Abstract: Section mills have been invented that have one or more blades whose tops are rotatably extendable outward from a mill body as bottoms of the blade(s) rotate about a fixed point, the blade bottoms rotatably secured to the mill body so that, in response to a downwardly moving wash tube contacting the blades, tops of the blades move out from the mill body. In one aspect the blades have a milling surface which is of such an outward extent and which is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the mill body when the blades are fully extended so that the blades achieve "full sweep" milling.

Abstract: An anti-whirl underreamer comprising a body configured for connection to a drillstring, at least two arms carried by the body which are extendable between a retracted position and a projected position, a movable piston and biased spring assembly for moving the arms, a plurality of cutting elements carried by one of the arms for cutting an axially extending cylindrical sidewall of the borehole within a subterranean formation and for applying a resultant radial force to the body as it rotates, and a low friction bearing region carried by another arm for transmitting the resultant radial force from the body to the sidewall of the borehole during rotation of the underreamer within the borehole. The cutting elements are positioned so that the resultant radial force developed is of sufficient magnitude and direction to substantially maintain the low friction bearing region in contact with the sidewall of the borehole as the underreamer is rotated within the borehole.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for the remote actuation of equipment (3) associated with a drill string (1) through a hydraulic displacement mechanism (10;53,58) co-operating with a distributor (7;25,26,27;47) associated with the drilling fluid. The displacement mechanism directly converts the hydraulic energy of the drilling fluid into actuating mechanical energy with the co-operation of no other fluid than the drilling fluid. The invention further relates to an actuating method using the device and has an application of directional drilling in the petroleum field.

Abstract: A wireline conveyable device for a fluid operable borehole tubing assembly comprising a tubular body having a first end intended to form the upper end when in the borehole and a second open end intended to form the lower end. The tubular body includes at least one aperture in a wall thereof to facilitate passage of fluid through the tubular body. Electrically actuable outwardly moving anchoring means are attached to the tubular body for positively locating the tubular member at a predetermined position within the borehole tubing, in use. An electrically actuable sealing means attached to the tubular body and arranged, in use, for selectively sealing the space between the borehole tubing and the tubular body to divert fluid through the tubular body to bypass the sealing means for driving fluid actuable means located adjacent said second lower end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for use down along a tubing string consisting of an elongate body member having central cavity and transverse slotway and receiving drilling fluid axially therethrough. An expandable double blade is pivotally housed in the slotway while fluid actuated pistons above and below are effective to expand the blades outboard on each side and to brace the blades in operative position as the body member is rotated and the blades abrade or cut the adjacent material.

Abstract: A combined drill and underreamer tool capable of selectively drilling and underreaming a well hole on command, which includes a fluid distribution system wherein drilling mud under pressure is accumulated in a central chamber and from that central chamber a portion is distributed to the drill bit while another portion is distributed to the underreamer tool when that tool is operative, and, further, employing drilling mud under pressure to activate and deactivate the underreamer tool by selectively blocking and unblocking a fluid a passage thereto.

Abstract: A device for drilling and lining holes in earth bores wherein a casing is intended to be lowered into the bore along with the drilling unit. The drilling unit is mounted on a rotating drill. The drilling unit includes a plurality of cutters which can be arranged in the extended active position or can be retracted to a passive position arranged within the casing of the drilling unit. Drilling fluid through an activating piston repositions the cutters between the passive and the active position. The drilling unit includes a gripping device which contacts a groove in the casing which carries the casing down the bore with the drilling unit. Threaded ribs within the drilling unit act as a pump to maintain down hole drilling fluid pressure. A valve is provided in conjunction with the cutters whereby when the cutters are moved to the active position the valve will open allowing flow of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and mechanical actuation system for controlling fluid flow in and mechanically actuating a tool includes an upwardly biased and vertically movable actuating assembly for actuating a tool upon downward movement. Two passages extend through the actuating assembly. A vertically and rotationally movable valve having a radially offset bore extending therethrough is also provided. The valve controls fluid flow to the two passages in the actuating assembly upon successive downward strokes of the valve so that when the bore in the valve is aligned with one of the passages in the actuating assembly, a pressure build-up occurs which is sufficient to cause the actuating assembly to move downwardly for actuating a tool. On the other hand, when the bore in the valve is aligned with the other passage in the actuating assembly, the build-up of pressure does not occur and the downward movement of the actuating assembly is prevented.

Abstract: A milling machine is set forth for operation on a pipe string in a cased well to mill the casing. In one embodiment, an inner mandrel having a shoulder is aligned relative to a set of first cutters which are retracted. They are radially extended through slots in an outer body for cutting operations when the pipe string is rotated. Extension is accomplished by raising pump pressure to move an inner mandrel having a shoulder juxtapositioned relative to the cutters. In an alternate embodiment, the inner mandrel has two shoulders which cooperate with two separate sets of cutters wherein the first set is fully extended and the second set in only partially extended. The coil spring controlling the shoulder for the second set of cutters. The lower end of the tool body includes a constricted outlet orifice for mud flow and an alternate pathway through the inner mandrel and outer body is provided to flush cuttings and chips from the cutters.

Abstract: A casing mill for milling pipe cemented in an oil well comprises a body with a plurality of fixed milling blades having a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and a second plurality of movable blades movable between a retracted position smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and an extended diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of a pipe coupling between adjacent sections of pipe. Means are provided for selectively moving the blades between the retracted and extended positions in response to drilling fluid flow. A stabilizer keeps the casing mill centered in the pipe to be milled. In this way, one can mill both the pipe and coupling in the vicinity of a coupling and mill only pipe between the vicinities of adjacent couplings.

Abstract: An actuator for an appliance associated with a ducted body, through the duct of which flows an incompressible fluid, includes a differential piston axially moveable within the duct and operatively connected to the appliance. The piston has a tubular shape and a central bore which includes a first profiled throttling portion the minimum internal diameter of which is smaller than the internal diameter of the duct. A protruding profiled element secured in the duct body is disposed coaxially with the piston and cooperates therewith for selectively increasing the loss of head of the incompressible fluid as it flows in the direction of circulation. A spring is arranged between the piston and part of the drill string for biasing the piston in a direction of movement opposite the direction of circulation of the incompressible fluid. A measurement is provided for measuring the pressure of the incompressible fluid at the first end of the drill string.

Abstract: A milling machine is set forth for operation on a pipe string in a cased well to mill the casing. In one embodiment, an inner mandrel having a shoulder is aligned relative to a set of first cutters which are retracted. They are radially extended through slots in an outer body for cutting operations when the pipe string is rotated. Extension is acccomplished by raising pump pressure to move an inner mandrel having a shoulder juxtapositioned relative to the cutters. In an alternate embodiment, the inner mandrel has two shoulders which cooperate with two separate sets of cutters wherein the first set is fully extended and the second set in only partially extended. The coil spring controlling the shoulder for the second set of cutters. The lower end of the tool body includes a constricted outlet orifice for mud flow and an alternate pathway through the inner mandrel and outer body is provided to flush cuttings and chips from the cutters.

Abstract: An underreamer including a body having a bore therethrough, an arm mounted at its upper end to the body, a sleeve member detachably secured to the lower end of each arm and adapted to receive the frictional wear caused by the rotation of the conical cutter mounted thereto. Bearings and seals disposed between the cutter and the sleeve member provide smooth rotation of the cutter. In addition, locking pins and bearings extending between the arm and the sleeve member secure the sleeve on the arm. The arms are pivotally mounted in slots in the body and mechanical structure is provided for moving the arms to their cutting position with their lower ends positioned radially outward from the body.

Abstract: A fluid-operated self-propelled subsoil penetrating tool of the type including an elongated housing member having a penetrating nose portion capable of ejecting a jet of liquid under high pressure to break up and disrupt the subsoil adjacent such nose portion followed by a two-component hammering of such soil to displace and compact same as the tool advances. Remotely-operated steering mechanisms control the path of the tool while remotely-read instruments denote the position, depth, direction and attitude of the tool. A trailing umbilical cord provides all motive and operational fluids and electrical power while transmitting instructions and data between the tool and the remote control station. A unique internal structure reduces the rotation of the tool as it advances and provides for the reverse movement of the tool and electrical supplies through the bore created by the movement of the tool through the subsoil.

Abstract: A sub-surface borehole underreamer is disclosed having freely rotatable precessing diamond cutters attached to extendable arms connected to the body of the underreamer. The diamond cutting face is skewed to a degree that tangential contact of the peripheral edge of the diamond cutter causes the rotating cutter to precess as the underreamer body is rotated by a drill string.

Abstract: The device has, inside a duct (11) through which flows an incompressible fluid, a first profiled throttling element (17), a differential piston (10) subjected on one side to the pressure upstream of the profiled element (17) and on the other side to the pressure reduced by the element (17), a profiled surface (18) on the piston on the side subjected to the reduced pressure and a second profiled element (16) which are intended to interact to reduce the passage of fluid as a result of the movement of the piston in a first direction and increase the loss of head substantially, and a spring (15) returning the piston (10) in its second direction of movement. The device can serve particularly for actuating a stabilizer of a set of drill rods. In this case, the differential piston has inclined slopes.

Abstract: A stabilizer (36) mounted on a mandrel (14) of a workstring (12) within a casing (10) of a well bore hole. The stabilizer (36) has an upper carrier (38) fixed to the mandrel (14) and a lower carrier (40) mounted on the mandrel (14) for relative sliding movement. Shoes (70) are mounted by links or arms (64, 74) to bearing housing (50, 80) on the carriers (38, 40). The bearing housings (50, 80) are mounted for relative rotation on the carriers (38, 40) and permit the mandrel (14) and workstring (12) to rotate relative to the shoes (70) upon fluid actuation of lower carrier (40) and engagement of the casing (10) by the shoes (70).

Abstract: This underreamer has a lower body and a tubular upper body connected above it. A pair of extendible cutter arms are scissored in the lower body for pivoting between retracted and extended positions. A sleeve fixed to the lower body extends upwardly within the upper body with an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the upper body to leave a fluid flow annulus between the sleeve and upper body. A piston in the sleeve is axially movable from an upward position toward a lower position in response to application of fluid pressure through a drill string for pivoting the cutter arms from the retracted position toward the extended position. Passages through the lower body convey drilling fluid through the lower body from the annulus between the upper body and the sleeve. Such fluid is discharged outside the lower body adjacent to cutters on the cutter arms, into a pocket in the lower body occupied by the cutters in their retracted position, and through the lower end of the lower body.

Abstract: A narrow diameter reaming tool can ream a hole which is up to ten times the diameter of the tool. The cutting arms of the tool are of a type such that if there is an excessive load on an arm, the arm will fracture rather than bend.

Abstract: A bore hole enlarging method and arrangement for connection with a rotary pipe string includes inner and outer body sections which form a body structure to provide a fluid flow path therethrough for communicating with piston and cylinder means formed between the body sections for receiving drilling fluid to effect telescopic movement between the body sections. Cutter arms are pivotally mounted on the inner body section and a cooperable support arrangement on the cutter arms and outer body section cooperate to expand or move the cutter arms outwardly of the body structure upon telescopic movement of the body sections in one relative direction and assist in attracting the cutter arms when desired.

Abstract: A well bore enlarger comprising, in its fixed-arm embodiment, a tubular housing member having an enlarged section with an outer diameter substantially the same as the well bore diameter, the enlarged section having a plurality of longitudinal cut-out portions defining blades of the enlarged section therebetween; a longitudinal slot within the blade; a cutting arm mounted to the blade within the slot having cutting edges and a fluid gallery between the cutting edges which gallery communicates with the slot and the well bore; synthetic diamond material attached to the cutting arm; and means on the tubular housing member for directing a fluid through the fluid gallery of the cutting arm. In the expandable-arm embodiment of the well bore enlarger, the tubular housing member is formed with the enlarged section as previously described, with slots, blades and cut-out portions.

Abstract: A borehole operating tool such as an underreamer or milling tool for performing borehole expanding or cutting operations in an oil well borehole, the tool including an elongated cylindrical housing having a main bore and side openings in which expandable arms are mounted for pivotal movement between closed and opened positions by a pivot pin; a piston element is mounted within the main bore of the housing for moving to an actuated position holding the expandable arms in an outer, expanded position; and a rotary fluid housing is mounted within each expandable arm about the hinge pin and includes a body nozzle for receiving fluid from the body and an expandable arm nozzle for directing fluid into a bore which extends through the expandable arm to thereby provide circulating fluid outwardly of the expandable arm in order to keep the operating outer end area of the expandable arm from becoming clogged.

Abstract: An underreamer, hole opener, or expansible rotary drill bit including a body having a bore therethrough, an arm mounted at its upper end to the body, a conical cutter mounted for rotation on the lower end of each arm, a cup-shape thrust bearing between the cutter and the arm, a bolt through the arm to secure the cutter on the arm and means including a ball and groove between the bolt and the cutter to lock the bolt to the cutter. In the underreamer form of the present invention, the arms are pivotally mounted in slots in the body and means is provided for moving their arms to their cutting position with their lower ends positioned radially outward from the body.

Abstract: The improvement in the boring devices is adapted to cut grooves or cavities at the bottom of bored holes. It comprises a tool (3) containing a diaphragm (17) forming an expansion chamber to which a liquid under pressure can be supplied for radially displacing cutting elements (24) set with diamonds between a retracted position and a projecting working position. The measurement of the variation of the volume of the liquid under pressure in a chamber (26) enables the radial position of the elements (24) to be known.

Abstract: An underreamer having a plurality of drilling arms hingedly attached to a tubular body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position for drilling. The hinge attachment includes a cylindrical boss and socket assembly, between the arm and a removeable hinge plate retained in a recess in the body against outward movement by an engaging key and keyway between the plate and wall of the recess.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for excavating pile holes of various shapes, including a pile hole with a widened bottom and a pile hole with a widened top and widened bottom, by means of an excavating bit and widening bits.

Abstract: An underreamer utilizes a plurality of cutting arms each having a plurality of tungsten carbide inserts, some of which have synthetic diamond cutting surfaces. There is a synthetic diamond gage cutter at the outer end of each cutting arm, and at least one other synthetic diamond cutter located more inwardly on the arm. The gage cutter is offset a greater distance from the leading side of the arm than are such other cutters. Recessed regions in front of the synthetic diamond cutters expose their full cutting faces while leaving steel for support of the cutters. Tungsten carbide inserts on the ends of the cutting arms between the leading side and the gage cutter minimize erosion of the steel arm and help prevent the gage cutter from being dislodged. The underreamer includes a hydraulic plunger for activating the cutting arms from a fully retracted to a fully deployed position, and a nozzle which ejects fluid toward the arm cutting surfaces during deployment and operation of the cutting arms.

Abstract: A water well developer is connected between the end of a hollow drill string and an air-actuated well casing perforator to allow air under pressure to be transmitted through the developer to the perforator. After completion of the perforation, and without removing the perforating tool, a ball is dropped down the hollow drill string to block a passage through a piston that is slidably mounted in the developer, causing the piston to be driven downwardly and to unblock ports through which jets of air are driven into the interior of the casing. As the developer piston is driven down it also completes a relief passage connection that dumps air or water from the perforator.

Abstract: Abrasion cutting elements of a rotary drill bit are operatively connected to the bit body structure by means for yieldably supporting the abrasion cutting elements and for forcing them into a continuous drag mode of cutting contact with the earth formation. The drill bit may also employ compression or indentor cutting elements operatively attached in fixed operative positions. The yieldably supporting and force applying means may be hydraulically controlled by drilling fluid pressure and the cutting force applied on the abrasion cutting elements can be established independently of the axial cutting force transferred from the drill string and drill bit to the indentor cutting elements. Optimum performance of both the abrasion and indentor types of cutting elements is secured. The abrasion cutting elements are preferably retained for contacting and cutting the gage corner material.

Abstract: A subsurface borehole underreamer comprises a tubular body which is adapted at its upper end for coaxial connection to a rotary drill string. A plurality of cutter support arms have upper and lower ends. The upper ends of the arms are pivoted to the body for motion of the lower ends thereof between retracted positions, in which the lower ends are disposed essentially within the diameter of the body, and open positions, in which the arm lower ends are disposed outwardly of the body. Cutters are mounted to the lower end of each arm and are configured to extend essentially to the center of the body when the arm is in its retracted position. An actuator in the body is selectively operable for moving the arms from their retracted to their open positions.

Abstract: A borehole underreamer, having an axial flow passage from end to end and useful with reverse circulation operations, has a cutter arm actuator which includes an axially movable tube. The tube carries an annular piston which moves in an annular piston chamber formed about the tube. The tube is driven, to open the underreamer, by air pressure supplied to the piston chamber via a double-walled drill pipe. An upper extension of the tube above the piston is removable from the remainder of the tube and defines reverse circulation air injection ports which are opened from the chamber to the axial flow passage when the underreamer is open but which are sealed from the chamber when the underreamer is closed. The extension may be replaced by a similar ported extension to adapt the underreamer to different reverse circulation conditions, or it may be replaced by a similar unported extension to adapt the underreamer for use in conventional circulation operations.

Abstract: A raise boring system is provided that allows the raise boring head to be easily and efficiently lowered back through the completed raise hole. The raise head includes a multiplicity of rolling cutters positioned in saddles that are firmly affixed to the body of the raise head. These fixed saddles and rolling cutters comprise the primary cutting stage of the raise head. A multiplicity of retractable gage cutters are located radially outside of the primary cutting stage. The retractable gage cutters comprise rolling cutters positioned in moveable saddles. The moveable saddles and rolling cutters can be selectively withdrawn inside the primary cutting stage. A hydraulic-pneumatic system is provided for withdrawing the retractable gage cutters.

Abstract: A tool for perforating water well pipe casings is disclosed. The tool is designed for use with air rotary water well drilling apparatus. The tool includes a slideable casing perforator wheel actuated by a pneumatic cylinder carried within the tool. The casing may be perforated and subsequent development of the well carried out while the tool is in place. No removal is necessary to carry out well development.

Abstract: A drill string mounted tool for cutting a pair of spaced, vertical slots in well tubular goods comprising a pair of knives adapted to be swung outwardly, scissors style, by a piston member, which is in turn operated by well fluid pressure from the surface. Slot cutting is accomplished by vertically reciprocating the drill string carrying the tool with the knives extended.

Abstract: A well casing perforator adapted to be used with pneumatically powered rotary drilling equipment. It includes an upright elongated body which is inserted within the casing. The body is attached to the lower end of a drill rod which imparts vertical or angular movement to the elongated body while within the casing. The body is guided axially within the casing by rollers which engage the interior casing wall. A rotatable wheel has teeth capable of penetrating the casing wall as the wheel rolls in engagement with the casing. The wheel is mounted at the outer end of a carrier pivoted to the elongated body about a horizontal axis. The carrier in turn is controlled by a piston assembly subject to pneumatic pressure within the drill rod. The piston assembly is pivotally connected to the carrier to move it from a first position at which the wheel is retracted from engagement with the casing to a second position at which the wheel engages the interior wall of the casing.

Abstract: A tool adapted to be mounted on an elongated fluid conductive assembly such as a drill string for performance of a predetermined work operation at a remote location, such as the directional control of drilling, the tool having a tool body borne by the fluid conductive assembly for positioning in the remote location; a work member mounted on the tool body for movement laterally thereof; and a cam member received in the tool body in engagement with the work member for movement longitudinally in the tool body to move the work member laterally of the tool body upon predetermined pressurization of the fluid conductive assembly.