Abstract: A core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism that 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. Drilling systems including the driven latch mechanism and methods of using the driven latch mechanism are also described.

Abstract: A down-the-hole drill hammer assembly includes a casing, a drill stem, a drilling lug segment and a pilot drill bit is provided. The drill stem is housed within the casing and includes an abutment surface. The drilling lug segment is slidably engaged with a distal end of the drill stem and movable between an initial configuration and an extended configuration. The drilling lug segment includes a proximal end engageable with the abutment surface of the drilling lug segment. The drill stem is movable between first and second positions within the pilot drill bit. In moving to the second position, the drill stem slidingly engages the drilling lug segment and moves the drilling lug segment to the extended configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a borehole in an earthen formation includes a side cutting device comprised of a cam assembly that includes at least one groove therein for selective extension and retraction of a laterally extending cutting element. Rotation of the side cutting device in a first direction causes the cutting element to be in a first retracted position so that a borehole having a first diameter can be formed. Rotation of the side cutting device in a second direction causes the cutting element to be in a second extended position. Rotation and retraction of the side cutting device when the cutting element is in the second extended position allows the side cutting device to create a larger borehole diameter in a down hole location.

Abstract: A tubular cutter is run in on slickline. It features onboard power to selectively actuate an anchor and to initiate a tubular cutting operation with a cutter that is extendable and rotatable on its axis and the axis of the tool that carries an on board power supply.

Abstract: A downhole perforator assembly (10) for establishing communication between the interior of a tubular string (18) and a surrounding annulus (24) includes a downhole power unit (100) having a power unit housing (150) and a moveable shaft (130) and a downhole perforator (260) having a perforator housing (262), a mandrel (278) slidably positioned within the perforator housing (262) and a penetrator (288) radially outwardly extendable from the perforator housing (262). The power unit housing (150) is operably associated with the perforator housing (262) and the moveable shaft (130) operably associated with the mandrel (278) such that when the downhole power unit (100) is activated and the moveable shaft (130) is longitudinally shifted relative to the power unit housing (150), the mandrel (278) is longitudinally shifted relative to the perforator housing (262) and at least a portion of the penetrator (288) is extended radially outwardly from the perforator housing (262).

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting pipe is preferably adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of pipe-bursting members, driven by the interconnected inner members, cut or burst a subterranean pipe. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of screw drives move the pipe-bursting members between an expanded position and a retracted position in response to rotation of the interconnected inner members.

Abstract: A drill bit suitable to be connected to a drill string for drilling a borehole into an earth formation, the drill string having a central longitudinal axis, the drill bit comprising a bit body connectable to the lower end of the drill string, and a cutting member provided with cutting devices at the outer surface thereof, the cutting member being rotatable relative to the bit body about a longitudinal axis of rotation extending eccentrically relative to the central longitudinal axis of the drill string, between a first rotational position[ and a second rotational position, whereby in said second rotational position the cutting devices arranged at a larger radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the drill string than in said first rotational position.

Abstract: A device for augering a conical hole in a solid medium that includes a first elongated member that extends along a longitudinal axis and a cutting blade having a cutting section and a non-cutting section coupled to the first elongated member. The rod is adapted to be rotated about the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled to the first elongated member which rotates the cutting blade about the longitudinal axis. A shroud is provided through which the first elongated member passes. The shroud attaches to a hydraulic unit. Activation of the hydraulic unit causes the first elongated member to move in a longitudinal direction, which causes the cutting blade to move in a radial direction thereby forming a conical hole in a solid medium. The device is used for forming holes used in foundations and anchors. Also disclosed is a method of operation of the device to form a conical hole in solid media.

Abstract: A rotary well-drilling bit lowered through a drill string to a special orienting, positioning and aligning sub attached to the bottom of the drill string with the aid of mud pressure with the bit approximately 90.degree. from its normal operating position. The drill bit is prepositioned before entering the drill string and utilizes a drill bit positioning means to properly orient and position the drill bit at the bottom of the borehole. Once properly positioned and oriented, a wireline attached motor turns an assembly shaft which raises the drill bit into its bit receptacle. Removal of the drill bit is accomplished by relowering the wireline attached motor and turning the assembly shaft to loosen the shaft from the drill bit and raising the wireline, wireline motor, assembly shaft and drill bit through the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a bore head for deep-hole boring, in which a plurality of circumferentially spaced cutting members may be radially displaced in the bore hole by a common actuating device during operation. The actuating device includes an actuating rod for each cutting member, which actuating rod is in engagement with its associated cutting member by gear means including inclined teeth. The actuating rods are secured to a central actuating bar by a common connecting member. The bore head is interchangeably secured to a boring tube, and the actuating rod may be separated from the connecting member by a coupling which is automatically engaged and disengaged during changing of the bore head.

Abstract: A well notching tool having an elongated rotary power shaft and a coaxial shell in surrounding relationship therewith. A portion of the exterior shell surface is formed with an upwardly directed taper, and a portion of the exterior surface below the taper is formed with threads. A coaxial bell housing surrounds the shell and has internal threads cooperating with the threads on the shell for relative movement of the bell housing and the shell. The bell housing wall has upwardly directed passageways, and a slip is mounted in each passageway for movement in the passageway when contacted by the taper on the shell. A cutting assembly is located at the lower end of the power shaft to rotate with the power shaft. The cutting assembly includes pivotally mounted cutting tool arms actuated upon rotation of the cutting tool assembly to swing outwardly, and a cutting tool is carried at the end of each arm to cut a notch in the sidewall of a well bore.

Abstract: Large hole boring equipment is used for boring a large diameter blind pilot hole. Then such equipment is removed from the hole and a room is blasted at the closed or blind end of the hole. Then the large hole cutterhead is replaced by a reamer and the equipment is inserted back into the hole. The reamer is an adjustable diameter type and its diameter is increased once it is within such room. A wrench carried by a drive head of a drilling machine is used to rotate a small diameter shaft which extends downwardly through the drill string to a lead screw which is a part of the reamer. Rotation of the lead screw causes axial travel of a lead nut. As the lead nut travels it moves a plurality of links which in turn swing a plurality of cutter carrying arms outwardly from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A coal-mining auger having (a) a hollow, tubular auger head with a spiral or helical coal conveyor mounted therein in concentric relation to the axis of rotation of said auger head, (b) a plurality of coal-cutting bits mounted on said auger head, said bits being orbitally movable with the auger head in circular paths concentric with said axis of rotation, said bits being also concurrently rotatable about their individual axes, and (c) coal-cutting bits which are radially adjustable relative to said axes of rotation. The individually rotatable bits are driven by planetary gear trains which are driven by the main auger shaft.