Abstract: There is disclosed a torque transfer apparatus for a mineral drilling tool used in a downhole assembly of a drill string. The drilling tool has a downhole drill bit and one or more uphole drill bits spaced apart from the downhole drill bit, with the torque transfer apparatus being located between them. The apparatus has an axial bore therethrough for fluid flow and comprises first and second members being rotatably joined to each other. The apparatus rotationally couples and transfers torque between the first and second members when a torque difference between torque on the downhole drill bit and torque on the uphole drill bit is below a threshold torque value. The apparatus disengages the rotational coupling while the torque difference exceeds the threshold torque value. The flow rate of drilling fluid flowing through the axial bore is altered when the apparatus engages and disengages the coupling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a torque transfer apparatus for a mineral drilling tool used in a downhole assembly of a drill string. The drilling tool has a downhole drill bit and one or more uphole drill bits spaced apart from the downhole drill bit, with the torque transfer apparatus being located between them. The apparatus has an axial bore therethrough for fluid flow and comprises first and second members being rotatably joined to each other. The apparatus rotationally couples and transfers torque between the first and second members when a torque difference between torque on the downhole drill bit and torque on the uphole drill bit is below a threshold torque value. The apparatus disengages the rotational coupling while the torque difference exceeds the threshold torque value. The flow rate of drilling fluid flowing through the axial bore is altered when the apparatus engages and disengages the coupling.

Abstract: A system (10) delivers of a flowable substance S to a remote location through a conduit (144). The system (10) has a body 12 with first and second portions (14,16) and at least two plugs (P1, P2) associated with the body (12) so that in a first configuration the plugs (P1, P2) are spaced apart and form a sealed region (20) for holding a volume of the substance S, and, in a second configuration at least the second plug (P2) is disposed in the second portion wherein the substance S can flow in a downstream direction past or through the second plug and out of the body (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing drilling fluid returns in an exploration drilling process, as well as a related method of capturing the drilling fluid returns. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted onto a drill collar/casing (11) adjacent its open top (13). The apparatus (10) comprises a body (21) defining a reservoir (23) for receiving the drilling fluid returns flowing out through the open top end (13) of the drill collar/casing (11) and spilling into the reservoir (23). The reservoir (23) comprises a collecting portion (25) in which the fluid returns spilling from the drill collar/casing (11) can be collected. The reservoir (23) also comprises a sump portion (27) which can receive the drilling fluid returns and from which the drilling fluid returns can be pumped by way of a sump pump (28). The reservoir (23) is configured to direct the drilling fluid returns collected by the collecting portion (25) to the sump portion (27) as a continuous flow.

Abstract: A system (10) delivers of a flowable substance S to a remote location through a conduit (144). The system (10) has a body 12 with first and second portions (14,16) and at least two plugs (P1, P2) associated with the body (12) so that in a first configuration the plugs (P1, P2) are spaced apart and form a sealed region (20) for holding a volume of the substance S, and, in a second configuration at least the second plug (P2) is disposed in the second portion wherein the substance S can flow in a downstream direction past or through the second plug and out of the body (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for capturing drilling fluid returns in an exploration drilling process, as well as a related method of capturing the drilling fluid returns. The apparatus (10) is adapted to be fitted onto a drill collar/casing (11) adjacent its open top (13). The apparatus (10) comprises a body (21) defining a reservoir (23) for receiving the drilling fluid returns flowing out through the open top end (13) of the drill collar/casing (11) and spilling into the reservoir (23). The reservoir (23) comprises a collecting portion (25) in which the fluid returns spilling from the drill collar/casing (11) can be collected. The reservoir (23) also comprises a sump portion (27) which can receive the drilling fluid returns and from which the drilling fluid returns can be pumped by way of a sump pump (28). The reservoir (23) is configured to direct the drilling fluid returns collected by the collecting portion (25) to the sump portion (27) as a continuous flow.

Abstract: A spear head assembly includes a spear point having a proximal end and an opposite pointed end. A sleeve has an axial passage and a first end from which the spear point extends, the spear point coupled to the sleeve wherein the spear point can pivot relative to the sleeve and move axially relative to the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve has a smooth continuous abutment surface for the spear point, and the abutment surface forms a funnel like structure which reduces in inner diameter in a direction inward of the sleeve, with the funnel like structure extending between an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: The collection system (10) for collecting drilling cuttings removed from drilling fluid returns during borehole drilling for the purpose of sampling. The collection system (10) has a conveyor means (21), a transfer (23), and a loading means (25). The loading means (25) is provided for sequentially positioning a plurality of sample collection containers (27), such as sample collection bags, at a collection zone (24) to receive discrete quantities of the drilling cuttings via the transfer (23) The sample collection bags may be supported in holders (29). The discrete quantities of the drilling cuttings provide representative samples to be stored individually in the sample collection containers (27). The loading means 25 comprises a carousel (33) adapted to support the sample collection containers (27) and index them sequentially into position at the collection zone (24).

Abstract: A rotation activated orientation system 10 for a ground drill is operated by action of magnetic fields. The system 10 incorporates a magnetically operated orientator 12 having a free state where the orientator 12 provides a substantially instantaneous indication of a position of a reference bearing of a hole being drilled by the ground drill, and a locked state where the orientator maintains the indication. The system 12 also includes a magnetic actuator 14 operatively associated with the magnetically operated orientator 12. When the rotational speed of the ground drill is greater than a threshold speed the magnetic actuator 14 supplies a magnetic field effective to place the orientator 12 in the free state. When the rotational speed of the drill is less than the threshold speed the magnetic actuator 14 does not supply a magnetic field effective to operate the orientator so that the orientator 12 reverts to or remains in the locked state.

Abstract: A spear head assembly includes a spear point having a proximal end and an opposite pointed end. A sleeve has an axial passage and a first end from which the spear point extends, the spear point coupled to the sleeve wherein the spear point can pivot relative to the sleeve and move axially relative to the sleeve. The first end of the sleeve has a smooth continuous abutment surface for the spear point, and the abutment surface forms a funnel like structure which reduces in inner diameter in a direction inward of the sleeve, with the funnel like structure extending between an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A latching system has a latch body, a latch carrier and two latch dogs. The latch dogs are retained in the latch carrier by two pins. The latch carrier is located within the latch body. The latch body has slots through which the latch dogs can extend. The pins pass through both latch dogs and through longitudinal slots in the latch carrier. The pins are fixed at their opposite ends to the latch body. When the latch carrier is moved axially the latch dogs move parallel to each other between: a latching position where the latch dogs extend from the latch body and latch carrier and can engage a latching mechanism; and a release position where the latch dogs retract inwardly.

Abstract: A core orientation head (12) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (28) having a first end (30) and an opposite end (34). A core face profile recording system (41) is carried by the body (28) to record a profile of the face of a core cut by a core drill in which the orientation head (12) is disposed. The system (41) comprises a plurality of pins (42) housed with an interference fit inside respective axially extending holes (38) provided in the body (28). A bearing scale (48) is marked on an outer circumferential surface 50 of the body (28). A cap (74) is demountably connectable to either of the ends (30) and (34). When connected to the end (30), the caps (74) protects the system (41). The caps (74) is also provided with a vernier scale (110) which, when the cap (74) is connected to the end (34), co-operates with the bearing scale (48) to facilitate marking of the core sample (46).

Abstract: A head assembly includes a spear head assembly and a latching system which are coupled together. The spearhead assembly includes a spear point having a proximal end pivotally coupled about a pivot axis and a sleeve that is biased in a direction toward a pointed end of the spear point. The sleeve is coupled with the spear point so that the spear point and the pivot axis can move axially relative to the sleeve. The latching system includes a latch body and two latch dogs which are coupled to the latch body and movable between a latching position where the latch dogs extend from the latch body and can engage a latching mechanism, and a release position where the latch dogs retract inwardly. The latching system is configured to enable the latch dogs to move parallel to each other rather than pivot when moving between the latch and release positions. The spear head assembly enables the head assembly to be coupled to an overshot to enable tripping through a drill string.

Abstract: A core orientation head (12) comprises a substantially cylindrical body (28) having a first end (30) and an opposite end (34). A core face profile recording system (41) is carried by the body (28) to record a profile of the face of a core cut by a core drill in which the orientation head (12) is disposed. The system (41) comprises a plurality of pins (42) housed with an interference fit inside respective axially extending holes (38) provided in the body (28). A bearing scale (48) is marked on an outer circumferential surface 50 of the body (28). A cap (74) is demountably connectable to either of the ends (30) and (34). When connected to the end (30), the caps (74) protects the system (41). The caps (74) is also provided with a vernier scale (110) which, when the cap (74) is connected to the end (34), co-operates with the bearing scale (48) to facilitate marking of the core sample (46).

Abstract: A spearhead assembly (10) comprises a base (12) having an outer surface (14), a slot (16), a spear point (18) and a guard (20). The slot (16) is formed in the base (12) and has an opening (22) that opens onto the outer surface (14). A proximal end of the spear point (18) is located in the slot (16) and pivotally coupled about a pivot axis (26) to the base (12). The spear point (18) can pivot about axis (26) between two positions that are angularly spaced by 180°. The guard (20) is coupled to the proximal end of the spear point (18) and configured to at least partially occupy the opening (22) when the spear point is in a location at or between the two spaced apart positions. The guard (20) acts to minimise the risk of an operator's hand or glove worn by the operator from being pinched or caught in the slot (16) between the spear point (13) and base (12) as the spear point (18) is pivoted between the two positions.

Abstract: A spearhead assembly (10) comprises a base (12) provided with a slot (14) at one end (16) which opens onto an outer surface (13) of the base (12). The outer surface (13) is composed of three contiguous surface portions (18, 20 and 22). A spearpoint (20) is pivotally coupled at its proximal end (26), which is disposed in the slot (14), to the base (12). A distal end (28) of the spearpoint (24) extends or projects beyond the slot (14) and the surface (13) of the base (12). A spearpoint positioning system (30) urges the spearpoint (24) toward one of three annually spaced positioned. These positions are characterised by the spearpoint (24) extending substantially perpendicular to parallel opposed edges of the slot (14) which open onto, or are flanked by, the surface portions (18), (20 and 22). Moving the spearpoint from one position to another requires the application of an external force.

Abstract: Inner core barrel head assembly (10) includes an upper latch body (24), a plurality of latching balls (26) which are retained in the latch body (24) and a locking sleeve (28) disposed within the latch body (24). The sleeve (28) has an outer circumferential latching surface (30) of a first outer diameter and an outer circumferential release surface (32) of a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The locking sleeve is axially moveable relative to the upper latch body (24) between a latching position and a release position. In the latching position, the latching surface (30) is in radial alignment with the balls (26), forcing the balls (26) radially outwardly into a latch seat (12) provided on a core barrel (20) attached to a lower end of a drill rod (14). This latches the assembly (10) to the core barrel preventing withdrawal.

Abstract: Core orientator for a core drill includes a face orientator and a bottom orientator supported by a shaft which extends into a shroud. A tubular extension is coupled to the shroud and is slidably coupled to a main body. The main body includes first and second latches. The first latches releasably lock the device to a core lifter case assembly disposed within the core drill, to selectively prevent the device from advancing in an uphole direction within the core drill. The latching system operates to prevent the device from falling out of the core drill. Face orientator includes a plurality of pins which can move axially to provide a plurality of profile reference points to a facing surface of a hole to be drilled. The bottom orientator includes a plurality of balls disposed within respective braces.

Abstract: Lockable overshot (10) includes an elongated body (12), lifting dogs (14a, 14b) and a locking sleeve (16). Ends (18) of the lifting dogs (14) are configured for latching a conventional spearhead point therebetween. The locking sleeve (16) is retained on the body (12) and is provided at one axial end with a circumferential wall (66) and two diametrically opposed gaps (68). The locking sleeve (16) is rotatable on the body (12) between a locked state preventing ends (18) of the lifting dogs from pivoting away from each other to release a previously latched spearhead point, and an unlocked state where the locking sleeve (16) allows the lifting dogs (14) to move so that the ends (18) can be pivoted away from each other to release a previously latched spearhead point. In this regard, the locking sleeve (16) is provided at one axial end with a circumferential wall (66) provided with a pair of diametrically opposed gaps (68).