Abstract: A diverter for drilling mud is disclosed that has a packer housing mounted on the upper end of a riser through which drilling mud flows to the surface between the riser and the pipe string extending through the riser. A packer having a body of resilient material is located in the housing. Fluid pressure moves the body of resilient material into sealing engagement with the pipe string to divert drilling fluid laterally into a mud return line. A plurality of conduits extend vertically through the packer. Each conduit includes a flexible section extending through the body of resilient material to move with the resilient material as it is moved into and out of sealing engagement with the pipe string. Drilling mud is pumped through the conduits and nozzles attached to the lower ends of the conduits. The nozzles are positioned to divert the drilling fluid into the drilling fluid below the packer to break up large pieces of formation carried to the surface by the drilling mud.

Abstract: A side feed water swivel for a hollow drill string includes a spindle one end of which is adapted to fit a socket on a rotary table of a drill rig, and the other end, to connect to hollow drill rods, and, intermediate its ends, a receiving section having upper and lower smooth cylindrical bearing surfaces and between them water-receiving passages extending to an axial passage blind at its upper end, and a housing embracing the bearing surfaces and defining between them a water-receiving chamber. The housing has an inlet port extending through a wall to communicate with the chamber substantially midway axially of the housing. The housing has upper and lower bearing surfaces complementary to the spindle bearing surfaces. O-ring channels in the housing bearing surfaces are positioned axially asymmetrically with respect to the center line of the housing. The housing is so made that it can be mounted on the spindle in either of two orientations 180.degree.

Abstract: A drill cuttings conveying head member having a tubular duct portion which includes a movable sidewall forming a gate operable to be pivoted into a position blocking the flow passage in the duct portion and diverting the flowstream out of the conveying head during wet drilling conditions. A lever mechanism is connected to the gate and is operable to bias the gate in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: A conveying and collection system adapted for drilling rigs for conveying drill cuttings entrained with a bailing air flow stream emanating from the drillhole includes a generally tubular head fitted around the drillhole having a flow deflecting surface portion adapted to deflect the flow stream of drill cuttings into a conveying enclosure whereby velocity reduction and change of direction of the flow stream will separate relatively coarse cuttings. A mechanical conveyor may be disposed in the enclosure to convey the cuttings to a point remote from the drillhole. The head may be extended and retracted with respect to the drill rig deck plate by actuators controlled in accordance with the conduction of bailing air to the drill stem. One embodiment of the head comprises an enclosure formed by overlapping helical convolutions of a flat spirally coiled band.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus and method has features that prevent the wireline from moving with respect to the drill string due to drill string movement or wave action on the drill rig. The apparatus includes a frame having a wireline pressure sealing device. The pressure sealing device is mounted to the top of the drill string. A drum is rotatably mounted to the frame on the side of the pressure sealing device. The drum is powered by a hydraulic motor and controlled by a remote unit. Wireline is wrapped around the drum and reeved over a sheave which is mounted to the frame near the top of the wireline sealing device. A lift sub is secured to the top of the frame and enables the frame to be lifted by the rig elevators. The frame provides a linkage between the elevators and the drill string to lift the drill string.

Abstract: The apparatus and technique are applicable to fluid pressurizing a portion of an elongated hole in the ground when a hollow tubular fluid transmission member is installed lengthwise therein. According to the technique, inflatable closure means are installed in the hole at a site adjacent the distal end portion of the member, and the closure means are inflated to form a fluid seal crosswise the hole at a longitudinal level therein spaced apart from the bottom of the hole. Fluid is charged into the member, and an opening is formed in the fluid seal whereby the fluid can discharge into the space between the level of the seal and the bottom of the hole to pressurize a portion of this space. In some embodiments, means are interposed between the member and the seal to deliver the fluid to the opening in the seal.

Abstract: Improved rotating blowout preventer including a stationary housing, a bearing housing and a bearing means assembly and seal assembly for mounting an internally located, rotating sleeve for rotating, sealable movement within the bearing housing. The bearing housing and rotatable sleeve cooperate to provide a circumferential passageway and radial ports to direct outwardly of the bearing housing any fluid which leaks past the seal assembly. The structure of the seal and bearing mountings provide for replacement of the seal without contaminating the bearing.

Abstract: A device for placement between a rotary drill motor and a drill rod for use in pumping instruments down the drill rod. The device has pressure seals at each end and an opening for an instrument cable which slides through the opening as the instruments are pumped down the drill rod.

Abstract: A drilling head includes a tubular body having removable means for sealing the body to a kelly or other drive tube, a drive bushing releasably mounted in the sealing means to turn the sealing means with the drive tube, the sealing means including a seal tube having a rotating seal means for sealing with the body and a non-rotating seal means for sealing with the drive tube, both seal means being releasably held to the seal tube by common retainer means, such sealing means being rotatably mounted on the body on removable outboard mono-stratum double acting anti-friction thrust bearing means at the top of the body, the outer bearing race being held between annular flanges, one flange being integral with the body and the other releasably connected to the body, and the inner bearing race being held between annular plates releasably connected to the seal tube, the body having a side outlet and flange connection for the drilling fluid return line substantially flush with the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use during earth boring operations when a wireline instrument is positioned within the drill string while drilling fluid is circulated, such as during directional drilling. The apparatus includes a circulating head connected to the top of the drill string that is connected to the drilling fluid pump. A wireline sealing apparatus is connected to and extends partially into the inner passage of the circulating head. The wireline sealing apparatus is of the type that has a flow tube closely fitted about the wireline and in communication with grease supplied under high pressure. The grease provides a seal while the line is stationary and while moving. Consequently, after the wireline instrument reaches the bottom of the drill string, the wireline may be pulled upward while drilling fluid is being circulated to remove slack. The wireline instrument also may be lowered and retrieved while drilling fluid is being circulated.

Abstract: Apparatus for underground drilling includes a housing having a bottomed opening in its top and a hole extending downwardly through the housing from the opening. A rotatable chuck is received in the opening and has a vertical bore therethrough with non-circular upper portion for receiving a hollow drill rod, an intermediate portion and an enlarged lower portion having a shoulder at the top thereof. A compressible plug is closely received in the vertical bore and has an enlarged bottom portion with its top bearing against the shoulder and its bottom bearing against the bottom of the chuck bore. The plug has a frusto-conical upper portion which is compressed by the bottom of the hollow drill rod. A hollow adapter is received in the hole in the housing in spaced relationship with the chuck and has sealing engagement with the hole wall.