Abstract: Disclosed is a drilling system for rock drilling with a drill string, wherein the drill string includes at least one bendable drill pipe. The drilling system further includes at least two block and tackle systems for driving an end of the drill string in a first direction; and at least two conveyor devices adapted to guide and bend the drill string between the first direction and a second direction, so as to convert a motion of the drill string between the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A wet connect apparatus operable in a down-hole environment includes an annular electrical contact, which includes a resilient outer member constructed of coiled spring having its ends fused together, and also includes an inner retention member constructed of a gift ring embedded or installed within the resilient outer member. The inner retention member provides a radial bias to retain the annular electrical contact within an electrically conductive groove during installation and assembly of the wet connect apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, of an improved drill bit assembly for a percussion boring system. More specifically, one non-limiting embodiment of an improved drill bit assembly for a percussion boring system comprises a bit and a product engagement member. The bit comprises a slant faced head and at least one exhaust port. The product engagement member comprises a product coupling portion and at least one fluid restriction portion. This improved drill bit assembly is such that, when the product engagement member is detachably engaged with the slant faced head of the bit, a first portion of the fluid stream expelled from the bit is directed substantially forward of the slant faced head and a second portion of the fluid stream is directed substantially rearward from the slant faced head.

Abstract: A downhole oscillation tool and method for axially vibrating a drill bit. In some embodiments, modular actuation assemblies may be provided, which may be readily interchanged between a housing and a shaft to axially vibrate the shaft with respect to the housing. Modular actuation assemblies may be mechanical, hydraulic, electric, or piezoelectric, for example, and may be characterized by differing oscillation frequencies. In some embodiments, a piezo element may be provided between the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for displaying toolface orientation data including a surface steerable system for controlling drilling direction of a bottom hole assembly (BHA). The surface steerable system configured to receive toolface orientation data from the BHA and generate display data responsive thereto. A circular chart display is generated responsive to the display data responsive to the display data from the surface steerable system, the circular chart display representing current and historical toolface orientation data. The current and historical toolface orientation data is represented as an arc indicator defined on the circular chart illustrating a range in degrees of the current and historical toolface orientations.

Abstract: A wired pipe assembly includes a first wired pipe segment including a first body extending from a first box end to a first pin end and a second wired pipe segment including a second body extending from a second box end to a second pin end. The assembly also includes an electromagnetic directional coupler including an input line disposed in the first wired pipe segment and an output line disposed in the second wired pipe segment.

Abstract: A wireline configurable toolstring is conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation via a tubular string to which the wireline configurable tool string is coupled in a manner permitting relative motion of the wireline configurable toolstring and the tubular string. The wireline configurable toolstring converts rotary motion imparted by rotation of the tubular string, or by fluid flow resulting from reciprocation of the tubular string, into electrical energy. The wireline configurable toolstring also comprises at least one wireline configurable instrument powered by the electrical energy.

Abstract: A device has a first, lower sub housing, a second, upper sub housing, and an extensible joint connecting the lower sub housing to the upper sub housing. A pressure equalization chamber is attached to the upper sub housing and demarcates an inner zone including an internal mechanism of the extensible joint, and an outer zone open to well bore fluids and pressure. A fluid barrier moves within the pressure equalization chamber in response to changes in well bore pressure to alter a volume of the inner zone to equalize a pressure of the inner zone.

Abstract: A rotation unit, rock drilling unit and method for rock drilling. The rotation unit includes a main shaft that is rotated around its longitudinal axis by means of a rotating motor. The main shaft is supported on a body of the rotation device slidingly in the axial direction. This slide property is utilized when connection threads of drilling equipment and drilling components comprised by it are connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling annulus ring hole, comprising: a down-the-hole (DTH) percussion hammer assembly, the DTH percussion hammer assembly comprising one or more DTH percussion hammers, an annulus ring structural housing having an outer diameter (OD) and an inner diameter (ID) for accommodating the DTH percussion hammers within space between the OD and the ID of the annulus ring structural housing; one or more drill pipes being connected serially with each other forming a string of drill pipes, the string of serially connected drill pipes being connected to the DTH percussion hammer assembly; a top pipe with one or more exhaust openings being connected to the string of serially connected drill pipes; an air or fluid distributor being connected to the top pipe; and a rotary head providing rotational turning motion for the apparatus, and the rotary head being connected to the air distributor.

Abstract: A drive system (40) for a drilling has a housing (42) with an interior chamber (60), a stator (62) positioned within the interior chamber (60), a rotor (64) positioned in interior of the stator (62) and within in the interior chamber (60) of the housing (42), and a drive plate (66) affixed to the rotor (64). The rotor (64) has a plurality of permanent magnets in spaced relation around a periphery of the rotor. The stator (62) has a plurality of windings extending in spaced relation around an interior diameter of the stator so as to as be cooperative with the plurality of permanent magnets. The drive plate (66) has an interior passageway suitable for joining to a stem of the drill string.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods in accordance with the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The system includes a gripping tool operatively connected to and suspended from the top drive assembly, in which the gripping tool includes an axis defined therethrough and a gripping member, and an adaptor apparatus having a first end and a second end. The at least one gripping member engages the adaptor apparatus, and the second end includes a connection member to connect with the tubular member.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for adapting an HVAC system in an existing building for utilizing geothermal energy, the system comprising an incoming flux of geothermal energy; a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy; and an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces, said interface adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system.

Abstract: A drilling rig for drilling an underground borehole (5) into a seam (4) uses coiled metal tubing (8) fed by a tractor unit (11) from a drum (7) to provide a thrust force to a drilling head. The drilling head has a bent-sub assembly giving an angle of deviation which is controlled by rotating the coiled metal tubing in the borehole by way of rotation of the drum (7) in the frame (12) about the axis of the tube in the borehole (5).

Abstract: A drilling system for drilling out a sample of a formation, a well, or the like downhole. The drilling system has a drilling head having an at least partly hollow cylindrical body with a circumferential rim. The circumferential rim has at least one cutting edge. Furthermore, the drilling system has a driving unit for rotating the cylindrical body and the cutting edge for cutting a piece out of the formation, and a driving tool such as a downhole tractor for driving the drilling head forward in the well or formation.

Abstract: A system for forming a subsurface wellbore includes a rack and pinion system including a chuck drive system. The chuck drive system operates a drilling string. An automatic position control system includes at least one measurement sensor coupled to the rack and pinion system. The automatic position control system controls the rack and pinion system to determine a position of the drilling string.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling an underground borehole, comprising: a tubular conveyance system (18) including an electric cable and a supply of drilling fluid, the supply of drilling fluid being arranged in use to pump fluid from the surface down the inside of the tubular conveyance so as to return to the surface via the annulus between the outside of the tubular conveyance and the borehole; a drilling system comprising an electrically powered pump and a drilling motor, the pump being arranged in use to pump fluid from the borehole outside the drilling system up through the inside of the drilling system; a connector connecting the drilling system to the tubular conveyance system (18), through which the pump and motor are connected to the electric cable, and a flow diverter at which flow down the inside of the tubular conveyance system (18) is diverted into the annulus, and flow up the inside of the drilling system is diverted into the annulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a machine. A remote operator controls a tracking device including a signal system for selectively emitting a remote enable signal. The remote enable signal is relayed to a control system for the machine. The control system is proximate to the machine and is adapted to enable at least one action of the machine upon detecting the remote enable signal. The machine is also adapted to disable the same action of the drilling machine upon detecting an absence of the remote enable signal for a predetermined number of intervals, each interval being of a preselected duration.

Abstract: A reverse-circulation drilling method and system includes a drill bit, a drill string having drill rods, and a rotary table or power swivel for bringing the drill bit into rotation by means of the rods. The system includes a positive-displacement pump made up of a stator and of a rotor, the stator being inserted in the drill rods, and the rotor being assembled to operating rods arranged within the drill rods.

Abstract: A method of and system for directional drilling alternate between rotary drilling and sliding drilling with the bit remaining in continuous contact with the bottom of the bore hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a machine. A remote operator controls a tracking device including a signal system for selectively emitting a remote enable signal. The remote enable signal is relayed to a control system for the machine. The control system is proximate to the machine and is adapted to enable at least one action of the machine upon detecting the remote enable signal. The machine is also adapted to disable the same action of the drilling machine upon detecting an absence of the remote enable signal for a predetermined number of intervals, each interval being of a preselected duration.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for steering a ground drilling machine, in particular, a pipe string assembly with a drilling head which is driven in the ground in rotative, propulsive and, if so desired, percussive fashion, in which at least one deflection pulse is exerted upon the rotating drilling head or the pulses acting upon the drilling head are interrupted when the angular position of the drilling head relative its axis corresponds to the position in which the deflection should take place.

Abstract: A conventional drilling system using continuous coiled tubing connected to a reel at its upper end and connected to a drilling tool at its lower end is steered by rotating the injector at the well head which drives the tubing into the well about an axis longitudinal of the well bore to effect twist in the tubing along the well bore and thus to rotate the drilling tool. This twist in the tubing between the injector and the reel is negated by rotating the reel about a vertical axis parallel to the well bore in a direction, viewed from above, which is opposite to the direction of the injector.

Abstract: The invention provides a drilling method for drilling a bore-hole in ground or soil, with a percussion drilling device operated directly in the bore-hole and with a rotary percussion drilling device operated from the surface of the ground or soil, both devices being received in a common support member and adapted to be simultaneously operated, and a drilling assembly for preforming this method. In order to avoid a damage of the percussion drilling device, the drilling impact forces and vibrations directed to the rotary percussion drilling device are registered, elastically dampened and absorbed prior to having an effect on the percussion drilling device.

Abstract: A continuous feed system for a drill comprising a down-hole drill assembly having a support end and a drilling bit. Rotation is imported to the down-hole drill assembly between the support end and the drilling bit, which results in a torque being applied to the support end. A vertically disposed support chain has two ends, one end of the chain is connected to the support end. The chain resists the torque with limited torsional flexibility. A drive interacts with the chain at a point between the two ends for positively providing axial extension of a length of the chain.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rotary drilling cutter and a spoil removal conduit for the digging of a deep trench, characterized in that the spoil removal conduit is gradually adjustable in length during excavation and comprises: (a) a first conduit section, arranged proximate to said rotary cutter, and comprised of associated slidingly adjustable rigid male and female telescopic tube elements; (b) a second conduit section comprising a flexible tube having two ends, said flexible tube being connected to said first conduit section by one of its ends, its other end being disposed in the vicinity of the ground at a predetermined spoil discharge point, (c) a pulley supporting said flexible tube between said two ends; (d) lifting gear for suspending said pulley; and (e) a first cable associated with said lifting gear for supporting said pulley at selected adjustable heights.

Abstract: A means and method to pre-tension a cable or components thereof which provides an auxiliary reel mounted upon the primary cable reel, which auxiliary reel can be rotated independently of said primary cable reel and also rotated with said primary cable reel. The rotation of such auxiliary reel, when attached to a tension member, prior to rotation of the primary cable reel, pre-tensions, such tension member and said cable to limit rotation, deformation and distortion of the cable under preset conditions. The rotation of the auxiliary reel with the primary cable reel maintains such pre-tension regardless of whether the rotation of the primary cable reel increases such tension in the cable.

Abstract: A downhole motor (19) is mounted in a drill pipe (13) above a hole enlarger (14) intermediate ends of the pipe (13). The motor drives a lower pilot bit (28). A split flow bypass device (24) above the motor (19) allows part of the flow to drive the motor and the remainder to bypass through a central passage, the divided flows rejoining below the motor (19) with a restricted flow through jet nozzles (32) to the hole enlarger cutter (15). Flow passes centrally of the output shaft (26), past a bleed valve (34) bleeding up to 5% to an outer shaft space for lubricating bearings (30), to flow restrictor jet nozzles (33) of the pilot bit (28).

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for propelling equipment through a fluid-filled conduit 12, such as a pipeline or oil well tubular. The propulsion apparatus incorporates first and second elements 14,16 adapted to be moved in a first axial direction through the conduit 12 and to resist being moved in the opposite axial direction. The first and second elements 14,16 are connected by a biasing element 18 which is adapted to move the first and second elements 14,16 toward one another in response to increasing the pressure within the conduit 12 and to move the first and second elements 14,16 away from one another in response to decreasing the pressure. By cycling the pressure of the fluid within the conduit 12, the propulsion apparatus 10 propels itself through the conduit 12. In one embodiment, the first and second elements 14,16 are adapted to reverse, on operator command, the direction of permitted travel of the propulsion apparatus 10.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole rotary drilling device. More particularly, it relates to a gas operated turbine motor designed to be located downhole adjacent a rotary drilling bit to impart rotational force to the drilling bit and thus accomplish subsurface drilling operations.

Abstract: A directional drill attached to a drill string having periodic concentric collars is advanced in an inverted arcuate path to form a pilot hole underneath an obstacle followed by a larger concentric washover pipe. When the washover pipe reaches the surface on the other side of the obstacle a first reamer is attached to the end of the washover pipe exiting the drilling path, a second reamer of smaller diameter than the first reamer is attached to the other end of the first reamer by means providing for some separation between the two reamers, and a production casing of smaller diameter than the second reamer is attached to the other end of the second reamer with a swivel. The remaining length of the first portion of casing is supported some distance above the ground on rollers located above and beyond the exit point of the pilot hole. The reamers are operated by rotating the washover pipe and simultaneously drawing the washover pipe through the pilot hole.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for positioning a kelly drive bushing of a surface drilling assembly in spaced relationship to an associated rotary table. The adapter permits the wireline of an electronic steering assembly to pass through the central aperture in the rotary table below the drive bushing to surface readout equipment, enabling the electronic steering assembly to be employed for drilling directional bores without removal of the kelly.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig (10) and conversion apparatus for drilling rigs is disclosed. The rig includes a percussion assembly (32) rotatably mounted to a ram (30) above the ground in which drilling is to be made. The rig (10) includes a conversion mandrel (40) structured for insection in, and retention by, the percussion assembly (32) in place of a normally retained bit element (34). The mandrel (40) has an anvil surface (56) to which percussive strokes of a piston (50) disposed within the percussion assembly (32) for reciprocating movement therein are applied. The mandrel (40) further includes a hammer portion (68) to transfer both the percussive force of the piston (50) and continuous downward pressure applied to the percussion assembly (32) by the ram 30 to a length of casing (20) encircling the drill rod (22) which accomplishes the drilling. The conversion apparatus can, therefore, convert a bottom-hole drilling rig to a top-of-the-hole rig.

Abstract: A self-driven pneumatically operated ram borer for boring holes in the ground includes a casing containing a percussion piston and a control sleeve for controlling the supply of compressed air through a hose to cause the piston to reciprocate, is provided with a control tube which is rotatable to vary the porting of the borer to cause it to move either forwards or rearwards. The tube is rotated into either a forward position or a reverse position by means of a flexible shaft which extends from the casing within the hose. By enclosing the shaft within the hose, the shaft is protected and is not subject to friction against the wall of the hole bored by the borer or to jamming if the hole collapses. The borer can thus easily be controlled even when it has passed through a very long bore hole.

Abstract: A down-the-hole rock drill including a drill bit provided at the lower end of a drill rod, which is rotatably driven by an above-the-ground motor. To increase the drilling efficiency and facilitate drilling of large-diameter holes a machine casing is positioned between the drill rod and the drill bit, said casing enclosing a hydraulic pump which is rotatably driven by the drill rod. The hydraulic pump delivers pressurized liquid to and drives the percussion unit including a hammer, the latter delivering blows against the drill bit at regular intervals. The machine casing also encloses at least one hydraulic motor driven by the pressurized liquid and arranged to rotate the drill bit. Hydraulically controllable blocking means prevent the machine casing from rotating relative to the drill hole wall while the drill bit is in operation.

Abstract: A downhole drilling system utilizes a non-rotating kelly bushing for locking in the torque created in the drill string by the downhole drilling motor. The kelly bushing prevents rotational movement of the kelly secured to the drill string on which the downhole motor is attached. The kelly bushing includes a torque mechanism for enabling the kelly and the attached drill string to move in a forward direction into the hole being drilled while prohibiting any rotational movement. A guide mechanism is provided in the kelly bushing for enabling an electrical wire to be attached to either the downhole motor or a sensing mechanism located in the area of the downhole motor for feeding back to the surface appropriate electrical signals indicative of certain drilling operations.

Abstract: A portable earth drilling apparatus adapted for helicopter transportation has been designed in light modular form and particularly adapted for use at high elevations under circumstances where prior art drill rigs are not capable of efficient operation.

Abstract: A drill drive mechanism is especially adapted to provide both rotational drive and axial feed for a drill of substantial diameter such as may be used for drilling holes for roof bolts in mine shafts. The drill shaft is made with a helical pattern of scroll-like projections on its surface for removal of cuttings. The drill drive mechanism includes a plurality of sprockets carrying two chains of drive links which are arranged to interlock around the drill shaft with each drive link having depressions which mate with the scroll-like projections. As the chain links move upwardly or downwardly the surfaces of the depressions in the links mate with the scroll projections to move the shaft axially. Tangs on the drive links mate with notch surfaces between scroll projections to provide a means for rotating the shaft. Projections on the drive links mate together at the center to hold the drive links tightly around the drill shaft.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to apparatus for drilling wells for oil, gas, water, etc., wherein the device for drilling is placed in a rigid cylindrical collar which is expanded and pressed in the walls of the well. The collar absorbs a reactive torque from drilling. In the upper part of the walls of the collar control devices are installed which send up the signals about outside collar pressure, temperature, etc., and thus indicate any complications in the process of drilling. The collar is coaxially joined at its upper end to a thin-walled, continuous tube which is formed from a coiled sheet by drawing the sheet through a rolling-up system of rollers. The tube is axially extended and retracted by a mechanism which has two or more systems of tube moving elements which are symmetrically disposed relatively to a longitudinal axis of the tube and engage the external surface of the pipe column with forces which are sufficient to create the necessary friction forces for moving the tube.

Abstract: The invention herein relates to an undercutting device which is provided with a substantially tubular body adapted to be placed within a parallel-sided hole. A rotary percussion head is provided at one end of the body and has one or more cutting tools which extend radially therefrom at an obtuse angle and which cutting tools are adapted to cut outwardly from the radius of the body, means are provided for rotating the head about the axis of the body and for operating the percussion head at one predetermined depth in the hole so that the cutting tools may act on the wall of the parallel-sided hole.

Abstract: A pulling tool apparatus for assisting equipment to descend down a wellbore, such as logging tools being lowered into a deviated wellbore. The pulling tool includes a pump located in the tool housing for pulling drilling mud into the lower end of the pulling tool and discharging the drilling mud in an upward direction so as to provide a downward force on the logging tool and logging cables. Several pulling tools can be used at the same time, each being spaced at intervals along the logging cable.

Abstract: A rock drilling apparatus has a noise reducing drill rod cover which comprises a pair of elongated strips, each of which, when in an extended condition in the longitudinal direction thereof, form part-cylindrical members which matingly engage the other strip to form a generally cylindrical cover around the drill rod. Spool means is provided, preferably in the area of the centralizer, to selectively roll the elongated strips thereon, the strips being flattened when rolled onto the spool means. The elongated strips are rolled onto simultaneously driven spools, and comprise either metallic strips, metallic strips covered with rubber on one or both surfaces thereof, or elastic strips having spaced metallic inserts embedded therein.

Abstract: A launching device for launching a percussion borer at the start of a ground boring operation comprises a carrier for holding the borer with mounting means which permits the borer to move forwards relative to the carrier in a boring movement but resists backward movement, and a base plate which, in operation, is anchored to the ground and on which the carrier is adjustably mounted. The adjustment of the carrier on the base plate enables the borer to be accurately directed in the correct direction in which the boring is to be made and when the borer is set in operation, rearward impulses on the borer are transmitted through the carrier and the base plate to the ground by which they are counteracted.

Abstract: A shaft is formed from ground level downwardly to a subterranean seam of coal or other solids following preliminary survey procedures to locate the seam and establish its dimensions. A passage is cut radially into the coal seam and away from the shaft near the bottom thereof while coal cuttings are removed and delivered to ground level. The seam is then cut on an arcuate path centered on said shaft along the entire length of the radial passage while coal cuttings continue to be removed and delivered through the shaft to ground level. The mining apparatus is modular and comprises plural mining modules to be placed in the coal seam by a placement and advancing unit which is lowered in the shaft. A rotational driving unit is subsequently lowered in the shaft to drive coupled mining modules in unison through the coal seam on said arcuate path.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid motor composed of a helical gear pair wherein an inner chamber has an external helical thread and a cooperating outer member has one more internal helical thread than the number of external helical threads on the inner member. The outer member is secured to one of the sections of a water swivel which is conventional except that it has an axial intake, radial tube and inner member supporting guide, and means are associated with an end of the inner member and with the other section of the water swivel to prevent relative rotation between said inner and outer members while permitting gyration of the inner member in relation to the outer member. Each end of the device has a tapered female thread. The motor may be used either end up. A drill pipe or suitable sub is threaded into one end of the device and a tool is threaded into the other end of the device, directly or with the sub between.

Abstract: A borehole drilling apparatus having a pneumatically driven hammer mounting a bit, a drill pipe connected to the hammer to supply operating compressed air to drive the hammer and to blow drilling debris therefrom, and a debris conduit in spaced circumscribing relation to the drill pipe having an open end adjacent to the hammer to receive air and debris therefrom and a remote opposite end to discharge said air and debris through the conduit.

Abstract: A well tool comprising: a tubular housing adapted for fluid communicable connection with the lower end of a pipe string; a piston assembly carried by the housing for relative axial movement therein from a first to a second terminal position in response to fluid pressure communicated through the pipe string to a first pressure area on the piston assembly; a valve assembly carried by the housing and movable from a closed position to an opened position, in response to predetermined axial movement of the piston assembly, to permit the pipe string fluid pressure to be communicated to a second pressure area on the piston assembly opposing the first pressure area and forcing the piston assembly to return to its first terminal position; and a working member carried by the housing for movement in response to reciprocal movement of the piston assembly.

Abstract: A marine dredging apparatus has a dredging aggregate that is connected to the surface by means of a plurality of articulatedly interconnected rigid pipe sections that can be wound up on a prismatic reel that in turn is disposed on, in or around a vessel. To facilitate winding in a helical configuration, the axis of the prismatic reel is disposed at an angle to the horizontal.

Abstract: A cutter wheel is mounted at the lower end of the machine for rotation about a horizontal tubular support. Cuttings are picked up by buckets on the cutter wheel and are directed into the tubular support to be received by an endless bucket conveyor which carries them upwardly to a discharge station. As the machine is advanced the cutter wheel is rotated to make a first cut in the shape of the leading portion of the cutter wheel. The cutter wheel is then retracted out from the cut and is rotated about the axis of the hole. This repositions the cutter wheel so that when it is advanced again it will make a second cut which crosses the first. This procedure is repeated until the desired cross-sectional configuration (e.g. circular) of the hole is obtained.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a drill pipe and a cutting means located therein. A locking mechanism with said drill pipe is provided on said cutting means and is operatively connected with a spearhead engageable with an engaging mechanism of a pulling-up device so that, when the spearhead is pulled, an inner tube and outer tube forming a part of the locking mechanism may move relative to each other to unlock the drill pipe and cutting means for quickly and easily pulling up the latter.