Abstract: A drill bit performs pilot rock-breaking using an outer annular drill bit and breaks a central rock pillar using a central drill bit mounted in the middle of the annular drill bit and located inside a drill bit body to induce unloading of a bottom hole stress. A method mixes rock debris produced by rock breaking of the central drill bit as abrasive with the drilling fluid flowing into the entire drill bit as abrasive jet liquid phase to form an abrasive jet. The method includes obtaining an annular borehole by braking, and breaking the rock pillar at the inner side of the annular borehole to induce unloading of the bottom hole stress, mixing the rock debris produced by breaking the rock pillar at the inner side of the annular borehole as abrasive with the drilling fluid entering the drill bit to form an abrasive jet.

Abstract: A ranging system utilizes gradiometric data to determine the direction to and distance between a first and second well without any knowledge or involvement of the borehole or formation characteristics in order to intersect and/or avoid the second well. In general, this is achieved by deploying a downhole assembly comprising transmitters and receivers having magnetic dipoles, along with bucking receivers positioned between the transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a borehole formed in an earthen formation includes a flex sub having a reduced diameter flex section connecting a first end to a second end, the flex section having a surface radially recessed from an outer surface of the first end and a second end and a shell disposed around the radially recessed surface. The shell is more flexible than the flex section. The shell includes at least one module that has at least one sensor embedded in the shell that estimates a selected parameter of interest. The apparatus may also include a positioning module connected to the flex sub, the positioning module having a plurality of independently extendable ribs configured to selectively laterally position the flex sub in the borehole.

Abstract: A fixed cutter drill bit may include a bit body having a bit centerline and a plurality of blades that extend radially from the bit body and are separated by a plurality of flow courses therebetween. Each of the plurality of blades is spaced a radial distance from the bit centerline to define a core-forming region. A plurality of cutting elements is disposed on the plurality of blades. The plurality of cutting elements comprises at least two coring cutting elements that are disposed on the plurality of blades and the at least two coring cutting elements are the radially innermost cutting elements on the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A rotary tool comprises a cylindrical sleeve including an opening formed in an outer circumferential surface thereof providing fluid communication between a hollow interior of the sleeve and an environment surrounding the sleeve. The sleeve includes an axially extending flow passage formed therein terminating in a first fluid outlet formed in an open end of the sleeve disposed adjacent a cutting element of the rotary tool. The fluid outlet is configured to deliver a flow of a fluid toward the workpiece to cause chips formed during the machining operation to be directed away from the workpiece and out of the hollow interior of the sleeve through the opening formed in the outer circumferential surface thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting torque in a downhole assembly. The apparatus includes a driver sub, a driveshaft extending within the driver sub, a first insert disposed between the driver sub and the driveshaft, and a first shape-memory alloy cladding bonded to the first insert and configured to transmit torque between the first insert and the driveshaft.

Abstract: A rock drill bit for percussive drilling comprising a bit head configured to be attached at an end of a drill element of a drilling assembly and having a diameter larger than that of a said drill element. The bit head has at a front end as seen in the intended drilling direction a generally frusto-conical shape defined by a substantially circumferential ring provided with a plurality of gauge buttons distributed along the extension of the ring for engaging material to be crushed. A central flush channel extends through the bit head and has at least one flushing hole opening at said front end to conduct flushing medium to said front end. At least one peripheral flushing hole of said at least one flushing hole opening at said front end opens in said substantially circumferential ring. At least two peripheral flushing holes open in said substantially circumferential ring.

Abstract: A bit for drilling wells has a front face with radial blades having cutting elements distributed around the front face. A space for forming a core is situated at the center of the front face. A cavity is provided for evacuating the core towards a periphery of the bit. At least a portion of the cavity is situated between adjacent blades. The cavity is delimited by two lateral surfaces and a clearance surface set back with respect to the front face, and the cavity is open in a direction opposite the clearance surface. The bit may be used in methods for drilling wells and makes it possible to rapidly drill wells of great depth in all types of rock without the risk of clogging.

Abstract: Methods of procuring a core sample may involve engaging an earth formation with a cutting structure of a coring bit. A core sample may be received within a receptacle connected to the coring bit, the receptacle being lined with a sponge material. A space of about 1 mm or less may be maintained between the core sample and the sponge material. Coring tools may include a coring bit comprising an inner gage and an outer gage and a sponge material positioned to at least partially surround a core sample cut by the coring bit. A radial distance between an inner surface of the sponge material and the inner gage of the coring bit may be about 1 mm or less. A distance between a center of curvature of the inner gage and a center of curvature of the outer gage may be about 0.3 mm or less.

Abstract: A coring bit assembly for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The coring bit assembly includes a coring shaft and a thrust ring coupled to an end of the coring shaft. A static sleeve is disposed inside the coring shaft and having a flange coupled to the thrust ring to space the static sleeve from the coring shaft to form a drilling fluid passageway between the coring shaft and the static sleeve. An axial fluid pump is disposed on the coring shaft to engage with the static sleeve to drive drilling fluid through the drilling fluid passageway formation.

Abstract: A drill bit having fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters is used to drill a borehole having a core stump therein. A plurality of additional fixed Polycrystalline Diamond Compact cutters are disposed in the dome of the bit and are usable to concentrate stresses in the top end of the core stump to facilitate the cutting down of the core stump.

Abstract: A drill bit has an axis of rotation and a working face with a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a bit body. The blades form, in part, an inverted conical region, and a plurality of cutters with a cutting surface is arrayed along the blades. A jack element is coaxial with the axis of rotation and extends within the inverted conical region within a range defined by the cutting surface of at least one cutter.

Abstract: A drilling and core removal apparatus has a quick-change drill bit release mechanism. A drilling and core removal apparatus has a drill bit and a ground tube within the drill bit, wherein the ground tube having a geometric feature that causes cuttings to be ejected from between the drill bit and the ground tube. A drilling and core removal apparatus has a sensor for indicating that a core sample in a collet tube is approaching a stuck condition.

Abstract: Provided is a drill head for deep-hole drilling in which a cutting blade tip is mounted to face a cutting chip discharge port opened at a head distal end surface and a hollow inside is made into a cutting chip discharge passage communicating with the cutting chip discharge port, wherein high cutting efficiency based on good cutting chip dischargeability can be achieved and the cutting blade itself is also easily processed in terms of form.

Abstract: A drill bit (20) for connection to a casing string (R), wherein the bit (20) comprises an annular bit face (21) which is built-up by a matrix and which comprises a sintered diamond-metal powder mixture, wherein the bit face (21) includes a plurality of radially orientated liquid delivery slots (16, 23, 26) for cooling and cleansing the bit face (21), wherein at least one of the liquid delivery slots is comprised of an inner slot (23) which extends radially outwards from the inside (24) of the bit face (21), wherein the slot (23) is terminated with an inner bottom (24) in the bit face (21), wherein a further liquid delivery slot comprises an outer slot (26) that extends radially inwards from the outside (27) of the bit face, and wherein said outer slot is terminated with an outer bottom (28) in the bit face (21).

Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bit for drilling wells comprising:—a front face,—a plurality of radial blades (2) provided with cutting elements (3), the blades being distributed around the front face,—a space (4) for forming a core (10), the space being situated at the centre of the front face,—a cavity (5) for evacuating the core towards the periphery of the bit, the cavity being situated between two adjacent blades. The invention also relates to a method for drilling wells using the bit. The invention makes it possible to rapidly drill wells of great depth in all types of rocks without the risk of clogging.

Abstract: A drill bit has a bit body intermediate a working face and a shank end adapted for connection to a downhole drill string. The working face has at least three fixed blades converging towards a center of the working face and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least one blade having a cone region adjacent the center of the working face. The cone region increases in height away from the center of the working face and towards a nose portion of the at least one blade. An opening is formed in the working face at the center of the bit along an axis of the drill bit's rotation, the opening leading into a chamber with at least one wall. An indenting member is disposed within and extends from the opening, is substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation, and is fixed to the wall of the chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has an axis of rotation and a working face with a plurality of blades extending outwardly from a bit body. The blades form in part an inverted conical region and a plurality of cutters with a cutting surface are arrayed along the blades. A jack element is coaxial with the axis of rotation and extend within the conical region within a range defined by the cutting surface of at least one cutter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element and the body portion has at least a portion of a jackleg apparatus. The jackleg apparatus has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a chamber; the shaft has a distal end. The jackleg apparatus has a hydraulic compartment adapted to displace the distal end of the shaft relative to the working portion. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly. The hydraulic compartment may be part of a hydraulic circuit which has a pump. The pump may have a first section with is rotationally fixed to the body portion and a second section rotationally isolated from the body portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has a recess with a side wall which is substantially coaxial with the shank portion. At least one cutting element is attached to the side wall and an indenting member is disposed within the closed end. In another aspect of the invention a method includes providing a drill bit assembly with a recess formed in a working portion of the assembly. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements and the recess has at least one cutting element. The method further has steps of cutting a formation with the plurality of cutting elements and also of penetrating a conical profile of the formation which is formed by the recess.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has a recess with a side wall which is substantially coaxial with the shank portion. At least one cutting element is attached to the side wall and an indenting member is disposed within the closed end. In another aspect of the invention a method includes providing a drill bit assembly with a recess formed in a working portion of the assembly. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements and the recess has at least one cutting element. The method further has steps of cutting a formation with the plurality of cutting elements and also of penetrating a conical profile of the formation which is formed by the recess.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element and the body portion has at least a portion of a jackleg apparatus. The jackleg apparatus has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a chamber; the shaft has a distal end. The jackleg apparatus has a hydraulic compartment adapted to displace the distal end of the shaft relative to the working portion. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly. The hydraulic compartment may be part of a hydraulic circuit which has a pump. The pump may have a first section with is rotationally fixed to the body portion and a second section rotationally isolated from the body portion.

Abstract: A core bit for cutting core samples in subterranean formations. The core bit has interior geometric features configured to control the quantity of drilling fluid, or flow split, flowing into a narrow annulus defined by an inside diameter of the core bit and an outside diameter of a core shoe. Reducing the flow split minimizes fluid invasion of a core being cut; thus, the core bit provides increased core quality and recoverability. The core bit is also adaptable for use with conventional core barrel assemblies and conventional coring techniques.

Abstract: A core drill bit with at least two geometrically defined, flat cutting elements (2a, 2b), wherein at least a first cutting element (2a) has an axial rake angle (&agr;1) and a radial rake angle (&bgr;1) and a second cutting element (2b) with an axial rake angle (&agr;2) and a radial rake angle (&bgr;2) is present, wherein different axial rake angles (&agr;1≠&agr;2) and/or different radial rake angles (&bgr;1≠&bgr;2) are present or at least one cutting element (2a) is present with a radial rake angle not equal to zero (&bgr;1≠0)

Abstract: A guide assembly (1) for a core drill bit (2), which is at least partially guided at an inner wall (3) of the core drill bit (2) and projects radially with projections (10) between the plurality of cutting inserts (5) arranged on a frontal surface of the drill tube (4) of the core drill bit (2), wherein a centering means (6) projects at least axially, in part, beyond the cutting inserts (5), whereby the centering means (6) is shorter than the axial length (L) of the drill tube (4), and is axially spring-biased inside the guide assembly (1) and has limited axial displacement.

Abstract: An earth borer includes a thin-walled tubular shaft (4), a shank (2) provided at one end of the tubular shaft (4), and a drilling head (5) provided at another, opposite end of the tubular shaft, projecting radially beyond the tubular shaft (4), and having at least one cutter for breaking the bore core and (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) extending, at least partially, radially inward and at least one internal groove (7, 7a, 7b) associated with the at least one cutter, and a releasable tubular connection member (8) for drivingly connecting the shank (2) with tubular shaft (4) for joint rotation with each other.

Abstract: A core bit for cutting core samples in subterranean formations. The core bit has interior geometric features configured to control the quantity of drilling fluid, or flow split, flowing into a narrow annulus defined by an inside diameter of the core bit and an outside diameter of a core shoe. Reducing the flow split minimizes fluid invasion of a core being cut; thus, the core bit provides increased core quality and recoverability. The core bit is also adaptable for use with conventional core barrel assemblies and conventional coring techniques.

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 coring apparatus permitting the taking of a non-rotating core sample and testing of same, as by NMR, prior to breakage and ejection from the apparatus. A core barrel is suspended from a rotating outer sleeve by one or more bearing assemblies which permit the core barrel to remain stationary during rotation of the sleeve with attached core bit for cutting the core. A core test device is fixed with respect to the core barrel on the outside thereof to test the core as it proceeds through the barrel. The apparatus optionally includes a directional detecting device such as an inclinometer and a compact set of circumferentially-spaced steering arms for changing the direction of the apparatus during coring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: A core sampler, particularly for oil prospecting, including a coring bit (2), an outer barrel (3) for rotating the coring bit (2), and an inner barrel (5) for receiving the core sample (7) in its internal space (8) during coring, the inner (5) and outer (3) barrels being substantially coaxial, and further comprising an intermediate barrel (15) coaxially arranged between the inner (5) and outer (3) barrels and defining a first longitudinal coring fluid channel (16) with the outer barrel (3), and a second longitudinal coring fluid channel (17) with the inner barrel (5), as well as said longitudinal channels (16, 17) and valving for at least temporarily selectively causing and/or cutting off coring fluid communication between the rear end (17B) of the second longitudinal channel (17) and/or the rear end (16B) of the first longitudinal channel (16) and/or the rear end (8B) of the internal space (8).

Abstract: A coring apparatus permitting the taking of a non-rotating core sample and testing of same, as by NMR, prior to breakage and ejection from the apparatus. A core barrel is suspended from a rotating outer sleeve by one or more bearing assemblies which permit the core barrel to remain stationary during rotation of the sleeve with attached core bit for cutting the core. A core test device is fixed with respect to the core barrel on the outside thereof to test the core as it proceeds through the barrel. The apparatus optionally includes a directional detecting device such as an inclinometer and a compact set of circumferentially-spaced steering arms for changing the direction of the apparatus during coring.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus having cuttings removal structure to reduce balling thereof and to help prevent the accretion of portions of chips and debris from drilling thereon and/or the accretion of portions of drilling fluids thereon. The drilling apparatus comprises an apparatus body having a connection thereon and structure for contacting cut portions of the earth formation. The contacting structure may include chip breakers and flails or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A drill bit is proposed, in particular for the rotary-percussive drilling of preferably rock, concrete or the like, which includes a thin-walled cylindrical drilling body (106) open to the drilling side and a drill-bit base (20) extending essentially radially and having an axially arranged drill-bit shank (101) for fastening the drill bit. The drill-bit base (20) has an outer contour in the radial direction, which outer contour follows a curve shape which has at least one inflection point. Furthermore, a drill bit is proposed whose drill-bit base (20) has an outer contour which passes through a minimum in the radial direction, the drill-bit base being connected in the rising radially outer curve section of its outer contour to the cylindrical drilling body.

Abstract: A self-centering drill bit includes a head portion having a plurality of polycrystalline diamond compact cutting elements arranged in blades that extend outwardly away from a surface of the bit. A cavity is centrally located on the head portion and is formed between adjacent blade ends. The cavity includes wall portions defined by the blade end portions. The cavity serves to house a core portion that is formed during drilling operation of the bit. The head portion is balanced to form and transmit a force from a designated wall portion to the core portion within the cavity. At least the designated wall portion includes a low friction abrasion resistant surface. The cavity includes a rigid element extending outwardly away from the head portion to reduce the core within the cavity upon contact. The force transmitted to the core portion causes a countering force to be imposed by the core to the wall portion that keeps the bit aligned with its rotational axis and, thus prevents whirling.

Abstract: In order to drift underground roads, tunnelling machines are used that have a rotatively driven boring head base body, a rigid first bit and rail heads that can radially sweep around axes of rotation between the working point in a conductor shaft and gallery faces by means of thrusting piston gears that carry at least one roller boring tool. In order to improve the coordination between an opening of the conductor shaft and under cutting, which are carried out simultaneously, a first bit. (2) is designed as a ring borer (2) that breaks out a drilling core (3) through slits of an annular cavity (4). The ring borer (2) has two parallel arms (6) spaced apart from a central axis (5) that carry boring tools (7) articulated on a cross-beam (10) of a carrying frame (9) that has an advancing device (11).

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a hole in the ground, with cutting elements annular by cutting a core which, when it has reached a certain height, is continuously crushed by teeth on rolling cones. By combining these two processes, cutting and crushing, in this manner an improved drilling advancement is achieved as compared to separate use of these processes. The cutting elements show relatively small variations as to radial positioning, which renders it possible to find a common approximately optimal rotational speed of said elements. The core is weak and may be drilled out relatively easily by the aid of crushing, as compared to drilling pure holes. This is due to the fact that the core geometry causes a more efficient growth of fractures for each tooth penetration, and that the core, due to annular cutting, is free from radial tensions from the surrounding rock formations.

Abstract: An improved earth drilling bit and method that cuts at least one annular kerf ahead of at least one rolling cutter and provides for rock chip removal and bit cooling thereby increasing drilling rate and bit performance. One embodiment of the invention includes a bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an outer annular kerf, an inner drill member positioned concentrically within the bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an inner annular kerf, and at least one rolling cutter mounted to the bit body and extending from the interior of the outer kerf cutter to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. Other embodiments include a chipway port defined by the drill bit for channeling rock chips away from beneath the bit; baffles for directing and accelerating drilling fluid flow; cutting edges having connecting webbs providing egress for rock chip and drilling fluid; and slots extending along the bit body for reducing surge and swab pressure.

Abstract: Ice auger cutters include a shaft having a handle connected to one end for rotating the shaft about its axis, cutting elements secured to an opposite end of the shaft positioned radially outwardly from the axis, and an adjustable stop coaxially positioned between the cutting elements to control the penetration or feed rate of the cutter according to the density and temperature of the ice and strength of the operator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a drill stem having a core bit mounted thereon and an inner tube assembly having an inner tube mounting a corebreaker case that either has or in conjunction with the inner tube provides a corebreaker recess having an upwardly facing planar edge. Advantageously a stop ring and a non-axial split annular corebreaker are mounted in the recess with the stop ring being between the corebreaker and inner tube, even though the corebreaker may be axially slit and/or no stop ring used. The corebreaker has inner and outer peripheral surfaces that are of constant diameters, axial opposite transverse inner and outer planar edges while the recess is in part defined by planar edges. At least one of the parallel edges is inclined to the tube central axis when the core breaker is in its core taking position.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a hole in the ground, with cutting elements annularly cutting a core which, when it has reached a certain height, is continuously crushed by teeth on rolling cones. By combining these two processes, cutting and crushing, in this manner an improved drilling advancement is achieved as compared to separate use of the same processes. The cutting elements show relatively small variations as to radial positioning, which renders it possible to find a common approximately optimal rotational speed of said elements. The core is weak and may be drilled out relatively easily by the aid of crushing, as compared to drilling pure holes. This is due to the fact that the core geometry causes a more efficient growth of fractures for each tooth penetration, and that the core, due to annular cutting, is free from radial tensions from the surrounding rock formations.

Abstract: An auger-type of device has a hollow central shaft for taking undisturbed soil samples. The tip of the device has teeth for grinding soil from around the sample. The device comprises a helical conveyor for transporting the ground product upwards and away from the soil sample.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is provided which uses a plurality of hemispherically shaped diamond cutting elements, each having a cleaved, planar face. The diamonds are disposed in the bit such that the planar faces provide a plurality of knife-like cutting surfaces which fracture the formation being drilled and groove the fractured material.

Abstract: A drill comprising a drill shank having a taper portion adjacent to a threaded portion provided on the rear or basal portion of the shank. When the drill is screwed into an axial hole in a drill holder of a drilling machine, the opening edge or inner tapered wall of the axial hole of the drill holder bites into the taper portion of the drill shank, consequently to bring the drill into firm connection with the drill holder of the drilling machine.

Abstract: A simple low-cost and highly passive bitless nonrotational nondeviating jam-proof thin-kerf Newtonian hydraulics retrievable core-sampling method and apparatus that advances its circular core kerf through the rock by a combination of high-pressure droplet-impact and abrasive particle-jet effects, and which is independent of the weight of any drillpipe, drill collars, or any other heavy cylindrical conduit or tubular conduit associated with the coring operation. The Newtonian hydraulics features high-pressure solids-free fresh water or solution-weighted brine as the drilling fluid, which excavates rock along the inner periphery of the circular core kerf by droplet-impact effects of the high-pressure and high-velocity circular sheet of drilling fluid and by the abrasive particle-jet effects of the deflected drilling fluid and excavated rock particles along the outer periphery of the circular core kerf.

Abstract: A continuous coring drill bit having a body forming external lands for support of cutting elements such as industrial diamonds and grooves for conducting drilling fluid during drilling. The body further forms an internal cavity receiving a tubular core breaker in freely rotatable relation therein and also forms a central throat receiving a core as the drilling operation continues. The core breaker is provided with an internal buttress and is eccentrically mounted within the body such that rotation of the body induces lateral oscillation of the buttress causing it to fracture the core into small sections. By reverse circulation the core sections are transported upwardly through the drill string to the surface for separation from the drilling fluid and analysis by geologists.

Abstract: A soil sampler to be mounted on a vehicle such as a pick-up truck, has a frame for mounting on the vehicle and a vertical hydraulic cylinder connected at its upper end to the frame. A sample taking probe is connected to the rod of the cylinder which drives the probe vertically into the earth. A sample collecting receptacle is mounted on the frame for downward guiding movement with the probe to a position close to the earth. As the probe is retracted, the sample in the probe is extracted through an open side of the probe into the lowered receptacle. The receptacle is lifted during final retraction of the probe so that both the probe and receptacle are spaced sufficiently above the ground to move the vehicle to another sample taking location.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved core drill and a method of detachably coupling the same to a power driving unit to expedite the removal of a core therefrom. This is achieved by equipping the rear end of the drill stem with a fixedly attached externally threaded bushing. A coupling sleeve has internal threads at either end matable respectively with the bushing threads and the threaded drive shank of a power driving unit. This sleeve and the core drill are readily detached as a unit from the power drive thereby permitting the rapid removal of the core from the rear end of the drill rather than past the cutting ring at its front end.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit includes a cutting face having a peripheral edge and a central recess. A plurality of fluid discharge nozzles are mounted in bores in the cutting face. A plurality of cutter elements are mounted in the peripheral edge and in the recess to fracture an earthen core formed as the drill cuts through a formation. A plurality of lateral discharge passages extend radially through the bit body from said recess and extend longitudinally to the peripheral edge to form circumferential interruptions in the peripheral edge. Each passage includes leading and trailing edges at the cutting face. A convex protrusion is disposed centrally at a longitudinally inner end of the recess and includes a convex deflecting surface arranged to contact and fracture the earthen core and deflect the cuttings to the lateral discharge passages. The outer periphery of the cutting face is radially recessed to accommodate the flow of drilling fluid.