Abstract: A method of this disclosure directionally drills at least one well extending from ground surface to an interior of an underground mine located below ground, the well being at an oblique angle relative to vertical; blends or mixes together a hazardous material, like lead, zinc, arsenic, and cadmium with cement including a plasticizer; pumps or flows the mixture into the well, wherein the mixture flows toward a lower end of the mine and hardens in place. The method allows for the permanent placement of contaminated mixtures like chat into mines or shafts or depositories, as defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, CERCLA and Superfund laws and complies with rules for the permanent closing of these structures with contaminated material and contaminated substances.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to bore or tunnel through various geologies in an autonomous or substantially autonomous manner including one or more non-contact boring elements that direct energy at the bore face to remove material from the bore face through fracture, spallation, and removal of the material. Systems can automatically execute methods to control a set of boring parameters that affect the flux of energy directed at the bore face. Systems can further automatically execute the methods to: monitor, direct, maintain, and/or adjust a set of boring controls, including for example a standoff distance between the system and the bore face, a temperature of exhaust gases directed at the bore face, a removal rate of material from the bore face, and/or a thermal or topological characterization of the bore face during boring operations.

Abstract: A plasma tunnel boring machine including a plurality of plasma torches on the cutting head, and a plurality of nozzles on the cutting head to provide a stream to cool an area while the plasma torches are active, and a tractor providing propulsion to the cutting head, the tractor to move the cutting head to cut a tunnel.

Abstract: A water jet borehole mining system controlled and operated aboveground includes a high-pressure cutting nozzle that is delivered to an underground resource body through a relatively small diameter borehole. A series of water and air streams at various pressures are delivered to the resource body, and the target resource is disaggregated and/or fluidized and conveyed back to surface via the water jet borehole mining pipe which serves as the conveyor of the system. The mining pipe is used to transport a high-pressure stream of water fluids that have been directed and aligned into laminar flow to a focused water jet cutting head. The central bore of the mining pipe brings the disaggregated and slurrified resource to the surface. The mining pipe transports the slurry via airlift, fluid eduction or a combination of both.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: In a water-jet cutting installation for machining substantially vertical material panels such as glass panes, at least one section of the high-pressure line is guided, by a guide system including at least one guide element, to the rear of the device in order to improve access to the intake and/or discharge region of the machining installation and to increase operator safety.

Abstract: A multifunctional end effector includes a support structure configured to be carried by a robotic system and at least two of a fluid stream cutting system, a spindle system and/or a scanning system, each mounted to the support structure. Also described is a fluid stream cutting system having a plurality of fluid stream catchers selectively mountable to the fluid stream system and a mounting arrangement for mounting each fluid stream catcher to the fluid stream cutting system.

Abstract: A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described.

Abstract: An operating method for a pump includes providing a return line for returning the fluid from a high-pressure side to a low-pressure side, controlling a control valve in the return line with a surge control unit for avoiding an unstable operating state, the control valve controlling the throughflow through the return line, storing a limit curve for a control parameter in the surge control unit, comparing an actual value of the control parameter with the limit curve during the operation of the pump; and when the actual value of the control parameter reaches the limit curve, controlling the control valve in the return line such that the actual value of the control parameter is moved away from the limit curve, an operating parameter of the pump being used as the control parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ground-working at a bottom of a body of water and a cleaning device for cleaning an underwater ground-working apparatus. The cleaning device has an enclosing body which extends substantially from a bottom of a body of water to above the water surface and enclosing an inner space, along which the ground-working apparatus can be moved, and a separating device, through which in the enclosing body an upper portion of the inner space can be separated off to form a cleaning area, in which the ground-working apparatus can be received and soil and contamination cleaned from it.

Abstract: In a method and to a device for treating a compound, such as a chemical and/or organic and/or microorganism compound, which is carried by a liquid, the liquid is driven axially through an axial inlet (21) into a central inlet portion of a radial cavitation chamber (18) having a peripheral outlet (30), such that the liquid is diverted into the central inlet portion and flows into the radial chamber in various radial directions towards the peripheral outlet; and the liquid flow conditions between the inlet and the peripheral outlet of the radial chamber are capable of generating cavitation bubbles or pockets (31) and subsequently causing the collapse or implosion of the bubbles or pockets in order to treat the compound at least partially.

Abstract: An underwater trenching apparatus comprising a soil cutting arrangement having a forwardly disposed cutting portion and a rearwardly disposed non-cutting portion, a soil removal device configured to remove soil from a location forward of the soil cutting arrangement and barrier device located and configured substantially to prevent passage of soil to the non-cutting portion of the soil cutting arrangement. The soil cutting arrangement is typically a rockwheel or chain cutter. The soil removal device is typically a dredge pump or eductor.

Abstract: A boom is made of telescoping boom sections. A movable cutting nozzle is on the boom and sprays water. In one embodiment, the boom is coupled to the climber section of a platform that climbs a tower. A further beam is mounted on the other side of the hydraulic elevating platform and carries a movable power pack/counterweight. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device is oriented horizontally and the platform moves horizontally on a rail. In this configuration, the elongated boom has a distal end protruding over the top edge of a dam or other structure. Depending vertically from the boom is another vertical boom carrying the cutting nozzle. This boom travels on the outer boom section of the elongated boom and extends downwardly a distance to allow the device to treat the concrete surface downward from the top edge of the structure.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention disclosed herein is a hydro-demolition device and a top-down method for deconstructing structural surfaces. The device includes a rigid support frame mounted above a work-face on the structural surface being deconstructed. The rigid frame supports a cutting nozzles that move up and down along the structural surface. The nozzles may be mounted on a carriage that is movably connected to the rigid frame. The carriage may swing about a swing axis so that the nozzles move axially toward and away from the carriage. The nozzles may be movable toward and away from the work-face. The various movements of the nozzles are effectuated by rotators and drivers.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage can be raised and lowered along the support-frame. The carriage includes a carrier-bar, which may be straight or curved. One or more nozzles are mounted to the carrier-bar by means of a nozzle carrier that moves back and forth along the length of the carrier-bar. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing and rotating the nozzles, and means of adjusting the nozzles towards or away from the workface. Optionally, the invention comprises a work platform mounted on the support-frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing refractory lining the inside of a cylindrical structure comprising a traveler received within the structure and movable along its length and having a securing means, a rotatable nozzle assembly connected to the traveler, the nozzle assembly comprising one or more nozzle lines each terminating in a nozzle head that rotates, the nozzle assembly being configured in a manner that each nozzle head is suitably spaced from the refractory to be able to deliver a jet of fluid under pressure to the refractory, a nozzle rotation means for rotating the nozzle assembly, and a conduit means in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly suitable for delivering a flow of fluid to the nozzle assembly under sufficient pressure to cut the refractory material lining the structure. A method employing the apparatus for removing refractory.

Abstract: A bore hole tool 10 for removing minerals from the earth. The tool has a case 11 having a nose 12. The case contains a drilling sub-system A, a mining sub-system B, and a pumping sub-system C. The drilling sub-system ablates material in front of the nose providing a space into which the tool can be advanced. The mining sub-system breaks down mineral resources and creates a slurry around the tool. The pumping sub-system pumps the slurry created by the mining sub-system away from the case. A method of removing minerals involves providing a bore hole tool 10, ablating material in front of the nose 12 of the case to provide a space into which the tool can be advanced, breaking down mineral resources and creating a slurry around the tool, and pumping the slurry created by the mining sub-system away from the case.

Abstract: A hyper-pressure water cannon, or pulse excavator, is able to discharge fluid pulses at extremely high velocities to fracture a rock face in excavation applications. A compressed water cannon can be used to generate hyper-pressure pulses by discharging the pulse into a straight nozzle section which leads to a convergent tapered nozzle. The hyper-pressure water cannon design is relatively compact, and the pulse generator can readily be maneuvered to cover the face of an excavation as part of a mobile mining system.

Abstract: A system for removing desired subsurface materials. A drilling system has a sonic drill head assembly capable of rotating a drill string and transmitting oscillating forces to the drill string. A material removal system comprises an outer tube attachable to the drill string. An inner tube has an outer diameter sized so that that at least a portion of the inner tube is positionable in an inner volume of the outer tube with an annular void defined between the outer tube and the inner tube. A distal end of the inner tube defines at least one opening such that an interior conduit of the inner tube is in fluid communication with the annular void outside of the distal end of the inner tube. Pressurized fluid can be urged from the annular void through the opening to the interior conduit, entraining the desired subsurface materials therein for removal to a discharge tank.

Abstract: A device for moving a jet member in a first path over a layer to be treated by the jet has means configured to enable input of data relating to a geometrical shape of a surface of said layer to be treated by the jet member and means configured to use said data for calculating end positions (S1, S2) of an impact point of the jet member for a plurality of consecutive stripes (S) extending substantially perpendicularly to a second path for indexing, each having a width substantially corresponding to an indexing step and together forming said geometrical shape. A control arrangement co-ordinates movement of the impact point of the jet member and said indexing for treating a surface of said layer having said geometrical shape by said jet member.

Abstract: A tunnel excavation technique using a water jet. A water jet system includes a moving unit movable back and forth with respect to an area to be blasted for tunnel excavation, an articulated robot arm mounted on the moving unit, a water jet nozzle which ejects high-pressure water and an abrasive toward an area to be excavated, and a control unit which controls the moving unit, the articulated robot arm and the water jet nozzle. A free face having a predetermined depth is formed of the area to be excavated in the direction in which the tunnel is to be excavated using the water jet system. Since the blasting is performed after the free face is formed, blast vibration can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: A mining system for extracting ore using directional chilling techniques to obtain access to the orebody. Spaced-apart roadways are formed in the ore formation, with a downhill roadway being lower in elevation than the other roadway, and the downhill roadway having a ditch therein draining downhill. A borehole is formed between roadways in the ore formation using the directional drill bit, and then the end of the drill string is equipped with a jetting nozzle. The jetting nozzle is moved within the borehole to erode the formation and mine the ore. In one embodiment, a slurry of mined ore and jetting fluid flows as a slurry down the intersection of the mined face and the floor towards a ditch formed in the downhill roadway. In another embodiment, a slurry of the mined ore and the jetting fluid flows down the borehole, and then down the ditch formed in the downhill roadway. In each case, the ore flows down the downhill roadway to a sump.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for horizontal borehole mining a seam of material, in which a substantially horizontal borehole is provided through a seam of material, a retractable casing is disposed within the seam, and a high pressure drilling tool is disposed within said casing for excavation of the seam material to form an excavation cavity, the high pressure drilling tool having a high pressure jet, the direction of the high pressure jet being adjustable during the mining operation. As mining progresses the casing and high pressure drilling tool are retracted, so that the excavation cavity is extended along the length of the borehole back toward the origin of the borehole. The high pressure drilling tool can be either hydraulic or pneumatic.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a concrete removing apparatus for removing concrete from an inclined wall of concrete having a frame with a front region. The frame may be supported on either a platform or from the wall with the front region adjacent to the wall. A carriage assembly is coupled to the frame assembly proximate a front region thereof, the carriage assembly extending from one side of the frame to another. A nozzle assembly is mounted on the carriage assembly and operative to move laterally of the frame assembly in response to activation of the carriage assembly. A nozzle on the nozzle assembly is operative to emit a jet of fluid against the wall of sufficient velocity to remove concrete from the wall. A transporting assembly is coupled to and operative to raise and lower the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A device for moving a jet member on a carriage (6) between two selectable extreme positions along a guide (5) has means for detecting that the carriage has reached a selectable extreme position, said means comprising members (24, 25) adapted to form a mechanical resistance against continued movement of the carriage so as to influence the flow of hydraulic liquid in an hydraulic circuit (27) of a hydraulic drive arrangement for moving the carriage. Members (31) are arranged to sense a parameter of the hydraulic liquid, the magnitude of which is depending upon the flow of hydraulic liquid in the hydraulic circuit, and send information about the magnitude of this parameter to a control unit (14) adapted to control the turning of the carriage on the basis of this information.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons wherein hydrates are excavated from the sea bottom and mixed into a transportable slurry, the slurry being pumped to a support vessel, using near sea bottom positive displacement hydraulic pumps, where the hydrates are converted into a hydrocarbon containing stream, with excavation tailings being pumped down to hydraulic motors to drive the hydraulic pumps.

Abstract: A tool used for cutting coke or other hard materials in drums, adapted for being mounted to a boring rod with which the water can be run under pressure into the tool thus that, the water can be run toward the boring and cutting nozzles, being provided with a valve mechanism that can rotate about a coupling angle for releasing and closing the flow channel ports depending on a control input, with a first coupling position of the valve mechanism for boring and another coupling position for cutting, whereby the valve mechanism can be coupled at a water pressure reduced to the coupling pressure by rotating about the coupling angle, is simplified as to construction and handling in that the valve mechanism comprises a valve body in the water intake area of the casing, which has a cylindrical shape and a section for the water flowing inside the casing, as well as being rotationally mounted and having the possibility to be lifted and lowered in a cylindrical section of the inner wall of the casing, the valve body bein

Abstract: A device for moving a jet member in a first path over a layer to be treated by the jet has means configured to enable input of data relating to a geometrical shape of a surface of said layer to be treated by the jet member and means configured to use said data for calculating end positions (S1, S2)of an impact point of the jet member for a plurality of consecutive stripes (S) extending substantially perpendicularly to a second path for indexing, each having a width substantially corresponding to an indexing step and together forming said geometrical shape. A control arrangement co-ordinates movement of the impact point of the jet member and said indexing for treating a surface of said layer having said geometrical shape by said jet member.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage is operable to be raised and lowered along the support-frame adjacent to a workface. To the carriage are mounted one or more nozzles, preferably the nozzles are mounted to the carriage by means of a nozzle carrier that is operable to move back and forth along the length of the carriage. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing or means of rotating the nozzles in order to access the sidewalls of the opening in the workface produced by the invention.

Abstract: In a tool for cutting up coke, comprising a housing mounted on a drill stem in the operating condition, and wherein at least one cutting nozzle for cutting and one boring nozzle for boring coke by means of a water jet, and a switchable valve means arranged in a flow-through channel for alternatively feeding the water to the flow channels in a flow body for the paths to the cutting and boring nozzles, and a switching apparatus manually or water-pressure-controlled operable at switching pressure of the water within the flow-through channel, for switching the valve means, are arranged, comprising a distribution apparatus rotatably supported above the flow body, with at least one valve body for closing off at least one opening of the flow channels, wherein depending on each angular position of the distribution apparatus with respect to the flow body, the flow path of the water to the boring nozzle or the flow path to the cutting nozzle is free or obstructed, for easier rotation of the distribution apparatus,

Abstract: A method for sub-glacial mineral reconnaissance and recovery comprises analyzing silt and solutes in fluvial sub-glacial streams of a glacier. Boreholes are formed in the glacier and melt-water flow is analyzed to establish concentration gradients of minerals in the solutes and sediments. After significant mineral deposits are identified, conventional mining techniques may be used to recover minerals.

Abstract: A method for sub-glacial mineral reconnaissance and recovery comprises analyzing silt and solutes in fluvial sub-glacial streams of a glacier. Boreholes are formed in the glacier and melt-water flow is analyzed to establish concentration gradients of minerals in the solutes and sediments. After significant mineral deposits are identified, conventional mining techniques may be used to recover minerals.

Abstract: Concrete on a vertical wall is removed for resurfacing in the substantial absence of microfracturing by a crawler apparatus that is lowered from the top of the wall to the bottom by remote control. The crawler is raised and lowered by cables that are reeled in or out depending upon the direction of rotation of the output shaft of a motor. A rotating nozzle blasts a focused stream of very high-pressure water against the concrete to be removed. The nozzle is carried back and forth along the breadth of the crawler as the crawler descends the face of the concrete wall so that a vertical strip of concrete substantially equal in width to the width of the crawler is removed. The crawler is then returned to the top of the wall and moved laterally to begin removal of the next vertical strip of concrete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method and system for perforating, slotting, and cutting steel and subterranean rock; and also for fracturing a subterranean formation to stimulate the production of desired fluids therefrom. The invention involves a fluid jetting device with a sleeve composed of a hard material. The sleeve includes at least one hole and a fluid flowing through the jetting device is emitted through the hole in the sleeve.

Abstract: A method is provided for the reduction of inflow of rock particles from an earth formation into a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon fluid. The method comprises creating a zone of reduced compressive stiffness around the wellbore by removing rock material from the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: A tool for excavating an object comprises a jetting system having a nozzle arranged to receive a fluid and abrasive particles via an abrasive particle inlet, and arranged to impinge the object to be excavated with a jetted stream of the fluid mixed with the abrasive particles, the tool further having a recirculation system arranged to recirculate at least some of the abrasive particles from a return stream, downstream of the impingement of the jetted stream with the object to be excavated, back to the jetting system via the abrasive particle inlet, the abrasive particle inlet having an entrance window in which a device in a path fluidly connecting the return stream with the entrance window keeps the abrasive particle inlet free from objects of the same size or larger than the size of the window while allowing passage of the abrasive particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting. An abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly comprises a hose 49 for receiving an abrasive jet cutting fluid; a helix/spring 40 rotatably attached inside the high pressure hose 49; and a nozzle 46 connected to the hose 49. The helix/spring 40 is tapered such that the turn ratio of the helix 40 varies from the proximate end to the distal end. The rotation of the helix 40 creates a vortex and increases the pressure of an abrasive jet cutting fluid as it passes from the proximate end to the distal end. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydro-shearing apparatus, a hydro-shearing system, and a method of mining waste coal. The hydro-shearing apparatus includes a fluid supply line adapted to permit the transporting of fluid, a nozzle adapted to emit the fluid, a pump adapted to recover at least the fluid, and a fluid discharge line adapted to permit the transporting of at least the fluid. The method may include positioning the hydro-shearing apparatus at least fifty feet away from a high wall of waste coal, manipulating the hydro-shearing apparatus to a vertical position within twenty feet of the top of the high wall of waste coal, operating the hydro-shearing apparatus such that a fluid stream contacts waste coal material, recovering the coal product with the pump of the hydro-shearing apparatus, and transporting the coal product away from the hydro-shearing apparatus.

Abstract: Material is removed from a body of material, e.g. to create a bore hole, by plasma channel drilling. High voltage, high energy, rapid rise time electrical pulses are delivered many times per second to an electrode assembly in contact with the material body to generate therein elongate plasma channels which expand rapidly following electrical breakdown of the material causing the material to fracture and fragment.

Abstract: A device for a hydraulic cutting tool (30) for cutting of at least one pipe (16, 18, 20) or tubular object beneath a water floor (10), wherein the cutting is carried out from a surface facility (2). The cutting tool (30) is anchored in a pressure tight manner in the pipe (16), whereupon pressurised gas (86) is pumped into a pipe section (80) immediately below the cutting tool (30). With this, liquid (8), and eventually pressurised gas (86), will flow out of the pipe section (80) via a short drain pipe (66) through the cutting tool (30), so as to create a gas filled pipe volume (90) comprising the relevant cutting depth (32) in the pipe section (80). The invention differs from prior art by the outflowing liquid being led onwards up to the surface facility (2) via a drain line (92). The upper end portion of the drain line (92) is connected to at least one adjustable choke device (102, 104).

Abstract: An orbital tool apparatus and method of using the apparatus for boring, drilling, reaming, and cutting having a tool housing, a tool collar located within the housing, the tool housing having the ability to couple to a conduit structure, fluid orbiting jets within the tool collar, and a tool funnel located below the tool collar and within a lower portion of the tool housing. The orbital tool creating a bore in a surface, when fluid flowing into the orbital tool via a conduit is directed out of the orbital tool towards the structure, a portion of the fluid flowing within the orbital tool being diverted through the fluid orbiting jets causing the diverted fluid to impinge against the tool funnel, causing the tool funnel to oscillate creating a sweeping flow towards the surface.

Abstract: A substrate removal apparatus capable of cutting a plurality of aligned, precision slots in a variety of surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt pavement, and other composite substrates, utilizes high-pressure liquid cutting devices. Slots may be cut in pavement for such applications as dowel bar retrofitting for joint load transfer restoration. An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a support frame, a carriage carried by the support frame, and cutting devices coupled to the carriage. The apparatus is configured so that the carriage is movable along a generally horizontal path of travel and a generally vertical path of travel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a flow conditioning system for fluid jetting tools includes a housing having a plurality of jet nozzle openings and a fluid straightener disposed within the housing. The fluid straightener is defined by one or more vanes, and the vanes form a plurality of flow channels within the housing. Each flow channel is associated with at least one jet nozzle opening.

Abstract: A dual nozzle hydro-demolition system is mounted on a robot vehicle having a tower, with the robot vehicle and tower permitting the device to be positioned in any desired location on a vertical wall surface. The robot vehicle includes a plurality of tires and a motive power system allowing it to be moved to a desired location. Bearing pads are mounted on jacks allowing the tires of the robot vehicle to be elevated slightly off the ground to preclude undesired movements. A carriage is slidably mounted on a beam and carries dual nozzles, each of which is connected to a supply of high pressure water via a heavy duty hose. The nozzles are rotated using a hydraulic motor. A coupling is provided within the flow circuit from the source of water to the nozzle allowing a conduit adjacent the nozzle to rotate with respect to a conduit receiving water from the source thereof, so that each nozzle can be rotated without any water leakage.

Abstract: A shield tunneling machine has a shield body and a cutter head rotatably provided at the forward end of the shield body in the excavation direction. Abrasive jet spray nozzles for spraying abrasive jet water are movably provided on the cutter head. Obstacles encountered during excavation can be broken efficiently with high cutting quality by properly controlling the movable abrasive jet spray nozzles according to the size and configuration of each particular obstacle.

Abstract: A jet cutting device having a cutter head provided with a nozzle for ejecting a stream of fluid against a body so as to create a selected cut in said body. The cutter head is provided with a deflector having a deflection surface arranged to deflect the stream of fluid ejected by the nozzle into a selected direction in accordance with the position of said cut to be created.

Abstract: A method for working a concrete surface uses a water jet ejected from a nozzle of a nozzle holder. The nozzle holder reciprocates in cutting sweeps and moves together with a working apparatus in steps between the cutting sweeps. The water jet is directed in directions of the sweeps, and at the end of each sweep, the nozzle holder is swung into a new angle of attack for a subsequent cutting sweep. At the end of a cutting sweep, the nozzle holder begins to swing backwards simultaneously as its linear velocity increases to permit the target area to remain substantially unchanged at the start of the stepping of the working apparatus so that the water jet makes a cut forwardly in the stepping direction. The stepping and change of angle of attack are completed simultaneously immediately prior to the commencement of a subsequent cutting sweep.

Abstract: A self-advancing drilling system comprising a drilling apparatus, the drilling apparatus having at least one leading fluid cutting nozzle, an advancing device on the drilling apparatus to provide forward movement to the drilling apparatus, the drilling system further comprising a drill string formed from recoverable flexible hose and a steering device having at least one jet nozzle.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for exploration and sampling of placers which is capable of being disassembled for transport into areas not accessible to traditional sampling methods. The sampling unit operates on a principle of power augering and water jetting a sampling pipe to bedrock while concurrently recovering ¾? minus materials, including particles and nuggets of valuable minerals and gemstones, through a concentric center pipe, such recovery powered by a ring jet venturi and supplemented by a sample hole plug to increase the water pressure in the sampling hole.