Abstract: The invention provides a down-the-hole drill assembly having exhaust passages from upper and lower chambers past the inner end of a bit and through the body of the bit to exit through the bit face. The construction of the assembly and bit obviates a foot valve tube from the head of the bit and the disadvantages associated with this component.

Abstract: A hydraulic drill string device can be in the form of a percussive hydraulic in-hole drilling machine that has a piston hammer (50) with an axial through hole (51) into which a tube (35) extends. The tube forms a channel for flushing fluid from a spool valve (62) and the tube wall contains channels (40) with ports (41,42) cooperating with the piston hammer for controlling the valve.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling system having a drilling head (2, 2′) fixed to a drill string (3) which comprises an outer pipe (12, 12′) and a percussion string (13, 13′) inserted therein, wherein the percussion string (13, 13′) comprises a plurality of rods (14, 14′) which bear against each other with their end faces (19, 20; 19′, 20′). One object of the present invention is to provide a drilling system with an inner percussion string, which permits a greater variation in the drilling direction and which can be used as a directional drilling system. To attain that object the outer pipe (12) is adapted to be deformable along its longitudinal axis and the end faces (19, 20) which bear against each other of two rods (14) are so designed that they bear against each other substantially in surface contact upon inclined positioning of the axes of the two rods (14) relative to each other.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for introducing a consistent series of small and localized rotary impacts to a PDC bit during drilling, to improve PDC drill bit performance. Rotary impact supplements the nominal torque supplied by the rotary drive thereby avoiding lockup and potentially damaging energy storage in the drill string following windup, should the bit slow or hang up when drilling in difficult formations. The apparatus comprises a rotary hammer which is rotated about a bit shaft's anvil, preferably by a drilling fluid driven turbine. As the hammer rotates, potential energy is built up. When the hammer and anvil connect, the energy is released into the bit shaft and thus into the bit, increases its instantaneous torque and allows it to more effectively cut through difficult formations.

Abstract: A rotatable point-attack bit retained for rotation in a block bore, and used for impacting, fragmenting and removing material from a mine wall. An improved elongated tool body having at the front end a diamond-coated tungsten carbide wear tip that is rotationally symmetric about its longitudinal axis and contiguous with a second section steel shank at the rear end. The two distinct parts are joined by a high impact resistant braze at ratios that prevent tool breakage.

Abstract: The invention provides a bore bit comprising a bottom part having an active bottom face and a top face substantially parallel to the active face; a top part fixed to suspension cables and having a bottom face facing the top face of the bottom part; means for limiting the maximum spacing between the two parts; a cylindrical axial bore passing through both parts; a cylindrical guide penetrating into said bore; and at least one ramp-forming recess and at least one ramp-forming extension for co-operating with said ramp-forming recess in such a manner that movement of the top part towards the bottom part is converted into rotary movement of said top part about the vertical axis, with the end of said rotary movement of the top part imparting rotary movement to the bottom part.

Abstract: A method for driving a drive pipe into a subsea formation, the method being comprised of the following steps: suspending the drive pipe from a drill string; moving at least one mass in a direction having an upward component and within the drive pipe; accelerating at least one mass relative to the drive pipe, wherein the at least one mass is accelerated within the drive pipe; transferring energy from the accelerated at least one mass to the drive pipe; isolating the drill string from energy from the accelerated at least one mass; and removing a core of formation from within the drive pipe after the transferring.

Abstract: A torque shock absorber apparatus (39) comprised of a mandrel (2) and cylinder (8) with torque absorbing mechanism (8-12, 27) to absorb excessive torque while permitting the transmission of rotational energy to the drill string is connected in the drill string or as the drive mechanism in a jar or accelerator (40) to prevent excessive torque loading of the drill string.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for creating holes in rock. A rock drill connected to a compressed air supply is engaged with a connector attached between the rock drill and a rock bit. The connector has a substantially tubular shaft for transporting compressed air from the air supply to the rock bit. The tubular shaft uniquely maximizes the air available for removing rock cuttings and minimizes the possibility of rock bit sticking in the rock hole. The invention is particularly suited to seismic shothole drilling requiring portable equipment operable by a single person.

Abstract: A percussive drill for extension drilling includes a drill bit, a tube having a male screw thread attached to a female screw thread of the drill bit, and a rod having a male screw thread attached to a female screw thread of the tube. Central passages of the rod and tube are aligned with one another to conduct flushing fluid to the drill bit. The drill bit drills a hole whose diameter is from 60-170 mm and at least twice the outer diameter of the rod. A total area of a cross-sectional surface of the tube is within 100-125% of a total area of a cross sectional surface of the rod.

Abstract: A reamer tool which is capable of removing paraffin scale, ice, salt, calcium, cement, barium and other accumulations from the inside surfaces of oil well pump tubing and casing, which reamer tool may include a housing for suspension in the well tubing or casing; a shaft slidably mounted in the housing for attachment to an impact device; shaft threads provided on the shaft; a lock nut threadibly mounted on the shaft for removably engaging the housing; and a reset spring provided in the housing between the housing and the end of the shaft. Displacement of the shaft in the housing causes the lock nut to engage the housing, and the lock nut rotates on the shaft threads and rotates the housing such that the housing rotates in the well bore or casing and removes the solid blockages from the well bore or casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to post hole diggers. In particular, the present invention describes a post hole digger that constructs uniform diameter holes. The post hole digger of the present invention is comprised of a pair of handles, digging scoops and a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket translates the movement of the handles into movement of the scoops. The hinge bracket restricts the movement of the handles as digging occurs, allowing for the construction of a relatively straight-sided post hole, essentially removes the tapering of a hole as the hole becomes deeper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to post hole diggers. In particular, the present invention describes a post hole digger that constructs uniform diameter holes. The post hole digger of the present invention is comprised of a pair of handles, digging scoops and a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket translates the movement of the handles into movement of the scoops. The hinge bracket restricts the movement of the handles as digging occurs, allowing for the construction of a relatively straight-sided posthole, essentially removes the tapering of a hole as the hole becomes deeper.

Abstract: A downhole well drilling apparatus includes an above-ground mast and an axially elongated generally cylindrical pneumatic hammer drill supported by the mast and mounted in an axially vertical above-ground position. An installation and removal adapter mounted on the lower end of the pneumatic hammer drill couples the hammer drill to a pipe string and maintains a movable part of the hammer drill in an operative condition at all times thereby enabling the hammer drill to operate while rotational torque and upward directed force are simultaneously applied to the operating hammer drill by the apparatus during removal of a casing from a downhole position. Hammer operation is controlled by a manually operable air supply valve.

Abstract: A underreamer drill bit assembly including a pilot bit and extendable underreaming arms operatively connected to the pilot bit. The underreaming arms have an extended position for underreaming, and a retracted position in which the overall diameter of the underreamer drill bit assembly is less than the inside diameter of the well casing, permitting the entire bit assembly to be withdrawn through the well casing. In another aspect of the invention, the bit assembly is operatively connected to a dual wall pipe assembly. A supply of compressed air is conducted through the annulus of the dual wall pipe assembly to a down hole pneumatic hammer. Exhaust air from the down hole hammer is directed to the bit assembly for continuous removal of drilling debris through a central evacuation tube of the dual wall pipe assembly. In another aspect of the invention, a pressurized, incompressible fluid is injected into the annulus between the well casing and the downhole pneumatic hammer.

Abstract: A shock absorber for damping shock energy generated by downhole perforating guns or stimulation devices is described. The shock absorber includes a spring assembly including at least a first spring and a second spring, the first spring having a tension greater than the second spring; a damper assembly; and a housing retaining the spring assembly and the damper assembly and including ends adapted for connection into a casing perforation assembly. The provision of springs of increasing stiffness permits the force generated by the perforating gun to be absorbed gradually and smoothly.

Abstract: A drill head for an apparatus for directional boring according to the invention includes a bit, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a hammer including a striker for delivering impacts to the bit, wherein the bit assembly, holder and hammer are connected head to tail with the bit at a front end. The bit of the invention has a frontwardly facing main cutting surface having a plurality of main cutting teeth disposed thereon and a gage tower extending radially outwardly from the main cutting surface, which gage tower has at least one frontwardly facing gage cutting tooth thereon suitable for cutting over an angle defined by less than a full rotation of the bit. The device for detecting angular orientation is in a predetermined alignment with the gage tower so that it determines the orientation of the gage tower relative to the axis of rotation of the drill head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laying a pipeline. Working and receiving pits are dug out. An active working member is dropped into the working pit at a preselected depth. The active working member is fixed to a vertical knife of a power mechanism. Polyethylene pipeline is secured to an end part of the active working member. Then the power mechanism is energized and simultaneously horizontal pulling forces of the power mechanism are applied to the vertical knife. The active working member may be a drill head with different nozzles (bits) connected with a mud supply unit by a hose passing through a hollow portion of the vertical knife. On a non-working end of the active member the pipeline is fixed by an adapter.

Abstract: The invention provides a ground sensing system (10) comprising: sensing means (19) located, in use, on a projectile being driven through ground by means of apparatus having a self adjustment between a vibration mode and a vibro-impact mode according to encountered ground resistance, the sensing means sensing the dynamic resistance of the ground that the projectile is passing through; signal processing means for processing the output of said sensing means to provide a dynamic resistance waveform (106); and waveform recognition means (108) for correlating said dynamic resistance waveform with stored dynamic waveforms for identifying a ground characteristic. The waveform recognition means may comprise a neural network system.

Abstract: A percussive drill for extension drilling includes a drill bit, a tube having a male screw thread attached to a female screw thread of the drill bit, and a rod having a male screw thread attached to a female screw thread of the tube. Central passages of the rod and tube are aligned with one another to conduct flushing fluid to the drill bit. The drill bit drills a hole whose diameter is from 60-170 mm and at least twice the outer diameter of the rod. A total area of a cross-sectional surface of the tube is within 100-125% of a total area of a cross sectional surface of the rod.

Abstract: A coupling piece for use in drilling has a first connection (2) for connecting to an upper rotary percussion device (3), and a second connection (4) for connecting to a drill tube string (5) provided with an annular drill bit (23). The coupling piece has a first chamber (11) and a second chamber (12) separated by a piston. The pressure in the first chamber (11) is used to supply a lower percussion device (8) connected to a third connection (6) associated with the coupling piece with driving medium and for displacing the lower percussion device (8) towards the ground (15). The pressure in the second chamber (12) is used to decrease the force between the lower percussion device (8) and the ground (15) when further drill string elements are added to a drill string (7) of which the lower percussion device (8) forms a part.

Abstract: The overshot apparatus includes a head subassembly coupleable to the overshot coupling device of an inner tube assembly, a jar subassembly having an outer swivel end portion for having a wire line attached thereto and a tubular member and a cable subassembly having an axially elongated cable, an axial outer cable mount mounted to the tubular member with the cable extended therethrough and into the tubular member and providing a jar head, and an axial inner cable mount providing a jar member mounting the cable to the head subassembly and having the jar head delivering hammering blows thereto. The cable is of a rigidity for being movable into the tubular member to permit the jar head moving delivering a hammering blow to the jar member and a spread apart position.

Abstract: A rotary percussion blow assisted drill has an axially extending shank (1) with at least one main helically extending groove (4) in its axially extending outside surface (2) for conveying drilled material along the shank. A cutting plate (6) with hard metal cutting edges (7) is located in a cutting head end region (10) of the shank. The cutting edge (7) of the cutting plate (6) projects axially outwardly from a cutting head end face (3) of the shank (1) and the opposite ends of the cutting plate project radially outwardly from the outside surface of the shank. At least one pin-shaped guide element (11) is embedded into the outside surface (2) in the head end region (10) of the shank.

Abstract: A casing tube formed from plastic and a casing shoe formed from metal are provided for drilling in layers of earth or rock. The casing shoe is locked to the casing tube by threads, grooves or flanges provided on a reduced diameter portion of the casing shoe. A tube-formed extension is provided in the casing shoe for protecting the casing tube from damage during a drilling operation.

Abstract: The obtaining of undisturbed core samples of subsurface soils for analysis and study is disclosed. Percussion-type downhole drilling equipment uses compressed air directed internally of a pipe casing to actuate a percussion-type piston adjacent the bottom of a hole being drilled. A tubular adapter is mounted in a chuck at the lower end of a casing and house the piston and the adapter for rotation and for longitudinal movement relatively thereto. The adapter has a striking face interfacing with the piston and has its opposite end provided with pipe threads for connection of an open-ended core sampler which is preferably of the split-spoon type. The adapter is provided with ports at a location spaced axially away from the core sampler for exhaust air released by the percussion means during a power stroke upwardly and thus away from the core sampler.

Abstract: A hammer device is coupled to an outer portion of a handle, an operating portion is attached to the other portion of the handle, a holding section is attached to one side of the operating portion, and at the same time, a pair of excavators is rotatably attached to an outer portion of the holding section to conduct a bumping operation and opening and closing operations upon transmission from the operating portion. By this, burdens imposed on workers are reduced, at the same time, security of work is assured and time required for completion of works can be greatly shortened and reduced.

Abstract: A reversible casing for a down-the-hole drill has a predetermined snap ring groove length centered between the casing ends, based upon the casing bore, the snap ring groove depth and the snap ring body length, whereby a snap ring will be retained in the snap ring groove, while permitting lengthwise movement of the snap ring during reverse orientation of the casing.

Abstract: In a ram boring machine that has a striking piston reciprocating in a tubular housing and a striking tip that may be formed as a chisel and projects from the housing, connection of the striking tip to the housing by means of a bayonet joint makes installation and removal or replacement of the striking piston or a worn chisel possible in a simple manner.

Abstract: A retention system is disclosed for a hammer-percussion bit assembly which prevents the loss of the lower section of bit after a crack propagates through the shank (rotational drive) section of the bit. The system includes retainer which is mounted onto the drive sub of the assembly. The retainer is adapted to extend around the head section of the bit and functions to grab the severed bit head section upon lifting of the drill string while not interfering with the normal operation of the assembly.

Abstract: Oil drilling apparatus for drilling deep boreholes. The apparatus includes a high frequency, high voltage, AC generator at the surface of the ground which is connected to an electromagnetic hammer drill bit located at the bottom of the borehole. Electric current is conducted along a special drill string to the electromagnetic hammer drill located at the bottom of the borehole. The drill string is electrically conductive to form a current flow path to the downhole electromagnetic hammer drill, while at the same time, drilling fluid flows along an axial flow path to the vibrating bit located at the bottom of the borehole. The electrically conductive drill pipe, the electromagnetic hamemr drill bit, and the pulse transformer, each form a subcombination of the present invention; and, jointly comprise a new method and apparatus for forming boreholes.

Abstract: The proposed tool comprises a body (1) designed to interact with a percussion-rotary device and a casing (2) shaped as a sleeve. The casing (2) accommodates rock-crushing elements (5, 6) arranged in a manner allowing axial displacement thereof and in the form of concentric rows relative to a working end of the casing (2), the rock-crushing elements having shanks (7, 8) which interact with the body (1). Each rock-crushing element (6) in a peripheral row comprises a spring biased pin mechanism (16) for fixing the rock-crushing element (6) in the casing (2). The casing includes a threaded joint (9) for its axial displacement relative to the body (1). The length of axial displacement of the casing (2) relative to the body (1) is at least equal to the length (H) of the wearable portion of the rock-crushing elements (5, 6).

Abstract: A drilling tool which is suitable especially for clearing drill dust from a drillhole in rock-drilling work is provided. For this purpose, the spiral shank has brush elements (6, 17) which are arranged in the groove bottom of a conventional drilling tool or which themselves form spiral feed coils.

Abstract: A drill string element for use in top hammer percussive drilling comprises first and second tubes coupled together by a cylindrical thread, and at least one impact-transmitting ord slidably disposed in the tubes. The rod(s) includes abutments which engage restrictions formed at remote ends of the tubes whereby the rod(s) can be removed only by unscrewing the tubes from one another. Remote ends of the tubes define male and female conical threads which enable the element to be connected to similar elements in the forming of a drill string. The conical threads are easier to unscrew than the cylindrical threads to avoid an accidental separation of the tubes of each element when that element is being unscrewed from another element.

Abstract: A drilling and chiseling tool bit includes a tool bit head, an axially extending shank and an insertion end for insertion into a drilling or chiseling device. The shank extends between the tool bit head and the insertion end and is divided into individual axially aligned members. The individual shank members are held together by a retaining member which also interconnects the tool bit head and the insertion end. The tool bit head and insertion end are rotatable as a unit and are movable axially relative to one another. By dividing the shank axially, its individual members have a higher natural frequency and afford improved transmission of impact energy. As a result, preventing the excitation of natural vibrations in individual shank members, the vibration period is shorter compared to the impact transmission time period. Accordingly, the sound radiation from the tool bit is reduced.

Abstract: A percussion drill apparatus is provided which isolates the surfaces that pound on one another from borehole cuttings, while also sealing in grease, all in a compact assembly. The percussion sub which holds the drill bit and which has an anvil surface which can be repeatedly struck, includes a cylindrical outer surface extending down from the anvil surface. The outer barrel, which has a hammer surface that hammers the anvil surface, carries a cage which surrounds the cylindrical surface, and which holds a seal assembly which seals to the cylindrical surface. Thus, percussion occurs in a sealed area.

Abstract: Oil well drilling apparatus for drilling deep boreholes. The apparatus includes a high frequency, high voltage, AC generator at the surface of the ground which is connected to an electromagnetic hammer drill bit located at the bottom of the borehole. Electric current is conducted along a special drill string to the electromagnetic hammer drill located at the bottom of the hole. The drill string is a co-axial electrically conductive drill pipe which forms spaced annular current flow paths to the downhole electromagnetic hammer drill, while at the same time, drilling fluid flows along an axial flow path to the vibrating bit located at the bottom of the borehole. A special directional drill collar is positioned immediately above the electromagnetic hammer drill for controlling hole deviation.

Abstract: Stuck well pipe is removed from a well bore by applying an upward pull to the stuck pipe while applying an upward jarring action to the pipe by an air hammer which applies rapid blows to a linkage mechanism connected to the pipe.

Abstract: A borehole excavation apparatus and method which employs a down-hole positive displacement pump to circulate the drilling fluid and lift the excavated rock to the surface through nonmetallic composite pipe. The excavation of rock occurs by use of apparatus which produces a combination of percussion impact, cavitation, and hydrostatic depressuring which utilizes the pore pressure and elastic energy stored within the rock to fracture the rock into small pieces. The down-hole positive displacement pump and the excavation tool are actuated by the axial oscillation of a weighted momentum unit which in turn is actuated by the axial oscillation of the nonmetallic composite pipe, which in turn is actuated by the oscillating motion of a rocker beam at the surface where the drilling fluid and excavated rock particles are discharged.

Abstract: A multiple drill stem for cable tool drilling operations, in which the drill stem is repeatedly hoisted and dropped to impact, has an internal hammer that moves a short distance to strike an anvil in a lower end of a drill stem casing. The improvement relates to a cocking spring that is positioned along an uppermost portion of the hammer and away from harmful debris that collects where the hammer strikes the casing anvil. The casing bears against an upper hammer anvil to cock the spring between a spring-compressing flange at one end and a restriction in the casing interior that blocks an opposite end of the spring, but allows the hammer to slide through it. The spring is further compressed when the drill stem is dropped to a point of initial impact, so that the hammer strikes a follow-up blow on the lower casing anvil. A method of assembling the drill stem is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole casing anvil device is described that provides a surface against which the casing can be driven down a drilled hole from near the bottom of the casing. The anvil device includes a solid body having a mounting plate that is complementary to the cross-sectional configuration of the casing, and an anvil shoulder that projects outwardly therefrom. The shoulder is adapted to fit through an aperture in the casing and to project into the casing interior. The plate includes a mounting surface that fits flush against the casing when the anvil shoulder is fitted through the casing aperture. Axial edges of the plate may be welded to the casing, clear of the aperture, to secure the anvil device to the casing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a well point are disclosed which include a resilient member that elongates each time an anvil surface near the conical tip of the well point is impacted by a drive rod. The drive rod is repeatedly raised and dropped to force the well point downwardly through the soil, pulling sections thereabove until the desired casing depth is reached.

Abstract: A shock absorbing subassembly with a body, a mandrel slidably and non-rotatively received in the body, dampening means therebetween, an upper seal above the dampening means and a floating seal therebelow for maintaining an oil bath between the body and the mandrel, a primary seal between the body and the mandrel below the floating seal, and a secondary seal actuated upon a predetermined magnitude of leakage past the primary seal to sequentially establish another seal between the body and the mandrel above the primary seal and below the floating seal.

Abstract: In the percussion drill rod assembly of the present invention rotary force is transmitted through a tubular member of the assembly while impact force is transmitted through the rod member centrally located in the tubular member. Either of said rod and tubular members is provided with radially extending protrusions which guide said member with respect to the other member while enabling flushing medium to pass between said members.

Abstract: A fatigue resistant anvil bit is described for use on a percussion rock drill. The anvil bit has a shank having a substantially uniform cross section terminated in a threaded end portion. A bit head is threadably mounted on the end portion having a diameter substantially greater than the bit shank. An anvil ring is shrunk fit on the shank engaging the bit head to provide lateral support and minimize the creation of fatigue fractures.