Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of coupling plain end pipes. One system includes a coupling sleeve having opposing upper and lower ends and a plurality of axially extending slots defined in each end, wherein the upper end is configured to receive an end of a first pipe and the lower end is configured to receive an end of a second pipe, an upper sliding ring disposed about the coupling sleeve and axially movable in a first direction to force the upper end into gripping engagement with an outer surface of the first pipe, and a lower sliding ring disposed about the coupling sleeve and axially movable in a second direction to force the lower end into gripping engagement with an outer surface of the second pipe.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein drilling apparatus, in particular for use in the field of oil prospecting, comprising: a first tubular member (1, 2, 3); a second tubular member (6, 7, 8, 9) mounted at least partly within the first tubular member so as to be reciprocally free in rotation with respect to the first tubular member about an axis (5); and a drill bit (4) operatively connected to one of the first or second tubular members so as to be rotated in response to the one tubular member being turned in order to effect drilling, characterized in that: the drilling apparatus further comprises a restoring member (18, 36) for applying a forces between the first tubular member and the second tubular member at least in respective first axial directions in response to relative displacement of the first tubular member and the second tubular member in the respective opposite axial directions. Also provided are a tubular assembly and a method of assembling tubular members.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein drilling apparatus, in particular for use in the field of oil prospecting, comprising: a first tubular member (1, 2, 3); a second tubular member (6, 7, 8, 9) mounted at least partly within the first tubular member so as to be reciprocally free in rotation with respect to the first tubular member about an axis (5); and a drill bit (4) operatively connected to one of the first or second tubular members so as to be rotated in response to the one tubular member being turned in order to effect drilling, characterised in that: the drilling apparatus further comprises a restoring member (18, 36) for applying a forces between the first tubular member and the second tubular member at least in respective first axial directions in response to relative displacement of the first tubular member and the second tubular member in the respective opposite axial directions. Also provided are a tubular assembly and a method of assembling tubular members.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods of coupling plain end pipes. One system includes a coupling sleeve having opposing upper and lower ends and a plurality of axially extending slots defined in each end, wherein the upper end is configured to receive an end of a first pipe and the lower end is configured to receive an end of a second pipe, an upper sliding ring disposed about the coupling sleeve and axially movable in a first direction to force the upper end into gripping engagement with an outer surface of the first pipe, and a lower sliding ring disposed about the coupling sleeve and axially movable in a second direction to force the lower end into gripping engagement with an outer surface of the second pipe.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein drilling apparatus, in particular for use in the field of oil prospecting, comprising: a first tubular member (1, 2, 3); a second tubular member (6, 7, 8, 9) mounted at least partly within the first tubular member so as to be reciprocally free in rotation with respect to the first tubular member about an axis (5); and a drill bit (4) operatively connected to one of the first or second tubular members so as to be rotated in response to the one tubular member being turned in order to effect drilling, characterised in that: the drilling apparatus further comprises a restoring member (18, 36) for applying a forces between the first tubular member and the second tubular member at least in respective first axial directions in response to relative displacement of the first tubular member and the second tubular member in the respective opposite axial directions. Also provided are a tubular assembly and a method of assembling tubular members.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, an access system for a moveable vehicle having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The access system includes an access device attached to the vehicle and movable between a stowed position and an access position. A bottom end of the access device is disposed at a first horizontal distance from the longitudinal axis in the stowed position and is disposed a second greater horizontal distance from the longitudinal axis in the access position. The access system also includes a biasing device associated with the access device and configured to apply a continuous biasing force to bias the access device toward the access position. An actuator device is associated with the access device and configured to apply a selective actuating force to the access device.

Abstract: In one exemplary aspect, an access system for a moveable vehicle having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The access system includes an access device attached to the vehicle and movable between a stowed position and an access position. A bottom end of the access device is disposed at a first horizontal distance from the longitudinal axis in the stowed position and is disposed a second greater horizontal distance from the longitudinal axis in the access position. The access system also includes a biasing device associated with the access device and configured to apply a continuous biasing force to bias the access device toward the access position. An actuator device is associated with the access device and configured to apply a selective actuating force to the access device.