Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus or device for storing elongated flexible elements, such as drilling pipe, in a coiled form. This apparatus includes an inner cylindrical framework supported about a vertical axis, an outer cylindrical framework concentrically separated from the inner framework and connected thereto by an annular base plate closing the bottom of the apparatus. The space between the inner and outer frameworks is open at the top to receive the elongated elements, and the annular base plate is formed of a plurality of annular sector elements connected together in such a manner as to allow a vertical displacement of respective adjacent elements with respect to one another. Various means for connecting adjacent elements are provided. Moreover, various driving and supporting members are provided for rotating the apparatus about the vertical axis.

Abstract: A tiltable coupling has one end thereof connected to a down-hole drill and has the other end thereof connected to a section of drill rod. By using that tiltable coupling, it is possible to cause a down-hole drill to drill curved holes in subterranean formations. That tiltable coupling serves to connect the section of drill rod to the down-hole drill, and also serves as a conduit for the compressed air which must be supplied to that down-hole drill.One preferred embodiment of the tiltable coupling has a fulcrum at one side thereof and has a piston at the opposite side thereof; and that piston will be left inactive whenever a straight section of the hole is to be drilled, but that piston will be actuated whenever a curved section of that hole is to be drilled.