Abstract: A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.

Abstract: A drilling tool (10) includes a pilot bit (14) and a plurality of mills (16) encircling the pilot bit. The pilot bit and the plurality of mills are each driven by a separate, hydraulically powered turbine or positive displacement motor. (20) The drilling tool does not include a transmission for transmitting power from the turbine or motor to any of the plurality of mills or the pilot bit.

Abstract: A superior ram-boring machine “mole”, employing compressed air to drive a reciprocating piston onto either forward or rearward anvils thereby imparting momentum. Wherein a control valve received into the rear of the piston interacts with ports therein determining its stroke characteristics. The end receiving impacts, and hence the direction of action are determined by accurately positioning the control valve forwardly or rearwards. Incorporating a robust, air-on, fail-safe “Rapid Reverse” mechanism, actuated by a small rotation of the air hose. Whereby guide means and an indexing collar incorporating or comprising encompassing spring or elastic means having inter-engaging features deforms by flexing and or compression to disengage and is biased to re-engage with corresponding features to position and lock the control valve into forward and reverse settings; thereby assisting easy switching, location and retention of operating positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hole in ground (10) includes a mounting plate (60) mounted to a loader (80). A probe (11) is coupled with the mounting plate (60). Two arms (32) extend radially outward from a vertical axis and from a periphery of the probe (11). The apparatus further includes two cylinders (40) each having an upper end (42) coupled to the mounting plate (60) and a lower end (44) coupled to one of the arms (32). The probe (11) is driven into the ground along the vertical axis by movement of the mounting plate (60) by the loader (80), and an upper portion of the probe (11) is simultaneously wobbled about two axes that are perpendicular to each other and to the vertical axis by moving at least one of the cylinders (40). The probe (11) is then moved out of the ground to leave a hole in the ground.

Abstract: A system and method of making up and breaking out a dual-member drill string. The system comprises a spindle, a spindle carriage and a drive frame. The drive frame provides thrust to the spindle, while the spindle carriage provides rotation. The spindle has an outer spindle and an inner spindle, and is adapted to connect to a pipe section having an outer pipe section and an inner pipe section. Inner joints are geometrically shaped, while outer joints are threaded. When making up dual, member drill string, the spindle is advanced, with the outer spindle rotating, and the inner spindle rotating in alternating directions, or “dithering.” A float sensor and a processor are used in tandem to cooperatively couple the inner spindle with the inner pipe sections and the outer spindle with the outer pipe sections.

Abstract: A percussion device (1) with a reciprocating percussion piston (3), includes a first chamber (5) that can be pressurized for forward driving of the percussion piston (3) and a second chamber (8) that can be periodically pressurized for back-driving of the percussion piston (3). The percussion device includes at least one driving piston (7) arranged for actuating the back-driving of the percussion piston (3) wherein a portion of said driving piston (7) is arranged to enter into the second chamber (8) for pressure actuating on a driving surface of the driving piston by pressure medium being present in this chamber in the direction of back-driving, wherein the driving piston (7) includes means for back-driving co-operation with the percussion piston (3), and wherein the driving piston (7) is free for axial movement with respect to the percussion piston (3), opposite the direction of back-driving. The invention also concerns a method and a rock drilling machine.

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: In various embodiments, a mining device can include a first housing portion and a second housing portion where relative movement between the first and second housing portions can extend and/or retract a cutting member with respect to the mining device. The mining device can further include a cable which can be mounted to the second housing portion where the cutting member is mounted to the cable and can be radially extended with respect to the first and second housing portions when the second housing portion is moved relative to the first housing portion along an axis. As the cutting member is extended, it can contact the sidewalls of a subterranean shaft to loosen material therefrom.

Abstract: A conductor casing device for establishing and lining a wellbore in unconsolidated sediments, the conductor casing being arranged to be driven into and to displace the unconsolidated sediments by axially directed impulses against an internal abutment in the lower portion of the conductor casing, where the conductor casing is telescopic. The invention also comprises a method of driving a telescopic conductor casing into unconsolidated sediments.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a hole in ground (10) includes a mounting plate (60) mounted to a loader (80). A probe (11) is coupled with the mounting plate (60). Two arms (32) extend radially outward from a vertical axis and from a periphery of the probe (11). The apparatus further includes two cylinders (40) each having an upper end (42) coupled to the mounting plate (60) and a lower end (44) coupled to one of the arms (32). The probe (11) is driven into the ground along the vertical axis by movement of the mounting plate (60) by the loader (80), and an upper portion of the probe (11) is simultaneously wobbled about two axes that are perpendicular to each other and to the vertical axis by moving at least one of the cylinders (40). The probe (11) is then moved out of the ground to leave a hole in the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of using lasers are provided for spalling and drilling holes into rocks. A rock removal process is provided that utilizes a combination of laser-induced thermal stress and laser induced superheated steam explosions just below the surface of the laser/rock interaction to spall the rock into small fragments that can then be easily removed by a purging flow. Single laser beams of given irradiance spall rock and create holes having diameter and depth approximately equal to the beam spot size. A group of the single laser beams are steered in a controllable manner by an electro-optic laser beam switch to locations on the surface of the rock, creating multiple overlapping spalled holes thereby removing a layer of rock of a desired diameter. Drilling of a deep hole is achieved by spalling consecutive layers with an intermittent feed motion of the laser head perpendicular to the rock surface.

Abstract: A tool for expanding a hole having a vertical axis in the earth has at least one set of two opposed compactor units constrained to separate and retract in a direction at a right angle to the axis of the hole, and a drive mechanism coupled to the set of compactor units providing force to separate the compactor units, urging the units against a wall or walls of the hole, compacting the earth and enlarging the hole.

Abstract: The invention represents a new design of a reversible penetrating machine (90) with a pneumatically controlled differential air distributing mechanism. This design eliminates the springs, the rear anvil assembly, and several other components found in the prior machine. The chisel and the tail of the machine are also redesigned to eliminate the need of a special attachment in case of retracting a failed machine. In addition, a simplified modification of the machine for special applications is disclosed in which the rear valve chest with associated parts is replaced by a single flange having appropriate air ducts. Finally, the new design of the chisel causes a reduction of the lateral friction between the body of the machine and soil. All this significantly increases the reliability and efficiency of the machine and results in decrease of the related manufacturing and operating cost.

Abstract: A coupling assembly to interconnect an inner member and an outer member of a dual member drill string in torque transmitting engagement is disclosed. The coupling assembly is adapted to transmit torque input from both members to a downhole tool. In one embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a connector sub that fixedly and non-fixedly couples both members. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a clutch mechanism to interconnect both members when the rotational speed of the outer member exceeds the rotational speed of the inner member. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a mechanism to couple both members by axial downhole movement of the inner member relative to the outer member. In another embodiment, the coupling assembly comprises a planetary gear system that interconnects both members to provide high torque to the downhole tool at relatively low output speed of the dual member drill string.

Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for horizontal ground-boring, in particular for rock-boring, by a rotating and hammering driven ground-boring device, whereby the device is alternately or simultaneously supplied with compressed air and drilling medium and the compressed air and drilling medium are supplied through a channel.

Abstract: A ground piecing tool includes a housing and an air distributing mechanism that reciprocates a striker to impact a chisel shaft in response to a supply of compressed fluid including a fluid inlet tube mounted in the bore of the striker having a radial port, a rear end of the inlet tube being in communication with the distributing mechanism, wherein the housing and chisel shaft cooperate to define a front chamber that decreases in volume as the chisel moves forward relative to the housing, and wherein the chisel shaft has a radial passage therein that conducts compressed fluid from the radial port of the inlet tube to the front chamber, which is configured to form an air spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a percussion drive of an earth drilling unit having a housing, a drilling tool, a pulling or thrusting drive, a percussion piston, a pressure chamber belonging to the percussion piston and a pressure medium feed, which can be connected and disconnected, for the operation of the percussion piston, wherein the connecting and disconnecting of the pressure medium feed occurs when the pulling or thrusting drive exceeds or falls below a specific pull or thrust.

Abstract: The invention provides a T-post hole-forming device, comprising (a) a shaft; (b) a head for receiving a driving force at the top of said shaft; (c) a flat plate affixed to one side of said shaft, the shaft terminating in a pointed end for piercing the ground. Also provided is a method for installing a T-post into the ground. The method involves (a) piercing the ground with the T-post hole-forming device to produce a hole; (b) removing the device from the ground, and (c) inserting a T-post into the hole, thereby installing the T-post into the ground.

Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.

Abstract: A pneumatic ground piercing tool includes a tail assembly including a tail nut and tail cap, the tail cap having a plurality of discharge ports for exhausting spent compressed air, the discharge ports opening into an annular space between a rearwardly opening recess of the tail cap and an air supply conduit such that the exhaust ports are shielded by a side wall of end cap from plugging when the ground piecing tool is operated in reverse mode.

Abstract: A combination for performing a variety of functions includes (a) apparatus for moving a projectile or other mass along an arcuate path and moving the path substantially radially along a local radius of curvature and (b) a tool, vehicle or other article for receiving such projectile and being moved thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of boring a hole using a boring system constituted by a simple auger and a dip tube slidably mounted in said auger, said dip tube being provided at its bottom end with a tool. The method comprises the following steps: causing said auger and said dip tube to descend and to rotate simultaneously, said tool on the dip tube being substantially level with the bottom end of the auger; interrupting the descent and rotation of said auger so that the auger constitutes anchor means for anchoring the boring system in the ground; and causing the dip tube to descend and rotate on its own, whereby the tool of the dip tube performs boring by displacing ground at the bottom end of the borehole, thereby compacting the ground.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for maneuvering through a medium such as soil are disclosed. One such apparatus has a generally longitudinal body that can impel itself through the medium. This apparatus also has at least two independently-controllable packers arranged radially on its body to compress and grip the medium in order to provide forward, backward, and directional impulsion.

Abstract: A pneumatic ground piercing tool includes a tail assembly including a tail nut and tail cap, the tail cap having a plurality of discharge ports for exhausting spent compressed air, the discharge ports opening into an annular space between a rearwardly opening recess of the tail cap and an air supply conduit such that the exhaust ports are shielded by a side wall of end cap from plugging when the ground piecing tool is operated in reverse mode.

Abstract: A hollow pole has an open top end and a pointed bottom end; the open top end supports an additional pole. A ring member is permanently mounted about a mid-section of the hollow pole. A hammer sleeve having a length less than that of the hollow pole inserts over the hollow pole and around the ring member. A pair of weights are mounted within opposed ends of the hammer sleeve and surrounds the ring member. The ring member provides an upper and lower limit to the hammer sleeve. With the pointed bottom end of the hollow pole positioned on the ground, the hammer sleeve is pulled upward and slammed downward driving the pole into the ground. To remove the pole, the procedure is reversed whereby the hammer sleeve is slammed upwards away from the ground. The additional pole can support a plurality of different items, such as, for example, a beach umbrella or an attachment to a volley ball net.

Abstract: A nutating single cone drill bit includes a bit shank defining a bit axis, a journal defining a rotation axis skewed from the bit axis, and a cutter elements mounted upon a cutter body wherein the tip of each cutter elements is forward a plane defined normal to the cutter axis at an intersection of the cutter axis with the bit axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bit striking apparatus in an excavator capable of efficiently striking the entire area of the hammer bit under uniform pressure without exerting excessive load to the excavator so that the hammer bit may be free from damage owing to local concentration of striking force of the piston.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an in situ borehole liner in which a laser beam from a laser energy assembly disposed within a transparent drill head enclosure of a drill head assembly is directed into a rock formation to be drilled and a portion of the rock formation is melted, forming molten rock. The drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming a borehole having a borehole wall. At least one air stream from the drill head assembly is directed into the molten rock forming the molten rock against the borehole wall after which the molten rock against the borehole wall is cooled, forming a borehole liner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for maneuvering through a medium such as soil are disclosed. One such apparatus has a generally longitudinal body that can impel itself through the medium. This apparatus also has at least two independently-controllable packers arranged radially on its body to compress and grip the medium in order to provide forward, backward, and directional impulsion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting and for coupling geophones relative to soil. A hammer device oriented to the vertical drives a head into the soil to generate a case opening. Vertical orientation of the case opening and depth automatically orients a geophone case to vertical and further controls the coupling of the geophone to the soil. Such combination facilitates orientation of the geophone to the selected compass heading and significantly reduces corrective data processing. Control over case opening placement in different soil conditions is automatically provided, and data regarding local position and orientation is recorded for future data processing. Operator errors are reduced and overall production efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: A stakedown assembly for a horizontal directional drill that multiplies the travel of a hydraulic cylinder so that the drive head travels twice the distance of the hydraulic cylinder travel. A gear pinion is pivotally attached to a top end of the hydraulic cylinder. A first gear rack is fixedly attached to a tower, and a second gear rack is fixedly attached to a drive head. The gear pinion floats between the two gear racks, thus, producing multiplication when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated. This allows the use of a shorter hydraulic cylinder and results in a smaller overall stakedown assembly height.

Abstract: Methods and materials for chemically enhanced drilling of oil/gas wells are disclosed. The use of drilling fluids containing chemicals that dissolve formation constituents results in the creation of boreholes. Fluids containing acids such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, or combinations thereof have been found to be especially useful in chemical drilling of formations containing basic minerals such as calcium carbonate. The use of acid has the further advantage of simultaneously stimulating the borehole.

Abstract: An earth boring apparatus at least partially locatable within a borehole. The apparatus includes a plurality of optical fibers, each of which has a proximal fiber light energy input end and a distal fiber light energy output end. At least one focal lens is disposed at the distal fiber light energy output end. The focal lens is made up of a plurality of focal elements, each of which corresponds to the distal fiber light energy output end of at least one optical fiber. The focal lens is arranged to receive light energy from the corresponding distal fiber light energy output end of the at least one optical fiber and focus it outwardly from the distal fiber light energy output end.

Abstract: An impactor for use with a directional boring machine having a drill string connectable to the impactor for pulling the impactor through an existing pipeline uses rotation of the drill string to drive an internal striker. The internal striker delivers impacts in the pulling direction to an impactor housing as the impactor housing tows a replacement pipe behind it. The impactor housing is free to move axially in response to impacts from the striker over a limited distance in the pulling direction independently of the replacement pipe and drill string.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for horizontal drilling with a percussion implement and a percussion head or percussion head element mounted in a movable manner relative to the percussion implement, the percussion impulse being transmitted in at least three steps.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling system having a drilling head (2, 2′) fixed to a drill string (3) which comprises an outer pipe (12, 12′) and a percussion string (13, 13′) inserted therein, wherein the percussion string (13, 13′) comprises a plurality of rods (14, 14′) which bear against each other with their end faces (19, 20; 19′, 20′). One object of the present invention is to provide a drilling system with an inner percussion string, which permits a greater variation in the drilling direction and which can be used as a directional drilling system. To attain that object the outer pipe (12) is adapted to be deformable along its longitudinal axis and the end faces (19, 20) which bear against each other of two rods (14) are so designed that they bear against each other substantially in surface contact upon inclined positioning of the axes of the two rods (14) relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides a backreaming tool for expanding a pilot bore produced by a drill string, comprising a pneumatic perCussion hammer (1) in combination with a drill string, the drill string being rotatable and reversible through the pilot bore to effect backreaming by the pneumatic perCussion hammer. The pneumatic percussion hammer is longitudinally adjustable relative to the drill string. The arrangement is such that the compressed air supply to the working cylinder of the hammer is cut off when the hammer is longitudinally close to the end of the drill string, then restored as the hammer becomes more distant from the drill string.

Abstract: Geological probing device comprising a hollow probing rod to be extended into the geological matter to be probed, and a measuring probe fitted to the probing rod, said measuring probe comprising sensors for obtaining information about the matter. The measuring probe further comprises a microwave transmitter, arranged to transmit microwaves carrying data from said sensors, said hollow probing rod being adapted to act as a waveguide, guiding the microwaves to an upper orifice of said hollow probing rod. Compared to previously known techniques, the device according to the invention offers a reliable transmission of data under normal working conditions, and without substantive modifications of the probing rod or other equipment.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for a subterranean boring machine includes a drive motor, primary and secondary drive wheels, a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket attached to the primary and secondary drive wheels, respectively, and a chain operatively extending between the drive sprocket and the idler sprocket. The drive mechanism is movably mounted on the sled of a subterranean boring machine that rolls along a track, the drive mechanism being biased against the track by a set of springs to cause the primary and secondary drive wheels to frictionally engage the track. The drive motor selectively and rotatably drives the primary drive wheel which, in turn, drives the secondary drive wheel. The drive mechanism translates the sled along the track under conditions when the sled is not driving a pipe into a subterranean location. The drive mechanism is configured to be largely self-contained to permit existing sleds to be retrofitted with the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A tool for boring has a first shaft for drivingly linking at a first end to a portable rotatable machine. At a second end, the tool has a fastener to which a modular auger section can be drivingly linked. A second shaft of the tool has an outer surface to which a radially inwardly extending edge of a helical flight is attached. A cylindrical collar is attached to a radially outwardly extending peripheral edge of the flight and is mounted radially outwardly of the second shaft. An insulator interposed between the shafts electrically insulates the shafts from each other. The shafts can be unlinked through a shear pin breaking in response to a predetermined amount of relative torque to the shafts.

Abstract: A combination for performing a variety of functions includes (a) apparatus for moving a projectile or other mass along an arcuate path and moving the path substantially radially along a local radius of curvature and (b) a tool, vehicle or other article for receiving such projectile and being moved thereby.

Abstract: A reversible impact-operated pneumatic boring tool for reversing the direction of operation of the tool is disclosed. The tool includes two fluid supply lines, a striker and a non-mechanically biased directional control sleeve. The primary fluid supply line provides pressurized fluid for striker reciprocation within the tool body to drive the tool through the soil. The secondary fluid supply line provides pressurized fluid to determine direction of operation of the tool. Pressurized fluid is supplied to a sealed chamber behind the directional control sleeve to drive the sleeve forward and operate the tool in a forward mode. The control sleeve is held forward solely by maintaining sufficient positive pressure of the fluid in the-sealed chamber. Whereas, the depressurization of the chamber solely, will cause the sleeve to be moved to a rearward position thereby causing the tool to operate in the reverse mode.

Abstract: There is provided a hammer assembly (10) comprising a hammer casing (11) having a bore (12) therethrough and a drive sub (13) and retainer (15) supporting a drill bit (14). A piston (16) has a hammer end (17) adapted to strike an anvil end (20) of the drill bit (14). A porting body (21) is located in the bore (12) by expandable mounting member (22) frictionally engaged with the bore (12) by a tapered portion of the porting body (21) being urged by a top sub (23) into a tapered bore in the mounting member (22). The porting body (21) supports a non-return valve (24) in a flushing fluid path communicating with the bit face. The mounting member (22) has a small annular flange (40) adapted to engage a shoulder (41) in the casing (11) and opposed axial slots (42) extending from port apertures (43) to the upper rim (44) of the mounting member (22). The porting body (21) comprises an annular manifold (45) for pressurized fluid supplied via top sub bore (46), non return valve chamber (47) and passages (50).

Abstract: An earth borer includes a thin-walled tubular shaft (4), a shank (2) provided at one end of the tubular shaft (4), and a drilling head (5) provided at another, opposite end of the tubular shaft, projecting radially beyond the tubular shaft (4), and having at least one cutter for breaking the bore core and (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) extending, at least partially, radially inward and at least one internal groove (7, 7a, 7b) associated with the at least one cutter, and a releasable tubular connection member (8) for drivingly connecting the shank (2) with tubular shaft (4) for joint rotation with each other.

Abstract: A tool for boring has a first shaft for drivingly linking at a first end to a portable rotatable machine. At a second end, the tool has a fastener to which a modular auger section can be drivingly linked. A second shaft of the tool has an outer surface to which a radially inwardly extending edge of a helical flight is attached. A cylindrical collar is attached to a radially outwardly extending peripheral edge of the flight and is mounted radially outwardly of the second shaft. An insulator interposed between the shafts electrically insulates the shafts from each other. The shafts can be unlinked through a shear pin breaking in response to a predetermined amount of relative torque to the shafts.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a platform for positioning at a drilling site) a mast pivotally mounted on the platform) a rod clamp on one end of the mast for clamping a drill rod) a drill head slidably mounted on the mast for driving the drill rod during a drilling operation, a main ram connected to said mast and said drill head for moving the drill head longitudinally of the mast) a casing clamp on the rod clamp for clamping the mast to a top end of a casing carrying the rod) whereby the mast is anchored to the ground during drilling) and a drill head slidable on the mast for driving the drill rod during drilling.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.

Abstract: A dual-member pipe joint having an outer member and an inner member which is disposed coaxially within the outer member. Both the outer member and the inner member have a pin end and a box end. The pin end of the outer member is threadable to the box end of another outer member. The pin end of the inner member is geometrically shaped. The box end of the inner member forms a recess which conforms to the geometric shape of the pin end of the inner member. The box end of the inner member nonthreadably receives the pin end of another inner member in “slip-fit” connection. “Slip-fit” means the pin end of the inner member slides into the box end of a like inner member and forms a connection that is capable of transmitting torque. The advantage of this dual-member pipe joint is that both the inner and outer members of a pipe joint may be connected to a drill string in a single action with just one connection.