Abstract: A retrievable kinetic penetrator includes a tubular body having a first end and a second end, a nose coupled to the first end of the tubular body, and a retrieval system. The nose is configured to penetrate a ground surface and subsurface materials of a subterranean ground volume. The retrieval system includes a tether coupled to the tubular body and is configured to facilitate recovery of the tubular body from the subterranean ground volume.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a fluid communication device configured to extend from a drill string and establish fluid communication with a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore in which the drill string is positioned, wherein the drill string comprises a passage configured to conduct drilling mud and an opening extending through an outer surface thereof and into a cavity. A sample chamber is coupled within the cavity and is in selectable fluid communication with the formation via the fluid communication device.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting apparatus for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting device which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting device is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting mechanism for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting device may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.

Abstract: A large diameter drill bit having a plurality of rolling cutters is provided with permanent magnets mounted on flexible flaps to collect magnetic debris on the bottom of a drill hole. A flap carrying a permanent magnet is mounted adjacent each cutter, or flaps carrying magnets are formed in a radially extending row to sweep the bottom of the hole as the bit rotates. In another form, magnets are included in wheels which roll on the bottom of the hole to collect the magnetic debris.

Abstract: A method of drilling a large hole through rock and removing the drilling waste by drilling a pilot hole from one rock face to another, reverse drilling with a large drill bit and removing the waste during the reverse drilling by pressurizing the pilot hole to eject the waste through a muck extractor dragged behind the large drill bit; and an apparatus to carry out this method consisting of a sealing member for the one rock face, and a muck extractor for securement to the large drill bit.