Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.

Abstract: An improved bi-center with improved directional stability and wear resistance is disclosed, said bit optimally utilizing a plurality of shaped PDC cutting elements selectively situated about the cutting surfaces of the pilot and the reamer to produce a minimal force imbalance, where further said pilot bit and the reamer are force balanced to further reduce imbalance in the operation of the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for the directional drilling of a bore hole through a solid substrate includes a main bore head mounted for rotation on a flexible drive shaft and a pilot bore head for weakening a region of substrate in advance of the main bore head, the weakened region being eccentrically located relative to the main bore head. The apparatus further incudes means for enabling the drilling access of the main bore head, during subsequent drilling of the bore hole, to become substantially aligned with the weakened region of substrate.

Abstract: A drill out bi-center bit and a method for using the same are provided that offer the ability to drill out cement and casing shoes, and increased stability. The bi-center bit includes a bit body having a first end operable to be coupled with a drill string, a second end including a pilot section, and an eccentric reamer section intermediate the first and second ends. A first plurality of cutter assemblies is disposed upon the exterior surface of the pilot section, while a second plurality of cutter assemblies is disposed upon the reamer section. A plurality of recessed cutter assemblies is also disposed upon the pilot section, such that the recessed cutter assemblies are located within a radius beginning at a central axis of the pilot section and terminating at a central axis of the reamer section and are recessed with respect to a lower surface of the pilot.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for use in horizontal directional boring includes a spoon-shaped body with a rearwardly angled or inclined arcuate front end face that widens from a leading edge to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the front face sloping rearwardly from a leading side surface to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the leading and trailing side surfaces extending rearwardly in from the front end face. The leading side surface is wider than the trailing side surface. In one configuration, the front end surface and leading side face are each provided with a plurality of carbide inserts or studs which may be arranged in a row.

Abstract: An improved bi-center with improved directional stability and wear resistance is disclosed, said bit optimally utilizing a plurality of shaped PDC cutting elements selectively situated about the cutting surfaces of the pilot and the reamer to produce a minimal force imbalance, where further said pilot bit and the reamer are force balanced to further reduce imbalance in the operation of the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for opening rock with a chisel, especially for producing a drillhole in rock by means of a drilling device that comprises a percussion drive and a rotating thrust rod assembly. The percussion unit, via the drill head, exerts a thrust impulse on the breast in a segment thereof in order to knock out rock from the breast. In a subsequent step, the percussion unit is rotated by an angle &agr; via the rod assembly. Pieces of rock are knocked out from the breast by exerting thrust impulses via the drill head and the drill tip in the corresponding new segment of the breast.

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: The invention relates to a method for horizontal ground-boring, in particular for rock-boring, by means of a rotating and hammering driven ground-boring device, whereby the device is alternately or simultaneously supplied with compressed air and drilling medium and the compressed air and drilling medium are supplied through a channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with the ability to drill cement, cement float equipment, and debris out of a casing without substantial damage to the casing interior or the reaming apparatus. The reaming apparatus also provides enhanced protection from contact with the casing wall for selected structural features and elements thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit for trenchless drilling includes a bit body defining a longitudinal axis about which the drill bit is rotated during a trenchless drilling operation. Two sets of cutting teeth are mounted at a front end of the bit body, the sets disposed on opposite sides of the axis. The first and second sets are brazed into respective slots formed in the first and second side surfaces of the bit body. The slots on each side surface communicate with a common groove, wherein the groove forms a shoulder against which rear ends of the cutting teeth abut.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include an offset drilling fluid seal.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include elevated wear protector receptacles in particular locations and configurations.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include offset cutting tooth paths.

Abstract: A steerable horizontal subterranean drill bit apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a drill bit and a housing. The drill bit may include a one-bolt attachment system.

Abstract: A sonde (transmitter) housing having a one-piece design for improved housing rigidity. The housing includes a mechanically-adjustable mounting configuration adaptable to a variety of sonde applications. A method of making the sonde housing in a one-piece design and infinitely orienting the sonde clocking electronics.

Abstract: A rock drill has at least one hard material insert (2) with at least two cutting edges (3, 7) consisting of hard material and extending radially to the drill axis (A), whereby, in a radial range of 20% to 50% of their drilling radius, at least two cutting edges (3, 7) each have an axial recess (4), and the cutting edges (3, 7) rotating around the drill axis (A) extend with their cutting edges in their entirety without any gaps over the entire drilling radius.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling performance of a roller cone drill bit is disclosed. The method includes simulating drilling with the bit in a selected earth formation to determine at least one drilling performance parameter. The orientation of at least one non-axisymmetric cutting element on the bit is adjusted and the simulating the drilling and determining the at least one performance parameter are repeated. The adjusting and simulating the drilling are repeated until the at least one performance parameter is determined to be at an optimum value. In one embodiment, the performance parameter includes rate of penetration.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the directional drilling of a bore hole through a solid substrate includes a main bore head (2) mounted for rotation on a flexible drive shaft (10) and a pilot bore head (4) for weakening a region of substrate in advance of the main bore head, the weakened region being eccentrically located relative to the main bore head. The apparatus further includes means for enabling the drilling access of the main bore head, during subsequent drilling of the bore hole, to become substantially aligned with the weakened region of substrate by using a cam (12).

Abstract: Asymmetrical compacts are utilized in certain places on roller cones of an earth boring bit to increase the number of compacts in certain rows. The compacts that are pressed into holes in rows on the cones. The compacts are of tungsten carbide and have a cutting end axis and a barrel axis. The barrel axis intersects the cutting end axis at an obtuse angle. In the heel row, the barrel axis of at least some of the compacts is rotated to have less inclination than the cutting end axis. In an adjacent row to the heel row, each of the compacts has a barrel axis that is rotated to have more inclination than its cutting end axis and more inclination than the barrel axes of the heel row.

Abstract: A drill bit suited for impact-assisted directional boring in rock includes a bit body having a frontwardly facing, circular main cutting surface having a number of main cutting teeth disposed thereon. A gage cutter extends radially outwardly from the main cutting surface, which gage cutter mounts at least one frontwardly facing gage cutting tooth thereon suitable for cutting in a circle during straight boring and over an angle defined by less than a full rotation of the bit in order to steer the bit. A heel on an outer side surface of the bit body at a position opposite to and behind the gage tooth provides a reaction surface for the gage cutter. The bit body and gage cutter have a nearly circular side profile along a front portion thereof such that a maximum radial clearance between the side profile and a side wall of a hole being drilled is not greater than about 10 percent of the radius of a circle cut by the gage tooth.

Abstract: A drill head of directional boring includes a bit, a holder for a device for detecting angular orientation of the bit, and a hammer including a striker, wherein the bit assembly, holder and hammer are connected head to tail with the bit at a front end. The bit 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. In one embodiment, the main cutting surface is substantially flat and circular and has fluid ejection ports thereon, and the drill head has passages for conducting a drill fluid therethrough to the ejection ports.

Abstract: A drill bit configured for use in horizontal directional boring includes a spoon-shaped body with a rearwardly angled or inclined arcuate front end face that widens from a leading edge to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the front face sloping rearwardly from a leading side surface to a trailing edge in a circumferential direction, the leading and trailing side surfaces extending rearwardly in from the front end face. The leading side surface is wider than the trailing side surface. In one configuration, the front end surface and leading side face are each provided with a plurality of carbide inserts or studs which may be arranged in a row.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with the ability to drill cement, cement float equipment, and debris out of a casing without substantial damage to the casing interior or the reaming apparatus. The reaming apparatus also provides enhanced protection from contact with the casing wall for selected structural features and elements thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit including a bit body and a plurality of blades formed in the bit body. The blades are formed, at least in part, from a base matrix material that on one embodiment is impregnated with abrasive particles. One side of the bit is formed, with respect to its axis of rotation, to a smaller radius than the opposite side of the bit. The asymmetry of the bit enables the bit to drill a larger diameter hole than a pass through diameter of the bit. The opposite side defines a contact angle between the bit and a formation. In one embodiment, the contact angle is at least 140 degrees. In one embodiment, a plurality of inserts may be located on the blades to provide gage protection. In another embodiment, the bit may also include a gage sleeve that helps keep the bit stabilized in the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an electronic device therein for use in an underground boring machine includes an elongated housing having an elongated, lengthwise central cavity opening at one end thereof, a cartridge containing a sonde therein, which cartridge fits in the cavity; and a keying mechanism for securing the cartridge and sonde in a predetermined orientation relative to the housing when the cartridge is inserted into the cavity through the opening. One or more lengthwise fluid passages isolated from the cavity extend through the housing. A sonde housing of the invention may be used with a drill string and bit assembly in directional boring.

Abstract: A bit for directional boring according to the invention includes a bit body having a frontwardly facing sloped face effective for steering the bit in dirt. The sloped face defines a steering plane that defines an acute included angle relative to a lengthwise axis of rotation of the bit. A connection is provided at the rear of the bit body permitting the bit to be removably mounted at the lead end of a drill string, and one or more internal passages are provided in the bit body for carrying a drilling fluid to a front end of the bit body. A first cutting tooth is mounted on the bit body and extends frontwardly from the bit body at a first angle that causes the first tooth to cut along a first circular path as the bit rotates.

Abstract: A reaming tool is disclosed which includes a body having reaming blades affixed thereto at azimuthally spaced apart locations around a circumference of the body. The reaming blades each have at least one cutter attached thereto at selected positions and orientations on each of the blades to minimize a net lateral force developed by the reaming tool. The tool includes a pilot hole conditioning section comprising a plurality of azimuthally spaced apart pilot blades affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the reaming blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a conduit through a horizontal bore includes a drill head having a forward most end including a pocket configured to receive an elongated body; coupler, a coupling member including an elongate body configured to fit in the pocket and a connecting end extending outside of the drill head beyond the pocket configured for coupling the coupling member and drill head to a conduit pulling means, a hole in the drill head intersecting the pocket alignable with a retainer aperture in the elongate body and a retainer adapted to pass through the aperture and hole to secure the coupling member to the drill head. In one variation, a clevis and or bearing swivel passed through an eyelet in the connecting end is used with a rope, chain or cable to connect the drill head to a pipe puller for pulling a pipe or conduit through an underground horizontal bore.

Abstract: A directional borehole drilling system employs a controllable drill bit, which includes one or more conical drilling surfaces. Instrumentation located near the bit measures present position when the bit is static, and dynamic toolface when the bit is rotating. This data is processed to determine the error between the present position and a desired trajectory, and the position of one or more of the bit's cones is automatically changed as needed to make the bit bore in the direction necessary to reduce the error. The controllable drill bit preferably comprises three cone assemblies mounted about the bit's central axis, each of which includes a leg with “toed-out” axle. In response to a command signal, a cone translates along the axle to cause it to bear more of the bit weight, thus excavating more deeply over the commanded toolface sector and causing the bit to bore in a preferred direction.

Abstract: A rotating tool for milling or drilling in a well bore, having one or more rotating cutting structures, with each cutting structure rotating about its own axis, and with the cutting structures rotating about the axis of the tool. The rotational axis of the tool is offset from the axis of at least one cutting structure, with the axis of the tool passing through that cutting structure. This ensures that the cutting structure which spans the axis of the tool rotates independently of the tool, to prevent the existence of a zero velocity point on the cutting face of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for mounting an electronic device such as a sonde therein for use in directional drilling. Such an apparatus includes an elongated housing having projections at opposite ends of the housing for connecting the housing to other components of the boring machine, an elongated internal chamber configured to receive an electronic device therein and having an elongated access opening which extends along an exterior surface of the housing, and a cover sized to close the access opening, the cover having a first hole extending therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with the ability to drill cement, cement float equipment, and debris out of a casing without substantial damage to the casing interior or the reaming apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: The invention provides a rock drilling bit with a plurality of cutting teeth raked into the cut of the drilling bit. Such teeth are oriented at an angle of at least about 30 degrees relative to an imaginary line normal to a front surface of the cutting head from which the cutting teeth project. Such an arrangement provides the desired shear cutting force against the rock face while simultaneously reducing the shock and vibration applied to sonde housing and the drill string. The bit according to the invention may further incorporate a rear, frustoconical crushing surface that defines a space or zone crescent-shaped in cross-section that narrows from front to rear, and an improved replacable tooth for use on a rock drilling bit.

Abstract: A drillout bi-center bit includes first and second axes of rotation separated by a distance D, a first region of radius D centered on one of the axes of rotation, a second region of radius D centered on the other of the axes of rotation, and a third region defined by the overlap between the first and second regions, wherein the cutters provided within the third region are designed to withstand cutting in opposing cutting directions. This may be achieved by providing each cutter with two cutting faces, or by providing two groups of cutters, one group arranged to cut in one direction, the other group being designed to cut upon rotation in the other direction, one of the groups protruding from the bit body of the bit to a greater depth than the other group.

Abstract: A hydraulic percussion drill includes a piston hammer disposed in a cylinder for reciprocating movement in response to pressure fluid acting continuously on one transverse face of the piston hammer and in response to valving of pressure fluid alternately to an opposed piston face of the piston hammer by a tubular sleeve valve disposed around the piston hammer. The drill includes a percussion bit configured to have a face portion disposed at an acute angle with respect to a plane normal to the bit and the drill central axis. Cooperating spiral splines on the bit and a bit chuck provide for directional drilling using a method which includes causing the bit to receive impact blows without rotating the cylinder housing to initiate a deviated drillhole.

Abstract: Although particular detailed embodiments of the apparatus and method have been described herein, it should be understood that the invention is not restricted to the details of the preferred embodiment. Many changes in design, composition, configuration and dimensions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

Abstract: An improved drill bit for directional drilling includes a housing or headpiece having means at a rear end thereof for mounting the bit on a trailing component of a drill head, and passages for ejection of drilling fluid into a borehole. A first axle is mounted to extend forwardly from a front end of the housing, and a first roller is rotatably mounted on the first axle. The first roller has cutting projections such as carbide studs thereon and extends outside of the outer diameter of the housing by a distance which defines the size of the borehole when the drill bit is rotated over 360 degrees. A second axle is mounted to extend from the front end of the housing, and a second roller is rotatably mounted on the second axle at a position offset from the first axle. The second roller extends slightly outside of the outer diameter of the housing, but by a distance less than the distance the first roller extends outside of the housing.

Abstract: A drill bit with dropping tendencies includes an active region, a passive region, a biased mass distribution, an uneven torque generation, and an imbalance force vector directed toward the middle of the active region. Cutting elements in the active region of the drill bit may be more aggressive than those in the passive region through manipulation of, e.g., backrake angle, blade length, cutter sizes, blade angles and bit profile. The imbalance force vector may be achieved by manipulation of bit geometric parameters such as cutter radial position, angular position, longitudinal position, and rake angle.

Abstract: A PDC-equipped rotary drag bit especially suitable for directional drilling. Cutter chamfer size and backrake angle, as well as cutter backrake, may be varied along the bit profile between the center of the bit and the gage to provide a less aggressive center and more aggressive outer region on the bit face, to enhance stability while maintaining side cutting capability, as well as providing a high rate of penetration under relatively high weight on bit.

Abstract: A drill bit for producing circular-cylindrical recesses or boreholes is formed of a drilling cylinder (1) having cutting elements (3) at the leading end in the drilling direction. A detachable core sleeve (2) is arranged in the interior of the drilling cylinder (1). The cutting elements (3) extend radially inwardly at least for the wall thickness (a) of the core sleeve (2). The core sleeve (2) serves to receive a core formed of removed masonry and is intended to facilitate removal of the core from the drill bit. The manageability of the drill bit is substantially improved in this way.

Abstract: A drill bit as used in particular in the oil well drilling field comprising a central body (2), cutting blades (3) protruding with respect to the body (2), both at the front of this body according to a drill direction and at the sides of this same body (2), and cutting elements (9) divided over an outer front surface (10) and over an outer lateral well sizing surface (11) comprised by each blade (3), wherein there are provided as cutting elements: in a central area (13) of the front surface (10), on at least one blade (3): at least one synthetic polycrystalline diamond compact cutting disc (12), and in a remaining area (14) of the front surface (10) of this blade, situated beyond said central area (13) with respect to the rotation axis, and on the other blades: thermally stable synthetic diamonds and/or impregnated diamond particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved apparatus for directional boring and in particular an improved system for boring through hard and rocky substrates frequently encountered when boring under obstacles such as roadways. According to one aspect of the invention, a directional drilling apparatus includes a drilling head having a front face angled relative to the lengthwise axis of the tool and configured for steering the drilling apparatus, a housing having an internal chamber for mounting an electronic locating device therein rearwardly of the drilling head for transmitting a signal indicating the orientation of the angled face of the drilling head, and a joint at which the drilling head is removably mounted to the housing of the locating device.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mounting an electronic device therein for use in an underground boring machine. Such an apparatus includes an elongated housing having means at opposite ends of the housing for connecting the housing to other components of the boring machine and an elongated internal chamber configured to receive an electronic device such as a sonde therein and having an elongated access opening which extends along an exterior surface of the housing. A cover sized to close the access opening has edges that fit beneath one or more flanges of the housing. A retainer such as a roll pin is sized for insertion into openings in the cover and housing, which openings become aligned when the cover is positioned with the edges beneath the flange of the housing.

Abstract: A directing blade for a directional boring machine includes a blade body which extends along a longitudinal axis from an attachment end to a free end. The free end has a plurality of cutting teeth disposed in a non-symmetrical pattern relative to the longitudinal axis. The teeth are progressively spaced from a center portion of the leading end alternating from a first side to a second side of the body of the duckbill blade.

Abstract: A joint is provided for coupling a pair of elongated members such as a sonde housing and starter rod end to end. Such a joint includes a projection extending in a lengthwise direction from one end of one of the elongated members and a socket in an end of the other of the elongated members, which socket is sized to slidingly receive the projection. A set of alignable transverse openings are provided in the projection and in a wall defining the socket, which openings are configured to receive a removable retainer for mechanically interlocking the projection in the socket. An interlock mechanism, such as a spline and groove connection, prevents relative rotation between the elongated member (e.g., housing and starter rod) when the projection is fully inserted into the socket.

Abstract: A collared boring bit which interfaces with a boring head whereby shear forces developed during a boring operation are transmitted through the collar to the boring head, with minimal shear force being carried by the bolts. A bit collar is welded to a boring bit, wherein a head receptacle formed collectively of the bit collar and the boring bit seatably receives a boring head with substantially close clearance so that shear forces during boring operations are transmitted from the boring bit to the boring head through the bit collar. The preferred bit collar is fabricated from a pipe section, such as for example steel seamless pipe. A bit recess is cut for interfacing with a boring bit at the head face connection thereof. A head recess is cut opposite the bit recess for providing an exit for the water spray from the nozzle thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with enhanced stability. A pilot stabilization pad (PSP) having an axially and circumferentially tapered entry surface and a circumferential transition surface thereabove is employed to enhance the transition from the smaller diameter borehole to be enlarged while accommodating the side force vector generated by the cutting assembly used to effect the enlargement. In addition, one or more eccentric stabilizers are employed above the reaming apparatus to laterally or radially stabilize the bottomhole assembly, which may comprise either a straight-hole or steerable, motor-driven assembly.