Abstract: A multi-indenter drill bit includes a plurality of indenters arranged on a drilling surface of a bit face. The ratio of the total indenter area to the bit face area is defined by a parameter KPI1 (expressed as a percentage), and the ratio of the average individual indenter area to the bit face area is defined by a parameter KPI2, (expressed as a percentage). The relationship between KPI1 and KPI2 is defined by an equation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulically powered percussion mechanism (12), comprising a piston (6) to impact a percussion bit (8). The percussion mechanism also includes a first accumulator assembly (3a) for hydraulic fluid. The first accumulator assembly comprises a plurality of first accumulator elements (27). In a first aspect, the plurality of first accumulator elements are arranged in a common housing (14). In a second aspect, each of the first accumulator elements is arranged at the same proximity to the piston. In a third aspect, each of the first accumulator elements comprises an accumulator membrane (32) or piston, and wherein the primary direction of movement of the membrane or piston in contact with the hydraulic fluid is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mechanism.

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.

Abstract: A multi-indenter drill bit comprising a plurality of indenters arranged on a drilling surface of a bit face, the ratio of the total indenter area to the bit face area being defined by a parameter KPI1 (expressed as a percentage); the ratio of the average individual indenter area to the bit face area being defined by a parameter KPI2, (expressed as a percentage) and wherein the relationship between KPI1 and KPI2 is defined by an equation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulically powered percussion mechanism (12), comprising a piston (6) to impact a percussion bit (8). The percussion mechanism also includes a first accumulator assembly (3a) for hydraulic fluid. The first accumulator assembly comprises a plurality of first accumulator elements (27). In a first aspect, the plurality of first accumulator elements are arranged in a common housing (14). In a second aspect, each of the first accumulator elements is arranged at the same proximity to the piston. In a third aspect, each of the first accumulator elements comprises an accumulator membrane (32) or piston, and wherein the primary direction of movement of the membrane or piston in contact with the hydraulic fluid is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the mechanism.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rock crushing apparatus. Known apparatus operate on the distinct principles of compression crushing (compression between moving surfaces) or impact crushing (compression via high velocity rock impacting a surface). Both types of apparatus have disadvantages in the quality of the crushed product, energy inefficiency or high rotor wear rates. The apparatus (1) comprises a rotor (2) comprising a number of reciprocating (11) and fixed compression crushing elements (12, 13) to compression crush the rock between adjacent reciprocating and fixed surfaces. The positioning of these elements (11, 12, 13) within the rotor performs an arresting action on the rock to limit the maximum radial velocity (Vr) the rock attains before its ejection from the compression crushing elements (11, 12, 13) for impact crushing on an adjacent surface. In this way the disadvantages of compression and impact crushing are minimized to produce a superior product.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a hydraulically powered hammer having a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston; and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid; at least one drill rod having a first connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the connection valve of the hammer; and a second connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the first connection valve of a like drill rod or to a rotation device. The piston and shuttle valve are positioned substantially in-line to the axis of movement of the hammer. The accumulator is positioned proximate to the shuttle valve; and the first connection valve, and second connection valve having at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a hydraulically powered hammer having a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston; and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid; at least one drill rod having a first connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the connection valve of the hammer; and a second connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the first connection valve of a like drill rod or to a rotation device. The piston and shuttle valve are positioned substantially in-line to the axis of movement of the hammer. The accumulator is positioned proximate to the shuttle valve; and the first connection valve, and second connection valve having at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rock crushing apparatus. Known apparatus operate on the distinct principles of compression crushing (compression between moving surfaces) or impact crushing (compression via high velocity rock impacting a surface). Both types of apparatus have disadvantages in the quality of the crushed product, energy inefficiency or high rotor wear rates. The apparatus (1) comprises a rotor (2) comprising a number of reciprocating (11) and fixed compression crushing elements (12, 13) to compression crush the rock between adjacent reciprocating and fixed surfaces. The positioning of these elements (11, 12, 13) within the rotor performs an arresting action on the rock to limit the maximum radial velocity (Vr) the rock attains before its ejection from the compression crushing elements (11, 12, 13) for impact crushing on an adjacent surface. In this way the disadvantages of compression and impact crushing are minimised to produce a superior product.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a hydraulically powered hammer having a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston; and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid; at least one drill rod having a first connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the connection valve of the hammer; and a second connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the first connection valve of a like drill rod or to a rotation device. The piston and shuttle valve are positioned substantially in-line to the axis of movement of the hammer. The accumulator is positioned proximate to the shuttle valve; and the first connection valve, and second connection valve having at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a hydraulically powered hammer having a piston to impact a drill bit; a shuttle valve to control reciprocation of the piston; and an accumulator for hydraulic fluid; at least one drill rod having a first connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the connection valve of the hammer; and a second connection valve for connection of the drill rod to the first connection valve of a like drill rod or to a rotation device. The piston and shuttle valve are positioned substantially in-line to the axis of movement of the hammer. The accumulator is positioned proximate to the shuttle valve; and the first connection valve, and second connection valve having at least one poppet valve positioned proximate to a corresponding valve seat.