Abstract: A stabilizer sleeve (7) for a drill string, adapted to fit about a down hole motor (1) or a drill string member, is formed with an internally threaded coupling at a lower end for releasable coupling to complimentary threads (8) formed on an upwardly extending intermediate coupling portion (15) of a bottom coupling-nut (3). The coupling-nut (3) is provided with a lower end portion (14) of larger diameter and an upper coupling portion (16) of reduced diameter. The upper coupling portion (16) is conventionally formed with an upwardly tapering form and right-hand thread whereas the intermediate coupling portion (15) is formed with a left-hand thread. The stabilizer sleeve (7) fits about the motor (1) or other body member and above the coupling-nut (3) so that the sleeve (7) may be removed upwardly from the coupling-nut (3).

Abstract: A method of controlling the direction of a drill bit (3) at the downhole end of a drill string (2) drilling from a surface comprises providing two steerable stabilizers (4, 5) at the downhole end of the drill string (2) at locations spaced apart in the drilling direction and adjusting the orientation of the stabilizers to create reactive forces from the bore hole (6) to deflect the course of the bit (3) in a desired direction. The stabilizers (4, 5) are suitably arranged eccentrically and circumferentially offset by 180.degree..+-.60.degree.. In normal drilling the drill string (2) is rotated such that stabilizers (4, 5) engage the bore hole (6) to support a downhole motor (1) against tilting. When off course drilling is sensed the stabilizers are rotated to a position and stopped from rotation such that drilling forces generate reaction forces to cause a desired change of direction.

Abstract: A drop-ball sub-assembly comprises a tubular casing (4) defining a flushing fluid flow passage adapted for coupling at one end (3) to an inlet pipe (1) and at the other end (23) to an outlet pipe (24). A drop-ball (17) supporting member (8) is secured within the casing (4) in the flow passage. Apertures (21) are arranged to allow fluid flow past the supporting member (8), and a further aperture (9) supports a blow-out device (13) supporting a drop-ball (17) on a side distal from the end (23). The blow-out device (13) and the apertures (21,9) are such that at a first, lower fluid rate from the inlet (3) to the outlet (23) end, fluid flows through said aperture (21) and the blow-out device is retained, and that at a second, higher flow rate the blow-out device (13) is blown out of the further aperture to release the ball (17) through the further aperture (9). The blow-out device suitably comprises a frangible disc.

Abstract: A downhole motor (19) is mounted in a drill pipe (13) above a hole enlarger (14) intermediate ends of the pipe (13). The motor drives a lower pilot bit (28). A split flow bypass device (24) above the motor (19) allows part of the flow to drive the motor and the remainder to bypass through a central passage, the divided flows rejoining below the motor (19) with a restricted flow through jet nozzles (32) to the hole enlarger cutter (15). Flow passes centrally of the output shaft (26), past a bleed valve (34) bleeding up to 5% to an outer shaft space for lubricating bearings (30), to flow restrictor jet nozzles (33) of the pilot bit (28).