Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a drill rod (2) for a fluid-operated apparatus, particularly a percussion drill tool (1). The drill rod (2) comprises a first connection interface (100) at a first end (101) and a second connection interface (102) at a second end (103). The first connection interface (100) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a second connection interface (102) of a like drill rod (3) or to the apparatus (1). The second connection interface (102) is for connection of the drill rod (2) to a first connection interface of a like drill rod (3) or to a fluid transfer device. The drill rod also comprises a plurality of discrete fluid flow channels (4, 6, 8) through the drill rod, a first member (23) moveably mounted in the first connection interface (100) and a second member (22) moveably mounted in the second connection interface. The first moveable member is the innermost component in the first connection interface and the second moveable member is the innermost component in the second connection interface. When the drill rod (2) is connected to a like drill rod (3) or to the apparatus (1) or to the fluid transfer device, at least two of the fluid flow channels (4, 6) are placed in fluid communication with corresponding channels (4, 6) of the like drill rod or the apparatus or the fluid transfer device by movement of the first (23) and second (22) moveable members only.

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First Claim