Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing drill string drag. Rotation encoders are provided for tracking the rotation of an inner and outer member of a dual-member drill string. Based upon the drilling conditions, the readings of the encoder can detect when the inner member is dragging on the outer member. When such a drag condition is detected, a processor can trigger remedial measures, which may include increasing a rotation rate of the inner member, sending a warning signal, stopping operation, or a combination of these.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a geophysical sensor includes moving a ram having a ground penetrating bit at a movable end thereof to a selected geodetic position. The ram and the ground penetrating bit are extended to create a hole in a ground surface while measuring extension of the ram. The ram is retracted, and if the measured extension of the ram indicates successful creation of the hole, then the geophysical sensor is moved to a position beneath the ram and the ram is extended to urge the geophysical sensor into the hole.

Abstract: A hard facing is preferably accomplished with laser clad beads applied to horizontal directional drilling (HDD) component(s). These components may be subject to recirculating fluid regions associated to stepped geometries along a drill string, including various drill string coupling members. For example, laser cladding can be applied to a step region of the sonar housing and starter rod. A method applies a hard face coating such as laser cladding or other suitable hard facing in areas of tight geometric tolerances.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling rig is described. The rig can be entirely electrically powered. The performance (or “health”) and/or the life cycle of individual components of the rig can be electronically monitored. This permits identification of specific individual components that are performing in a substandard manner or are not performing properly or have reached the end of their life cycle. Individual improperly performing components or components at the end of their life cycle can thus be specifically identified. The improperly performing component(s) or components at the end of their life cycle can then be replaced. In some embodiments, when a component is identified as performing improperly, the operation of other, properly functioning components of the rig can be modified accordingly to account for the improperly performing component.

Abstract: A drilling machine has a hybrid thrust/pull back system. The hybrid thrust/pull-back system includes at least two different types of drive mechanisms that can be operated concurrently or independently depending upon an operating state of the drilling machine.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for drilling a vertical well in soil according to a substantially vertical theoretical drilling trajectory comprising a drilling device including a hollow core having a longitudinal axis, the hollow core being provided with a drilling tool; a rotating driving device exhibiting an active state in which the driving device is oriented with respect to the soil in an angular correction position, and a passive state in which the driving device does not modify the displacement trajectory of the drilling device; a device for measuring the deviation of the hollow core; a control device configured to make the driving device swivel when a deviation is measured, in order to bring it in its active state in an angular correction position determined such that, considered in the horizontal plane, the trajectory correcting direction associated with the angular correction position is opposite to the deviation direction.

Abstract: A method for building a dual-member drill string comprising an inner drill string and an outer drill string. Inner pipe sections are connected using non-threaded connections, while outer pipe sections are connected using threaded connections. A new inner pipe section is rotated in a first direction until the inner pipe section applies torque to the existing inner pipe string. If the magnitude of the torque applied to the inner pipe string exceeds a pre-determined threshold value, the inner pipe section is automatically rotated in an opposite second direction. The inner pipe section rotates between opposite directions, once torque is sensed in each direction, until the inner pipe section is coupled to the inner pipe string.

Abstract: A system and methods for measuring soil properties characteristics, the system comprising: at least one probe configured to be inserted into the soil, the probe comprising a plurality of antennas; a radio link characterization unit for transmitting a radio signal from at least one of the antennas and receiving a propagated radio signal from at least one of the antennas to yield at least one radio link; and a processor for converting the radio link characteristics into the soil properties characteristics.

Abstract: A dual member drill string having a plurality of dual member drill string sections for use in horizontal directional drilling operations. Each drill string section having an outer member and an inner member that is rotatable independently of the outer member. The outer member has a pin end and a box end. The inner member has a pin end disposed within the pin end of the outer member and a box end disposed within the box end of the outer member.

Abstract: The disclosed systems for laying underground fiber optic cable may include a drive body, at least one rotational motor, a forward auger element rotatably coupled to the drive body and positioned to be rotated by the at least one rotational motor in a first rotational direction, and a rear auger element rotatably coupled to the drive body and positioned to be rotated by the at least one rotational motor in a second, opposite rotational direction. Various other systems, methods, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pullback system for installing product in a hole includes a rotary drill bit having a plurality of cutter elements, and a pullback device that is attachable to the rotary drill bit without disassembling the rotary drill bit or removing the rotary drill bit from a drill string. The pullback device includes a frame member and a plurality of anchor arms. Each anchor arm has a first end coupled to the frame member and a second end. Each anchor arm is configured to extend between adjacent cutter elements of the rotary drill bit. An attachment location can be used to attach product to the pullback device.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a hollow outer rod drive shaft that is configured to rotate an outer rod of a drill string. The outer rod drive shaft is driven by an offset hydraulic drive system. The drilling system also includes a hollow inner rod drive shaft that is configured to couple to and rotate an inner rod of the drill string at a first end. The inner rod drive shaft is driven by an inline hydraulic drive system. The inner rod drive shaft further defines an axial fluid flow passage. The drilling system also includes a fluid inlet passage that is axially aligned with the axial fluid flow passage of the inner rod drive shaft. The fluid inlet passage is operatively connected to a second end of the inner rod drive shaft. The fluid inlet passage is configured to direct fluid into the axial fluid flow passage of the inner rod drive shaft. The outer rod drive shaft and the inner rod drive shaft are mounted in fixed relative positions.

Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling compaction when compacting a soil by a depth vibrator which has a rotationally drivable imbalance (3) and at least one sensor (6, 12, 13, 14, 19), comprising the steps of: inserting the depth vibrator (2) into the soil (17) up to a desired final depth (Tm); compaction of the soil (17) during which the forward angle (?) of the imbalance (3) as well as the oscillation amplitude (A) of the depth vibrator (2) are determined; detection of a soil stiffness profile from soil stiffness values (k) determined over time (t); determination of a first soil stiffness value (k1) and a second soil stiffness value (k2) from the soil stiffness profile (k), for which it applies that a rate of increase (k?2) of the second soil stiffness value (k2) exceeds a rate of increase (k?1) of the first soil stiffness value (k1) by a defined factor; calculation of a transition soil stiffness value (k12) which is between the first soil stiffness value (k1) and the second soil stiffness value (k2); a

Abstract: A device is provided for vibration compression or for producing cavities and/or material columns in the ground. The device comprises a vibrator with a pipe which has an upper end and a lower end and also two cable suspensions which are arranged on the pipe at a distance from the upper end. A cable is secured to each cable holder. A support device for the vibrator arrangement comprises a guide device on which the cables are guided in the longitudinal direction of the pipe between the cable holders and the upper end or above the upper end.

Abstract: A holder to facilitate optical data acquisition includes a float portion that extends from a handle portion to at least partially support the handle portion with respect to a surface of the liquid modeling impression material. A method of optical data acquisition includes communicating a liquid modeling impression material into a non-line of sight feature of a workpiece and immersing a portion of a holder into the liquid modeling impression material.

Abstract: A modular compaction boring device. The boring device comprises a compaction boring head which creates a borehole through a subsurface by operation of a thruster and a rear and forward anchor. Extension of the thruster while the rear anchors are engaged move the boring head forward. Retraction of the thruster while the forward anchors are engaged brings the rear anchors forward for an addition stroke. A steering geometry in the boring head and rotation of the boring head allow steering of the boring device. Steering, thrust, and anchors may be controlled remotely through an umbilical cable pulled through the borehole by the boring device.

Abstract: A dual member drill string having a plurality of dual member drill string sections for use in horizontal directional drilling operations. Each drill string section having an outer member and an inner member that is rotatable independently of the outer member. The outer member has a pin end and a box end. The inner member has a pin end disposed within the pin end of the outer member and a box end disposed within the box end of the outer member.

Abstract: Location determination is performed using a transmitter including an elongated generally planar loop antenna defining an elongation axis. The elongation axis is positioned along at least a portion of a path. A magnetic field is then generated which approximates a dipole field. Certain characteristics of the magnetic field are then determined at a receiving position radially displaced from the antenna elongation axis. Using the determined certain characteristics, at least one orientation parameter is established which characterizes a positional relationship between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The magnetic field may be transmitted as a monotone single phase signal. The orientation parameter may be a radial offset and/or an angular orientation between the receiving position and the antenna on the path. The antenna of the transmitter may be inserted into a first borehole to transmit the magnetic field to a receiver inserted into a second borehole.

Abstract: A ram for boring through soil, including an elongate body terminating at one end in a head, wherein during use the head is separated from the body to form a channel therebetween for the soil to pass through from one side of the ram to another side of the ram.

Abstract: A system for detecting an underground cross-bore includes a mechanical sensing device attached to an underground travel element to form a combination adapted for underground travel. The mechanical sensing device senses at least a first underground condition wherein the combination is ensconced in an underground bore and a second underground condition wherein the sensing device senses entry into a pipe cavity. The mechanical sensing device desirably can provide a signal identifying entry into a pipe cavity.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a cylinder body and drill bit assembly. The drill bit includes a plurality of drill bit blades, each having at least one drill bit element. A cylinder body is connected to the drill bit. A plurality of transmitters are mounted on each drill bit element and transmit data characterizing a degree of wear of the drill bit to a data transmitter and receiver of the cylinder body that is in communication with the plurality of transmitters.

Abstract: A method of forming a bendable slotted liner with multiple circumferentially overlapping non-axial keystone slots comprising: transversely profiling a rod to form a profiled rod, having bending members outwardly profiled wider than intermediate and inward widths, interspersed with bases profiled to bondably mate with axially adjacent bases on a neighboring winding; forming the profiled rod into alternating port and starboard bending members and base pairs, by one of, bonding transverse spacers to the rod, transversely corrugating the rod, and forming the rod with one of transverse outdents and indents; winding the profiled rod to the outer diameter; and bonding axially paired bases together; wherein configuring the non-axial slot circumferential length greater than the circumferential base length on adjacent rod windings, forming non-axial keystone slots between bending members providing axial strain relief, with outer slot widths within a prescribed slot range and axial strain relief capacity greater than 0.

Abstract: A ground-drilling device includes a basic body and a drill head movably mounted in relation thereto in the longitudinally axial direction, wherein a free space, which is variable in its size owing to the movable mounting, is formed between the drill head and the basic body, and a sealing element for sealing the free space with respect to the environment, wherein the sealing element is designed as a valve element which opens when an overpressure is present inside the clearance, in order to produce a pressure compensation, and which is closed when a negative pressure is present inside the clearance, in order to prevent a pressure compensation.

Abstract: A method of forming a slotted liner, having a wall comprising a plurality of non-axial bending members axially separated by non-axial slots and circumferentially interspersed with bases, for providing strain relief, the method comprising: forming the bending members and the non-axial slots by one of: cutting non-axial slots, and winding a rod; configuring the circumferential lengths of the plurality of non-axial slots and bases relative to the liner circumference; wherein positioning a first base axially adjacent to a non-axial slot; configuring the non-axial slot circumferential length longer than the circumferential length of the first base; and positioning a second base axially adjacent to a first base; providing connections between the pair of bases or leaving uncut the wall between the base pair; configuring the plurality of non-axial slots and adjacent base pairs.

Abstract: A percussion mole for inserting a ground-loop for a geothermal heat-pump apparatus. The ground-loop includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The mole comprises: a percussive drive mechanism; a first passage connectable to the first pipe, for receiving a driving fluid via the first pipe and delivering it to the drive mechanism, during insertion of the ground-loop; a second passage connectable to the second pipe, for exhausting the driving fluid from the drive mechanism via the second pipe, during insertion of the ground-loop; and a connection connecting the first passage with the second passage. The connection includes a non-return valve arranged to restrict flow of the driving fluid from the first passage to the second passage during insertion of the ground-loop but permit flow in the opposite direction, whereby after insertion, when the heat pump apparatus is in use, the ground-loop comprises the first and second pipes; the first and second passages; and the connection.

Abstract: A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume.

Abstract: A kinetic penetrator for multistatic geophysical sensing includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a sensing element coupled to at least one of the tubular body and the nose. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The sensing element is configured to interface with an external geophysical sensing system.

Abstract: A cutting device for use with installation of helical ground anchors designed to cut through rock. The invention has carbide steel cutting tips attached to the distal end of a shaft extending below the end in order to make a first cut through rock along the axis of rotation of the shaft. Helically shaped plates are attached to the shaft at a distance above the shaft set of cutting tips. Attached along the outer edge of the helix are additional carbide steel cutting tips that extend below the bottom surface of the helix and cut along the axis of rotation of the shaft. The present invention allows for the installation of helical ground anchor supports at proper depths without deviation, in situations where the path is obstructed by rock or other hard materials.

Abstract: An auger for digging holes that minimizes the amount of loose dirt excavated in and around the dug hole. The auger comprises an elongated shaft body whose axial longitudinal center is disposed in a parallel offset position from the axial engagement line of orientation with the driving source for rotationally driving the auger. The shaft body of the auger revolves in an eccentric lateral orbit as the auger rotates which digs the hole by pushing and widening the dirt in the hole rather than cutting and scraping. The distal end of the auger has a tapered configuration for initial penetration into the ground. The eccentric movement of the shaft body of the auger helps to compact the walls of the hole being dug.

Abstract: A vibrator arrangement for producing material columns in the ground comprises an elongate vibrating body with an outer surface having a girth and at least one projection extending at least partially around the girth of the vibrating body. A method of producing a material column in the ground may use such a vibrator arrangement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for placing sensors underground are described. A preferred device has a first structure and a second structure that are placed into the ground. A third structure is connected to a portion of the first structure. The second structure is removed from the ground, leaving sensors or other equipment underground.

Abstract: A pipe is installed between a pointed front section and a rear section of a tool, and the rear section is subjected to a drive force in the longitudinal direction, so that the pointed section and the pipe is pushed into loosely packed materials. In response to an inadvertent hindrance in the loosely packed materials, the tool and the pipe connected thereto is pulled back by exerting a tractive force on a line connected to the pointed front section and running through the pipe and rear section.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for drilling a pit or passage extending substantially vertically into the ground, and a flexible hose therefor. The method includes providing a frame with a pressure chamber; arranging a first outer end of a flexible tube on the pressure chamber using at least one connecting device; applying a pressure in the pressure chamber with a pressure medium by way of at least one pressure device; and carrying the flexible tube into the ground.

Abstract: A ram for boring through soil, comprising an elongate body terminating at one end in a head, wherein during use the head is separated from the body to form a channel therebetween for the soil to pass through from one side of the ram to another side of the ram.

Abstract: A device (1) for drilling and tamping grounds is constituted by a tamping tip (1A) rigidly connected to a shaft (3) which constitutes the connection to the end part of a battery of rods moved by a drilling machine, which gives it movement in a vertical direction and a rotation around its longitudinal axis. The battery of rods is inserted into a covering tube (14). Between the tamping tip (1A) and the tube (14) a substantially cylindrical tamping element (9, 9a) is interposed, adapted to define a tamping diameter of the ground which forms the walls of the hole obtained by the device (1) at least equal to the diameter of the tube (14).

Abstract: Equipment for the construction of piles includes a drilling rod and a tool (10) mounted at a lower end thereof. The tool includes a hollow central shaft (11) with a door (18) for the concrete; a screw (12) integral with the shaft (11); a compactor (13) positioned along the screw (12); a base (14) of semicircular shape provided at the lower end of the screw (12); a plate (15) superimposed under the base (14) and rotating around the shaft (11) for alternatively assuming an open position, in condition of excavation wherein it superimposes on the base, and a reclosed position, in condition of compaction wherein it forms a surface circular with the base (14). Excavation teeth (16) are fixed to the lower end of the tool and an additional tooth (19) is constrained to the plate (15) that during the casting is outside of the tool in the condition of compaction.

Abstract: A ground-drilling device includes a basic body and a drill head movably mounted in relation thereto in the longitudinally axial direction, wherein a free space, which is variable in its size owing to the movable mounting, is formed between the drill head and the basic body, and a sealing element for sealing the free space with respect to the environment, wherein the sealing element is designed as a valve element which opens when an overpressure is present inside the clearance, in order to produce a pressure compensation, and which is closed when a negative pressure is present inside the clearance, in order to prevent a pressure compensation.

Abstract: A post driver for driving hollow posts, especially plastic posts, has an elongated central guide shaft and a hollow outer sleeve. The guide shaft has a length and diameter sized to pass fairly freely through but generally fill the post's hollow core to protect against the post buckling during pounding strokes. The outer sleeve annularly surrounds a substantial upper portion of the post for similar reasons. The outer sleeve transmits pounding strikes to a stop formation that rests stationary on the post's top end. That way, a user manually applying pounding strokes to the stop formation's upper surface transmits force to not only the post's top end but also the guide shaft's bottom end. Optionally, the guide shaft's bottom end is tipped and sticks out a little in order to pierce a pilot hole in the ground, and clear a path, for the post to follow.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a ground-loop for a geothermal heat-pump system comprises: a percussion mole (4); a first fluid pipe (5), connected to the mole (4), for conveying a heat-exchange fluid from the heat-pump system into the ground; and a second fluid pipe (6), connected to the mole (4), for returning the heat-exchange fluid to the heat-pump system. One of the first and second fluid pipes (5, 6) comprises an intake pipe for delivering a driving fluid to the mole (4) during insertion of the ground-loop and the other fluid pipe comprises an exhaust pipe for the driving fluid.

Abstract: A drilling device used for drilling into ground, rock or for reaming a predrilled hole includes several hammering bits in a circular shape and equipped with hammers, whereupon they together drill a hole which has a larger diameter. A casing tube can be pulled out of the hole/pushed into the drilled hole. A tubular, rotatable drill rod tube resides in the casing tube. The hammers are located in a circular shape and are each attached to the outer surface of the drill rod tube by joint/hinge attachments lying essentially in the drilling direction. Rotation of the drill rod tube in a first direction turns the hammers and associated bits outwardly from the drill rod tube, and rotation in another direction turns the hammers with their bits inwardly towards the drill rod tube so that they can be pulled away with the drill rod tube from inside the casing tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel autonomous excavating apparatus capable of solving conventional problems. The autonomous excavating apparatus comprises an apparatus body including a lower body 101 formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with a conical-shaped lower end, and a spiral blade 102 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower body 101 in the form of a right-handed screw. The lower body 101 has an internal space provided with a wheel 103 which has a rotary shaft 104 rotatably supported relative to the lower body 101 through bearings 105, 106. A motor 108 is fixed to the lower body 101 at a position above the wheel 103, and an output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the rotary shaft 104. Thus, the motor 108 can drivingly rotate the wheel 103 relative to the lower body 101.

Abstract: In a method of installing a borehole heat exchanger in the earth, a channel is formed in the earth by means of a pushing device, thereby causing a compression of the earth as a result of earth being displaced, and inserting a borehole heat exchanger in the channel, causing an elastic component of the earth to move toward the heat exchanger as the earth relaxes in order to provide an intimate contact between the earth and the heat exchanger. Installation of the borehole heat exchanger in elastically displaced earth ensures not only a stable and lasting securement of the heat exchanger in the earth but also the intimate contact between earth and heat exchanger wall so important for heat exchanger.

Abstract: Devices and methods for placing sensors underground are described. A preferred device has a first structure and a second structure that are placed into the ground. A third structure is connected to a portion of the first structure. The second structure is removed from the ground, leaving sensors or other equipment underground.

Abstract: A method for installing an underground pipe using a ground piercing tool comprises the steps of: fitting an expander onto a front nose of the tool, securing the pipe to the expander so that the ground piercing tool is disposed inside of the pipe, operating the tool in forward mode over a run to pull the pipe into the ground, removing the ground piercing tool from the expander and pipe by moving it in a rearward direction through the newly installed pipe, and leaving the expander in the ground, preferably to form the front end of the newly installed pipe. It is not required that each of the foregoing steps be conducted in the order recited. For example, the expander could be secured to the pipe after which the expander and pipe could be fitted over the tool.

Abstract: A pneumatically reversible ram boring device includes a percussion piston (8) that is situated in a casing (1) and is movable back and forth by operation air supplied via an operational-air supply via an operational-air line (5), a control pipe (4, 36, 54) having at least one control opening (13), an outer pipe (15, 65), and a control sleeve (10, 60) that can be displaced by compressed air from a control chamber (16, 66). An essentially torsion-resistant operational-air line (5) can be rotatably connected to a rotary valve (4, 40, 70) that supplies the control chamber with operational air or vents air from the chamber.

Abstract: A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention relates to penetrating a particulate substrate using a compact, lightweight, low-energy, reversible, and dynamic device for burrowing through particulate substrates. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one vessel and a displacement module coupled with the vessel. The actuation of the displacement module fluidizes the particulate substrate proximate to the vessel and thereby reduces resistance of the particulate substrate to movement of the vessel and causes further penetration of the apparatus through the particulate substrate. The example embodiment utilizes volume contraction and localized fluidizing to efficiently move through substrates.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated underground piercing tool including an elongate cylindrical body carrying an anvil and a striker slidably received within a chamber. A valve assembly controls the communication of pressurized air to and from the body and is operator adjustable in order to produce forward or rearward movement of the piercing tool. The body and an end cap are connected by a tapered buttress thread. The striker defines a plurality of balancing grooves. A recess is formed in an end wall of the striker to inhibit pressurized fluid from being trapped between the striker and the end cap when the striker is reciprocated within the body. A tail adaptor is threadedly secured to the end cap using tapered buttress thread configurations. The valve assembly includes a detent mechanism and an improved exhaust bushing. The control spool is coupled to an end of said valve support by structure which includes a spherical element held in an elastomeric socket.

Abstract: Excavation equipment for the construction of compaction piles includes a tool mounted at the end of a drilling rod; the tool is constituted by a shaft (10) provided on its end with digging teeth (12) and with at least a plate (14) for collecting debris rotating between an open position during the excavation and closed during the ascent of the tool. A screw (17, 18, 17?, 18?, 20); is of the type having at least two principles (17, 18, 20), in the upper part (20) fixed directly on the shaft (10) and in the lower part (17, 18) fixed on a cylindrical element (16) inserted on the shaft. A compactor (19) is positioned on the screw (17, 18) of the cylindrical element (16). The shaft rotates between two positions displaced between them, one corresponding to the excavation condition and the other to the ascent one; each of the at least two-principle screws of the shaft (20) constitutes the continuation of a corresponding screw (17, 18) of the cylindrical body (16) depending on the angular position of the shaft (10).

Abstract: Excavation and compaction equipment for the construction of piles includes a drilling rod rotating around a rotation axis (A) and a tool (10) mounted at a lower end of the drilling rod. The tool includes a hollow central shaft (11) and provided at its lower end (17) with a door (18) for the outlet of the concrete; at least a screw (12) integral with the shaft (11). A compactor is (13) positioned along the screw (12) and a base (14) of substantially semicircular shape is provided at the lower end of the screw (12). A plate (15) has a shape such that it superimposes under the base (14) and rotates relatively around the shaft (11) for alternatively assuming an open position, in condition of excavation (descent) wherein it superimposes on the base, and a reclosed position, in condition of compaction (ascent) wherein it forms a surface substantially circular with the base (14). Excavation teeth (16) are fixed to the lower end of the tool.

Abstract: There is described a method of laying pipe (20) through a fill (12) of loosely packed materials, where the pipe is installed between a pointed front section (36) and a rear section (50) of a tool, and the rear section is subjected to a drive force in the longitudinal direction, so that the pointed section and the pipe is pushed into the loosely packed materials. The method is characterized by that in the event that the progress is halted due to an inadvertent hindrance in the loosely packed materials, the tool and the pipe connected thereto is pulled back by exerting a tractive force on a tractive means (80) connected to the pointed front section. Preferably the tractive means is a line (80) in the shape of a wire and/or a chain, fixed to the front section (32), where the line runs within the pipe connected to the rear section (50), and the tractive force is controlled by the tool operator.