Appeal 2005-2547
Application 10/134,817
I. BACKGROUND
The invention relates to a method for continuously supplying drilling
fluid suspension to a horizontal drill head. Claim 19 is illustrative of the
subject matter on appeal:
19. A method for continuously supplying drilling fluid suspension
comprising water and a drilling fluid additive medium to a horizontal drill
head, said method comprising:
providing a continuous stream of water;
providing drilling fluid additive medium;
introducing said additive medium to said stream of water at a selected
location to form a drilling fluid suspension stream;
pressurizing said water stream or drilling fluid suspension stream in
the vicinity of said selected location by flowing such stream through a high
pressure pump to enhance mixing of additive medium and water and to
provide a pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream;
conveying said pressurized drilling fluid suspension stream through a
static mixing chamber; and
continuously conveying said pressurized drilling fluid suspension
stream to a horizontal drill head.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references to show
unpatentability:
Venema US 4,051,065 Sep. 27, 1977
Landers US 5,413,184 May 9, 1995
The rejections as presented by the Examiner are as follows:
1. Claims 17-22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶ 2 as indefinite;
2
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