Quick reverse mechanism for pneumatic boring tool

摘要

A reversible impact-operated pneumatic boring tool for reversing the direction of operation of the tool is disclosed. The tool includes two fluid supply lines, a striker and a non-mechanically biased directional control sleeve. The primary fluid supply line provides pressurized fluid for striker reciprocation within the tool body to drive the tool through the soil. The secondary fluid supply line provides pressurized fluid to determine direction of operation of the tool. Pressurized fluid is supplied to a sealed chamber behind the directional control sleeve to drive the sleeve forward and operate the tool in a forward mode. The control sleeve is held forward solely by maintaining sufficient positive pressure of the fluid in the sealed chamber. Whereas, the depressurization of the chamber solely, will cause the sleeve to be moved to a rearward position thereby causing the tool to operate in the reverse mode.