Abstract: A storage vault 10 is described for reception within a subterranean bore 11. The storage vault 10 includes a vault casement 15 that releasably receives a carriage 21, a driver 42, and a control system 65 as an assembly therein. The driver 42 is situated axially alongside the carriage 21 and is utilized to extemd and retract, lifting the carriage 21 from a lowered, closed storage condition, to an upwardly disposed access condition, where individual compartments 24 become accessible to a user. The carriage 21 is situated below a lid 57 that is preferably carried on top of the carriage to be moved therewith between open and closed conditions. Motion of the carriage responsive to extension and retraction of the driver is controlled by first and second guides. The first guide is mounted between the carriage and the vault casement 15, while the second guide is mounted between the carriage and the driver 42.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for forceably pulling a well casing down into a drilled hole from the casing bottom end during a percussion drilling procedure, through use of the percussion drill tool. An anvil is fixed to the casing and projects inwardly to coact with the hammer surface on a precussion bit. The bit includes an interlock feature that allows selective disengagement with the anvil and allows the bit to be lowered past the anvil for drilling purposes. The anvil is situated above the drive shoe along a lower casing section. The lower casing section acts as a material accumulator, cooperating with the drilling bit and anvil shoulder to seal drilled areas and facilitate removal of drilled material from the drilled hole.

Abstract: A downhole casing anvil device is described that provides a surface against which the casing can be driven down a drilled hole from near the bottom of the casing. The anvil device includes a solid body having a mounting plate that is complementary to the cross-sectional configuration of the casing, and an anvil shoulder that projects outwardly therefrom. The shoulder is adapted to fit through an aperture in the casing and to project into the casing interior. The plate includes a mounting surface that fits flush against the casing when the anvil shoulder is fitted through the casing aperture. Axial edges of the plate may be welded to the casing, clear of the aperture, to secure the anvil device to the casing.

Abstract: A downhole weight control device is described for connecting to the upper end of a downhole, pneumatically-operated, impact rock drilling tool for applying a downward force on the tool sufficient to maintain the drill bit in the closed working position. The weight control device has a piston member that has an effective area related to the surface area of the hammer piston in the drilling tool to effectively counterbalance an upward force of the tool tending to lift the tool. The control device also prevents exerting excessive weight on the drill bit. The control device has means for automatically decreasing the working pressure should the drill string be fed for a period of time at a rate greater than the penetration rate of the tool.

Abstract: A downhole rock drilling tool is described that is adapted to mount an impact drilling bit at a lower end and to be operatively connected to a drilling rod or string at an upper end. The tool includes a free floating pneumatic piston. Valving is provided to control movement of the piston to repeatedly hammer against the drill bit to force the tool downwardly through earth and rock. The present tool is intended to be utilized with bits that produce a hole having a diameter at least 7.5 centimeters greater than the tool diameter. A pair of alignment rings are situated at upper and lower ends of the tool housing and extend radially outward to peripheral surfaces that lie directly adjacent to the hole wall. The rings are spaced longitudinally to maintain the tool in proper alignment with respect to the central axis of the drilled hole. The rings are also fluted longitudinally to enable relatively free passage of air and earth material upwardly through the hole during drilling operations.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant anvil bit is described for use on a percussion rock drill. The anvil bit has a shank having a substantially uniform cross section terminated in a threaded end portion. A bit head is threadably mounted on the end portion having a diameter substantially greater than the bit shank. An anvil ring is shrunk fit on the shank engaging the bit head to provide lateral support and minimize the creation of fatigue fractures.