Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in a drill bit includes a nozzle body having a nozzle oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body and a positioning ring that is rotationally and axially locked to the nozzle body. The nozzle body includes a plurality of facets extending between a pair of retention surfaces. The positioning ring has a plurality of teeth and is operatively disposed between the retention surfaces to axially retain the ring on the nozzle body. When positioned between the retention surfaces, the teeth engage the facets to rotationally lock the ring to the nozzle body. The positioning ring may have a longitudinal split, to allow the ring to ratchet relative to the nozzle body, and a pair of spanner-receiving apertures. In operation, the ring is coupled to the nozzle body and the resultant assembly is coupled to the drill bit. Any misalignment is noted and the assembly is removed from the drill bit.

Abstract: A steel bodied PCD drag bit is disclosed having a plurality of blades integrally formed thereon, each blade having a bottom surface that includes an angular front section and rear section intersecting to form an apex, the front section having a plurality of sockets formed thereon to receive a plurality of cylindrical cutters elements, the rear section being substantially parallel to the cylindrical cutting.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit being suitable for directional drilling. The bit includes a bit body from which extend radially-oriented blades carrying PDC cutters. The blades extend to primary gage pads, above which secondary gage pads are either longitudinally spaced or rotationally spaced, or both, defining a gap or discontinuity between the primary and secondary gage pads through which drilling fluid from adjacent junk slots may communicate laterally or circumferentially. Longitudinally leading edges of the secondary gage pads carry cutters for smoothing the sidewall of the borehole. The tandem primary and secondary gage pads provide enhanced bit stability and reduced side cutting tendencies. The discontinuities between the primary and secondary gage pads enhance fluid flow from the bit face to the borehole annulus above the bit, promoting formation cuttings removal. The tandem gage arrangement also has utility in conventional bits not designed specifically for directional drilling.

Abstract: A nozzle 10 and method for enhancing entrainment of a fluid near a face 18 of the nozzle 10, where the nozzle 10 includes a nozzle body 18 defining a nozzle opening 14 for ejecting a fluid therethrough. At least one indentation 20 is formed in the nozzle face 18 adjacent to, but spaced from, the nozzle opening 14 and includes a contoured surface 22 defined by first and second side surfaces 24 and 26 that converge toward the nozzle opening 14 to form a leading edge 28 closest to the nozzle opening 14. The imaginary extension 30 of at least a portion of the contoured surface 22 converges at a focal point 32 distal the nozzle face 18, defining an entrainment path. The focal point 32 is closer to an imaginary projection 34 of the nozzle opening 14, extending outwardly from and normal to the nozzle face 18, than the leading edge 20 is to the nozzle opening 14. Thus, fluid near the nozzle face in the indentation 20 is entrained into the entrainment path 30 and fluid ejected through the nozzle opening 14.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in drilling holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a leading face and a gauge region, a number of blades formed on the leading face of the bit and extending outwardly away from the axis of the bit so as to define between the blades a number of fluid channels leading towards the gauge region, a number of cutting elements mounted side-by-side along each blade, and a number of nozzles in the bit body for supplying drilling fluid to the fluid channels for cleaning and cooling the cutting elements. In each of the fluid channels, adjacent the gauge region, is an opening into an enclosed passage which passes internally through the bit body to an outlet which, in use, communicates with the annulus between the drill string and the wall of the borehole being drilled. The gauge region of the drill bit comprises a substantially continuous bearing surface which extends around the whole of the gauge region.

Abstract: A drilling tool has several blades 16 each defining an outside wall 20 and two side walls 22, 24. The blades are separated by recesses 18, primary bits 28 are located along the outside wall of the blades, and secondary or backup bits 40 are attached behind the primary bits in relation to the direction of travel (f) of the tool. Each of the blades defines at least one divergent tunnel or channel 30 having small entry opening 32 located in the outside wall of the blade, behind the primary bits, and a larger exit opening 34 located on the rear side of the blade. The secondary bits are mounted at the rear edge of the entry opening, and the channel serves to discharge material excavated by them.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle for threaded insertion into a drill bit. The nozzle is equipped with a drive head that receives a socket-type torquing tool. The torque forces exerted by the tool compress the drive head, permitting larger torque forces to be exerted on the nozzle without breakage of the drive head that occurs where a tension force is produced in the drive area by the torquing tool. Use of a compressive drive structure permits the use of less material, which in turn permits a larger flow passage to be formed through the nozzle for a given nozzle size. The facets of the drive area may be inclined relative to the nozzle axis to limit the torque force applied by a drive tool. When the torque force exceeds a limit determined by the configuration and inclination of the facets, the tool is forced axially off of the drive area. This feature controls the amount of torque applied to the nozzle and prevents nozzle damage.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in drilling holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a leading face and a gauge region, a number of blades formed on the leading face of the bit and extending outwardly away from the axis of the bit so as to define between the blades a number of fluid channels leading towards the gauge region, a number of cutting elements mounted side-by-side along each blade, and a number of nozzles in the bit body for supplying drilling fluid to the fluid channels for cleaning and cooling the cutting elements. In each of the fluid channels, adjacent the gauge region, is an opening into an enclosed passage which passes internally through the bit body to an outlet which, in use, communicates with the annulus between the drill string and the wall of the borehole being drilled. The gauge region of the drill bit comprises a substantially continuous bearing surface which extends around the whole of the gauge region.

Abstract: A monolithic long lasting rotary drill bit for drilling a hole into a geological formation having at least one hardened rod which has a length of at least three times its diameter composed of hard material such as tungsten carbide that is cast into a relatively soft steel matrix material to make a rotary drill bit that compensates for wear on the bottom of the drill bit and that also compensates for lateral wear of the drill bit using passive, self-actuating mechanisms, triggered by bit wear to drill relatively constant diameter holes.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit, for drilling holes in subsurface formations, comprises a bit body, cutting structures mounted on the bit body, and a fluid supply system for supplying drilling fluid to the surface of the bit body, to cool and clean the cutting structures. The fluid supply system comprises a number of nozzles mounted in the bit body, a main passage in the bit body and a number of auxiliary passages leading from the main passage to the nozzles. Some or all of the passages are at least partly lined with an erosion-resistant lining material. The lining material may comprise a hard facing applied to the internal surface of a preformed passage or a rigid tube which itself defines the internal surface of the passage.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in drilling holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a leading face and a gauge region, a number of blades formed on the leading face of the bit and extending outwardly away from the axis of the bit so as to define between the blades a number of fluid channels leading towards the gauge region, a number of cutting elements mounted side-by-side along each blade, and a number of nozzles in the bit body for supplying drilling fluid to the fluid channels for cleaning and cooling the cutting elements. In at least one of the fluid channels, adjacent the gauge region, is an opening into an enclosed passage which passes internally through the bit body to an outlet which, in use, communicates with the annulus between the drill string and the wall of the borehole being drilled. The portion of the gauge region outwardly of the opening comprises a bearing surface which, in use bears against the wall of the bore hole and extends across the width of the channel.

Abstract: A down-hole pneumatic rotary-percussion hammer drilling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a drill string for progressively extending into a hole in the earth; an elongated housing connected to the drill string; an impact drill bit, rotationally coupled to the housing, having an engaging surface, an earth impacting surface, a channel, and a plurality of conduits extending from about an exit of the channel to an exit portion of the conduits; a piston within the housing for engaging the engaging surface; and a working fluid handler for energizing the piston with a working fluid. The impact drill bit is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, with the channel and the conduits providing a path of flow of the working fluid from the piston to the exit portions of the conduits. The exit portions are displaced from the longitudinal axis and extend generally downwardly and outwardly. The working fluid emerges from the exit portions and effects rotation of the impact drill bit about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention discloses a drilling structure having body a defining at least one primary channel and at least one secondary channel therein to initiate and maintain recirculation of an amount of drilling fluid back through the secondary channel to maintain positive, independent flow of drilling fluid through each primary channel of the drilling structure. The recirculation of drilling fluid is encouraged by providing a recirculation passageway in fluid communication with the primary channel defined by a portion of the body of the drilling structure that separates positively flowing drilling mud from drilling mud that is being recirculated. The recirculation action of the fluid in the recirculating loop may be fed and brought about by entrainment of the fluid with jetted fluid from an adjacent nozzle.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit (10) has a jet pump device including a plurality of jet pump assemblies (26). Each jet pump assembly (26) has an outer housing (28) secured to the bit body (14) and receiving any elongate nozzle member (46) therein in concentric relation to form an annular chamber (48) therein. A flow restriction (38) is mounted within the outer housing (28) above the nozzle member (46). The elongate nozzle member (46) has a lower nozzle port (50) and an opposed upper nozzle port (52). Drilling fluid from the central bore (20) is directed to the nozzle member (46) where the drilling fluid is divided into two streams, one stream for flow through lower nozzle port (50) against the formation and the outer stream for flow through the upper nozzle port (52) and flow restriction (38) to create a low pressure area or suction in an annular chamber (48). A low pressure cross sectional area is formed at the bottom of the bore hole (B, FIG.

Abstract: A drill bit, process of drilling, and method of manufacturing the same are provided wherein the drill bit has a bit body defining a radially extending waist and a plurality of cutting elements proximate the waist. The waist has an outer diameter less than an outer diameter defined by a plurality of outermost cutting elements. The difference in outer diameters between the waist and the outermost cutting elements is determined by the thickness of filter cake that forms on the wall of a wellbore, such that the waist of the bit does not contact the filter cake during the drilling process.

Abstract: A drag rotary bit (10) has a bit body (12) with a center cutter element (34) for projecting from the bottom (22) of the bit body (12) at the axial center of the bit body (12). The center cutting element (34) has a pair of cutters (42) with cutting faces (46) thereon in opposed relation to each other. A pair of opposed relatively long blades (54) are mounted on the bottom (22) of the bit body (12) and extend across the entire bottom (22) of the bit body (12) to the center cutter (34) to divide the bottom (22) into two separate areas. A single nozzle (26) having a large diameter discharge port (28) is provided for each of the separate areas for cleaning the bottom of the hole and washing of the blades.

Abstract: A cutter for a trenchless boring apparatus includes a mount having a first end to be coupled to a free end of a drill pipe. A plurality of cutting teeth are secured to the mount with the teeth arranged in a helical pattern surrounding an axis of the mount.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use in drilling holes in subsurface formations comprises a bit body having a leading face and a gauge region, a number of blades formed on the leading face of the bit and extending outwardly away from the axis of the bit so as to define between the blades a number of fluid channels leading towards the gauge region, a number of cutting elements mounted side-by-side along each blade, and a number of nozzles in the bit body for supplying drilling fluid to the fluid channels for cleaning and cooling the cutting elements. In at least one of the fluid channels, adjacent the gauge region, is an opening into an enclosed passage which passes internally through the bit body to an outlet which, in use, communicates with the annulus between the drill string and the wall of the borehole being drilled. The portion of the gauge region outwardly of the opening comprises a bearing surface which, in use bears against the wall of the bore hole and extends across the width of the channel.

Abstract: A nozzle retention receptacle for rotary cone rock bits consists of a nozzle retention receptacle body forming a fluid passage therethrough. The body forms a first upstream entrance end that forms part of a wall of a plenum formed within a rock bit body and a second downstream exit end. The upstream end further forms a mounting interface that circumvents a fluid entrance port to the passage in the nozzle retention receptacle. The port communicates with the fluid plenum in the bit body. The body of the rock bit further forms a nozzle retention receptacle mounting interface that is common to the mounting interface formed by the nozzle retention receptacle.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus having cuttings removal structure to reduce balling thereof comprising an apparatus body having a connection thereon, and structure for contacting cut potions of the earth formation. The contacting structure may include chip breakers, flexible cables, rotating nozzle assemblies, rotating turbine wheel assemblies, rotating vane assemblies, flails or combinations of these. The apparatus may include elastomeric portions and/or movable potions. The drilling apparatus may comprise a drill bit, drilling stabilizer, drill collar, reamer, downhole motor, etc.

Abstract: A drill bit for removing a surface subject to a subsurface pressure and an environmental surface pressure at least equal to the subsurface pressure, which comprises jetting fluid through a nozzle facing and located a predetermined distance from said surface, said nozzle being shaped to eject the fluid in a steam having a higher core pressure than said environmental pressure, said higher pressure stream having adjacent thereto at least one zone of pressure negative relative to said subsurface pressure, said distance being predetermined to expose said surface to said zone of negative pressure, whereby said surface is caused to explode into said zone of negative pressure from the force of said subsurface pressure.

Abstract: A monolithic long lasting rotary drill bit for drilling a hole into a geological formation having at least one hardened rod which has a length of at least three times its diameter composed of hard material such as tungsten carbide that is cast into a relatively soft steel matrix material to make a rotary drill bit that compensates for wear on the bottom of the drill bit and that also compensates for lateral wear of the drill bit using passive, self-actuating mechanisms, triggered by bit wear to drill relatively constant diameter holes.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprising a plurality of cutter units, with each cutter unit comprising a circumferentially forward, relatively blunt positioning cutter, followed by a fixed cutter having a relatively sharp cutting edge, with the cutting edge of the following cutter being positioned a predetermined distance below an operating position of the positioning cutter. Thus, the cutting depth of the following cutter is controlled by the positioning cutter locating the drill bit assembly against the hole end wall from which material is being cut. Also, additional fixed cutters can be provided in circumferential alignment in said cutting units, and liquid jet cutters can be used in combination with said cutting units.

Abstract: A drilling column has a percussive drilling head attached to a lower end thereof. The drilling column includes a skirt extending downwardly from a lower end thereof in surrounding relationship to the drilling head. The skirt is disposed in eccentric relationship to the drilling head, so that an enlarged space is formed at one side of the drilling head. An air duct arrangement extends through the drilling column for supplying compressed air to the drilling head. That compressed air exits the drilling head through a front face thereof and then flows upwardly through the enlarged space in the skirt and then travels through a discharge channel arrangement formed in the drilling column. In that way, cuttings entrained in the compressed air are removed upwardly from the drill hole. The drilling column is sealed-off with respect to the upper open end of the drill hole by a chuck pipe, enabling compressed air or liquid to be introduced from above ground into a gap surrounding the drilling column.

Abstract: An improved rotary cone rock bit that provides a cross flow through the drill bit dome to reduce bailing and improve the efficiency of the drilling operation. The rotary cone rock bit has a bit body with a pin at its upper end adapted to connect to a drill string. The lower end of the bit body has three leg segments extending from its periphery in a downward direction. Drilling cones rotatably mounted to each leg segment provide the cutting action of the rock bit. The conical drilling cones extend from the leg segments toward the center axis of the rotary cone rock bit with the smaller diameter end distal the leg segments. The rotary cutter cones and the lower end of the bit body define a dome therebetween. Nozzles extend downward from the base areas between the leg segments. The nozzles are in flow communication with an opening in the bit body that transmits fluid from the drill string therethrough. The nozzles direct fluid toward the dome to create a Cross flow therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns an anti-balling drill bit. The drill bit includes an approximately cylindrical steel body provided at one end with axial arms on which are mounted toothed conical wheels. The bottom of the tool body has a dome shaped profile such as a parabolic profile, whose flanks are joined at an apex located approximately along the axis (x--x) of the tool. The flanks ascend toward the cylindrical wall of the body through gaps between the arms with unbroken surfaces and without edges, each arm bearing at its end at least one extension nozzle for emitting a liquid jet, and nozzles also being mounted in said flanks.

Abstract: A modulated bias unit is provided for controlling the direction of drilling of a rotary drill bit when drilling boreholes in subsurface formations. The unit comprises a plurality of hydraulic actuators spaced apart around the periphery of the unit and having movable thrust members hydraulically displaceable outwardly for engagement with the formation of the borehole being drilled. Each actuator has an inlet passage for connection to a source of drilling fluid under pressure and an outlet passage for communication with the annulus. A selector control valve connects the inlet passages in succession to the source of fluid under pressure, as the unit rotates, and a choke is provided to create a pressure drop between the source of fluid under pressure and the selector valve. A further choke is provided in the outlet passage from each actuator unit. The actuators and control valve arrangements may take a number of different forms.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid/mechanical jet erosion system utilizing a high-velocity, jet stream discharged contiguous the surface to be cut. The jet stream is developed from a single plenum flow system adapted to merge and enhance the erosive high-speed fluid jet characteristics of fluid with cavitational collapse erosion. The system further includes a tapered drill bit housing, with mechanical cutters therealong which places a generally axially centered, exiting jet immediately against the target formation, providing maximum mechanical and fluid energy transfer to the formation.

Abstract: A nozzle sleeve for the retention of replaceable fluid nozzles for rock bits is disclosed. The sleeve is secured within the body of the rock bit. A first upstream end of the sleeve communicates with a fluid plenum formed by the bit body. A second downstream end of this sleeve is adapted to receive the fluid nozzles. An elliptical fluid entrance is formed at the first upstream end of the nozzle sleeve. The elliptical fluid inlet formed by the sleeve serves to increase the flow of fluid to the nozzles, reduce turbulence of the fluid and substantially reduce the erosive effects associated with high fluid velocities and turbulent flow.

Abstract: A composite mini-extended nozzle is disclosed that is designed to both resist erosion and be strong enough to withstand the shock of a downhole drilling environment. In addition, means are provided to shroud at least a portion of the extended nozzle to further protect a portion of the nozzle nearest the exit plane from downhole obstructions. A combination of materials used to form the nozzle may include a matrix of tungsten carbides with suitable binder joined to an outer metal jacket nozzle body. A third ceramic matrix material may be utilized to line or partially line an interior passage formed by the mini-extended nozzle and a reduced in diameter portion of the nozzle design may include a built-in fracture plane in the unlikely event the end of the nozzle hits an obstruction. The extended portion of the nozzle will shear off along this fracture plane thereby preventing a nozzle washout that likely would result in a trip out of the hole to repair the resultant damage to the rock bit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cutter bit (1) for use in drilling operations comprising a body (10) having a top portion (11) and a bottom portion (12), the bottom portion (12) being provided with cutting elements for cutting a formation to which the cutting elements is exposed. Within an outer circumference (13) of the bottom portion (12) of the body (10) there is provided an opening (14) to a first passage (15) through the body (10) to communicate a first zone (20) of a hole located below the bottom portion (12) of the body (10) with a second zone of the hole located above the bottom portion (12) of the body (10).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a core bit comprised of a body having blades thereon, with several cutters on each blade, and nozzles that emerge on the face of the body. The nozzles deflect liquids substantially obliquely with respect to an axis of rotation of the body, preferably according to an angle greater than 45.degree.. The nozzle defines an elbow portion formed from a molded portion of the body and from an insert opposite said molded portion on the side of the largest curvature of radius of the elbow. An inner hollow core retaining element includes an axial annular lip to engage an annular groove in the body. The annular lip and groove define a passage gap to regulate coring liquid flow therethrough. An inner portion between the blades has a cross-section with a curve having a most forward point adjacent the core, the curve having a first convex portion from the forward point to adjacent the insert and a second convex portion extending laterally outwardly.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling holes in a work surface including a hard wear-resistant insert and a metal body including a top working surface of an irregular surface configuration having a slot for retaining the hard wear-resistant insert. The body having a metal grain structure substantially parallel with the contour of the body. In a preferred embodiment the body is formed by cold-heading.

Abstract: A drill bit has a plurality of radial blades on its leading face which define fluid channels leading to junk slots in the gauge region, cutting elements being mounted along each blade. At least two of the channels are in communication with one another at their inner ends and there is provided, at the communicating inner ends of the channels, an inner nozzle which is angled to direct the majority of drilling fluid emerging from the nozzle outwardly along one of the channels. An outer nozzle is located in the other channel, adjacent its junk slot, and is angled so that the majority of fluid emerging from the outer nozzle flows inwardly along said other channel and towards the inner nozzle.

Abstract: A rock bit is provided that comprises a generally cylindrical body with a leading end for boring in a rock formation and a trailing end for connection to a drill rod. The body has a generally cylindrical outside surface and comprises a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves circumferentially spaced around the outside surface and extending from the leading end to the trailing end. The grooves have a depth that increases from the leading end to the trailing end such that the cross-sectional area of the grooves also increases towards the trailing end of the body of the bit. The body also comprises at least one channel machined in the outside surface of the body that extends between adjacent pairs of longitudinal grooves at an oblique angle to the grooves.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for high pressure drilling are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an essentially solid drill head with horizontally extendable nozzle arms hingedly connected by shear pins thereto. Flow of high pressure fluid both extends the nozzle arms and flows through the nozzle arms, thereby fracturing and shearing material surrounding the drill head. Cessation of fluid flow returns the arms to the vertical position.

Abstract: A method for rotary drilling and removing cuttings provides a underbalanced drilling fluid pressure at the drilling face but overbalanced pressure in the wellbore. The preferred method uses a rotary drill within a housing which also encloses a jet pump which draws and pressurizes the cuttings and drilling fluid, a separator of the cuttings and a portion of the pressurized drilling fluid, and a nozzles to supply separated and reduced pressure drilling fluid back to drilling face while the cuttings and remaining pressurized drilling fluid flows up towards the surface. The method avoids overpressure strengthening of the drill face and underpressure damage to the wellbore.

Abstract: The installation for cleaning the zone near the drill hole contains a hollow body (1) in which is arranged a subassembly for generating hydrodynamic waves that is designed in the form of a turbulence chamber (3) that has, arranged tangentially in its upper part, entry channels (4) with which the subassembly is connected to the cavity of the body (1). The outlet channel (5) of the turbulence chamber (3) is designed with a conical taper.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling holes in a work surface including a hard wear-resistant insert and a metal body including a top working surface of an irregular surface configuration having a slot for retaining the hard wear-resistant insert. The body having a metal grain structure substantially parallel with the contour of the body. In a preferred embodiment the body is formed by cold-heading.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid/mechanical Jet erosion system utilizing a high-velocity, spinning jet stream discharged contiguous the surface to be cut. The spinning jet stream is developed from a tangentially driven vortex flow system adapted to merge and enhance the erosive high-speed fluid jet characteristics of fluid and abrasive particle impingement erosion with cavitational collapse erosion in both axial and tangential directions. The system further includes an apertured mechanical cutting element which places the exiting spinning jet immediately against the target formation, providing maximum mechanical and fluid energy transfer to the formation. In this manner, the system induces formation fracturing by assisting mechanically induced fracture propagation with the high-speed jet action while simultaneously exploiting high-speed jet erosion-induced kerfs with the mechanical action of the tool.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a generally cylindrical central blank and a matrix portion mounted on the lower end of the blank which includes the crown and gage of the drill bit. Exceptionally deep junk slots are defined in the matrix portion. The lower end of the blank includes a radially inwardly tapering portion having matrix material formed thereover which defines an upper end of the junk slot. The matrix material is formed from powdered matrix material and a ductile filler which provides a matrix with a relatively high ductility. Also disclosed is a steel bit constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A diamond drag type drill bit for drilling in an earthen formation consists of a body forming a first cutting end formed from a matrix material and a second open threaded pin end. The first cutting end consists of a multiplicity of substantially radially disposed ridges and flow channels formed by the matrix material. The flow channels intersect a fluid discharge port and radially extend outwardly toward a peripheral edge formed by the cutter end. The ridges contain, along their apical, radially extended edges, a multiplicity of essentially equidistantly spaced diamond cutters having each of their cutting edges formed therein aligned substantially along the apical edge. The space between each diamond cutter contains a metallic filler material aligned along the apical edge that is less hard than either the diamond or the supporting matrix material forming the first cutting end of the drag bit.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit having a relatively large tool passage port offset to one side of the bit centerline. The port is offset to permit substantially full bottom hole coverage of the cutting structure. The port permits various logging and sampling tools to pass through the bit to allow sampling and testing to be performed without tripping out the drill string.

Abstract: A drilling bit having an irrigation system which uses an irrigating fluid. The bit comprises a hollow drill head 14 housing at least one fluidic oscillator 23, 23' which includes an accelerator nozzle 26, 26' supplied by said fluid and opening into a cavity 46, 46' in which a dividing element 34, 34' is mounted which is provided with a ridge 36, 36' located slightly downstream from the nozzle. Said dividing element defines in said cavity two passages 42, 44, 42', 44' towards which the fluid is alternately directed in pulsed jets. Said passages are linked respectively to two series of channels 16 to 22 which open onto the outer surface of the head 14 through a plurality of outlet openings 21 which are oriented so that the pulsed jets they give out are directed to selected portions of the head that need to be cleaned, cooled or lubricated.

Abstract: A truck mounted boring system providing a high degree of radial and longitudinal freedom. The system provides a method of quickly setting up a boring system used for directional drilling of underground cabling bore holes. A hydraulic system providing power to the boring system is run by a power take off of a truck. The truck is used to position the boring system. The boring system employs a rotatably mounted hydraulic actuator which radially and axially changes the orientation of the drilling system. The drill bit is driven into a boring hole using a linear chain drive. The chain drive is mounted on a boring platform that can achieve motion relative to the truck or drive the drill toward the bore hole in response to a restraining bar.

Abstract: A drill bit and method in which polycrystalline diamond cutters mounted on a bit crown cut formation chips akin to the manner in which a grater cuts cheese. Chips in impermeable or plastic formations are extruded by the cutters into cavities internal to the bit via slots adjacent each cutter. Drilling fluid circulates internally of the bit from the drill string and into the annulus above that portion of the bit bearing cutters. In one embodiment, the portion of the bit body upon which the crown is formed is made of an elastomer which is pressurized into sealing engagement with the bottom of the borehole thereby further sealing freshly cut formation from drilling fluid.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid/mechanical jet erosion system utilizing a high-velocity, spinning jet stream discharged contiguous the surface to be cut. The spinning jet stream is developed from a tangentially driven vortex flow system adapted to merge and enhance the erosive high-speed fluid jet characteristics of fluid and abrasive particle impingement erosion with cavitational collapse erosion in both axial and tangential directions. The system further includes an apertured mechanical cutting element which places the exiting spinning jet immediately against the target formation, providing maximum mechanical and fluid energy transfer to the formation. In this manner, the system induces formation fracturing by assisting mechanically induced fracture propagation with the high-speed jet action while simultaneously exploiting high-speed jet erosion-induced kerfs with the mechanical action of the tool.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling through sticky formations, such as chalk or marl, comprises a plurality of waterways for transporting drilling fluid and rock flour to the gauge of the bit. These waterways have in downstream direction gradually increasing cross-sectional areas A, the increase of size of said areas along the length of a waterway being at least substantially proportional to the squared radius r thereof from the central axis. In this manner the rock flour velocity remains equal or decreases in downstream direction in the waterways so that the risk of rock flour accumulation and compaction is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a horizontal controlled borehole in the earth includes a drill frame, a drill string and a downhole tool. The drill frame includes a wrench attached to the frame for assisting in breaking and forming joints. The downhole tool includes removable blade assemblies having, for example, stepped or spade-like profiles and hard facing at areas of primary contact with the soil. When fluid is added for cooling, lubricating and flushing away cuttings, the downhole tool can include a nozzle parallel to the centerline of the longitudinal axis of the drill string, a check valve means for preventing downhole particles from entering the fluid passageway and/or a transmitter protecting waterproof plug for diverting fluid to a fluid passageway and for allowing an on-board downhole transmitter to be near the drill bit. Also, the blade assembly can be placed so as to divert fluid from the nozzle to an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string.

Abstract: An improved earth drilling bit and method that cuts at least one annular kerf ahead of at least one rolling cutter and provides for rock chip removal and bit cooling thereby increasing drilling rate and bit performance. One embodiment of the invention includes a bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an outer annular kerf, an inner drill member positioned concentrically within the bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an inner annular kerf, and at least one rolling cutter mounted to the bit body and extending from the interior of the outer kerf cutter to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. Other embodiments include a chipway port defined by the drill bit for channeling rock chips away from beneath the bit; baffles for directing and accelerating drilling fluid flow; cutting edges having connecting webbs providing egress for rock chip and drilling fluid; and slots extending along the bit body for reducing surge and swab pressure.