James Todd Loftis

US Patent:

39660532, Jun 29, 1976

Filed:

Apr 25, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/571854

Inventors:

James B. Loftis - Remlap AL

Assignee:

Joy Manufacturing Company - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

E21B 1914

US Classification:

211 60S

Abstract:

A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus having improved drill pipe storage and handling means therefor.

US Patent:

39656284, Jun 29, 1976

Filed:

Mar 26, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/562175

Inventors:

James B. Loftis - Remlap AL

Assignee:

Joy Manufacturing Company - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

E04H 1234
E21C 1102

US Classification:

52115

Abstract:

A drill mast support assembly having a drill mast pivotable between a drilling and a non-drilling position and including elongated rigid brace means for stabilizing the mast in the drilling position. The brace means are connected to the mast by support means which provide for a compact assembly when the mast in the non-drilling position and permit the brace means to be automatically positioned as the drill mast is moved to the drilling position. Lock means are further provided for preventing relative movement between the mast and the brace means when the mast is in the drilling position.

US Patent:

41901193, Feb 26, 1980

Filed:

Dec 12, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/859613

Inventors:

James B. Loftis - Remlap AL
Norlin O. Lewis - Remlap AL

Assignee:

Joy Manufacturing Company - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B23Q 500
E21C 500

US Classification:

173149

Abstract:

An earth drilling method and apparatus utilizes a unique drill string rotary drive and support arrangement which provides for the utilization of longer drill strings than could heretofore be accommodated on prior art drill masts of equal height.

US Patent:

43124135, Jan 26, 1982

Filed:

Nov 18, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/207994

Inventors:

James B. Loftis - Remlap AL

International Classification:

E21B 702

US Classification:

173 23

Abstract:

Drilling apparatus embodying an elongated boxed-in frame supporting a transmission unit for longitudinal movement therein with the transmission unit connecting a polygonal drive shaft to a driven head which is threadedly connected to a drill rod section. A first drive unit carried by the elongated frame has a drive shaft in axial alignment with one end of the polygonal shaft with the other end of the polygonal shaft being in axial alignment with the drive shaft of a second drive unit. The drive units exert torque concomitantly at opposite ends of the polygonal shaft to rotate both ends of the polygonal shaft in the same direction. The elongated frame is carried by a supporting frame mounted for rotation about a vertical axis on a translatable frame to position the driven head at selected angular positions about the vertical axis.

US Patent:

RE290203, Nov 2, 1976

Filed:

Dec 20, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/534664

Inventors:

David L. Moody - Onconta AL
James B. Loftis - Remlap AL

Assignee:

Joy Manufacturing Company - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

E21B 1914

US Classification:

175 52

Abstract:

[. A carriage movable by a power unit along a track carrying a drive shaft connected sequentially to a plurality of drill rods. The drill rods are supplied by spaced apart transversely movable rack assemblies having upwardly opening spaced recesses therein. Transverse, spaced apart support arms are mounted for pivotal movement in vertical planes about a common axis selectively to an upper position in alignment with the drive shaft and to a lower position beneath the drill rods carried by the rack assembly. The rack assemblies are moved to position drill rods sequentially in alignment with the path of movement of the support arms. ]. . Iadd. A drilling apparatus and more particularly a drilling apparatus adapted for drilling holes into the side of a mass of earth and including thereon improved drill rod carrying and transfer means.

US Patent:

42968208, Oct 27, 1981

Filed:

Feb 1, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/117562

Inventors:

James B. Loftis - Remlap AL

International Classification:

E21C 1102

US Classification:

175 52

Abstract:

Drilling apparatus embodying an elongated frame supports a transmission unit for longitudinal movement therein. The transmission unit carries a drive head slidably driven by a polygonal, parallel drive shaft and is threadedly connected to one end of a drill rod section in axial alignment therewith. The other end of the drill rod section is connected selectively to another drill rod section and a drill bit. A drill rod rack is mounted for rotation about an axis within the elongated frame and carries a plurality of angularly spaced drill rod sections which are moved sequentially into axial alignment with the driven head whereby it is positioned to drill a hole while extending through the rack. The drill rod sections extend through angularly spaced passageways in a support member which is carried by a shaft at the axis of rotation of the drill rod rack. A movable catch is carried adjacent each passageway and is movable from an outer position to an inner position in engagement with a locking recess in a drill rod section.