Abstract: A drill cuttings conveying head member having a tubular duct portion which includes a movable sidewall forming a gate operable to be pivoted into a position blocking the flow passage in the duct portion and diverting the flowstream out of the conveying head during wet drilling conditions. A lever mechanism is connected to the gate and is operable to bias the gate in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: A conveying and collection system adapted for drilling rigs for conveying drill cuttings entrained with a bailing air flow stream emanating from the drillhole includes a generally tubular head fitted around the drillhole having a flow deflecting surface portion adapted to deflect the flow stream of drill cuttings into a conveying enclosure whereby velocity reduction and change of direction of the flow stream will separate relatively coarse cuttings. A mechanical conveyor may be disposed in the enclosure to convey the cuttings to a point remote from the drillhole. The head may be extended and retracted with respect to the drill rig deck plate by actuators controlled in accordance with the conduction of bailing air to the drill stem. One embodiment of the head comprises an enclosure formed by overlapping helical convolutions of a flat spirally coiled band.