Jeffrey J Utter

US Patent:

20120181087, Jul 19, 2012

Filed:

Jun 16, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/498277

Inventors:

Janice Marquardt - Reasnor IA, US
Matthew Arlen Mills - Pella IA, US
Matthew Stephen Vos - Pella IA, US
Ivan Ray Brand - Holland MI, US
Jeffrey James Utter - Prairie City IA, US

International Classification:

E21F 11/00

US Classification:

175219

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to a falling object protection system for use with a machine for forming underground bores and/or for installing product within underground bores. The falling object protection system includes a base forming a platform on which an operator can stand. The base includes an inner portion adapted to be positioned adjacent to the machine and an outer portion adapted to be positioned away from the machine. The falling object protection system also includes an outer barrier that extends upwardly from the outer portion of the base, and a top barrier that extends inwardly from the outer barrier and extends over the platform of the base. The falling object protection system further includes an upper frame that extends upwardly from an inner end portion of the top barrier. The upper frame includes a falling object deflection member spaced above the inner end portion of the top barrier.

US Patent:

20110266062, Nov 3, 2011

Filed:

Apr 6, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/081080

Inventors:

Stuart Ronald Harrison - Clyde, AU
Jeffrey James Utter - Prairie City IA, US
Matthew Arlen Mills - Pella IA, US

International Classification:

E21B 7/08
E21B 7/20

US Classification:

175 74, 175173

Abstract:

A drill rod is disclosed. The drill rod includes a casing assembly defining a length that extends axially between a first end and an opposite second end of the drill rod, and a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the casing assembly. The drive shaft extends axially along the drill rod generally from the first end of the casing assembly to the second end of the casing assembly. The drill rod also includes latching pins at the first end of the drill rod and latching pin receivers at the second end of the drill rod. The drill rod further includes latches provided adjacent the latching pin receivers. The latches are movable between latching and non-latching positions. The latches move along an orientation of movement then the latches between the latching and non-latching positions. The drill rod may also include biasing structures that apply retention forces to the latches for retaining the latches in the non-latching position. The retention forces have at least components that extend in directions perpendicular to the orientation of movement of the latches. The drill rod may further include cam arms for moving the latches into a latching position and for retaining the latches in a latching position.