Abstract: A modular reamer shoe for connection to an end of a tubular structure, such as a casing or liner, for deployment in a wellbore includes a body configured for connection to the tubular structure (casing or liner). The body includes a first section and an adjacent second section. The first section is connected to the second section such that torque can be transmitted between the first section and the second section. The first section defines a starter reamer defined by a plurality of first cutting elements and second cutting elements spaced from the first cutting elements. The reamer shoe has a plurality of actuatable blades disposed within the second area of the first section. The plurality of blades moves between extended positions and retracted positions. A nose is connected to the first section of the body. The second section is actuatable and can move in an axial direction so as to move the body, including the nose, in forward/rearward directions.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for draining underground soil moisture and water at a site. The methods and systems utilize a secured pipe system having a leading edge to drill the system into the earth, and perforations along portions of the surface of the system to receive accumulated water from underground and deliver it to the surface. A pipe cradle guide as provided is useful in the installation of the system. To also inject soil stabilizing materials (a mixture of sand and gel) into the earth using the secured pipe system, a removable canister is coupled to the distal end of the pipe system, and using water pressure the soil stabilizing materials are delivered to the soil by means of the secured pipe system.

Abstract: A plug for plugging wells, and in particular oil and gas wells, is provided. The plug has a plug body formed from an outer metal tube of a reduced thickness. The plug also has reinforcement means, attached to an inner surface of the outer tube, that give the plug a cross-sectional structural strength that is at least equivalent to that of a thicker metal tube. The plug has a central heater receiving void located along the axis of the plug to enable a plug deployment heater to be received therein. Also provided is a plug assembly with a variable cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the assembly is deployed during the plugging of underground conduits.

Abstract: A spallation drilling apparatus is also disclosed that uses jets of hot fluid for drilling. This is compatible with drilling wells in high temperature zones, such as a lava dome. A simplified pyrolysis reactor for use in a lava dome is also disclosed, in which the dome functions to contain the reaction, and the apparatus to facilitate pyrolysis is far more compact.

Abstract: A method for building a drainage well in a loose granular soil is disclosed. The method includes inserting a liner tube into a loose soil using an inserting device. The liner tube includes a housing and an internal shaft placed inside the housing and coupled to inside the housing via a locking mechanism. Subsequent to insertion into the soil, the internal shaft is unlocked from the housing and removed therefrom. Thereafter, a grooved pipe is inserted inside the housing using the inserting device. Subsequent to the grooved pipe insertion into the housing, the housing is removed from the loose granular soil using a mechanical excavator and a space between the loose granular soil and the grooved pipe is filled with a filling material.

Abstract: A network service access gateway is described that provides service correlation for incoming and outgoing invocations. The service requests can be received to the gateway from telecommunication mobile devices as well as from external service provider applications. A first service request can be received to the gateway and processed. The service correlation identifier (SCID) of the request can be persisted within the gateway prior to forwarding the request to the recipient. When a second and related service invocation is later received to the gateway, the two invocations can be associated based on the SCID. Based on the association, various custom functionality can be performed, such as invoking the charging system to treat the multiple services as a single unified transaction.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) for use in top filling of tubulars comprising an inlet (200) for fluid communication with a top drive for providing top filling fluid, and an outlet (300) for fluid communication with a tubular. The apparatus (100) comprises a filter configuration (120), in fluid communication with the inlet (200) and the outlet (300) and configured to remove debris from a top filling fluid flow flowing from the inlet (200) to the outlet (300) during top filling of a tubular.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus for filtering debris from a fluid in a well bore including a screen sub, a diverter assembly connected to the screen sub, a screen section extending from the diverter assembly and connected to the screen sub. The screen section includes a plurality of openings for filtering debris from the fluid. The debris collects in an annulus between the screen section and the screen sub. The diverter assembly includes a detachable plug having a fishing portion capable of engaging a fishing tool. Removal of the detachable plug with a fishing tool opens a central passage through the diverter assembly and the screen section. The diverter assembly may include an outer and an inner body and one or more passages between the outer and inner bodies. The detachable plug may include one or more dog members capable of engaging the inner body.

Abstract: A downhole tool for removing debris from fluid flowing through the downhole tool uses a screen member and wiper member, the wiper member having at least one window disposed through the inner and outer wall surfaces of the wiper member. Either the screen member or the wiper member is rotatable such that rotation of the screen member or the wiper member causes debris disposed on the outer wall surface of the screen member to fall-off the screen member. At least one directional port disposed at either the upper end of the screen member or the upper end of the wiper member causes rotation of the screen member or wiper member when fluid flows through the downhole tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: A method of drilling and completing a well can include drilling a section of a wellbore, positioning a perforated shroud in the section of the wellbore, securing the perforated shroud by setting a hanger, and isolating the section of the wellbore from a remainder of the wellbore vertically above the section of the wellbore. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed while the section of the wellbore is not exposed to a liquid column extending to a surface location. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed in a single trip of a drill string into the wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: Drilling tool (1) for drilling a well downhole where fluid is surrounding the tool and where the tool has a housing (15) and is connected to an electrical conducting means, such as a wireline. The drilling tool has a drilling head (2) and a fluid cleaner (3) for removal of elements, such as debris and formation pieces, from the fluid while drilling downhole. The fluid cleaner has a chamber (4) and a filter (5) within the chamber for separation of the elements from the fluid. The tool further comprises a pump (8) for pumping the fluid into the chamber through an inlet (11) in the drilling head (2) and through the filter before entering the well again. Furthermore, the tool comprises a driving unit for driving the pump and the drilling head.

Abstract: In general, an apparatus is provided comprising either a single wall drill string or a concentric drill string for use in drilling, completing and/or stimulating a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen. More particularly, the single wall drill string or the concentric drill string further comprises an electrical cable and heating device for heating the drill string to stimulate the flow of the heavy oil and bitumen in the well after chilling is completed.

Abstract: A MWD/LWD hard line communication system and method includes for the system a cartridge capable of deploying wire in a borehole, a screen attachable to the cartridge and positionally retainable in the borehole, and a communications connector operably associable with the cartridge; and for the method, deploying hardline from a cartridge, attaching the cartridge to a screen, and attaching the cartridge to a communications connector. Another method includes pumping fluid downhole, urging a wire nest into a screen, and compacting the nest into the screen with the fluid until the fluid is pumpable past the nest through an unobstructed portion of the screen.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the filter comprises a drilling mud intake, and the lower end of the filter comprises an opening. A displaceable plug is seated on the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: A debris collector or strainer assembly for a well string tubular coupling wherein one embodiment discloses a conical coil with one end fixed to a hub, a beveled collar surrounding and supporting the hub and secured thereto with shear pins, the conical coil is deformable as necessary to capture irregular shaped objects between its coils, its loops may be closed, spaced apart, fixed or allowed to expand under pressure, and may be retrieved using an overshot fishing tool to engage a rod extending axially through the coil which may be attached at one or both ends of the coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir for in situ recovery of heavy oil and bitumen is provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for drilling, completing and/or stimulating a heavy oil or bitumen well in a heavy oil or bitumen reservoir is provided, comprising: providing a concentric drill string having an inner tube and an outer tube defining an annulus therebetween, the outer tube further having a plurality of slots sealed with a temporary filler material; drilling a borehole into the reservoir using a drilling member connected at the lower end of the concentric drill string and delivering drilling medium through one of the annulus or inner tube and extracting the exhaust drilling medium through the other of the annulus or inner tube; leaving the concentric drill string in the well after drilling of the borehole is completed; and removing the temporary filler material to expose the plurality of slots in the outer tube and form a slotted liner.

Abstract: A downhole filter with a filter housing having a top filter and a bottom filter disposed therein. The filter housing can be in fluid communication with each filter. Each filter can be in fluid communication with a burst disk housing having a burst disk module and a burst disk. Each burst disk housing can be in fluid communication with the filter housing. Fluid can flow through the filter housing and through the filter. When a filter is clogged, the fluid can burst a burst disk, thereby bypassing the filter. The downhole filter can include a middle sub in fluid communication with the top filter and a second portion of the filter housing. The middle sub can threadably engage a bottom burst disk housing.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the filter comprises a drilling mud intake, and the lower end of the filter comprises an opening. A displaceable plug is seated on the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: A snap-lock bushing is provided for use with prepacked screens for monitoring wells. The bushing has an inner bore for sliding over a tubular well casing member and a raised lip protruding from the inner bore for engaging corresponding grooves at each end of the well casing member. The raised lip includes a plurality of lip segments with gaps or slots formed between the lip segments, which allow the raised lip to flex outward during assembly. A prepacked screen is assembled using a snap-lock bushing at each end of the well casing member. A mesh screen is placed in a concentric relationship around the well casing member with the ends of the mesh screen secured over the outer cylindrical surfaces of the bushings. A filter pack of granular material is placed in the concentric space between the well casing member and the screen member during assembly.

Abstract: A liner rotates a bit to make more hole. The liner has openings with inserts in them to lend torque resistance to the liner. The inserts have a passage with a send control media in the passage and a seal so that the liner can hold pressure for run in to get proper circulation through the bit. When sufficient hole is made, the liner is hung off an existing cemented tubular and the seal for the passages with the sand control media is removed by a variety of techniques so that the formation can be produced in a single trip.

Abstract: A removable plug and collar for a hollow stem screened auger and a method of collecting water samples using the plug and collar. The plug has an outer threaded surface that is threaded in a first direction. The top of the plug has an internal threaded cavity that is threaded in a second direction opposite that of the first direction. The collar is pressure fit within the top of the screened auger, held in place with an auger bolt, and has an internal threaded surface to receive the plug. The plug has multiple ports to receive air and sample tubes, enabling samples to be collected without removing the plug from the screened auger. To set a well after sampling, the plug is removed from the collar down hole as a drill rod is threaded into the plug's internal threaded cavity in a direction the same as the second direction.

Abstract: A screen apparatus for use in a well bore. The apparatus comprises a latch; a first tubular disposed within the latch, the first tubular having an internal retrieving profile; a screen extending from the first tubular, and wherein the screen contains a first portion with a first outer diameter, and a second portion that extends to a second outer diameter, and wherein the first outer diameter is larger that than the second outer diameter. The apparatus further comprises a diverter device operatively attached to an inner portion of the first tubular, and wherein the diverter device contains a passage to divert the fluid to an outer portion of the screen. In one preferred embodiment, the screen comprises a series of longitudinal slots of progressively smaller length. Also, the screen may contain a stepped outer diameter portion and inner diameter portion. A method of cleaning debris is also included.

Abstract: A drainage pipe to be inserted into the ground, presents a plurality of openings (5) for the passage of water, wherein each of the openings is closed by a cap (9) containing one or more holes (11) filled with water-soluble material (13), adapted to prevent the passage of debris during drilling, which the material dissolves in contact with the water in the soil. In particular, the caps have a hollow body (9) with a plurality of holes (11) in the wall for the passage of water, which the body and holes are filled with water-soluble material (13). Moreover, the caps present an undercut (12) on the end wall of the cavity, to prevent the exit of the water-soluble material (13) which fills the hollow body (9).

Abstract: A snap-lock bushing is provided for use with prepacked screens for monitoring wells. The bushing has an inner bore for sliding over a tubular well casing member and a raised lip protruding from the inner bore for engaging corresponding grooves at each end of the well casing member. The raised lip includes a plurality of lip segments with gaps or slots formed between the lip segments, which allow the raised lip to flex outward during assembly. A prepacked screen is assembled using a snap-lock bushing at each end of the well casing member. A mesh screen is placed in a concentric relationship around the well casing member with the ends of the mesh screen secured over the outer cylindrical surfaces of the bushings. A filter pack of granular material is placed in the concentric space between the well casing member and the screen member during assembly.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an open end and a perforated end and first and second mounting surfaces are adjacent the open end. A transmission element is disposed within each of the first and second mounting surfaces. A capacitor may modify electrical characteristics of an LC circuit that comprises the transmission elements. The respective transmission elements are in communication with each other and with a transmission network integrated into the drill string. The transmission elements may be inductive couplers, direct electrical contacts, or optical couplers. In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter comprises an electronic component. The electronic component may be selected from the group consisting of a sensor, a router, a power source, a clock source, a repeater, and an amplifier.

Abstract: A tool string stab guide for axially aligning first tool string components with second tool string components is disclosed. The stab guide has a body with an axial length along a longitudinal axis with a first and a second section. The first section of the body adapted for removable attachment within a diameter of a bore of a tool string component. The second section of the body has a centering element with a flow channel. The ratio of the axial length to the diameter is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A retrievable drill pipe screen is adapted for releasable connection within a drill pipe string. The screen has a planar support plate for connecting a perforated tubular screen body to a fish neck wherein the plane of the planar support plate is generally parallel to the axis of the screen body. The orientation of the planar support plate provides minimal resistance to fluid flowing into the screen body while also reducing vortex effects that cause wear of screen components. Preferably, a wear distributor sleeve is fit within the screen body for protecting against wear of the screen caused by fluid flow and a retaining rod can secure the bottom of the screen body to the fish neck in the event that a lower portion of the screen body becomes detached.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for filtering down-hole drilling fluids, insertable at any point in the drill string, i.e.: tool joints or within instrument subs. The filter element is a disk insertable between the two threadably connected ends of any two lengths of the drill string or adaptively placed within a tool joint containing down-hole tools such as data gathering instruments. The filter is essentially a disk having a series of expanding concentric radial slots and may be used in combination with an X collar support ring insert, combined with a sleeve having a landing ring or provided with a retrieval means.

Abstract: A drilling fluid filter for placement within a bore wall of a tubular drill string component comprises a perforated receptacle with an open end and a closed end. A hanger for engagement with the bore wall is mounted at the open end of the perforated receptacle. A mandrel is adjacent and attached to the open end of the perforated receptacle. A linkage connects the mandrel to the hanger. The linkage may be selected from the group consisting of struts, articulated struts and cams. The mandrel operates on the hanger through the linkage to engage and disengage the drilling fluid filter from the tubular drill string component. The mandrel may have a stationary portion comprising a first attachment to the open end of the perforated receptacle and a telescoping adjustable portion comprising a second attachment to the linkage. The mandrel may also comprise a top-hole interface for top-hole equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing an interval of a wellbore while drilling comprises a drill string (52) having a drill bit (30) mounted on the lower end thereof. A completion assembly (50) is positioned around a section of the drill string (52) such that when the wellbore (32) is extended by rotating the drill bit (30) and advancing the drill string (52), the completion assembly (50) does not rotate. The advancement of the drill string (52) and rotation of the drill bit (30) is ceased when the completion assembly (50) has reached the desired interval of the wellbore (32). Thereafter, the drill string (52) is disconnected from the drill bit (30) for retrieval to the surface leaving the completion assembly (50) and the drill bit (30) downhole.

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 system for controlling sand has an expandable screen an an inner string to isolate the sand screen allowing for drilling fluids to be circulated to the bottom of the drilling assembly, before returning up the annulus in normal fashion. Both ends of the expandable screen are mount on an inner string. The inner string is integral with the internals of the bottomhole drilling assembly, allowing for retrieval thereof, including a pilot bit. Upon retrieval an isolation valve will close and seal thus providing sand control integrity in the well. Release from the sand screen will be by pumping a ball down the string and engaging this in a catcher to slim the sliding sleeve open, giving hydraulic access to the liner hanger and engaging slips in the previous casing. Further pressure will release the ball into a catcher, restoring communication through the drill string.

Abstract: A system for controlling sand has an expandable screen and an inner string to isolate the sand screen allowing for drilling fluids to be circulated to the bottom of the drilling assembly, before returning up the annulus in normal fashion. Both ends of the expandable screen are mounted on an inner string by means of a swivel and seals, the former allowing for drill string rotation and the latter ensuring that drilling fluids do not circulate to the inside of the screen. The inner string is integral with the internals of the bottomhole drilling assembly, allowing for retrieval thereof, including a pilot bit. Upon retrieval an isolation valve will close and seal thus providing sand control integrity in the well. Release from the sand screen will be by pumping a ball down the string and engaging this in a catcher to slim the sliding sleeve open, giving hydraulic access to the liner hanger and engaging slips in the previous casing.

Abstract: A cup-shaped drill head with an inner conical surface (2) for force-locking connection with an exterior conical surface (3) of a driving drill shaft (4), which at the leading end changes over into a cup base (5) with a center point (P), whereby in the change over from the cup base (5) to the inner conical surface (2) a lesser curvature (K) is present than at the center point (P).

Abstract: A filter system for filtering drill bit cuttings, shavings, and other abrasive articles from a drilling mud that is passed through an oil or gas well drilling system is provided that includes an overhead drilling system, a drill string connected to the overhead drilling system, and a mud filter for filtering the drilling mud, wherein the mud filter is disposed within a drilling mud fluid passageway that extends from the entry point of the drilling mud into the overhead drilling system and the entry point of the drilling mud into the drill string.

Abstract: A tool for removing solid particles from a well after sand fracturing, drilling, etc. The tool includes a flapper valve assembly above a drill bit, a sand screen, and a screw pump. Fluid in the well, with the solid particles therein, is pumped into the tool by rotating the screw pump, wherein the fluid moves past the bit, across the flapper valve assembly, and through the sand screen. The solid particles stay in a cavity above the flapper valve, but the fluid moves further along the screw pump and is returned along the outside of the tool to the bit, to start the cycle over again. Over time, the cavity fills with solid particles, and the device is raised to the surface, where the accumulated solid particles are dumped. The device can be re-introduced into the well to remove more solid particles, if necessary.

Abstract: A two stage filter for drilling fluid using downhole tools filters solid materials from the drilling fluid and has a first, outer filter section and a second, inner filter section. A portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the first section is received by the second section, and passed on to the fluid using device of the tool. A flow area of the first filter section is greater than a flow area of the second filter section.

Abstract: A two stage filter for drilling fluid using downhole tools filters solid materials from the drilling fluid and has a first, outer filter section and a second, inner filter section. A portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the first section is received by the second section, and passed on to the fluid using device of the tool. A flow area of the first filter section is greater than a flow area of the second filter section.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a drilling fluid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical flange member having a first and second passage and a cylindrical sleeve having an internal fishing neck. An attachment pin attaches the flange member to the cylindrical sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a screen member attached to the cylindrical sleeve. In one embodiment, the first and second passage are disposed off-centered so that four bore holes are created. The attachment pin cooperates with a groove formed on the sleeve's outer diameter surface. The apparatus may further include a pulling tool. The pulling tool contains a plurality of dog members disposed about a mandrel, and a spring that urges the dog members into engagement with a protuberance on the mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a shear pin attaching the dog members to the mandrel and wherein the shear pin is disposed within a slot so that the dog members can move axially relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a drilling fluid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical flange member having a first and second passage and a cylindrical sleeve having an internal fishing neck. An attachment pin attaches the flange member to the cylindrical sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a screen member attached to the cylindrical sleeve. In one embodiment, the first and second passage are disposed off-centered so that four bore holes are created. The attachment pin cooperates with a groove formed on the sleeve's outer diameter surface. The apparatus may further include a pulling tool. The pulling tool contains a plurality of dog members disposed about a mandrel, and a spring that urges the dog members into engagement with a protuberance on the mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a shear pin attaching the dog members to the mandrel and wherein the shear pin is disposed within a slot so that the dog members can move axially relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the drilling, notably by percussion or rotary-percussion drilling, and draining of holes in soil or rock. A drill bit (2, 3) mounted on a drill rod (4) creates a bore hole and a jacket tube (6) is coupled to the drill rod (4) or the drill bit (2, 3). In the area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) has at least one through hole which opens into an annular space embodied between the drill rod and the jacket tube. In the end area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) is surrounded by at least one filter tube (7) having a plurality of through holes or slits (8) which are distributed especially evenly across its circumference. This allows for correspondingly safe and reliable drainage during boring, using simple measures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jacket tube (6) for a device for drilling holes and forming an anchorage in the earth or rock. The inventive jacket tube (6) is coupled with a drill pipe (3) and/or a drill bit (1) or a drill hammer and is configured with a plurality of through openings across its periphery. Once the borehole (2) has been made, or after an anchor has been introduced, the jacket tube can be filled with a hardenable suspension. According to the invention, the jacket tube consists of at least one expanded metal element (6) which has evenly distributed through openings (9) and connecting elements (7, 8), especially sleeves, at the ends for connecting to a drill bit (1) and/or other jacket tube elements (6). The borehole (2) is therefore easy to produce and the jacket tube (6) can be anchored securely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the drilling, notably by percussion or rotary-percussion drilling, and draining of holes in soil or rock. A drill bit (2, 3) mounted on a drill rod (4) creates a bore hole and a jacket tube (6) is coupled to the drill rod (4) or the drill bit (2, 3). In the area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) has at least one through hole which opens into an annular space embodied between the drill rod and the jacket tube. In the end area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) is surrounded by at least one filter tube (7) having a plurality of through holes or slits (8) which are distributed especially evenly across its circumference. This allows for correspondingly safe and reliable drainage during boring, using simple measures.

Abstract: The invention provides a permeable treatment wall comprising one or more high-permeability columns, as well as a methods for preparing such a permeable treatment wall.

Abstract: A pair of elongated cylindrical members are constructed with first and second collars extending axially beyond their adjoining ends. The first and second collars have adjoining indentations and projections at their end edges which are adapted to interlock with one another so as to prevent rotation of the two elongated members with respect to one another. A coupler is removably fitted over the exterior of the first and second collars and holds them together against axial movement with respect to one another. The collars are each welded to the axial ends of the first and second cylindrical members. A sampling tube section is provided having slots to allow the fluid to be sampled to enter the internal bore of the tube. The slots are axial, and are spaced apart both angularly and axially. The slots are tapered so as to have a narrower width at the outer surface of the tube than at the inner surface of the bore.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a shelf-like bracket which mounts to the exposed foundation of a building or other structure. The portion of the bracket which fits underneath the foundation is adjustable to permit secure fitting. The bracket includes a vertically mounted cylindrical member adapted for receiving and holding piers (pipes). A first housing is mounted vertically atop the bracket and is adapted to support a hydraulic cylinder for driving piers into the subsurface surrounding the foundation. Each pier is adequately secured to a preceding pier prior to being driven into the subsurface. Connected piers are consecutively driven into the subsurface to a predetermined point. The first housing is removed and a second driving device is used to drive the piers further into the subsurface. Grout is forced by pressure through the interior of the piers and out through the base pier's apertures, thereby forming a grout base at the base of the piers.

Abstract: A method and device is used for producing uncontaminated water samples when drilling a well, using a hollow bar for transporting drilling fluid whose conduits consist of nonperforated tubes and at least one perforated tube; the water sample is pumped through filter sand from a water-conducting horizontal, approached by the boring bar, via a perforated insert positioned in the latter after the filter sand is deposited between the perforated tube, the adjacent nonperforated conduit and the bore wall and incorporated into the system as a filter. The bore up to the first water-conducting horizontal is drilled with the closed perforated insert and the first water sample obtained. After closing the perforations, drilling is continued and the filter sand removed until the next water-conducting horizontal is reached, from which a second water sample is taken after reopening the perforations.

Abstract: A screen placement apparatus and system wherein the apparatus includes a motor for providing rotational torque to an auger received within a ground screen and a disposable cutting tip having a cutting diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the screen is connected to the end of the auger. The screen is placed into the ground by simultaneously drilling the hole with the disposable cutting tip, drawing the drill cuttings up through the screen with the auger, and inserting the screen into the hole. The drill cuttings, drawn up through the hole, are discharged through discharge openings. After the desired depth is reached, the auger and motor are longitudinally moved with respect to the screen and cutting tip thereby permanently disconnecting the disposable cutting tip and leaving it within the ground. The auger is, thereafter, retracted from within the ground screen.