Abstract: A drilling machine has a drilling tool, a rotary, a main engine that actuates a high-pressure pump, a hydraulic motor, actuated by the high-pressure pump and connected to the rotary at least one pressure sensor disposed in a discharge pipe. The fluid flows from the high-pressure pump to the hydraulic motor. An adjustment valve is disposed in a discharge pipe such that the fluid flows from a low-pressure circuit to the hydraulic motor in order to adjust the cylinder capacity of the hydraulic motor according to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor when the tool is unloaded.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a generally cylindrical body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A biased hinge is secured to both the outer tube and the steering flap, the biased hinge being operative to retract the steering flap into a retracted position from an extending position.

Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger rotor assembly that includes an elongated bearing carrier with anti-friction bearings on each end carried in a stationary housing. The elongated bearing carrier is supported within the housing by axially spaced elastomeric bands in grooves in the outside diameter of the bearing carrier that cooperate with grooves in the bore of the stationary housing within which the elastomeric bands are seated to carry the axial thrust of the rotor assembly in both axial directions.

Abstract: A drilling system for boring into ground includes a bottom hole assembly having a rotatable casing shoe, an independently rotatable driveshaft disposed within the casing shoe, and a bearing housing interdisposed between the driveshaft and the casing shoe to control a distance between a centerline of the driveshaft and a centerline of the casing shoe. The driveshaft includes a bit disposed at a distal end thereof, extending beyond the casing shoe distal end. The driveshaft centerline and the casing shoe centerline are substantially parallel and radially offset.

Abstract: A drill rod is disclosed. The drill rod includes a casing assembly defining a length that extends axially between a first end and an opposite second end of the drill rod, and a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the casing assembly. The drive shaft extends axially along the drill rod generally from the first end of the casing assembly to the second end of the casing assembly. The drill rod also includes latching pins at the first end of the drill rod and latching pin receivers at the second end of the drill rod. The drill rod further includes latches provided adjacent the latching pin receivers. The latches are movable between latching and non-latching positions. The latches move along an orientation of movement then the latches between the latching and non-latching positions. The drill rod may also include biasing structures that apply retention forces to the latches for retaining the latches in the non-latching position.

Abstract: A dual string drilling system for drilling a well bore in an earth formation, having a rotatable, tubular outer drill string and an upper rotatable, tubular inner drill string. An elongate tubular drill bit is mounted to a distal end of the outer drill string. The tubular drill bit having an interior passageway having a longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer drill string. The drill bit is further provided with a cutaway portion extending through a wall of the tubular outer drill string. A lower rotatable inner drill string is coupled to the upper rotatable tubular inner drill string and is disposed within the interior passageway of the drill bit. A second drill bit is mounted to the distal of the lower inner drill string and is sized to extend beyond the drill bit mounted to the outer drill string.

Abstract: Drilling assemblies and methods of drilling are disclosed. In one implementation, a drilling assembly includes a rotary drive apparatus configured to rotate a string of drill pipe having a cutting head at a drilling end thereof. A longitudinally elongated torque transfer tube apparatus is mounted to and extends downwardly from the rotary drive apparatus and is configured to longitudinally receive the string of drill pipe rotatably there-through. The torque transfer tube apparatus is isolated from rotation relative to the rotary drive apparatus and the string of drill pipe during drilling with the drilling assembly. A torque receiving structure is provided, and through which the torque transfer tube apparatus is upwardly and downwardly slidably received. The torque transfer tube apparatus and the torque receiving structure are isolated from rotation relative one another and the string of drill pipe during drilling with the drilling assembly.

Abstract: A dual string drilling system for drilling a well bore in an earth formation, having a rotatable, tubular outer drill string and an upper rotatable, tubular inner drill string. An elongate tubular drill bit is mounted to a distal end of the outer drill string. The tubular drill bit having an interior passageway having a longitudinal axis which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer drill string. The drill bit is further provided with a cutaway portion extending through a wall of the tubular outer drill string. A lower rotatable inner drill string is coupled to the upper rotatable tubular inner drill string and is disposed within the interior passageway of the drill bit. A second drill bit is mounted to the distal of the lower inner drill string and is sized to extend beyond the drill bit mounted to the outer drill string.

Abstract: A portable drilling device for use in horizontal boring through a substrate beneath an impediment includes a motor mounted on an inclined stabilizer bar. The inclined stabilizer bar includes a handle for use by the operator of the drilling unit which allows the operator to guide the unit during operation. A shaft is operatively mounted on the motor and is rotatably carried by the stabilizer bar. The shaft is in turn attached to an auger which is rotatably carried within a bearing housing assembly that is attached to the inclined stabilizer bar at a predetermined angle. A skid shoe is mounted underneath the shaft-auger attachment point and is attached to both the housing and the inclined stabilizer bar, whereby, when the motor is engaged the shaft and the auger are rotated in order to bore a horizontal opening through the substrate beneath an impediment such as a sidewalk or driveway.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of pipe-bursting members, driven by the interconnected inner members, cut or burst a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of screw drives move the pipe-bursting members between an expanded position and a retracted position in response to rotation of the interconnected inner members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for boring a close tolerance on-grade subsurface borehole. A downhole tool assembly for use with a dual member drill string comprises a directional boring tool. The dual member drill string comprises an outer member and an inner member disposed within the outer member and rotatable independently of the outer member. The downhole tool assembly permits the directional boring tool to be connected to the inner member of the drill string. Rotation of the inner member of the drill string causes rotation of the boring tool. The borehole is drilled in a straight manner by rotating the boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and simultaneously advancing the drill string through the earth. The borehole direction is changed by orienting the directional boring tool with the inner member of the drill string and then advancing the drill string without rotation.

Abstract: A method and system for drilling creating a wellbore which, in at least certain aspects, includes positioning a drilling apparatus at a desired location at the earth surface, the drilling apparatus having rotating and hammering apparatus for simultaneously rotating and hammering a dual tubular string into the earth, the dual tubular string with an outer casing string spaced apart by an annular space from an inner drill pipe string, both the outer casing and inner drill pipe string being hollow, a drill bit secured to a lowermost end of the inner drill pipe string and, optionally, a casing drill apparatus secured at a lowermost end of the casing string, drilling through the earth to form the wellbore by simultaneously rotating and hammering the dual tubular string with the drilling apparatus; and, in certain aspects, installing a geothermal heat loop and grouting the space around it.

Abstract: Three air hammers are housed and arranged in a hammer case, and have bits at their respective ends. Each of the air hammers can be activated independently. In a normal excavation, the earth is excavated by activating all the air hammers. When correcting an excavating direction, only an air hammer positioned in the correct direction is activated first so that the earth in the correct direction is excavated in a predetermined amount. Next, all the air hammers are activated to excavate the earth. Thereby, a leading hammer can direct the excavation toward the correct direction, and thus the excavating direction is corrected.

Abstract: A first rig comprises a collapsible mast having one open side for receiving conventional sectional tubing and a second open side for receiving the injector of a second coiled tubing injection rig. Accordingly, lengths of sectional tubulars can be bandied or drawn up the first open side from the first rig; and coiled tubing can be introduced from the second side. A combination of strong and dual draw works, the dual open side mast and rotary table of a conventional rig minimize serial handling and enable making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: A locking swivel device is provided for connection with a proximal end of a drill string and for conducting a drilling fluid to the drill string. The device is comprised of a housing and a mandrel rotatably supported within the housing such that an annular space is defined between the housing and the mandrel, wherein one of the housing and the mandrel is connectable with the drill string such that the drill string rotates therewith. A clutch assembly is positioned within the annular space which is actuatable between an engaged condition in which the clutch assembly engages the housing and the mandrel in order to inhibit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing and a disengaged condition in which the clutch assembly disengages the housing and the mandrel in order to permit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing. The clutch assembly is actuated to the engaged condition by a pressure exerted by the drilling fluid.

Abstract: The soil sampler of this invention is mounted on a wheeled vehicle and includes a frame having a pivotal mast which is movable between an upright position and a horizontally disposed position. An elongated, hollow soil probe is longitudinally movably mounted on the mast so that the probe may be inserted into the ground to collect a soil sample. When the sample has been collected in the soil probe, the probe is raised from the ground and the mast is moved from its upright position to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample in the probe is automatically dumped from the probe when the mast has been moved to its horizontally disposed position. The soil sample is collected in a receptacle position below the probe with the receptacle being divided into at least two compartments. The soil sampling probe also includes means for indicating the true position of the soil surface.

Abstract: A multi-flow type heat exchanger includes a pair of headers and a plurality of heat transfer tubes interconnecting the headers. The flow direction of the heat exchange medium through the whole of the heat transfer tubes is only one direction. A flow division parameter &ggr; is defined as a ratio of a resistance parameter &bgr; of the heat transfer tubes to a resistance parameter &agr; of an entrance side header and is set to at least about 0.5. The flow division parameter is calculated, such that &ggr;=&bgr;/&agr;, where &bgr;=Lt/(Dt·n), and &agr;=Lh/Dh. The equation variables are defined as follows: Lt equals a length of each tube, Dt equals a hydraulic diameter of one tube, n equals a number of tubes, Lh equals a length of an entrance side header, and Dh equals a hydraulic diameter of the header. The flow division from the header to the tubes may be chosen at an optimum condition, and the heat exchanger may have superior performance.

Abstract: With a boring machine having a multistrand rod assembly (3) for producing boreholes in the ground, comprising a rotatable inner rod (29), an outer rod (19), at least one steering and digging tool (5; 33, 35, 36) driven by the inner rod and having an axis of rotation (22) inclined at an angle of for example 90.degree. to the axis of the rod (23), and a linear drive for the rod assembly (3, 19, 20), it is possible to perform both straight-ahead boring and, if only the steering and digging tool is driven, curve boring.

Abstract: The drilling device includes a telescopable Kellybar (16) with an outer tube (17) and at least one telescope tube (18). A tool (22) is mounted to the lower end of the telescope tube (18). In order to supply pressure medium to the drilling tool (22), the telescope tube (18) includes an inner tube (25) which is connected to a pressure line (33) via a rotating head (30). In order to secure the stator of the rotating head against rotation, a rotation protecting means (36) is provided which projects into the outer tube (17). Without exchanging the drilling mast, the drilling device can be used for drill hole depths greater than the length of the drilling mast (10); nevertheless, it can be used with pressure fluid as flushing agent or driving agent for a tool.

Abstract: For inserting anchor bolts in the region of the tunnel side wall up to near to the face, in addition to anchor bolt drilling and setting devices for the roof in the front region of the road-driving machine additional anchor bolt and setting devices are mounted displaceably guided in a vertical direction. The additional anchor bolt drilling and setting devices are swivellable around an axis which is parallel to the running surface plane of the drive mechanism of the road-driving machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a drilling method for drilling a bore-hole in ground or soil, with a percussion drilling device operated directly in the bore-hole and with a rotary percussion drilling device operated from the surface of the ground or soil, both devices being received in a common support member and adapted to be simultaneously operated, and a drilling assembly for preforming this method. In order to avoid a damage of the percussion drilling device, the drilling impact forces and vibrations directed to the rotary percussion drilling device are registered, elastically dampened and absorbed prior to having an effect on the percussion drilling device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the drilling of a hole for the study of the underground. The roto-percussion head acts on the drilling tube of which the base carries a cutter. The cutter is integral with the sleeve inside which drilling water is injected. The water and the rock debris go up and out through the evacuation opening. Application to the reverse flow drilling allowing to extract at the evacuation opening cores or rock debris which go up inside the axial tube as soon as they are taken without any risk of being contaminated by the previously traversed layers of ground.

Abstract: A percussion drill rod assembly comprising an elongated inner percussion blow transmitting rod of substantially constant diameter supported in a tubular torque transmitting coupling member by spaced apart sets of resilient isolator members secured to the tubular coupling member. The drill rod assembly is connected to a shank assembly at the drill motor and an adaptor assembly at the bit end, each of which include inner percussion blow transmitting members and outer torque transmitting members. Integral drill rod assemblies having inner percussion rods and outer torque transmitting tubular coupling members are adapted for use with feed leg and sinker drills, for example.

Abstract: Device in impact machines. The device comprises a first chamber (5) which is connected to an accumlator (6) and the pressure of which is used to hold together a set of rods (2) forming part of the drill tool. Furthermore there is a second chamber (7) to damp the recoil from the set of rods.

Abstract: A shaft drilling rig comprises a rig head having means whereby it may be attached to a cable so as to be raised and lowered within a shaft being sunk. A central hollow column depends from the rig head and carries a base member at its lower end. There are rig supporting feet carried by the base member. The rig has a plurality of booms each being operatively carried at its upper end by the central column near the rig head to pivot relative to the column and itself carrying at its outer end a feed holder for a beam to carry a rock drill. A plurality of support members are respectively associated with the booms, each such support member being operatively carried at its lower end by the central column near the base member to pivot relative to the column and pivotally engaging its associated boom at a pivot location. Each boom has an extendable section arranged to extend the length thereof which extendable section is located between the upper end of the boom and its said pivot location.

Abstract: In well drilling, and in particular the horizontal drilling field, a simultaneous drilling and casing device is provided. A drill string driven in rotation by a revolving table has at its end a drilling tool 28 driven by a bottom motor 22 and, in its intermediate part, a drive connection 10 to which the rear end 1a of a casing section 1 is screwed, whose front end is provided with an abrasive material ring 3. The length of the part of the drill string separating the connection 10 from tool 28 is substantially equal to the length of section 1. The casing 1 driven by the drill string at the speed of rotation of the revolving table cuts its own way during the drilling.

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: A hole groover comprising a pair of grooving bits radially protruding from the surface of a drill rod and connected to swivel upwardly and downwardly near the end of the drill rod where the drill bit is connected. A connecting rod is connected to the inside ends of the groove bits and causes arcuate movement of the grooving bits as it reciprocates. The hole groover further includes a gear box which is connectable to a rotary drilling unit which converts rotational movement of the rotary drill until to reciprocating movement of a lever. The lever is connected to the connecting rod which causes movement of the grooving bits. The device is readily adaptable to be connected to most rotary drill units and the depth and intervals of the grooves can be easily controlled by adjusting the length of the grooving bits and the gear ratios. The device enables grooves to be cut in a wall hole surface, concurrently with the drilling of the hole.

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 drilling tool for drilling a cylindrical borehole of relatively great depth in a soft material and then forming a conical enlargement adjacent the bottom of the borehole includes an axially elongated tool shank with a first drill at one end for cutting the cylindrical borehole and a second drill adjacent the first drill for cutting the conical enlargement. The second drill is formed of bit holders pivotally connected to a flattened part of the tool shank. An adjustable stop is provided on the tool shank for determining the depth of the borehole. A connecting link guide located within the tool shank interengages the bit holders and the tool shank. When the desired depth is reached, due to relative axial displacement between the tool shank and the connecting link guide, the bit holders are pivoted outwardly so that the second drill can cut the conical enlargement.

Abstract: Large hole boring equipment is used for boring a large diameter blind pilot hole. Then such equipment is removed from the hole and a room is blasted at the closed or blind end of the hole. Then the large hole cutterhead is replaced by a reamer and the equipment is inserted back into the hole. The reamer is an adjustable diameter type and its diameter is increased once it is within such room. A wrench carried by a drive head of a drilling machine is used to rotate a small diameter shaft which extends downwardly through the drill string to a lead screw which is a part of the reamer. Rotation of the lead screw causes axial travel of a lead nut. As the lead nut travels it moves a plurality of links which in turn swing a plurality of cutter carrying arms outwardly from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Cables attached to a rotating Kelly nut of a drill rig serve to maintain the vertical level of pivot points of bell-cutting blades while the blades are swung outwardly about these stationary pivot points to cut a bell for a drilled hole. The bell cuttings gravitate to the bottom of the drilled hole which is disposed a predetermined distance below the location of the bell.

Abstract: A combined device for reaming and collecting dust for use with a drilling apparatus makes it possible to produce a flared mouth for the drilled hole, in particular for subsequently facilitating the insertion of an anchor bolt. The device includes a reamer, through which the drilling bit of the apparatus passes axially, and which is integral with a sleeve through which the bit also axially passes and which is coupled to a hydraulic speed-reducing motor. The inner diameters of the sleeve and of the reamer are greater than the diameter of the bit, in order to provide an annular passage for the evacuation of dust. A container for collecting dust and provided with a guide for the drilling bit is disposed on the side of the driving sleeve opposite the reamer.

Abstract: Multiple wall drill pipe adapted for use in a drill pipe string comprising an outer pipe member; an inner pipe member disposed within the outer pipe member; and means for releasably connecting the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member in fixed axial relationship under force loads applied in use during a drilling operation while enabling relative rotary movement between the inner pipe member and the outer pipe member during a rotary drilling operation to relieve torsional stress thereon, and for permitting the removal of the inner pipe member from the outer pipe member by relative axial displacement therebetween caused by application to the inner pipe member of only an axially directed force load in excess of the axially directed force loads applied to the inner pipe member in use during a normal drilling operation.

Abstract: Large hole boring equipment is used for boring a large diameter blind pilot hole. Then such equipment is removed from the hole and a room is blasted at the closed or blind end of the hole. Then the large hole cutterhead is replaced by a reamer and the equipment is inserted back into the hole. The reamer is an adjustable diameter type and its diameter is increased once it is within such room. A wrench carried by a drive head of a drilling machine is used to rotate a small diameter shaft which extends downwardly through the drill string to a lead screw which is a part of the reamer. Rotation of the lead screw causes axial travel of a lead nut. As the lead nut travels it moves a plurality of links which in turn swing a plurality of cutter carrying arms outwardly from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The bottom annular flange of a bearing sleeve which is displaceable with respect to a support frame is applied against the ground surface around the zone of a hole to be bored. A cylindrical cutter placed around a boring mandrel attached to the operating rod of a jack is downwardly displaced only at the end of travel of the jack, driven into the ground with the boring mandrel and forms a cylindrical recess around the upper end of the bore-hole. The portion of soil which is trapped between the cylindrical cutter and the boring mandrel is removed automatically after simultaneous withdrawal of mandrel and cutter. A post can be driven into the bore-hole, cement or concrete being then poured into the cylindrical recess.

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: 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: Method and apparatus for cutting a core in a bore hole and means of marking the core in which a groove is cut into the core along its length and providing an external arm in a definite angular relation to the core marking means and which may be aimed at some particular point so that when the core is removed, the marking on the core will be known to have the orientation with respect to the position that the arm is aimed such, for instance, as possibly a magnetic bearing or any other known reference mark on the surface to which the core may be related.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus mounted on a self-propelled base equipped with a joint to permit use on uneven terrain and drilling at various angles with respect to the terrain surface; embodiments of the invention feature suction apparatus for removing drill cuttings, and foldable masts.

Abstract: A bolt-setting and rock-drilling apparatus has a rail which can be swung about and axis and axially displaced therealong to position a drilling carriage and a bolt-setting carriage alternately with respect to a rock wall in which the bolt is to be lodged. The carriages are slidable on opposite sides of the rail and, in the upper end thereof, in alignment with the drill holder, is an opening drill through which the main drill passes. The opening drill, which is of a configuration enabling it to form a conical mouth to the hole bored, by the main drill, is displaceable parallel to the main drill when its holder engages a clutch member carrying the opening drill. The conical mouth facilitates subsequent insertion of the bolt.

Abstract: A method of strip mining in which a plurality of vertical shafts of square cross section are formed closely adjacent to one another with each shaft extending through overburden and a layer of valuable material such as coal. As spoil is removed in forming one shaft it is conveyed to a previously formed shaft and deposited therein. The apparatus includes a casing of square cross section, a cylindrical auger casing within the square casing, an auger rotatable in the auger casing and a square cutter at the lower end of the square casing. The latter is slidably mounted on a vertical track and is power driven vertically to force the cutter into the earth formation being worked. The auger is rotated under power to cut into the earth formation and remove spoil and coal therefrom. The upper end portions of both casings are formed with two sets of aligned discharge ports. A movable closure is provided for each set and a rake for each set.

Abstract: A drilling machine may include extension equipment comprising (a) drill rods -- connected end-to-end -- for transmission of impact force and (b) a system of tubular members -- likewise connected end-to-end -- surrounding said rods, for transmission of rotary force. Such extension equipment may be coupled to the machine per se by means of a tubular adapter threadably connected, at one of its ends, to the tubular members system and at its opposite end connected to the machine through polygonal coupling means.

Abstract: A tubular structural member is inserted in a ground or soil formation by drilling the formation ahead of a cutting edge on the member proper and bringing the member to perform a combined rotary and axial movement so that the cutting edge is driven into the drilled zone. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises a drilling machine having a feed device, a cutting edge at one end of the structural member and a means for rotating and axially displacing the member.

Abstract: A portable earth boring machine for the horizontal boring of shafts and the insertion of pipeline casing sections in installations where excavation from the surface is undesirable. The machine is characterized by a steering head particularly adapted for rock drilling operations which head is positioned at the front of the casings and remotely controlled by the machine operator so as to directionally control the direction of extension of the pipeline as the drilling operation progresses.