US Patent:
20040226747, Nov 18, 2004
Inventors:
Shawn Stegmaier - Oakton VA, US
Dean Vidal - Brightwood VA, US
Gordon Matheson - Mechanicsville VA, US
Gene Dyck - Arlington VA, US
International Classification:
E21B007/26
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for maneuvering through a medium such as soil are disclosed. One such apparatus has a generally longitudinal body that can impel itself through the medium. This apparatus also has at least two independently-controllable packers arranged radially on its body to compress and grip the medium in order to provide forward, backward, and directional impulsion.