AU2010258055A1

AU2010258055A1 - Drill rod locking assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2010258055A1
Application number: AU2010258055A
Authority: AU
Inventors: George J. Strydom
Original assignee: Atlas Copco Canada Inc
Current assignee: Atlas Copco Canada Inc
Priority date: 2009-06-12
Filing date: 2010-06-11
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Also published as: WO2010142038A1

Abstract

A drill string includes a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body, and a second drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body. The first and second drill rod tool joints are engaged together through a drill rod-drill rod threaded interface. The drill string includes a locking assembly, which includes a locking sleeve body with a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough. The locking sleeve body is engaged with the first drill rod tool joint through a drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface, and the locking sleeve body is engaged with the second drill rod through a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface.

Description

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 1 DRILL ROD LOCKING ASSEMBLY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 Field of the Invention This invention relates to drill strings for drilling rigs. 10 Description of the Related Art There are many different types of drilling rigs for drilling a borehole through a formation with a drill string. Some of these drilling rigs are mobile and others are stationary. Examples of mobile and stationary drilling rigs are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,245,180, 3,692,123, 15 3,708,024, 3,778,940, 3,815,690, 3,833,072, 3,905,168, 3,968,845, 3,992,831, 4,020,909, 4,295,758, 4,595,065, 5,988,299, 6,672,410, 6,675,915, 7,325,634, 7,347,285 and 7,413,036, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. One type of drilling rig includes a tower supported by a deck, and a rotary head movable 20 along the tower. The drilling rig typically includes a deck bushing which extends through the deck. More information regarding deck bushings can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,943,172 and 5,413,415, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 20030155769, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 25 A drill string typically includes one or more drill rods connected together with tool joints. The drill string allows the borehole to be formed to a depth greater than the length of a single drill rod. Male and female tool joints are attached to opposed ends of a drill rod, wherein the male tool joint includes a threaded pin and the female tool joint includes a threaded box. The tool joints can be integral pieces of the drill rod, or they can be separate pieces which are connected thereto in a 30 repeatably removeable manner. More information regarding drill strings and tool joints can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,279,850, 4,380,347, 4,487,229, 4,492,666 and 5,709,416, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. In one example, the threaded pin of a first drill rod is threadingly connected to a threaded 35 box of a second drill rod, and the threaded box of the first drill rod is threadingly connected to a WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 2 threaded pin of a third drill rod. In this way, the first, second and third drill rods are connected together. In some examples, the threads of the pin and box are both right-handed threads and, in other 5 examples, the threads of the pin and box are both left-handed threads. More information regarding right- and left-handed threads can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,769,381, 3,186,501, 3,645,328 and 4,422,507, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. More information regarding right- and left-handed threads can also be found in some of the other references cited herein. It should be noted that right- and left-handed threads are opposed to 10 each other so they are restricted from being threadingly engaged. The drill string is connected to the rotary head and extends through the deck bushing. The drill string moves relative to the tower in response to movement of the rotary head. One of the drill rods of the drill string is operatively connected to an earth bit. The drill string provides fluid to the 15 earth bit to facilitate its ability to drill through the formation. Hence, the drill string includes drill rods which are capable of being operatively connected to an earth bit. The borehole is formed in response to rotating the drill string and earth bit with the rotary head, and forcing them downwardly through the deck bushing and formation in response to a load applied by the rotary head. 20 During operation, a drill rod of the drill string can undesirably become disconnected from another drill rod of the drill string. Hence, sometimes a locking assembly is used to reduce the ability of the drill rods to become disconnected from each other. However, locking assemblies can be too large to move through the deck bushing, which limits their usefulness. Further, locking assemblies generally provide the ability to hold a drill rod that has become disconnected from the 25 drill string, but they lack the ability to prevent the drill rod from becoming disconnected. More information regarding locking assemblies can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 1,715,547, 1,824,257, 4,431,218, 5,735,552 and 5,964,483, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 20030132632. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 30 The present invention is directed to a locking assembly for a drill string. The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 35 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. la is a side view of a drilling machine. 5 FIG. lb is a perspective view of a drill string, which includes drill rods locked together with a locking assembly. FIG. 1c is an exploded perspective view of a region of FIG. lb which includes the locking assembly. 10 FIG. 2a is a close-up perspective view of a male drill rod tool joint of a drill rod of FIGS. lb and ic. FIG. 2b is a cut-away side view of the drill rod of FIG. 2a taken along a cut-line 2b-2b. 15 FIG. 3a is a close-up perspective view of a female drill rod tool joint of another drill rod of FIGS. lb and Ic. FIG. 3b is a cut-away side view of the drill rod of FIG. 3a taken along a cut-line 3b-3b. 20 FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the locking assembly of FIGS. lb and 1e, which locks together the drill rods of FIGS. 2a and 3a. FIG. 4b is a cut-away side view of the locking assembly of FIG. 4a taken along a cut-line 25 4b-4b. FIG. 4c is another perspective view of the locking assembly of FIGS. Ib and Ic. FIG. 4d is a cut-away side view of the locking assembly of FIG. 4c taken along a cut-line 4d-4d. 30 FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the drill string of FIGS. lb and Ic showing the drill rods connected together without the locking assembly. FIG. 5b is a cut-away side view of the drill rods of FIG. 5a taken along a cut-line 5b-5b. 35 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 4 FIG. 6a is an exploded perspective view of the drill string of FIGS. lb and 1c, and corresponds with the view of FIG. Ic. FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the drill string of FIGS. lb and 1c, wherein the locking 5 assembly is coupled to a drill rod, and the other drill rod is not coupled to the drill rod or locking assembly. FIG. 6c is a cut-away side view of the drill string of FIG. 6b taken along a cut-line 6c-6c. 10 FIG. 6d is a perspective view of the region of the drill string, as shown in FIG. I c, wherein the locking assembly is coupled to the drill rod, and the other drill rod is coupled to the drill rod through the locking assembly. FIGS. 6e and 6f are cut-away side views of the drill string of FIG. 6d taken along a cut-line 15 6e-6e. FIG. 6g is a perspective view of the drill string of FIG. 6d with a portion of the locking sleeve cut-away to expose a bearing groove. 20 FIG. 6h is a cut-away side view of the drill string of FIG. 6d taken along cut-line 6e-6e. FIG. 6i is a perspective view of the drill string of FIG. 6h with a portion of the locking sleeve cut-away to expose the bearings of the bearing grooves. 25 FIGS. 6j, 6k and 61 are cut-away side views of the drill string of FIG. 6d taken along a cut line 6i-6i. FIG. 7a is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a locking assembly. 30 FIG. 7b is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a drill rod tool joint having a pin. FIG. 7c is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a drill rod tool joint having a box. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a drill string. 35 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 5 FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method of connecting first and second drill rods together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 5 FIG. la is a side view of a drilling machine 170. It should be noted that drilling machine 170 can be a stationary or mobile vehicle, but here it is embodied as being a mobile vehicle for illustrative purposes. Some examples of different types of drilling machines are the PV-235, PV 270, PV-271, PV-275 and PV-3 51 drilling machines, which are manufactured by Atlas Copco Drilling Solutions of Garland, Texas. It should be noted, however, that drilling machines are 10 provided by many other manufacturers. In this embodiment, drilling machine 170 includes a platform 173 which carries a power pack 174 and operator's cab 175. It should be noted that power pack 174 is typically operated by an operator in operator's cab 175. Power pack 174 typically includes many different components, such 15 as a prime mover. In this embodiment, drilling machine 170 includes a tower 172 which is carried by platform 173. Tower 172 generally carries a feed cable system (not shown) attached to a rotary head 177, wherein the feed cable system allows rotary head 177 to move between raised and lowered positions 20 along tower 172. The feed cable system moves rotary head 177 between the raised and lowered positions by moving it towards tower crown 172b and tower base 172a, respectively. Rotary head 177 is moved between the raised and lowered positions to raise and lower, respectively, a drill string 100 through a borehole. Further, rotary head 177 is used to rotate drill 25 string 100, wherein drill string 100 extends through tower 172 and platform 173. Drill string 100 generally includes one or more drill rods connected together in a well-known manner. The drill rods of drill string 100 are capable of being attached to an earth bit, such as a tri-cone rotary earth bit. In FIG. la, drill string 100 is shown as including drill rods 110 and 120 for illustrative purposes. 30 FIG. 1b is a perspective view of drill string 100, which includes drill rods 110 and 120 locked together with a locking assembly 130. FIG. 1c is an exploded perspective view of an interface region 101 of drill string 100, as shown in FIG. lb. Drill string 100, as well as drill rods 110 and 120 and locking assembly 130, extend longitudinally in a direction 105 and transversely in 35 a direction 106, wherein directions 105 and 106 are perpendicular to each other. It should be noted WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 6 that direction 106 is sometimes referred to as a radial direction. A region 104 is external to drill string 100. In this embodiment, drill rod 110 includes a drill rod body 111 and drill rod tool joint 112, 5 as shown in FIG. Ic. Drill rod tool joint 112 is carried by drill rod body 111. Drill rod tool joint 112 can be an integral piece of drill rod body 111, or it can be a separate piece which is connected thereto in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, drill rod tool joint 112 is welded to drill rod body 111. 10 Drill rod body 111 includes a drill rod shoulder 113 proximate to drill rod tool joint 112. Drill rod shoulder 113 extends proximate to the outer peripheries of drill rod body 111 and drill rod tool joint 112, and faces drill rod tool joint 112. In this embodiment, drill rod shoulder 113 extends transversely because it extends along transverse direction 106. 15 Drill rod 110 includes a drill rod channel 119 which extends through drill rod body 111 and drill rod tool joint 112, and allows material to flow therethrough. Drill rod channel 119 extends longitudinally along longitudinal direction 105, and transversely along transverse direction 106. Drill rod tool joint 112 includes a pin 109, which extends outwardly from drill rod body 111 20 and drill rod shoulder 113. Drill rod tool joint 112 is a male tool joint because it includes pin 109. Drill rod tool joint 112 includes an outer race region 114, which extends annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109 and faces away from drill rod channel 119. In this embodiment, outer race region 114 is included with pin 109. As will be discussed in more detail below, outer race region 114 is for establishing a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with locking assembly 130. The 25 drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface extends annularly around pin 109 because outer race region 114 extends annularly around pin 109. Drill rod tool joint 112 includes an outer drill rod threading region 115, which extends annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109 and faces away from drill rod channel 119. In this 30 embodiment, outer drill rod threading region 115 is included with pin 109. It should be noted that outer race region 114 is positioned between drill rod shoulder 113 and outer drill rod threading region 115. In some embodiments, the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 are right handed threads and, in other embodiments, the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 are left-handed threads. Right- and left-handed threads are discussed in more detail in the Background. 35 As will be discussed in more detail below, outer drill rod threading region 115 is for establishing a WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 7 drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with drill rod 120. Drill rod 110 will be discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 2a and 2b. In this embodiment, drill rod 120 includes a drill rod body 121 and drill rod tool joint 122, 5 as shown in FIG. 1c. Drill rod tool joint 122 is carried by drill rod body 121. Drill rod tool joint 122 can be an integral piece of drill rod body 121, or it can be a separate piece which is connected thereto in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, drill rod tool joint 122 is welded to drill rod body 121. 10 Drill rod body 121 includes a drill rod shoulder 123 proximate to drill rod tool joint 122. Drill rod shoulder 123 extends between the outer peripheries of drill rod body 121 and drill rod tool joint 122, and faces drill rod tool joint 122. In this embodiment, drill rod shoulder 123 extends transversely because it extends along transverse direction 106. 15 In this embodiment, drill rod 120 includes a drill rod channel 129 which extends through drill rod body 121 and drill rod tool joint 122, and allows material to flow therethrough. Drill rod channel 129 extends longitudinally along longitudinal direction 105, and transversely along transverse direction 106. 20 Drill rod tool joint 122 includes a box 126, which extends inwardly through drill rod shoulder 123 and drill rod body 121. Drill rod tool joint 122 is a female tool joint because it includes box 126. Drill rod tool joint 122 includes an inner threaded region 124, which extends around the 25 inner periphery of box 126 and faces drill rod channel 129. In this embodiment, inner threaded region 124 is included with box 126. In some embodiments, the threads of inner threaded region 124 are right-handed threads and, in other embodiments, the threads of inner threaded region 124 are left-handed threads. Right- and left-handed threads are discussed in more detail in the Background. 30 As will be discussed in more detail below, inner threaded region 124 is for establishing the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with drill rod 110. In particular, inner threaded region 124 is for establishing the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with outer drill rod threading region 115. Hence, the threads of inner threaded region 124 are right-handed threads when the threads of outer 35 drill rod threading region 115 are right-handed threads. Further, the threads of inner threaded WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 8 region 124 are left-handed threads when the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 are left handed threads. In this way, the threads of inner threaded region 124 and outer drill rod threading region 115 are chosen so that pin 109 and box 126 can be threadingly connected together. 5 It should be noted that the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is tightened in response to inner threaded region 124 and outer drill rod threading region 115 being threaded together. Further, the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is untightened in response to inner threaded region 124 and outer drill rod threading region 115 being unthreaded from each other. 10 In this embodiment, drill rod tool joint 122 includes an outer locking sleeve threading region 125, which extends annularly around its outer periphery and faces away from drill rod channel 129. In particular, outer locking sleeve threading region 125 extends annularly around box 126. In this embodiment, outer locking sleeve threading region 125 is included with box 126. In this embodiment, outer threaded region 125 is a non-tapered threaded region because the 15 dimensions of the outer diameter of box 126 proximate to the proximal and distal ends of box 126 are the same. The proximal and distal ends of box 126 are proximate to and away from, respectively, drill rod shoulder 123. In this way, outer threaded region 125 is a non-tapered threaded region. 20 As will be discussed in more detail below, outer locking sleeve threading region 125 is for establishing a drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface with locking assembly 130. It should be noted that inner threaded region 124 and outer threaded region 125 have different types of threads. In this way, drill rod tool joint 122 includes different types of threads. In one embodiment, inner threaded region 124 and outer threaded region 125 include left-handed and right-handed threads, 25 respectively. In another embodiment, inner threaded region 124 and outer threaded region 125 include right-handed and left-handed threads, respectively. Right- and left-handed threads are discussed in more detail in the Background. Drill rod 120 will be discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 3a and 3b. 30 In this embodiment, locking assembly 130 includes a locking sleeve body 131 with a locking sleeve channel 139 extending therethrough. Locking sleeve channel 139 allows material to flow through locking sleeve body 131. Locking sleeve channel 139 allows material to flow between drill rods 110 and 120. In particular, locking sleeve channel 139 allows material to flow between drill rod channels 119 and 129. Locking sleeve channel 139 extends longitudinally along 35 longitudinal direction 105, and transversely along transverse direction 106. Locking sleeve body WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 9 131 operates as a sleeve because it receives drill rod tool joint 112 through locking sleeve channel 139, so that drill rod tool joints 112 and 122 can be threadingly engaged together. In this embodiment, locking sleeve body 131 includes an inner race region 134 extending 5 around its inner periphery so it faces locking sleeve channel 139. Inner race region 134 is positioned towards and away from drill rod shoulders 113 and 123, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail below, inner race region 134 is for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with drill rod 110. In particular, inner race region 134 is for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with outer race region 114. 10 In this embodiment, locking sleeve body 131 includes an inner drill rod threading region 135 (not shown), which extends annularly around its inner periphery so it faces locking sleeve channel 139. Inner drill rod threading region 135 is positioned towards and away from drill rod shoulders 123 and 113, respectively. As will be discussed in more detail below, inner drill rod 15 threading region 135 is for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface with drill rod 120. In particular, inner drill rod threading region 135 is for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface with outer threaded region 125. It should be noted that the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is tightened in 20 response to inner drill rod threading region 135 and outer threaded region 125 being threaded together. Further, the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is untightened in response to inner drill rod threading region 135 and outer threaded region 125 being unthreaded from each other. Locking assembly 130 will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 4a and 4b. 25 The connections between drill rods 110 and 120 and locking assembly 130, as shown in FIG. 1b, will be discussed in more detail below. It should be noted that, when drill rods 110 and 120 and locking assembly 130 are connected together as shown in FIG. 1b, material flows between drill rod channels 119 and 129 through sleeve body opening 139. 30 FIG. 2a is a close-up perspective view of drill rod tool joint 112 of drill rod 110, and FIG. 2b is a cut-away side view of drill rod 110 taken along a cut-line 2b-2b of FIG. 2a. It should be noted that cut-line 2b-2b extends in transverse direction 106. In this embodiment, outer race region 114 includes outer drill rod races 116 and 117, wherein races 116 and 117 extend annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109. In this embodiment, outer drill rod races 116 and 117 are curved 35 races because they are shaped to conform to a spherical bearing, as will be discussed in more detail WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 10 below with FIGS. 6a-61. In this way, drill rod tool joint 112 includes an annular curved race. Further, outer race region 114 includes an outer drill rod tongue 108 which extends between outer drill rod races 116 and 117, and annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109. Outer drill rod tongue 108 is a portion of locking pin 109 which extends between outer drill rod races 116 and 117. 5 Outer drill rod races 116 and 117 are for forming the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with locking assembly 130. In particular, outer drill rod races 116 and 117 are for forming the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with inner race region 134. It should be noted that outer race region 114 includes two outer drill rod races in this embodiment for illustrative purposes. 10 However, in general, outer race region 114 includes one or more outer drill rod races. In this embodiment, outer drill rod threading region 115 includes outer drill rod threads 118, which extend annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109. Outer drill rod threading region 115 extends between the distal end of drill rod tool joint 112 and drill rod tool joint shoulder 112a. In 15 this embodiment, outer threaded region 115 is a tapered threaded region because drill rod tool joint 112 is tapered between its distal end and drill rod tool joint shoulder I 12a. Drill rod tool joint 112 is tapered between its distal end and drill rod tool joint shoulder 1 12a because the outer diameter of pin 109 proximate to its distal end and drill rod tool joint shoulder 112a are different. In this particular embodiment, the outer diameter of pin 109 proximate to its distal end is smaller than its 20 outer diameter proximate to drill rod tool joint shoulder 112a. In this way, outer threaded region 115 is a tapered threaded region. Outer drill rod threading region 115 is for forming the drill rod drill rod threaded interface with drill rod 120. In particular, outer drill rod threading region 115 is for forming the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with inner threaded region 124. 25 In this embodiment, outer race region 114 is positioned between outer drill rod threading region 115 and drill rod shoulder 113. In particular, outer drill rod races 116 and 117 are positioned between outer drill rod threading region 115 and drill rod shoulder 113. Outer drill rod race 116 is positioned between outer drill rod races 117 and drill rod shoulder 113, and outer drill rod race 117 is positioned between outer drill rod threading region 115 and outer drill rod race 116. 30 In this embodiment, outer race region 114 is positioned between outer drill rod threads 118 and drill rod shoulder 113. In particular, outer drill rod races 116 and 117 are positioned between outer drill rod threads 118 and drill rod shoulder 113. Outer drill rod race 116 is positioned between outer drill rod races 117 and drill rod shoulder 113, and outer drill rod race 117 is 35 positioned between outer drill rod threads 118 and outer drill rod race 116.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 11 As shown in FIG. 2b, drill rod body 111 includes drill rod channel 119, which extends therethrough. An outer dimension of drill rod body 111 is denoted as distance di. Distance di is a transverse distance which extends along transverse direction 106 between a center of drill rod body 5 111 and the outer periphery of drill rod body 111. In this embodiment, distance di corresponds to a diameter of drill rod body 111 because drill rod body 111 has a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 2b. FIG. 3a is a close-up perspective view of drill rod tool joint 122 of drill rod 120, and FIG. 10 3b is a cut-away side view of drill rod 120 taken along a cut-line 3b-3b of FIG. 3a. It should be noted that cut-line 3b-3b extends in transverse direction 106. In this embodiment, outer threaded region 125 includes outer locking sleeve threads 127, which extend annularly around the outer periphery of box 126. As will be discussed in more detail below, outer threaded region 125 is for establishing the drill rod-looking sleeve threaded interface with locking assembly 130. 15 In this embodiment, inner threaded region 124 includes inner drill rod threads 128, which extend annularly around the inner periphery of box 126 and face drill rod channel 129. In this embodiment, inner threaded region 124 is a tapered threaded region because drill rod channel 129 is tapered through drill rod tool joint 122. Drill rod channel 129 is tapered through drill rod tool joint 20 122 because the dimensions of drill rod channel 129 proximate to the proximal and distal ends of drill rod tool joint 122 are different. The proximal and distal ends of drill rod tool joint 122 are proximate to and away from, respectively, drill rod shoulder 123. In this particular embodiment, the dimension of drill rod channel 129 proximate to the distal end of drill rod tool joint 122 is larger than the dimension of drill rod channel 129 proximate to proximal end of drill rod tool joint 122. In 25 this way, inner threaded region 124 is a tapered threaded region. As will be discussed in more detail below, inner drill rod threads 128 are for establishing the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with drill rod 110. In particular, inner drill rod threads 128 are for establishing the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface with outer drill rod threading region 115 and outer drill rod threads 118. 30 It should be noted that, in some embodiments, outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 are both right-handed threads so that outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 can be threadingly connected together. In other embodiments, outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 are both left-handed threads so that outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 can be threadingly connected together. In WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 12 general, outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 include the same type of threads. In this way, pin 109 and box 126 are capable of being threadingly connected together. It should also be noted that the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is a right-handed type of 5 interface when outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 are both right-handed threads. Further, the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface when outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 are both left-handed threads. As shown in FIG. 3b, drill rod body 121 includes drill rod channel 129, which extends 10 therethrough. An outer dimension of drill rod body 121 is denoted as distance d 2 . Distance d 2 is a transverse distance which extends along transverse direction 106 between a center of drill rod body 121 and the outer periphery of drill rod body 121. In this embodiment, distance d 2 corresponds to a diameter of drill rod body 121 because drill rod body 121 has a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 3b. 15 FIG. 4a is a perspective view of locking assembly 130, and FIG. 4b is a cut-away side view of locking assembly 130 taken along a cut-line 4b-4b of FIG. 4a. FIG. 4c is another perspective view of locking assembly 130, and FIG. 4d is a cut-away side view of locking assembly 130 taken along a cut-line 4d-4d of FIG. 4c. It should be noted that cut-lines 4b-4b and 4d-4d extend along 20 transverse direction 106. As shown in FIG. 4b, locking sleeve body 131 includes locking sleeve channel 139, which extends therethrough. An outer dimension of locking sleeve body 131 is denoted as distance d 3 . Distance d 3 is a transverse distance which extends along transverse direction 106 between a center 25 of locking sleeve body 131 and the outer periphery of locking sleeve body 131. In this embodiment, distance d 3 corresponds to a diameter of locking sleeve body 131 because locking sleeve body 131 has a circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 4b. In this embodiment, inner race region 134 includes inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 30 (FIG. 4d), which extend around the inner periphery of locking sleeve body 131 and face locking sleeve channel 139. In this embodiment, inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 are curved races because they are shaped to conform to a spherical bearing, as will be discussed in more detail below with FIGS. 6a-61. In this way, locking sleeve 130 includes an annular curved race. Further, inner race region 134 includes an inner locking sleeve tongue 133 which extends between inner locking WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 13 sleeve races 136 and 137. Inner locking sleeve tongue 133 is a portion of locking sleeve body 131 which extends between inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137. As will be discussed in more detail below, inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 are for 5 establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with drill rod 110. In particular, inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 are for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with outer race region 114. Inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 are for establishing drill rod locking sleeve bearing interfaces with outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively. 10 Inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 are spaced apart from each other so they face outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively, when the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interfaces are established. Inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 face outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively, to form corresponding bearing grooves, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 6f. It should be noted that inner locking sleeve tongue 133 faces outer drill rod tongue 108 when 15 inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 face outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively. Inner locking sleeve tongue 133 and outer drill rod tongue 108 extend inwardly and outwardly, respectively, and between the bearing grooves. It should also be noted that inner race region 134 includes two inner locking sleeve races in 20 this embodiment for illustrative purposes. However, in general, inner race region 134 includes one or more inner locking sleeve races. The number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 is generally the same as the number of outer drill rod races of outer race region 114. The number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 are chosen for reasons discussed below. 25 In this embodiment, locking assembly 130 includes bearing openings 140 and 141, which extend between the inner and outer peripheries of locking sleeve body 131. In particular, bearing opening 140 extends between the outer periphery of locking sleeve body 131 and inner locking sleeve race 136. Further, bearing opening 141 extends between the outer periphery of locking 30 sleeve body 131 and inner locking sleeve race 137. As will be discussed in more detail below, bearing opening 140 allows a bearing to move through locking sleeve body 131 and between inner locking sleeve race 136 and external region 104 (FIG. ib). Further, bearing opening 141 allows a bearing to move through locking sleeve body 131 and between inner locking sleeve race 137 and external region 104 (FIG. 1b). 35 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 14 As discussed in more detail below, a plurality of bearings are moved through openings 140 and 141 to inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137, respectively, so that the bearings extend annularly around pin 109. The bearings are moved through openings 140 and 141 to outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively, because, as mentioned above, inner locking sleeve races 136 and 5 137 are spaced apart from each other so they face outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively, and form corresponding bearing grooves. The bearings of the bearing grooves establish the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface between inner race region 134 and outer race region 114. The bearings of the bearing grooves 10 establish the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface in response to engaging pin 109 and locking sleeve body 131. In particular, the bearings of the bearing grooves establish the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface in response to engaging the portions of locking sleeve 130 proximate to inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137. The bearings of the bearing grooves establish the drill rod locking sleeve bearing interface in response to engaging the portions of locking sleeve 130 15 proximate to outer drill rod races 116 and 117. In this way, pin 109 is coupled to locking sleeve body 131. As mentioned above in the Background, the borehole is drilled through the formation in response to rotating the drill string with the rotary head, and forcing it downwardly through the 20 deck bushing and formation. The drill string is forced downwardly through the deck bushing and formation in response to the load applied by the rotary head. During normal operation, the drill string experiences torque in response to the load being applied to it by the rotary head. The torque experienced by the drill string can cause the drill string and/or drill rods to undesirably bend. Bending the drill string and drill rods causes them to fatigue, which increases the likelihood that 25 drill string 100 will fail. Further, bending the drill string and drill rods can cause the pins of the tool joints of drill string 100 to experience torque, which can cause them to be sheared off. Hence, it is desirable to reduce the amount of torque experienced by the drill string and drill rods. The drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface of drill string 100 distributes the load applied 30 by the rotary head annularly around pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head is distributed annularly around pin 109 because, as mentioned above, the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface extends annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head is distributed annularly around pin 109 to reduce the amount of torque it experiences. The amount of torque that pin 109 experiences is reduced to reduce the likelihood that it will be sheared 35 off.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 15 The number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 are chosen to provide a desired distribution of the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 is distributed over a larger area as the number 5 of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 increases. Further, the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 is distributed over a smaller area as the number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 decreases. It is generally desirable to distribute the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 over a larger area to reduce the likelihood that pin 109 will be sheared off. 10 In this embodiment, inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 includes inner locking sleeve threads 138, which extend around the inner periphery of locking sleeve body 131 and face locking sleeve channel 139. As will be discussed in more detail below, inner locking sleeve threads 138 are for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface with drill rod 120. In particular, inner 15 locking sleeve threads 138 are for establishing the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface with outer threaded region 125. Inner locking sleeve threads 138 are for establishing the drill rod locking sleeve threaded interface with outer locking sleeve threads 127. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner 20 locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads so that outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 can be threadingly connected together. In other embodiments, outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both left-handed threads so that outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 can be threadingly connected together. In this way, outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 25 138 include the same type of threads. The drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface when outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads. The drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface when outer locking 30 sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads. It should be noted that the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface are different types of interfaces. For example, in some embodiments, the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface and the drill rod-drill rod 35 threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface. Hence, in this embodiment, the threads of WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 16 outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 are left-handed threads and the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 are right-handed threads. 5 In other embodiments, the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface and the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface. Hence, in this other embodiment, the threads of outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 are right-handed threads and the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 are left-handed threads. 10 Locking assembly 130, as well as drill rod tool joints 112 and 122, reduce the ability of drill rods 110 and 120 to become undesirably disconnected from each other. Locking assembly 130 and tool joints 112 and 122 reduce the ability of drill rods 110 and 120 to become undesirably disconnected from each other because they establish the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 15 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface as different types of interfaces. Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface are different types of interfaces so that drill rods 110 and 120 are locked together through locking sleeve body 131. For example, drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface will tighten in response to drill rod 20 drill rod threaded interface being untightened because they are different types of interfaces. Drill rods 110 and 120 will remain connected together through locking sleeve body 131 in response to drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface being tightened and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface being untightened. 25 Further, drill rod-drill rod threaded interface will tighten in response to drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface being untightened because they are different types of interfaces. Drill rods 110 and 120 will remain connected together through locking sleeve body 131 in response to drill rod-drill rod threaded interface being tightened and being drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface being untightened. In this way, locking assembly 130 locks drill rods 110 and 120 30 together. As mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 4b, locking sleeve body 131 has outer dimension of d 3 , and drill rods 110 and 120 have outer dimensions of di and d 2 , respectively. It is useful to choose dimension d 3 to have a value which allows locking sleeve body 131 to move through the 3 5 deck bushing, which is described in more detail in the Background.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 17 In one particular embodiment, the value of dimensions di, d 2 and d 3 are chosen to be equal to each other. In this particular embodiment, the value of dimensions di, d 2 and d 3 are chosen to be equal to each other so that the outer peripheries of drill rods 110 and 120 are flush with the outer 5 periphery of locking sleeve body 131. The connections between drill rods 110 and 120 and locking assembly 130, as shown in FIG. 1b, will be discussed in more detail presently. 10 FIG. 5a is a perspective view of drill string 100 showing drill rods 110 and 120 connected together without locking assembly 130, and FIG. 5b is a cut-away side view of drill rods 110 and 120 taken along a cut-line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a. FIGS. 5a and 5b are shown to facilitate a better understanding of how locking assembly 130 locks drill rods 110 and 120 together, which will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 6a-61. 15 In FIG. 5a, drill rods 110 and 120 are threadingly engaged together. In particular, outer threaded portion 115 is received by drill rod channel 129 (FIG. 1c) so that outer drill rod threading region 115 threadingly engages inner threaded region 124 and a drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is formed in response. In particular, outer drill rod threads 118 are received by drill rod 20 channel 129 (FIG. 1c) so that outer drill rod threads 118 threadingly engage inner drill rod threads 128 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is formed in response. It should be noted that drill rods 110 and 120 are rotated relative to each other in a well known manner to threadingly engage outer drill rod threads 118 and inner drill rod threads 128 25 together. Drill rods 110 and 120 are rotated relative to each other so that shoulders 113 and 123 move towards each other and drill rod bodies 111 and 121 move towards each other. Drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is tightened in response to rotating drill rods 110 and 120 relative to each other so that shoulders 113 and 123 move towards each other and drill rod bodies 111 and 121 move towards each other. Drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is untightened in response to 30 rotating drill rods 110 and 120 relative to each other so that shoulders 113 and 123 move away from each other and drill rod bodies 111 and 121 move away from each other. Shoulders 113 and 123 are moved towards each other and drill rod bodies 111 and 121 are moved towards each other so that a drill rod-drill rod interface 103 is formed between drill rods 110 35 and 120. In particular, shoulders 113 and 123 are moved towards each other and drill rod bodies WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 18 111 and 121 are moved towards each other so that drill rod-drill rod interface 103 is formed between pin 109 and box 126. Drill rod-drill rod interface 103 is formed in response to tightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. Drill rod-drill rod interface 103 is unformed in response to untightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. It should be noted that drill rod-drill rod 5 interface 103 extends annularly around pin 109 because pin 109 and box 126 extend annularly around drill rod channel 119 and drill rod channel 129, respectively. Shoulders 113 and 123 are moved towards each other so that a drill string recess 102 is formed therebetween. Drill string recess 102 extends between shoulders 113 and 123, and 10 annularly around outer race portion 114 and outer threaded region 125. Drill string recess 102 extends annularly around outer race portion 114 and outer threaded region 125 because outer race portion 114 and outer threaded region 125 extend annularly around pine 109 and box 126, respectively. It should be noted that drill string recess 102 extends annularly around drill rod-drill rod interface 103. Drill string recess 102 is sized and shaped to receive locking assembly 130, as 15 will be discussed in more detail presently. FIG. 6a is an exploded perspective view of drill string 100, and corresponds with the view of drill string 100 shown in FIG. 1c. FIG. 6a is shown to facilitate a better understanding of how FIGS. 5a and 5b relate to FIGS. 6b-6k, as well as the other figures discussed in more detail above. 20 FIG. 6b is a perspective view of drill string 100, wherein locking sleeve body 131 is coupled to drill rod 120, and drill rod 110 is not coupled to drill rod 120 or locking sleeve body 131. FIG. 6c is a cut-away side view of drill string 100 taken along a cut-line 6c-6c of FIG. 6b. It should be noted that cut-line 6c-6c extends along longitudinal direction 105. 25 In this embodiment, locking sleeve body 131 is coupled to drill rod 120 by threadingly engaging inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 with outer threaded region 125 so a drill rod locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is formed in response. In particular, locking sleeve body 131 is coupled to drill rod 120 by threadingly engaging inner locking sleeve threads 138 with outer 30 locking sleeve threads 127 so drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is formed in response. Locking sleeve body 131 is generally coupled to drill rod 120 by rotating locking sleeve body 131 relative to drill rod 120 so that inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 threadingly engages outer threaded region 125 in a well-known manner.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 19 Locking sleeve body 131 is rotated so that it moves towards drill rod shoulder 123. If desired, locking sleeve body 131 is rotated so that it engages drill rod shoulder 123. A locking sleeve-drill rod interface 150 is formed in response to locking sleeve body 131 engaging drill rod shoulder 123. Locking sleeve body 131 is rotated so that it moves towards drill rod body 121. If 5 desired, locking sleeve body 131 is rotated so that it engages drill rod body 121. Locking sleeve drill rod interface 150 is formed in response to locking sleeve body 131 engaging drill rod body 121. It should be noted that locking sleeve-drill rod interface 150 extends annularly around box 126 because drill rod shoulder 123 extends annularly around box 126. 10 Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is tightened in response to rotating locking sleeve body 131 and drill rod 120 relative to each other so that locking sleeve body 131 moves towards shoulder 123 and drill rod body 121. Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is untightened in response to rotating locking sleeve body 131 and drill rod 120 relative to each other so that locking sleeve body 131 moves away from shoulder and drill rod body 121. 15 FIG. 6d is a perspective view of region 101 of drill string 100, as shown in FIG. 1b, wherein locking assembly 130 is coupled to drill rod 120, and drill rod 110 is coupled to drill rod 120 through locking assembly 130. FIGS. 6e and 6f are cut-away side views of drill string 100 taken along a cut-line 6e-6e of FIG. 6d. It should be noted that cut-line 6e-6e extends along 20 longitudinal direction 105. It should also be noted that pin 109 and box 126 are moveable in a direction along longitudinal direction 105, as represented by a movement arrow 107 in FIG. 6e, when it is desirable to connect them together. In FIGS. 6d, 6e and 6f locking assembly 130 is coupled to drill rod 120 as described in more detail above with FIGS. 6b and 6c. 25 In this embodiment, drill rod 110 is coupled to drill rod 120 through locking assembly 130 by moving drill rod tool joint 112 through locking sleeve channel 139 (FIGS. 6b and 6c) so that drill rod tool joint 112 engages drill rod tool joint 122 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 (FIGS. 5b and 6f) is formed in response. Further, drill rod 110 is coupled to drill rod 120 through locking assembly 130 by moving pin 109 through locking sleeve channel 139 so that pin 109 30 engages box 126 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is formed in response. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 117 faces inner locking sleeve race 136 (FIG. 6e). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 117 moves over inner locking 35 sleeve race 136 (FIG. 6e). It should be noted that outer drill rod race 117 faces inner locking sleeve WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 20 race 136 and outer drill rod race 117 moves over inner locking sleeve race 136 when pin 109 is at an intermediate position between the positions shown in FIGS. 6e and 6f. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer 5 drill rod race 117 faces inner locking sleeve tongue 133 (FIG. 6e). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 117 moves over inner locking sleeve tongue 133 (FIG. 6e). It should be noted that outer drill rod race 117 faces inner locking sleeve tongue 133 and outer drill rod race 117 moves over inner locking sleeve tongue 133 when pin 109 is at an intermediate position between the positions shown in FIGS. 6e and 6f. 10 Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 117 moves towards inner locking sleeve race 137 (FIG. 6e). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 117 faces inner locking sleeve race 137. A bearing groove 157 (FIG. 6f) is formed in response to outer drill rod 15 race 117 facing inner locking sleeve race 137. As will be discussed in more detail below, bearing groove 157 receives a bearing which restricts the ability of drill rods 110 and 120 to move away from each other in longitudinal direction 105. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer 20 drill rod tongue 108 moves towards inner locking sleeve tongue 133 (FIG. 6e). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod tongue 108 faces inner locking sleeve tongue 133 (FIG. 6f). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133 extend between bearing grooves 156 and 157 (FIG. 6f). Bearing grooves 156 and 157 will be discussed in 25 more detail presently. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 116 moves towards inner locking sleeve race 136 (FIG. 6e). Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that outer drill rod race 116 faces inner 30 locking sleeve race 136. A bearing groove 156 (FIG. 6f) is formed in response to outer drill rod race 116 facing inner locking sleeve race 136. As will be discussed in more detail below, bearing groove 156 receives a bearing which restricts the ability of drill rods 110 and 120 to move away from each other in longitudinal direction 105.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 21 In this embodiment, drill rod 110 is coupled to drill rod 120 through locking assembly 130 by moving outer drill rod threading region 115 (FIG. 6b) through locking sleeve channel 139 so that outer drill rod threading region 115 engages inner threaded portion 124 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is formed in response. Drill rod 110 is coupled to drill rod 120 through 5 locking assembly 130 by moving outer drill rod threads 118 (FIG. 6b) through locking sleeve channel 139 so that outer drill rod threads 118 engage inner drill rod threads 128 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is formed in response. The formation of drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is described in more detail above with FIGS. 5a and 5b. 10 Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that drill rod shoulder 113 (FIGS. 6b, 6d and 6f) moves towards locking sleeve body 131. If desired, drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that drill rod shoulder 113 engages locking sleeve body 131 (FIGS. 6d and 6f). In this embodiment, a locking sleeve-drill rod interface 151 (FIG. 6d) is formed in response to drill rod shoulder 113 engaging locking sleeve 15 body 131. It should be noted that drill rod shoulder 113 moves towards and away from locking sleeve body 131 in response to tightening and untightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161, respectively. It should be noted that locking sleeve-drill rod interface 151 extends annularly around pin 109 because drill rod shoulder 113 extends annularly around pin 109. 20 Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that drill rod body 111 (FIGS. 6b, 6d and 6e) moves towards locking sleeve body 131. If desired, drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that drill rod body 111 (FIGS. 6d and 6f) engages locking sleeve body 131. In this embodiment, locking sleeve-drill rod interface 151 (FIG. 6d) is formed in response to drill rod body 111 engaging locking sleeve body 131. It 25 should be noted that drill rod body 111 moves towards and away from locking sleeve body 131 in response to tightening and untightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161, respectively. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that locking sleeve body 131 extends annularly around outer race portion 114 and outer threaded region 125 30 (FIG. 6f). Locking sleeve body 131 extends annularly around outer race portion 114 and outer threaded region 125 in response to tightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that locking sleeve body 131 covers drill rod-drill rod interface 103 (FIG. 6f). Locking sleeve body 131 covers 35 drill rod-drill rod interface 103 in response to tightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 22 Further, locking sleeve body 131 uncovers drill rod-drill rod interface 103 in response to untightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. Drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131 are rotated relative to each other so that locking 5 sleeve body 131 occupies drill string recess 102 (FIG. 6f). Drill recess is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. Locking sleeve body 131 occupies drill string recess 102 in response to tightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. Locking sleeve body 131 occupies more of drill string recess 102 in response to tightening drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161. Further, locking sleeve body 131 occupies less of drill string recess 102 in response to untightening drill rod-drill rod threaded 10 interface 161. FIG. 6g is a perspective view of drill string 100 with a portion of locking sleeve body 131 cut-away to expose bearing grooves 156 and 157, as well as a portion of outer drill rod tongue 108. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 6f and 6g, bearing grooves 156 and 157 are annular 15 grooves which extend around outer race region 114, and bearing grooves 156 and 157 are annular grooves which extend around pin 109. Further, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 6f and 6g, outer drill rod tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133 are annular tongues which extend annularly around outer race region 114, and outer drill rod tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133 are annular tongues which extend annularly around pin 109. 20 FIG. 6h is a cut-away side view of drill string 100 taken along a cut-line 6e-6e of FIG. 6d, and FIG. 6i is a perspective view of drill string 100 with a portion of locking sleeve body 131 cut away to expose bearing grooves 156 and 157, as well as a portion of outer drill rod tongue 108. As mentioned above, outer drill rod tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133 extend between 25 bearing grooves 156 and 157 when inner locking sleeve races 136 and 137 face outer drill rod races 116 and 117, respectively. In this embodiment, a plurality of bearings 148 are positioned in bearing groove 156, several of which are denoted as bearings 146a and 146b. Bearings 148 are positioned between 30 outer drill rod race 116 and inner locking sleeve race 136, as described in more detail above. Bearings 148 are positioned in bearing groove 156 to form a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 162 (FIG. 6h) between drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131. Drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 162 is formed in response to the engagement of bearings 148 with outer drill rod race 116 and inner locking sleeve race 136. Drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 162 35 is fonned in response to the engagement of bearings 148 with portions of locking sleeve body 131 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 23 proximate to outer drill rod race 116 and inner locking sleeve race 136, such as outer drill rod tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133. As mentioned above, bearing groove 156 is an annular groove which extends around outer 5 race region 114. Hence, in FIG. 6i, bearings 148 of groove 156 extend annularly around annular race region 114 because they are positioned in bearing groove 156, which extends annularly around outer race region 114. Further, bearing groove 156 is an annular groove which extends between inner race region 134 and outer race region 114. Hence, in FIG. 6i, bearings 148 of groove 156 extend annularly between inner race region 134 and outer race region 114. 10 In this embodiment, a plurality of bearings 149 are positioned in bearing groove 157, several of which are denoted as bearings 147a and 147b. Bearings 149 are positioned between outer drill rod race 117 and inner locking sleeve race 137, as described in more detail above. Bearings 149 are positioned in bearing groove 157 to form a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing 15 interface 163 (FIG. 6h) between drill rod 110 and locking sleeve body 131. Drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 163 is formed in response to the engagement of bearings 149 with outer drill rod race 117 and inner locking sleeve race 137. Drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 163 is formed in response to the engagement of bearings 149 with portions of locking sleeve body 131 proximate to outer drill rod race 117 and inner locking sleeve race 137, such as outer drill rod 20 tongue 108 and inner locking sleeve tongue 133. It should be noted that the bearings are removed from bearing grooves 156 and 157 when it is desirable to disconnect drill rods 110 and 120 from each other. Further, the bearings are removed from bearing grooves 156 and 157 when it is desirable to disconnect drill rod 110 from locking sleeve body 131. 25 As mentioned above, bearing groove 157 is an annular groove which extends around outer race region 114. Hence, in FIG. 6i, bearings 149 of groove 157 extend annularly around annular race region 114 because they are positioned in bearing groove 157, which extends annularly around outer race region 114. Further, bearing groove 157 is an annular groove which extends between inner race region 134 and outer race region 114. Hence, in FIG. 6h, bearings 149 of groove 157 30 extend annularly between inner race region 134 and outer race region 114. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads so that outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 can be threadingly connected together. In other embodiments, 35 outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both left-handed threads WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 24 so that outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 can be threadingly connected together. In this way, outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 include the same type of threads. 5 Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is a right-handed type of interface when outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads. Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is a left-handed type of interface when outer locking sleeve threads 127 and inner locking sleeve threads 138 are both right-handed threads. 10 It should be noted that drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 are different types of interfaces. For example, in some embodiments, drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is a left-handed type of interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is a right-handed type of interface. Hence, in this embodiment, the threads of outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 are left-handed threads 15 and the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 are right handed threads. In other embodiments, drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 is a right-handed type of interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 is a left-handed type of interface. Hence, 20 in this other embodiment, the threads of outer threaded region 125 and inner locking sleeve threaded region 135 are right-handed threads and the threads of outer drill rod threading region 115 and inner threaded region 124 are left-handed threads. Locking assembly 130, as well as drill rod tool joints 112 and 122, reduce the ability of drill 25 rods 110 and 120 to become undesirably disconnected from each other. Locking assembly 130 and tool joints 112 and 122 reduce the ability of drill rods 110 and 120 to become undesirable disconnected from each other because they establish drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 as different types of interfaces. Drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 are different types of 30 interfaces so that drill rods 110 and 120 are locked together through locking sleeve body 131. For example, drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 will tighten in response to drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 being untightened because they are different types of interfaces. Drill rods 110 and 120 will remain connected together through looking sleeve body 131 in response WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 25 to drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 being tightened and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface being untightened 161. Further, drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 will tighten in response to drill rod-locking 5 sleeve threaded interface 160 being untightened because they are different types of interfaces. Drill rods 110 and 120 will remain connected together through locking sleeve body 131 in response to drill rod-drill rod threaded interface 161 being tightened and being drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface 160 being untightened. In this way, locking assembly 130 locks drill rods 110 and 120 together. 10 As mentioned above and as shown in FIG. 6f, locking sleeve body 131 has outer dimension of d 3 , and drill rods 110 and 120 have outer dimensions of di and d 2 , respectively. It is useful to choose dimension d 3 to have a value which allows locking sleeve body 131 to move through the deck bushing, which is described in more detail in the Background. 15 In one particular, embodiment, the value of dimensions di, d 2 and d 3 are chosen to be equal to each other. The value of dimensions di, d 2 and d 3 are chosen to be equal to each other so that the outer peripheries of drill rods 110 and 120 are flush with the outer periphery of locking sleeve body 131. 20 As mentioned above, drill string 100 experiences torque in response to the load being applied to it by the rotary head. Drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interfaces 162 and 163 distribute the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head is distributed annularly around pin 109 because, as mentioned above, drill rod-locking sleeve bearing 25 interfaces 162 and 163 extend annularly around the outer periphery of pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head is distributed annularly around pin 109 to reduce the amount of torque it experiences. The amount of torque that pin 109 experiences is reduced to reduce the likelihood that it will be sheared off. 30 As mentioned above, the number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 are chosen to provide a desired distribution of the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109. The load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 is distributed over a larger area as the number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 increases. Further, the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 is distributed over a smaller area as the number 35 of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 decreases. It is generally desirable to WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 26 distribute the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109 over a larger area to reduce the likelihood that pin 109 will be sheared off. The number of inner locking sleeve races of inner race region 134 corresponds to the 5 number of drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interfaces. In this embodiment, there are two drill rod locking sleeve bearing interfaces, which are denoted as interfaces 162 and 163. However, in general, there are one or more drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interfaces. The number of drill rod locking sleeve bearing interfaces are chosen to provide a desired distribution of the load applied by the rotary head annularly around pin 109. 10 FIGS. 6j, 6k and 61 are cut-away side views of drill string 100 taken along a cut-line 6i-6i of FIG. 6d. It should be noted that cut-line 6i-6i extends along longitudinal direction 105, and through bearing openings 140 and 141. 15 In FIG. 6j, bearing 146a is in external region 104, which is external to locking sleeve body 131, opening 140 and bearing groove 156. Further, bearing 147a is in external region 104, which is external to locking sleeve body 131, opening 141 and bearing groove 157. However, bearings 146b and 147b are in positions within grooves 156 and 157, 20 respectively. Bearing 146b is positioned in bearing groove 156 so that a portion of drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 162 is formed away from bearing opening 140. Further, bearing 147b is positioned in bearing groove 157 so that a portion of drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 163 is formed away from bearing opening 141. 25 In FIG. 6k, bearings 146a and 146b are positioned in bearing grooves 156 and 157, respectively. Bearing 146a extends through outer drill rod race 116 and inner locking sleeve race 136. Bearing 146a is moved into bearing groove 156 so that a portion of drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 162 is formed proximate to bearing opening 140. Further, bearing 146b extends through outer drill rod race 117 and inner locking sleeve race 137. Bearing 147a is moved into 30 bearing groove 157 so that a portion of drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface 163 is formed proximate to bearing opening 141. In FIG. 61, bearing 146a is held within bearing groove 156 by a bearing opening plug 143. Bearing opening plug 143 is threadingly engaged with locking sleeve body 131 within bearing 35 opening 140. Bearing opening plug 143 restricts the ability of bearing 146a, as well as the other WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 27 bearings of bearing groove 156, to move out of bearing groove 156 to a position external to locking sleeve body 131. In FIG. 61, bearing 147a is held within bearing groove 157 by a bearing opening plug 144. 5 Bearing opening plug 144 is threadingly engaged with locking sleeve body 131 within bearing opening 141. Bearing opening plug 144 restricts the ability of bearing 147a, as well as the other bearings of bearing groove 157, to move out of bearing groove 157 to a position external to locking sleeve body 131. 10 Bearing opening plugs 143 and 144 can be of many different types of plugs, such as a screw. One type of screw that can be used as a bearing opening plug is referred to as a grub screw, which is a type of set screw that does not include a screw head. FIG. 7a is a flow diagram of a method 200 of manufacturing a locking assembly. In this 15 embodiment, method 200 includes a step 201 of forming an inner race region which extends around an inner periphery of a locking sleeve, wherein the locking sleeve includes a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the inner race region extends all the way around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve and, in other embodiments, the inner race region extends partially around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve. The inner race region faces the locking 20 sleeve channel. The inner race region includes an inner locking sleeve race. The inner locking sleeve race extends around an inner periphery of a locking sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner locking sleeve race extends all the way around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve and, in other 25 embodiments, the inner locking sleeve race extends partially around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve. The inner locking sleeve race faces the locking sleeve channel. It should be noted that, in general, the inner race region includes one or more inner locking sleeve races. Hence, in some embodiments, method 200 includes a step of forming a plurality of 30 inner locking sleeve races. In this embodiment, method 200 includes a step 202 of forming an inner locking sleeve threaded region, which extends around an inner periphery of the locking sleeve. The inner locking sleeve threaded region faces the locking sleeve channel. The inner locking sleeve threaded region WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 28 includes inner locking sleeve threads. The inner locking sleeve threads face the locking sleeve channel. In this embodiment, method 200 includes a step 203 of forming a bearing opening which 5 extends between the inner and outer peripheries of the locking sleeve. The bearing opening is positioned so it extends through the inner locking sleeve race. The bearing opening allows a bearing to move through the locking sleeve. It should be noted that each inner locking sleeve race has a bearing opening associated with it. Hence, in some embodiments, method 200 includes a step of forming a plurality of bearing openings. 10 It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, a plurality of bearing openings are associated with each inner locking sleeve race. Hence, in some embodiments, method 200 includes a step of forming a plurality of bearing openings for a single inner locking sleeve race. 15 FIG. 7b is a flow diagram of a method 210 of manufacturing a drill rod tool joint. It should be noted that the drill rod tool joint can be an integral piece of a drill rod, or it can be a separate piece which is connected to the drill rod in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, the drill rod tool joint is welded to the drill rod. 20 In this embodiment, method 210 includes a step 211 of forming an outer drill rod threading region, which extends around the outer periphery of a pin of the tool joint. The outer drill rod threading region includes outer drill rod threads. In this embodiment, method 210 includes a step 212 of forming an outer race region around 25 the outer periphery of the pin. In some embodiments, the outer race region extends all the way around the outer periphery of the pin and, in other embodiments, the outer race region extends partially around the outer periphery of the pin. The outer race region includes an outer drill rod race. The outer drill rod race extends 30 around the outer periphery of the pin. In some embodiments, the outer drill rod race extends all the way around the outer periphery of the pin and, in other embodiments, the outer drill rod race extends partially around the outer periphery of the pin.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 29 It should be noted that, in general, the outer race region includes one or more outer drill rod races. Hence, in some embodiments, method 210 includes a step of forming a plurality of outer drill rod races. 5 In some embodiments, method 210 includes a step of forming an outer drill rod tongue which extends between outer the drill rod races, and annularly around the outer periphery of the pin. The outer drill rod tongue is a portion of locking the pin which extends between the outer drill rod races. 10 In some embodiments, the outer race region is positioned between the outer drill rod threading region and a shoulder of the drill rod. In particular, the outer drill rod races are positioned between the outer drill rod threading region and drill rod shoulder. The outer drill rod race is positioned between the outer drill rod races and drill rod shoulder, and the outer drill rod race is positioned between the outer drill rod threading region and outer drill rod race. 15 In some embodiments, the outer race region is positioned between the outer drill rod threads and drill rod shoulder. In particular, the outer drill rod races are positioned between the outer drill rod threads and drill rod shoulder. The outer drill rod race is positioned between the outer drill rod races and drill rod shoulder, and the outer drill rod race is positioned between outer drill rod threads 20 and outer drill rod race. FIG. 7c is a flow diagram of a method 220 of manufacturing a drill rod tool joint. It should be noted that the drill rod tool joint can be an integral piece of a drill rod, or it can be a separate piece which is connected to the drill rod in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, 25 the drill rod tool joint is welded to the drill rod. In this embodiment, method 220 includes a step 221 of forming an outer threaded region around the outer periphery of a box of the tool joint. The outer threaded region includes outer locking sleeve threads. 30 In this embodiment, method 220 includes a step 222 of forming an inner threaded region around the inner periphery of the box of the tool joint. In some embodiments, the inner threaded region includes inner drill rod threads.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 30 The outer locking sleeve threads and inner drill rod threads are different types of threads. For example, in some embodiments, the outer locking sleeve threads and inner drill rod threads are right-handed threads and, in other embodiments, the outer locking sleeve threads and inner drill rod threads are left-handed threads. 5 FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 230 of manufacturing a drill string. In this embodiment, method 230 includes a step 231 of forming an outer race region and outer drill rod threading region around the outer periphery of a first drill rod tool joint. It should be noted that the first drill rod tool joint can be an integral piece of a first drill rod, or it can be a separate piece 10 which is connected to the first drill rod in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, the first drill rod tool joint is welded to the first drill rod. Method 230 includes a step 232 of forming inner and outer threaded regions around the inner and outer peripheries, respectively, of a second drill rod tool joint. It should be noted that the 15 second drill rod tool joint can be an integral piece of a second drill rod, or it can be a separate piece which is connected to the second drill rod in a repeatably removeable manner. In some embodiments, the second drill rod tool joint is welded to the second drill rod. In this embodiment, method 230 includes a step 233 of forming an inner race region which 2 0 extends around an inner periphery of a locking sleeve, wherein the locking sleeve includes a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the inner race region extends all the way around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve and, in other embodiments, the inner race region extends partially around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve. 25 The inner race region includes an inner locking sleeve race. The inner locking sleeve race extends around an inner periphery of a locking sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner locking sleeve race extends all the way around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve and, in other embodiments, the inner locking sleeve race extends partially around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve. 30 It should be noted that, in general, inner race region includes one or more inner locking sleeve races. Hence, in some embodiments, method 230 includes a step of forming a plurality of inner locking sleeve races.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 31 In this embodiment, method 230 includes a step 234 of forming an inner locking sleeve threaded region, which extends around an inner periphery of the locking sleeve. The inner locking sleeve threaded region includes inner locking sleeve threads. The inner locking sleeve threads extend around the inner periphery of the locking sleeve. 5 In this embodiment, method 230 includes a step 235 of forming a bearing opening which extends between the inner and outer peripheries of the locking sleeve. The bearing opening is positioned so it extends through the inner locking sleeve race. The bearing opening allows a bearing to move through the locking sleeve. It should be noted that each inner locking sleeve race 10 has a bearing opening associated with it. Hence, in some embodiments, method 230 includes a step of forming a plurality of bearing openings. It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, a plurality of bearing openings are associated with each inner locking sleeve race. Hence, in some embodiments, method 230 includes 15 a step of forming a plurality of bearing openings for a single inner locking sleeve race. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the outer locking sleeve threads and inner locking sleeve threads are both right-handed threads so that the outer threaded region and inner locking sleeve threaded region can be threadingly connected together. In other embodiments, the 20 outer locking sleeve threads and inner locking sleeve threads are both left-handed threads so that the outer threaded region and inner locking sleeve threaded region can be threadingly connected together. In this way, the outer locking sleeve threads and inner locking sleeve threads include the same type of threads. 25 A drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface when the outer locking sleeve threads and inner locking sleeve threads are both right-handed threads. The drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface when the outer locking sleeve threads and inner locking sleeve threads are both right-handed threads. 30 It should be noted that the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface are different types of interfaces. For example, in some embodiments, the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface and the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface. Hence, in this embodiment, the threads of the outer threaded region and inner locking sleeve threaded region are left-handed threads and the 35 threads of outer drill rod threading region and inner threaded region are right-handed threads.

WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 32 In other embodiments, the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface is a right-handed type of interface and the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface is a left-handed type of interface. Hence, in this other embodiment, the threads of the outer threaded region and inner locking sleeve threaded 5 region are right-handed threads and the threads of outer drill rod threading region and inner threaded region 124 are left-handed threads. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method 260 of connecting first and second drill rods together with a locking assembly. The first and second drill rods include first and second tool joints, 10 respectively. An outer race region and outer drill rod threading region extend around the outer periphery of the first drill rod tool joint. The inner and outer threaded regions extend around the inner and outer peripheries, respectively, of the second drill rod tool joint. The locking assembly includes a locking sleeve with a locking sleeve channel extending 15 therethrough. The locking sleeve includes an inner race region, which extends around its inner periphery and faces the locking sleeve channel. The inner race region includes an inner locking sleeve race. The locking sleeve includes an inner locking sleeve threaded region which extends around its inner periphery and faces the locking sleeve channel. The locking sleeve includes a bearing opening which extends through the locking sleeve and between the inner race region and 20 the outer periphery of the locking sleeve. In particular, the bearing opening extends through the locking sleeve and between the inner locking sleeve race and the outer periphery of the locking sleeve. The locking assembly includes a bearing. In this embodiment, method 260 includes a step 261 of connecting the second drill rod and 25 locking sleeve together. The second drill rod and locking sleeve are connected together by threadingly engaging inner locking sleeve threaded region with the outer threaded region of the second drill rod. In this embodiment, method 260 includes a step 262 of connecting the first and second drill 30 rods together through the locking sleeve. The first drill rod and locking sleeve are connected together by threadingly engaging inner locking sleeve threaded region with the outer threaded region of the second drill rod. The first and second drill rods are connected together so that a bearing groove is formed between inner locking sleeve race and outer drill rod race. The bearing opening extends through the locking sleeve and between the bearing groove and the outer periphery 35 of the locking sleeve. In particular, the bearing opening extends through the locking sleeve and WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 33 between the inner locking sleeve race and outer drill rod race and the outer periphery of the locking sleeve. In this embodiment, method 260 includes a step 263 of positioning the bearing in the 5 bearing groove. The bearing is positioned in the bearing groove by moving it through the bearing opening. In some embodiments, the bearing opening is plugged using a bearing opening plug. In this way, the bearing is held in the bearing groove. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, method 260 includes a step of removing the bearings from the bearing groove. 10 The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A drill string, comprising: a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body; 5 a second drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body, the first and second drill rod tool joints being engaged together through a drill rod-drill rod threaded interface; and a locking assembly which includes a locking sleeve body with a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough, the locking sleeve body being engaged with the first drill rod tool joint through a drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface, and the locking sleeve body being 10 engaged with the second drill rod through a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface.

2. The drill string of claim 1, wherein the first and second drill rod tool joints include inner and outer threaded regions, respectively, of a first type of threads engaged together to form the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface. 15

3. The drill string of claim 1, wherein the locking sleeve body and first drill rod tool joint include inner and outer threaded regions, respectively, of a second type of threads engaged together to form the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface. 20

4. The drill string of claim 2, wherein the locking sleeve body and first drill rod tool joint include inner and outer threaded regions, respectively, of a second type of threads engaged together to form the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface.

5. The drill string of claim 1, wherein the locking sleeve body and second drill rod 25 tool joint include inner and outer race regions, respectively, which face each other.

6. The drill string of claim 4, wherein the locking sleeve body and second drill rod tool joint include inner and outer race regions, respectively, which face each other. 30

7. The drill string of claim 5, further including a bearing positioned between the inner and outer race regions.

8. The drill string of claim 6, further including a plurality of bearings positioned between the inner and outer race regions. 35 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 35

9. The drill string of claim 1, further including an opening which extends through the locking sleeve body proximate to the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface.

10. The drill string of claim 9, wherein the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface is 5 formed in response to moving a bearing through the opening.

11. The drill string of claim 9, wherein the first and second types of threads are left handed threads and right-handed threads, respectively. 10

12. The drill string of claim 9, wherein the first and second types of threads are right handed threads and left-handed threads, respectively.

13. A drill string, comprising: a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body, the first drill rod tool joint 15 including an inner threaded region, wherein the inner threaded region includes a first type of threads; a drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body, the drill rod tool joint including an outer race region and an outer threaded region of the first type of threads; and a locking assembly which includes a locking sleeve body with a locking sleeve 20 channel extending therethrough and an inner locking sleeve threaded region which faces the locking sleeve channel.

14. The drill string of claim 13, wherein the first drill rod tool joint includes an outer threaded region having a second type of threads. 25

15. The drill string of claim 14, wherein the inner locking sleeve threaded region includes the second type of threads.

16. The drill string of claim 13, wherein the inner locking sleeve threaded region 30 includes a second type of threads.

17. The drill rod of claim 16, wherein the first and second types of threads are right handed threads and left-handed threads, respectively. WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 36

18. The drill rod of claim 16, wherein the first and second types of threads are left handed threads and right-handed threads, respectively.

19. The drill string of claim 13, wherein the locking sleeve assembly includes an inner 5 race region which faces the outer race region.

20. The drill string of claim 19, wherein the locking sleeve assembly includes a bearing positioned between the inner and outer race regions. 10 21. The drill string of claim 19, wherein the locking sleeve body includes an opening which extends therethrough proximate to the inner race region. WO 2010/142038 AMENDED CLAIMS PCT/CA2010/000897 received by the International Bureau on 29 November 2010 (29.11.2010) WE CLAIM: 1. A drill string, comprising: a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body; 5 a second drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body, the first and second drill rod tool joints being engaged together through a dnll rod-drill rod threaded interface; and a locking assembly which includes a locking sleeve body with a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough, the locking sleeve body being engaged with the 10 first drill rod tool joint through a drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface, and the locking sleeve body being engaged with the second drill rod tool joint through a drill rod locking sleeve bearing interface. 2. The drill string of claim 1, wherein the first and second drill rod tool joints 15 include inner and outer threaded regions, respectively, of a first type of threads engaged together to form the drill rod-drill rod threaded interface. 3. The drill string of claim 2, wherein the locking sleeve body and first drill rod tool joint include inner and outer threaded regions, respectively, of a second type of 20 threads engaged together to form the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface. 4. The drill string of claim 1, wherein the locking sleeve body and second drill rod tool joint include inner and outer race regions, respectively, which face each other. 25 5. The drill string of claim 3, wherein the locking sleeve body and second drill rod tool joint include inner and outer race regions, respectively, which face each other. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 37 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 6. The drill string of claim 4, further including a bearing positioned between the inner and outer race regions. 7. The drill string of claim 5, further including a plurality of bearings 5 positioned between the inner and outer race regions. 8. The drill string of claim 1, further including an opening which extends through the locking sleeve body proximate to the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface. 10 9. The drill string of claim 8, wherein the drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface is formed in response to moving a bearing through the opening. 10. The drill string of claim 3, wherein the first and second types of threads 15 are left-handed threads and right-handed threads, respectively. 11. The drill string of claim 3, wherein the first and second types of threads are right-handed threads and left-handed threads, respectively. 20 12. A drill string, comprising: a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body, the first drill rod tool joint including an inner threaded region, wherein the inner threaded region includes a first type of threads; a second drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body, the second 25 drill rod tool joint including an outer race region and an outer threaded region of the first type of threads; and a locking assembly which includes a locking sleeve body with a locking sleeve channel extending therethrough and an inner locking sleeve threaded region which faces the locking sleeve channel, wherein the locking sleeve body is engaged with the AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 38 WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 first drill rod tool joint through a threaded interface and the locking sleeve body is engaged with the second drill rod tool joint through a bearing interface. 13. The drill string of claim 12, wherein the first drill rod tool joint includes 5 an outer threaded region having a second type of threads. 14. The drill string of claim 13, wherein the inner locking sleeve threaded region includes the second type of threads. 10 15. The drill string of claim 12, wherein the inner locking sleeve threaded region includes a second type of threads. 16. The drill rod of claim 15, wherein the first and second types of threads are right-handed threads and left-handed threads, respectively. 15 17.- The drill rod of claim 15, wherein the first and second types of threads are left-handed threads and right-handed threads, respectively. 18. The drill string of claim 12, wherein the locking sleeve assembly includes 20 an inner race region which faces the outer race region. 19. The drill string of claim 18, wherein the locking sleeve assembly includes a bearing positioned between the inner and outer race regions. 25 20. The drill string of claim 18, wherein the locking sleeve body includes an opening which extends therethrough proximate to the inner race region.

21. A drill string, comprising: a first drill rod tool joint carried by a first drill rod body; 30 a second drill rod tool joint carried by a second drill rod body, AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 a locking assembly engaged with the first drill rod tool joint through a drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface, wherein the locking sleeve is engaged with the second tool joint through a bearing. 5

22. The drill string of claim 21, wherein the first and second drill rod tool joints are engaged together through a drill rod-drill rod threaded interface.

23. The drill string of claim 22, wherein the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface include left-handed threads and right 10 handed threads, respectively.

24. The drill string of claim 22, wherein the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface include right-handed threads and left handed threads, respectively. 15

25. The drill string of claim 22, wherein the drill rod-locking sleeve threaded interface and drill rod-drill rod threaded interface include different types of threads.

26. The drill string of claim 21, wherein the bearing establishes a drill rod 20 locking sleeve bearing interface between the locking sleeve and second tool joint.

27. The drill string of claim 21, wherein the bearing establishes a drill rod locking sleeve bearing interface in response to engaging an inner periphery of the locking assembly and an outer periphery of the second tool joint. 25 AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) WO 2010/142038 PCT/CA2010/000897 STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1) The amendments to claims 1 and 11 to 13, and new claims 21 to 27 are supported by the originally filed specification and drawings, and do not include any new matter. Amended claims 1 to 20 and new claims 21 to 27 clearly define the features of the invention to distinguish them from the prior art and, in particular, Reference D1J(US 1,526,367 to Parker). Reference Dl discloses a bit stem with a screw thread 3 and a threaded pin 4, wherein screw thread 3 and threaded pin 4 have different types of threads. Screw thread 3 has right handed threads when threaded pin 4 has left handed threads, and screw thread 3 has left handed threads when threaded pin 4 has right handed threads. Reference Dl, however, does not disclose a bearing interface, such as a drill rod-locking sleeve bearing interface. Reference D1 does not disclose a bearing interface because it does not disclose any bearings. Respectfully submitted, SHAPIRO COHEN P.O. Box 13002 Kanata, ON K2K OE2 CANADA Telephone: (613) 232-5300 /IG/HP/at Encl.

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