Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A micropile is then lowered into the cased hole. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for drilling a hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground, the hollow drill string having an inner space. The hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string following the drilling of the hole to the desired depth. The drill string is then removed from the ground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a micropile. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A micropile is then lowered into the cased hole. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground.

Abstract: There is provided a method for drilling a hole into the ground and installing a geothermal transfer loop. A drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus, such as a sonic drill, for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground. The hollow drill string having an inner space. A hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. The fluid forming a fluid column in the inner space of the drill string. The fluid column impedes entry of ground materials into the inner space of the drill string and is vibrated to create a water hammer for adding an additional drilling force. A geothermal transfer loop is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string and the drill string is removed from the ground. The method may also include discharging grouting material into the hole.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a vibratory apparatus. The vibratory apparatus is comprised of a housing, an eccentric mass, a crankshaft, a first member, a second member and an operating mechanism for rotating the crankshaft. The crankshaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and the crankshaft is operatively connected to the eccentric mass. The first member is hollow and has an inner space and outer surface. The first member is received by the eccentric mass. The second member is received within the inner space of the first member. The second member is connected to the crankshaft and the first member is allowed radial movement about the second member along a first axis. A liquid forms a lubricating layer between the first member and the eccentric mass.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for drilling a hole into the ground and installing a geothermal transfer loop. A drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus, such as a sonic drill, for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground. The hollow drill string having an inner space. A hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground and discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. A geothermal transfer loop is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string and the drill string is removed from the ground. The method may also include discharging grouting material into the hole.

Abstract: A drill string for a rotary-vibratory drill comprises a plurality of drill pipes. Each of the drill pipes has a longitudinal axis and at least one end. A female connector member and a male connector member are between the ends of adjacent said drill pipes, the female connector member having a first portion mating with a first of the adjacent drill pipes and a second portion extending away from the first of the drill pipes. The male connector member has a first portion mating with a second of the adjacent drill pipes and a second portion extending away from the second of the drill pipes, the second portion of the female connector threadedly engaging the second portion of the male connector. One of said each drill pipe and the connectors has a plurality of spaced-apart slots adjacent to the end of the drill pipe and communicating outwardly at the end. The slots are parallel to the longitudinal axis.