Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting an underwater conductor pipe in which the conductor pipe is lowered into the wellhole on a drill string as the borehole is being formed by a drill bit and underreamer positioned at the end of the drill string below the end of the conductor pipe. The drill string and conductor pipe are detachably interconnected by a housing latch which includes means for detachably securing the drill string and drilling assembly to the conductor pipe. The drill string is provided with an upper latch sub, which retains and supports the drill string in its fully extended position within the conductor pipe, and a lower latch sub which retains and supports the drill string in the retracted position. As the apparatus is lowered a drill motor actuates the drilling assembly such that the well hole is formed in the ocean floor. Drilling continues until the permanent guide base of the conductor pipe engages the ocean floor.

Abstract: A screen placement apparatus and system wherein the apparatus includes a motor for providing rotational torque to an auger received within a ground screen and a disposable cutting tip having a cutting diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the screen is connected to the end of the auger. The screen is placed into the ground by simultaneously drilling the hole with the disposable cutting tip, drawing the drill cuttings up through the screen with the auger, and inserting the screen into the hole. The drill cuttings, drawn up through the hole, are discharged through discharge openings. After the desired depth is reached, the auger and motor are longitudinally moved with respect to the screen and cutting tip thereby permanently disconnecting the disposable cutting tip and leaving it within the ground. The auger is, thereafter, retracted from within the ground screen.

Abstract: To rotate a pipe (17) to be urged into the ground, a rotary disk (20) clamped at said pipe (17) is pivotable on a table (19) which carries two groups of driving cylinders (40, 41). While the first group is operative to carry out the working stroke in order to turn the rotary disk (20) the return stroke is performed by the second group thus ensuring a continuous rotation of the rotary disk (20) or a standstill in one sense of rotation.

Abstract: A rotary head for a drilling machine, the rotary head comprising: lower, intermediate and upper device (1,3 and 61 or 62) for engaging a plurality of drilling tools; a mechanism (8,5) for rotating drilling tools engaged by the engaging devices at a speed which is adjustable; and flushing structure comprising a plurality of flushing apertures (25,44,11 or 52) for supplying flushing fluid to or from drilling tools engaged by the engaging devices.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention generally concerns groundline reinforcement of elongate objects such as a pole (20) and, in particular, a portable appartus (50) for installing an improved cylindrical split casing (30) around both the subterranean and above-ground portions of such an elongate object without cutting, moving, or otherwise disturbing it. The split casing (30) is assembled from two partial cylinders (32) having helical threads (34) formed at one end for engaging the ground (24) about the pole (20). Assembly of these two partial cylinders (32) about the pole (20) establishes a hollow annulus (44) between the pole (20) and the split casing (30). The apparatus (50) for installing the split casing (30) includes a split shell casing rotary drive (52) which is rigidly secured circumferentially about the assembled split casing (30). Also included in the apparatus (50) is a rotary driver (90) which mates with, engages, and is supported upon the split shell casing rotary drive (52).

Abstract: A process for establishing a clear, generally horizontal borehole path in a subterranean formation includes drilling a generally horizontal borehole using a drill pipe, drill bit and an uphole drilling device and lubricating the drill bit and pipe by pumping a mud down the center of the drill pipe in sufficient quantity to carry cuttings, created by the drilling, from the horizontal borehole using a mud capable of creating a cake on the borehole wall. Throughout drilling of the borehole, the total solids content of the efflux is adjusted to preselected levels and recirculated through the drill pipe to continually create the borehole wall cake. After drilling, the drill bit and drill rod are removed and the drilling bit replaced with a casing shoe. Thereafter, the drill pipe is reinserted into the borehole with a liner therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expansible drive core, which in its contracted state can be accommodated into a thin-walled tube, which has to be driven into the ground, wherein prior to the action of driving the drive core can be expanded as to be clamped against the inner side of the wall of the thin-walled tube, and after the action of driving the drive core can be contracted for removal from the tube.According to the invention the drive core includes a metal core body and at least one expansion means of elastic material, such as rubber disposed over this core body, and passages are formed in the core body, through which a pressurized medium, such as air or water under pressure, can be supplied from the interior of the core body for expanding the elastic expansion means, while reinforcement means co-operate with the elastic expansion means so as to serve for the transmission of forces between the core body and the thin-walled tube.

Abstract: To the drill pipe connects a head comprising a cylinder-shaped portion and a cone-shaped point. Three spiral ribs are regularly distributed over the head. Each rib has a downwardly-extending rib portion standing on the point and having an outer side making an angle between 0.degree. and 5.degree. with the drill axis and an inner side making with the outer side of the point an angle which is smaller than 90.degree. increased by half the apex of the point, and has a outwardly-extending rib portion standing on the cylinder-shaped head portion and having a top side making an angle between 85.degree. and 95.degree. with the outer side of this head portion. The lowermost edge of the rib portion standing on the point merges into the outermost edge of the other rib portion. The apex of the point lies between 85.degree. and 95.degree..

Abstract: A remotely releasable pipe connector is described and comprises a first tubular connector or "pin connector" having at least one laterally extending locking member, and a slotted second tubular connector or "box connector" cooperatively disposable over the first tubular connector with the slots thereof removably engaging the first tubulars connector's locking members. One or more shear plates are attachable to the second tubular connector and are positioned to prevent the release of the locking members from the slots in the second tubular connector until the shear plates are subjected to a force greater than or equal to a predetermined force.

Abstract: A method of providing a conductor pipe to an opening portion of a well such as an oil well, gas well, geothermal power well or the like. A bore is formed in the ground with a casing tube and an auger screw, inserted into the casing tube, to a predetermined depth, after which the auger screw is withdrawn from the casing tube. Then, the conductor pipe is inserted and concentrically positioned in the casing tube, placed in the bore, to form an annular space between them, to which space a solidifiable filler is supplied from the bottom portion of the space to the upper portion thereof. The casing tube is thereafter withdrawn from the bore and then the filler is solidified to thereby fix the conductor pipe to the opening portion of the well.

Abstract: A casing jacking mechanism is positionable in the rotary table opening of a well drilling rig to lower casing into the well, and is preferably formed sectionally of a number of components adapted to be assembled temporarily on the rig and subsequently dismantled after the casing has been lowered. The jacking machanism may include a first support structure to be located above the upper end of the well, two piston and cylinder mechanisms adapted to be lowered at different sides of the axis of the well to positions in which their cylinders are connected by the support structure, a second support structure connectable to and actuable vertically by the pistons of the piston and cylinder mechanisms a spider unit adapted to be placed on the first support structure and releasably engageable with the well pipe, and an elevator to be positioned on the second support structure for movement vertically therewith and also releasably engageable with the well pipe.

Abstract: A system for controlling the deviation of the path of oil or gas well conductor casing at a desired angle, curvature and orientation in the sea bottom stratum through which it is driven from an offshore platform involving the use of conductor guide(s) equipped with longitudinally disposed anti-twist bar(s) fixedly mounted thereon to prevent or arrest any twisting motion along the longitudinal axis of the casing sections which have like, anti-twist bar as the conductor sections are being lowered or driven down from the platform. Motion is arrested by means of the bars on the conductor guide(s) contacting the similar bars fixedly attached to the casing sections being driven through the conductor guides on the platform support structure. By arresting any twisting motion at this relatively elevated point, any undesired twist is minimized in the driven casing sections minimizing any undesired horizontal deviation in the enplacement of the conductor casing which would have otherwise been caused by the twisting.

Abstract: Forming a hole between lower and upper parallel galleries formed in a mine by boring upwardly from the lower gallery a bore hole having a first length equal to a fraction of the distance between the lower and upper galleries, then casing the bore hole by thrusting upwardly at least one pipe section having a diameter sufficient to be gripped by the shrinkage of the bore hole into the bore hole.

Abstract: An earth boring machine for boring straight and level elongated holes through rock-laden earth. The machine includes a stationary elongated frame upon which a first slide is carried. A second slide is carried on the first slide. An elongated auger guiding sleeve is carried adjacent one end of the first slide and has a cutting edge on a remote end thereof. A power-driven auger assembly is carried on the second slide and includes an auger which extends within the guiding sleeve. A cutting tool is carried on the end of the auger adjacent a remote end of the guiding sleeve. An hydraulic cylinder is provided for advancing the first sleeve for driving the cutting edge of the guiding sleeve into the earth while the power driven auger removes the earth as the guiding sleeve is advanced.

Abstract: Drilling means of the type having a pilot bit, a reamer and a guidemember mounted in the bottom end of the casing tube, and which transmits impacts to the casing. The guide member is snugly enclosed in the thickened mouth portion of the casing tube and has a plurality of channels which are segments of a spiral through which the drilling debris is discharged upwardly to the casing tube.

Abstract: A well bore casing inserting and drilling method and apparatus comprising the simultaneous drilling and casing setting of an oil and/or gas well bore by supporting a drill bit and actuating motor therefor from the lower end of the well casing whereby the well casing is lowered into the well bore simultaneously with the penetration of the earth by the drill bit assembly, the motor and drill bit being releasably secured within a housing whereby the motor and drill bit may be retrieved through the internal bore of the casing for repair or replacement of the drill bit or other operational components of the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig is the subject of this application. The rig includes a drilling tower (10) having a ram (16) for applying down pressure to a length of drill rod (12). A lever member (42) is suspended from the ram (16) and permitted to float toward and away from the ram (16) by being mounted for movement along tracks provided by a plurality of eyes (50) elongated in directions toward and away from the ram (16). Suspension bolts (52) extending through the eyes (50) at one end (72) of the lever member (42) are allowed to ride upwardly to the upper extremity of the eyes (50) to form a point about which the lever member (42) pivots. A percussion assembly (26) includes a piston (34) which percussively engages the lever (42) at its opposite end (70). The percussion assembly (26) is laterally off-set from the axis of the drill rod (12). The percussive force imparted to the lever member (42) is translated to the upper end (30) of casing (28) encircling the drill rod (12).

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit from a remote point, particularly useful in mining pitching or horizontal seams, comprises boring, casing and preparing a log of a probe hole; the casing will later be used as a guide for the mining head. All personnel are remotely located from the mining face and the mining head follows the probe hole and is rotated by means of a novel drive stem powered from a portal based plant. Thrust is imparted to the rotating mining head in a non-cyclical manner by the intermittently supported drive stem. The mineral being mined is automatically removed from the face and discharged at the portal. Steel or reinforced concrete support collars follow the mining head and support the drive stem until the bore is mined out whereupon the collars, the drive stem and the guide are removed for reuse.

Abstract: A system for the formation and use of a bore hole, particularly for the recovery of oil from an oil-bearing underground formation. An eversible elongate permeable tube, preferably formed of woven cloth, including outer and inner walls, connected at a rollover area, is urged into the formation by a driving fluid. Drilling fluid is pumped through a central passageway in the tube and carries a central pipe forward. The drilling fluid, comprising a hot acid or basic aqueous or petroleum base solution, assists break up of the formation to form a cuttings slurry which passes back along the outside of the eversible tube. Means is provided for turning the tube, as from the vertical to the horizontal, by use of a turning segment in the eversible tube, or by guiding the central pipe. Such pipe preferably includes a flexible helical segment capable of turning and of serving as the ultimate support casing. Also, gravel packing techniques and down-hole steam generators.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the aeration of cesspools in operation. In one embodiment there is a tool for inserting the aeration device under the bottom of the cesspool. The tool comprises a central cylinder with retractable arms. The aeration device has retractable arms which attach to the tool and compressed air is supplied to the tool to facilitate its passage through and beneath the pool. The tool is then removed leaving the aeration devices in place with a line extending out of the pool to receive compressed air. Other embodiments include the method of inserting the aeration device, a system for aerating a pool, and methods for controlling the operation of the aeration device.

Abstract: Deep drilling is facilitated by the following steps practiced separately or in any combination:(1) Periodically and sequentially fracturing zones adjacent the bottom of the bore hole with a thixotropic fastsetting fluid that is accepted into the fracture to overstress the zone, such fracturing and injection being periodic as a function of the progression of the drill.(2) Casing the bore hole with ductile, pre-annealed casing sections, each of which is run down through the previously set casing and swaged in situ to a diameter large enough to allow the next section to run down through it.(3) Drilling the bore hole using a drill string of a low density alloy and a high density drilling mud so that the drill string is partially floated.

Abstract: A jack for lowering casing from a drilling rig into a well, including a plurality of piston and cylinder mechanisms extending vertically at different sides of the well axis and supported at their lower ends from a base, a first structure extending between upper ends of the cylinders of those mechanisms and supported from the base through the cylinders, a second structure supported by and movable with the pistons, and gripping units carried by the two structures and releasably engageable with the casing to lower it in steps by relative vertical actuation of the two structures by the piston and cylinder mechanisms.

Abstract: Jacking mechanism for moving a string of casing or other well pipe vertically within a well and including two units operable to releasably engage and support the pipe, power actuated mechanism for moving one of the units upwardly and downwardly relative to the other to jack the pipe vertically through a wellhead structure, and apparatus for supporting the power actuated mechanism and units at least in part from that wellhead structure.

Abstract: A jet shoe, connected to the lowermost end of a large diameter pipe to be placed in a subsea formation, comprises a cylindrical housing in which is arranged an inner tubular receptacle, a check valve permitting downward flow but preventing upward flow and jet tubes extending from the receptacle through the lower end of the jet shoe. The receptacle, valve and tubes are cemented in the housing. The tubes contain nozzles for jetting fluid to erode formation ahead of the shoe. A stinger arranged on the lower end of a smaller diameter pipe extends into and seals in the receptacle. A closure member on the smaller pipe closes off the upper end of the larger pipe. The smaller pipe and the larger pipe, together with a permanent guide base connected to the upper end of the larger pipe, are lowered to the ocean floor. While jetting fluid through the smaller pipe and out the shoe the formation ahead of the shoe is eroded until the larger pipe reaches a pre-determined depth.

Abstract: A casing jacking mechanism is positionable in the rotary table opening of a well drilling rig to lower casing into the well, and is preferably formed sectionally of a number of components adapted to be assembled temporarily on the rig and subsequently dismantled after the casing has been lowered. The jacking mechanism may include a first support structure to be located above the upper end of the well, two piston and cylinder mechanisms adapted to be lowered at different sides of the axis of the well to positions in which their cylinders are connected by the support structure, a second support structure connectable to and actuable vertically by the pistons of the piston and cylinder mechanisms, a spider unit adapted to be placed on the first support structure and releasably engageable with the well pipe, and an elevator to be positioned on the second support structure for movement vertically therewith and also releasably engageable with the well pipe.

Abstract: In a rotary table driven hollow auger type sampling device, a rod is mounted at an end above the rotary table to be substantially fixed against rotation, but for axial movement. The rod extends through a hollow spindle driven by the table, and is fixedly mounted below the table to the upper end of a thin wall sampling tube mounted within a hollow auger to project a short distance below the lower end of the auger. The rod, hence the sampling tube, is forced downwardly with the auger, but is positively restrained from rotation.

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: Drilling means of the type having a pilot bit, a reamer and a guidemember mounted in the bottom end of the casing tube, and which transmits impacts to the casing. The guide member is snugly enclosed in the thickened mouth portion of the casing tube and has a plurality of channels which are segments of a spiral through which the drilling debris is discharged upwardly to the casing tube.

Abstract: The present specification describes and claims a downhole casing shearer for use in drilling bore holes. The casing shearer comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical sub-member which is connected between a drilling bit and a drill rod string and which engages within a hollow cylindrical shearer, the trailing end of the shearer being connected to a conventional bore hole liner, so that the shearer may rotate about its longitudinal axis with the liner stationary. The sub-member and shearer are interlocked by a releasable locking mechanism which prevents relative rotation therebetween but which allows both for the axial drilling pressure to be applied to the shearer and the shearer to be lifted, and for the drilling bit, sub-member and rod string to be lifted through the liner leaving the shearer and liner in the bore hole, when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A sea-floor cellar is installed in substantially in the sea-floor in a shallow water area where the distance between the sea-floor, which has a packed or rock ladened soil formation, and a drill ship is not sufficient to allow for normal positioning of a blowout preventer stack on the surface of the sea-floor. According to the method and apparatus of this invention, a first honeycomb of bore holes is drilled in the designated bottom area; a second honeycomb of bore holes having diameters larger than the first honeycomb of holes is then drilled into the designated bottom area to produce a second honeycomb of bore holes of larger diameter; and, a bar member is then rotated into the bore hole to eliminate soil structures left standing in the second honeycomb to produce a substantially clear recessed area for receiving the implantable sea-floor cellar to house a blowout preventer stack substantially below the surface of the subsea bottom.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig (10) and conversion apparatus for drilling rigs is disclosed. The rig includes a percussion assembly (32) rotatably mounted to a ram (30) above the ground in which drilling is to be made. The rig (10) includes a conversion mandrel (40) structured for insection in, and retention by, the percussion assembly (32) in place of a normally retained bit element (34). The mandrel (40) has an anvil surface (56) to which percussive strokes of a piston (50) disposed within the percussion assembly (32) for reciprocating movement therein are applied. The mandrel (40) further includes a hammer portion (68) to transfer both the percussive force of the piston (50) and continuous downward pressure applied to the percussion assembly (32) by the ram 30 to a length of casing (20) encircling the drill rod (22) which accomplishes the drilling. The conversion apparatus can, therefore, convert a bottom-hole drilling rig to a top-of-the-hole rig.

Abstract: A method of mining a mineral deposit from a remote point, particularly useful in mining pitching or horizontal seams, comprises boring, casing and preparing a log of a probe hole; the casing will later be used as a guide for the mining head. All personnel are remotely located from the mining face and the mining head follows the probe hole and is rotated by means of a novel drive stem powered from a portal based plant. Thrust is imparted to the rotating mining head in a non-cyclical manner by the intermittently supported drive stem. The mineral being mined is automatically removed from the face and discharged at the portal. Steel or reinforced concrete support collars follow the mining head and support the drive stem until the bore is mined out whereupon the collars, the drive stem and the guide are removed for reuse.

Abstract: The method consists in boring a shaft in the sea floor to form a drilling station of sufficient size to accommodate personnel and equipment, in lining the shaft walls with a casing which is cemented against the walls and surmounted by a water-tight self-contained subsea chamber, in extracting sea water from the shaft, in maintaining atmospheric pressure within the shaft and the subsea chamber, in lowering personnel and drilling equipment into the shaft and in carrying out drilling operations from the bottom of the shaft.

Abstract: Vibratory drill apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for automatic self-balancing to compensate for variations in hardness of the material being drilled and/or dulling of the cutting blades which occurs during the drilling operation. The apparatus includes a tubular casing adapted to be connected to a rotating shaft and a drill assembly comprising a plurality of coaxially extending pipe members, each being located one within the other, the upper region of the drill assembly being received within the lower region of the casing. A drill head is defined at the lower region of the drill assembly. The pipe members are interconnected such that they are mutually fixed to each other for simultaneous rotation about their axis and such that each pipe member is free to move in the axial direction relative to the other pipe members.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for upwardly excavating a shaft through destructible underground rock. The cutting operation is carried out by full face boring without relying on blasting. An operation for supporting the shaft side wall is carried out by means of frame segments loosely following the advance of the bit. The cutting operation and supporting operation are independent from one another. The diameter of the bit is contracted after the cutting operation to allow the bit to be lowered down through the frame segments.

Abstract: A casing hammer for driving casing while drilling a water well comprises a housing having an annular pneumatic chamber with a relatively lightweight, short-stroke annular piston. The piston is reciprocably driven at a high rate to provide a large number of light blows of controllable energy upon an annular anvil that seals one end of the chamber. Percussive blows upon the anvil are transmitted through a drive head and adapter to the upper end of the pipe to be driven. The hammer is suspended from a rotary drive head that operates a hollow drill string extending downwardly through the hammer and through the casing driven thereby.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for sinking shafts in which ring-like walling elements used as a shaft shoring are inserted into the shaft concurrently with the drilling thereof. The walling elements are held against rotation by a mechanism at the top of the shaft which sequentially inserts the walling elements into the shaft as dictated by the depth thereof as drilling progresses. The lowermost end of the lowermost walling element is supported on a bearing associated with the shaft drill bit.

Abstract: A modular underwater support platform having interconnecting elements is lowered into position by a conductor pipe which in turn is connected to and supported from a drill pipe. Releasable hydraulic connections connect the platform to the conductor pipe and connect the conductor pipe to the drill pipe. After the hydraulic connection between the platform and the conductor pipe is released, the drill pipe drills a hole in the subsea floor for receiving the conductor pipe. The conductor pipe is positioned in the hole, and locked to the platform for supporting the platform. A base may be connected to the bottom of the support platform which includes hydraulic cylinder and piston assemblies for leveling the support platform. Hydraulic control lines are positioned on the support platform and adapted to be in communication with the hydraulic connections when the conductor pipe is locked to the platform for hydraulically releasing the connections allowing the removal of the drill pipe.

Abstract: This invention is used in conjunction with a small drilling rig having a traveling head. The apparatus enables the rig to accommodate much longer joints of casing than is otherwise possible, and avoids damage to the threads at the box and pin end of the joint. An upper and lower elevator is provided, along with an adaptor apparatus by which one of the elevators can be attached to the traveling head of the rig. In going into the hole, one elevator is attached to the upper end of a joint, the adaptor apparatus is attached to and lifted by the traveling head, and lowered until the elevator engages the rig floor. Thereafter the head is removed from the elevator so that the elevator supports the box end of the joint at the rig floor. The other elevator is of similar construction and is attached to the upper end of another joint. The head lifts the joint into the derrick so that the pin end thereof can be mated to the box end of the first joint, thereby providing a string located within the borehole.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for supporting the wall of an upwardly excavated shaft. Cylindrical support frames which are successively thrust up through the shaft are respectively composed of several arcuate members and one or more disjointing members. A plurality of top supporting plates are provided on the top of the series of the cylindrical frames and are designed to fall inwardly toward the center of the shaft after the excavation of the shaft is terminated, thus constructing an umbrella like device for supporting the roof of the shaft.

Abstract: Method for sinking a cased borehole for producing cased pile foundations. The method uses an apparatus comprising a crane, a drilling appliance capable of being lowered into the borehole and a tube extraction machine with double-acting lifting cylinders for increasing the drilling pressure and for extracting the drop tube after the pile has been concreted. The drilling appliance is capable of producing a borehole with a larger diameter than that of the drop tube and can be fixed to the drop tube by means of a clamping device for withstanding the torque of the motor used for driving the drilling tool. In the method, the drop tube is axially secured and is prevented from locating with respect to the ground, a section of borehole having a greater diameter than the diameter of the drop tube is drilled, and subsequently the axial securement of the drop tube is released so that the drop tube slides downwards by a length corresponding to the length of the section of borehole drilled.

Abstract: A building machine wherein a leader is supported vertically during an operation, an endless chain is engaged around upper and lower sprockets of said leader, and a base body is mounted on said chain and is forced to move vertically along said leader. A pile which is a member to be driven in, is mounted on a pile holding portion of said base body.

Abstract: A hole is formed in soil by penetrating it with a tool comprising a shaft having a tapered point or auger of relatively small cross section attached to its lower end, and a series of outwardly pressing rams mounted on the shaft above the tapered point. The rams are effective successively to enlarge incrementally by outward compaction or displacement of the soil, the hole initially formed by the tapered point or auger. Full hole dimension above the tool is maintained by reason of the fact that the soil is incrementally compacted and compressed to resist collapse. If desired, the integrity of the hole may be preserved with the aid of a following shield, or the hole may be filled with soil stabilizing fluid such as drilling mud. After formation of the hole, the tool is withdrawn and the hole may be filled with concrete to form a load supporting column or it may be left as an open shaft.The method and apparatus may also be used to enlarge the diameter of an existing hole.

Abstract: A rotary boring head for earth and rock formations with pivotal wings which may be swung radially outwardly and which are provided with inclined return rails. Upon upward movement of the rotary boring head the earth mass presses upon the inclined return rails, so that the pivotal wings are reliably swung inwards again and cannot impinge on the bore tube.

Abstract: In apparatus for drilling a hole in the ground comprising tubing for shoring up the walls of the drilled hole and a drilling member comprising a pneumatic percussion hammer having an eccentric cutting edge, the drilling member extending in the tubing and having a working position in which the cutting edge extends below the lower end of the tubing and a removal position in which the cutting edge is within the tubing, the extension tube for supplying gas to the hammer is connected to the hammer by a helicoidal telescopic connection which is rotatable through 180.degree.

Abstract: In an underground mine, a machine for drilling upwardly is placed in one tunnel of the mine and is used to drill a vertical shaft communicating with another tunnel at a higher elevation. The machine is operated so as to install a liner or casing in the shaft in a step-by-step fashion, substantially concurrently with the corresponding steps of the drilling operation.

Abstract: A method and a device for introducing a tubular assembly into the soil, which assembly consists of two or more elongated strips with a curved cross-section, made of an elastically flexible material, which strips are unwound from corresponding drums and are being united at adjacent edges when being unwound, and are separated again when being rewound on said drums. The driving force is derived from the rotational movement of said drums. The assembly can be used for introducing drainage tape into the soil, for introducing a sounding probe into the soil, for cutting soil samples and for similar purposes.

Abstract: This invention is a Well Drilling Apparatus primarily intended for drilling water wells, but also adaptable for other well, or hole drilling activities. The apparatus is particularly characterized by an independent driving arrangement for the drill, accompanied by an independent driving arrangement by which the casing may be turned during the drilling operation for ease of insertion and may accompany the drill into the ground to prevent collapse during drilling operations as well as to enhance the removal of drilled material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of setting a pile without causing any noise or vibration. A hollow pile is erected along a leader fixed on the ground, a screw auger is inserted through the hollow center of the pile, the screw auger is hung on the leader in such a manner that it can freely move up and down and freely rotate, and the pile is sunk by its own weight as the soil below the bottom of the pile is excavated and the excavated soil is carried above the ground. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for executing the above method. The lower part of the screw auger is constructed in such a manner that it is divided into two parts, inner tube and outer tube, and both tubes can rotate through a certain angle and move up and down in a certain range relatively to each other.

Abstract: Casing is run into a well bore hole on a running pipe string. Fluid motor and drill apparatus is supported in the casing, with the drill extending below the lower end of the casing to drill the bore hole in advance of the casing. For subsea drilling operations, the casing is suspended from a riser housing which lands on a subsea base, and the running pipe is released from the riser housing to enable retrieval of the motor and drill assembly. Plural motors are employed for drilling large holes.