Abstract: Systems and methods for installing pipe underground are disclosed. The system includes a pneumatic rammer configured to provide a percussive force to a section of pipe. The system also includes a main jacking frame coupled to the pneumatic rammer, the main jacking frame including a surface for contacting the section of pipe. The system also includes one or more hydraulic jacks coupled to the main jacking frame and configured to provide a hydraulic force to the section of pipe. The system also includes a set of tracks coupled to the main jacking frame, the set of tracks permitting the main jacking frame to slide in a longitudinal direction. An independently displaceable soil-clearing system can be included to clear dirt coming inside the pipe during the installation and add extra jacking force as needed.

Abstract: A method for producing a horizontally drilled bore hole in the ground includes the steps of producing a pit having a circular cross-section; lowering a horizontal drilling device into the pit, the horizontal drilling device having a circular cross-section in at least part of the section in which it is positioned once it is lowered into the pit; and producing a horizontally drilled bore hole using the horizontal drilling device.

Abstract: An ice auger has a rotatable rod adjacent and parallel to the central shaft supported at the bottom in a cylindrical receptacle. A vertical ice reaming blade is attached to the rod above the receptacle and a retaining loop affixed to the shaft and positioned above the blade prevents the rod from rising out of the receptacle. A right angled handle at the top of the rod extends outward above and in the same plane as the blade. A spring biased latch assembly disposed near the top of the shaft engages the handle with the blade in rest position. Releasing the latch frees the rod to rotate 180° and move the blade to use position extending outward beyond the standard auger members to ream the bottom of the ice hole. Vertical support posts stabilize the system and prevent wobble. One post functions as a stop and back support for the blade during use.

Abstract: A drill rig 10 has a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. The rotation head 14 is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. A drill rig traverse system 20 provides pull back and pull down force to the rotation head 14 enabling the rotation head 14 to traverse along drill tower 12 and controlling contact force between a drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. The system 20 is formed as a combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 providing both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 providing pull back only. Both hydraulic ram traverse system 22 and winch pull back system 24 can traverse the rotation head for the full length of the tower 12 when simultaneously applying pull back to the rotation head 14.

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

Abstract: An undercutting tool for producing transverse grooves in a drilled hole. An upper support and a lower support axially delimit a receiving region of a shank. At least two spreading elements are disposed in the receiving region between the spreading elements and the receiving region. The shank and the supports are disposed so the axial distance between the supports can be reduced by exerting an axial force. The spreading elements each have an oblique upper and lower end face, which each have such an outer geometric shape, extending in a direction not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are displaced in substantially opposite radial directions, and the axial force is in each case converted to a radial force in the radial directions.

Abstract: A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for horizontal directional drilling with a tool library. Various methods include storing a plurality of operational tool profiles in memory, the operational tool profiles of the plurality respectively associated with a plurality of boring tools attachable to a drill string for HHD and each of the operational tool profiles of the plurality including operating parameters for the boring tool of the plurality with which the operational profile is associated, and selectively displaying the operational tool profiles on a display screen based on user input.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations, especially in horizontal wells. The shape, frequency and duration of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths, through which flow may be parallel or sequential. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A drill rig 10 comprises a drill tower 12, rotation head 14 and drill table 16. Drill tower 12 is in the form of a rectangular box frame 18 and is of fixed length. Rotation head 14 provides torque to a drill string used for drilling a hole and is supported on and linearly traversable along drill tower 12. Drill rig traverse system 20 provides pull back and pull down force to the rotation head 14 enabling the rotation head 14 to traverse along drill tower 12 and controlling contact force between the drill bit and toe of a hole being drilled. Traverse system 20 comprises the combination of a hydraulic ram traverse system 22 which provides both pull back and pull down force; and a winch pull back system 24 which provides pull back only. A winch 60 of winch pull back system 24 is supported on the tower 12. Both hydraulic ram traverse system 22 and winch pull back system 24 can traverse the rotation head for the full length of the tower 12 when simultaneously applying pull back to the rotation head 14.

Abstract: Methods and systems for installing a drawworks on a drilling rig, the method, in certain aspects, including moving a drawworks on movement apparatus on the ground adjacent a drill floor of a rig, connecting the drawworks to the drill floor, moving the movement apparatus away from the rig, and raising the drill floor with the drawworks thereon using raising apparatus of a rig substructure supporting the drill floor. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A drive system (40) for a drilling has a housing (42) with an interior chamber (60), a stator (62) positioned within the interior chamber (60), a rotor (64) positioned in interior of the stator (62) and within in the interior chamber (60) of the housing (42), and a drive plate (66) affixed to the rotor (64). The rotor (64) has a plurality of permanent magnets in spaced relation around a periphery of the rotor. The stator (62) has a plurality of windings extending in spaced relation around an interior diameter of the stator so as to as be cooperative with the plurality of permanent magnets. The drive plate (66) has an interior passageway suitable for joining to a stem of the drill string.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (10?) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6?) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9?) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The drilling apparatus (10?) comprises at least one driving motor (5?), one power transmission (4?) powered by the at least one driving motor (5?), a drive shaft (70) driven from the power transmission (4?) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3?) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4?). The load transferring means is in the form of a load frame module (1?) that relieves the drive shaft (70) and the power transmission (4?) at the same time as the load frame module (1?) forms a central component module that the other main components of the well drilling apparatus are releasable connected to.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus for working the ground comprising a drill drive for driving a drill string in a rotating manner and a rotary feedthrough for passing a construction material from a construction material hose into the interior of the drill string, whereby the rotary feedthrough has a first line connection for the construction material hose and a second line connection, rotatable relative to the first line connection, for the drill string. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the rotary feedthrough to have a rotary device for actively rotating the second line connection relative to the first line connection. The invention also relates to a method for working the ground, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of a drilling apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: A well drilling apparatus (10) (top drive) designed to be suspended from a travelling block (6) in a drawworks and laterally supported by a dolly (9) running together with the well drilling apparatus along tracks or rails fixed to a derrick. The well drilling apparatus (10) comprises at least one driving motor (5), one power transmission (4) powered by the at least one driving motor (5), a drive shaft (7) driven from the power transmission (4) and designed to be connected to a drill string, load transferring means, and a torque arresting device (3) fixed to and depending from the power transmission (4). At least a number of the above referred components of the well drilling apparatus (10) are designed and arranged as component modules, which by means of quick releasable connecting means connect the individual components/modules together.

Abstract: An embodiment according to the disclosure is a drill bit that includes at least one blade profile having a side section and an adjustable pad on the side section that is configured to extend from the side section to cause the drill bit to alter a drilling direction when the drill bit is used to drill a wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction device comprising a carrier vehicle with an undercarriage, a mast element arranged at the front side of the carrier vehicle and a winch drum, which is supported in a rotatable manner on the carrier vehicle. In accordance with the invention provision is made for the winch drum to be adjustable between a first position, in which it is arranged on the upper side of the carrier vehicle, and a second position, in which it is arranged in a rear portion of the carrier vehicle.

Abstract: Mobile drilling rig 10 includes a carrier frame 14 and a mast 12 supported on the frame. A top drive 16 is supported on the mast when in an operative position, and a coil tubing injector 20 is supported on the mast when in an operative position. A first dolly assembly 22 and a second dolly assembly 60 are provided each for supporting a portion of the carrier frame, and include a first plurality of wheels on a first plurality of axles. Each dolly assembly is adaptive for selective attachment to and detachment from the carrier frame, so that the dolly assemblies may be changed out for compliance with regulations and road conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a moving a floor structure relative to a base structure is provided. The apparatus includes a base structure having an opening for a well head, a floor structure coupled to the base structure by a plurality of support members, and a drive mechanism disposed on the floor structure, the drive mechanism providing motive force to the support members for moving the floor structure relative to the base structure in a single first direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.

Abstract: A cutting auger has a main auger blade and a front subsidiary coaxial blade each having a drive core and a helical auger flight carried on the drive core for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the drive core with a cutting edge at an axial end face of the auger flight, such that when rotated the cutting edge cuts a hole equal in diameter to the helical flight and the helical flight carries the cut material away from the cutting edge. The second auger blade having a smaller diameter than the first, is shorter than the first and is arranged with the helical turns thereof in opposed angular direction. A planetary drive system is arranged to rotate the first and second cutting augers in opposed direction with the first driven at a slower angular velocity than the second so as to balance the torque.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: A post driving implement for use with a vehicle, such as a tractor or a skid loader, is disclosed. The post driving implement is comprised of a hammer, a hammer channel, and a hammer cylinder. The hammer travels longitudinally within the hammer channel and is lifted by the hammer cylinder mounted to a closed end of the hammer channel. The hammer cylinder and its associated plumbing is of sufficient size to function as a hydraulic reservoir for the post driving implement, thus eliminating the need for a third hydraulic line to the reservoir on the vehicle and to avoiding need for alteration of the vehicle's reservoir. The post driving implement of the present invention may also include a back plate for mounting the implement to a vehicle. Additionally, the post driving implement may include adjustment mechanisms to vary the positional and angular relationship between the vehicle and the implement.

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

Abstract: A 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: An articulating derrick having a back face, a pair of opposed sides with each side having at least one leg, and an open face. The back face of the derrick includes a plurality of pairs of back face cross supports. Each cross support has a first and a second opposed end. Each first end is pivotally attached to one of the legs. A bushing pivotally connects the second ends of each pair of cross supports in order to permit movement of the back face between a folded, storage position and an open position.

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

Abstract: A drilling tool, consisting of an hydraulic excavator 2 and a drilling unit 7, is used for producing geotechnical bore holes. The drilling unit 7 is connected to the boom 5 of the hydraulic excavator 2 by way of a tilt head 15 with three degrees of freedom or three axes of rotation 16, 17, 18, which allow for it to be easily moved into the most varied working positions, especially in such a way as to permit drilling action that is considerably above the standing surface of the hydraulic excavator 2.

Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated mathods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

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: Specific apparatus and associated methods are described for use in establishing the positions of locating field detectors and for path mapping within a region for the purpose of tracking and/or guiding the movement of an underground boring tool. In one aspect, an improvement is provided forming part of an arrangement for tracking the position and/or guiding the boring tool using an electromagnetic locating signal which is transmitted from the boring tool as the boring tool moves through the ground. At least two detectors are located at fixed positions within the region, each being operable in a transmit mode and in a receive mode such that each one of the detectors in the transmit mode is able to transmit a relative locating signal to the other detector for use in determining the relative position of one detector in relation to the other and such that both detectors receive the electromagnetic locating signal in the receive mode for use in determining the position of the boring tool within the region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a piston-cylinder arrangement (10,11) in a derrick (1) placed on a drill floor (2), which hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement (10,11) is adapted to raise and lower a yoke (8) which travels on guide rails (7) in the derrick (1) itself, where the cylinder (20) is firmly held by a mounting apparatus (31) in relation to the drill floor (2). For the changing of gaskets (27) on the piston (21) and the cylinder (20), the cylinder is arranged so as to be lowerable in relation to the mounting thereof. The mounting apparatus (31) is designed to be releasable and comprises a flange (32) permanently mounted on the cylinder (20), a fixing device (37) in fixed position in relation to drill floor (2), a dividable locking ring (34), and a locking device (32) and the fixing device (37) and being firmly held in engagement with the aid of the locking device (38). A method of changing gaskets on a piston and cylinder is also described.

Abstract: A wiper plug launching tool includes a body arranged to be lowered into a liner on a running string, the body having a tubular upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion, upper and lower wiper plugs loaded into the lower portion, each of the plugs having upwardly facing elastomer cups that are reduced in diameter during loading, a drive rod movably mounted in the upper portion of the body, a first piston or dart that is pumped down the running string and into engagement with the drive rod so that pressure applied to the first dart forces the rod downward to cause ejection of the lower wiper plug into the liner where cups of the plug expand to provide a moving seal at the lower end of a column of cement, and a second piston or dart that is pumped down into engagement with the first dart to force the rod further downward and cause ejection of the upper wiper plug into the liner where the cups of this plug expand to provide a moving seal at the upper end of the column of cement.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig having a drillhead assembly positioned onto a mast for vertical movement therewith. The drillhead assembly is hung by cables threaded from a hoist assembly positioned at the top end of the mast. One or more cable return assemblies are positioned at the bottom end of the mast. The cables are counter-wound on the hoist assembly such that the cables roll off of the hoist assembly in the direction towards the drillhead assembly at the same rate the cables are pulled onto the hoist assembly from the direction towards the cable return assemblies. The drillhead assembly has a drive motor assembly rotatably mounted within a frame. A break-out tool assembly is mounted at the lower end of the mast. The break-out tool assembly has means for grasping rotating a length of string so as to separate the lengths of string.

Abstract: An elevator mechanism for use on drilling rigs for hoisting and lowering different sizes and types of pipe. At least two elevator frame sections are interconnected in relative moveable relation for movement between an open position for receiving a section of pipe and a closed position clamping about the pipe. At least two pipe clamping inserts being received in interengaged relation by respective elevator frame sections in a manner resisting upward and downward movement relative to the frame sections. The pipe clamping inserts are mechanically interengaged with the elevator sections to prevent inadvertent disassembly downward and are releaseably locked to secure the inserts against rotation relative to the frame sections. For assembly and disassembly of the inserts relative to the frame sections, the inserts, when unlocked, are rotated for engagement or separation of the mechanically interengaged relation.

Abstract: Pneumatically actuated horizontal drilling apparatus includes a base frame with a plurality of horizontally extending drills adjustably secured thereto, and the base frame and the drills are pneumatically actuated on a selective basis. Horizontal movement of the apparatus is accomplished by a pneumatic motor, and movement of the drills, both outward from the apparatus for drilling, and inward from the work for retraction, as well as rotation of the drills themselves, is also accomplished pneumatically and selectively. The drill apparatus is maintained at a predetermined distance from the work while drilling operations are taking place and while horizontal movement of the apparatus is taking place by means of canted wheels rotating in the vertical plane and by horizontally rotating wheels disposed against the work to be drilled.

Abstract: Pneumatically actuated horizontal drilling apparatus includes a base frame with a plurality of horizontally extending drills adjustably secured thereto, and the base frame and the drills are pneumatically actuated on a selective basis. Horizontal movement of the apparatus is accomplished by a pneumatic motor, and movement of the drills, both outward from the apparatus for drilling, and inward from the work for retraction, as well as rotation of the drills themselves, is also accomplished pneumatically and selectively. The drill apparatus is maintained at a predetermined distance from the work while drilling operations are taking place and while horizontal movement of the apparatus is taking place by means of canted wheels rotating in the vertical plane and by horizontally rotating wheels disposed against the work to be drilled.

Abstract: A drill bit has an extendable and retractable undercut portion for the drilling of undercut holes, for example to accommodate anchor bolts in concrete.The device includes a drill bit (18) for drilling an initial hold (B) to a predetermined depth at which stage a flange (12) on a guide sleeve (10) contacts the surface (A) of the workpiece. Further downward movement of the drill bit which is securely attached to a lower shank (4) of a body (1), causes relative upward movement of the guide sleeve (10) around the body (1). This in turn causes drive balls (17) accommodated within the flared upper and (11) of sleeve (10) to move inwardly and force apart tapered surfaces (3) and (6) on the body (1) and a slide sleeve (5) disposed between the shank (4) and sleeve (10).

Abstract: A device for drilling an undercut (1b) in a borehole (1a) in a target material 1, includes an axially extending guide sleeve (13) containing an axially extending eccentric bore, an eccentric bushing (14) is supported rotatably in the guide sleeve and a drive shaft (15) is supported rotatably in the eccentric bushing. A housing (10, 12) laterally encloses the guide sleeve and bears against the surface of the target material. A blocking member (25) is positioned between the housing (10, 12) and the guide sleeve (13) for permitting rotation of the guide sleeve in only one rotational direction relative to the housing (10, 12). Due to the blocking member (25) entrainment of the guide sleeve (13) is prevented when the eccentric bushing is rotated in the direction opposite to the one rotational direction.

Abstract: A cantilevered drilling structure including a base unit having a side positionable generally adjacent a well head, and a drilling rig mast assembly positioned generally above and supported by the base unit. The base unit has a cantilever member extending out from its side, spaced from the ground, and having an outer portion spaced from the side. A telescoping leg extends down from the outer portion and is spaced from the side such that the side and the leg are positionable on opposite sides of a well head. The telescoping leg is movable between a lower support position and a higher raised position high enough to pass over flow lines when the drilling structure is moved along the well row. A skidding floor mechanism moves the drilling rig mast assembly along the base unit between a drilling position over the cantilever member when the telescoping leg has been extended and a moving position closer to the center of gravity of the base unit.

Abstract: An elevator bail with elongated slots, an elevator tilting assembly and indexing apparatus, and a top drive drilling unit in combination with such devices that are connected to the upper end of a drill string and movable upwardly and downwardly with the drill string along a guide apparatus and that can be provided with a pipe handling mechanism for lifting and positioning the drill string which can can be swung about a vertical axis to a more advantageous attitude for loading or unloading drill pipe. Movement about the vertical axis can be achieved through the use of an air or hydraulic cylinder. Fitted about the top drive central shaft can be a rotable air conducting sealing gland and about its perimeter an annular ring containing a target material that is sensitive to a proximity switching device. The annular ring is rotable through an infinite angular travel and is able to be secured against unwanted rotation.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for creating annular cavities in the bottom of drilled holes in any medium having a body, an axle within the body at one end and rotated by a conventional drill, a reamer secured to the axle at its other end, an inner part enveloping the axle and an outer part enveloping the inner part, both parts being eccentric and rotatable with respect to each other. Their respective eccentricities are such that when opposing each other in opposite directions, the axle is parallel to the outer part. Joint rotation of the parts causes the reamer to move in a planetary manner. The outer part may be held stationary or dragged along by the inner part for joint rotation. Channels are provided within the parts to the reamer to supply cooling water to the reamer and to remove waste material generated by the reamer.

Abstract: A lateral hole boring method whereby a lateral hole of a desired length is formed underground by repeatedly performing the following steps. A vertical hole is prepared, and a lateral hole boring apparatus equipped with a leading auger of a smaller length than the diameter of the vertical hole is lowered into the vertical hole to a predetermined position. The apparatus is manipulated from the ground level to advance and rotate the leading auger to bore a lateral hole. When the lateral hole has reached a predetermined length commensurate with the length of the leading auger, the advance movement of the leading auger is stopped, and the lateral hole boring apparatus is manipulated from the ground level to detach the leading auger therefrom, and is lifted above the vertical hole while leaving the leading auger in the lateral hole.