Abstract: The invention is a multiple lift hoist system for a drilling vessel and use on land made of a mast with a top side and a base connected to a drilling vessel, wherein the mast has a hollow construction for supporting a first and second hoisting device at the top side, a lift system with a first hoisting device located in a first firing line that manipulates a first drill string and s second hoisting device located in a second firing line that manipulates a second drill string both hoisting devices move the strings in the longitudinal direction of the mast, and a plurality of cables and winches disposed in the hollow construction to manipulate the position of the first and second hoisting devices relative to the mast so the first and second firing lines are accessible from the outside of the mast.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coring guide for converting a mine roof bolter into apparatus suitable for guiding a coring rod, or drill, into a mine roof, as well as a method for obtaining a geological core from the mine roof using the guide. The guide includes a pair of jaws, wherein each jaw has an adapter end and a pivotable end. The adapter end of each jaw includes a cavity that faces a cavity included in the adapter end of the other jaw, such that the closed jaws form at least a major portion of a cylindrical coring cavity that accommodates a coring rod. Each jaw includes means for fixing the rod guide within a mine roof bolter apparatus such that when the coring guide is positioned between the jaws and the jaws are partially closed such that they enclose the coring rod, the roof bolter causes the coring rod to penetrate the mine roof and obtain a core sample.

Abstract: A post hole digger has a frame attached to three-point linkage of a tractor. A boom has its proximal end pivotally connected to the frame, and an auger is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the boom. The boom is formed by a pair of laterally spaced arms, each of which is an integrally formed angled arm. The boom arms are bent from straight lengths of steel in a cold working process, to reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: The invention is a new drill for making micropiles, equipped with a mast on which the head-carrying trolley slides and having at the bottom of the mast two pairs of vices, a lower fixed vice and a upper unscrewing vice. Besides being able to rotate around the drilling axis, the unscrewing vice is able to move along said mast with respect to the lower fixed vice. The advantages are considerable, since it is no longer necessary to dismantle the rod and the covering during the extraction stages.

Abstract: A self-erecting rig is adapted for deployment on a platform and includes hydraulic jacks and rails. The rig structure is made up of stacked, interlocking modules having open areas pre-fitted with well equipment such as mud pumps, mud tanks, and power packs. The rails are disposed on a platform and guide the modules to the hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks, also fixed onto the platform, are configured to releasably engage and elevate the modules. During deployment, the jacks engage a module and hoist it to a pre-determined height. While the engaged module is suspended, another module is slid immediately below. After the two modules interlock, the jacks repeat the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boring holes in the ground. The apparatus includes an auger translating along a guide. Because the auger translates along the guide, the auger bores a straight hole in the ground. The present invention also contemplates a method. The method of boring holes in the ground includes rectilinearly translating an auger with respect to the ground and boring a hole in the ground with the auger. The method may also include longitudinally and transversely orienting the auger.

Abstract: The drilling machine includes a frame that is supported for movement over the ground and a tower that is mounted on the frame. A rotary head is movable along the tower and engageable with a drill string for rotating the drill string. A pull down cable is connected to the rotary head for pulling the rotary head downward for pushing the drill string into the ground. A pull back cable is connected to the rotary head for pulling the rotary head upward for pulling the drill string out of the ground. The pull back cable is subject to a slack condition in response to elastic stretch of the pull down cable. A slack take-up device is connected to the pull back cable to remove the slack created in the pull back cable by the elastic stretch of the pull down cable.

Abstract: In a pilot head 20 to be used in a ground drilling machine, the injection ports 22A for injecting digging liquid are directed rearward and angularly separated from the axis of rotation N by an obtuse angle &thgr;1 (168E). With this arrangement, when digging a leading hole D from a starting pit, the flow rate of digging liquid flowing from the front end of the leading hole D toward the starting pit can be increased to efficiently deliver soil produced by the digging operation to remarkably improve the soil removing efficiency.

Abstract: A continuous feed drilling system and controller includes a head assembly having first and second chucks synchronized to rotate at the same rotational velocity. The chucks are independently moveable within the head assembly and their positions are measured by linear transducers. The controller causes the first chuck to engage with a drill stem and begin rotating and advancing. The controller uses the outputs of the linear transducers to determine the linear velocity of the advancing first chuck and synchronize the linear velocity of the first and second chucks. The controller then causes the second chuck to engage the drill stem and causes the first chuck to release the drill stem. The process is repeated, alternating the roles of the first and second chucks, thus creating a continuous drilling motion.

Abstract: A trolley hoisting system for use in a rig has a derrick mounted to the rig, a winch line extending from an upper end of the derrick, and a traveling block located at one end of the winch line. An injector trolley has at least one cavity for allowing the winch line passage therethrough and is adapted to engage the traveling block so that the winch line may be used to raise and lower the injector trolley along the derrick. A lock arrangement for fixing the injector trolley to the derrick at an upper end thereof allows the traveling block to extend below the injector trolley for performing other desired tasks on the rig.

Abstract: A post hole digger (10) has a frame (11) attached to a three-point linkage of a tractor (12). A boom (20) has its proximal end pivotally connected to the frame (11), and an auger (31) is pivotally mounted to the distal end of the boom (20). The boom (20) is formed by a pair of laterally spaced arms (21), each of which is an integrally formed angled arm. The boom arms (21) are bent from straight lengths of steel in a cold working process, to reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Abstract: A continuous feed drilling system and controller includes a head assembly having first and second chucks synchronized to rotate at the same rotational velocity. The chucks are independently moveable within the head assembly and their positions are measured by linear transducers. The controller causes the first chuck to engage with a drill stem and begin rotating and advancing. The controller uses the outputs of the linear transducers to determine the linear velocity of the advancing first chuck and synchronize the linear velocity of the first and second chucks. The controller then causes the second chuck to engage the drill stem and causes the first chuck to release the drill stem. The process is repeated, alternating the roles of the first and second chucks, thus creating a continuous drilling motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing the unexpected loss of heavy mining equipment by detecting the separation of heavy metal parts at an early stage in the separation process, and providing a warning signal in response to which the particular machine that is having the difficulty may then be shut down in a timely manner. A spring-loaded switch is sandwiched between the heavy metal parts, which upon partial separation of the parts then expands and turns on an electrical switch to activate a radio transmitter, sending an alarm signal to a receiver at a remote location.

Abstract: A drilling system (10) for drilling holes into concrete includes a drilling tool (20) attached to a frame (22) that can be secured to a drilling surface (S) of any orientation and permits (1) manual, (2) manual-power-assisted, or (3) stand-mounted, hands-free operation of the drilling tool (20). The system (10) utilizes air pressure, vacuum, gas regulating system, or even magnetism, to secure the frame (22) of the drilling tool (20) to the surface (S) and to control the movement of a drill bit (34) with respect to the surface (S). A fluid delivery system (80) is used to facilitate certain actions of the drill bit (34) and to effectively remove debris resulting from drilling from the drilling site. Also disclosed are related methods of drilling holes into concrete that reduce noise, mess, and debris resulting from drilling.

Abstract: A modular lightweight rig (1) comprising a plurality of modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) designed to be placed on a platform deck (15) and to support a drilling deck (10) on which a derrick (11) is designed to be placed. A first set of modules (2, 4, 6, 8) is arranged in a first column (30) and a second set of modules (3, 5, 7, 9) is arranged in a second column (31). A space (32) is defined between the columns, over which space the drilling deck (10) is designed to be positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boring device and a boring method for producing a bore with a casing tube, which is introduced into the soil prior to an excavation. The boring device has a linkage, a boring tool, which can be fixed to the lower end of the linkage, a mounting frame for mounting on the casing tube, a drive and a connecting device, which is used for producing a rotary connection between the casing tube and the mounting frame. The linkage is hollow and has a first and a second flushing line. In the vicinity of the upper end of the linkage are provided a first connection for the supply of a fluid to the first flushing line and a second connection for removing the borings via the second flushing line.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a tower, a stabilizer for lifting/lowering an injector and BOP stack, and a powered arm adapted to manipulate BHA segments. The tower includes a plurality of interlocking modules and is mounted on a two perpendicularly aligned skids. The tower is also provided with an opening that enables the side loading of equipment. The preferred rig includes one module adapted to support a stabilizer that includes hydraulic lifts that can raise the injector and BOP stack off the wellhead. The stabilizer also accommodates the thermal expansion of the BOP stack by rising and lowering the stack during well servicing operations. The powered arm attaches to the tower and includes an articulated gripper for manipulating the bottom hole assembly segments. Preferably, the powered arm is controlled by a general purpose computer that guides the powered arm through a predetermined sweep.

Abstract: A ground-boring apparatus for boring the ground within a casing tube, which is driven into the ground by a casing tube pusher machine to prevent the surrounding soil from collapsing into a to be formed hole. The soil removed by an extensible kelly bar to be suspended by a movable crane, a boring bucket attached to the lower end of the kelly bar, a supporting frame unit to be placed on the casing tube for holding the kelly bar rotatably about its vertical axis, hydraulic motors provided on the supporting frame unit for turning the kelly bar about its vertical axis, and clamping devices for joining the supporting frame unit and the casing tube.

Abstract: The drilling machine includes a base member that is mounted on a deck for pivotal movement relative to an opening in the deck. A lower wrench is mounted on the base member for pivotal movement therewith relative to the deck and for movement relative to the base member such that the lower wrench is engageable with flat surfaces of a lower drill rod. An upper wrench is movable relative to the deck and engageable with flat surfaces of an upper drill rod such that pivotal movement of the base member relative to the deck when the upper wrench engages the upper drill rod and when the lower wrench engages the lower drill rod rotates the lower drill rod relative to the upper drill rod to break the joint between the upper and lower drill rods.

Abstract: The drilling machine of the present invention includes a frame, a tower, a rotary head, and a rotary head guide. The tower is mounted on the frame and includes an elongated member. The rotary head is engageable with the drill string and slidably coupled to the elongated member for movement along the tower. The rotary head guide includes a support, a wear block, a backing bar, and an adjustment mechanism. The support is coupled to the rotary head, the wear block is slidably engaged with the elongated member, and the backing bar is coupled between the wear block and the support. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the support and engages the backing bar such that adjustment of the adjustment mechanism moves the backing bar away from the support to move the wear block against the elongated member.

Abstract: Boring unit for pile foundations presenting a tracked vehicle facing the mouth of a hole, a mast (5) which is supported by the tracked vehicle, a rotary table (6) which is slidingly mounted along the mast (5), and at least one excavation element (7) which is connected to the table (6) and which presents a boring tool (8) at its own lower end. The boring unit may also include a handling device (11) which provides for moving the excavation element (7) and for moving further auxiliary excavation elements (19, 20) and which is also provided with a head (12) mounted on a top end of the mast (5) that is equipped with a hoist (13) and a central cable (14) which can be alternatively connected to the excavation element (7) via a drive unit (40) which is suitable for co-operating with the hoist (13) in order to rapidly move the auxiliary excavation elements.

Abstract: A drilling tool, consisting of an hydraulic excavator 2 and a drilling unit 7, is used for producing geotechnical bore holes. The drilling unit 7 is connected to the boom 5 of the hydraulic excavator 2 by way of a tilt head 15 with three degrees of freedom or three axes of rotation 16, 17, 18, which allow for it to be easily moved into the most varied working positions, especially in such a way as to permit drilling action that is considerably above the standing surface of the hydraulic excavator 2.

Abstract: The injector of the invention provides a means and method for injecting either coiled tubing or conventional stalked tubing into and from a well by developing axial forces in the tubing. The curvature of the coiled tubing is simultaneously selectably altered on the opposite side of the injector from the wellhead. To develop traction on the tubing, the injector relies upon an array of opposed pairs of annularly grooved driven rollers which are urged into contact with the tubing. The pairs of rollers are mounted in an alternating pattern 90° apart so that the tubing is well supported and urged into roundness. Integral with the injector, but deactivated when the injector is used with stalked tubing, is a selectably operable tubing straightener which serves to straighten the tubing before entry into the well and also to recurve the tubing when being withdrawn from the well to control its arcuate path between the injector and the tubing storage reel.

Abstract: A directional boring device is provided for attachment to a carrier having a power source for providing a first power supply to the boring device for moving the device and a second power supply for operating the device. The boring device includes an attachment frame, and a selectively attachable first coupler for coupling the attachment frame to the first power supply to permit movement of the device. A drill tool assembly is provided that includes a drill head, a drill stem attachable to the drill head, a drill bit attachable to the drill stem and a drill assembly power transmission. The drill assembly power transmission imparts rotational and axial movement to the drill tool assembly whereby the drill assembly transmission is capable of moving the drill head and drill stem in a path generally parallel to the plane on which the carrier rests.

Abstract: A blast hole drill comprising a mast including two parallel mast cords, a carriage, and a rotary head mounted on the carriage and adapted to engage a drill pipe. The rotary head includes a drive pinion on a rack on one of the mast cords, and the drive pinion is on one side of at least one of the mast cords. A backup wheel assembly is on the opposite side of the respective mast cord opposite the pinion and includes a wheel holding assembly support rotatably supporting a backup wheel, a yoke having an opening through the yoke, a plunger threadably received in the yoke opening, the wheel assembly support being slidably received on the plunger, and Belleville washers extending around the plunger and between the yoke and the wheel holding assembly support, the Belleville washers extending between an abutment on the plunger and the wheel holding assembly support.

Abstract: A pavement coring machine having rotating cutting heads of various diameter, the optimum speed of rotation of the heads varying with the diameter of the cutting head and the nature of the pavement being cored has a direct reading tachometer positioned to be observed by an operator of the machine, the tachometer being operatively connected to display the speed of rotation of the cutting head. A method of operating the machine includes determining the optimum speed of rotation of a cutting head, and regulating the speed of the cutting head as displayed by the direct reading tachometer.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling machine for generating a bore with a drill string. The machine includes a frame defining a thrust axis. A rotational drive head for rotating the drill string is mounted on the frame. A thrust mechanism is provided for moving the rotational drive head in a first direction along the thrust axis to push the drill string into the ground, and a second direction along the thrust axis to pull the drill string from the ground. The horizontal directional drilling machine also includes an anchoring arrangement connected to the frame. In one embodiment, the anchoring arrangement includes a stake-down unit that is pivotally movable about a pivot axis that is generally transversely oriented relative to the thrust axis. The stake-down unit includes a power auger, and a stake-down actuator for moving the power auger toward and away from the ground. The anchoring arrangement also includes a tilt actuator for pivoting the stake-down unit about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting and removing a flexible first material into a second material (20) includes a moveable carriage (22). An adjustable clamp (24) is connected to the moveable carriage (22), adjustable between an open position and a clamped position on the first flexible material. In a preferred embodiment, a receiver stiffener casing (26) is configured to receive and support the flexible first material as the flexible first material is inserted into and removed from the second material.

Abstract: A mobile, horizontal directional boring apparatus and method is provided for boring from an existing utility manhole for the placement of small diameter fiber optic cabling. A mobile platform is located adjacent an existing utility manhole. A boring unit is rotatably and tiltably supported on the mobile platform, and a movable hollow arm assembly is provided from the boring unit to an opening in a wall within the manhole. A plurality of rods attachable end-to-end are operable under control of the boring unit to bore a pathway to the termination point. The rods are inserted through the hollow arm assembly from the boring unit to the opening in the manhole. In this way, the rods do not damage existing equipment within the manhole. A manhole containment unit is provided within the opening in the manhole wall to which the hollow arm assembly is attached and which further serves to protect the manhole. Also, a manhole rim protection device is provided to protect the rim and chimney of the manhole.

Abstract: A drill comprising a frame supported for movement over the ground in a forward propel direction and a rearward propel direction, a mast mounted on the frame in a generally vertical position, and a drill head moveable up and down the mast. The drill head is selectively engageable with the upper end of a drill pipe so that the drill pipe is raised and lowered out of and into the ground when the drill head moves up and down the mast. The drill further includes a crawler drive for moving the drill in the forward propel direction, a motor for moving the drill head to cause drilling, and an operator's cab positioned on the frame adjacent the mast. The cab includes a first console and a second console spaced from the first console, controls on the first console for operating the forward propel drive, and controls on the second console for operating the drill head motor.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a platform for positioning at a drilling site, a mast pivotally mounted on the platform, a rod clamp on one end of the mast for clamping a drill rod, a casing clamp on the rod clamp for clamping the mast to a top end of a casing carrying the rod, whereby the mast is anchored to the ground during drilling, and a drill head slidable on the mast for driving the drill rod during drilling. By anchoring the apparatus to the bedrock during drilling a core sample removal, the apparatus cannot become misaligned due to reaction forces between the drill and the ground.

Abstract: A self-erecting rig is adapted for deployment on a platform and includes hydraulic jacks and rails. The rig structure is made up of stacked, interlocking modules having open areas pre-fitted with well equipment such as mud pumps, mud tanks, and power packs. The rails are disposed on a platform and guide the modules to the hydraulic jacks. Hydraulic jacks, also fixed onto the platform, are configured to releasably engage and elevate the modules. During deployment, the jacks engage a module and hoist it to a pre-determined height. While the engaged module is suspended, another module is slid immediately below. After the two modules interlock, the jacks repeat the process.

Abstract: Boring unit for pile foundations presenting a tracked vehicle facing the mouth of a hole, a mast (5) which is supported by the tracked vehicle, a rotary table (6) which is slidingly mounted along the mast (5), and at least one excavation element (7) which is connected to the table (6) and which presents an boring tool (8) at its own lower end; a handling device (11) which provides for moving the excavation element (7) and for moving further auxiliary excavation elements (19, 20) and which is also provided with a head (12) mounted on a top end of the mast (5) that is equipped with a hoist (13) and a central cable (14) which can be alternatively connected to the excavation element (7) via a drive unit (40) which is suitable for co-operating with the said hoist (13) in order to rapidly move the said auxiliary excavation elements.

Abstract: A post auger storage stand has a transverse base, a longitudinal arm and a movable yoke support having a pair of adjustable vertical column members for receiving a yoke of a post auger thereon wherein the movable yoke support is affixed to a slidable sleeve movable along the longitudinal arm to adjust for different sized post augers. The post auger stand may additionally have wheel members affixed to the transverse base and on a steerable axle pivotally mounted in the longitudinal arm wherein the post auger stand may be readily moved into position under a raised post auger mounted on a tractor and aligned for receiving the post auger on the post auger stand.

Abstract: A rock drill includes a mounting frame to which a hammering apparatus and a rotating apparatus is arranged. The mounting frame is made maneuverable with respect to a feeding beam by means of slide blocks fastened to it, whereby a separate carriage is not needed between the drill and the feeding beam. Owing to the mounting frame, the hammering apparatus and/or the rotating apparatus can be replaceable modules. The invention further relates to a mounting frame which is arranged to transmit the feed and recoil forces directed to the drill to feeding means. The mounting frame comprises a section parallel to the feeding beam, to which slide blocks are fastened, and a transverse axial support thereto, to which the hammering apparatus and the rotating apparatus are mounted.

Abstract: A first rig comprises a collapsible mast having one open side for receiving conventional sectional tubing and a second open side for receiving the injector of a second coiled tubing injection rig. Accordingly, lengths of sectional tubulars can be bandied or drawn up the first open side from the first rig; and coiled tubing can be introduced from the second side. A combination of strong and dual draw works, the dual open side mast and rotary table of a conventional rig minimize serial handling and enable making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: A power feed system for a rotary drill includes a hollow tubular derrick having a powerhead connected to a flexible cable moved by a double rod hydraulic cylinder assembly. The derrick includes fixed and movable sheaving assemblies. The hydraulic rod assembly, the fixed and movable assemblies operate substantially within the derrick interior. A guide wheel on the movable sheaving contacts the derrick to maintain axial alignment of the hydraulic rods. Pivotable connections between the cable and the movable sheaves automatically adjust for cable fleet angle change, as the movable sheaves travel, maintaining axial alignment of the hydraulic rods and avoiding introducing torque into the cylinder rods.

Abstract: A tool tie down system is provided which ties down a well tool inserted into the top end of a casing string being lowered into a well from upward movement caused by pressure forces from below the well tool inside the upper end of the casing string. The system includes a frictionally engageable clasp for supporting a tie down yoke on the bails connecting the traveling block and elevator slips assembly. A plurality of cords attached to the elevator on one end and the tie down yoke on the other end redirect forces from below to hold the well tool in place resisting these forces, the cords being fabricated, for example from an elastomer, a metal or metal alloy, a fiber, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A load compensator is disclosed for use in connection with a pipe running tool. The load compensator includes an outer housing connected to the portion of the pipe running tool that holds the pipe segment. A piston is disposed within the housing, and is connected to a top drive system of the pipe running tool. The housing is formed with a first port through which pressurized air is delivered inside the housing to drive the piston within the housing. A second port is disposed at a selected location on the housing, such that when the piston is advanced past the second port, pressurized air passes through the port, and causes the control circuit to stop delivering air through the first port. Once pressurized air no longer flows through the second port, the control circuit causes air to be delivered to the first port.

Abstract: The soil sampler of this invention is mounted on a wheeled vehicle and includes a frame having a pivotal mast which is movable between an upright position and a horizontally disposed position. An elongated, hollow soil probe is longitudinally movably mounted on the mast so that the probe may be inserted into the ground to collect a soil sample. When the sample has been collected in the soil probe, the probe is raised from the ground and the mast is moved from its upright position to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample in the probe is automatically dumped from the probe when the mast has been moved to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample is collected in a receptacle position below the probe with the receptacle being divided into at least two compartments. The soil sampling probe also includes means for indicating the true position of the soil surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic auger system having a hydraulic motor capable of two speed operation, the motor including an output shaft which may rotate and a connected auger. A pressure sensitive kick down valve unit is connected to the hydraulic motor, whereby the unit determines the speed state of said hydraulic motor, based on resistance to rotation of auger, auger speed, or sensed hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A derrick comprises equipment (41) for movement of a pipe line/drill stem (13) or a pipe section (29) axially in the derrick (12), and equipment (65) for turning of same about its longitudinal axis, together with equipment (31) for installing pipe sections (29) in the derrick (12) and withdrawal of pipe sections (29) from the derrick (12). The equipment comprises an aggregate (41) of axially extendible/contractible hydraulic cylinders (42a-42c, 43a-43c, which are arranged in groups (42, 43, 44) in the aggregate (41) in two or more vertical rows, with an intermediate vertical guide for the pipe line/drill stem (13) or for the pipe section (29). The rows of cylinders are mutually rigidly connected via bridge portions (45′, 45″, 45′″), which separately form a fastening for at least one end of a group of cylinders. Each bridge portion is provided with a laterally opening recess (46) for sideways installation/withdrawal of a pipe section (29) in the guide between the rows of cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a horizontal underground bore is adapted for attachment to an articulated arm, or boom, attached to conventional construction equipment such as a crawler excavator. The apparatus includes a hydraulic motor attached to an end of the articulated arm by a support frame which allows for vertical pivoting displacement of the hydraulic motor. A keyed shaft of the hydraulic motor is adapted for secure, fixed attachment to the shaft of an auger. The apparatus further includes a support/guide assembly having a generally flat, plate-like base member and an elongated, linear alignment trough attached to the upper surface of the base member. The base member is positioned on the ground adjacent to where the horizontal bore is to be formed. The trough is aligned along the intended direction of the bore and includes a casing end portion which is inserted into the soil where the bore is to begin and is aligned with the intended direction of the bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: A device for connecting a tool to a mechanical drive contains as the coupling element a spring washer coupling or clutch, which is made in one piece from metal and at least in the rotation direction has a limited resilience. Use is made thereof for preventing torque peaks in the case of a sudden deceleration of the tool, e.g. if a screw strikes a wood surface.

Abstract: To provide a drilling tool magazine and a horizontal boring machine having such a drilling tool magazine in which automatic and reliable handling and access to any of the drilling tools to be handled is ensured, the drilling tool magazine (10) which is particularly suitable for horizontal boring machines (5) is fitted with a plurality of tool bays (12) so as to receive tools (8) in an essentially horizontal position; these tool bays are each formed by at least one drive catch (14) movable along a conveyance path.

Abstract: In a method for use in coilable tubing operations, such as onshore and offshore drilling for oil/gas, a coilable tubing (34) is used. The coilable tubing (34) is coiled up on a drum (36) and uncoiled therefrom by means of a feed-in and feed-out injector (32), said drum 936) being rotatable about its own axis. In order to enable rotation of the coilable tubing 934) within the well such that the angled transition piece carrying the bit is rotated to take the correct orientation, in order to enable drilling along a predetermined path without having to use a downhole orientation tool, the coilable tubing (34) is put into rotational movements during forwardly feeding thereof. To this end, the drum 936) and the underlying injector (32) may be placed on a rotary table (30) having a vertical rotational axis (A—A) aligned with the vertical symmetry axis of an underlying blowout preventer (28). The drum (36) for the coilable tubing (34) is, preferably, eccentrically positioned on the rotary table (30).

Abstract: A clamp for gripping casing strings is disclosed. A series of radially arranged spring biased slips are mounted in a housing attached to a top drive. A hydraulic system is used to release the slips from the gripping position upon a casing string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for making bored piles. The machine comprises a vertical guide mast; a rotary drive head that is movable relative to the mast; an auger having a hollow core and at least one helical blade; an extender tube whose bottom end is secured to the top end of the auger, said drive head co-operating with said extender tube to rotate both the extender tube and the auger; a dip tube slidably mounted in the hollow core of the auger and the extender tube, the dip tube having a top end connected to a concrete feed pipe; and an annular actuator having a first end secured to the top end of said extender tube and a second end secured to the top end of said dip tube.

Abstract: A drilling rig is constructed into modules for ease of mounting and removing from the bed of a vehicle such as a truck and includes a sled module that horizontally moves the drill fore and aft of the bed, and an integrated boom support tower that includes platens that pivotally mount the boom for storing and deployment. The controls are mounted on the support tower in a convenient location for ease of operating the drill.