View source for 18431674. HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE simplified abstract (Vermeer Manufacturing Company)

=HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE=


==Organization Name==

[[:Category:Vermeer Manufacturing Company|Vermeer Manufacturing Company]]


[[Category:Vermeer Manufacturing Company]]

==Inventor(s)==

[[:Category:Jacob Rewerts of Altoona IA (US)|Jacob Rewerts of Altoona IA (US)]][[Category:Jacob Rewerts of Altoona IA (US)]]

[[:Category:Zach Buckley of Ankeny IA (US)|Zach Buckley of Ankeny IA (US)]][[Category:Zach Buckley of Ankeny IA (US)]]

[[:Category:Robert D. Franz of Independence IA (US)|Robert D. Franz of Independence IA (US)]][[Category:Robert D. Franz of Independence IA (US)]]

==HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE - A simplified explanation of the abstract==


This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18431674 titled 'HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONAL DRILL WITH FREEWHEEL MODE

==Simplified Explanation==

The abstract describes a patent application for a horizontal directional drilling machine with a hydraulic motor that can switch between drive and freewheel modes using a hydraulic circuit with rotary ball valves.

* The drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit with a hydraulic motor that can drive rotation of the drill string.
* The hydraulic circuit has two configurations - one for applying torque (drive mode) and one for disabling torque (freewheel mode) using rotary ball valves.
* The first fluid flow path connects the hydraulic motor to the drive pump, while the second fluid flow path connects the hydraulic motor to the other side of the drive pump.
* In the drive mode configuration, there is no pressure drop across the rotary ball valves.

== Potential Applications ==
This technology can be used in the construction industry for horizontal directional drilling projects, such as installing underground utilities or pipelines.

== Problems Solved ==
This innovation solves the problem of efficiently switching between drive and freewheel modes in a horizontal directional drilling machine, improving overall performance and control.

== Benefits ==
The benefits of this technology include increased efficiency, better control over drilling operations, and potentially reduced wear and tear on the equipment.

== Potential Commercial Applications ==
This technology could be applied in the oil and gas industry, civil engineering projects, and infrastructure development for efficient and precise drilling operations.

== Possible Prior Art ==
One possible prior art could be similar hydraulic systems used in other drilling machines or industrial equipment for controlling torque and rotation.

=== Unanswered Questions ===

=== How does this technology compare to traditional drilling machines in terms of performance and efficiency? ===
This article does not provide a direct comparison between this technology and traditional drilling machines in terms of performance and efficiency. Further research or testing may be needed to determine the specific advantages of this innovation over existing methods.

=== What are the potential maintenance requirements for the hydraulic circuit and rotary ball valves in this drilling machine? ===
The article does not address the potential maintenance requirements for the hydraulic circuit and rotary ball valves. Understanding the maintenance needs of this technology is crucial for long-term use and cost-effectiveness.


==Original Abstract Submitted==

A horizontal directional drilling machine includes a drill string rotational drive unit having an output member configured to connect with and selectively drive rotation of a drill string, the rotational drive unit including a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic circuit has a configuration that puts the motor in a drive mode to apply torque and a second configuration that puts the motor in a freewheel mode disabled from applying torque. The hydraulic circuit includes a first fluid flow path for connecting the hydraulic motor through a first rotary ball valve to one of an inlet side and an outlet side of a drive pump, and a second fluid flow path for selectively connecting the hydraulic motor through a second rotary ball valve to the other side of the drive pump. In the first configuration, there is no pressure drop across the first and second rotary ball valves.



[[Category:E21B3/02]]
[[Category:E21B7/04]]
[[Category:E21B19/083]]
[[Category:E21B19/16]]
[[Category:E21B44/02]]