Abstract: A drill rig having a longitudinal drilling axis, a front portion, and a rear portion can comprise a feedframe aligned with the longitudinal drilling axis, a first head assembly coupled to the feedframe and configured to rotate a drill string, and a rod holder proximate the front portion of the drill rig. A second head assembly can be movable on the feedframe along the longitudinal axis and can include a powered water swivel assembly comprising a spindle having an interior bore a drill rod connector at a first end of the spindle, a motor that is configured to rotate the spindle, a clutch configured to disengage the motor from the spindle, a gearbox that couples the motor to the spindle, and a water swivel that is configured to provide drilling fluid to the interior bore of the spindle.

Abstract: An inner core barrel assembly incorporates an inner core tube. A body is connected to the inner core tube with a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is configured to maintain a fixed rotational orientation with the inner core tube. The body includes a flow path for liquid within the inner core tube to flow as the inner core barrel assembly descends through a drill string. a core orientation system is contained within the body and positioned within the inner core tube.

Abstract: A reverse-circulation drilling assembly having an overshot subassembly and a head subassembly. In the event retrieval of the drilling assembly by reverse-circulation fails, the drilling assembly can be retrieved using a secondary overshot.

Abstract: A downhole device delivery and drive transfer system includes a sub which is arranged to attach to a drill string and a tool which is configured to enable it to travel through the drill string and releasably couple to the sub. The sub and the tool are arranged so that when they are releasably coupled to each other torque imparted to the drill string is transferred by the sub to the tool. The tool is arranged to carry one or more devices for performing one or more downhole functions such as core drilling, hole reaming or wedge placement for directional drilling. The system also has a guide mechanism that operates between the sub and the tool to guide the tool to a known rotational orientation relative to the sub as the tool travels into the sub. A fluid control system controls the flow of fluid through the tool through a downhole outlet and a plurality of ports intermediate opposite ends of the tool.

Abstract: A check valve may be incorporated in an inner core barrel assembly. The check valve has a valve body defining a fluid flow path and provided with a valve seat. A valve member is located in the valve body and is coupled to the valve body by a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism is arranged to allow the valve member to move linearly in an axial direction relative to the valve body on to and off of the valve seat and maintain a fixed rotational relationship with the valve body. A data acquisition system can be held in the valve member and by virtue of the coupling mechanism be maintained rotationally fixed relative to the valve body an inner core tube of an inner core barrel assembly.

Abstract: A core barrel head assembly positionable within a drill string of a drilling apparatus. The core barrel head assembly includes an upper latch body having a latch assembly for engageably latching the drill string and a reduced diametric portion below the latch assembly for receiving a seal member. The reduced diametric portion has a lower coupling portion on a bottom portion thereof. The head assembly also includes a lower latch body including an upper coupling portion on a top portion thereof, and a coupler for removably coupling the upper latch body to the lower latch body. The seal member is installable on and removable from the reduced diametric portion upon uncoupling the upper latch body from the lower latch body. The head assembly is quickly reconfigurable between surface and pump in/underground configurations. Core barrel outer tube components also do not require reconfiguring between these two configurations.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems include a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detect mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Drilling systems and methods for deploying a latch mechanism upon reaching a drilling position. The drilling systems and methods permit spinning of a drill string to cause a core barrel head assembly to spin through the frictional mating of a landing shoulder of the head assembly and a landing ring of an outer tube assembly. The spinning of the drill string induces a centrifugal and/or radial force that acts on the latch mechanism to overcome the frictional retention forces acting on the latch mechanism, thereby permitting deployment of the latch mechanism.

Abstract: A latch body for use in a drilling head assembly including a fluid control subassembly, a check valve element, and/or a hollow spindle. A distal end portion of the latch body includes a port section that defines a chamber for receiving the check valve element and promoting movement of the check valve element between a blocking position and an open position. The hollow spindle of the fluid control subassembly is operatively coupled to the chamber of the port section and supports the check valve element in the blocking position. A proximal end portion of the latch body supports the fluid control subassembly of the drilling head assembly in an operative position. The latch body includes male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from a longitudinal axis of the latch body. A plurality of channels extend radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, spanning between adjacent male protrusions.

Abstract: A bushing for positioning within a core barrel assembly during an up-hole drilling operation.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems include a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detect mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems include a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detent mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for a valve, which valve comprises a movable valve body (6) having a first side (9) facing a means for supplying pressurized fluid and influenced in the supply direction by a force from said fluid, and a second side (11) influenced in opposite direction by a force from said fluid, which valve is provided with at least one connection (8) connecting the first side (9) of the valve body with the second side (11) of the valve body, and also comprising a spring (20) for opening the valve by displacing the valve body from a closed position to an open position, said method comprising the following steps: a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in closed position so that the valve remains closed; the supply of pressurised fluid to the closed valve ceases, a force equalization then occurs between said first (9) and second (11) sides thereby enabling the spring to open the valve, and a pressurized fluid is supplied to the valve in open position and the valve remains open.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: There is provided a wire line core drilling apparatus including an elongated assembly which is hydraulically propelled along the interior of a drill string to a desired location adjacent the bit end of the drill string under the influence of a moving pressurized liquid within the drill string, characterized in that said elongated assembly is provided with an annular cup seal having a flexible annular lip thereon which expands radially outwardly under the influence of liquid pressure thereon to substantially prevent by-pass of the pressurized liquid between the elongated assembly and the interior wall of the drill string and which annular lip is capable of expanding and contracting as said assembly moves along the drill string interior to accommodate reasonable fluctuations in drill string interior diameter which may be encountered.

Abstract: To control the locking of a cable boring corer (1), a control device (30) is used, comprising a deflecting casing (33), a sleeve (31) and a piston (32), which are movable in relation to the deflecting casing (33). The piston (32) is able to be rendered integral in a lower position, under hydraulic pressure, with the sleeve (31) by a finger (43). When the hydraulic pressure is released, the sleeve (31), which is integral with the piston (32), is brought into an upper position which allows the circulation of a boring liquid through the deflecting casing (33) towards a boring crown (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to obtain continuous undisturbed sampling, by rotational boring in non-plastic granular tills. The designation of non-plastic granular till refers to a heterogeneous glacial deposit containing an unstratified and unsorted mixture of silt, sand, gravel, cobbles and boulders with no clay particles. In the geotechnical terminology, this material is generally classified as a gravely silty sand with variable percentage of cobbles and boulders (the non-cohesive matrix consisting of silt and sand). The apparatus comprises a string of drill rods having a core barrel and a new designed coring bit of preselected diameter secured at an end thereof. A drive rotates the drill rod at a predetermined rpm, dependent on the coring bit diameter, to impart rotation to the coring bit to penetrate the core barrel in the soil at a predetermined rate. The coring bit has a crown shaped drilling head having a plurality of fluid convection channels therein.

Abstract: A coring tool, which includes a flexible wire mesh in which the core is disposed, includes a mechanism for maintaining tension on the wire mesh sleeve which then seizes the core disposed within the sleeve, and which serves to retain the core and maintain it under tension. The sleeve is maintained under tension by tensile force transmitted to the sleeve through a stripper tube. The stripper tube is axially disposed through a piston ratchet assembly connected to a piston slidable within the drill string. The piston is resiliently urged upward within the drill string by a return spring but is longitudinally forced downward within the drill string and advanced downwardly with respect to the stripper tube by an increase in pressure within the drill string thereby compressing the return spring.

Abstract: A device in core drilling for indicating when a core barrel placed in a rotatable hollow drill rod is no longer capable of receiving a further quantity of reamed-out core material includes a valve which at said condition of the barrel constricts the passage for flushing medium flowing between the core barrel and the bore of the drill rod so that a readable flushing medium pressure increase occurs. The valve closes off said passage incompletely to allow a minor quantity of flushing medium to be taken to the drill bit mounted at the bottom of the drill rod, thereby to prevent said drill bit from being burnt out.