Abstract: A cable feed tool includes a first support, a second support coupled to the first support, a first roller supported on the first support for rotation and configured to drive a cable, and a second roller supported on the second support for rotation and configured to drive the cable. The first roller is also supported for pivoting movement relative to the second support about a pivot axis. The second roller is also supported for translational movement relative to the first support.

Abstract: A workover unit for lowering an irregularly shaped production string into a live well includes a traveling assembly and stationary assembly movable relative to each other. The traveling assembly may include a traveling static annular BOP configured to seal around the production string during the lowering. The traveling assembly may include a reciprocating riser connected to the traveling annular BOP. The traveling assembly may include traveling slips configured to grip the production string during the lowering. The stationary assembly may include a dynamic BOP configured to seal around the reciprocating riser during the lowering. The stationary assembly may include a reciprocating jack configured to lower the traveling assembly. The stationary assembly may include a lower static annular BOP configured to seal around the production string when the traveling assembly is moved relative to the production string.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for drilling a lateral bore to main bore, comprises a casing in the main bore, having at least one window, at least one lateral tube, including a bit or other soil penetrator, the lateral tube which engages with an aperture in the casing, the outer diameter of lateral tube flush with aperture, such that the lateral tube is forced through the casing aperture into the formation when a sufficient pressure differential between the inside of the casing and the outside of the casing and a plurality of packers disposed at intervals along the outside of the casing, capable of sealing the annulus to the passage of fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tubular product clamp for supporting a tubular product, e.g. a drilling pipe, in a firing line of a drilling rig, and a method for supporting a tubular product in a firing line. The clamp comprises multiple clamping devices with a base part and a clamp part. According to the invention, an insert carrier is provided for each clamp part. The insert carriers each have an insert carrier body with one or more recesses for holding one or more inserts for engaging the tubular product supported by the product clamp.

Abstract: A downhole tool is disclosed. The downhole tool may include an actuator having a housing, a shaft extending through at least a portion of the housing, and a nut movably disposed on the shaft. Further, the downhole tool may include a wiring conduit disposed in a helix shape around the shaft, and extending between the nut and a fixed position relative to the shaft. The wiring conduit may include a plurality of curved links. Each of the plurality of curved links may include a first hinge and a second hinge, the first hinge of a first curved link pivotably coupled to the second hinge of a second curved link. The downhole tool may also include a wire routed through the wiring conduit.

Abstract: A method for lateral drilling into a subterranean formation whereby a shoe is positioned in a well casing, the shoe defining a passageway extending from an upper opening in the shoe through the shoe to a side opening in the shoe. A rod and casing mill assembly are inserted into the well casing and through the passageway in the shoe until a casing mill end of the casing mill assembly substantially abuts the well casing. The rod and casing mill assembly are rotated until the casing mill end substantially forms a perforation in the well casing. An internally rotating nozzle is attached to an end of a hose and is pushed through the passageway and the perforation into the subterranean formation, and fluid is ejected from tangential jets into the subterranean formation for impinging upon and eroding the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a clutch. The adjustment mechanism includes an annular adjustment structure having an adjustment profile with a ramp section, a first adjustment segment, a last adjustment segment and a plurality of intermediate adjustment segments. The first adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a first clutch setting and the last adjustment segment is configured to correspond to a last clutch setting. The ramp section is positioned between the first and last adjustment segments such that the adjustment structure is rotatable between the first and last adjustment segments and between the last and first adjustment segments without engaging any of the intermediate adjustment segments.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation may be obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: Riveting apparatus wherein a planetary roller screw delivers the high forces required for actuating the fastener upset tooling. In order that precise control of the entire upset operation me by obtained, a servo-controlled electric motor operates the actuator. In order that different machining operations may be performed on a workpiece without having to provide an actuator for each tool, the tools are engaged in turn by the actuator for performing riveting and other machining in succession.

Abstract: A pipe gripping device is taught which is useful for moving pipe into and/or out of a well. The pipe gripping device includes a first set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe light condition and a second set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe heavy condition. The second set of slips are actuatable independently from the first set of slips. The pipe gripping device can include a slip moving system which prevents the slip carrier blocks from being driven outwardly against the housing, to thereby prevent the carrier blocks from locking, by being driven against the housing.

Abstract: A pipe gripping device is taught which is useful for moving pipe into and/or out of a well. The pipe gripping device includes a first set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe light condition and a second set of slips for holding a pipe in a pipe heavy condition. The second set of slips are actuatable independently from the first set of slips. The pipe gripping device can include a slip moving system which prevents the slip carrier blocks from being driven outwardly against the housing, to thereby prevent the carrier blocks from locking, by being driven against the housing.

Abstract: A rock or ground-drilling machine includes a gear housing (14) in which there is journalled a shaft (31) which surrounds a drill string (23) in the manner of a sleeve and which is affixed to the drill string by means of a chuck (7) connected to the shaft (31). the chuck is operated by means of pressure fluid delivered to the chuck (27) through the medium of a commutator (36) acting between the gear housing (14) and the shaft (31). the shaft (31) is journalled in the gear housing (14) by means of one single rolling bearing (39). the commutator (36) lies resiliently against the gear housing (14) and is flexible in response to sideways movement of the shaft (31).

Abstract: A novel improvement in a tubular ram device for bi-directional driving of pipe casing, vertically or horizontally, wherein the driving hammer imparts the force to the pipe casing through a bowls-anvil and removable collet, thus allowing driving of sections of pipe casing without removing the tubular ram device or making any physical change to the pipe casing.

Abstract: A tool 60 for rotating a tubular member 80 passing through a slip assembly 66 is powered by a rotary table 62 of a drilling rig. Tool 60 includes a cam ring 8 having a plurality of interior camming surfaces 82 thereon, and a cage plate assembly 84 rotatable with respect to the cam ring 8 and housing one or more gripping heads 94 for gripping engagement with the tubular 80. A powered drive unit 55 is provided for selectively rotating the cage plate assembly 84 with respect to the cam ring 8. A tool mount 10 removably connects the slip assembly and the cage plate assembly, and one or more axial adjustment members 17 permit limited axial movement of the cam ring 8 with respect to the slip assembly so that the gripping heads retain gripping engagement with the tubular member 80 while moving axially with respect to the body of the slip assembly.

Abstract: A tool 60 for rotating a tubular member 80 passing through a slip assembly 66 is powered by a rotary table 62 of a drilling rig. Tool 60 includes a cam ring 8 having a plurality of interior camming surfaces 82 thereon, and a cage plate assembly 84 rotatable with respect to the cam ring 8 and housing one or more gripping heads 94 for gripping engagement with the tubular 80. A powered drive unit 55 is provided for selectively rotating the cage plate assembly 84 with respect to the cam ring 8. A tool mount 10 removably connects the slip assembly and the cage plate assembly, and one or more axial adjustment members 17 permit limited axial movement of the cam ring 8 with respect to the slip assembly so that the gripping heads retain gripping engagement with the tubular member 80 while moving axially with respect to the body of the slip assembly.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a mobile drilling appliance which includes a housing which is adapted to travel along a jobber, a drive motor mounted on said housing, a pinion operatively connected to said drive motor, a step-down gear rotatably engaging said pinion, a driving socket located in the vicinity of a side face of said housing that contains a central opening which is adapted to receive a driving shaft that in turn is adapted to be connected to a drilling tool, and a driving ring positioned in said driving socket and engageable with said step-down gear.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving earth entering elements such as drills and casings which can be threaded together to form strings has a column to be erected in a wanted position. The column is provided with a unit moveable lengthwise thereof between upper and lower limits. The elements have two vertically spaced pairs of transversely aligned lugs with the lugs of the two pairs vertically aligned. The unit is provided with clamping jaws which positively grip the driving end of an element and prevent its turning relative to the jaws only if the element is in the driving axis of the unit in a predetermined position such that its lugs can be caught when the jaws are closed. A loader carries a plurality of elements which are held in sockets parallel to the driving axis and is moveable between an inoperative position and a position in which a selected element is positioned in the axis and which will then have its lugs appropriately positioned for locking engagement by the jaws.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting flexible drainage wick members downwardly into the earth which comprises a mast having a hollow longitudinally extending chamber therein, and an insertion tube disposed in the chamber for movement therein, the insertion tube being provided with a projecting flange that extends outwardly from the chamber through a longitudinal slot therein and that includes openings located at spaced intervals along the longitudinal extent of the flange. A drive gear, operated by a motor, is mounted near the bottom of the mast so that the teeth of the drive gear can positively engage the openings in the insertion tube flange and positively drive the insertion tube into and out of the earth. A pair of spaced support rollers are positioned behind the insertion tube flange at its point of contact with the drive gear to support the flange and also permit any foreign matter ejected from the flange openings by the gear teeth to fall to the earth.

Abstract: A machine for driving spikes into the ties of a railroad track includes a spike driving assembly movably disposed relative to a frame for gripping spikes and driving gripped spikes into the ties, the spike driving assembly having a spike pushing function and a spike percussive function. In the pushing function the spike driving assembly pushes the spike a specified distance into the tie by the application of constant pressure, and in the percussive function the driving assembly percussively completes the driving of the spike into the tie. An operator may selectively alternate between the pushing and percussive functions.

Abstract: A casing grip assurance interlock system connected with the elevator and the spider of a well casing installation apparatus including positioning valves respectively actuated by the elevator and the spider to permit actuating fluid pressure to be admitted to either the elevator or the spider only when the other of the elevator or spider is positioned to firmly grip the well casing.

Abstract: A pressurized medium actuated gripping device which is included in a rock or earth drilling machine for rotary drilling, and is adapted for gripping a drill rod for transmitting rotation and/or axial movement to a string of drill rods, said gripping device including a rotatable housing in which gripping jaws arranged around the drill rod are movable substantially radially relative said rod, and also a sleeve-shaped piston element of elastomeric material, which is sealingly arranged in the housing for separating a pressure chamber, arranged for the supply of pressurized medium and between the housing and the piston element, from a central space, wherein the gripping jaws are arranged, and which is adapted for actuating the gripping jaws into engagement with the drill rod when the pressure chamber is supplied with pressurized medium.

Abstract: A device in rock drilling machines with a gripping device (24) which is rotatably mounted in a non-rotating drilling head (14) and intended to grip a drill string (21) for transferring rotational and axial movements to it. The gripping device is hydrostatically mounted (42, 43, 45-49) in the drilling head, whereby the pressure in a pressurized fluid between their coacting bearing surfaces (42, 43) automatically increases for increased loading pressure between these surfaces.

Abstract: A drill pipe rotary drive mechanism for an earth drilling apparatus comprises a housing, a drive member mounted in the housing for rotation therein about a rotary axis and having an axial bore opening at each end to the exterior of the housing, and a drive mechanism in the housing for rotatably driving the drive member. A drive coupling tool is adapted to be readily removably mounted in the drive member so that the drive mechanism can be used for rotatably driving different types of earth drilling tools, the coupling tool having a tubular body portion telescopingly removably mounted in the axial bore of the drive member, the body portion having an axial opening extending therethrough for reception of a portion of the length of the drill pipe, a flange at one end of the body portion for abutting engagement with one end of the drive member for axially locating the coupling tool in the drive member, the coupling tool being adapted to be non-rotatably coupled to a drilling tool and to the drive member.

Abstract: A rod-clamping device comprises an impact load transmission assembly which includes a housing having a through axial cavity and a system of jamming elements, a rocoil force take up assembly which includes a housing having a through axial cavity, a collar sleeve, and a system of jamming elements, and a resilient element adapted to urge the jamming elements in a direction counter to the forces being exerted, the impact load transmission assembly having a sleeve member, each system of the jamming elements in the two assemblies being forced to the housing and the rod being driven by a separate resilient element.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the individual slip members of a pipe handling apparatus are maintained in substantially the same horizontal plane by plate members attached to the top of the respective slip members, each of said plate members having projecting portions that overlap and engage the projecting portions of an adjacent plate member. The maintenance of the slip members in substantially the same horizontal plane assures uniform engagement of the teeth thereof with the outer wall of a pipe.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a drill provides both rotational drive and axial feed for a drill of substantial diameter such as those used to drill holes for roof bolts in mine shafts. A plurality of sprockets carry two chains of drive links which interlock around the drill shaft with each drive link having depressions which mate with scroll-like projections on the drill shaft. For axial feed, the sprockets are driven from worm drives in separate housings on each side of the chains, the worm drives being driven from gears in a gearbox which are connected through a differential gearset to a hydraulic motor. A second hydraulic motor also drives through the differential gearset to rotate the drill shaft and the entire drive chain assembly. A large diameter face seal serves as the partition between the chain drive assembly and the gearbox.

Abstract: A gear drive used in water well drilling or blast hole drilling to remove overburden in open pit coal mining, not only rotates the drill pipe but also pulls down or pulls out the drill pipe as it rotates. A hydraulic motor within a housing operates a first gear train to rotate an output shaft at varying speeds. A drill pipe is projected through the output shaft. A plurality of feed rollers are mounted on spherical bearings, the outside diameter of the rollers having a concave recess for operative registry with the drill pipe. When the output shaft is rotated, each roller cocks and digs into the feed pipe causing it to rotate with the output shaft. The pull down and pull up section is driven by a hydraulic motor within the housing through a second gear train. The second gear train drives a plurality of third gear trains for individually driving the respective feed rollers.

Abstract: A well drilling rig having a rotary table for driving a drill string rotatively and having jacking mechanism for lowering casing into the well after drilling, with the jacking mechanism including fluid pressure actuated piston and cylinder means which may be left in the rig during drilling and which are positioned low enough in the rig to avoid interference with operation of the rotary table. The jacking mechanism also includes a structure which is adapted to be connected to the piston and cylinder means when the casing or other well pipe is to be lowered and which is actuable upwardly and downwardly and carries one of two pipe gripping units for progressively jacking the pipe downwardly by vertical reciprocation of that structure. The reciprocating structure may take the form of a beam extending between two pistons and actuable thereby, with a second beam being connected to cylinders within which the pistons are contained and being utilized to support the second gripping element.

Abstract: A poking system for use in checking the condition of and agitating the contents of a coal gasifier utilizes a carriage (22) for transporting a poker (50) around the gasifier from one poke hole (12) to another. The carriage (22) mounts a poker assembly (24) comprising a tiltable arm (30) controlled by hydraulic ram (36) and the poker is incrementally inserted into and with withdrawn from each pokehole (12) by means of a reciprocable slide (38) provide with poker engaging clamps (60) which are operated during the advance or return stroke of the slide (38) depending on whether the poker is to be inserted or withdrawn. A pyrometer (72) is provided on the arm (30) for detecting, during withdrawal, the location of that portion of the poker (50) which has been resident within the oxidation zone of the gasifier.

Abstract: A hydraulic earth boring machine for forming conduit passageways beneath established surfaces such as roadways, walkways, or the like. The boring machine includes a hydraulic cylinder having an open axial passageway for receiving a boring shaft. A drive cylinder surrounds the boring shaft and is driven by the hydraulic cylinder. A gripping assembly is mounted upon a trailing end of the drive cylinder and selectively couples the drive cylinder to the boring shaft. An elevating and vertical aiming assembly is mounted upon the hydraulic cylinder for facilely providing positioning of the boring machine, in situ, within an earth trench. In addition, an axial bracing and horizontal angling assembly is mounted upon the cylinder for mounting the boring machine within the trench adjacent an established surface.

Abstract: A system for drilling holes in the roof of a mine has a flexible shaft with a pair of oppositely wound, coaxial flat bands. One of the flat bands defines an inner spring that is wound right handed into a helical configuration, adjacent convolutions being in nesting relationship to one another. The other flat band defines an outer spring that is wound left handed into a helical configuration about the inner band, adjacent convolutions being nesting relationship with one another. A transition member that is configured to hold a rock bit is mounted to one end of the flexible shaft. When torque and thrust are applied to the flexible shaft by a driver, the inner spring expands outwardly and the outer spring contracts inwardly to form a relatively rigid shaft.

Abstract: A torquer/thruster with a hydrostatically actuated chuck assembly having an elastomeric bladder that is fitted about a cylindrical collet into which a flexible roof drill is received. The collet is formed with a series of spaced slits that are disposed in helical paths, portions of the collet between the slits drivingly engage the drill shaft when the bladder is urged against the collet. The collet and bladder are mounted for rotational movement within a piston assembly that is constrained for limited longitudinal movement and fixed against rotational movement. The collet and bladder are moved longitudinally by the piston assembly for applying thrust to the roof drill and are rotatably driven by a rotary driver for applying torque to the roof drill. A pair of driven biased members engage the shaft and provide thrust assistance and retraction of the roof drill.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for gripping and manipulating pipe members, including a plurality of slip carriers mounted on an equal number of carrier actuators. The carrier actuators are arranged within a drive sleeve and constrained by radial T-slot connections to a base ring. Sloped T-slot connections link each of the carrier actuators to the drive sleeve. Longitudinal movement of the drive sleeve in one sense propels the carrier actuators and the slip carriers radially inwardly whereby slips mounted on the slip carriers may grip a pipe member positioned within the drive sleeve; longitudinal movement of the drive sleeve in the opposite sense withdraws the carrier actuators and slip carriers from the pipe member. Cooperating wedging surfaces between each of the slip carriers and the corresponding carrier actuator permits the application of holding or moving force on pipe members in either longitudinal sense.

Abstract: A torquer/thruster with a hydrostatically actuated chuck assembly having an elastomeric bladder that is fitted about a cylindrical collet into which a flexible roof drill is received. The collet is formed with a series of spaced slits that are disposed in helical paths, portions of the collet between the slits drivingly engage the drill shaft when the bladder is urged against the collet. The collet and bladder are mounted for rotational movement within a piston assembly that is constrained for limited longitudinal movement and fixed against rotational movement. The collet and bladder are moved longitudinally by the piston assembly for applying thrust to the roof drill and are rotatably driven by a rotary driver for applying torque to the roof drill. A pair of driven biased members engage the shaft and provide thrust assistance and retraction of the roof drill.

Abstract: Rotary and axial forces are transmitted through a chuck to a rotary drill string. The chuck clampingly engages the drill string to transmit rotary and axial forces. A multiplicity of jaw elements in the chuck contact the drill string. The chuck includes a lower jaw retaining means and an upper jaw retaining means. Disengageable means are provided connecting the lower jaw retaining means and the upper jaw retaining means. Jaw actuating means are provided for moving the jaw elements to and from a rod gripping and rod release position.

Abstract: An earth drilling method and apparatus utilizes a unique drill string rotary drive and support arrangement which provides for the utilization of longer drill strings than could heretofore be accommodated on prior art drill masts of equal height.

Abstract: A torquer/thruster with a hydrostatically actuated chuck assembly configured to drivingly engage a flexible roofdrill for applying rotational torque and longitudinal thrust to the roofdrill shaft. The chuck assembly is mounted within a rotatable and longitudinally movable piston assembly, the chuck and piston assemblies fixed against relative movement with respect to one another. The piston assembly is mounted within a rotating barrel assembly, the piston and barrel assemblies being fixed against relative rotational movement and being constrained for limited longitudinal movement with respect to one another.

Abstract: A soil sample core extraction tool having a handle member on which is movably mounted a soil probe member and a clutch arranged for selectively preventing movement of the soil probe with respect to the handle member. By sequential actuation and release of the clutch, the depth of the probe member into the soil being sampled becomes independent of the position of the handle member relative to an operator, thus permitting the operator to manipulate the handle member from a convenient position during the entire sampling operation. A cleaner is removably attached to the handle member for facilitating removal of a core sample from a sampling tube of the probe member and permitting subsequent lubrication of the sampling tube in order to eliminate resistance of the tube to insertion into a soil being sampled.

Abstract: In a heavy duty drilling machine having a boring head for rotating a kelly bar, a crowd frame supported above the boring head by hydraulic rams, a crowd supported in the crowd frame and means supported by the crowd frame to engage the crowd with the kelly bar to transfer the entire weight of the drilling machine and crowd frame on to the kelly bar to increase the down pressure on drilling means at the lower end of the kelly bar; the kelly bar being disengageable during operation to permit drilling without use of the crowd. There is also provided a stabilizer to prevent twisting of the crowd frame during rotation of the kelly bar when the crowd is engaged.

Abstract: A well tubing handling system for running and pulling well tubing including a flange assembly for coupling the system on a wellhead, a central telescoping stabilizer tube assembly mounted on the flange assembly and comprising meshing splined outer lower and concentric upper inner tubes, an upper traveling slip assembly secured on the upper end of the upper inner stabilizer tube for gripping well tubing for raising or lowering the tubing through the stabilizer tube assembly, two sets of diametrically opposed hydraulic cylinder assemblies having piston rods connected with the upper traveling slips for raising and lowering the slips, two sets of lower slips mounted in axial alignment below the stabilizer tube assembly for holding the tubing against upward or downward movement while resetting the upper traveling slips, and a work platform mounted on the upper end of the stabilizer tube assembly for operators and the necessary control panels and the like.

Abstract: A drilling machine and relatively small mast are mounted on a pivotal support which permits the drilling machine, mast and drill pipe employed in the assembly to be inclined as required to drill a non-vertical bore hole. The drilling machine is preferably a fluid pressure-operated snubber device which includes a stationary lower gripping head and a vertically reciprocable, upper gripping head operable for rotating drill pipe and for running the drill pipe into and out of the well bore. An internal drill string anchor carried by a traveling block suspended in the mast engages and supports the upper end of the drill string extending from the snubber and also provides drilling fluids to the string. A rotatable seal and support assembly in the anchor maintains a fluid seal and permits the drill pipe to rotate relative to the non-rotating traveling block.

Abstract: The device disclosed includes a housing which can be moved through the bore hole and anchored in the desired location for drilling a lateral hole. Located in the housing is a drill string guide or conductor having a bendable lower end. The conductor is movable to a position where its lower end is either inherently or forceably bent so that it provides a curved path leading toward the side wall of the bore hole. The conductor guides a drill string extending through the conductor to cause the drill string to drill a lateral hole in the side wall of the well bore. The drill string and conductor can be retracted into the housing when the lateral hole has been drilled, or a portion of the drill string may be left in the lateral hole as a drain pipe.

Abstract: A wave motion compensating and drill string drive apparatus for use in connection with offshore drilling operations includes a kelley with a mandrel telescopically disposed therein and providing a hydraulic ram whose working volume is supplied with fluid at a preselected pressure such that a constant weight can be imposed by the drill string on the bit as the vessel undergoes vertical motion. The hydraulic fluid is supplied to the ram via a swivel coupling to enable the kelley and mandrel to rotate relative thereto, and the members are coupled by slidable splines for the transmission of torque from the rotary to the drill string.

Abstract: A vertical drill rig having a drive kelly, a drilling tool supported from the lower end of the drive kelly, a rotary table, and a friction crowd for imparting via the drive kelly to the drilling tool a vertical driving force which is in excess of that provided by gravity alone. The disclosed friction crowd assembly includes concentric inner and outer sleeves, the outer sleeve being supported from the rotary table while the inner sleeve is vertically movable relative both to the outer sleeve and to the drive kelly. Rotary movement is imparted by means of first interengaging rib and keyway means from the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, and by means of second interengaging rib and keyway means from the inner sleeve to the drive kelly. Crowding of the kelly is accomplished by applying a separate vertical driving movement to the inner sleeve.