Abstract: A cuttings collector will collect cuttings generated while drilling through conductor pipe for the first string of casing. The cuttings collector has a riser that secures to the exterior of an outer wellhead housing. A cage surrounds the riser. Ports at the upper end of the riser allow cuttings to flow out the riser and back down into the cage. A funnel guide locates at the upper end of the riser to guide the drill bit and the lower end of the first string of the casing. The running tool for the first string of casing lands an inner wellhead housing in the outer wellhead housing and simultaneously engages the cuttings collector to retrieve it. Cuttings from the collector will be dumped from the cuttings collector near the surface. The cuttings collector telescopes from an extended to a collapsed position for storage.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus, having a drilling tower, tiltable for angle drilling, on a drilling platform with an aperture for a drill string, includes a dust seal holder that extends into the aperture in the platform, the dust seal holder being connected to the tower, so as to move up and down in the aperture in an arcuate path along with the drilling tower, as the tower is tilted for angle drilling, the dust seal holder being disconnected from the tower, so as to be not movable, as the tower is moved between a horizontal and vertical position.

Abstract: A drilling device for producing drilled holes with an undercut has a drill bit having a drilling head, a depth stop, an enlargement provided between the the drilling head and the depth stop and acting as a swivel bearing, a suction bell rotatably mounted on the depth stop, a bearing washer, and a resilient, ring-shaped cushioning element provided on the depth stop. The cushioning element abuts against the bearing washer and is connected to the suction bell. The depth stop of the drill shank has a concavely curved end face and the bearing washer has a convexly curved sliding face which rests on the concavely curved end face of the depth stop.

Abstract: A rotating head having a bowl assembly and a rotating assembly disposed in a bowl opening formed in the bowl assembly. The rotating assembly comprises and elastomeric member and a rotating bushing. The rotating bushing is connected to an outer peripheral surface of the elastomeric member. The rotating bushing bearingly contacts a portion of the bowl assembly during the operation of the rotating head wherein the elastomeric member and the rotating bushing are rotated and the elastomeric member sealingly engages a portion of the bowl assembly for forming a seal between the rotating assembly and the bowl assembly. The rotating assembly is removable from the bowl assembly and can be replaced with another rotating assembly thereby simultaneously replacing the elastomeric member and the rotating bushing.

Abstract: A device for sucking up material removed by the bit of a portable drill is made in the form of a casing provided with means for securing it to the drill and having at least one portion constituting a handle to enable it to be gripped in one hand by the operator. The device comprises a suction head fitted slidingly on the casing to enable it to be kept close to the point of penetration into the surface of a body to be drilled by the bit fitted on the drill. Disposed inside the casing of the device are a fan with intake connected to said head through a connecting duct and with outlet blowing into a container, supported by the casing, for collecting the aspirated material, an electric motor to actuate the fan, electric batteries to supply power to the motor through an operating switch. The casing of the drill alternatively comprises an electric socket designed to receive a corresponding plug mounted on the vacuum device so as to supply power to the fan motor by taking it from the power supply of the drill.

Abstract: An auger assembly for drilling holes or similar openings in the ground includes an auger blade mounted for vertical movement and a dirt retaining shell that surrounds the auger blade also mounted for vertical movement independently of the auger blade. When the hole has been drilled to the appropriate depth, the retaining shell is lowered down into the hole to surround the auger blade and the auger blade and the retaining shell are removed from the hole simultaneously. The retaining shell retains the dirt on the auger blade to prevent the dirt from falling back into the hole. A pair of lateral extensions provide a cutting a cutting edge on the perimeter of the auger blade in order to provide a hole which is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the auger blade to permit the retaining shell to be lowered around the auger blade.

Abstract: An auger assembly for drilling holes in the ground includes an auger blade mounted for vertical movement and a dirt retaining shell that surrounds the auger blade also mounted for vertical movement in relation to the auger blade. When the hole has been drilled to the length of the auger blade, the retaining shell is lowered down into the hole to surround the auger blade and the auger blade and the retaining shell are removed from the hole simultaneously. The retaining shell retains the dirt on the auger blade to prevent the dirt from falling back into the hole. The drilling and removal of dirt is repeated until the hole reaches the appropriate depth. A pair of lateral extensions provide a cutting edge on the perimeter of the auger blade in order to provide a hole which is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the auger blade to permit the retaining shell to be lowered around the auger blade.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas sampling device. A gas sampling tube and pump withdraw gas which evolves into the atmosphere as the drilling fluid in the annular space exits the wall bore. Drilling fluid and debris which may be entrained in the gas sample are separated by gravity settling in a separation device. A purge line may be used to agitate drilling mud and force gas toward the gas sampling tube.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved drilling head which provides for the formation of a continuous seal about a drilling string, where the drilling string consists of varying diameter drill string components. A stationary bowl configured to pass a drill string is provided with an annular grove about the top so as to allow for the attachment of a connecting clamp. An assembly carrier is provided which is removably disposable within the bowl and to which a lower stripper rubber may be attached. A bearing assembly adapted for placement within the assembly carrier is provided with an upper rotatable stripper rubber of smaller diameter that the lower stripper rubber so as to form a seal on smaller diameter drilling strings.

Abstract: An antiscattering device for the collection of waste material (dust, shavings) produced in the course of drilling, milling and similar operations, to be fitted in the most appropriate way on machine tools and basically made up of a bellows shaped bell (e.g. frustum-conical), provided, if required, with an axially elastic vacuum cleaner or extractor--which can be fitted on the machine tools themselves. This bell is permanently or temporarily secured to the frames of machine tools (e.g. manually, on a drill), coaxially to the drill bit while its base, provided with a seal ring, rests on the surface of the material to be drilled, thereby creating, with its shell, a receptacle where the waste material collects.

Abstract: A diverter apparatus for use in conjunction with earth drilling operations to divert cuttings from the area surrounding the bore hole, and including a pneumatically extensible and retractable ground-engaging skirt which surrounds the bore hole.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which may alternatively be used as a diverter or as a blowout preventer for a drilling rig. The system comprises a blowout preventer attached above a spool having a hydraulically driven sleeve/piston. An outlet flow passage in the spool, which may be connected to a vent line, is closed off by the sleeve wall when the spool piston is at rest.Hydraulic ports are connected above and below the blowout preventer annular piston and above and below the spool annular piston. The ports below the blowout preventer piston and above the spool piston are in fluid communication with each other. A hydraulic circuit is provided having two valves between a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a drain.

Abstract: A fluidtight housing such as a banjo box receives and redirects the debris-laden upward flow of fluids from a reservoir. The housing connecting the wellhead of the reservoir with a flowline positioned at an angle other than the vertical receives fluid and debris from the wellhead and redirects them into the flowline. A replaceable and repositionable insert having at least one high wear zone is mounted within the housing so that the flow of fluid and debris impinges against a wear zone on the interior of the insert. Fresh wear zones can be exposed at the point of impact of the fluid stream without the need to remove the housing or insert from its position between the wellhead and the flowline, preferably by rotating the insert within the housing.

Abstract: A tool for maintaining ice baskets associated with a nuclear reactor system. The frame of the tool includes a platform which is disposed on a lattice support structure surrounding a selected and isolated basket. The tool includes an electric drill mounted for vertical reciprocation, in parallel axial relationship with the ice basket, and plural, selectively connectable auger shaft sections having a continuous helical fin thereabout which are connected in succession between the drill and a rotary drill bit, for drilling a hole of the required length, down through the ice within the ice basket. The drill then is maintained at an upper, vertically fixed position and a funnel positioned about the auger; ice chips or flakes are fed into the funnel while the drill is driven in reverse rotation, the auger conveying the ice to the bottom of the ice basket for filling lowermost voids and for filling successively higher voids as the auger is withdrawn.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a drill bell and/or suction bell provided on drills which have a stop rod mounted to the drill that it may be displaced or rigidly fixed, may be adapted to any drill equipped with the stop rod is suggested. The fastening arrangement comprises a U-shaped support which projects radially from the bell and opens towards the wall of the structure being drilled and in its base has an elongate hole. The bell may be fixed to the U-shaped support by means of a clamping member joined to the stop rod and to the U-shaped support, respectively.

Abstract: A diverter for drilling mud is disclosed that has a packer housing mounted on the upper end of a riser through which drilling mud flows to the surface between the riser and the pipe string extending through the riser. A packer having a body of resilient material is located in the housing. Fluid pressure moves the body of resilient material into sealing engagement with the pipe string to divert drilling fluid laterally into a mud return line. A plurality of conduits extend vertically through the packer. Each conduit includes a flexible section extending through the body of resilient material to move with the resilient material as it is moved into and out of sealing engagement with the pipe string. Drilling mud is pumped through the conduits and nozzles attached to the lower ends of the conduits. The nozzles are positioned to divert the drilling fluid into the drilling fluid below the packer to break up large pieces of formation carried to the surface by the drilling mud.

Abstract: A novel soil sampling device preferably mounted on a truck is provided herein. It includes five interrelated elements. The first is an upper hydraulic cylinder provided with a casing and rod movable from the casing, the casing thereof being anchored. The second element is a rotary motor fixedly mounted at the end of the rod of the hydraulic cylinder and adapted for vertical movement relative to the anchored casing of the hydraulic cylinder together with the rod of the hydraulic cylinder. The third element is an auger secured to, and rotably driven by, the motor, the motor and the auger being cooperatively vertically movable by the rod between an inoperative position, in which the auger is out of contact with the soil, and an operative position, in which the auger passes through, and a predetermined distance into, the soil.

Abstract: A device for containing and removing drilling slurry includes a pair of concentric, annular, parallel side walls joined at like edges to an annular end wall to form an annular cavity therein. The opposed edges of the side walls are provided with annular sealing gaskets, the gasket on the inner wall being provided with radially extending intake slots. A vacuum fitting extends through the outer side wall to partially evacuate the cavity and to cause the device to adhere to a floor or wall surface. The end wall includes a central opening therethrough to receive a drilling bit or the like, the opening being slightly eccentric with respect to the axis and defining a shallow recess which retains liquid slurry. A pair of drain holes extend through the inner side wall at the shallow recess to remove accumulated slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a drilling rig for catching and saving mud or the like from inside of a drilling rig pipe or drill string, comprised of one to three sections of pipe or stands connected together at connection junctures, of the type having a drill bit at the bottom thereof for use when the drill string is in the process of being pulled up out of a hole drilled in the ground. When each topmost stand of pipe is disconnected from the adjacent lower stand of pipe at a connection juncture, one stand of pipe is disconnected from the adjacent lower stand of pipe at the topmost connection juncture. A pair of doors are provided on one side on the container for opening the container on one side. A closing mechanism is attached to the container for automatically closing the container when the container is positioned at one side thereof against the pipe whereby the force of the closing mechanism against the pipe will cause the container to close.

Abstract: A drill cuttings conveying head for a portable drill rig includes a flexible tubular duct portion which is operable in conjunction with extension and retraction cylinders for the head to bend the duct portion sufficiently to permit retraction of the head to provide suitable ground clearance for transport of the rig. An actuator for bending and straightening the flexible duct portion is interconnected by way of a pressure fluid control circuit with the head extension and retraction cylinders for movement of the duct portion in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the conveying head.

Abstract: A drill cuttings conveying head member having a tubular duct portion which includes a movable sidewall forming a gate operable to be pivoted into a position blocking the flow passage in the duct portion and diverting the flowstream out of the conveying head during wet drilling conditions. A lever mechanism is connected to the gate and is operable to bias the gate in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: A conveying and collection system adapted for drilling rigs for conveying drill cuttings entrained with a bailing air flow stream emanating from the drillhole includes a generally tubular head fitted around the drillhole having a flow deflecting surface portion adapted to deflect the flow stream of drill cuttings into a conveying enclosure whereby velocity reduction and change of direction of the flow stream will separate relatively coarse cuttings. A mechanical conveyor may be disposed in the enclosure to convey the cuttings to a point remote from the drillhole. The head may be extended and retracted with respect to the drill rig deck plate by actuators controlled in accordance with the conduction of bailing air to the drill stem. One embodiment of the head comprises an enclosure formed by overlapping helical convolutions of a flat spirally coiled band.

Abstract: Means are provided in combination with the depending cylindrical skirt of a drill rig for conveying drill cuttings from around the drill stem during a drilling operation so they will not deposit in the usual annular pile around the open mouth of the drill hole. The means comprise a hopper attached to the lower end of the skirt and having a side discharge opening into which one end of an endless conveyor protrudes in confronting relationship with the drill stem that passes through an accommodating opening in the otherwise closed bottom of the hopper. The conveyor is advantageously of scraper type, having an endless chain with scraper blades at intervals along its length that scrape along the bottom of a conveyor trough, and advantageously having an elongate discharge opening extending lengthwise of the bottom of the trough adjacent to the discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotating head for a rotary drilling rig which is to be secured to the top of the well pipe having an inner rotating portion with an opening therethrough which permits passage of drill pipe, pipe joints, and Kelly tools; the rotating portion has an annular drive rubber formed integrally with the top portion thereof. A rotating head drive bushing having an opening with a cross-sectional shape generally conforming to the cross-section of the Kelly tool to permit only sliding motion therebetween is provided with helical external ridges which produce a disengagable gripping action with the opening in the drive rubber at the top of the rotating portion of the rotating head. The rotating portion has a conventional stripper rubber at the bottom thereof and is mounted with a double roller bearing to provide low friction motion with respect to the fixed portion of the head.

Abstract: A tool for drilling a cylindrical hole with an enlarged end undercut portion comprises a shank with cutting edges and a drill collet screwed to the shank by a knuckle thread. The collet is provided with a stop collar having a semispherically-shaped face supported in a matingly configurated recess provided in a stop plate so as to form a swivel bearing. A portion of the collet is closed by a bell connected to the stop plate and formed with a central hole to receive the shank of the tool.

Abstract: A rotary drilling head for a rotary drilling apparatus including a hollow or tubular base including a discharge outlet and a lower end adapted to be mounted on a well casing, or the like, and a housing with a rotatable spindle therein insertable into the base in a sealed relationship with the spindle including a stripper rubber at the lower end thereof, and a non-metallic driving connection with the Kelly bar at the upper end and journaled internally of the housing through thrust bearing assemblies and sealed in relation thereto by a plurality of unique seal arrangements. Pressurized lubrication is communicated with a passageway defined between the housing and rotatable spindle to provide continuous pressurized lubrication by an air-oil mist. The housing is removably secured to the base by a split clamp structure to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the housing and spindle components with respect to the base.

Abstract: A slurry diverter for use in well drilling of the type having a canister surrounding the drill shaft containing at least one compression ring member adapted to surround the drill shaft, having an O-ring-like outer portion and a thinner inwardly protruding lip portion adapted to contact the drill shaft so as to prevent the escape of slurry upwards on the drill shaft and divert such slurry through a slurry exit pipe held onto the diverter by quick release members which pipe extends away from the drill site to a diffuser held thereto also by quick release means.

Abstract: Chanelling in rock quarries with reduced noise level is effected by flame drilling side by side holes separated by a web with the web sufficiently thin to allow easy subsequent breakage, preferably where the web is badly heat damaged and cracked through. Water injection acts together with the muffler effect with drilling restricted to individual holes separated by the web to significantly reduce noise levels. The flame drill is preferably additionally provided with a muffler of "folded" design to increase the gas flow path over a short vertical dimension. The muffler may comprise multiple concentric tubes with the inner of the tubes bearing holes for transmitting flow radially of longitudinal flow paths defined by opposed concentric tube walls. A refractory cloth annulus secured to the top of the muffler may be spring held to the stem of the flame drill assembly.

Abstract: A material removal device for removing auger spoil from a drilling site (such as, for example, an earth situs). A hollow spoil-receiving container is provided having an inclined floor and having a generally vertically disposed barrel portion secured to the inclined floor adjacent the upper end thereof for enclosing a preselected axial length portion of the auger with a snug operable fit. The auger is operably movable in the container barrel portion during drilling to permit the spoil from the drilling operation to be carried upwardly through the barrel portion by the auger flights and deposited in the main part of the container. The container also has a selectively lockable door vertically hinged on the container at a point adjacent the lower end of the container inclined floor. A generally vertically disposed elongated framework structure is secured to the container and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A combined device for reaming and collecting dust for use with a drilling apparatus makes it possible to produce a flared mouth for the drilled hole, in particular for subsequently facilitating the insertion of an anchor bolt. The device includes a reamer, through which the drilling bit of the apparatus passes axially, and which is integral with a sleeve through which the bit also axially passes and which is coupled to a hydraulic speed-reducing motor. The inner diameters of the sleeve and of the reamer are greater than the diameter of the bit, in order to provide an annular passage for the evacuation of dust. A container for collecting dust and provided with a guide for the drilling bit is disposed on the side of the driving sleeve opposite the reamer.

Abstract: The preferred and illustrated embodiment is a connector adapted to be joined above a blowout preventer and below the rotary table of a drilling rig. It collects the annular flow of returned drilling mud and directs mud to an incorporated, radially directed connective nipple. It enables the blowout preventer to be adjusted in location relative to the drilling rig and further accommodates a variable level of drilling mud in the annular space. The radial nipple connects with a mud line extending at some radial direction with a slope causing the mud to flow by gravity from the annular space to remote located mud tanks.

Abstract: A dust-intercepting member is so mounted on a hand-held power tool as to contact a structure being acted upon around the tool element of the power tool, by a mounting arrangement which includes two hollow elongated mounting members one of which is received within the other for telescoping relative thereto while being retained against rotation with respect to the other mounting member about the common axis of the mounting members, and a helical compression spring the ends of which are respectively received in the interiors of the mounting members and urge the latter in opposite directions. The other mounting member is attached to an auxiliary hand grip which, in turn, is mounted on a cylindrical extension of the housing by a quick-release clamping arrangement. A setting ring on the inner one of the mounting members determines the depth of penetration of the tool element into the structure. A depth-determining profiled rod is displaceably and arrestably mounted on the auxiliary hand grip.

Abstract: In a dust collecting suction system for a rock drilling apparatus, the air rushing out of the borehole is collected in a hood and sucked through a coarse dust separator and a filter unit. The coarse dust from the separator is cleaned by an air currrent to remove remaining fine particles and then it is dumped on the ground whereas the finer dust from the filter unit is collected in plastic bags.

Abstract: A drill is disclosed having a shroud structure extending about a chuck and drill bit at the forward end of the tool, to receive cuttings produced by the bit, and having a receptacle preferably carried at the rear end of the drill and to which the cuttings are withdrawn by a flow of air. In one form of the invention, the air movement is induced by aspirator action, while in another form a rotary air pump driven by the motor of the drill creates the suction effect. The receptacle may take the form of a cup detachably connectible to the body of the drill, and in the aspirator form of the invention the aspirating passages may be formed in an end wall of this cup. The shroud structure may include a sleeve disposed about the drill bit, and having a lug projecting inwardly to a position to contact and break up cuttings formed by the bit before they are withdrawn to the accumulation receptacle.

Abstract: A dust-intercepting member is so mounted on a hand-held power tool as to contact a structure being acted upon around the tool element of the power tool, by a mounting arrangement which includes two hollow elongated mounting members one of which is received within the other for telescoping relative thereto while being retained against rotation with respect to the other mounting member about the common axis of the mounting members, and a helical compression spring the ends of which are respectively received in the interiors of the mounting members and urge the latter in opposite directions. The other mounting member is attached to an auxiliary hand grip which, in turn, is mounted on a cylindrical extension of the housing by a quick-release clamping arrangement. A setting ring on the inner one of the mounting members determines the depth of penetration of the tool element into the structure. A depth-determining profiled rod is displaceably and arrestably mounted on the auxiliary hand grip.

Abstract: A suction attachment for use with a drilling tool includes a muzzle part forming an opening through which a drill bit extends into contact with the material to be drilled. The muzzle part has a suction aperture communicating with the drill bit opening and a suction tube connected to the suction aperture. The suction tube includes a venturi tube section having a transverse plane of smallest cross-section spaced from the suction aperture. Extending from the transverse plane is a connecting passage which terminates at its other end in a suction recess formed in the surface of the muzzle part which faces the material to be drilled. The partial vacuum generated at the venturi tube section is transmitted through the connecting passage to the suction recess for holding the attachment on the material to be drilled.

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

Abstract: A system for collecting dust during drilling operations in a mine with a roof drill machine is described herein. The system consists of a mobile roof drilling machine having a conical shaped dust-collecting bowl adjacent to the surface being drilled. It is provided with annular space between the drill and the conical dust-collecting system to allow the drill to be injected into the roof of the mine. The system has a strong suction mechanism tangentially associated on each side of the dust-collecting system so as to provide a swirling motion of the falling dust particles.

Abstract: A device attachable to a power drill for the collection and removal of material released during drilling procedures. A collecting tube is mounted by a clamp parallel to the longitudinal axis of the power drill, and is movable relative to the power drill. A spout surrounds the drill bit near the tip area. Pressure is applied to the collecting tube or to the spout in closing the drill bit by a spring, so that the collecting tube can have relative motion in the opposite direction, in accordance with the progress of the drilling. The collecting tube is adapted to the contour of the power drill and has a bend in the vicinity of the spout. The collecting tube has, furthermore, a storage space for the material released during the drilling.

Abstract: On a portable frame skid base, a receiving tank is mountable and centered to engage therein a production casing of a well to be bailed. A sectional frame hoisting tower is mountable over the tank for suspending a pipe bailer therein and in alignment with the production casing. The bailer is bottom operated by means of a ball valve and downwardly extending `stinger` in frictional cooperation with engaging rolls mounted in the tower. A wire line drum has an adjustable flange for the proper spooling of a range of sizes of wire line connected to bailer. An electric motor and reduction gear is mountable on the skid base adjacent the drum for driving it in reversible rotation as directed by automated motor controls and safety controls operable by mechanical feedback from drum and apparatus to continuously or intermittently bail a well in accordance with establishable parameters, and to shut it down in case of malfunction.

Abstract: Coal can be mined from a substantially vertical or steeply inclined seam by forming a cavity in the seam and filling the cavity with a magnetite slurry having a specific gravity greater than the coal being mined therefrom.As the coal is dislodged, it will float to the top and be pumped from the cavity by the excess magnetite slurry being supplied to the cavity. A coal-magnetite slurry separator is used to separate the coal from the magnetite slurry, whereupon the magnetite slurry is reinjected into the cavity.

Abstract: An arrangement for the handling of drill string elements, such as tubes or rods, in drill rigs, comprising means for transferring the drill string elements between a magazine and the drill string axis, a drill string centralizer at the front end of an elongated support for guiding the drill string, a spinning device on said transferring means for gripping and rotating a drill string element, said means being adapted to axially displace the drill string element during rotation thereof, and a sleeve brake mounted on the drilling machine for non-rotatably holding a coupling sleeve when the adapter of the drilling machine is disconnected from the drill string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding and sealing a drill string during drilling. The drill string is formed with an increased diameter at the portions where two adjacent rods are connected. The guiding and sealing of the rods is maintained by means of hydraulically operated guide jaws in a drill rod centralizer. The increased diameter portions are guided and sealed by means of tubular members located rearwardly and forwardly of said jaws. The drill rod centralizer is mounted on a saddle which is slidable along a feed bar. The drill rod centralizer is connected to means for removing drill dust and may be provided with a tubular portion for guiding the drill bit during collaring of a new hole.

Abstract: This dust control system is mounted on a drill tower. A housing with an open bottom is used for drawing air into the housing. A side air outlet is used for drawing the dust and chips from the housing to a skimmer. The housing is provided with a pair of longitudinally separated flexible seals with central holes adapted to flexibly receive the drill bit and drill string. The dust hood is movable longitudinally with respect to the drill tower so that the dust hood may be adjusted to a predetermined height above the top of the hole. The hood may be swung from a position aligned with the drill bit and drill string to a position laterally spaced from the side of the drill tower and vice-versa.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting and loading auger spoil comprising a spinning plate having a central opening co-axial with an auger hole, power means for rotating said spinning plate; a fixed circular wall structure spaced from the periphery of the spinning plate, having a lower edge spaced from the upper surface of said spinning plate and formed with a gap; a conveyor belt having one end located at said gap; and a series of rings detachably secured together in stepped relation with the outermost ring connected to the spinning plate at the edge defining the opening therein whereby one or more of said rings may be removed from or added to said series to provide a plate opening of the same diameter as that of a particular auger hole.

Abstract: A dust guard intended for preventing drill dust from being spread out into the atmosphere during air flushed rock drilling. The dust guard comprises a bell-shaped suction shell which in operation is located around the drill stem at the rock surface and which is continuously discharged by a suction source. The shell is provided with a flexible collar the object of which is to hinder dust particles from leaving the shell along the drill stem. The flexible collar comprises an outer ring and a number of resilient tongues arranged in a fan-like manner between the outer ring and a central drill stem opening. The collar may be made in one piece.

Abstract: An arrangement for the handling of drill string elements, such as tubes or rods, in drill rigs, comprising means for transferring the drill string elements between a magazine and the drill string axis, a drill string centralizer at the front end of an elongated support for guiding the drill string, a spinning device on said transferring means for gripping and rotating a drill string element, said means being adapted to axially displace the drill string element during rotation thereof, and a sleeve brake mounted on the drilling machine for nonrotatably holding a coupling sleeve when the adapter of the drilling machine is disconnected from the drill string.