Abstract: A variable force tree shaker is disclosed which includes a non-rotatable housing having a two-piece shaft journaled therein. A fixed weight is rigidly connected to the shaft and an adjustable weight is pivotally connected to the shaft. At least one hydraulic cylinder is formed in the fixed weight and receives a piston which is connected to the adjustable weight by a piston rod. While the shaft is driven, an hydraulic controller directs hydraulic fluid into said at least one piston which moves the adjustable weight between a balanced position diametrically opposed to the fixed weight providing no shaking forces to the shaft, and a plurality of unbalanced positions imparting shaking forces of different intensities to the shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for selectively extending and retracting a mobile telescoping boom assembly and for independently extending and retracting an articulated pipe service line mounted on the boom assembly. The circuit can be used with a hydraulic ram to extend and retract the boom assembly or a winch and cable arrangement can be used. A pair of winches are used to extend and retract the articulated service line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mining an underground ore stratum with a drilling and mining tool which first drills a hole into the strata as it is assembled section by section until a desired depth is reached. The tool includes an outer conduit that is screwed together and at least two stab fitted inner conduits that are rotatable relative to the outer conduit for providing at least three conduit systems for conducting processing fluids into and out of the ore strata; and means for independently controlling, from the surface, the rate of flow in each conduit. During mining, one conduit system directs the flow of a mining liquid downwardly and into the ore stratum through a mining nozzle to create a slurry of ore and liquid, a second conduit system directs a slurry lifting fluid downwardly into and through a slurry lifting means, while a third conduit system conducts the slurry to the surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for subterranean slurry drilling and mining of granular ore, such as phosphates, with a combined drilling and mining apparatus. The apparatus includes a tool string having a drilling head and mining head that are selectively interchangeable on its upper end for drilling into one or more ore strata to be mined and thereafter to remove ore from the strata as a slurry. The drill string includes a plurality of inner and outer pipe sections connected to a drill bit at its lower end. A drilling/mining liquid is directed through the tool string during both the drilling and mining modes of operation. During drilling, liquid is directed through a foot valve into the rotating bit to wash cuttings to the surface externally of the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for subterranean slurry drilling and mining of granular ore, such as phosphates, with a combined drilling and mining apparatus. The apparatus includes a tool string having a drilling head and mining head that are selectively interchangeable on its upper end for drilling into one or more ore strata to be mined and thereafter to remove ore from the strata as a slurry. The drill string includes a plurality of inner and outer pipe sections connected to a mining nozzle section, to an eductor pump section, and to a drill bit at its lower end. A drilling/mining liquid is directed through the tool string during both the drilling and mining modes of operation. During drilling, liquid is directed through a foot valve into the rotating bit to wash cuttings to the surface externally of the tool. During mining, the tool string is rotated, the foot valve is closed, and a mining nozzle is opened thereby causing liquid jetting from the mining nozzle to reduce the ore to a slurry.

Abstract: Method for subterranean slurry drilling and mining of granular ore, such as phosphates, with a combined drilling and mining apparatus. The apparatus for performing the method includes a tool string having a drilling head and mining head that are selectively interchangeable on its upper end for drilling into one or more ore strata to be mined and thereafter to remove ore from the strata as a slurry. The drill string includes a plurality of inner and outer pipe sections connected to a mining nozzle section, to an eductor pump section, and to a drill bit at its lower end. A drilling/mining liquid is directed through the tool string during both the drilling and mining modes of operation. During drilling, liquid is directed through a foot valve into the rotating bit to wash cuttings to the surface externally of the tool. During mining, the tool string is rotated, the foot valve is closed, and a mining nozzle is opened thereby causing liquid jetting from the mining nozzle to reduce the ore to a slurry.

Abstract: Subterranean slurry mining with one or more mining nozzles which, during mining, directs a high pressure jet of liquid into a granular ore matrix to reduce the ore to a slurry which is thereafter pumped to the surface by an eductor pump including a high pressure eductor nozzle. The drilling and mining apparatus includes several different types of hydraulic control systems which operates at or below system pressure and allows the apparatus to be changed between the mining and a drilling mode. During drilling, the liquid is directed through an open foot valve and drill bit into the well cavity being drilled to wash the cuttings to the surface at which time the mining and eductor nozzles are closed. During mining the control systems close the foot valve and control the opening of the mining nozzle (or nozzles) and eductor nozzle.

Abstract: Subterranean slurry mining with one or more mining nozzles which, during mining, directs a high pressure jet of liquid into a granular ore matrix to reduce the ore to a slurry which is thereafter pumped to the surface by an eductor pump including a high pressure eductor nozzle. The drilling and mining apparatus includes several different types of hydraulic control systems which operates at or below system pressure and allows the apparatus to be changed between the mining and a drilling mode. During drilling, the liquid is directed through an open foot valve and drill bit into the well cavity being drilled to wash the cuttings to the surface at which time the mining and eductor nozzles are closed. During mining the control systems close the foot valve and control the opening of the mining nozzle (or nozzles) and eductor nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid-gas separator unit with superior performance characteristics is disclosed. The unit is characterized by a high liquid flow rate capacity at high as well as low accompanying gas flow rates, and efficient liquid-gas separation capability. The unit has a unique discharge plug element and a unique intake plug element that cooperate with a unique impeller means. Inlet/recirculation openings in the unit casing act to increase the liquid flow rate.

Abstract: A liquid-gas separator unit with superior performance characteristics is disclosed. The unit is characterized by a high liquid flow rate capacity at high as well as low accompanying gas flow rates, and efficient liquid-gas separation capability. The unit has a unique discharge plug element and a unique intake plug element that cooperate with a unique impeller means. Inlet/recirculation openings in the unit casing act to increase the liquid flow rate.