Abstract: A connector housing for connecting a motor housing to a bearing housing, so that the angle between the longitudinal axis of the motor housing and the longitudinal axis of the bearing housing can be changed. The connector housing has a top housing, a center housing, and a bottom housing. The top and bottom housings have angles in their respective longitudinal axes aligned in the same direction. The center housing has a pair of angles in its longitudinal axis, the sum of which is equal to the sum of the angles in the top and bottom housings. The top and bottom housings are held against rotation relative to one another, but can be rotated 180 degrees relative to the center housing. A stabilizer holds the center housing as the top and bottom housings are rotated. Dogs limit the relative rotation between the center housing and the other housings to not more than 180 degrees.

Abstract: Directional drilling apparatus for incorporation in a drill string, wherein a lower apparatus section is angularly deviated from vertical by cam action and wherein rotational displacement of the angularly deviated apparatus section is overcome by additional cam action, the apparatus being operated by successive increases and decreases of internal drill string pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for effecting a change in direction of a rotary drill bit relative to a work string. Two tubular components incorporated into the work string have a rotationally adjustable connection for angularly displacing the drill bit axis relative to the tubing string. One embodiment has the connection between a housing for the shaft of the drill bit and the housing for the motor which drives the shaft. The connection comprises a pair of cylindrically disposed interengagable surfaces formed on the adjacent ends of the motor shaft housing and the drill bit housing, which have axes that are slightly angularly displaced from the housing axes.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling the azimuthal drift of a drill bit in an inclined well bore is described. The method comprises prestressing a drill collar member in torsion to adjust the angle in the horizontal plant that the drill bit makes with the longitudinal axis of the well bore when the drill collar is subjected to the gravitational, axial, and torsional forces of the drilling operation. The drill collar includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The two are held against relative rotation at one end. The desired torque is placed in the members by rotating the other ends of the members relative to each other in the desired direction. A splined member engages grooves in the inner and outer surfaces of the members to hold the members in their prestressed state.

Abstract: The invention provides a high strength, twist resistant tubular goods system for traversing highly deviated sections of well bores capable of conducting fluids under high pressures. The system comprises short pipe joints interconnected by unions capable of uni-directional mis-alignment. Buoyancy material is incorporated to reduce drag and minimize gouging the bore hole walls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the depth at which deviation occurs of a conductor casing driven vertically into the ocean floor from an offshore oil platform. A retractable shear pin engages both members of an articulated joint inserted between two sections of the conductor casing, thus preventing relative movement and locking it into a uniform vertical alignment. This ambient pressure increases with depth, thereby tending to force the shear pin to retract. Movement of the shear pin is internally prevented until the force exerted by the pressure exceeds a desired precalculated valve. The shear pin disengages from the articulated joint, resulting in deviation of the path of the conductor casing at a remote point.

Abstract: A drilling tool for deep wells having a motor-driven drill bit which can be turned at an angle to the axis of the primary well hole to produce lateral holes branching from the primary hole. The bit is rotatably-mounted in the last in a series of pivotally articulated links at the downhole end of the drill pipe string. The deviation of the drill bit from the well axis is controlled by pivoting the last link with respect to the penultimate link. The last link includes a sliding surface which bears against the wall of the well hole to effect the pivoting. In another form of the invention a spring effects the pivoting. Preferably stops are provided between the last and penultimate link to limit the angle of pivoting.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a mining machine consisting of four basic parts, a cutting head, revolving sections, stationary sections, and an upper section. These parts being cylindrical in shape with mitered ends.A journalled articulated drill shaft with a spiral configuration extends through the four basic parts.After the machine is passed through a vertical bore hole the revolving sections are turned to form the machine in an angular configuration.With the journalled articulated drill shaft turning, revolving the cutting head, the upper section of machine is turned, mining in cylindrical patterns and transporting material to the surface through the machines spiral shafts.Extension of horizontal length of machine iin cavern is achieved by simultaneously turning revolving sections and descending machine through bore hole. After extensions of machine mining is repeated.

Abstract: An underground boring apparatus including a forwardmost boring head is disclosed herein along with a particular technique for guiding the boring head through the earth along both linear and non-linear paths. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus utilizes an elongated shaft arrangement supporting the boring head at its front end and a tubular housing supporting an intermediate segment of said shaft arrangement for pivotal movement about one of a number of different axes whereby to cause the boring head to pivot relative to the housing. An arrangement of piston/cylinder units is disposed within the housing for pivoting the shaft arrangement in a controlled fashion whereby to determine the direction of movement of the boring head through the earth.

Abstract: An auxiliary locking device for a crank connector of the type including two tubular members interconnected by a shaft having an axis of rotation different from the axes of rotation of the two tubular members. The shaft being rotatably secured to one of the two tubular members, and capable of moving between a first rotatably secured position and a second rotatably disengaged position with respect to the other of said two tubular members for causing the other of the two tubular members to rotate about the axis of rotation of the shaft. The rotation about the axis of the shaft defines acute angles between the axes of rotation of the tubular members and the axis of rotation of the shaft at a point where all three axes intersect. An auxiliary locking means includes at least one retractable finger located in a housing in either one of the shaft and the tubular member disengageable from the shaft, and corresponding grooves located in the other of the shaft and tubular member disengageable from the shaft.

Abstract: This connector comprises two tubular members connected to each other, one of which can pivot about a rotation axis which forms an acute angle with the axis of the two members. This axis of rotation and the axes of the two members converge to the same point.Remote control means are operative to vary at will the relative angular position of the tubular members and means are adapted to lock said two members against relative rotation in a selected angular position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deviating a conductor casing, or the like, after it has been driven into a substratum, generally beneath the floor of a body of water. The conductor casing is characterized by a drive shoe assembly on the end thereof having a bevel cut extending therethrough for up to 180 degrees of the circumference thereof, or more, and thereby providing a residual connection characterized as a hinge means. The conductor casing and drive shoe is characterized in operation by an entire linear configuration until they are driven beneath the floor into the substratum, at which time the hinge means allows closure of the distal end through the arc of the bevel cut thereby providing a deviated section which produces directional implacement of the conductor casing.

Abstract: A directional drilling "sub" provides a shifting end portion which allows the sub to be rotated from a first in-line axially straight orientation with the drill string to a second angled or "bent" position which second position is normally associated with conventional bent "subs" which are permanently structured in the bent position. The device shifts from the first (in-line) position to the second (bent) position upon the application of torsional force thereto which torsional force can be applied, for example, by the actuation of a "turbodrill" (normally attached thereto in operation). The device can be manufactured or machined to provide varying angles to the sub in its bent position to satisfy differing directional drilling situations. The axially aligned first position allows easy entry of the drill string, sub, and turbodrill into the well hole, while the second bend position is used to commence directional drilling.