Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include drill string components having a thread extending around a body. The leading end of the thread can have a configuration that resists jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of the thread can include a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading. The leading end of the thread can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. When mating male and female threads are similarly structured, the mating threads slide together along an interface at the thread start face and are drawn into a fully thread-coupled condition. The thread starts may have full circumference mating with no jamming positions.

Abstract: A bushing for positioning within a core barrel assembly during an up-hole drilling operation.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to system and apparatus for shifting gears within a gearbox of a drill head, which can be attached to a drill rig for various drilling operations. In particular, the present disclosure relates to engaging various gears within the gearbox and maintaining the gears in the engaged position such that to prevent the gears from disengaging in response to movements and/or vibrations within the gearbox, the drill head, and/or the drill rig.

Abstract: A drill rod clamping device that is configured to clamp and secure drill rods, such that a drill rod of any diameter can be secured in the center of the device. The drill rod clamping device includes a pair of opposing jaws and either a back jaw or a locator block to ensure desired positioning of the drill rod relative to the drill rod clamping device. An actuating assembly selectively moves the opposing jaws toward each other and away from each other such that both of the opposing jaws move at substantially the same speed.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems include a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detect mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting.