Abstract: An earth boring apparatus includes a drill rod, a source for a drill fluid, and a voltage source. The drill rod has a hollow rod casing provided for throughflow of the drill fluid, and a conductor located within the rod casing, with the voltage source being connected with the conductor and the rod casing. The voltage source is so connected as to prevent the electric conductor to act as anode in the event the drill fluid establishes an electrically conductive connection between the rod casing and the conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for downhole measurement for use with drill strings to reduce the borehole gap with respect to sensors carried by the drill string. In one embodiment, the sensors are mounted on a surface of the directional drilling hinged pad that comes in contact with the borehole wall. The hinged pad is pressed against the borehole wall as contact is made with the wall, thereby keeping the sensors at a minimum gap with respect to the wall. In another embodiment, the hinged pad is not used for directional drilling. Therefore the hinged pad is extended outward to the wall with the minimum necessary amount of force. Activation of the hinged pad can be initiated, for example, by flow of mud in the annulus of the string or through a user-provided command. The sensors can include resistivity, density, neutron, electromagnetic, acoustic, seismic, and NMR measurement sensors.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through the fluid passageway and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to a flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature.

Abstract: In an aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a tubular and a drilling assembly configured to carry a drill bit at an end thereof, wherein the drilling assembly is configured to be positioned within the tubular, wherein the tubular and drilling assembly are configured to be run in the wellbore together. The apparatus also includes an actuation device in the tubular configured to selectively extend the drilling assembly from and retract the drilling assembly into the tubular.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a pressure housing deployed in the bore of a drill collar. At least three fins are deployed on the housing and in the tool annulus. At least one of the fins includes a floating blade deployed thereon. The blade includes a plurality of radial pistons deployed therein. The pistons are configured such that the surface area of the radially outward facing piston surfaces is greater than the surface area of the radially inward facing piston surfaces. This piston configuration causes the surface area of the radially outward facing blade surface to be less than the radially inward facing blade surface. In operation, hydrostatic pressure exerts a differential force on the pistons and the floating blade thereby urging the pistons radially inward towards the housing and the blade radially outward towards the drill collar.

Abstract: A stop collar assembly used for axially securing and/or to resist axial sliding of a downhole tool device. The assembly provided on a housing of the downhole tool and includes a generally annular ring having an inner circumference beveled outward proximate to the ring edge. A clamp ring having a raised portion on its outer surface is disposed adjacent and substantially coaxial with the annular ring. Pushing the annular ring against the clamp ring compresses the clamp ring onto the housing to resist axial sliding of the annular ring.

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4), and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions therebetween.

Abstract: A rotary steerable tool (2) for use in a downhole drilling apparatus for adjusting the direction of drilling is disclosed. The tool comprises a tubular outer housing (20) and a row of steering pushers (24) slidably mounted to the housing for movement between an extended position, in which the steering pusher engages a wall of a borehole formed by the drilling apparatus, and a withdrawn position, in which the steering pushers do not engage the wall of the borehole. A tubular sleeve (4) is mounted inside the housing (20) to transmit rotary drive to a drilling bit. A pressure chamber (22) defined between the sleeve (4) and the housing (20) communicates with the steering pushers (24) to move the steering pushers (24) to the extended position.

Abstract: A drill pipe protector assembly comprising at least one protector sleeve (23) adapted to be mounted to the drill pipe string (7) through a fluid bearing (25) so as to be co-axially rotatable with respect to the drill pipe string (7). A retainer arrangement (21, 35) axially fixes the protector sleeve (23) with respect to the drill pipe string (7). The fluid bearing (25) is constructed according to the principles of a hydrostatic fluid bearing. At least one fluid channel (53) connects the fluid bearing (25) to a fluid path of pressurized drilling fluid flowing within an inner space (51) of the drill pipe string (7).

Abstract: A drilling tool that has a flexible shaft so as to be able to make short radius curves while still being able to transmit torque and axial loads. The drilling tool includes a drill shaft for transmitting axial load, comprising a series of coaxial ring members connected together such that adjacent ring members are flexible in an axial plane relative to each other; each ring member being connected to an adjacent ring member by connecting member arranged to transmit torque therebetween; and axial supports extend between adjacent ring members so as to transmit axial loads therebetween.

Abstract: A method of constructing a borehole drilled with a drilling apparatus (16), the method comprises: connecting a flexible tubular liner sleeve (22) around the outside of the drilling apparatus and connecting the sleeve around an upper opening of the borehole so as to pass into the borehole; progressively extending the sleeve into the borehole as drilling progresses while maintaining connection to the drilling apparatus and borehole opening; at a predetermined point in the drilling, expanding the sleeve so as to contact the borehole wall; and setting the sleeve so as to be fixed to the borehole wall after expansion. Apparatus for use in such a method comprises: a flexible, expandable sleeve (22); a first connector for connecting the sleeve around the outside of a drilling assembly; and a second connector for connecting the sleeve around the opening of the borehole; wherein the sleeve is arranged to extend through the borehole between the connectors as drilling progresses.

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4), and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions therebetween.

Abstract: An expandable apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular body having at least one opening extending between a longitudinal bore of the tubular body and an outer surface of the tubular body and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening of the tubular body. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuation structure is positioned within the tubular body. The actuation structure is coupled to the at least one member and is configured to move the at least one member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to a flow rate of drilling fluid passing through the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A tubing shoe (10) for use on work strings in well bores as are typically utilised in oil and gas production. The shoe comprises a cylindrical body (12) upon which is arranged a reaming portion (22) including pairs of teardrop shaped raised reaming members (26), each pair being mounted oppositely, in parallel and longitudinally along the body. Adjacent pairs of members provide a funnel (42) for collecting approaching debris and a channel for grinding the debris. A nose (14) may be mounted on the end of the shoe, the nose being eccentric or including cutting blades to assist the shoe in breaking through shale and clay stone bridges. A non-aggressive stabiliser (54) in the form of helically arranged blades may also be located on shoe.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a purely mechanical stabilizer is disclosed. The stabilizer includes a plurality of fixed blades, each of which includes at least one automatically extendable and retractable piston. In use, a balance of forces determines the radial position of each piston; a hydraulic force urging the piston outward, a spring force urging the piston inward, and external forces acting on the tool (e.g., the force of the borehole wall urging the pistons inward). The stabilizer is further configured such that a balance of forces between the pistons causes the tool to be advantageously automatically and continuously centered during rotation of the tool in the borehole. As such, the invention is suitable for use in boreholes that rapidly change size and shape.

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4,) and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions there between.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly is at least 12? long and preferably at least 14? long and is used to drill a straight bore hole in the earth. A central passage through the assembly closely follows a centerline as may be determined by measuring the wall thickness of the tube at a variety of locations in a single plane. At least three stabilizing sections are integral with the tube and include alternating ribs and flutes. Hardbanding on the ribs is ground down to tolerances with a grinding machine or face plate lathe having centers sufficient to receive the 12? long stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting horizontally into an earthen formation including a nozzle assembly having a gauge ring mechanism and/or a centralizer mechanism that allows the nozzle assembly to remain along a consistent axis of travel during cutting. Embodiments can provide horizontal jetting into the earth's strata from both cased and uncased wells utilizing a rotating, swirling, pulsing or cavitating nozzles which can keep a relatively cuttings free downhole environment.

Abstract: A spiral ribbed aluminum drillpipe has an intermediate portion with a plurality of ribs spiraling along its length. These ribs have active faces that are exposed by recessed areas. The active faces define incut angles relative to the pipe's outer surface for actively engaging slime/sediment material along a borehole wall. Bearings rotatably disposed on the pipe have a greater diameter than the ribbed intermediate portion or any tool joints on the drillpipe so that the bearings engage the borehole wall. The pipe's body is preferably composed of a lightweight alloy, such as aluminum alloy, whereas the bearings are preferably composed of steel and have wear resistant coating or bands.

Abstract: Drilling apparatuses and methods for limiting precession are provided. According to one embodiment, a drilling apparatus includes a non-rotating stabilizer. The non-rotating stabilizer includes a first blade and a second blade, the first blade being arranged opposite the second blade. The first blade is biased radially outwardly by a force of a first value. The second blade is not biased radially outwardly by a force corresponding to the first value. The second blade may be a blade which is slidable along the non-rotating stabilizer in an axial direction and allow free sliding axial contact with the formation.

Abstract: A clamp for clamping to two threadedly-connected items, and, in one aspect, two threadedly-connected components of a top drive system.

Abstract: Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least two separated bores extending transversely therethrough, the bores being aligned with transversely extending bores in the body on laterally opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through each bearing pad bore and into the associated body bores.

Abstract: Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least a portion of a bore extending therethrough, the bore being aligned with body bores in the body on opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through the bore and into the associated body bore.

Abstract: A casing drilling system includes a casing having a drill bit at one end. The drill bit is capable of drilling subsurface formations and formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure. The chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a centralizer affixed to an interior of the casing. The centralizer includes a receptacle therein for engaging a measurement while drilling tool. The centralizer is formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure, wherein the chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a measurement while drilling tool configured to move along the interior of the casing and to engage with the centralizer. The tool includes a device to measure a drilling parameter or a formation parameter. The tool including a latch at an upper end thereof for engagement with a retrieval tool moved through the interior of the casing.

Abstract: Drilling assemblies include a drill bit and a reamer apparatus in which the drill bit is configured to rotate in rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string and the reamer apparatus is configured to rotate in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis. Methods of forming a drilling assembly include configuring a drill bit to drill a subterranean formation when rotating in a counter-clockwise direction and configuring a reamer apparatus to ream a wellbore within the subterranean formation when rotating in a clockwise direction. Methods of drilling wellbores in subterranean formations include rotating a drill bit in a first rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string to drill a wellbore and rotating a reamer apparatus in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the drill string to ream the wellbore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flow control mechanism for a downhole tool and a downhole tool incorporating the flow control mechanism. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism (202) is disclosed for controlling a centralizer (200). The flow control mechanism (202) comprises a body (212) defining a fluid chamber (234); an inlet flow path (292) for fluid flow into the chamber (234); at least one tool flow path (294) for fluid flow between the chamber (234) and at least part of the downhole tool (200); an exhaust flow path (297) for fluid flow from the chamber (234) to a fluid exhaust (240); and control means including a control member (218) mounted for movement within the chamber (234) for controlling flow into and out of the chamber (234) along the inlet flow path (292), the at least one tool flow path (294), and the exhaust flow path (297). The mechanism (202) controls flow to a piston (214) of the centralizer (200) for centralizing the centralizer (200) within, for example, a tubular (211) in the bore hole.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically uses a pendulum (36). The pendulum (36) controls flow from outlets (34) of drilling fluid chambers (30), providing drilling fluid to centralizer (24) activating pistons (26) acting upon centralizer blades (24). When the outer housing (12) deviates from a vertical orientation, the pendulum (36) swings by force of gravity to assume an angularly offset pivotal position. This adjusts the hydraulic pressure in one or two of the outlets (34) for one or two of the drilling fluid chambers (30) resulting in a change in the hydraulic force acting upon one or two of the pistons (26) causing one of the centralizers (24) to change their position to urge the outer housing (12) back toward the vertical position until the pendulum (36) again assumes the concentric pivotal position and the balanced pressure equilibrium in the drilling fluid chambers (30) is restored.

Abstract: A downhole tool (10?) comprises a body (12?) having a longitudinal axis and a body through-bore (14?), a slot (34?) communicating the outside of the body with the body through-bore. A sleeve actuator (30?) mandrel also has a bore and is selectively axially slidable in the body through-bore. A hollow bar (36?) is slidable with a radial component in the slot. At least two levers (210), each pivoted to the mandrel (about a first axis perpendicular the longitudinal axis) extend into the hollow bar and are pivoted thereto (about a second axis parallel the first axis). The levers lie in an actuation plane perpendicular the first and second axes and containing the slot. The levers are disposed at an inclined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis so that longitudinal motion of the mandrel translates into radial movement of the bar.

Abstract: A drilling method comprises controlling operation of a drill string to maintain at least a portion of the drill string in forward whirl.

Abstract: An offshore composite enhanced metallic drilling riser is equipped to enable preloading of the composite shell and the metallic riser. A riser has steel end connectors and a continuous metallic inner liner, encased in a composite shell. A segmented hyperboloid shaped profile is located near each of the end fittings for preloading of the composite and the metallic riser. In one version, both halves of the hyperboloid shape are capable of axial movement by adjusting jack bolts connected to one of the hyperboloid halves. One of the halves is limited in axial movement while the other half moves axially away from the restricted half, the movement simultaneously generates the composite pre-load and the metallic riser pre-load. The other version uses fluid pressure between mating faces of the segments to push them apart.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprising a through bore running there through formed to accept drilling fluid. At least one mechanical actuation device is also disposed within the through bore. A guide channel is disposed within the through bore and comprises a geometry shaped to conduct the at least one mechanical actuation device. A switch is disposed within the guide channel in an original position and actuatable by the at least one mechanical actuation device to a subsequent position. A resettable mechanism is in contact with the switch wherein the resettable mechanism returns the switch to its original position. A receptacle may also be disposed within the through bore comprising a geometry shaped to accept the at least one mechanical actuation device.

Abstract: An integrated spiral blade collar comprising: a collar comprising a wall defining a bore, the collar having a longitudinal axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end; the collar comprising a first engagement mechanism at the proximal end and a second engagement mechanism at the distal end; the collar comprising one or more integral blades extending radially outward from an outer surface and forming a spiral around the longitudinal axis of the collar from at or near the proximal end to at or near the distal end of the collar, the spiral being at an angle of from 1° to 89° relative to the longitudinal axis of the collar.

Abstract: Sleeve arrangement for a drill rig, especially adapted for damping sound and sealing to the ground, said drill rig comprising a feed beam (4) having a drill end (41) and a rear end (42), said feed beam (4) comprising a first and a second part (411, 412) near the drill end (41), the first part (411) being fixed in relation to the feed beam (4,) and the second part (412) being movable in relation to the feed beam (4) in a longitudinal direction. The invention is characterized in that said sleeve arrangement comprises a first flexible element (100) attached to the first part (411), and a second flexible element (200) attached to the movable second part (412), such that said first and second flexible elements (100, 200) are movable in relation to each other, wherein said second flexible element (200) is capable of taking an upper and a lower position, as well as all positions there between.

Abstract: A blade for a stabilizer configured with a compound engagement profile for reducing a tendency toward whirl and other vibrational effects when rotated within a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. A method for stabilizing down-hole components is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting tool (100) which is capable of performing cutting operations on a variety of materials such as, for example, plasterboard, glass, wood, laminated wood, cardboard, Perspex (Trade Mark), tiles, plastics or the like. The cutting tool (100) comprises an upper and lower part (102,104), said upper and lower parts (102,104) being separated by spacing means which are preferably retractable, the upper and lower parts (102,104) comprising at least one cutting device (116), and wherein the upper and lower parts (102,104) are held together with magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A closed-loop drilling system utilizes a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) having a steering assembly having a rotating member and a non-rotating sleeve disposed thereon. The non-rotating sleeve has a plurality of expandable force application members that engage a borehole wall. An orientation sensing system associated with the rotating member and the non-rotating sleeve provides signals to determine an orientation of the non-rotating sleeve relative to the rotating member. In one embodiment, the orientation sensing system includes a first member positioned in the non-rotating sleeve and a second member positioned in the rotating member. Orientation of the non-rotating sleeve relative to the rotating member is determined from the coaction between the first and second members. The orientation sensing system can use magnetic waves, electrical signals, acoustic signals, radio waves, and/or physical contact.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for keeping a down hole drilling tool vertically uses a pendulum (36). The pendulum (36) controls flow from outlets (34) of drilling fluid chambers (30), providing drilling fluid to centralizer (24) activating pistons (26) acting upon centralizer blades (24). When the outer housing (12) deviates from a vertical orientation, the pendulum (36) swings by force of gravity to assume an angularly offset pivotal position. This adjusts the hydraulic pressure in one or two of the outlets (34) for one or two of the drilling fluid chambers (30) resulting in a change in the hydraulic force acting upon one or two of the pistons (26) causing one of the centralizers (24) to change their position to urge the outer housing (12) back toward the vertical position until the pendulum (36) again assumes the concentric pivotal position and the balanced pressure equilibrium in the drilling fluid chambers (30) is restored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rock drilling element for percussive drilling that is designed to reduce the stress usually developed on a thread joint when the shock wave transmits from a slender portion to a thicker part. The rock drilling element has an elongated body comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a female or male thread intended to be connected to a drill rod or a drill tube. The first portion has an outer diameter approximately equal to the major diameter of said thread. The second portion has a male or female thread intended to be connected to a drill bit or a guide tube. The second portion forms a guide portion for radial guiding in a hole being drilled. The length of the first portion is at least 500 mm, such that the thread joint is moved away from an unfavorable reflection area. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a drill string and a method of transferring impact energy in a drill string.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system, apparatus, and related alloy to provide a protective wear coating on a downhole component for a well through a synergistic use of a thermal spraying process in combination with a novel iron-based alloy. The thermal spraying process melts the material to be deposited while a pressurized air stream sprays the molten material onto the downhole component. The coating operation takes place at low temperatures without fusion or thermal deterioration to the base material. The wear resistance is increased while providing a lower coefficient of friction by the wear resistant layer relative to a coefficient of friction of the downhole equipment without the wear resistant layer. In at least one embodiment, the disclosed process using the iron-based alloy can apply a much thicker coating than heretofore has been able to be applied without spalling and without necessitating an intermediate buffer layer.

Abstract: Drilling apparatuses and methods for limiting precession are provided. According to one embodiment, a drilling apparatus includes a non-rotating stabilizer. The non-rotating stabilizer includes a first blade and a second blade, the first blade being arranged opposite the second blade. The first blade is biased radially outwardly by a force of a first value. The second blade is not biased radially outwardly by a force corresponding to the first value. The second blade may be a blade which is slidable along the non-rotating stabilizer in an axial direction and allow free sliding axial contact with the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a body of selected material from the interior of a casing extending into a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises lowering a drill bit for further drilling of the borehole, into the casing, the drill bit having a longitudinal axis of rotation during operation, the drill bit comprising rock cutting means, at least one protection member for protecting the inner surface of the casing from contact with the rock cutting means, each protection member being adapted to remove said selected material from the interior of the casing and being radially movable towards the inner surface of the casing, and control means for applying a radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member. The drill bit is rotated in the casing, and the control means is operated so as to apply said radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber optic cable downhole tool mounting system. The system includes, a downhole tool, a support member attached to the downhole tool and a fiber optic cable parameter transmissively mounted to the downhole tool by the support member. The support member has an elongated body with a pair of legs extending therefrom, the pair of legs intersect at an oblique angle and define a volume therebetween receptive of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the support member and the support member is attached to the downhole tool such that a parameter encountered by the downhole tool is sensible by the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steerable drill bit arrangement, in particular for the use in drilling boreholes for oil and gas extraction. There is provided a steerable drill bit arrangement in which the drill bit (20) is connected to a drill string (16) including a steering component (12) and a stabiliser (14), the stabiliser (14) being located between the steering component (12) and the drill bit (20), the steering component (12) being adapted to move the drill string (16) transversely relative to a borehole in which it is located, the stabiliser (14) having an inner part (32) adapted to rotate with the drill string (16) and an outer part (34) adapted to engage the borehole wall, the outer part (34) being rotatable relative to the inner part so that the outer part (34) can remain substantially stationary as the remainder of the stabiliser (14) rotates with the drill string (16).

Abstract: A downhole tool string component, having a tubular body with an outer diameter. A first, second, and third flange are disposed around the outer diameter of the tubular body at different axial locations. A first sleeve is disposed around the tubular body such that opposite ends of the first sleeve fit around at least a portion of the first and second flanges, forming a first sealed pocket around the outer diameter of the tubular body. A second sleeve is disposed around the tubular body such that opposite ends of the second sleeve fit around at least a portion of the second and third flanges, forming a second sealed pocket around the outer diameter of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of a sleeve upon a tubular, such as a pipe string, used in downhole applications, for example in oil and gas exploration or recovery. A mould is located around the tubular into which a composite material is injected. The material is cured at ambient temperature. Optional heating may then be applied to enhance the properties of the sleeve. The heating temperatures are well below those at which the structural integrity of the metal tubular would be compromised as regards its fitness for downhole use. Embodiments of wear protectors are illustrated for sleeves with and without wear pads.

Abstract: A tool for boring has an axle for drivingly linking at a first end to a portable rotatable machine. At a second end, the axle has a shaft-receiving bore into which a nose shaft is inserted. The nose has a cutting tip and a flight cutter that aligns with a flight on the axle. An insulator is electrically interposed between the cutting tip and the nose shaft, thereby electrically insulating the nose shaft from the cutting tip. The flight cutter performs the high-wear cutting at the leading edge of the flight, thereby causing the flight to merely remove the soil or other particulate from the hole being formed.

Abstract: Stabilizer (1) designed to be slid onto a rod (2), particularly a string of drilling rods. It comprises at least one elastic part (4) that can deform when the stabilizer (1) is held in an initial position in compression against a shoulder (5) of the rod (2), this elastic part (4) compensating for play that may appear later between the stabilizer (1) and the rod (2). Application particularly to drilling for oil wells.

Abstract: A downhole motor arrangement for a directional drilling comprises a first motor component (22), a second motor component (24) encircling at least part of the first motor component (22), and a third motor component (26) encircling at least part of the second motor component (24), the first and second motor components (22, 24) having surfaces associated therewith adapted to define isolated cavities, the application of fluid under pressure thereto causing relative rotation between the first and second motor components (22, 24), the second and third motor components (24, 26) having surfaces associated therewith adapted to define isolated cavities, the application of fluid under pressure thereto causing relative rotation between the second and third motor components (24, 26).

Abstract: A drill stem connection assembly includes a first drill stem section and a second drill stem section. At least one engaging feature is located at an end of the first drill stem section. At least one mating feature accepts the at least one engaging feature. The at least one mating feature is located at an end of the second drill stem section. Coupling of the respective ends of the first and second drill stem sections forms a drill stem joint. A threaded collar engages with at least one of the coupled first and second drill stem sections. When placed in a securing position, the threaded collar holds the engaging feature securely mated with the mating feature and at least partially covers the drill stem joint.

Abstract: A drill string valve assembly includes a tubular valve body, including an outer surface and an inner bore for housing a valve mechanism to control fluid flow through the bore; and an axial load support releasably securable to the outer surface of the valve body, the axial load support including an upper releasable load bearing connection to the tubular body and a lower releasable load bearing connection to the tubular valve body.