Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool for generating a longitudinal mechanical load. In one embodiment, a downhole hammer is disclosed which is activated by applying a load on the hammer and supplying pressurizing fluid to the hammer. The hammer includes a shuttle valve and piston that are moveable between first and further position, seal faces of the shuttle valve and piston being released when the valve and the piston are in their respective further positions, to allow fluid flow through the tool. When the seal is releasing, the piston impacts a remainder of the tool to generate mechanical load. The mechanical load is cyclical by repeated movements of the shuttle valve and piston.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A control system for a drilling machine is disclosed. The drilling machine includes a rod driver for driving a string of rods into the ground, and for removing the string of rods from the ground. The drilling machine also includes a magazine for storing rods near the rod driver. A rod transfer mechanism moves rods between the magazine and the rod driver. Vices are used to make and break joints between the rods of the drill string. The control system includes joysticks equipped with switches for controlling operational sequences of the vices and the rod transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor adapted for advancement through a borehole including an elongate body, aft and forward gripper assemblies, and a valve control assembly housed within the elongate body. The aft and forward gripper assemblies are adapted for selective engagement with the inner surface of the borehole. The valve control assembly includes a gripper control valve for directing pressurized fluid to the aft and forward gripper assemblies. The valve control assembly also includes a propulsion control valve for directing fluid to an aft or forward power chamber for advancing the body relative to the actuated gripper assembly. Aft and forward mechanically actuated valves may be provided for controlling the position of the gripper control valve by detecting and signaling when the body has completed an advancement stroke relative to an actuated gripper assembly.

Abstract: A percussive tool adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member of a dual-member drill string. In a preferred embodiment the percussive tool has a hydraulic pump, driven by a drive member, to operate the hammer assembly. In another preferred embodiment the percussive tool has a rotary-driven cam assembly adapted to mechanically operate the hammer assembly. This invention provides increased control and efficiency for the use of percussive force in horizontal directional drilling operations.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: The invention here disclosed is a back wire ground clamp for a wiring device such as a switch or receptacle having a ground strap which supports an outwardly projecting ground lug having a front edge and adapted to receive a ground connection. The ground lug is coupled to a clamp plate by means of a screw which passes through a clearance opening in the clamp plate and is threaded into a receiving opening in the ground lug. The clamp plate supports a blocking tab which extends downward below the front edge of the ground lug and extends side ways for a distance which is less than the length of the front edge of the ground lug. The blocking tab prevents the clamp plate from rotating relative to the ground lug as the screw is tightened and defines an opening between the clamp plate and the ground lug along the front edge of the ground lug into which a single ground wire can be inserted.

Abstract: A thrust absorber is interposed between a thruster and an anchor that cooperate to axially displace another member. The thrust absorber includes an enclosure fixed to the anchor and a retainer connected to the thruster. A biasing member is operably associated with the retainer. During an overthrust condition, the thruster imparts a thrust force to the member, but the member is not substantially axially displaced. In such a condition, the biasing member absorbs the thrust that the thruster would otherwise impart to the member. A dampener is also included to dampen the movement of the thruster and anchor when the anchor is no longer anchoring the thruster.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A long reach rotary drilling assembly comprises an elongated conduit extending through a bore in an underground formation, a drill bit for being rotated to drill the bore, a 3-D steering tool on the conduit for steering the drill bit, and a tractor on the conduit for applying force to the drill bit. The steering tool includes a telemetry section, a rotary section, and a flex section assembled as an integrated system in series along the length of the tool. The flex section comprises a flexible drive shaft to which a bending force is applied when making inclination angle adjustments. The rotary section includes a deflection housing which rotates for making azimuth angle adjustments. The telemetry section receives inclination and azimuth angle steering commands together with actual inclination and azimuth angle feedback signals for controlling operation of the flex section and rotary section to steer the drilling assembly along a desired course.

Abstract: A tractor for moving within a borehole comprises an elongated tractor body and two propulsion assemblies that are longitudinally movably engaged with the body. The tractor body has annular pistons configured to receive hydraulic thrust to propel the body longitudinally. Each propulsion assembly includes a gripper and one or more propulsion cylinders. The gripper has an actuated position in which the gripper limits relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole, and a retracted position in which the gripper permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole. Each propulsion cylinder contains one of the pistons. The tractor includes a control assembly having a plurality of valves and hydraulic circuitry which control the sequencing of fluid distribution to the propulsion cylinders, and of the actuation and retraction of the grippers. A throttle valve controls the fluid flowrate to the pistons.

Abstract: A downhole drilling tractor for moving within a borehole comprises a tractor body, two packerfeet, two aft propulsion cylinders, and two forward propulsion cylinders. The body comprises aft and forward shafts and a central control assembly. The packerfeet and propulsion cylinders are slidably engaged with the tractor body. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the packerfeet to cause the packerfeet to grip onto the borehole wall. Drilling fluid can be delivered to the propulsion cylinders to selectively provide downhole or uphole hydraulic thrust to the tractor body. The tractor receives drilling fluid from a drill string extending to the surface. A system of spool valves in the control assembly controls the distribution of drilling fluid to the packerfeet and cylinders. The valve positions are controlled by motors. A programmable electronic logic component on the tractor receives control signals from the surface and feedback signals from various sensors on the tool.

Abstract: A memory module assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises a memory module, such as a RAM module, and a pair of shells for enclosing the RAM module. The RAM module comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of memory chips attached on the PCB and a plurality of related electronic elements disposed near the chips. A securing means comprises a clasp for fixing the PCB and the shells together at a middle portion proximate upper edges of the PCB and the shells, and a pair of rivets extending through corresponding positioning apertures defined proximate a bottom edge of the PCB and corresponding apertures defined proximate a bottom edge of the shell. The clasp is resilient and comprises a shoulder and a pair of resilient arms inwardly extending from opposite ends of the shoulder for securing the PCB and the shells together.

Abstract: A point-contact impact method used in the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is disclosed. The method aims firstly to have the impact between the drop hammer and the anvil in the form of point contact and secondly to center the impact contact on the anvil face, such that the efficiency and the consistency of the energy transmission in the SPT greatly increase. With such a method, the ground condition of a specific site investigated by the SPT is able to be better determined. A device of the present method used in the Standard Penetration Test is a specially shaped anvil mounted on top of a rod, and the drop hammer is movably in contact with the anvil. The contact area of the anvil struck by the hammer is then limited and concentrated at the center. The impact between the hammer and the anvil is thus focused at or very near the center of the anvil, which reduces the energy loss during energy transfer from the hammer to the anvil.

Abstract: A tractor for moving within a borehole comprises an elongated tractor body and two propulsion assemblies that are longitudinally movably engaged with the body. The tractor body has annular pistons configured to receive hydraulic thrust to propel the body longitudinally. Each propulsion assembly includes a gripper and one or more propulsion cylinders. The gripper has an actuated position in which the gripper limits relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole, and a retracted position in which the gripper permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole. Each propulsion cylinder contains one of the pistons. The tractor includes a control assembly having a plurality of valves and hydraulic circuitry which control the sequencing of fluid distribution to the propulsion cylinders, and of the actuation and retraction of the grippers. A throttle valve controls the fluid flowrate to the pistons.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for installing and grounding a motherboard in a chassis of a computer. In one embodiment of the invention, a computer chassis includes a movable cover plate having a grounding contact. The cover plate is releasably attachable to a panel of the chassis and covers an input/output aperture in a chassis panel. The cover plate is movable to a first position in which the cover plate closes the input/output aperture in the panel and the grounding contact on the cover plate engages a ground contact on a motherboard installed in the chassis. The cover plate is also moveable to a second position in which a fastening portion of the cover plate is disengaged from the panel and the grounding contact is disengaged from the ground contact on the motherboard. When the cover plate is in the disengaged position, the motherboard can pass into or out of the component cavity of the chassis without contacting the grounding contact of the cover plate.

Abstract: A hydrostatic penetration device for placing on and penetration of the seabed comprises a housing (1) with a top cover (2) and a bottom cover (3), and a through-going vertical tool (4) for penetration of the seabed. The hydrostatic penetration device comprises at least one low pressure chamber (5), at least one hydraulic cylinder (6) with a vertically movable piston and piston rod (10) which can be driven to upward and downward movement by a flow of pressurised water from the surrounding water to the low pressure chamber (5), a clamping device (8) which surrounds the tool (4) and is connected to the piston rod (10), and which, during an upward and downward movement of the piston rod can be brought out of and into engagement with the tool respectively, and at least one weight (7) resting on the piston rod, which weight is vertically movable under the influence of the piston rod (10) and is arranged to transfer its weight to the clamping device (8) during a downward movement.

Abstract: A tether puller for advancing a tether through a channel may include a bellows assembly having a leading end fixedly attached to the tether at a first position and a trailing end fixedly attached to the tether at a second position so that the leading and trailing ends of the bellows assembly are located a substantially fixed distance apart. The bellows assembly includes a plurality of independently inflatable elements each of which may be separately inflated to an extended position and deflated to a retracted position. Each of the independently inflatable elements expands radially and axially upon inflation. An inflation system connected to the independently inflatable elements inflates and deflates selected ones of the independently inflatable elements to cause the bellows assembly to apply a tractive force to the tether and advance it in the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a tractor for locomoting a drilling apparatus. The tractor includes a retractable body for transporting and pressurizing a drill attached to a front drilling end of the retractable body. The retractable body is longitudinally extended and contracted for length adjustment. A drill stabilizer is attached to a rear trailing end of the retractable body. The drill stabilizer is extended to secure said retractable body during drilling and retracted for allowing movement of the rear trailing end of the retractable body. A position stabilizer is attached to the front drilling end of the retractable body. The position stabilizer is transversely extendable against the sidewalls of the drill hole for periodically stabilizing the retractable body. The position stabilizer retracts for operation of the drill when the drill is stabilized with the drill stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for removing well casing from plugged and abandoned oil wells. The invention includes a unitary platform structure sufficiently small that the structure may be transported by boat to offshore well platforms and be lifted onto the well platform as a single unit. The platform also has a center station with an opening allowing the casing to pass therethrough. The device further includes at least one lifting means, which lifts the well casing through the center station.The present invention will serve many of the purposes of much larger drilling rigs or work over rigs typically employed on oil and gas well platforms. The present invention will be much quicker to transport and requires considerably less set-up time than dig rigs or work over rigs.

Abstract: A blasthole drill is provided with sensors for sensing the pressure (AP) applied to and through a drill bit to convey cuttings from the drill hole, the rate of rotation (N) of the drill bit, the torque (RT) required to rotate the bit, the force (FB) applied axially to the bit and the instantaneous vertical position (Y) of the bit. Output signals from the sensors are applied to a microprocessor-based controller which computes the penetration of the drill bit per revolution of the bit (P/R) and the rock specific fracture energy (Es). Using the sensed values and the computed values, the controller produces output signals to increment/decrement the force (FB) applied axially to the drill. The applied axial force is controlled such that the penetration of the bit per revolution remains substantially constant for a given range of values of the rock specific fracture energy but varies for different ranges of the rock specific fracture energy. The rate of rotation of the drill bit is controlled to a reference value.

Abstract: A mobile automatic augering device, capable of augering a hole, entrapping a volume of earth removed from the hole to create a work space above the hole, and then backfilling the hole with the removed earth is disclosed. The present invention is characterized by an augering canister which contains a reversably rotatable auger within it. In operation, the canister is lowered to the earth. An auger is then rotated and lowered through an open, lower end into the earth. Once the auger has been lowered to a predetermined depth, the rotation is stopped, and the auger is raised back up into the canister, thereby entrapping the augered earth in the canister. The canister is raised a predetermined distance so that a work space, between the bottom of the canister and the surface of the earth is formed. After a set time period, the auger is rotated within its canister in an opposite direction, thereby dumping the entrapped earth into the hole to backfill the hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic stone cutter having a construction in which a base can slide on right and left rails, a cylinder main body having a drill is mounted to the base so as to be capable of elevating in the longitudinal direction and the base moves on the rails in the interlocking arrangement with elevation of the cylinder main body. Moreover, the drill can always bore a hole in a predetermined depth from the surface of a mass of stone even if unevenness exists on the surface of the mass of stone.

Abstract: A rock drilling apparatus for drilling with high pressure hydraulic jet including a rock drill body (11), a drill tool (12) coupled to said body (11) and a feeding device (15) with a motor (16) for feeding said body and tool to and fro the working face. The drilling tool (12) has an inner rotating tube (40) with a high pressure nozzle body (41) at the nose thereof and an outer tube (42) surrounding said inner tube (40). Said outer tube (42) is provided with a hard metal collar (61) at the front end for protecting the nozzle body (41) and for calibration of the drill hole size. A sensing device including a pressure operated switch 73 and an adjustable time relay (83) is adapted for sensing the feed resistance met by said collar (61) and causing said feed motor (16) to retract said drill body (11) and tool (12) when a preset value of the resistance is exceeded.

Abstract: A flame jet lance having a rotatable drill bit for forming cross holes in the ground is disclosed. The lance has various fuel and oxidizer tanks disposed therein and a fuel feed system coupled to the tanks for pumping the fuel to the rotatable drill bit. An extension member is also disposed in the lance with one end thereof coupled to the feed system and with the rotatable drill bit coupled at the other end thereof. The extension member is movable in the lance such that as the drill bit burns its way through the earth, the extension member moves the bit outward to a position lateral from the lance. In this manner, oil, gas, and the like may travel through the cross hole thus formed into the initial well hole.In operating the flame jet lance of the present invention, the lance is lowered into the preexisting well hole a specific distance. The flame jet drill bit is ignited and extremely hot flames are forced out through a nozzle contained in the drill bit.

Abstract: Equipment for drilling and obtaining samples from, and/or testing at, locations where the soil being investigated is unstable, or where access to the equipment is difficult during drilling, for example underwater. Samples can be obtained, or tests carried out, at several depths in one bore hole by the employment of equipment, including a drill, a plurality of sample receivers and a testing means mounted to enter a bore with the drill and including a first means for operating the sample receiver, a second means to operate the testing means, and a third means arranged to be actuated in dependence upon the sample receiver.