Abstract: Hydraulic drilling method and apparatus in which the drilling fluid itself is utilized to control the direction in which a hole is bored in the earth. The drilling fluid is discharged through a plurality of forwardly facing nozzles which are inclined at different angles about the axis of the drill head, and the drilling fluid is selectively applied to the nozzles by a rotatable valve member to control the direction in which the hole is cut.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method suitable for use in a variety of applications including the drilling of deep holes for oil and gas wells and the drilling of vertical, horizontal or slanted holes, drilling through both consolidated and unconsolidated formations, and cutting and removing core samples. The drill head produces a whirling mass of pressurized cutting fluid, and this whirling fluid is applied to a discharge nozzle to produce a high velocity cutting jet. In one embodiment, the fluid is discharged from a central nozzle as a thin wall conical cutting jet, and a plurality of axially directed jets are spaced about the central nozzle for removing material within the circular groove cut by the conical jet. The conical jet can be used without the axially directed jets to cut core samples. In a second embodiment, the discharge nozzle comprises an oblique bore in a rotor which is driven at a relatively slow speed (e.g. 5-50 rpm) by the whirling fluid in the drill head.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method suitable for use in a variety of applications including the drilling of deep holes for oil and gas wells and the drilling of vertical, horizontal or slanted holes, drilling through both consolidated and unconsolidated formations, and cutting and removing core samples. The drill head produces a whirling mass of pressurized cutting fluid, and this whirling fluid is applied to a discharge nozzle to produce a high velocity cutting jet. The cutting action is enhanced by abrasive material in the drilling fluid. The direction of the borehole is controlled by controlling the discharge of the drilling fluid either in side jets directed radially from the distal end portion of the drill string which carries the drill head or in a plurality of forwardly directed cutting jets.

Abstract: Hydraulic drilling apparatus and method suitable for use in a variety of applications including the drilling of deep holes for oil and gas wells and the drilling of vertical, horizontal or slanted holes, drilling through both consolidated and unconsolidated formations, and cutting and removing core samples. The drill head produces a whirling mass of pressurized cutting fluid, and this whirling fluid is applied to a discharge nozzle to produce a high velocity cutting jet. The cutting action is enhanced by abrasive material in the drilling fluid. The direction of the borehole is controlled by controlling the discharge of the drilling fluid either in side jets directed radially from the distal end portion of the drill string which carries the drill head or in a plurality of forwardly directed cutting jets.

Abstract: Probe and method for determining the curvature of an elongated opening such as a borehole in the earth. The probe includes an axially extending flexible shaft and two pairs of sensing wires arranged in quadrature about the shaft for axial movement relative to each other upon bending of the probe. The relative axial positions of the sensing wires on opposite sides of the flexible shaft are monitored to determine the curvature of the borehole.

Abstract: Bore hole instrument and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The instrument includes an elongated flexible probe which is inserted into a bore hole and can travel freely around bends of relatively short radius in the hole. The probe includes a plurality of sensors, explosive charges or the like which are spaced apart and embedded in a flexible body comprising a mass of cushioning material, with a flexible outer casing of fabric having a high tensile strength. The probe is driven into a bore hole in piston-like fashion, and the flexible body enables the probe to travel freely around bends of relatively short radius. Instrumentation for processing signals from the probe is located at the surface of the earth, and a flexible cable interconnects the instrumentation with the probe.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a bore hole, particularly for use in enhancing the recovery of oil from an oil bearing underground formation using an assembly including a piston sliding in a guide tube. The forward end of the piston body terminates in a drillhead including multiple ports for passing drilling fluid into the formation. Pressurized fluid flowing through the piston body applies pressure against the drillhead to cause it to move into the formation at the same time as it is cutting a pathway for itself. In a preferred embodiment, the forward end of the guide tube includes a whipstock through which the piston body turns from a vertical to a horizontal direction into the formation to provide a radial for the injection of steam. A rigid metal piston body may be used which plastically deforms when passing through the whipstock and becomes rigid thereafter as it moves through the formation.

Abstract: Bore hole instrument and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The instrument includes an elongated flexible probe which is inserted into a bore hole and can travel freely around bends of relatively short radius in the hole. The probe includes a plurality of sensors, explosive charges or the like which are spaced apart and embedded in a flexible body comprising a mass of cushioning material, with a flexible outer casing of fabric having a high tensile strength. The probe is driven into a bore hole in piston-like fashion, and the flexible body enables the probe to travel freely around bends of relatively short radius. Instrumentation for processing signals from the probe is located at the surface of the earth, and a flexible cable interconnects the instrumentation with the probe.

Abstract: A system for the formation and use of a bore hole, particularly for the recovery of oil from an oil-bearing underground formation. An eversible elongate permeable tube, preferably formed of woven cloth, including outer and inner walls, connected at a rollover area, is urged into the formation by a driving fluid. Drilling fluid is pumped through a central passageway in the tube and carries a central pipe forward. The drilling fluid, comprising a hot acid or basic aqueous or petroleum base solution, assists break up of the formation to form a cuttings slurry which passes back along the outside of the eversible tube. Means is provided for turning the tube, as from the vertical to the horizontal, by use of a turning segment in the eversible tube, or by guiding the central pipe. Such pipe preferably includes a flexible helical segment capable of turning and of serving as the ultimate support casing. Also, gravel packing techniques and down-hole steam generators.

Abstract: Earth well drilling apparatus including piping in a well, a metal drilling tube within the piping, and a hydraulic jet drilling head secured to the lower end of the tube. A seal is disposed between the piping and the tube. The drilling head is urged downwardly through the piping under hydraulic pressure through a tube bneding assembly laterally extensible from a retracted position substantially within the structure. The hydraulic pressure propels the tube downwardly through the piping and bending assembly to bend the tube and to direct the drilling head laterally toward the formation.

Abstract: A system for the formation and use of a bore hole, particularly for the recovery of oil from an oil-bearing underground formation. An eversible elongate permeable tube, preferably formed of woven cloth, including other and inner walls, connected at a rollover area, is urged into the formation by a driving fluid. Drilling fluid is pumped through a central passageway in the tube and carries a central pipe forward. The drilling fluid, comprising a hot acid or basic aqueous or petroleum base solution, assists break up of the formation to form a cuttings slurry which passes back along the outside of the eversible tube. Means is provided for turning the tube, as from the vertical to the horizontal, by use of a turning segment in the eversible tube, or by guiding the central pipe. Such pipe preferably includes a flexible helical segment capable of turning and of serving as the ultimate support casing. Also, gravel packing techniques and down-hole steam generators.