Abstract: A collar is provided that can be used to either drive posts into the ground or remove posts from the ground. The collar includes a first portion defining a post opening adapted for coupling about a post, and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion includes a receiver adapted for receiving a tool for use in driving the post into the ground when the first portion is coupled about the post. The first portion defines an obtuse angle with respect to the second portion. The collar is configured to be positioned in a first orientation about a post when used to drive the post into the ground, and a second orientation, rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the first orientation, when used to remove a post from the ground.

Abstract: A collar system for a dust extractor is provided including: a collar including a drill passage extending through the collar and an extension forming an internal passage that connects at one end with the drill passage, the extension being attachable to a housing of the dust extractor to enable the internal passage to connect to a suction passage of the dust extractor; and a cover mounted adjacent an entrance of the drill passage, the cover being moveable between a first position where it covers the entrance and a second position where is remote from the entrance, wherein the cover comprises at least hole that passes through the cover.

Abstract: An autonomous soil sampling device. The device including a vehicle for generally autonomously navigating a given area for sampling and adapted with systems to generally avoid obstacles during maneuvering. The device including a soil sampling system designed for placement on a platform of the vehicle and including an extraction arm having a probe and auger to probe into the soil for extracting a quantity of soil. The extraction arm received on a housing and including a pair of rails to enable movement of the probe and auger and a collection bucket for depositing the quantity of extracted soil into a packaging assembly for collection, labeling, and storage of the individual samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device (10) for the extraction of machining dust. The device (10) comprises a body (12) configured to be coupled to a section of a machining machine. The body (12) having a first opening (11) at a first end thereof and a second opening (13) at a second end thereof. The first end is opposite the second end, and the first opening (11) is configured to receive a tool holder therethrough and the second opening (13) configured to receive a cutting tool therethrough. The device also comprises a Venturi mechanism (14) connected to the body (12) and in fluid communication with said second opening (13). The Venturi mechanism (14) is configured to facilitate the suction of machining dust through the second opening (13) and through the Venturi mechanism (14).

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: An autonomous soil sampling device. The device including a vehicle for generally autonomously navigating a given area for sampling and adapted with systems to generally avoid obstacles during maneuvering. The device including a soil sampling system designed for placement on a platform of the vehicle and including an extraction arm having a probe and auger to probe into the soil for extracting a quantity of soil. The extraction arm rotationally received on a housing and movable to an inverted position for depositing the quantity of extracted soil into a packaging assembly for collection, labeling, and storage of the individual samples.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a system for monitoring crops and soil conditions below a crop canopy includes a retractable boom assembly adapted to be coupled to an unmanned aerial vehicle. Further according to this aspect, the boom assembly includes an actuator and an elongate probe is coupled to the retractable boom assembly. Still further, the system includes a controller for maneuvering the elongate probe below the crop canopy while the boom assembly is extended by the actuator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing one or more jets of cryogenic fluid, particularly liquid nitrogen, comprising a fluid conveying pipeline feeding one or more fluid dispensing nozzles arranged at the downstream end of said pipeline, and a motor collaborating with the fluid conveying pipeline via a rotary transmission shaft and a transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a piston mounted within the housing, a drill bit mounted below the housing, and a drive coupling operatively engaged with the housing and drill bit. The drive coupling can be configured with a plurality of lugs circumferentially disposed about the drill bit and coupled with the casing for providing rotation thereof. Alternatively, the drive coupling can be configured with segmented lugs configured to circumscribe the drill bit, or as a cylindrical chuck formed out of arch-shaped chuck segments which radially assemble onto the shank of the drill bit.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer is provided that includes a housing, a solid core piston mounted within the housing, a seal located between the solid core piston and the housing, and a backhead configured to exhaust working fluid volumes about a proximal end of the DHD hammer. The backhead includes a check valve assembly having a plug seal that can be moved to a closed seal position by gravity. A DHD hammer having a segmented chuck assembly is also provided. The segmented chuck assembly includes a plurality of chuck segments forming a cylindrical chuck assembly.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer having a housing, a backhead and a tubular sliding check valve assembly that includes a distal end, a threaded male proximal end, a supply inlet and an exhaust port. The exhaust port communicates between an interior of the backhead and an exterior of the backhead. The tubular sliding check valve assembly includes a distributor, a sliding valve, and a biasing member. The distributor has a central opening extending through the distributor, an aperture extending through the distributor, and an exhaust gallery. The sliding valve is slidable along the central opening. The biasing member biases the sliding valve to a closed position.

Abstract: An all-electric powered mobile jumbo drill machine configured to use provided AC electric power and on board battery provided electric power and operated in a mining environment.

Abstract: A mobile drill rig has a drill mast, a carriage mounted to the drill mast for vertical movement, and a vibratory drill head having a sine generator and a rotation mechanism for imparting vibration and rotation to a drill rod string. An elastomeric torsion coupler couples the rotation mechanism to the sine generator to transmit rotational force to the drill rod string while isolating vibrations of the sine generator from the rotation mechanism. Another coupler connects the drill head to the carriage in a manner that allows floating vertical movement of the drill head relative to the carriage while isolating vibrations of the sine generator from the carriage. Elastomeric bumpers limit the vertical movement of the drill head relative to the carriage. Elastomeric spacers located between the rotation mechanism and the sine generator handle the vertical loading and maintain the proper spacing between the sine generator and the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A vibratory unit interposed between a planetary drive and earth-penetrating device, e.g., an auger, is powered by the hydraulic system of a tractor, skid loader or the like. The unit includes a housing having a base plate with a slidable striker plate mounted therein. A Kelly bar displaces the planetary drive from the auger and through the housing. A rotatable shaft with weights eccentrically mounted thereon produces vibratory forces and urges the striker plate into contact with the base plate to provide hammer-like forces on the auger.

Abstract: A drill rig (10) comprises a tower (12) and a drill head (14) that is able to travel linearly up and down the tower (12). The drill head (14) provides torque to a drill string (16) attached to the drill head (14) ad thus to a drill bit (18) coupled to a distal end of the drill string (16). The drill head (14) is traversed along the tower (12) by a plurality of rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) (hereinafter referred to in general as “rams 22”). The rams (22) provided hold back and pull down for the drill bit (18) via the drill head (14). The rams (22) are selectively operable to enable the hold back and pull down applied to the drill bit to be selectively varied. Thus for example a first of the rams (22a) is selected to operate when drilling to a first depth, then the rams (22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a second greater depth; and finally all three rams (22a, 22b) and (22c) are selected to operate when drilling to a third greater depth.

Abstract: A swing-out apparatus for a drill rig, typically for drilling water wells. It includes a sled which is formed to be driven vertically on a drill mast of a vehicle carrying the sled, a casing hammer, and a hinge securing the casing hammer on the sled. To provide for displacement of the casing hammer relative to the sled, a drive is provided for swinging the casing hammer on the hinge from a deployed position to an inactive position. The drive comprises a motor connected for driving one relative to another.

Abstract: A rock drilling machine with a first control means (21, 22) within a second piston (6) and acting on a first piston (13) such that it counteracts displacement of the relative positions of a first and a second control device at the moment of contact of the second piston onto the drill rod or onto a part (9) connected to this. Furthermore, a rock drill rig comprising such a rock drilling machine and a method for counteracting the said displacement. Significant improvements in reproducibility for impact mechanism stability over long manufacturing series are achieved through the invention. In the same way, the lifetime of rock drilling devices manufactured according to the invention is extended through the impact mechanism acting in a more stable manner despite wear of component parts. It is furthermore possible to dimension for higher rates of impact without risking the impact mechanism stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction machine, in particular a drilling and/or pile driving device, for foundation construction comprising a chassis and a leader arranged on the chassis for the longitudinally displaceable guidance of a drive head. Provision is made for the leader to be pivotable on the chassis by means of a pivot drive about a pivot axis that extends at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the leader. In accordance with the invention at least one locking element is provided which can be displaced between a first position, in which it fixes the leader around the pivot axis in a rotationally fixed manner on the chassis, and a second position, in which the leader is released. In addition, according to the invention a setting device is provided for the remote-controlled displacement of the locking element.

Abstract: Slacking off device (24) for use on a drilling device (2) for rock drilling. The drilling device (2) comprises a rock drill (4) to which a drill string (10) is adapted to be jointed by means of a thread joint. The drill string (10) comprises an arbitrary number of drill rods (12, 14, 16) which are adapted to be jointed together by means of thread joints. The drilling device (2) comprises a driving device for forward and back rotation of the drill string (10). The slacking off device (24) comprises a clamping device (25) arranged to clamp up the drill string (10) and a separate striking device (33) arranged to strike with an angle towards the longitudinal direction of the drill string (10) of principally 75°-105° on a first (32) of any of said thread joints under back rotation so that an impressed torque on the drill string ((10) is obtained in a thread slacking rotation direction to provide slacking of the first tread joint (32).

Abstract: In an earth drilling rig in which an air compressor and one or more hydraulic pumps are driven by the same engine, the intake throttle of the compressor is controlled by an electronic controller having a proportional integral derivative control. The controller minimizes unloading of the compressor, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently, the hydraulic system to provide more consistent power to drilling functions and the volume and pressure of compressed air to be optimized for the drilling conditions encountered. The electronic controller also operates a blowdown valve at the discharge side of an air receiver, and effects various overrides of the control system, for example when air discharge temperature approaches a critical level, or when an overpressure condition is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus is used with an impact hammer penetration assemble such as standard penetration test (SPT) in geotechnical engineering. The impact hammer penetration assembly comprises a penetration sample, a series of rods coupled together and an impact hammer apparatus. The drop of the hammer from a constant height hits the coupled rods and sampler in series and forces the sampler deeper into the ground. The apparatus includes a tip depth transducer and sampler to output a first electrical signal that is a function of the sampler tip position. A shock force transducer communicates the axial shock force in the rod to output a second electrical signal that is a function of the rod shock force and hammer blows. A shock penetration transducer communicates the movement of the coupled rods and sampler to output a third electrical signal that is a function of the sampler penetration due to the hammer blows. A micro-process controller monitors and processes the first, second and third signals in real time.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle for inserting jointed pipe into a well, having a derrick and hydraulic rams to raise and lower same, adapted to conduct additional operations which will allow a well to be completed by this vehicle alone. Three winches are provided, a first to raise and lower power tongs to manoeuvre and thread jointed pipe, a second situate on the bed of the vehicle to raise and lower jointed tubing, and a third likewise mounted on the bed of the vehicle on which a conductive wireline is wound, for raising and lowering logging and swabbing devices in the well. Levelling jacks are provided at four corners of the vehicle to permit levelling of the vehicle and alignment of jointed pipe with the borehole of the well. Each of the rams, power tongs, levelling jacks, first, second, and third winches are hydraulically powered, preferably by a single pump, as each of the aforementioned devices are not operated at the same time but sequentially.

Abstract: A driving device for installing a pipe or casing, without the use of hydraulic or pneumatic means, by capturing the rotational motion of the drill string. The driving device is placed at the top end of the pipe being (42) installed and the drill string (2) passes through the center of the device. The drill string freely rotates, advances or retracts within the driving device, until the driving device is attached (4) to the drill string when required. When the driving device is attached to the drill string, the rotational force of the drill string and any downward force applied to the drill string are captured, and used to install the pipe. The driving device uses the rotation of the drill string to impact a blow to the pipe, driving the pipe downward. The driving device uses any downward force applied to the drill string to maintain downward pressure on the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, systems and methods for producing cyclical impacts and, in certain aspects for moving a drilling apparatus for drilling a borehole in a formation, the system in certain embodiments including a housing with a longitudinal axis and a movable member movably disposed therein and movable within the housing transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing and positioned within the housing with a first space on a first side thereof and a second space on a second side thereof, the movable member substantially fluidly isolating the two spaces and movable to compress gas in one of the first space and the second space while decompressing gas in the other space so that a charge of compressed gas exits from the housing to move an impact member; e.g. for impacting a pile to be driven into the earth or for impacting a drill apparatus for drilling a wellbore, the movable member movable continuously to provide a series of impacts.

Abstract: An impact device for a rock drill. The rock drill includes a tool and a mechanism for delivering a stress pulse to the tool. That mechanism includes an impact element supported to a frame of the drill, and a mechanism for subjecting the impact element to stress and thereafter releasing the impact element suddenly from the stress, whereupon stored stress energy in the impact element is discharged in the form of a stress pulse directed at the tool.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener apparatus and method for dampening pulses within a fluid flow line during well drilling operations. The pulsation dampener apparatus comprises a cylindrical body having an annular chamber, a piston slidably disposed within the annular chamber, a gas column within the annular chamber and a means of communicating pulses from the fluid flow line to the piston. The piston is operated against the gas column to dampen the pulses within the fluid flow line.

Abstract: An impact device for a rock drill or the like, comprising means for delivering a stroke, or a stress pulse, at a tool connected to the impact device. The means for delivering a stress pulse comprise an impact element (2) supported to a frame (1a) of the impact device, and means for subjecting the impact element to stress and correspondingly for releasing the impact element (2) suddenly from stress, whereupon the stress energy is discharged in the form of a stress pulse directed at the tool (3) that is directly or indirectly connected to the impact element.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method of installing a flowline below the surface. The method includes the steps of establishing first and second sight relief holes along a linear path, positioning a directional drilling machine on the surface, boring a first portion of a pilot hole from the surface to the first sight relief hole, determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the boring tool to the desired depth, boring a second portion of the pilot hole to the second relief hole, and determining the elevation of the boring tool and adjusting the tool to the desired depth. In another aspect of the invention, a method for directionally boring a flowline is provided.

Abstract: A system for driving a large diameter caisson into the ground, comprising a crane assembly, a plurality of vibratory devices, a clamp assembly, a suspension assembly, and a timing system. Each vibratory device generates a vibratory force. The clamp assembly rigidly secures each of the vibratory devices to one of a plurality of predetermined angularly spaced locations about the caisson. The suspension assembly connects the vibratory devices to the crane assembly such that transmission of vibratory forces from the vibratory devices to the crane assembly is inhibited. The timing system operatively connects the plurality of vibratory devices to synchronize the vibratory forces generated thereby.

Abstract: A method for driving a drive pipe into a subsea formation, the method being comprised of the following steps: suspending the drive pipe from a drill string; moving at least one mass in a direction having an upward component and within the drive pipe; accelerating at least one mass relative to the drive pipe, wherein the at least one mass is accelerated within the drive pipe; transferring energy from the accelerated at least one mass to the drive pipe; isolating the drill string from energy from the accelerated at least one mass; and removing a core of formation from within the drive pipe after the transferring.

Abstract: An apparatus having a housing (5) that shields a front of a percussion drive (1) against the environment, and into which a drive driven tool (3) projects. An exchangeable outer seal (10) is disposed at the housing opening (6c) for the tool (3), surrounds the tool transversely to its longitudinal axis (3a) with spacing, and is moveable in this transverse direction. An inner seal (11) is disposed behind the outer seal (10), and rests elastically against the tool (3) outside of its tool guide (2). The inner seal (11) is exchangeably secured to an elastic extension (12) of the tool guide (2) that surrounds the percussive tool (3) in the region of the inner seal (11) with a spacing larger than the largest transverse displacement of the tool (3). The extension (12) is an independent, elastic support that forms a detachable connection with the tool guide (2) at one end.

Abstract: Two working pistons (AK1, AK2) strike on the anvil (10) of a drill device or a rock breaking device. One working piston (AK1) is a solid piston, while the other (AK2) is an annular piston. Both working pistons can work at the same or substantially the same rate. In general, the percussion rate acting on the anvil (10) can be doubled with two working pistons. The working pistons can be controlled in common or independent from each other. In a synchronous mode with equal phase, the impact energy is multiplied; in an asynchronous mode or a mode with opposite phases, the percussion rate is increased.

Abstract: Boring unit for pile foundations presenting a tracked vehicle facing the mouth of a hole, a mast (5) which is supported by the tracked vehicle, a rotary table (6) which is slidingly mounted along the mast (5), and at least one excavation element (7) which is connected to the table (6) and which presents a boring tool (8) at its own lower end. The boring unit may also include a handling device (11) which provides for moving the excavation element (7) and for moving further auxiliary excavation elements (19, 20) and which is also provided with a head (12) mounted on a top end of the mast (5) that is equipped with a hoist (13) and a central cable (14) which can be alternatively connected to the excavation element (7) via a drive unit (40) which is suitable for co-operating with the hoist (13) in order to rapidly move the auxiliary excavation elements.

Abstract: A pulsation dampener apparatus and method for dampening pulses within a fluid flow line during well drilling operations. The pulsation dampener apparatus comprises a cylindrical body having an annular chamber, a piston slidably disposed within the annular chamber, a gas column within the annular chamber and a means of communicating pulses from the fluid flow line to the piston. The piston is operated against the gas column to dampen the pulses within the fluid flow line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to post hole diggers. In particular, the present invention describes a post hole digger that constructs uniform diameter holes. The post hole digger of the present invention is comprised of a pair of handles, digging scoops and a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket translates the movement of the handles into movement of the scoops. The hinge bracket restricts the movement of the handles as digging occurs, allowing for the construction of a relatively straight-sided posthole, essentially removes the tapering of a hole as the hole becomes deeper.

Abstract: A hole making system for efficiently cutting a hole into a ground surface and for allowing effective removal of the plug. The inventive device includes a cutter assembly, a tamper assembly slidably positioned within the cutter assembly, and a hammer assembly slidably positioned about the tamper assembly for driving the cutter assembly into a ground surface. The tamper assembly includes a first depth indicator and a second depth indicator for indicating to the user the approximate depth of the hole being created. An alignment level is preferably positioned within a handle assembly of the tamper assembly for indicating to the operator the relative vertical alignment of the cutter assembly.

Abstract: A hammer device has a machine housing (1) with a hammer piston (2) movable to-and-fro. The to-and-fro movement of the hammer piston is controlled by a valve body (6) movable to-and-fro in the machine housing. The valve body, via a channel (7), alternatively connects a drive surface (5) on the hammer piston to a pressure source (8) and to low pressure (9). In order to expedite the actuation of the hammer piston at its rear dead center, the machine housing has a room (10) which is separated from the channel (7) by the hammer piston at the same time that the valve body (6) maintains the pressure from the pressure source (8) on the rear end surface (5) of the hammer piston.

Abstract: A core barrel has a plurality of pneumatic downhole hammer drills disposed around the perimeter of its working end for drilling piles in the ground for use in foundations, secant piles, and the like. The core barrel includes a slurry port and an air port at its top end for admitting a drilling slurry and pressurized air, which is used in driving the hammer drills and flushing cuttings from an annular kerf during drilling. A plurality of generally parallel plates form the top of the core barrel and define an air channel and a slurry channel for delivering air and slurry to the core barrel wall, where they flow freely or via conduits toward the hammer drills at the working end of the core barrel. The hammer-type core barrel is used to construct piles by first drilling an annular kerf in the ground. Circulating drilling fluid cools the working end of the hammer drills elements and washes cuttings from the kerf during drilling.

Abstract: A point-contact impact method used in the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is disclosed. The method aims firstly to have the impact between the drop hammer and the anvil in the form of point contact and secondly to center the impact contact on the anvil face, such that the efficiency and the consistency of the energy transmission in the SPT greatly increase. With such a method, the ground condition of a specific site investigated by the SPT is able to be better determined. A device of the present method used in the Standard Penetration Test is a specially shaped anvil mounted on top of a rod, and the drop hammer is movably in contact with the anvil. The contact area of the anvil struck by the hammer is then limited and concentrated at the center. The impact between the hammer and the anvil is thus focused at or very near the center of the anvil, which reduces the energy loss during energy transfer from the hammer to the anvil.

Abstract: A method in or relating to piling of e.g. tubular bases which are placed and, possibly, casted within a hole drilled out in earth mass in ground or the like is described. One uses a generally known drilling rig, in which a bit is assigned a drilling hammer, and drills a hold having a depth approximately corresponding to the base pipe. If there exists a need for piling, the drill string is swung aside, away from the hole, after having been pulled up, and one or, possibly, a plurality of piles is/are rammed down with a starting point at the bottom level of the bore hole. In order to drive the pile(s) down, the drilling hammer of the drilling rig is used.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus 1 having a twin-impact system can work continuously with a shank end 5 is provided with a compensation ring 10 on the rotary impact side, which has a material with hardness that is lower than that of the material of the pipe and striker 8 and/or corresponding to the adjacent end portion 11 of the shank end 5 and has a shape and/or surfaces 21, 22 to compensate for the applied forces.

Abstract: A casing hammer assembly for a cable tool drilling apparatus and a cable tool drilling apparatus employing the casing hammer assembly. The casing hammer assembly includes a hammer housing which is positioned on a casing pipe and having a central aperture for through passage of a cable tool drilling string. An impact anvil is located in the housing, surrounding the central aperture, and a reciprocal hammer is mounted for striking the anvil. An eccentric arrangement is employed for raising the hammer for repeated striking of the anvil in order to sink the casing pipe. A hydraulic arm is utilized for laterally positioning the hammer housing in relation to the casing pipe.

Abstract: An engine-driven breaker which is capable of providing a breaking force equal to that of a hydraulic or pneumatic breaker even with a small engine and which is small and light and easy to handle and has a simple construction enabling it to be manufactured cheaply. The engine-driven breaker has a breaker main body and a cylinder fixed inside the breaker main body and inside the cylinder an upper air chamber of variable volume is provided between an operating piston and a hammer piston and a lower air chamber of variable volume is provided below the hammer piston.

Abstract: In a machine for horizontal or inclined percussion boring in the ground having a percussion boring string which has an oblique-face boring head at one end and an impact mechanism at the other end, the impact mechanism is mounted beside the rotary drive in order to reduce the length of the machine.

Abstract: A device for making holes in the ground, such as for a golf course, has a tubular cutter having an open first end for insertion into the ground, and an opposite second end from which a guide extends. A percussion weight is guided for movement along the guide and exerts a hammering force on the second end of the cutter. A tubular part is connected to the end of the percussion weight that lies distal from the tubular cutter. The tubular part guides the percussion weight axially along the guide. A handle for maneuvering of the percussion weight is attached to the top of the tubular part. The cutter and associated guide on the one hand, and the percussion weight with associated tubular part carrying the handle on the other hand, can be locked together releasably against axial movement, are non-rotatable, and are also releasably locked against rotation movement, so that the cutter can be easily removed from the ground once the hole is cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a caisson to a device for inserting and/or extracting the caisson. The apparatus comprises three beams. A first beam is relatively long and is normally connected to a vibratory device such that its longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis of the vibratory device. The second and third beams are relatively short and are connected to the vibratory device such their longitudinal axes are parallel to the lengthwise axis of the vibratory device. Four clamps are mounted on the beams to fix the beams onto the caisson. A flange on the first beam is widened at least a middle portion thereof to stiffen the beam and allow the beam to be securely connected to the vibratory device. The first beam may also be used with its longitudinal axis parallel to the lengthwise axis of the vibratory device.

Abstract: A reverse percussion device for use with hydraulic percussive drills is provided. The reverse percussion device includes a cycling piston, valve and anvil. The piston and valve move in opposing directions between low and high pressure passages automatically until a lodged drill bit is freed, thereby facilitating removal of the drill bit from the drilled hole and eliminating alternate loosening and tightening of drill string threads. The reverse percussion device preferably includes an automatic disabling feature which causes the reverse percussion operation to cease when the bit is free to retract normally.

Abstract: A subsurface tool comprising an elongated steel shaft having a soil penetrating lower end element and having a threaded upper end, a transverse elongated handle having a pair of ends for manual gripping thereof, and a central zone, an elongated isolator between the shaft upper end and the handle, the isolator being an electrically insulating, reinforced polymeric composite having an upper end ring portion encircling and molded to the handle at its central zone, and having a lower end socket, the shaft upper end being attached to the isolator lower end socket.