Abstract: A system for transferring at least one subterranean core sample under pressure can include a retrieval vessel that collects and houses the at least one subterranean core sample at a sampling pressure at which the at least one subterranean core is collected. The system can also include a linear actuator that couples to the retrieval vessel through a valve in the open position at a first time, where the linear actuator facilitates removal of at least one pressure barrier from the retrieval vessel through the valve at the first time while maintaining the sampling pressure of the at least one subterranean sample. The system can further include a testing vessel that couples to the linear actuator through the valve in the open position at a second time, and a hydraulic device that facilitates pressurizing the testing vessel to the sampling pressure at the second time.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for using data from a select set of wells to develop correlations between surface-measured properties, downhole coring parameters, and properties typically determined from subsurface measurements (e.g., from logging tool responses, core analysis, or other subsurface measurements). When new wells are drilled, the surface data acquired while drilling and coring parameters used downhole may be used as an input to these correlations in order to predict properties associated with subsurface measurements.

Abstract: A cutting section (11) which is connectable to a drill shaft section via a releasable connecting device. The cutting section includes a first open tubular element (14) which is in the form of a first hollow cylinder having a first waved, trapezoidal or zigzag-shaped cross-sectional area, a second closed tubular element (15) which is in the form of a second hollow cylinder having a circular ring-shaped cross-sectional area, and one or more drill segments (16) which are connected to the first open tubular element (14) and to the second closed tubular element (15).

Abstract: Improved drilling systems and methods may include piezoelectric actuator(s) in a drill string at one or more locations to minimize or eliminate stick-slip while drilling. For example, piezoelectric actuators may be incorporated into the rock bit or drill bit in the openings in the bit body for receiving the cutters. As another example, the piezoelectric actuators may be incorporated into an independent module that is place on or in the drill string. The independent module may be placed between the top drive and the drill bit or at the top of the drill string near a top drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for taking a sample of a filling, with which a hole in the ground is filled, having a container with at least one inlet opening for the inflow of the filling into a receiving space of the container. According to the invention provision is made in that a closing cap is placed onto the inlet opening and this is closed thereby. The container is provided with a compressed air line which leads into the receiving space, wherein on feeding compressed air into the receiving space the closing cap is released from the inlet opening and this is exposed for the inflow of the filling.

Abstract: A manipulator for providing drilling expendables to a drill head of an underground drill rig includes a gripper that is arranged to selectively grip and release the drilling expendables and to move the gripper between a first position facing a supply magazine and a second position facing the drill head. The manipulator is also arranged to automatically take and return expendables to and from the magazine and drill head. A supply device provides the expendables to a drill head of an underground drill rig having the supply magazine, and to an underground drill rig, as well as an underground mining vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for vertically introducing drainage ribbons into a subsoil, comprising an hollow mandrel and a drainage ribbon that is fed through the mandrel, wherein the mandrel comprises a permanent section with a first elongate mandrel profile and a mandrel drive, and a replacement section at the end of the mandrel, wherein the replacement section comprises a second elongate mandrel profile that is joint with the end of the first mandrel profile by means of a weld, a bottom face at the bottom end of the second mandrel profile, and a push bar and a spring that biases the push bar towards its extended position with respect to the bottom face, wherein the mandrel drive comprises a drive cable that extends through the hollow mandrel and that is at one end operatively connected with the push bar by means of a releasable coupling.

Abstract: A drilling type sidewall coring apparatus, comprising: a main body, a transmission device, a bit mounted on the transmission device, a rack accommodated in the main body, and a plurality of first hydraulic oil cylinders, the transmission device mounted on the rack in a rotatable manner, the first hydraulic oil cylinders mounted on the main body, pistons of the first hydraulic oil cylinders connected with the rack, the telescopic motion of the pistons of the first hydraulic oil cylinders driving the rack to perform radial motion in the main body so as to make the bit protrude or retract from the main body. The electric motor is mounted in the main body and connected with the right angel speed reducer by the soft shaft. The electric motor transmits power by the soft shaft and the right angle speed reducer to drive the bit to rotate, the transmission efficiency is higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to underwater drilling for procuring and analyzing ground samples of a bed of a body of water. An underwater drilling device placed onto a bed of the body of water. By a drill drive a drill rod composed of at least one tubular drill rod element is drilled into the bed of the body of water in a first drilling step, wherein a drill core is received in a receiving part in the tubular drill rod element. The receiving part with the drill core is deposited in a storage place of a storage area on the base frame. Subsequently, one further drilling step is carried out with a further drill rod element. By means of sensor means at least one physical and/or chemical property of the drill core is determined. data on the storage place of the drill core in the second storage area.

Abstract: Activation modules for selectively sealing entrances to inner barrels of coring tools may include an activator body sized and configured to obstruct the entrance to the inner barrel when the activation module is in a first state and to release the entrance to the inner barrel when the activation module is in a second state. A sealing element may be located at a periphery of the activator body, and may be configured to form a seal between at least a portion of an interior of the inner barrel and at least a portion of an exterior of the inner barrel when the activation module is in the first state and to disengage the seal when the activation module is in the second state.

Abstract: Offshore system for delivering geotechnical tools to seafloor is described.

Abstract: A sampling device for retrieving a sample having a frame, a scoop with an open end configured to retrieve a sample, an actuator in communication with the scoop, a base plate mounted below the frame, configured to support the sampling device on the material, and a spade at least as large as the opening, extending below the base plate, configured to extend into the material and configured to engage with the open end of the scoop once a sample has been retrieved, wherein the actuator is configured to move the scoop between an open and a closed position, and in the open position, there is a gap between the open end of the scoop and the spade for the entry of a sample, and in the closed position, the open end of the scoop sealingly engages with the spade to close the scoop and retain the retrieved sample.

Abstract: A horizontal drilling device according to the invention includes a linear drive, a rotary drive that can be displaced by means of the linear drive, a drill rod assembly and a rod assembly pipe receiver, the drill rod assembly being hollow and the rod assembly receiver being designed as a receiving mandrel, which allows the drill rod assembly to be placed on the receiving mandrel.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly (201) with an intake (213) has at least one pump (210) featuring at least one pump channel mounted in the monitoring assembly (201). A plurality of fluid lines are coupled to the at least one pump (210). At least one filter cartridge (315) is also mounted in the assembly. Each filter cartridge (315) is separately coupled by one of the plurality of fluid lines to one of the pump channels, where each filter cartridge (315) contains material for extracting an analyte, and where the at least one pump operates to separately push fluid through the at least one filter cartridge (315). The filter cartridge (315) operates to separate fluid into constituent parts.

Abstract: A method for determining allowable bearing pressures of a steel footing on variable subsurface materials whether native soils, rock, or manmade construction material is disclosed. The method continuously measures vertical displacement by an optical technique of a dismantable steel footing under the impact of a free falling steel drop weight. The load pulse of the drop weight is measured by means of a load cell.

Abstract: A downhole tool hydraulic retriever is provided that includes a stroking unit comprising a hydraulic cylinder, a piston body at least partially disposed within the hydraulic cylinder, and a piston rod extending from the piston body. The downhole tool hydraulic retriever also includes first and second packer cup assemblies configured to translate axially with respect to each other. In addition, the downhole tool hydraulic retriever includes a pressure intensification module comprising sequencing valves and hydraulic distribution lines configured to divert pressure to the first packer cup assembly when the piston body is at a beginning of a stroke within the hydraulic cylinder, and to divert pressure to the second packer cup assembly when the piston body is at an end of the stroke within the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A portable hard rock drill rig uses fluids for rotational power and compressed air to achieve a hammer affect. The drill rig is comprised of modular parts configured to allow one or two workers to move the rig over difficult terrain and to assemble the rig within a small area.

Abstract: A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus comprising a motorized vehicle may be used to remove soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates and extends downwardly into the soil to collect a sample. The probe assembly is raised to dump the sample into a collection assembly, which transfers the sample to a bagging assembly, where the sample may be bagged for later analysis.

Abstract: A coring tool having a coring mechanism for cutting cores from a borehole sidewall. The coring mechanism comprises a motor having a coring bit to cut 1.5 inch diameter, 2.5 inch long cores. Support plates fixed to the housing comprise guide slots having a longer leg and a shorter leg. Leading pins and follower pins extend from the motor into the guide slots. When the leading and follower pins are driven along the guide slots, the motor is rotated and then pushed into the formation. Drive plates positioned between the housing and the support plates comprise slots and pivot about a pin. The leading pins further extend into the drive plate slots. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the drive plates, pushing the pins along the guide slots to rotate the motor to a radial position and then urge the motor towards the formation.

Abstract: A method for operating a coring tool includes moving a handling piston of a coring tool from a first position to a second position with respect to the coring tool where the handling piston moving through a coring bit to the second position. The method also includes measuring the distance of the movement of the handling piston between the first position and the second position to determine a core length, comparing the measured distance with a predetermined threshold, and operating a coring bit of the coring tool to obtain a core sample in response to determining that the measured distance is less than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with soil and sediment samplers, including direct push technology, rotary and coring systems, is disclosed. The liner is pre-scored along its length by one or more score lines formed in the exterior surface or the interior surface of the liner. After removal from the sampler, the liner can easily be opened to expose the contained sample without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects, in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: A drilling bucket for drilling a bore hole in the ground including a hollow cylindrical body and at least one cutting tool arranged at a lower side of the hollow cylindrical body for cutting soil material. The hollow cylindrical body has a lower opening for receiving soil material cut by the at least one cutting tool. For guiding the hollow cylindrical body in the bore hole an upper guiding device is provided which is arranged above the hollow cylindrical body and fixed to the hollow cylindrical body. The upper guiding device is configured to abut on a side wall of the bore hole.

Abstract: This application is directed to a probe used for measuring groundwater characteristics such as temperature and conductivity, and for collecting a groundwater sample. The probe also has a shielding device that allows the probe to be driven into a hard underwater surface without damaging the probe. A deployment rig for accurately placing the probe into the underwater surface is also disclosed. The application is further directed to a method for placing a probe and measuring groundwater characteristics. An external screen membrane used with the probe allows accurate groundwater characteristic measurement by filtering particulate matter. The probe and external screen membrane allow for in situ measurement and monitoring.

Abstract: A vehicle carrying apparatus for generating soil samples. Means are mounted to the vehicle for collecting multiple soil probes. Means are provided for conveying soil probes from relative positions at which they are disposed to a distributor generally at the centerline of the vehicle. A circular array of receiving stations are provided for sequentially receiving the soil probes.

Abstract: A drill string assembly is required that has the capability of operating in well bores that range in hole size from seven to eight inches in diameter. The assembly is used to obtain a large core sample size that is equal to three and one-half inches in diameter and up to ninety feet in length in a single core run. This assembly will be operated with a drill string (i.e. drill pipe) that is capable of being used on standard drilling rigs, which may be used to handle API style drill pipe to conduct coring/drilling operations. The coring tool is comprised of an inner barrel for receiving the core sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a garden auger comprising a shank and an auger body. The auger body comprises a leading end and a trailing end including a space therebetween. The auger body is substantially radial including at least two legs connecting the trailing end and the leading end. The leading end has a cutter including a plurality of teeth forming a cutting diameter. The plurality of teeth each have a tip extending from the leading end, wherein the tips form a plane that is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the garden auger. The auger body is attached to the shank to prevent rotation therebetween. The shank comprises an attachment portion for attachment to a drill motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with direct push, rotary and coring soil samplers. The liner according to the invention is pre-scored by one or more score lines comprising an indentation of substantially uniform depth or a series of perforations into the outer wall of the liner in one or more locations. The liner of the invention can easily be opened using pliers to expose the sample within the liner without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects. The liner of the invention permits safe and easy opening in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: Device, method and system for substantially simultaneous injection of air or sealant into a borehole resulting from extraction of a sampling assembly from a formation. An auxiliary conduit is attached along a sampling tube. Fluids, including a slurry or compressed air, are injected into the borehole as the sampling assembly is extracted. Injection of compressed air reduces or removes the suction of the vacuum forming below the retracting assembly. Introduction of a bentonite slurry seals the borehole that is opening as the sampling assembly withdraws. Fluids containing disinfectants or nutrients may be injected into the borehole as the assembly withdraws. Fluid flow of the auxiliary conduit may be used to activate a cut and cap mechanism for containing the sampled core. The auxiliary conduit is formed not to interfere with the insertion of sampling tube into the formation and is outfitted with mechanisms that keep the conduit closed during descent.

Abstract: A core sampler that complies with European Standard BS EN ISO 22457-1 and takes Class 1 samples, while being able to withstand forces associated with sonic drilling. The core sampler includes a smaller diameter, thin-walled sampler shoe portion that transitions to a larger diameter, thick-walled tube at a specific distance along the longitudinal axis of the core sampler. The smaller diameter shoe portion allows for an undisturbed sample, while the larger diameter tube imparts sufficient strength to the core sampler such that the core sampler can handle forces associated with sonic drilling techniques. Optionally, the larger diameter tube can provide the thickness needed for a liner.

Abstract: A multi-purpose scoop consisting of a body attached to a handle. A neck may be positioned between the body and handle. On the handle is a vent which is covered to permit suction. Passing through the center of the handle and down into the body is a rod. At the bottom of the rod is a means of pushing out any substrate. At the top of the rod is a means to rotate the rod. Also positioned within the handle and body are means to center and stabilize the rod, but still allow the rod to move. A means for keeping the rod out of the way after use is provided. The rod has a locking means for maintaining the rod in the downward position. The body also has a plurality of teeth to assist in cutting. The teeth are positioned along an opening which provides the use of the tool as a scoop. The width, shape and spacing of the teeth provide additional usage for raking and weed pulling.

Abstract: A slide-type core retainer for a sample collector including a sampler tube driven into a sea floor. The slide-type core retainer includes a catcher holder detachably coupled to a tip end of the sampler tube; a catcher installed on an inner peripheral surface of a tip end of the catcher holder and configured to allow sediment introduction into the sampler tube and preventing sediment from being lost using resiliency. A control member slidably installed inside the catcher holder controls opening and closing of the catcher. The control member is coupled to the catcher before sample collection so that the catcher remains opened. The control member slides into an inner side of the catcher holder while being separated from the catcher by the resistance of the solid sediment such that the catcher is closed, when resistance is generated by solid sediment after the sampler tube is driven into the sediment.

Abstract: A system and method for an easy-to-open liner for use in connection with soil and sediment samplers, including direct push technology, rotary and coring systems, is disclosed. The liner is pre-scored along its length by one or more score lines formed in the exterior surface or the interior surface of the liner. After removal from the sampler, the liner can easily be opened to expose the contained sample without the need of cutting blades or other sharp objects, in accordance with health and safety requirements.

Abstract: Device, method and system for substantially simultaneous injection of air or sealant into a borehole resulting from extraction of a sampling assembly from a formation. An auxiliary conduit is attached along a sampling tube. Fluids, including a slurry or compressed air, are injected into the borehole as the sampling assembly is extracted. Injection of compressed air reduces or removes the suction of the vacuum forming below the retracting assembly. Introduction of a bentonite slurry seals the borehole that is opening as the sampling assembly withdraws. Fluids containing disinfectants or nutrients may be injected into the borehole as the assembly withdraws. Fluid flow of the auxiliary conduit may be used to activate a cut and cap mechanism for containing the sampled core. The auxiliary conduit is formed not to interfere with the insertion of sampling tube into the formation and is outfitted with mechanisms that keep the conduit closed during descent.

Abstract: A rock core removal method and apparatus allows efficient, safe, and reliable removal of a rock core sample. An inner collet tube and an outer ground tube, within a drill tube, protect the core sample during drilling. At depth, the collet tube is raised with respect to the ground tube so that the conical wall of the ground tube pushes constricting fingers on the collet tube inward, gripping the core sample within. The collet tube and ground tube are then raised, rotated, or raised and rotated, applying the necessary force to break the core sample off of the substrate. After retracting the tubes, the collet tube is lowered with respect to the ground tube to release the core sample. An ejection rod then pushes the core sample out of the collet tube. The ground tube may also act as the actuating means for a quick-change drill-bit release feature.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining cores from a sea bed. A corer device includes one or more core barrels for retaining a cores and one or more pressure barrels. Fluid pressure within the pressure barrels is selectively varied to cause the corer device to be drawn into and released from the sea bed. The core barrels are provided with core catchers for retaining a core within.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples. An auger flute cleaning apparatus is mounted on the device to remove soil from the flutes of the auger as the auger is raised from a soil penetration position.

Abstract: An apparatus automatically removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates on a track. The probe of the sampler assembly is extended through the track and into the ground, then retracted on each revolution of the track. The sampler assembly is hinged and guided along a track in order to minimize soil compaction as the probe rotates around the rear wheel of the apparatus. Soil is ejected by means of a “rumble path” along the top of the track. The soil samples are pneumatically transferred to a bagging assembly located in the tractor pulling the apparatus.

Abstract: Slough removal assemblies and methods for removing slough from boreholes are described. A slough removal assembly containing a slough barrel is lowered into a borehole having excess slough, driven into the slough to cause the slough to enter the slough barrel, and the slough removal assembly is then removed along with the excess slough. The slough removal assembly may contain a shoe coupled to the slough barrel and configured to be driven into the slough, a retainer positioned between the shoe and the slough barrel to retain slough inside of the slough barrel, and a driving mechanism (such as a drop hammer) to drive the slough assembly into the slough. The slough removal assembly may be coupled either to a wireline system or to a drill string for insertion into and removal from the borehole.

Abstract: A water percolating earthen vase with smooth, compacted walls is formed in the earth. Water is applied and stems of cut flowers inserted for flower display. Water percolates from the vase, eliminating undesirable standing and stagnant water. Methods and forming tool are disclosed.

Abstract: A sidewall coring tool includes a tool housing, a coring assembly coupled and a marking device. The defines a longitudinal axis and is adapted for suspension within the borehole at a selected depth. The coring assembly is coupled to the tool housing and includes a bit housing and a coring bit coupled to the bit housing. The coring bit is supported for movement between a transport position and a coring position. The marking device is located at a known position with respect to the coring bit and is adapted to form an orientation mark in the formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to perform operations in a wellbore using downhole tools having movable sections are described. In one described example, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore includes a first extendable anchor to contact a wall of the wellbore to fix the tool at a location in the wellbore. The downhole tool also includes a first tool of the downhole tool to perform a first operation at the location in the wellbore, and a second tool of the downhole tool spaced from the first tool and to perform a second operation. Additionally, the downhole tool includes an extendable member to move the second tool to the location while the anchor is in contact with the wall of the wellbore to perform the second operation after the first operation.

Abstract: A water bottom ore sampler includes a submersible housing for positioning on or near a water bottom, a riser duct mounted within the submersible housing and movable vertically relative to the submersible housing, a drilling assembly disposed within the riser duct for excavating the water bottom, a passage defined within the riser duct through which a particulate fluid mixture produced by the excavation can flow up the riser duct and into an interior of the submersible housing, and a sample container disposed within the submersible housing for collecting ore from the particulate fluid mixture received in the submersible housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ testing of a soil sample includes an elongate body having a hollow core and an open end, an upper barrier or means for forming an upper barrier within soil across the hollow core, and means for forming a lower barrier within soil across the hollow core such that a sample zone is defined with the hollow core between the upper and lower barriers. A fluid supply means delivers a fluid to the sample zone; and a fluid exit means removes the fluid from the sample zone.

Abstract: A coring device includes a primary and a secondary bit that drill a first and second depth into a formation, respectively. The first and second bits are positioned on telescopically arranged mandrels that are rotated by a suitable rotary drive. The coring tool also includes a drive device that extends the first bit and the second bit a first depth into the formation and extends only the second bit a second depth into the formation. In arrangements, the actuating device can include a first hydraulic actuator applying pressure to extend the second bit into the formation and a second hydraulic actuator applying pressure to retract the second bit from the formation. The advancement and retraction of the first and second bits can be controlled by a control unit that uses sensor signals, timers, preprogrammed instruction and any other suitable arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling rig and a drilling method, in which the drilling element is caused to rotate and is displaced along a mast by means of a drilling drive, which drilling element has a continuous screw auger disposed below the drilling drive, and an extension, which is connected to the continuous screw auger and extends upwardly through the drilling drive. According to the present invention, a displacement head is disposed between the continuous screw auger and the extension and is adapted to force earth material into the wall of a bore hole.

Abstract: A removable plug and collar for a hollow stem screened auger and a method of collecting water samples using the plug and collar. The plug has an outer threaded surface that is threaded in a first direction. The top of the plug has an internal threaded cavity that is threaded in a second direction opposite that of the first direction. The collar is pressure fit within the top of the screened auger, held in place with an auger bolt, and has an internal threaded surface to receive the plug. The plug has multiple ports to receive air and sample tubes, enabling samples to be collected without removing the plug from the screened auger. To set a well after sampling, the plug is removed from the collar down hole as a drill rod is threaded into the plug's internal threaded cavity in a direction the same as the second direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for recovering a sample from a subterranean formation. The apparatus comprises a receptacle for receiving a sample and at least two seal assemblies disposed on an inner surface of the receptacle. The seal assemblies can be arranged to allow a portion of the sample therethrough during the sampling process and to retain fluids within the receptacle during recovery of the sample. The seal assemblies can comprise at least one seal. The at least one seal can be provided with at least one fluid pocket configured to change shape as the volume of fluid therein alters in response to a pressure differential. A plurality of pairs of seal assemblies can be spaced along the length of the inner surface of the receptacle.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples.

Abstract: An apparatus removes soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly (60) that rotates on a track (32) riding on a plurality of idler wheels (29, 31). A probe (66) extends and retracts under the action of a scissored frame assembly (70), mechanically manipulated by passage of the scissored frame assembly (70) along a guide assembly (108). The probe (66) is extended into the ground and retracted on each revolution. An ejector (68) pushes soil from the probe (66) as it passes over a hopper (88) to retain the cores. The cores are pneumatically transferred from the hopper (88) to a plurality of sample collection containers (126). An electronic control system uses GPS location information to deposit collected cores in the appropriate container (126) based upon the current location of the apparatus in the field of interest.