Abstract: A safety stabilizer for an auger having a screw, and an engine, and handles, and having two stabilizer legs, swingable upper joints on each leg, and anchors on the lower end of each leg.

Abstract: For making drill holes, in particular under cramped conditions, an apparatus is used which comprises a drill rod consisting of individual segments and guided in the cradle or slide. The individual segments comprise end pieces which are constructed as centering bushes and guide bushes and are to be pushed into each other in such a manner that the necessary torques and pressure forces can be effectively transmitted from the drilling motor. The drilling motor itself is displaceable between two clamping tongs which fix the drill rod or the individual segments and ensure that the latter form in each case a rigid unit to which the pressure and rotary forces can thus be effectively transmitted. The flushing hose extending in the individual segments is connected via a rotary duct to the guide segment of the drill rod so that said hose itself does not participate in the rotation and can therefore be led with the loosely engaging segments round a curve.

Abstract: A vibratory core drill apparatus for the recovery of soil or sediment core samples. The samples are collected within a rapidly vibrating sample tube which is driven into the ground by the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the sample tubes, coupling for coupling the sample tubes to the vibratory drive, support for supporting and restraining the coupling and vibratory drive, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention permits the rapid recovery of representative soil or sediment samples at depths of up to 20 meters without the periodic disassembly of the invention during the drilling operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is mountable upon preferably a skidsteer tractor, through a forklift truck or similar wheeled vehicle could be employed. The apparatus can be lowered into a trench on one side of a street or sidewalk and used to bore axially beneath the street or sidewalk to a trench on the other side of the street or sidewalk. Operation of the apparatus, which uses conventional commercial augers is controlled from the hydraulic couplings situated in the skidsteer tractor.The apparatus includes a main housing which includes a means for receiving the accessory shoe of a prime mover for physical attachment thereto; and a motor housing with a motor, hydraulic coupler and bearing disposed therein, which motor housing is pivotally mounted to the main body.

Abstract: Apparatus for digging post holes with motorized power. The earth drill comprises a rigid lever pivotally mounted on an axle supported by a pair of wheels. Motorized digging means are pivotally connected to one end of the lever. The other end of the lever is adapted for exertion of upward and downward forces thereupon. The distance from the point of support of the lever by the axle to the first end of the lever defines a first lever arm. The distance from the point of support to the other end of the lever defines a second lever arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a travelling centralizer arrangement in a rock drill (2), comprising a travelling centralizer (5) movable along the feeding beam (1) during the drilling. The travelling centralizer (5) of the arrangement comprises two jaw halves (12a, 12b) mounted in a carriage (8) provided for the travelling centralizer so as to be pivoted about journals (13a, 13b) parallel to the feeding beam (1). Each jaw half (12a, 12b) comprises a wheel (9a, 9b) moving along the guideways (10) of the feeding beam (1) and keeping the jaw halves (12, 12b) pressed against each other during normal drilling so that jaws (14a, 14b) form a drill rod centralizer concentric with the drill rod (4). The guideways (10) comprises at the forward end of the feeding beam (1) a portion (L) which extends downward from the straight guideway portion.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rotary drilling cutter and a spoil removal conduit for the digging of a deep trench, characterized in that the spoil removal conduit is gradually adjustable in length during excavation and comprises: (a) a first conduit section, arranged proximate to said rotary cutter, and comprised of associated slidingly adjustable rigid male and female telescopic tube elements; (b) a second conduit section comprising a flexible tube having two ends, said flexible tube being connected to said first conduit section by one of its ends, its other end being disposed in the vicinity of the ground at a predetermined spoil discharge point, (c) a pulley supporting said flexible tube between said two ends; (d) lifting gear for suspending said pulley; and (e) a first cable associated with said lifting gear for supporting said pulley at selected adjustable heights.

Abstract: In a rotary drilling apparatus, a rotary head is advanced against an object to be drilled and a neck element included in the rotary head and connected with drilling member is rotated around its longitudinal axis relative to a rotary head body. The neck element is subjected, in a normal drilling situation to the action of two oppositely-directed forces produced by means of a pressure medium, the first force acting in the drilling direction and the second force acting in the direction opposite to the drilling direction, the first force being greater and the difference between the forces producing a feeding force. The neck element is movable in the direction of the feeding force. In a drilling situation, when the force acting in the direction opposite to the feeding force is greater than the feeding force, the neck element moves in the direction opposite to the drilling direction relative to the rotary head body.

Abstract: A closed loop hydraulic system for use in a rotary drilling apparatus includes an extendible-retractable feed cylinder and a valve for biasing the feed cylinder. A variable, reversible displacement pump is provided for pumping fluid from either of the first and second pump ports, including pumping fluid to the feed cylinder. A reservoir retains a supply of fluid for the system. A check valve is provided for supplying additional fluid to the pump in response to the feed cylinder being extended. An overcenter valve is connected to each of the first and second ports for controlling flow from the system in response to pressures received from the first and second ports when the feed cylinder is extended and retracted.

Abstract: The head is carried by two flexible continuous drill pipes which surround each other and which are flexible enought to be uncoiled from a reel but which are still rigid enough almost not to get twisted in the ground on themselves or relative to each other during the operation of the head. The head is directed in the ground by means of fluid wich is pumped through one of the pipes and wherewith the head is repelled relative to the wall of the already formed portion of the hole. One of the pipes connects to one or more directable spray nozzles on the front end of the head, the other one connects to one or more sidewise-issueing openings wherein preferably a directable spray nozzle is mounted.

Abstract: A guard assembly for encasing drive rods during below ground horizontal drilling is illustrated as including a tube positionable by an adjustable tube guide, which remains stationary during drilling, an expandable tube having a smaller diameter for telescoping into the larger tube, means attaching the smaller tube to the rotary drill power source for substantial encasement of the drive rod during drilling.

Abstract: A rock drilling appartatus wherein the rock drill is a cluster of independent rock drills arranged in a circular pattern about a central axis for rotation. The cluster drill is drawn into a hole to be drilled by a drill string in a previously drilled smaller diameter hole. The drill string provides pressure fluid to operate the cluster drill and rotation as well as the tractive force to draw the cluster drill into the hole to form a large diameter straight drilled hole. Pressure fluid and rock cuttings exit the larger diameter hole and discharge of rock particles is further aided by use of a trailing auger rotated by the cluster drill. A particular application of this device is in the production of horizontal bored holes of moderate diameter under, for example, roadways, foundations, and the like. The drill string acting as a centering device produces a straight hole in difficult rock formations.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for providing an underground tunnel utilizing a steerable pneumatically powered, elongated percussive downhole hammer having a forwardmost cutting bit which is asymmetrically configured with respect to the elongation axis of the hammer. This hammer is steered through the ground, that is, made to move along a straight path or a particular curved path, by controlling the way in which it is pneumatically powered and/or the way in which it is urged forward and/or the way in which its cutting bit is rotated.

Abstract: The head is carried by two flexible continuous drill pipes which surround each other and which are flexible enough to be uncoiled from a reel but which are still rigid enough almost not to get twisted in the ground on themselves or relative to each other during the operation of the head. The head is directed in the ground by means of fluid which is pumped through one of the pipes and wherewith the head is repelled relative to the wall of the already formed portion of the hole. One of the pipes connects to one or more directable spray nozzles on the front end of the head, the other one connects to one or more sidewise-issueing openings wherein preferably a directable spray nozzle is mounted.

Abstract: A drill rod apparatus for quick rotary deep drilling has its drill pipes connected by flexible joints so that the rotation of a nut relative to a housing of each joint permits separation of the pipe ends connected thereby and the arrays of interengageable claws. The housing is connected to one of the pipes by a ball and socket joint so that with such separation, while a seal is maintained between the interiors of the two pipes, one pipe can be angularly offset from the other by substantially as much as 30.degree..

Abstract: A putting cup hole digging machine is disclosed which comprises a main frame which has a fore and aft extent; a first mounting means for securing the main frame on a vehicle to permit the main frame to be vertically raised and lowered relative to the vehicle; and a first raise-lower means secured to the main frame for raising and lowering it relative to the vehicle. The machine also includes a subframe secured on the main frame by a second mounting means permitting pivotal movement of the subframe about a second horizontal axis and fore and aft movement of the subframe relative to the main frame; a cutter for cutting the cylindrical turf plug which is mounted on the subframe; and a third mounting means for securing the cutter on the subframe for vertical movement to raised and lowered positions relative to the subframe and for rotary movement relative to the subframe about a third axis. A second raise and lower means is provided to move the cutter between its raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A mechanical concrete drill system is provided which is capable of drilling holes in concrete curbs, walls, and the like, while being permanently mounted to a truck. A hydraulic lift system contained in the truck moves the drill system vertically, so that the drill can be operated in various vertical positions. The drill system is conveniently stored in the truck for movement to other drill sites.

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: Pipe-driving apparatus used to create a pipe line of small diameter uses a pressing station in an access trench to drive in pipe sections one by one. A boring head and conveyor worm operates at the front of the pipe line in a working pipe section on which a cutting shoe is swivably mounted. The worm is a spiral flight on a drive shaft which runs within an open fronted container on which a drive unit for the boring head and the worm is mounted. Hydraulic bracing units mounted to the container can be swung out and engaged with stops in the working pipe section to brace the container during the filling operation. Projections on the container engage with the shoe and the bracing units can be used to steer the shoe. When the container is filled the bracing units re stowed and the container is withdrawn back down the pipe line to the access trench for discharging the material.

Abstract: A mobile machine for making holes in putting greens including a frame connected to a vehicle such as a mower, a cutter assembly mounted on a carriage slidably mounted on the frame for moving the cutter assembly in a vertical plane relative to the ground. The cutter assembly is freely pivoted to the carriage about orthogonal axes and a releasable lock mechanism is provided to hold the cutter assembly in a vertical orientation. A motor is mounted on the carriage for rotating the cutter, and the cutter assembly is detachably connected to the motor drive shaft so that the plug cut from the hole can be manually ejected into a previously formed hole where the cup has been removed. A depth gauge is provided between the frame and carriage indicating the depth of the cutter in the ground, and the carriage, lock mechanism and motor are hydraulically driven through a hydraulic circuit connected to the mower.

Abstract: A mobile automatic augering device, capable of augering a hole, entrapping a volume of earth removed from the hole to create a work space above the hole, and then backfilling the hole with the removed earth is disclosed. The present invention is characterized by an augering canister which contains a reversably rotatable auger within it. In operation, the canister is lowered to the earth. An auger is then rotated and lowered through an open, lower end into the earth. Once the auger has been lowered to a predetermined depth, the rotation is stopped, and the auger is raised back up into the canister, thereby entrapping the augered earth in the canister. The canister is raised a predetermined distance so that a work space, between the bottom of the canister and the surface of the earth is formed. After a set time period, the auger is rotated within its canister in an opposite direction, thereby dumping the entrapped earth into the hole to backfill the hole.

Abstract: A rotary drilling apparatus is disclosed, in which the pipe string is both lifted and lowered, as well as rotated, by an opposed pair of endless chains, eliminating the need for a high drilling tower structure. An advantageous form of gripping mechanism, attached to the chain links, enables the pipe string to be gripped with extremely heavy force, with the gripping means automatically confirming to pipe diameters of a variety of sizes and also conforming to the pipe coupling elements, as well as to the pipe areas inbetween, so that manipulation of the pipe string can be continuous. The gripping assembly includes a plurality of articulated gripping elements supported at each end by pivoted support arms. This assembly is urged against the pipe string by high pressure, hydraulic pistons.

Abstract: Equipment for drilling a row of equidistant holes comprises a carriage attached to a tractor and two earth augers rotated about their axes by the tractor power-take-off through transmission means. The augers are fastened in opposite alignment to a horizontal axle which is mounted in bearings on the carriage and is rotated by one of the road wheels through a chain drive causing the two augers to rotate about the axle in a plane parallel to the direction of travel. The rotating augers enter the soil alternately and drill equidistant holes during progress of the tractor and the carriage.

Abstract: A tool for maintaining ice baskets associated with a nuclear reactor system. The frame of the tool includes a platform which is disposed on a lattice support structure surrounding a selected and isolated basket. The tool includes an electric drill mounted for vertical reciprocation, in parallel axial relationship with the ice basket, and plural, selectively connectable auger shaft sections having a continuous helical fin thereabout which are connected in succession between the drill and a rotary drill bit, for drilling a hole of the required length, down through the ice within the ice basket. The drill then is maintained at an upper, vertically fixed position and a funnel positioned about the auger; ice chips or flakes are fed into the funnel while the drill is driven in reverse rotation, the auger conveying the ice to the bottom of the ice basket for filling lowermost voids and for filling successively higher voids as the auger is withdrawn.

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.

Abstract: An earth auger is provided which can be compacted, lightened and adjusted with respect to feed speed according to geology. The earth auger has a screw having a spiral blade provided with notches arranged axially linearly. A first rotary member and a second rotary member arranged coaxially in a case for the screw and surrounding partially the screw are disposed rotatably about the axis. The first rotary member has a key engaging the notches of the screw, and the second rotary member has a thread groove meshing with the blade of the screw. The first and the second rotary members are rotated respectively in any one of forward and backward directions through a drive mechanism. The screw is rotated by at least one of rotational operations of the first and the second rotary members to advance or retreat relative to the case for excavating.

Abstract: A soil sampler to be mounted on a vehicle such as a pick-up truck, has a frame for mounting on the vehicle and a vertical hydraulic cylinder connected at its upper end to the frame. A sample taking probe is connected to the rod of the cylinder which drives the probe vertically into the earth. A sample collecting receptacle is mounted on the frame for downward guiding movement with the probe to a position close to the earth. As the probe is retracted, the sample in the probe is extracted through an open side of the probe into the lowered receptacle. The receptacle is lifted during final retraction of the probe so that both the probe and receptacle are spaced sufficiently above the ground to move the vehicle to another sample taking location.

Abstract: An auger (16) and a pump unit (18) are mounted on opposite sides of a tower (42). Each is moved up and down the tower by a separate chain and sprocket drive (134, 146, 158, and 136, 148, 160). The assembly (16, 18, 42) is laterally shiftable in position, so that the auger (16) can be used to drill a hole in an ice formation (14). Then, the auger (16) can be withdrawn from the hole (372), and the assembly (16, 18, 42) can be shifted sideways, and then the pump (18) can be lowered into the hole (372). The pump (18) is a helical screw pump (176, 184) combined with a vortex pump (338, 202). A helical screw pump element (184) lifts water up into the vortex pump housing essentially directly to the vortex pump impeller (338). Such impeller (338) discharges the water laterally outwardly through a nozzle (202).

Abstract: A drilling machine comprises a rotary motor mounted to an assemblage of rigid bar linkages. Means are provided for moving the linkages relative to each other. The linkages are connected together in a configuration which ensures that as the linkages move relative to each other the rotary motor moves along a vertical line. Preferably the machine will be mounted on a suitable vehicle. The invention extends to a method of drilling.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus for oil drilling operations, which is designed so as to handle simply without errors the pipes used for oil drilling operations, and which is provided with a pipe transfer unit for transferring a pipe mechanically between a pipe storage space and the oil well center, a pipe lift unit capable of lowering a pipe, which has been carried to the oil well center by the pipe transfer unit, thereinto and withdrawing a pipe from the oil well center, and a pipe transfer unit for transferring a pipe, which has been withdrawn from the oil well center by the pipe lift unit, to a pipe rack unit automatically so as to store the pipe therein.

Abstract: For drilling holes in remote locations there is provided drilling apparatus consisting of hand-transportable modules which include a base assembly (12), a derrick (13) removably mounted on the base assembly and including an elongated tubular member (51) and a carriage (52) moved along the tubular member by a block and tackle (81), and a hydraulic cylinder (97). The carriage has a detachable support portion (55) that supports a drill assembly (14) on one side of the derrick for drilling and an anchor assembly (15) on the other side of the derrick for anchoring the base assembly to the earth's surface. A hydrostatic drive system (17) selectively actuates the carriage, drill and anchor.

Abstract: Difficulties are encountered in mining in making shot-firing boreholes from a narrow cross-heading into the lateral walls at right angles to the length of the cross-heading. The invention provides for this purpose a drilling unit with a flexible drilling shaft (5) formed by a steel spiral, which is brought up in the direction (7) of the cross-heading and is deviated within the unit substantially at right angles into the direction (10) of the borehole. The deviating station (3) provided for this purpose comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a turntable (11) fitted with pairs of rollers (12), which absorbs the substantial feed forces and reduces the wear on the flexible drilling shaft (5). The circulation fluid necessary for the drilling is conveyed through a pressure hose extending within the flexible shaft (5), which is connected pressure-tightly to the ends of the flexible shaft by means of special screw fittings.

Abstract: A readily portable seabed penetration system for conducting cone penetrometer tests or the like from a support disposed above the water over the portion of the seabed to be penetrated. The system includes a casing string connected at its upper end to the support and at its lower end to a suction anchor. A string of push rods encased within the casing string is provided at its lower end with a penetrometer cone. With the suction anchor evacuated, the lower end of the casing is securely anchored to the seabed. Upward tension is then applied to the casing while downward force is applied to the rod string to drive the penetrometer cone into the seabed. The rod string is supported against buckling by the tensioned casing string.

Abstract: A drill box support mechanism for a mining bolter machine is driven by a hydraulic motor and drives a drill steel through a drill chuck. The drill box is supported on a support plate by a spring washer that extends over a central lip at the bottom of the drill box. A rod descends downwardly from the drill box offset from the center of rotation and engages a hole in the support plate.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a heat exchange system in the earth. A curve hole is formed in the earth having a substantially constant radius of curvature and is cased to form a cased flowpath therethrough. The apparatus used for forming the hole is comprised of a trailer having a frame on which a plurality of drill pipe supports are pivotably mounted. A curved drill pipe is supported by said supports and is connected at one end to a pressurized drilling fluid source. The pipe is fed into the earth and the fluid exiting from the leading end cuts a hole in advance of the pipe. When the pipe has been fed completely through the earth and the leading end breaks the surface, the fluid is stopped and a casing is connected through an adaptor to the leading end of the pipe. The pipe is then withdrawn through the hole to draw the casing through the hole. The annulus between the casing and the hole is filled with a particulate heat conductive material as the pipe is withdrawn.

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

Abstract: A device for performing soil inspection by means of a tube to be driven into the soil, comprising driving means which grip around the tube substantially coaxially said driving means comprising either a cylinder with a hollow piston rod or pairs of opposed driving wheels. Auxiliary means are provided for facilitating soil inspection operations with such a device, such as an improved pressing and pulling head, and means for signal transfer from a measuring cone towards measuring instruments at the soil surface.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a light weight underground pipe or cable installing device adapted for use in a narrow and deep operating trench. More particularly this underground pipe installing device employs a pair of laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the operating trench where the earth is more solid to securely clamp the device in the operating trench to enable it to withstand the forces exerted as the actuating rod is forced through the earth from the so-called operating trench to the target trench.To accommodate the laterally movable gates positioned adjacent the bottom of the narrow pipe installing device, a pair of top operated double-acting rod clamping jaws, operated by a hydraulic cylinder positioned above the actuating rod are employed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and/or working in a drainhole wellbore which extends laterally from a primary wellbore which utilizes flexible hose which can be deployed into the primary wellbore and recovered from the primary wellbore in a coiled fashion, and uses apparatus for coiling, deploying and recovering the flexible hose which includes a rotatable drum operatively connected with a movable beam and guide means. The beam and guide means are utilized to position the flexible hose over the primary wellbore in such a manner that essentially only vertical external forces and essentially no lateral external forces are applied to the apparatus thereby eliminating the need to rigidly fix the apparatus to the earth or other support means when in use.

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

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a mount in the form of a cylindrical member defining an elongated passageway and being provided with two opposite guiding rails each being formed with an elongated recessed channel communicating with the passageway; a rotary drive for holding a drill rod has a non-rotating casing provided with guiding elements movable in the recesses of the guiding rails; a feeding mechanism for advancing the rotary drive includes either tooth racks arranged in the recesses of the guiding rails and driving pinions mounted on the casing of the rotary drive or cylinder and piston units located in the recesses of the guide rails and cooperating with feed cables or chains. The mount is supported on a mobile undercarriage which is provided with two pairs of vertically adjustable supporting legs.

Abstract: A disc-type brake apparatus adapted for installation in combination with the drawworks of a well bore drilling operation for automatically sensing any reverse torque situation in the drill pipe and quickly set the brake for precluding transmission of any reverse torque to the rotary table drive and clutch mechanism therefor.

Abstract: A pipe snubbing apparatus and method which may utilize either the draw works of a conventional rig or a pump to provide power for raising the movable gripping assembly.The movable gripper is moved downwardly by stored power, such as pressure stored in an accumulator. The rate of movement of the movable gripping assembly may be controlled by controlling flow of fluid to and from a piston and cylinder assembly associated with the movable gripping assembly.

Abstract: In a drill rig, a device for exchanging a drill bit is mounted on a feed bar and is arranged movably to and from the drill axis. The bit exchanging device comprises means for holding a bit being brought thereinto non-rotatively during rotation of the drill string. Furthermore, there are means for providing an anvil to the bit when delivering impacts against the drill string.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the drilling functions of a full profile rock drill in which the speed of rotation of the cutting head and the feed force of the cutting head are controlled so that the rate of penetration of the drill bit reaches its optimum rate as a function of the feed force. The full profile of drilling apparatus has a part of the cutting head in which cutters are freely rotatable. The change of the rate of penetration of the cutting head into the rock is measured during the drilling operation, and the drilling functions are controlled on the basis of the measured results so that the cutting head feed force is either increased or decreased.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a drill pipe and a cutting means located therein. A locking mechanism with said drill pipe is provided on said cutting means and is operatively connected with a spearhead engageable with an engaging mechanism of a pulling-up device so that, when the spearhead is pulled, an inner tube and outer tube forming a part of the locking mechanism may move relative to each other to unlock the drill pipe and cutting means for quickly and easily pulling up the latter.