Bit for horizontal boring

Abstract

A drill bit for use in horizontal boring includes a bit body with a central axis of rotation including a forwardmost pilot section, a reaming section rearwardly of the pilot section including a forwardly inclined arcuate steering surface and a plurality of gauge cutting teeth disposed rearwardly of the pilot section in opposed relationship to the inclined steering section, the gauge teeth extending farther from the central axis in a radial direction than the steering section such the arcuate steering section lies entirely within a circular profile corresponding to the path of the gauge teeth when the bit is rotated 360° and a coupling section at a rear end portion of the body configured for attachments to an adjacent component of the drill sting.

1 . A drill bit for use in horizontal boring comprising: 
 a bit body with a central axis of rotation including a forwardmost pilot section, the pilot section configured to form a pilot bore during drilling operations and stabilize the bit body during rotary operation;    a reaming section rearwardly of the pilot section, the reaming section including a forwardly inclined arcuate steering surface and a plurality of gauge cutting teeth disposed rearwardly of the pilot section in opposed relationship to the inclined steering section the gauge teeth extending farther from the central axis in a radial direction than the steering section such the arcuate steering section lies entirely within a circular profile corresponding to the path of the gauge teeth when the bit is rotated 360°; and    a coupling section at a rear end portion of the body configured for attachments to an adjacent component of the drill sting.    
     
     
         2 . The drill bit of  claim 1  wherein the steering surface circumscribes less than 180° of the perimeter of the reaming section.  
     
     
         3 . The drill bit of  claim 2  wherein the gauge teeth being positioned so as to cover a portion of the reaming section circumscribing less than 180° of the perimeter of the reaming section.