is located towards end 508a of link member <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, third sub-assembly <NUM> includes an elongate body, in the form of a third link member <NUM>. Third link member <NUM> includes first end 520a for mounting to the second sub-assembly and a second end 520b for mounting to the fourth sub-assembly <NUM>. Third sub-assembly <NUM> includes guide roller assembly 1300c located at end 510b.

Turning to <FIG>, fourth sub-assembly <NUM> includes a body <NUM> comprising a first end 512a for mounting to the third sub-assembly <NUM> and a second end 512b for mounting to the fifth sub-assembly <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, first end 512a is mountable to second sub-assembly <NUM> when the third sub-assembly is not in use. Body <NUM> includes a first portion, in the form of a fourth link member <NUM>; a second portion, in the form of a fifth link member <NUM>; and, a third portion, in the form of a sixth link member <NUM>. Link members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are secured together using bolts in series to form body <NUM> such that link members <NUM> and <NUM> are pivotable in a horizontal direction relative to link member <NUM>.

Fourth sub-assembly <NUM> further includes removable lock bolts <NUM> for locking link members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> together. Lock bolts <NUM> are configurable in an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration. When lock bolts <NUM> are in the engaged configuration, the link members <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are prevented from pivoting relative to one another and form a rigid body. When the lock bolts are in the non-engaged configuration, links <NUM> and <NUM> are allowed to pivoting relative to link <NUM>. Advantageously, when not in use, the conveyor assembly <NUM> is foldable into a U-shaped configuration (as shown in <FIG>).

Fourth sub-assembly <NUM> further includes clamp roller assembly 1500b and guide roller assembly 1300d. In the preferred embodiment shown, roller clamp roller assembly 1500b and the guide roller assembly 1300d are positioned towards end 512b of link member <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, fifth sub-assembly <NUM> includes a first end 514a for mounting to fourth sub-assembly <NUM> and a second end 514b for mounting to the drive trolley <NUM>. Fifth sub-assembly <NUM> includes an elongate body, in the form of a seventh link member <NUM>. Link member <NUM> comprises an outer, elongate, tubular body <NUM> and an inner elongate body <NUM> for being received in body <NUM>. Outer body <NUM> includes a capped end for preventing inner body <NUM> from extending all the way through the outer body. Inner body <NUM> includes a plurality of ribs <NUM> for guiding movement of the body within outer body <NUM>. Inner body <NUM> also includes stop formations (not shown) for preventing inner body <NUM> from separating from outer body <NUM>. Sub-assembly includes hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for positioning body <NUM> relative to body <NUM>. In preferred embodiments, the fifth sub-assembly acts to fine position the hoist drive centreline with a mast drill string centreline defined by the drilling rig.

In one embodiment, as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the conveyor assembly <NUM> further includes a drive assembly, in the form of a drive trolley <NUM>, for driving linkage assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment depicted in <FIG>, drive trolley <NUM> includes: a trolley frame <NUM> for mounting components of the drive trolley; a drive motor <NUM> for driving linkage assembly <NUM>; drive rollers <NUM>; idler rollers <NUM>; track rollers <NUM>; a brake <NUM> for decreasing the speed of, or locking in position, the drive assembly; and, a side shift frame <NUM>. The drive assembly further includes a pull pin <NUM> for mounting the drive assembly to fifth sub-assembly <NUM>. The drive assembly further includes a drive roller load cylinder <NUM> and a side shift cylinder <NUM>. Cylinders and are in the form of hydraulic cylinders.

A preferred drive assembly is shown in <FIG>. The alternative drive assembly includes a guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM> for driving linkage assembly <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, guide trolley <NUM>' includes a trolley frame <NUM>' for mounting components of the guide trolley, including idler rollers <NUM>', wear pads (not shown), hose arm <NUM>. Trolley frame <NUM>' and attachment formations, in the form of a first cable connection point <NUM> and a second cable connection point (not shown), for connecting guide trolly <NUM>' to winch assembly <NUM>. Guide trolley <NUM>' further includes a pin, in the form of pull pin <NUM>', for mounting guide trolley <NUM>' to the fifth sub-assembly <NUM> of linkage assembly <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>).

As best shown in <FIG>, winch assembly <NUM> includes a two-sided push/pull winch with hydraulic motor drive <NUM>, a pair of idler sheaves <NUM>, in the form of a front sheave 2502a and a rear sheave 2502b, a telescoping tensioning arm <NUM> and a pair of cables, in the form of first cable 2505a and second cable 2505b. Winch assembly <NUM> is mounted to frame assembly <NUM> and rails <NUM> of base assembly <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, first cable 2505a extends from winch <NUM> to the front of rail assembly <NUM>, around tensioning sheave 2502a and before connecting to the front of guide trolley, and second cable 2505b extends to the rear of frame <NUM>, around idler sheave 2502b and before connecting to the rear of guide trolley <NUM>'. Each cable 2505a, 2505b is connected to a drum of winch <NUM>. In use, winch <NUM> is configured such that, as one side spools on to the drum of winch <NUM>, the other side spools off the drum, providing a push/pull effect on the guide trolley. Winch <NUM> is controlled using hydraulic cylinder <NUM>.

As mentioned above, conveyor assembly <NUM> includes guide roller assemblies <NUM>, roller clamp assemblies <NUM>, a jaw assembly <NUM>, and stop assemblies <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> shows guide roller assembly <NUM> including a pair of arms <NUM> for mounting a pair of guide rollers <NUM>; the pair of guide rollers for travel along rails <NUM>; and, a pair of shock absorbers, in the form of springs <NUM>, for absorbing movement of a respective sub-assembly. As mentioned previously, the second sub-assembly includes a pair of guide roller assemblies 1300a, 1300b, and each of the third and fourth sub-assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> include a single guide roller assembly 1300c, 1300d. Advantageously, the guide rollers assemblies allow the conveyor assembly to travel along rails <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> show roller clamp assembly <NUM>. Each roller clamp assembly <NUM> includes a pair of rollers <NUM> for hugging or clamping a drill rod or rod segment; and, a pair of hydraulic members, in the form of a pair of hydraulic cylinders <NUM>, for activating or deactivating the pair of rollers. In the preferred embodiment shown, the pair of rollers are interconnected with gear teeth. Advantageously, the roller clamp assembly holds the drill rod centrally but allows the drill rod to move axially. As previously mentioned, the second and fourth sub-assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> each include a roller clamp assembly <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> show jaw assembly <NUM>. Jaw assembly <NUM> includes a spring loaded upper chain <NUM>, a pair of side chains <NUM>, an adjustable, upper clamp frame <NUM> for housing the spring loaded upper chain, and a pair of side clamp frames <NUM>, each for housing one of the side chains. Jaw assembly <NUM> further includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders <NUM> for operating the side jaw frames. In the preferred embodiment shown, second sub-assembly <NUM> includes jaw assembly <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG> shows stop assembly <NUM> including a stop member <NUM>, an elongate arm <NUM> for abutting the stop member when in an activated condition, and a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for moving the elongate arm from a first portion to a second position, wherein the first position is an activated condition which prevents vertical pivoting between adjacent sub-assemblies, and the second position is a deactivated position that prevents vertical pivoting between adjacent sub-assemblies. As can be seen, hydraulic cylinder <NUM> and elongate arm <NUM> are mounted to one sub-assembly and stop member <NUM> is mounted to an adjacent sub-assembly. Accordingly, each stop assembly <NUM> acts to prevent vertical pivoting between a pair of adjacent sub-assemblies when in an activated condition but allow pivoting between a pair of adjacent subassemblies when in a de-activated condition. As best shown in <FIG>, conveyor assembly <NUM> includes a first stop assembly located between the second and third sub-assemblies, and a second stop assembly located between the third and fourth sub-assemblies.

As mentioned above, rod handling apparatus <NUM> includes inner tube handling assembly <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, inner tube handling assembly <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, inner tube handling assembly <NUM> includes a primary tray <NUM>, a secondary tray <NUM> and an extension arm <NUM> for mounting the secondary tray to the primary tray. Primary tray <NUM> may be raised and lowered relative to the frame of the rod handling apparatus, and extended towards and away from the drill rig mast <NUM>, using pivot arms <NUM>. Primary tray <NUM> includes a first end for mounting the secondary tray and a second end having a roller. The primary tray further includes a side wall adapted to be raised and lowered. Secondary tray <NUM> includes a first free end including a roller, and a second end for mounting to the extension arm. When in a non-use configuration, the secondary tray rests perpendicular to the primary tray (as best shown in <FIG>). When in use, secondary tray <NUM> is pivotable away from the primary tray (as best shown in <FIG>) such that the inclination of the secondary tray relative to the primary tray matches the inclination of the drill rig mast <NUM>.

The extension arm <NUM> includes a first end for mounting to the secondary arm and a second end for mounting to the primary arm, and, when in use, is adapted to extend the secondary tray away from the primary tray and towards drill rig mast <NUM>.

The inner tube handling assembly includes hydraulic members, in the form of a primary tray hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for pivoting the primary tray; a secondary tray hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for tilting the secondary tray; an extension arm hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for extending or retracting the extension arm; and, a side wall hydraulic cylinder <NUM> for raising and lowering the side wall of the primary tray.

Rod handling apparatus <NUM> further includes a presenter assembly <NUM> for presenting a drill rod or rod segment to the conveyor assembly (best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The presenter assembly <NUM> mounted to frame <NUM> and positioned under the conveyor assembly <NUM>. The presenter assembly includes a pair of arm assemblies, in the form of a first arm assembly <NUM> for receiving or transferring a drill rod or rod segment from a sloop or truck, and a second arm assembly <NUM> for presenting or receiving a drill rod or rod segment from the conveyor assembly <NUM>. First arm assembly <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> and a substantially U-shaped hand <NUM> for receiving the drill rod or rod segment from the sloop or truck. U-shaped hand <NUM> is pivotable relative to arm <NUM> about a central pivot point <NUM>. The second arm assembly <NUM> includes a height adjustable arm <NUM> and a substantially U-shaped hand <NUM> for receiving the drill rod or rod segment from first arm. U-shaped hand <NUM> comprises a first fixed side wall portion <NUM> and a second pivotable side wall portion <NUM>. Side wall portion <NUM> is adapted to be lowered when receiving a drill rod or rod segment form the first arm assembly of presenter assembly and is adapted to be raised such that the portions cup the drill rod or rod segment (best shown in <FIG>).

Turning to <FIG>, as mentioned above, rod handling apparatus <NUM> includes a rail assembly <NUM> which includes elongate rails <NUM>, base assembly <NUM> for mounting frame assembly <NUM> and frame assembly <NUM>.

Rail assembly <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. First portion <NUM> is fixed to frame assembly <NUM> such that manoeuvring of the frame, in turn, manoeuvres rail assembly <NUM>. Each portion <NUM>, <NUM> is substantially elongate and defines a first end and a second end. In an in-use configuration, the second end of the first portion abut the first end of the second portion (best shown in <FIG>). The second portion <NUM>, however, is adapted to pivot relative to the first portion. Rail assembly <NUM> includes hinge member <NUM> for pivoting the second portion <NUM> relative to the first portion <NUM> such that the first portion and the second portion form a U-shape (best shown in <FIG>). In preferred embodiments, rail assembly <NUM> further includes a securing mechanism for securing the second portion relative to the first portion (not shown).

Base assembly <NUM> includes six height adjustable legs, in the form of jack legs <NUM>, and a pair of rails for sliding frame <NUM> from a first position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) to a second position (shown in <FIG>).

In use, full automatic control of the conveyor assembly <NUM> relative to drill rig mast <NUM> is achieved using a controller adapted to receive information from one or more of: the encoder fitted to the drive assembly of the conveyor assembly, speed and/or direction sensors fitted to the hoisting winch of the drill rig, and/or inclinometer fitted to drill rig mast <NUM>. Examples of plots paths for various drill rod lengths relative to various mast angles are shown in <FIG> (bail <NUM> coordinate layouts).

The preferred operation of rod handling apparatus <NUM> will now be described below.

The preferred embodiments of rod handling apparatus <NUM> has four main functions:.

One function of the drill rod apparatus <NUM> is loading rods onto a drill string from the time of starting a drill hole. During this process, a rotation head <NUM> of the drill rig is raised and racked into the drill rig mast <NUM> prior to adding a drill rod <NUM> (or rod segment) under the head. As best shown in <FIG>, a drill rod <NUM> is transferred from a feed in system, in the form of a sloop or truck body (not shown), to the rod presenter assembly <NUM>. Drill rod <NUM> is raised vertically using presenter assembly <NUM> and clamped by roller clamp assemblies 1500a, 1500b and jaw assembly <NUM> of conveyor assembly <NUM>. During this function, drill rod <NUM> is not connected to the hoist assembly <NUM>. Second, third and fourth sub-assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are locked using stop assemblies 1200a, 1200b such they form a single rigid member during loading. Conveyor assembly <NUM> is then hauled onto drill rig mast <NUM> by a main winch (not shown) until substantially positioned along the drill rig mast and under the rotation head (as best shown in <FIG>. Many known drill rigs have top mounted haul winches. As such, the winch rope reeves from left to right and the alignment of conveyor assembly <NUM> will be to the left side of a mast centre line when the winch rope is positioned above rotation head <NUM>. For this reason, cylinder <NUM> is floated and drill rotation head <NUM> moved from racked back into the mast to a forward position. By articulating hydraulic cylinders <NUM> and <NUM>, rotation head <NUM> is alignable with the drill rod <NUM>, and rotation head <NUM> is able to be lowered in order to connect with drill rod <NUM>. The position of the lower end of conveyor assembly <NUM>, relative to drill rig mast <NUM>, may be adjusted using hydraulic cylinder <NUM> of fifth sub-assembly <NUM>, and (optionally) side movement cylinder <NUM> of drive trolley <NUM>. Once rod <NUM> is connected to rotation head <NUM>, jaw assembly <NUM> is released (while roller clamp assemblies 1500a, 1500b are maintained engaged). Rotation head <NUM> lowers and facilitates joining of drill rod <NUM> to drill string <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Roller clamp assemblies 1500a, 1500b are released, and conveyor assembly <NUM> is lowered back onto frame assembly <NUM> by the winch and with a constant tension using the drive assembly, in the form of drive trolley <NUM> or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM>.

Another function of the drill rod apparatus <NUM> is tripping drill rods out of a drill hole. During this process, rotation head <NUM> is disconnected from drill string <NUM> leaving the drill string open but clamped at the base of the drill rig mast (best shown in <FIG>). Rotation head <NUM> travels to the top of the mast and racks fully thereto. The hoist assembly <NUM> is tilted such that the hoist assembly centreline <NUM> (see <FIG>) defined by the plug matches the mast inclination. The hoist assembly <NUM> holds its angled angle position hydraulically via a holding valve with a low pressure setting. Conveyer assembly <NUM> is then driven forward toward drill rig mast <NUM> using the drive assembly, in the form of drive trolley <NUM> or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM>, and positioned above spinner <NUM> using cylinder <NUM> of fifth sub-assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>). Float body <NUM> of first sub-assembly <NUM> is passed through the inside of spinner <NUM> using cylinder <NUM> of hoist assembly <NUM> also with a low set holding valve until plug <NUM> connects with the end of clamped drill string <NUM>. The connection of cylinder <NUM> to the hoisting assembly is via a push pull chain <NUM>. This allows the float body <NUM> to slide up or down a set of low friction guides located on frame <NUM>. Once plug <NUM> is connected to the end of drill string <NUM>, the drill rig (i.e. hoisting) winch balances the drill string weight, clamps holding the end of drill string <NUM> are released and end of drill string <NUM> and conveyor assembly <NUM> are hauled up drill rig mast <NUM>. Due to the low pressure setting for cylinders <NUM> and <NUM> they both move relative to the load reactions. Once a drill string joint is clear of the drill rig clamps (best shown in <FIG>) the clamps are reapplied. Roller clamp assemblies 1400a and 1400b are also engaged along the length of the drill string <NUM> now mounted to the conveyor assembly <NUM>. Spinner <NUM> subsequently breaks a lower joint separating a rod segment <NUM> from drill string <NUM>, and the separated rod segment <NUM> is raised through spinner <NUM>. After clearing spinner <NUM>, the drive assembly, in the form of drive trolley <NUM> or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM>, and the drill rod mast winch work together to haul and lower the conveyor assembly <NUM> and rod segment <NUM> along rails <NUM> of frame assembly <NUM>. When the conveyor assembly <NUM> is fully positioned on rails <NUM>, hoisting drive <NUM> rotates and disconnects plug <NUM> from rod segment <NUM>, and moves away therefrom. As best shown in <FIG>, the presenter assembly <NUM> is raised and supports the rod segment <NUM>. Rod segment <NUM> is then released from the clamp assemblies 1400a and 1400b, and the conveyor assembly <NUM> is raised along its length with the exception of sub-assembly <NUM> and drive assembly in the form of drive trolley <NUM> or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM>. The portion <NUM> of presenter assembly <NUM> drops and the rod segment rolls out from under the conveyor assembly <NUM>. The raised portion of the conveyor assembly is lowered back onto rails <NUM> and the cycle is repeated.

Another function of the drill rod apparatus <NUM> is tripping rod into the drill hole. The process is essentially the same as tripping rids into the drill hole, however the process is reversed. Beginning, from the rod segment <NUM> being presented to the conveyor assembly <NUM> by the presenter assembly <NUM>, the drill rod or rod segment is clamped along its length using roller clamp assemblies 1400a and 1400b and jaw assembly <NUM>, and is mounted to the hoisting drive via plug <NUM>. All stop assemblies <NUM> are in an active condition to prevent bending of the drill pipe <NUM>. The conveyor assembly <NUM> along with the drill rod <NUM>, or rod segment, is then hoisted into the drill rod mast <NUM> with the drive assembly, in the form of drive trolley <NUM> or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM>, holding back using either drive trolley <NUM> using a pre-set hydraulic controlled force or guide trolley <NUM>' and winch assembly <NUM> with pre-set paths controlled by a controller, in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC), using feedback from the hoisting winch on the drill rig and a winch assembly encoder. Drill rod end positioning is achieved using the fifth sub-assembly <NUM>. The drill rod or rod segment then is lowered through the spinner <NUM> using float body 614and the lower end of the drill rod or rod segment is joined to the end of the drill string <NUM> using spinner <NUM> (see <FIG>). A clutch in the hoisting drive allows the drive to rotate freely so as not to undo the thread if the drill segment comprises multiple drill rods connected together.

Another function of the drill rod apparatus <NUM> relates to handling an inner tube. When removing a full inner tube through the drill string it is normal to also have a fully assembled tube ready to replace it so the drilling cycle can start again. For this reason, primary tray holds a fully assembled inner tube <NUM> in an innermost recess of the primary tray (as best shown in <FIG>). The full inner tube <NUM> is presented to the outer slide side, in the form of primary tray <NUM>. There is a roller <NUM> at the end of primary tray <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, when the secondary tray <NUM> is fully up and projected towards the drill rig mast <NUM> tilt cylinder <NUM> matches the mast inclination angle. The secondary tray <NUM> has a hole in its base to allow the wireline rope, overshot and tube to pass through. In the preferred embodiment shown, a side wall of primary tray <NUM> can drop hydraulically using hydraulic cylinder <NUM> to allow an assembly to be rolled across to a bench (not shown) located to the left hand side (LHS) for dis-assembly and core removal. The process for retrieving a core sample after drilling a rod length is described below.

Step <NUM>: Breakout the rotation head <NUM> and leave the drill string <NUM> clamped at the base of the mast <NUM>. Rotation head <NUM> then travels to the mast top and racks into the mast, or for some drill rigs to the side.

Step <NUM>: With reference to <FIG>, cylinder <NUM> rotates the primary tray <NUM> up and towards the mast. The cylinder <NUM> is set to match the mast angle and cylinder <NUM> extends the extension arm <NUM> toward drill rig mast <NUM> and over the clamped pipe end <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: An overshot and wireline winch rope (not shown) can then work through this hole to retrieve the inner tube <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: As best shown in Figured <NUM>, once the inner tube <NUM> is pulled clear through the pipe <NUM> the extension arm <NUM> retracts using cylinder <NUM> back toward the primary tray <NUM>.

Step <NUM>: This allows the full inner tube <NUM> to slide down tray <NUM> as the wireline winch lowers it. The assembled tube length <NUM> can be up to <NUM> long. A roller <NUM> at the end of tray <NUM> helps to slide the tube.

Step <NUM>: The overshot is removed from the full assembly <NUM> and inserted and latched into the empty assembly <NUM> and the procedure reversed.

Advantages of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are described below:.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Claim 1:
A rod handling apparatus (<NUM>) for a drill rig (<NUM>) including a drill rig mast (<NUM>) and a hoisting winch, the rod handling apparatus (<NUM>) including:
a base assembly (<NUM>);
a frame assembly (<NUM>) coupled to the base assembly (<NUM>), the frame assembly (<NUM>) including a pair of rails (<NUM>) along which a conveyor assembly (<NUM>) is adapted to travel along; and,
the conveyor assembly (<NUM>) adapted to be coupled to the hoisting winch for conveying a drill rod (<NUM>) up and/or down the drill rig mast (<NUM>) such that the drill rod (<NUM>) is attachable to and/or detachable from a drill string (<NUM>), wherein the conveyor assembly (<NUM>) includes a linkage assembly (<NUM>) and a drive assembly for driving the linkage assembly (<NUM>) and wherein the drive assembly includes a guide trolley (<NUM>') and a winch assembly for winching the guide trolley (<NUM>') along the pair of rails (<NUM>).