Abstract: A self-propelled, pneumopercussive, cyclic action, ground penetrating machine (200) has decreased energy consumption and increased average working velocity compared to conventional machines. This is obtained in part by a valve-operated air-distribution mechanism (203) having separated forward and reverse compressed air supply lines (35, 37), which mechanism (203) does not limit the length of the forward and backward strokes of the striker (202). This mechanism allows the backward stroke chamber (75) to be connected with the atmosphere during the entire forward stroke of the striker (202). This eliminates generation of an air buffer in the backward stroke chamber (75) and, consequently, the striker (202) does not lose part of its kinetic energy before impact.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving an upwardly directed shaft in rock, which includes a platform that can be regulated in height. The platform carries a drilling unit having engageable elements enabling fixation of the drilling unit relative the wall of the shaft. The drilling unit and platform can be separated a given distance such as to form an air gap for preventing the transfer of vibrations from the drilling unit to the platform when a drilling machine pertaining to the drilling unit is in operation. The apparatus has bracket elements and a transverse member for limiting the separation distance between the drilling unit and platform. The platform carries a work station for a drilling machine operator.

Abstract: Designed primarily for use in the production of heavy and medium oil in conjunction with a screw-type pump in relatively shallow or medium wells, the device comprises an inner mandrel within an outer casing situated below the pump and connected to the pump casing and prevents right-hand rotation in the event that the torque reaction of the pump increases due to sand, for example, and attempts to rotate the pump stator together with the production string tubing, but at the same time allows vertical movement of the string to take place for withdrawal purposes.

Abstract: An existing underground sewer or other pipe is renovated by rupturing and radially expanding the pipe and installing a replacement pipeline within the ruptured pipe. The pipe is ruptured and radially expanded by introducing a plurality of radially expandable tubular members into the pipe so as to form a liner. Each member is then radially expanded so that the liner engages with and then ruptures the portion of the pipe adjacent thereto. The tubular members may be radially expanded by inflating a bag within the confines of the members.

Abstract: Automatic Hydraulic Thruster for hole boring including a mandrel and sleeve forming two expandable chambers with plural wall anchor means annularly disposed about the sleeve responsive to pressure differential between one chamber and the bore hole pressure and three-way valve means for automatically connecting the chambers respectively first with mandrel pressure and bore hole pressure and then vice versa.

Abstract: An earth boring or shaft sinking apparatus in which a column is continuously rotatable about its axis, the column including a cutting wheel at one end rotatable about a wheel axis normal to the axis of the column, the cutting wheel including sprockets mounted about the wheel axis, the sprockets providing engagement for an endless bucket-carrying chain for direct conveyance of cuttings from the bottom of a hole to the top end of the column, which includes another set of sprockets for the endless bucket-carrying chain and discharges the cuttings into a feed bin. The cutting wheel is continuously rotated about the column longitudinal axis, as well as its wheel axis of rotation.

Abstract: An improved cable following apparatus especially suitable for use in replacing an existing underground cable is disclosed herein. This apparatus utilizes a telescopically configured main body disposed around a cable in question and front and rear cable gripping mechanisms which alternatively grip the cable so as to cause the telescopic body to slide along the latter in a forward direction. The cable following apparatus also includes a technique for releasing both of the gripping mechanisms from the cable at the same time in order to be able to pull the entire apparatus rearwardly in the event it becomes necessary or desirable to do so.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling oil and gas wells includes an articulated drilling assembly having a bit which is powered by an air motor pressurized by air or gas delivered from the surface of the earth via a coiled tube. A torque arrestor is used to keep the drilling assembly from rotating with the bit. The apparatus is suitable for drilling horizontally within the earth as well as vertically.

Abstract: A cable following apparatus especially suitable for use in replacing existing underground cable by reaming around and along the length of the cable is disclosed herein. This apparatus includes a main body or cable follower which is interconnected with the cable to be replaced for slidable movement along the latter. In order to accomplish this, the apparatus includes a specifically designed mechanism for releasably gripping the cable at least at one end preferably two points along the cable in a specifically controlled fashion. At the same time, the apparatus provide means for reaming around the cable, preferably by means of one or more floor jets. Once the soil surrounding the cable has been loosened using this apparatus, the cable can be easily pulled out of the ground. A replacement cable can be attached to the existing cable and therefore pulled into place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in controlling a well during drilling operations is disclosed. The method includes actuating a downhole packer and providing for flow in a controlled manner past the packer. The apparatus includes a packer and means for controlling flow past the packer. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention which, of course, is defined in the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in anyway.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for drilling a well bore and setting a liner therein in which the drill string with a bit and underreamers thereon also includes a liner supported thereon which has a gripping assembly with two sets of gripping elements and a pair of external tapers on the liner each of which coacts with one of the sets of gripping elements, one of which wedges one set of gripping elements into set position responsive to the liner weight and the other of which is spaced from said one a sufficient distance that said one is removed from wedging engagement when said other wedges the other set of gripping elements into set position responsive to upward forces on said liner, and a normally closed bypass around the sealing means on the liner which may be opened responsive to manipulation of the liner to allow cementing of the liner in position within the well bore and the steps of lowering the liner on the drill string as the well bore is being formed, setting the liner, gripping assembly and sealing means,

Abstract: The casing of a drill motor axis is provided with a deflection barrel free to turn to position the barrel relative to the motor to apply lateral force to the side of the motor directed along any desired radius. A gravity actuated mercury potentiometer connected to the barrel provides a barrel orientation responsive electric transmitter for remote indication of the barrel orientation in the hole being drilled. A hydraulic stepping motor and meshing teeth are used to position the barrel azimuthally about the motor axis with the use of vertical alignment means.

Abstract: The casing of a drill motor is provided with a deflection barrel free to turn thereon to position the barrel relative to the motor to apply lateral force to the side of the motor directed along any desired radius. A gravity actuated mercury potentiometer connected to the barrel provides a barrel orientation responsive electric transmitter for remote indication of the barrel orientation in the hole being drilled. An annular piston drives a key longitudinally between a straight keyway carried by the barrel and a helical keyway carried by the motor to position the barrel azimuthally about the motor axis. A manifold connected to the motor provides means for making connection to fluid and electric conduits for operating the motor, the piston, and the transmitter.

Abstract: An apparatus of the type used in forming boreholes in earth formations, as particularly utilized in and about mining operations, which includes the addition of thrust force accumulator structure which enables a continuous drilling progression during the cyclical actuation of alternating borehole anchor mechanism. The device utilizes a conventional form of drill motor and drill bit coupled with a particular form of piston/cylinder anchor mechanism which functions in coaction with a force accumulator compression spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining earth samples of soil or rock from the bottom of holes previously drilled in the earth, the apparatus having an outer and inner non-rotatable casing and a rotatable intermediate casing wherein the intermediate casing is provided with a cutter head fixed to the outer end thereof, including a rotatable hollow shaft adapted to rotate the intermediate casing through a reduction gear train and to supply water or other drill fluid under predetermined pressures to the apparatus, the outer casing having expandable earth engaging arms operatable by the water or fluid pressure received from the hollow shaft for engaging the side wall of the previously bored hole formed in the earth wherein the earth engaging arms will prevent rotation of the outer and inner casing while the hollow shaft is rotating the intermediate casing, and means carried within the outer casing for supporting the gear train, including means incorporated within the apparatus for marking the azimuth of the core, and means fo

Abstract: A percussive machine having an impact mechanism accommodated to a housing with a hammer piston imparting blows to a rock-destroying member. There is provided an air-supply duct for supplying compressed air to the impact mechanism and to the hole face. In order to prevent the machine from moving away from the hole face during the operation, the housing is provided with an elastic tubular member having a space in constant communication with the air supply duct.

Abstract: A tool for running on a well string such as a drill string in a well bore carries inflatable packer means to close off the well bore adjacent the tool. The tool includes a body having a longitudinal bore therethrough with seating means and shock absorbing means for absorbing the shock of seating a bore close off means to close off the bore in the drill string. The bore close off means includes latch means for latching the bore close off means in seated position in the well string.The tool may be positioned in the drill string near the drilling bit and when pressure is applied in the well string at the earth's surface such pressure is conducted through the bore close off means to inflate the inflatable packer means and seal off the well bore beneath the inflated packer means.