Abstract: An underground drilling method where drilling fluid pulsing down hole tool is combined with a multiple in series pistons down hole tool to provide vigorous vibrations in the drill string and deliver vibrating energy to the drill bit to increase penetration rates and reduce friction between the drill string and the hole. One example method and apparatus shown can operate a simple percussive down hole mud hammer.

Abstract: A device for handling well pipe includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end. The mandrel secures to a top drive of a drilling rig. A threaded collar is located on an outer surface of the mandrel to loosely engage threads of a well pipe. An annular force generating assembly is carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded collar. The force generating assembly applies a load to an upper end of the well pipe along the long axis, enabling torque to be transmitted between the threaded collar and the well pipe. The force generating assembly may be cams or a hydraulic piston.

Abstract: An underground drilling method where drilling fluid pulsing down hole tool is combined with a multiple in series pistons down hole tool to provide vigorous vibrations in the drill string and deliver vibrating energy to the drill bit to increase penetration rates and reduce friction between the drill string and the hole. One example method and apparatus shown can operate a simple percussive down hole mud hammer.

Abstract: A tubular gripping device includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end; a threaded interval on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an annular force generating assembly carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded interval adjacent the threaded interval and driveable to apply a load along the long axis toward the threaded interval.

Abstract: A well bore liner is carried on a working string into a main bore of a well. A well bore liner is directed from the main bore into an auxiliary bore of the well with a whipstock. The whipstock is coupled to a working string without withdrawing the working string from the main bore. The whipstock is then relocated in the well using the working string.

Abstract: An under reamer for expanding a borehole through an earthen formation is taught. The under reamer includes: a mandrel including an end for connection into a drill string and an opposite end and a housing including an inner bore, telescopically disposed over the mandrel and axially moveable relative to the mandrel but rotationally moveable with the mandrel. A plurality of under reamer arms are carried on the housing, the under reamer arms are formed as blocks including cutter-supporting portions in which poly-crystalline diamond compact cutters are mounted. The under reamer arms are moveable by driving the housing axially over the mandrel between a retracted position extending into the bore of the housing and an expanded position wherein the under reamers arms are pivoted out of the housing inner bore and supported therebehind by the mandrel such that the cutter-supporting portions are exposed for use to enlarge a borehole.

Abstract: A system for lining a junction between a main bore and an auxiliary bore includes a first tubing adapted to line at least a portion of the main bore. The first tubing has a lateral opening therein. A second tubing has a junction shield extending outward therefrom. The junction shield has a larger transverse dimension than the lateral opening and is adapted to contract to a smaller transverse dimension to pass through the lateral opening into the auxiliary bore.

Abstract: A valve (30), a drill string valve assembly (10) and a method of drilling using compressed fluid as a drill drilling fluid are described. The valve and valve assembly (10) may be used in order to prevent escape of compressed fluid during the time that a connection is being made into the drill string. The valve (10) can be insertable into a drill string inner diameter to seal against fluid passage past the body except through the valve (30) and can be selected to maintain fluid pressure in the drill string when the upper end of the drill string is open to atmosphere. The valve can also be capable of being releasably engaged to a drive mechanism, such as a top drive (40) which is handling the drill string (12) to be slidably moved within the drill string, as driven by the drive mechanism, but releasable from the drive mechanism, when the drive mechanism is removed from the drill string.

Abstract: A simple and economical device is placed in a drill string to provide a pulsating flow of the pressurized drilling fluid to the jets of the drill bit to enhance chip removal and provide a vibrating action in the drill bit itself thereby to provide a more efficient and effective drilling operation. Operation of the device is such that a pronounced negative pulse precedes the positive pulse. Between pulses there is a short time delay and this feature will further enhance drilling rates. Device automatically bypasses all fluid if it is disabled.

Abstract: The invention provides a vibrator which may be used to vibrate industrial apparatus such as a conveyor, hopper, bin, screen, shaker table, or to agitate a fluid. The vibrator has a element comprising a concave outer skin on one side and a convex outer skin on the other side which define between them a cavity. The cavity is connected to a hydraulic driving circuit which provides a continuous series of high pressure pulses. Each pulse causes the deformable element to change shape. The continuous application of a series of pulses causes the deformable element to continuously vibrate. The high pressure pulses are generated by creating a water hammer within a conduit by means of a valve which can be rapidly opened and closed to allow fluid to flow through the conduit and then suddenly block the fluid flow. The vibrating apparatus may be used to shake industrial structures such as shaking screens, shaking tables, hoppers, bins or the like.

Abstract: A crusher for materials such as rock is described. Material is crushed between an inclined anvil and a vibrating impact surface. The impact surface is driven by high intensity pressure pulses which are generated by creating repeated water hammers in a low pressure high volume hydraulic circuit. The water hammer may act directly to drive a piston bearing the impact surface toward the anvil. In another configuration of the invention, the water hammer pulse stores energy by stretching a tension member or by distorting a plate. When the water hammer pulse passes the stored energy suddenly drives the impact surface towards the anvil. The crusher of the invention has few moving parts and is energy efficient.

Abstract: A cavitation chamber is driven by a hydraulic driving system in which acoustic pulses are generated by repeated water hammers. In the driving system a liquid is pumped through a conduit. The flow of liquid through the conduit is periodically interrupted by a valve. A water hammer is created each time the valve closes. Acoustic pulses produced by the water hammer propagate directly into a cavitation chamber where they are reflected back and forth by acoustically reflective plates. The cavitation chamber may be applied to degas liquids, mix chemicals or slurries, or promote sono-chemical reactions. The design generates acoustic pulses efficiently. The acoustic pulses are coupled to the cavitation chamber with minimal losses. The apparatus is rugged and inexpensive when compared to systems which incorporate electromechanical transducers.

Abstract: Rarefaction pulses are generated in a chamber containing a liquid to be degassed. The rarefaction pulses are generated by creating repeated water hammers in a conduit. The water hammers result in sudden high pressure pulses which deform a stiff springy, impermeable deflection cap. After the water hammer pulses pass, the deflection cap snaps back toward its equilibrium position. The snapping action of the deflection cap causes a rarefaction pressure pulse which enhances bubble formation in the chamber. The deflection cap may resonate for some time after each water hammer pulse passes. During the interval when the deflection cap resonates the deflection cap generates an attenuated acoustic wave which is transmitted into the liquid being degassed. The deflection cap may also be driven by a system in which a high pressure fluid, such as steam, is introduced into a sealed chamber behind the deflection cap and then suddenly vented.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for shaking structures such as fins in a fluid agitator, shaking tables, shaking screens, conveyors, or the walls of bins or hoppers. The apparatus is driven by a hydraulic driving system in which high pressure pulses are generated by repeatedly creating water hammer within a conduit. The high pressure pulses are directed to a chamber where they act against a wall of the chamber to periodically push on the structure. Preferably, the structure is spring-like so that after a high pressure pulse has passed the wall of the chamber is returned to its equilibrium position. In one embodiment of the invention a water hammer pressure pulse is directed into a reinforced hose in contact with a surface to be vibrated. The high pressure pulse causes the hose to expand and move the surface to be vibrated. Water hammer pulses are generated periodically so that the surface is maintained in continuous vibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating intense acoustic pulses by means of the water hammer effect. The method involves generating a water hammer in a conduit by suddenly interrupting a high velocity flow of fluid through the conduit. The kinetic energy of the fluid flowing in the conduit is converted into a high pressure pulse which propagates along the conduit away from the point where the fluid flow was interrupted. The high pressure pulse deforms the wall of the conduit so as to radiate acoustic energy away from the conduit into a fluid medium surrounding the conduit. The relative amount of energy dissipated in the form of mass flow in the surrounding fluid and acoustic energy in the surrounding fluid can be adjusted by changing the characteristics of the conduit wall. The direction in which acoustic energy is radiated into the fluid medium surrounding the conduit can be set by making the conduit wall asymmetrical or by bending the conduit.

Abstract: A system is described for delivery of pressurized liquid to one or more hollow mattress for alternately pressurizing and depressurizing a selected group of cells of the mattress. The device is associated with a unique mattress in which the cells are disposed in a checkerboard fashion. The system utilizes one or more pressure accumulators arranged to maintain the system under a constant, predetermined pressure and to absorb sudden local pressure increases which may occur e.g. when a patient supports himself on his/her elbow or the like, creating a high specific pressure over a small area. The accumulators may also serve the purpose of maintaining the depressurized cells at a pressure which is equal to or above the ambient atmospheric pressure whereby the volume of liquid to be displaced by the primer such as a pump on pressurization is minimal.

Abstract: This invention relates to flow pulsing methods and apparatus for various applications including downhole drilling equipment and in particular to an improved flow pulsing method and apparatus of this type to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit with a view to securing improvements in the drilling process.

Abstract: This invention relates to flow pulsing methods and apparatus for various applications including downhole drilling equipment and in particular to an improved flow pulsing method and apparatus of this type to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit with a view to securing improvements in the drilling process.

Abstract: Flow pulsing apparatus is adapted to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit. The apparatus includes a housing providing a passage for a flow of drilling fluid toward the bit. A valve which oscillates in the axial direction of the drill string periodically restricts the flow through the passage to create pulsations in the flow and a cyclical water hammer effect thereby to vibrate the housing and the drill bit during use. Drill bit induced longitudinal vibrations in the drill string can be used to generate the oscillation of the valve along the axis of the drill string to effect the periodic restriction of the flow or, in another form of the invention, a special valve and spring arrangement is used to help produce the desired oscillating action and the desired flow pulsing action.

Abstract: Flow pulsing apparatus is adapted to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit. The apparatus includes a housing providing a passage for a flow of drilling fluid toward the bit. A turbine in the housing is rotated about an axis by the flow of drilling fluid. A valve is operated by the turbine to periodically restrict the flow through the passage to create pulsations in the flow and a cyclical water hammer effect to vibrate the housing and the drill bit during use. A cam is provided for effecting reciprocation of the valve along the axis of rotation of the turbine to effect the periodic restriction of flow.