A retaining system (100) for a DTH hammer drill bit (25) having an outer surface with a plurality of stops (31) at an up-hole end (29) of the drill bit (25) the stops projecting radially outward from the outer surface and spaced by respective gaps (35). The retaining system has a ring (102) which is configured to pass over the stops (31) when in a first rotational position relative to the drill bit (25). However when the ring (102) is in a second rotational position relative to the drill bit (25) it prohibits passage of the stops (31) through the ring (102).

The invention relates to a method pertaining to a drill support device (290) comprising two relatively movable drill support arms (241; 242), wherein a support space is formed between opposite arm sections (261, 262), in which a drill steel (201) is adapted to be guided and wherein said space is opened and closed by relative displacement of said sections (261, 262). The method includes the step of: —fixing (S401) at least one of said drill support arms (241; 242) by sealingly clamping between, on one side, a support element (670) and, on the other side, a housing section (650), which accommodates a hydraulic cylinder (605) with a hydraulic piston (680), on which hydraulic cylinder (605), said drill support arm (241; 242) is revolvingly mounted, wherein said drill support arm (241; 242) is clamped by means of a screw means (640) by which the housing section (650) is displaceable. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a drill support device (290) and a vehicle (100) equipped with the drill support device (290).

The invention relates to a method pertaining to a drill support device (290) comprising two relatively movable drill support arms (241; 242), wherein a support space is formed between opposite arm sections (261, 262), in which a drill steel (201) is adapted to be guided and wherein said space is opened and closed by relative displacement of said sections (261, 262). The method includes the step of: —fixing (S401) at least one of said drill support arms (241; 242) by sealingly clamping between, on one side, a support element (670) and, on the other side, a housing section (650), which accommodates a hydraulic cylinder (605) with a hydraulic piston (680), on which hydraulic cylinder (605), said drill support arm (241; 242) is revolvingly mounted, wherein said drill support arm (241; 242) is clamped by means of a screw means (640) by which the housing section (650) is displaceable. The invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code (P) for a computer (200; 210) for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a drill support device (290) and a vehicle (100) equipped with the drill support device (290).

A bit changer assembly includes a bit basket actuator assembly configured to be coupled to a drill rig. The bit basket actuator assembly includes an actuator, a guiderail, and a bit basket that is movably coupled to the guiderail via actuation of the actuator. The bit changer assembly also includes a bit carousel configured to be coupled to the drill rig, such that the bit carousel is rotatably and vertically moveable relative to the drill rig.

A bit changer assembly includes a bit basket actuator assembly configured to be coupled to a drill rig. The bit basket actuator assembly includes an actuator, a guiderail, and a bit basket that is movably coupled to the guiderail via actuation of the actuator. The bit changer assembly also includes a bit carousel configured to be coupled to the drill rig, such that the bit carousel is rotatably and vertically moveable relative to the drill rig.

A drill bit retaining assembly includes a ring, a bit clamp member coupled to the ring, and an actuator coupled to the ring. The bit clamp member is movable via the actuator between a first position, in which the bit clamp member is configured to be engaged with a drill bit and a second position in which the bit clamp member is configured to be disengaged from the drill bit.

A drill bit retaining assembly includes a ring, a bit clamp member coupled to the ring, and an actuator coupled to the ring. The bit clamp member is movable via the actuator between a first position, in which the bit clamp member is configured to be engaged with a drill bit and a second position in which the bit clamp member is configured to be disengaged from the drill bit.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclose, an interlock system for a mobile drilling machine. The interlock system has a sensor assembly used to determine a drill string status, an operator interface for receiving a deck wrench disengagement input, and a control module. The control module may be used to receive the deck wrench disengagement input from the operator interface, receive the drill string status from the sensor assembly, determine from the drill string status that a drill string component engaged by the deck wrench is connected to a drill string or a drill head, and disengage the deck wrench from the drill string component engaged by the deck wrench.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclose, an interlock system for a mobile drilling machine. The interlock system has a sensor assembly used to determine a drill string status, an operator interface for receiving a deck wrench disengagement input, and a control module. The control module may be used to receive the deck wrench disengagement input from the operator interface, receive the drill string status from the sensor assembly, determine from the drill string status that a drill string component engaged by the deck wrench is connected to a drill string or a drill head, and disengage the deck wrench from the drill string component engaged by the deck wrench.

A rotary drill bit for directional drilling operations, in which a rotating bit with cutters advances a borehole in the earth invention, provides a smaller radius of curvature to increase drilling efficiency. The rotary drill bit comprises a box connection for connecting the bit to the drill string. The drill bit receives a pin connection that seats adjacent the plenum of the bit to shorten the distance between the bit face and steering tools behind the bit so the drill string can be steered more efficiently.