Abstract: An expandable reamer shoe is provided for use with expandable casing in a borehole. The reamer shoe has a number of reaming members in the form of blades which remain closed against the body of the shoe when inserted through casing, and can then be expanded to underream below the casing. Additionally, the expandable reamer shoe is made substantially of a drillable material so that the borehole can be extended beyond the point reached by the expandable reamer shoe.

Abstract: A shoe for guiding a string within a well-bore comprises an annular body of relatively hard material and a nose portion of relatively soft material which are interlocked so that when the nose portion is drilled through, any remaining parts are held against the annular body. Interlocking is achieved by a dovetail thread. Embodiments are described for the shoe as a reamer shoe and as a drill bit to run in casing.

Abstract: A reamer shoe (1) for mounting on a tubing string has a reaming area (5) supporting a plurality of discrete reaming members (6) typically formed as simple geometrical shapes. The reaming members provide complete circumferential coverage of the shoe body (2) but the individual reaming members are non-continuous and do not fully extend either longitudinally along or circumferentially around the reaming area on the shoe body. The invention therefore provides a reamer shoe for reaming a bore in preparation for receiving casing, which is effective on rotation or reciprocation, regardless of direction or speed.

Abstract: A plurality of chip evacuating grooves (16, 26, 36, 46a, 46b) in a vertical direction in parallel with a rotational axis of a core main body (14) are formed at an outer peripheral face of the core main body (14) in a circumferential direction from a lower end portion to an upper end portion of the core main body (14) in a cylindrical shape provided with a drilling blade (15) at a lower end edge thereof. Further, a sectional area of the chip evacuating groove (16) is formed to gradually increase from a lower end to an upper end of the core main body (14). Further, a number of projections (52, 62, 70, 72) are formed at the outer peripheral face of the core main body (14) between the chip evacuating grooves.

Abstract: A tool holder (1) for an annular core bit has a bit-side axial stop surface (4) and an end-side splined profile (3) extending in a bit direction and having an outer thread (5) forming radial spline projections of the splined profile (3).

Abstract: A tool holder (1) and a shank (8) for quick mounting and dismounting an annular core bit (2) and both having cooperating respective guide members (4, 4′) provided at their bit-side ends, flanges (3, 9) arranged coaxially with the guide members (4, 4′) for axially locking same and having, respectively, outer and inner threads, outer and inner cone surfaces (6, 10) located inwardly of the guide members (4, 4′) and axially spaced therefrom with the outer and inner cone surface (6, 10) tapering toward their bit-side ends, and torque transmitting means (5, 5′) arranged between the respective inner guide members (4, 4′) and the outer cone surfaces (6, 10).

Abstract: A sharpening method and associated sharpening means (1) for a drilling tool (2), which is set with grinding segments (3) comprised of hard material. The sharpening means (1) is filled with abrasive materials (6) and is chordlike.

Abstract: There is provided drilling apparatus (10) comprising a hammer casing (11), a free piston motor piston guide and porting sleeve (12), a drive sub (13), a drill bit (15) splined by shank (16) to the drive sub (13). Below the splined portion (17) the drive sub is relieved at (23) to form an annular air space for motor exhaust air from the splines (16) and (17). The drive sub (13) retains a gauge sleeve (24) via an annular flange (25) between the hammer casing (11) at (26) and a shoulder (27) on the drive sub (13). Below the shoulder (27) the outer diameter of the drive sub (13) is provided with eight grooves that form conduits (30) with the lower portion (31) of the gauge sleeve (24) extending parallel to the drill axis in communication with the space (23) via ports (32). The lower portion (31) extends down the side of the drive sub (13) and terminates with it at (34) adjacent the shoulder (33) at the transition from the bit shank (16) and the bit head (35).

Abstract: A tubular piling apparatus and method for penetrating the soil comprises, in a preferred embodiment, elements such as a drive shoe and/or other earth displacing structures which may be, in one presently preferred embodiment, of larger outer diameter than the surface conductor pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a collar mountable to the pilings having an earth displacing structure formed thereon. In another aspect, a drive shoe, being of a larger size than the conductor pipe and connected to the bottom section of the conductor pipe is provided with an exterior band mounted on the outer diameter of the drive shoe. The exterior band may be located proximate the lower end of the drive shoe. The drive shoe may include teeth formed such that causes compression of earthen formation away from the inner surface of the drive shoe.

Abstract: A tubing shoe (30) comprising: a body (32) for mounting on the end of a tubing string; and reaming members (36) extending longitudinally and helically around the body, the reaming members providing substantially complete circumferential coverage of the body whereby, in use, when the tubing shoe is advanced axially into a bore, the reaming members (36) provide reaming around the shoe circumference. A rotatable torque reducing sleeve or centraliser (38) may also be mounted on the body, rearwardly of the reaming members.

Abstract: A flightless rock auger is used for drilling postholes through rock with the use of hydraulic pressure and at slow revolution per minute. The rock auger is used in combination with a conventional flighted auger used for drilling postholes in dirt and clay. During a posthole drilling operation, the rock auger is substituted for a conventional flighted auger as needed for drilling through and removing rock or other hard material such as concrete from the posthole. The rock auger is designed for use at very low revolutions per minute and can function utilizing only the weight of the auger; however, the rock auger is designed for use with pressure drilling units as well for cutting a circular hole through the rock and forming a plug which is to be lodged in the cavity of the rock auger cylinder to be removed from the posthole.

Abstract: An earth boring bit for boring a hole having a predetermined depth into the earth. The earth boring bit includes a cylindrical drum for being mounted for rotation on the end of a boom of a mobile machine and connected to and rotated by a power supply mounted on the boom. The drum includes an exterior for defining the diameter of the hole being bored and an interior adapted for receiving upturned earth therein as the hole is being bored. A plate is carried by the drum adjacent a lower end thereof for movement between a closed position for cooperating with the interior of the drum for retaining the upturned earth therein and an open position for dispensing the upturned earth out of the interior of the drum at a predetermined location away from the hole being bored. A cutting member is carried on the plate for cutting the earth in a progressive slice and directing the earth into the drum, thereby boring the hole into the earth.

Abstract: A rock auger for drilling postholes through rock without the use of hydraulic pressure and at a slow rate of revolutions per minute can function utilizing only the weight of the auger, shaft, and/or boom providing a floating auger to reduce shock and vibration stress on the auger, boom, and drive unit. It does not require any additional hydraulic pressure for cutting a circular hole through the rock and forming a plug which is to be lodged in the cavity of the rock auger cylinder to be removed from the posthole. A quick connection shaft enables the conventional flighted auger to be quickly substituted for the rock auger to facilitate fast removal of soft dirt from the posthole. A center drill bit can be disposed within the cutting head for extending outwardly pass the cutting edge thereof for starting the hole, breaking up rock, and holding the auger in position guiding it during the drilling operation.

Abstract: A casing drilling shoe adapted for attachment to a casing string and comprising an outer drilling section constructed of a relatively hard material such as steel and an inner section constructed of a readily drillable material such as aluminum. The drilling shoe further includes a device for controllably displacing the outer drilling section to enable the shoe to be drilled through using a standard drill bit and subsequently penetrated by a reduced diameter casing string or liner.

Abstract: A tubing shoe (30) comprising: a body (32) for mounting on the end of a tubing string; and reaming members (36) extending longitudinally and helically around the body, the reaming members providing substantially complete circumferential coverage of the body whereby, in use, when the tubing shoe is advanced axially into a bore, the reaming members (36) provide reaming around the shoe circumference. A rotatable torque reducing sleeve or centraliser (38) may also be mounted on the body, rearwardly of the reaming members.

Abstract: An earth boring bit for boring a hole having a predetermined depth into the earth. The earth boring bit includes a cylindrical drum for being mounted for rotation on the end of a boom of a mobile machine and connected to and rotated by a power supply mounted on the boom. The drum includes an exterior for defining the diameter of the hole being bored and an interior adapted for receiving upturned earth therein as the hole is being bored. A plate is mounted in the drum adjacent a lower end thereof for movement between a closed position for cooperating with the interior of the drum for retaining the upturned earth therein and an open position for dispensing the upturned earth out of the interior of the drum at a predetermined location away from the hole being bored. At least one cutting member is carried on the plate for cutting the earth in a progressive slice and directing the earth into the drum, thereby boring the hole into the earth.

Abstract: A core barrel has a plurality of pneumatic downhole hammer drills disposed around the perimeter of its working end for drilling piles in the ground for use in foundations, secant piles, and the like. The core barrel includes a slurry port and an air port at its top end for admitting a drilling slurry and pressurized air, which is used in driving the hammer drills and flushing cuttings from an annular kerf during drilling. A plurality of generally parallel plates form the top of the core barrel and define an air channel and a slurry channel for delivering air and slurry to the core barrel wall, where they flow freely or via conduits toward the hammer drills at the working end of the core barrel. The hammer-type core barrel is used to construct piles by first drilling an annular kerf in the ground. Circulating drilling fluid cools the working end of the hammer drills elements and washes cuttings from the kerf during drilling.

Abstract: An auger system for removing material from around an object without damaging the object. The inventive device includes a tubular auger attachable to a drive unit, and an insert member insertable within the upper opening of the valve casing. The tubular auger is comprised of a plurality of mill teeth attached to the lower portion of the tubular auger. The tubular auger includes an auger lumen that is positionable about the valve casing during cutting. The insert member is comprised of lower portion that is positionable within the casing lumen of the valve casing, and an outer portion that has an outer diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the valve casing for guiding the tubular auger and for preventing debris from entering the valve casing. The insert member preferably includes a handle for allowing insertion and removal from the valve casing.

Abstract: A flightless rock auger For drilling postholes through rock without the use of hydraulic pressure. The rock auger has a plurality of teeth extending downwardly at a selected angle from the edge of a cylinder connected to a quick connect shaft. The rock auger is utilized for drilling through rock and used in combination with a conventional flighted auger used for drilling postholes in dirt and clay. During a posthole drilling operation, the rock auger is substituted for the flighted auger as needed for drilling through and remove rock or other hard material such as concrete fron the posthole. The rock auger is designed for use at very low revolutions per minute and utilizes only the weight of the auger and shaft and does not require any additional hydraulic pressure for cutting a circular hole through the rock and forming a plug which is to be lodged in the cavity of the rock auger cylinder to be removed from the posthole.

Abstract: A casing shoe (30) for use in guiding a casing into a wellbore comprises a generally cylindrical body (2) having a box portion (34) at its rearward end for connection to a casing string and having a generally rounded nose portion (36) at its forward end. The forward end of the shoe includes cutting structures (42, 44) in the form of raised flutes extending along the sides of the cylindrical body and on the nose portion. The flutes may be provided with cutting elements such as polycrystalline diamond compact elements (48) at least at the forward ends of the flutes (42) extending along the cylindrical body. These flutes may also be configured to serve as stabilising pads, and additional stabilising pads (38) may also be provided. The nose portion may include fluid passages (50). The shoe may be adapted to be capable of being drilled through, such as by forming the nose portion from a drillable material.

Abstract: A tool head is separably attached to the end of a hollow well drilling string for cutting operations within a well and for detachment of the cutting head from the string without removing the string from the well. The head is attached by a ball clutch structure having a pressure responsive release mechanism responsive to an actuating pressure on the release mechanism to release the cuttiong head and the release mechanism from the string, the release mechanism having an upwardly open passage and a downward flow permitting check valve for passing cutting fluid from the string through the passage to the cutting head. Release is effected by dropping a sealing member down the drill string to close the passage and by an increase in fluid pressure above the sealing member and the release mechanism.

Abstract: A method for sealing a well to prevent ground water contamination in which the existing perforate casing is at least temporarily intermally capped. Thereafter, a new imporforate casing is palaced about a portion of the length of the existing casing extending to a predetermined depth. Sealant is injected between the casings to seal-off at least a portion of the existing casing. If the well is to be activated, a collar, pump and access piping are installed.

Abstract: A process for protecting nonstable or moderately stable, cohesionless to slightly cohesive geologic formations, in particular, in tunnel construction, in which drill holes are first made by boring into the formation and, following completion of the boring, the drilling rod is removed. During this removal a hardenable injection material is forced into the drill hole, whereby, using a drilling rod, a pointed rod or anchoring element is placed in position in the boring. This element remains in the boring during removal of the drilling rod, and is solidly connected to the formation by the injection material.

Abstract: A metal punch is formed of a cylindrical body member having an outer cylindrical surface and a forward workpiece engaging end; an axial bore extends rearwardly from the forward end with the workpiece engaging portion of the being defined from front to rear by planar surfaces in first and second perpendicular planes, first and second transverse cylindrical surfaces and first and second annular arcuate surfaces. The planes intersect along a line passing through the axis, to define cutting edges. The transverse cylindrical surfaces are symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis as are the annular arcuate surfaces.

Abstract: Manhole cutter for cutting a circular groove of a fixed depth about a manhole, such as in a street, and removing the manhole from the street. The manhole cutter is suspended from a front-end loader or truck-mounted boom and rotated hydraulically from a power take-off unit on the vehicle. A cutter ring assembly with staggered cutters, and inside and outside clean-out slots rotate about a central shaft of the cutter. A manhole plate centers the manhole cutter within the manhole from the cutting operations. When the cut is of sufficient depth to extricate the manhole, a keyway disk is rotated to allow a plurality of lever grip assemblies to grip the manhole. Then, the manhole cutter and the manhole is extricated from the street, leaving a larger sized hole about the area of the manhole which is minimum in size with respect to the manhole.

Abstract: A drill shoe adapted to fit onto a drill pipe of external diameter d.sub.e and internal diameter d.sub.i comprises an externally stepped cutting surface comprising a plurality of steps, the diameters of the steps increasing as they progress away from the tip of the shoe. The maximum external diameter D.sub.e of the shoe is greater than the external diameter d.sub.e of the drill pipe. The shoe also comprises an internal, substantially cylindrical, inner surface of diameter D.sub.i, D.sub.i being less than the internal diameter d.sub.i of the drill pipe.The shoe is suitable for use in a vibratory drill string for obtaining cores from unconsolidated geological formations, such as soil, sand and gravel or similar materials.

Abstract: An improved drive shoe is shown for installation on the penetrating end of a string of conductor pipe, for improving driving penetration through soil. The improved shoe has a reinforced cylindrical driving section. A symmetrical, toothed beveled penetration end improves penetration through loose and unconsolidated media, and minimizes displacement resistance by symmetrically displacing soil to both the inner bore of the conductor pipe and externally along the outer surface of the conductor pipe. A repeating pattern of straight exterior vertical bar segments breaks up the exterior soil, easing passage of the conductor pipe through the soil. A spiral inner bar section within the drive shoe breaks adhesion of the center soil plug to the bore of the conductor pipe by imparting a loosening and a twisting moment to the core plug.

Abstract: The present specification describes and claims a downhole casing shearer for use in drilling bore holes. The casing shearer comprises an elongate, generally cylindrical sub-member which is connected between a drilling bit and a drill rod string and which engages within a hollow cylindrical shearer, the trailing end of the shearer being connected to a conventional bore hole liner, so that the shearer may rotate about its longitudinal axis with the liner stationary. The sub-member and shearer are interlocked by a releasable locking mechanism which prevents relative rotation therebetween but which allows both for the axial drilling pressure to be applied to the shearer and the shearer to be lifted, and for the drilling bit, sub-member and rod string to be lifted through the liner leaving the shearer and liner in the bore hole, when the locking mechanism is released.

Abstract: A deivation device for causing a conductor string to deviate as it is being driven into a subterranean formation.The deviation device comprises a straight tubular element, open at both ends, wherein the wall of the tubular element at an end part is provided with guide faces normally directed downwardly in the formation. These guide faces are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element and are arranged within the periphery of the tubular element.Said guide faces consist of a first guide face at the outer side of the tubular element and a second guide face at the inner side of the tubular element. The wall portion of the tubular element which is provided with the first guide face is arranged diametrically opposite to the wall portion of the tubular element which is provided with the second guide face, the guide faces of the tubular element, when taken in diametric cross-section, being substantially parallel to each other and at the same angle to the axis of the tubular element.

Abstract: A diamond milling cutter for elongating a laterally opening window in a well casing set in a well bore extending into the earth. The mill has a revolving surface which engages a sidetracking whipstock or the edge of the casing being milled to urge the mill off dead center on the casing edge and enhance the cutting action. One or more eccentric lobes engage the whipstock and cause the mill to revolve on a gyrating or non-fixed axis and effect oscillation of the cutter center laterally of the edge, or a broadly conical nose on the cutting face of the mill provides a wedge action against the casing to laterally move the mill off center and enhance the cutting action.

Abstract: A drill bit used for obtaining core samples in concrete or rock formations. The drill bit comprises a cylindrical body having a generally annular-shaped cutting surface at one end and at least one waterway including an inner channel on the interior surface of the body extending to the cutting surface and an outer channel on the exterior surface of the body extending to the cutting surface at a point radially spaced from the point where the inner channel extends to the cutting surface. The waterway further includes a recessed portion on the cutting surface connecting the inner and outer channels at the points at which the channels respectively extend to the cutting surface. Such a waterway helps to wash the cutting surface of the bit so that concentration of drill cuttings on the cutting surface is minimized.

Abstract: A wellpoint jetting head having a plurality of spade-like teeth annularly positioned around the forward end of the head and projecting longitudinally therefrom for dislodging and chopping of the soil during hydrostatic jetting in combination with a tilting, side-to-side, rotational and/or up-and-down manipulation of the wellpoint. The teeth are beveled in a counterbalancing inward-outward staggered arrangement with the cutting surface formed by the teeth ends defining a cutting plane canted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the head. The teeth are circumferentially spaced providing lateral confronting side faces for dislodging soil particulate during use.