Abstract: Systems and methods for hoisting a top drive of a drilling rig. An example system includes a hoisting system having a linear electric motor operable to raise and lower the top drive. An example method includes commencing operation of a processing device to cause operation of the linear electric motor to raise and lower the top drive. The linear electric motor may have a stator connected to and extending vertically along a mast of the drilling rig, and a rotor connected to the top drive and operable to move relative to the stator. The rotor may be connected to the top drive via one or more flexible lines.

Abstract: A shrouded screw apparatus includes an outer tube, a telescoping inner tube, an auger bit, and an anti-rotation pin. The outer tube has a first sidewall defining a first interior chamber. The first sidewall has an opening defined therethrough. The inner tube is positioned in the first interior chamber. The inner tube has a second sidewall defining a second interior chamber. The second sidewall has a longitudinal groove defined therein. The inner tube is configured to extend from and retract within the first interior chamber of the outer tube. The auger bit is positioned in the second interior chamber and is rotatably coupled to the inner tube. The anti-rotation pin is coupled to the first sidewall of the outer tube and extends inwardly into the first interior chamber. The pin engages the longitudinal groove of the inner tube.

Abstract: A drill rig having a drill pipe standbuilding system. The standbuilding system may have one or more offline mouseholes, such as two offline mouseholes, a hoist arranged on a rail system, and an iron roughneck. The rail system may be arranged on the mast, such as above a racking board. The hoist may extend from the rail system, through the racking board, and toward a drill floor of the drill rig. The offline mouseholes, rail system, hoist, and iron roughneck may allow drill pipe stands to be built without interrupting or slowing drilling operations. A method of standbuilding may include arranging a first pipe section in a first mousehole, arranging a second pipe section in a second mousehole, coupling a third pipe section to the second pipe section to form a double stand, and coupling the second pipe section to the first pipe section to form a triple stand.

Abstract: A mobile base anchoring device (MOBAD) is activated to infix a component projectile into a substrate as a method to affix the base onto the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight electric earth drill including a mounting plate, a drill stem and an outer shell, a motor installed on the mounting plate and configured to drive the drill stem to rotate, a rechargeable battery configured to power the motor, and a controller configured to control the motor and electrically connected to the motor and the rechargeable battery. The lightweight electric earth drill is driven by the motor and has low noise, which causes less damage to health of the workers and does not disturb the residents around the construction site. The lightweight electric earth drill is powered by rechargeable battery or mains electricity without exhaust emission. The motor is controlled by the controller and rotates forwardly and reversely, enabling the drill bit to be pulled out after drilling the earth.

Abstract: A vacuum-assisted hole digger includes a central vacuum tube extending at an upper end from a handle assembly to a digger head assembly attached at a lower end, the digger head including a scraper blade assembly within a housing formed of an orifice plate and saw blade. The orifice plate attaches to the central vacuum tube, an extraction aperture formed in the orifice plate opening into the tube. Air entry apertures formed in the orifice plate outside of the vacuum tube have a total area smaller than the area of the evacuation aperture, which obtains enhanced airflow rates through the digger housing upon connection of the upper vacuum tube opening with a vacuum source. The blade edges of the scraper blade assembly abrasively engage the soil face when digging in a manner that obtains reduction in soil particle size and enhances soil particle airflow entrainment.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides helical pile leads and extensions with closely spaced perimeter shear helical plates that develop a cylindrical failure surface between the perimeter shear helical plates and soil as the helical pile is rotated into the ground, mobilizing soil-to-soil shear strength, and thus increasing the stability, stiffness and load capacity of the helical pile.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: Modular transfigurable drilling rig system composed of multiple components, which system is transfigurable between a transport mode in which the components of the system are transportable and an operational mode in which the components are assembled to a drilling rig which is adapted to drill into a well centre in the ground.

Abstract: A top drive includes a plurality of modules. The top drive includes a first fastening member and a second fastening member. The first fastening member and the second fastening member are configured to be removably coupled to connect a first module and a second module. In some embodiments, the top drive includes a third fastening member. The third fastening member is configured to be removably coupled to at least one of the first fastening member and the second fastening member, to connect the first module, the second module, and a third module. A tool for assembling or disassembling a top drive includes a fastening portion including an attachment mechanism configured to releasably couple the tool to a portion of a top drive. The tool includes a first housing including a recess disposed therein. The tool includes a first rod disposed at least partially within the recess.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a coring unit adapted to be engaged to an articulated arm, to reduce the labor necessary for on-site coring of sewage and water pipes. The coring unit includes a frame containing the components of the unit, which include a coring bit, a coring bit motor, a traverse mechanism, and a stabilizer for allowing ready orientation of the coring unit with respect to an object being cored. The unit may also be provided with a traverse motor for driving the coring bit into an object being cored, and for withdrawing the coring bit once a core has been formed. The coring unit may additionally be adapted to allow for remote operation of the coring unit.

Abstract: An actuating device for displacing a control device, such as a gate valve or other control mechanism, in particular for use in oil or gas production systems, includes a motor-gear unit and a threaded spindle drive, which is operable by said motor-gear unit. The threaded spindle drive includes at least a threaded spindle and a screw nut. The threaded spindle is displaceable in an essentially axial-direction so as to displace the control device between an advance position and a retracted position. The threaded spindle drive further includes a position holding means holding the attained position of the threaded spindle. The position holding means is directly connected to a motor shaft of the motor-gear unit so as to apply a holding torque to said motor shaft.

Abstract: A method and pumping/drainage channel member for injecting surface water into the soil beneath a ground area includes drilling a series of holes and inserting an elongated pumping/drainage members into each hole extending downwardly into the soil. The pumping/drainage channel members comprise a cluster of integrally joined channel features each formed with a lengthwise extending slot opening. Surface water flows to the pumping/drainage member, enters the channels and drains down the pumping/drainage members to enhance water movement down into the soil to reduce runoff and help to recharge acquifers. Longer members may be installed between shorter members in a pattern to achieve more rapid injection of water deep into the subsoil.

Abstract: A spade-type drilling tool designed for drilling holes within an ice surface for the purposes of ice fishing, comprising a spade end which is welded onto the end of a shaft. The length of the shaft is sufficient to provide an ergonomically comfortable posture for a user while drilling the fishing hole. A first side of the lower end of the spade comprises a straight knife edge, while a second opposite side is provided with a plurality of sharp cutting teeth. A sharp pointed bit, protruding beyond the lower line of the knife edge and the teeth, is located on a vertical centerline along the faces of the spade. The sharp point of the bit is intended to provide a means for punching a starter hole within the ice, and subsequently, to function as a pilot during the progressing drilling operation. The tool is provided with a circular shield, designed to slip over and clamp onto the shaft, thereby preventing water and ice particles from splashing back up onto the user.

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drilling apparatus having a head. The drilling apparatus includes a main body, a lead supported by the main body of the drilling apparatus, a driving shaft slidably installed in the lead and having a unit rod connected thereto for performing a drilling work, and a head having an actuator for driving the driving shaft, wherein the driving shaft includes a screw coupling part formed on the outer circumferential surface of the driving shaft and screw-coupled with an end of the unit rod for performing the drilling work, and a screw coupling inducing part formed at a front end of the screw coupling part to induce screw coupling between the driving shaft and a rod screw coupling part formed at a hollow part formed at the end of the unit rod. The drilling apparatus can reduce the number of work numbers by combining the unit rod with the driving shaft, thereby increasing the efficiency of the drilling work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling drilling, the method comprising ascertaining a current position and attitude of a drilling structure, obtaining a desired end point for the drilling structure, creating an optimized geometric Hermite curve path for the drilling structure from the current position and attitude of the drilling structure to the desired end point for the drilling structure and controlling a drilling of the drilling structure from the current position and attitude of the drilling structure to the desired end point for the drilling structure along the optimized geometric Hermite curve path.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for braking an auger to limit rotation of the auger bit and/or auger blade relative to a power head. An auger with a braking device includes a drive shaft, one or more boring blades, a spiral auger blade, a power head, a transmission assembly, and a braking device. The transmission assembly couple to the proximal end of the drive shaft and to the power head. The transmission assembly may include a clutch to provide releasable engagement to mechanically couple the power head and the drive shaft to transfer force of the power head to rotate the drive shaft. The braking device has an activated configuration and a deactivated configuration. The braking device in the activated configuration is configured to engage a component of the transmission assembly, such as a clutch drum of the clutch, to restrict rotation of the drive shaft relative to the power head. The braking device can include an elongate band configured in a loop around the clutch drum of the transmission assembly.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a drill shank (9) of a rock drilling machine (5), wherein at least part of the flow of the pressure fluid of a hydraulic circuit of a device (12, 13, 29, 36, 40) of the rock drilling machine (5) performing at least one function is directed to the rotation mechanism (20, 21, 25, 34) of the drill shank (9) for the purpose of lubricating the rotation mechanism (20, 21, 25, 34) of the drill shank (9).

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of gaps. Each gap is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed bearing assemblies.

Abstract: An actuating device for displacing a control device, such as a gate valve or other control mechanism, in particular for use in oil or gas production systems, includes a motor-gear unit and a threaded spindle drive, which is operable by said motor-gear unit. The threaded spindle drive includes at least a threaded spindle and a screw nut. The threaded spindle is displaceable in an essentially axial-direction so as to displace the control device between an advance position and a retracted position. The threaded spindle drive further includes a position holding means holding the attained position of the threaded spindle. The position holding means is directly connected to a motor shaft of the motor-gear unit so as to apply a holding torque to said motor shaft.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handling device for drill pipes (18) and to a so-called top drive (16) comprising said handling device, a so-called pipe handler, and having means for detecting a position of an elevator bail (30) comprised by the handling device/pipe handler and for transmitting the associated position information, wherein the position information is transmitted from the pipe handler to, e.g., the top drive (16) and is converted into an electrical signal for detecting and avoiding potentially critical situations as a result of a position/deflection of the elevator bail (30).

Abstract: Embodiments provide safety features for a post hole digger, such as for attachment to a tractor or other utility device. The post hole digger has a boom and a yoke for pivotally connecting to the tractor or similar device, a driveline for transmitting rotational energy, and an auger for forming holes in a ground or floor surface. Rotating features of the post hole digger are isolated by various guard members, thereby enhancing the safety of the device.

Abstract: A top drive track and slide assembly for use in drilling wells having a torque track slide assembly configured to connect to a top drive, and a modular torque track assembly configured to engage the torque track slide assembly. The modular torque track assembly can connect on a drilling rig. The modular torque track assembly can have a top track, one or more middle tracks, and a bottom track. One of the middle tracks can connect to the top track, and one of the middle tracks can connect to the bottom track using locking devices and connecting pins. The modular torque track assembly can be configured to be various lengths for various applications. The torque track slide assembly can have inserts retained therein without fasteners, allowing the inserts to be completely worn down before requiring replacement.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling rig (10) for deep well drilling for the onshore sector, comprising at least one drilling device (30), wherein the drilling rig (10) is designed to be movable with respect to the land surface. The object of the invention is to provide a drilling rig (10) with which a multiplicity of wells can be drilled at short distances apart with short set-up times. This object is achieved in that the auxiliary units (50 to 59) required for the drilling are arranged substantially inside the drilling rig (10), and in that the position of the drilling device (30) inside the drilling rig (10) is movable with respect to the drilling rig (10).

Abstract: A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface. The modular base assembly also includes a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly. Furthermore, the modular base assembly can also include a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wellbore operations using a dual top drive system with two top drives.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling implement with a derrick, a drill drive for driving a drill rod guided on the derrick and a gear, which is placed between the drill drive and drill rod for transmission purposes. According to the invention, for inverting the gear ratio, the gear is placed in disengageable and reversible manner on the drill drive.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: An electric horizontal directional drilling machine. An electric horizontal directional drilling machine is powered by an electric power assembly. The power assembly is made up of a fuel cell and inverter, or multiple fuel cells with synchronized inverters. The electric motor operates hydraulic pumps or works independently to rotate, advance and retract a drill string and downhole tool through the earth and operate various machine functions. Mechanical functions of the drilling machine may also be satisfied through the use of electric rotary actuators (e.g., motors) and linear actuators (e.g., linear motors and solenoids).

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.

Abstract: A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.

Abstract: A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface. The modular base assembly also includes a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly. Furthermore, the modular base assembly can also include a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.

Abstract: A swing-out apparatus for a drill rig, typically for drilling water wells. It includes a sled which is formed to be driven vertically on a drill mast of a vehicle carrying the sled, a casing hammer, and a hinge securing the casing hammer on the sled. To provide for displacement of the casing hammer relative to the sled, a drive is provided for swinging the casing hammer on the hinge from a deployed position to an inactive position. The drive comprises a motor connected for driving one relative to another.

Abstract: Drilling a bore hole comprises rotary drilling at a first rotation rate until a first target value is substantially met, changing the first rotation rate to a second rotation rate when a trigger is substantially met, and then drilling at the second rotation rate until a second target value is substantially met. Preferably, the second rotation rate is substantially zero, so the drilling at the second rotation rate is slide drilling. Finally, the steps of rotary drilling at a first rotation rate, changing the rotation rate to a second rotation rate, and drilling at the second rotation rate are repeated.

Abstract: An earth drilling device having a rotary drive and a drilling head connected to the rotary drive via a shaft is disclosed. The shaft runs at least partially axially along a pipe with two pipe ends, the first pipe end of which is connectable to a vacuum source and the second pipe end of which is provided with a pipe opening over which the drilling head at least partially projects. The drilling head is provided with at least two fillet sections connected to the shaft, which are attached to the shaft in radial extension and in projection along the axis of the pipe only partly cover the pipe opening. The fillet sections are each connected to an axially oriented surface section, which contacts the inner wall of the pipe in a gliding manner or contacts an inner wall of a sleeve coaxially connected to the second pipe end when the drilling head rotates. The axially oriented surface sections are each connected to a limb which axially projects over the pipe or the sleeve.

Abstract: A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface. The modular base assembly also includes a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly. Furthermore, the modular base assembly can also include a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly.

Abstract: A drilling rig includes a mast base and a mast having a structural frame extending from the mast base. The structural frame includes a first track extending along the length of the structural frame and a second track extending along the length of the structural frame spaced from and parallel to the first track. The drilling rig also includes a top drive carriage assembly having at least one sprocket arrangement operatively engaged with one of the first track and the second track. The first track and the second track each include a plurality of bushings equally spaced apart and attached to spaced apart track plates. The at least one sprocket arrangement has a plurality of teeth configured to operatively engage the plurality of bushings such that the top drive carriage assembly moves along the length of the structural frame of the mast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly in a gearbox which is used for positioning, where the sensor assembly comprises a relative to the gearbox housing (18) fixed sensor (20), and where the angle between the gearbox housing (18) and the output shaft (26) of a gearbox (14, 16) is measured using a to the output shaft (26) fixed and to the sensor (20) connected shaft (28), whereby a sensor assembly which measures the angle in the gearbox (14, 16) including the play in the gearbox (14, 16) is attained, which gives increased precision at the same time as gearboxes (14, 16) with play can be utilized for accurate angle positioning.

Abstract: An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.

Abstract: An apparatus assists in preventing the accumulation of debris in a flow path during the formation of a borehole. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a drill head including a drive shaft for driving a drilling element to form the borehole. Preferably, the drilling element includes a passage forming a flow path for debris from the borehole. A carrier positioned adjacent the flow path is connected to at least one agitator connected to the carrier for agitating debris in the flow path. A related method pertains to manufacturing a drill head including an agitator.

Abstract: An auger stabilizer includes a rigid elongated body having a first end and a second end. The length of the body is adjustable between a retracted transport position and an extended drilling position. A pair of spaced apart wheels are attached at the second end of the body. A split body with two halves connected by fasteners is used to pivotally attach the first end of the body to a handle of an auger. When the body is in the extended drilling position, the pair of spaced apart wheels roll along a ground surface away from the auger as the handle of the auger descends and the pair of spaced apart wheels act to stabilize the handle of the auger against reactive torque.

Abstract: The invention relates to an earth drilling device having a rotary drive and a drilling head connected to the rotary drive via a shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic head clamp assembly is integral with a drill head mounted on a mobile drill rig. A side-shift carriage is provided for shifting the drill head from side-to-side relative to a centerline of a drill rod string. The clamp assembly includes a rigid jaw mounted on the side of the drill head, and a movable jaw mounted adjacent to said rigid jaw with a space between the jaws for receiving the drill rod string. The movable jaw is connected to a pair of hydraulic cylinder actuators that are actuated via a hydraulic circuit to control the clamp action between the rigid jaw and the movable jaw. The clamp assembly can be used to retract a drill rod string from the ground without limiting access to the inner diameter of the drill rod, and can also be used to advance the drill rod into the ground via a static push.

Abstract: A valve tester suspension assembly for allowing one person to perform the tasks necessary to test underground valves includes an articulated arm attached to a mobile base such as a vehicle. The articulated arm may be biased such that the biasing assists in supporting the weight of a rotating assembly positioned at a distal end of the articulated arm. The articulated arm is pivoted to permit positioning of the rotating device in a substantially horizontal orientation at a desired position within a three dimensional space adjacent to the base to which the articulated arm is attached. A method of use is also described.