Drill bit replacement apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drill bit replacement apparatus for replacing a drill bit on a drilling tool, the apparatus comprising: a drill bit holder comprising one or more drill bit receptacles, each drill bit receptacle adapted to receive at least one drill bit; and a positioning means adapted to move the drill bit holder between at least one storage position and one or more replacement positions, wherein each replacement position aligns at least one drill bit receptacle with the drilling tool.

1 . A drill bit replacement apparatus for replacing a drill bit on a drilling tool, the apparatus comprising:
 a drill bit holder comprising one or more drill bit receptacles, each drill bit receptacle adapted to receive at least one drill bit; and   a positioning means adapted to move the drill bit holder between at least one storage position and one or more replacement positions, wherein each replacement position aligns at least one drill bit receptacle with the drilling tool.   
     
     
         2 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each replacement position aligns an approximate center of a drill bit receptacle with the drilling tool. 
     
     
         3 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein when in the storage position the drill bit holder is preferably clear of the drilling tool. 
     
     
         4 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drill bit replacement apparatus is mounted on a mobile drill unit. 
     
     
         5 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the drill bit receptacles are provided in a linear arrangement. 
     
     
         6 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each drill bit receptacle is appropriately shaped and sized to receive a drill bit. 
     
     
         7 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least 20% of the length of the drill bit is received by the drill bit receptacle. 
     
     
         8 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the positioning means comprises a support assembly. 
     
     
         9 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the drill bit holder is mountable on or in the support assembly. 
     
     
         10 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the support assembly is adapted to move in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the drill platform. 
     
     
         11 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the positioning means further comprises a linear actuator to move the support assembly between the storage position and the one or more replacement positions. 
     
     
         12 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the support assembly is fully supported on the linear actuator. 
     
     
         13 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the support assembly is provided on a framework. 
     
     
         14 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the support assembly engages with a track. 
     
     
         15 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the track is mounted on the drill platform. 
     
     
         16 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the support assembly comprises rollers that engage with the track. 
     
     
         17 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the positioning means is remotely operated. 
     
     
         18 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a drill bit is retained in each drill bit receptacle by a clamping means. 
     
     
         19 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each drill bit receptacle is provided with a one or more resistance members. 
     
     
         20 . A drill bit replacement apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein a protective cover is provided over the drill bits in the drill bit holder.