Abstract: A method and system of forming a lateral wellbore in a time and trip saving manner using a mill/drill to locate and place a casing window. In one aspect of the invention, a lateral wellbore is drilled with liner which is subsequently left in the lateral wellbore to line the sides thereof. In another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a rotary steerable system and in another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a downhole motor or a drill stem.

Abstract: The basic features of the invention include a pipe parting mole, a length of cable that is engagable to the mole, a cable pulling device and a cable pulling device engagement frame that provides a mounting structure for the cable pulling device. The cable pulling device engagement frame generally includes a reaction plate and an annulus member for removably engaging the cable pulling device with the frame. The frame is configured for the sideways engagement of the cable within the frame and the annulus member. Two pairs of cable engagement collets are preferably utilized; a first pair being disposed within the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a pulling stroke, and a second pair may be disposed within the frame or the cable pulling device to engage the cable on a recovery stroke. The cable pulling device is preferably a post tensioning ram (PTR).

Abstract: A device and method for enlarging a bore and installing a utility line. The device comprises an elongate shaft having a first and second end. The first end of the shaft is connectable to the drill string of a horizontal boring machine. The second end is connectable to a utility line or other device to be installed in the bore. The device is pulled through a pilot bore and enlarges the bore to a desired diameter while simultaneously pulling in a utility line. A set of cutting elements supported near the first end of the shaft, with 120 degree spacing therebetween, enlarges the bore to an intermediate diameter. A series of blades are supported on the shaft between the cutting elements and the second end. The first blade further enlarges the hole behind the cutting elements to the final desired diameter. Along its outer edge, the first blade comprises a plurality of teeth adapted to slice through the wall of the bore.

Abstract: Drill pipe guide apparatus provided for use in conjunction with a pipeline drilling rig as used in drilling substantially horizontal holes for pipe to pass beneath natural or man-made obstruction has a “Vee” shaped trough extending longitudinally from an inclined ramp that serves as a base for the drilling rig. Inverted “Vee”, pipe confining members are hingedly mounted at each end of the trough member so as to confine the pipe within the trough but also allow passing a drill string member of larger diameter, such as a stabilizer, by opening and closing each hinge confining member in turn as the stabilizer passes. A hydraulic cylinder member is connected between trough member and the inclined ramp to provide the trough with vertical movement capability for pipe guiding purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for trenchless, underground emplacement of man-sized product pipe between first and second shaft locations is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pilot tube assembly having a pilot tube segment and a steering head mounted to the pilot tube segment. The steering head is configured to operatively guide the pilot tube assembly from the first shaft location to the second shaft location. The apparatus further comprises an intermediate sleeve assembly having an intermediate sleeve segment and an intermediate cutting head mountable to the pilot tube assembly and to the sleeve segment. The intermediate cutting head has a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the pilot tube assembly and is configured to be operably guided by the pilot tube assembly. An enlarging assembly of the apparatus comprises a drive sleeve segment and an enlarging cutting head mounted to the intermediate sleeve assembly and to the drive sleeve segment.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for movement through a passage formed in the ground includes an elongate element and means for positioning a shroud around at least part of the elongate element for engagement against the periphery of the passage to provide a space through which the elongate element can move. The shroud is of flexible construction and is arranged to be progressively installed in position as the elongate element moves along the passage. The apparatus is adapted for introducing an inflation fluid into the region between the shroud and the elongate element in order to inflate the shroud and maintain it in engagement against the periphery of the passage.

Abstract: A pipe/pulling frame is fitted to the tool end of a movable boom of an excavator, preferably via a quick-attach coupling. The boom first positions the frame in and out of the pit and then secondly holds the frame against twisting movement in the pipe-extraction pit during pulling, thereby obviating the need to provide shoring and other bracing. The frame comprises an actuator and a single reaction plate. The actuator pulls a segmented cable which extends through the pipe while the reaction plate structure bears against the pit wall. The actuator is further operable also to push a stuck pipe, for which the reaction structure is moved to the opposing end of the frame. A swivel is preferably fitted between the tool end and frame to allow the excavator to be positioned independent of the frame. An abutment member at the distal end of the old pipe is replaceable with a ground-reaming tubular pipe for pushing the trailing end of the old pipe and pulling the leading end of a new pipe.

Abstract: A utility power unit (10) for underground drilling and pipe laying operations comprises a stationary frame portion (12), a movable frame portion (14) capable of performing sliding movement relative to the stationary frame portion (12) and hydraulic cylinders (44) between the stationary and the movable frame portions (12, 14) for effecting the relative movement. The movable frame portion (14) includes an attachment (36) for removably attaching a tool connecting member (38) thereto and a further attachment (40) for removably attaching a rotary drive unit (52) thereto. The invention also provides a method of directional boring along an intended underground path (62) comprising the steps of providing a machine pit (60) at a location along the intended path (62) and drilling a bore along the intended path (62) by means of directional drilling apparatus (10) which includes a stem (30) provided with a drill (68) at a forward end thereof.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for new installation or bursting and replacement of underground pipelines, without the necessity of trenches. This method and apparatus allows for the installation without the need for large excavations at the end point of the line and allows for nondestructive termination at an existing vault, structure or manhole without having to rebuild the structure, vault or manhole. The apparatus includes a head assembly that breaks apart fracturable pipe and expands the hole to accommodate the desired size of pipe. Because of the method of applying forces, the expansion of pipe diameter can be very substantial. Because of the head assembly, the head can be disassembled as the pipe and head enter a manhole, vault, structure or limited space and thus no need to excavate the vault or structure or create a large end excavation is necessary, thus saving time and money and avoiding disruption of traffic in street locations.

Abstract: A bore hole support system is formed from a flexible liner that is readily everted within a bore hole and forms a bore hole support system to install a casing in the bore hole while supporting the bore hole walls. After a pilot hole is drilled, the pilot hole is traversed with a reamer to form the pilot hole diameter to a larger diameter for the final bore hole. The flexible liner with the attached casing is everted and pressurized behind the reamer as the reamer traverses the pilot hole to support walls defining the bore hole while pulling the casing into the bore hole. The liner is simply removed from a storage and everting canister and remains with the casing in the bore hole. In certain circumstances, the liner may be coated with a water soluble material so that the casing may be in fluid communication with the bore hole walls when the coating has dissolved.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a pipe (12) into an earth bore, especially for replacing a breakable supply conductor laid in the earth, includes an approximately conical displacement head having a cylindrical tubular shaft (18) connected to its large diametered rear end, the outer diameter of which shaft corresponds to the large diameter of the displacement head and the inner diameter of which shaft is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe (12) to be pulled in. Means are provided for connecting the pipe (12) to be pulled in with the shaft (18) and is in the form of at least two clips extending parallel to the axis of the shaft (18) and fixed to the end of the shaft remote from the displacement head and angularly spaced from one another.

Abstract: A boring head is provided for use in mounting to a drill pipe of a drilling rig for enlarging a pilot bore in horizontal boring operations. The boring head has an axial member positioned along a central axis of the boring head for connecting the boring head to the drill pipe of the drilling rig. A plurality of flanges extend radially from the axial member, and a flange support frame is provided for structurally interconnecting and supporting the flanges on the axial member. A plurality of cutting cones are mounted to the boring head. In particular, each of the cutting cones has a cone axis, each of the cutting cones is mounted to one of the flanges such that its cone axis extends at an acute angle ranging from zero degrees up to about 45 degrees relative to the central axis; each of the cutting cones is mounted for independent rotation about its cone axis; and each of the cutting cones has a plurality of independently rotatable cutting bits mounted thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary mining apparatus. The apparatus includes an elongated housing with a leading end and an opposite trailing end. The apparatus also includes a compression device coupled to the housing. The apparatus further includes a plurality of cables extending along the housing. Each of the cables has an end connected to the compression device. The apparatus also includes a plurality of cutting devices attached to the cables at ends of the cables opposite the ends connected to the compression device. The present invention is also directed to a method of removing subterranean material. The method includes the step of inserting a rotary mining device having radially extendable cutting devices into a subterranean shaft. The method also includes the steps of rotating the mining device such that the cutting devices contact the sides of the shaft and extending the cutting devices into the sides of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for pulling a pipe (2) laid and/or to be laid in the ground to a trench below and accessible from ground level, in which there is a traction system in engagement with a traction component (3). The traction component is taken through the pipe and engaged with its rear end, viewed in the pulling direction. The traction component with the pipe is then drawn to the trench in steps by the traction system, with the traction device making a forward and a backward stroke at each step. During the backward stroke the traction component is kept under a tension corresponding to its elastic expansion during the forward stroke. In this way the traction component is kept permanently under tension throughout the pulling process, thus preventing the traction component from alternately expanding and contracting at each step.

Abstract: A hole opener for enlarging the diameter of bore holes, having a plurality of cantilevered spindles (6) for supporting rotatably attached cutter shells (9) having hardened surfaces for cutting and crushing to widen the bore hole. The cutter shells are supported on an inner threaded journal (13) which permits a plurality of load bearing rollers or bearings (26) to facilitate rotational movement of the cutter. The hole opener is provided on a tubular body which is connected in a drill string and which provides jetting nozzles (4) to remove the cutting debris and return it to the earth's surface. The cantilevered support spindle (6), journal (13) and cutter shell (9) assembly permit flexible interchange of cutter faces and sizes to be available for use with the same hole opener body and different directions of travel of the body.

Abstract: An improved method of operating a drilling system for purposes of installing an underground line and associated apparatus are disclosed. The drilling system includes a drill rig which is positionable at a drilling site and a drill string which is configured for extension by the drill rig such that the drill string is extendable to a predetermined location in a way which forms a pilot bore and which is further configured for retraction, such that one end of a line may be attached to the drill string at the predetermined location and pulled through the pilot bore from the predetermined location to the drill rig as the drill string is retracted. The improvement comprises monitoring tension levels in the line during retraction which tension levels are caused by the force of retraction on the line and transmitting the tension levels to an above ground location for use in establishing the condition of the line as it is installed underground.

Abstract: A tunneling machine intended to stably carry out gripper replacement by restricting the load imposed on gripper jacks for the main gripper as much as possible during excavation of an inclined shaft. Such a tunneling machine comprises (1) a main beam that extends along a tunnel wall, (2) a nose gripper disposed in front of the main beam for gripping the main beam against the wall of a pilot shaft and a main gripper disposed behind the main beam for gripping the main beam against the wall of a reamed shaft, (3) a main frame supported by the main beam so as to be slidable back and forth and supporting a cutter head at the front portion thereof, (4) a holding gripper (composed of a roof support, side support, vertical support) for gripping the main frame against the wall of the reamed shaft, (5) thrust jacks coupling the main frame to gripper shoes for the main gripper, and (6) retaining jacks coupling the main frame to a carrier.

Abstract: A device for connecting a pipeline conduit to a ground-boring machine or for replacing old pipes and inserting the end of an individual pipe into a sleeve joint of the preceding pipeline conduit, comprising a tensioning frame that can be attached to the end of the pipeline conduit or the individual pipe to be connected thereto, a tensioning drive on the tensioning frame, and a cable or chain that is coupled to the machine as well as the tensioning drive.

Abstract: A coring rod support wheel that has a relatively large smooth outer surface and a hollow hub that is rigidly held within it. The axis of the hollow hub is parallel to the axis of the wheel but not necessarily the same as the axis of the wheel. The diameter of the hub is sufficient for a coring rod to slide freely through it. Once the coring rod has been slid through the hub, the coring rod any coring knife attached to it are supported and guided by the wheel.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sinking pipes (8) or cables into a pilot borehole (4) by use of a drill string (3) including an expansion drill bit driven to rotate and pull is disclosed. The expansion drill bit is supplied with a wash fluid and is coupled with the pipe or cable (10) to be sunk into the borehole. The pulling force between the expansion drill bit (5) and the pipe or cable is continuously measured and the measurement values are transmitted to a drive for the drill string in real time. The advance speed and/or the advance force and/or the rotational speed and/or the torque and/or the wash fluid quantity and/or the wash fluid viscosity are adjusted as a function of the measurement values to be within predetermined values determined by the load capacity of the pipe (8) or cable.

Abstract: A bore hole support system is formed from a flexible liner that is readily everted within a bore hole and forms a bore hole support system to install a casing in the bore hole while supporting the bore hole walls. After a pilot hole is drilled, the pilot hole is traversed with a reamer to form the pilot hole diameter to a larger diameter for the final bore hole. The flexible liner with the attached casing is everted and pressurized behind the reamer as the reamer traverses the pilot hole to support walls defining the bore hole while pulling the casing into the bore hole. The liner is simply removed from a storage and everting canister and remains with the casing in the bore hole. In certain circumstances, the liner may be coated with a water soluble material so that the casing may be in fluid communication with the bore hole walls when the coating has dissolved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drilling apparatus provided for drilling away an existing underground pipe and for replacing it with a new pipe. The apparatus comprises a tubular body; a percussive drill bit slidably connected to an end of the tubular body where the drill bit is capable of reciprocating movement with respect to the tubular body; a device for moving the percussive drill bit with respect to the tubular body to perform drilling operations at a drilling location; a guiding element fixedly connected to the tubular body and axially passing through the tubular body and the drill bit to connect, in a direction of travel of the drilling apparatus, to a device causing the advancing movement of the tubular body. The guiding element and the percussive drill bit are axially movable relative to each other to prevent impacting movements from the drill bit from being transmitted to the guiding element.

Abstract: A pipe bursting apparatus includes a directional boring machine capable of simultaneously rotating and pulling a drill string and an impact tool connectable to the drill string. The impact tool includes a tubular housing ending in a front bursting head, an input shaft, bearings supporting the input shaft for rotation within the housing, a striker disposed for reciprocation within the housing to deliver impacts to a front anvil, and a drive mechanism for simultaneously pulling the impact tool forward in response to a pulling force on the input shaft and for reciprocating the striker to drive the tool forward by the action of cyclic impacts on the front anvil. The apparatus can carry out a pipe bursting operation in a manner that eliminates the need to use a separate pneumatic impact tool to burst the existing pipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in replacing particularly sewage piping by using a forced inserting method, the device comprising an impact member (3) provided with a drawing tip (2), and a reamer (12) breaking the pipe (1)to be replaced, the rear portion of the reamer comprising means for fastening the pipe (4) to be inserted, the supply hoses (5) for the driving medium of the impact member (3) being conducted through the pipe (4) to be inserted. To increase the possibilities of using forced inserting, the device according to the invention is characterized in that at least one other tip (7) is attached to the reamer (12) by means of an arm (6) projecting sideways from the reamer for laying another pipe (8).

Abstract: A back reamer apparatus is configured to be attached to a pipe section of a drilling rig for back reaming and compacting a pilot bore. The back reamer apparatus includes a body having a front end configured to be coupled to the pipe section, and at least three planar side walls configured to form a pyramid-shaped section which is tapered downwardly toward the front end of the body to compact the soil and form an enlarged bore upon rotation of the body by the drilling rig. The body is formed to include an internal passageway for receiving a drilling fluid. Each of the side walls is formed to include at least one aperture in communication with the passageway to permit the drilling fluid to pass through the at least one aperture formed in each side wall.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for removing a utility pipe or main and replacing the main with a polyolefin pipe. More specifically, the unique apparatus or system of the present invention includes a rotating head connected to a plurality of pipe joints to remove the old pipe, usually concrete or tile, by cutting, chipping and grinding. The head has an outer periphery of roller bits which cut, chip and grind the old pipe or earth into pieces which pass inwardly through the head. Behind the head is a non-rotating member which opens and packs the hole formed by the head for the replacement polyolefin pipe which is pulled into the hole by the member.

Abstract: Piping is laid horizontally underground, by horizontally entering a rod that is longer than the site, into the site, at the desired depth of the center of the piping tunnel, and then horizontally pushing that rod through the site, until its front end exits the back of the site. Then attaching three rods near the front end of the first rod, and bringing all four rods back through the site, until the first rod exits the front of the site, and the other three rods are embedded in their own paths in the site, with their front ends extending into the front of the site, and their back ends extending into the back of the site. Then, at the back of the site, attaching a push-pull type earth coring knife to the middle of the three rods, and connecting a front cutting and shielding means, between the two outer rods, so that it is situated immediately behind the front cutting portion of the coring knife.

Abstract: A reamer bit for reaming in earth formations. In one embodiment, the bit provides a plurality of levels of stems onto which may be disposed semi-spherical reamer cutters. The cutters are arranged such that they are circumscribable within a sphere. The levels of stems may include as few as two stems or several. This arrangement provides for a significantly larger cutting area which, in turn, prevents premature bit wear. As s further advantage, the bit may include several levels with roller cutters having progressively increasing diameter to provide an arrangement which subscribes to a generally triangular formation.

Abstract: A corrective trenchless pipeline installation method basically includes the operational steps of, first, forming a substantially irregular initial pilot hole underground in earthen matter between a pair of spaced entry and exit pits formed in the earthen matter, second, reforming the substantially irregular initial pilot hole into a substantially straight corrected pilot hole, third, reaming the corrected pilot hole to provide an expanded straight pilot hole, and, fourth, pulling a pipeline through the expanded corrected pilot hole. In reforming the irregular initial pilot hole to the straight corrected pilot hole a cutter blade is concurrently reciprocated back and forth through the irregular pilot hole and rotated relative to the irregular pilot hole to form the corrected straight pilot hole therefrom.

Abstract: A reamer bit for reaming in earth formations. In one embodiment, the reaming bit provides spherical reaming faces with replaceable cutting bit holders. The holders include cutting bits. The spherical reaming faces are not appreciably susceptible to drag during a reaming procedure and premature wear of the faces is alleviated by the provision of bits. The overall result is a substantially improved apparatus for reaming which assists in cost reductions for the process.

Abstract: A borehole (2) serves to produce e.g. hydrocarbons in a preferably soft or relatively soft underground formation (1), such as chalk or sandstone. The borehole (2) is surrounded by a substantially tubular reinforcement shell (9), which consists of formation material so compressed that the solid components of the material are substantially crushed to particles, and these are bonded together by the fluid or viscous components of the material and/or drilling mud. The borehole (2) if formed by first predrilling a small hole and then rolling said hole up to final borehole diameter by compressing the formation so that a reinforcement shell (9) of the desired thickness is formed. A self-propelling drive assembly (5) with a plurality of driven, elastic rollers (6) is used for this process, said rollers successively rolling down the borehole wall (7) and transferring the pressure force and moment from the drill bit (3) to the wall (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing drilling mud within entrained cuttings is provided using a pump for forcing fluid into a borehole, such that the fluid mixes with cuttings formed during the formation of the hole. The pipe receives the fluid and entrained cuttings at a first end of the pipe and returns the fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface at the second end of the pipe. At the first end of the pipe, air is injected into the drilling fluid with entrained cuttings to form bubbles therein, thereby increasing the velocity of the fluid and entrained cuttings through the pipe. In one alternative embodiment, a suction is provided at one end of the pipe to increase the speed of fluid and entrained cuttings therethrough. In a third embodiment of the present invention, an Archimedes screw is used to remove the fluid and entrained cuttings from the borehole.

Abstract: A large shaft over-reamer apparatus and method using a driver means and a detachable reamer cutter means. The driver means may include a work platform for personnel to work on. The driver means is positioned in a drilled pilot hole for stability and vertical control. The top of the driver means is attached to a kelly bar that transmits rotational force to the driver. The driver means has lug pins to releasably connect the driver means to the reamer cutter means. Releasably connecting the driver means to the reamer cutter means allows the reamer cutter means to be left inside the shaft or hole while the kelly bar lifts out excavated material in a bucket attached to the driver means. The reamer cutter has radial cutters and wiper blades. The wiper blades help funnel the excavated materials to a bucket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

Abstract: A down remaining apparatus has an upper stabilizer which supports the down reaming apparatus in the bored hole. A plurality of wheel assemblies are radially attached to the hub of the upper stabilizer. Each of the wheel assemblies has rotatable tires oriented against the bored hole wall, and a rotatable overload wheel which contacts the tunnel wall upon compression of the tires. A weight assembly comprising a plurality of stacked plates is secured to the frame of the down reaming apparatus and has manways therethrough which allow passage of workers. A lower stabilizer provides additional support for the down reaming apparatus. A plurality of wheel assemblies are radially attached to the hub of the lower stabilizer. Each of the wheel assemblies has a rotatable wheel pivotally attached to the lower stabilizer hub and spaced therefrom by a compressible bumper which reacts against the bored hole wall to stabilize the down reaming apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a horizontal pipeline boring apparatus and method for installing a pipeline section under a surface barrier such as a roadway or the like. A pilot bore is formed under the barrier. Next, a pipeline section bore large enough to received the pipeline section is formed long the path of the pilot bore using a pipeline boring head having a guide on the advancing side thereof. The guide is designed to engage the walls of the pilot bore and steer the pipeline boring head during cutting along the path of the pilot bore. Drilling liquids can be supplied to the boring operation through the pilot bore and discharged through the pipeline section.

Abstract: Method for casing a hole drilled in a formation having an enlarged section located below a previously cased section. The method includes running casing into the enlarged section wherein the casing is of slightly smaller diameter than that present in the previously cased section, pumping cement into the annulus formed between the outer surface of the casing and the enlarged section of the formation, providing a valve arrangement in the casing to permit circulation of the cement between the annulus and an inner portion of the casing, securing the casing in position within the hole and hanging and packing off in the last casing string. Finally, the previously cased string is latched and sealed to the last casing string.

Abstract: The rig has a base frame, with powered ground screw anchors, trunnion attached to a tiltable top frame equipped with pipe handling rollers, pipe clamp, power tongs, and crosshead mounted swivel arranged to slide along the frame to transfer axial forces to a drill string situated parallel to and centered above the top frame. The swivel is plumbed to deliver drilling fluids to the drill string. Remote power sources provide drilling fluid processing and hydraulic power to the various controls to operate; a tilt mechanism to tilt the top frame to align with a well bore, power tongs, to move the crosshead, rotate the ground screws, a pipe stabbing roller and a pipe cradle to move pipe sections into and out of the rig working center. Operator cab stations are positioned along the top frame and are bearing mounted to stay vertical when the top frame is tilted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging a straight or arcuate pilot bore hole and the insertion of tubing in the enlarged bore is disclosed, in which the pilot bore hole 10 is enlarged by advancing a larger diameter housing with a conical enlarging head by impacting of a striking body mounted within a housing against the inside of the enlarging head at the forward end of the housing. Fluid jet cutting action is also employed and the pilot hole boring device may be coupled to exert a steady pull on the housing as it is advanced through the pilot bore. The housing may thus be connected to the pilot bore drilling device, with an interposed cushioning device. The fluid jets may be created by nozzle openings in the enlarging head or in a separate device mounted forward of the enlarging head.

Abstract: An adapter on the nose of a pneumatic ram engages the end of an underground pipe and under the action of the ram drives the pipe ahead of it for removal. The adapter has a frusto-conical channel at the larger diameter end of a frusto-conical region of a nose section for receiving the end of a pipe upon radial expansion of the pipe end to thereby secure the adapter to the pipe while preventing excessive radial expansion of the pipe end.

Abstract: A hole cleaning device 100 includes a housing having a porous region to communicate cuttings from a bore hole to the interior of the housing. A Venturi-effect pump creates a suction to draw cuttings from the hole into the housing. An outlet pipe coupled to the Venturi pump transports the cuttings out of the housing.

Abstract: An uphole hammer is provided comprising a substantially tubular housing which is closed at a first end and supports a substantially centrally located fluid supply tube at the first end. The fluid supply tube extends axially through the housing and is adapted to be mounted at its other end to a drill string, the fluid supply tube being adapted to receive fluid being directed to the hammer by the drill string. The housing further supports a drill bit at or towards its other end which is slidably received about the fluid supply tube, a piston also being slidably supported about the fluid supply tube in the housing for reciprocation between the drill bit and the first end of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing debris from a bore hole comprises a housing having apertures formed therein such that rotation of the housing causing entrapment of the cuttings from the bore hole. The positive displacement pump comprises a rotor surrounded by a stator coupled to the housing such that rotation of the stator rotates the housing. The positive displacement pump is operable to pump material from the housing responsive to relative movement between the rotor and stator. A motor rotates the stator, thereby cleaning the bore hole.

Abstract: An improved method for assembling a stem within a mating, close fitting hole of a raise boring head by attaching an overhead beam to the body of the raise boring bit, supporting the stem with its longitudinal axis aligned with that of the beam and that of the mating hole, and moving the stem along its axis to assemble the stem in the mating hole. A coating of wear resistant material on selected regions of the stem employs a softer material than that of the stem or the mating hole to minimize damage to the hole during assembly.

Abstract: A cluster drill includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion. The first plate portion extends parallel to the second plate portion and is rigidly affixed to the second plate portion. At least one first and second plate aperture is formed in the first and second plate, respectively. At least one modular retainer unit, to be mounted within the first and second plate apertures, retains a first and second portion of a rock drill apparatus. A cannister affixes the first plate portion relative to the second plate portion. The cannister may be either cylindrical or contain protuberances to accommodate the modular retainer unit. A drill bit lock restricts motion between the a drill bit and the second plate when desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enlarging an inverted arcuate underground path between two surface locations is disclosed, where the cuttings from the enlarging are removed. After the drilling of a pilot borehole, and possibly after some reaming operations, a reamer and hole cleaner are pulled through the path, with the reamer rotating as the drill string in the path rotates. The rotation of the drill string also powers a positive displacement pump inside of the hole cleaner, which pumps fluid and entrained cuttings to the surface behind the hole cleaner. Fluid may also be pumped into the reamer from behind the hole cleaner, preferably by way of an inlet pipe which surrounds the outlet from the pump. The hole cleaner includes an agitator, also powered by the rotation of the drill string, which agitates the fluid and cuttings while the drill string is rotated but is not being pulled to the surface.

Abstract: A drill head is disclosed, for use to drill a hole in a front of hard material such as rock, which comprises a main body acting at a central support, an upwardly projecting spindle secured on top of the main body, the spindle having a vertical axis, a fixation head on top of the spindle for detachably connecting it to a drill shaft operable in use to rotate the drill head about the vertical axis of the spindle and to pull it up toward the front hard material to be drilled, and at least two impact hammers mounted onto the main body in such a manner as to fragment, in use the hard material of the front along at least one circular path centered onto the vertical axis, each impact hammer having a hollow casing, a pneumatically-operated, impact generating assembly enclosed within the casing, and a drill bit actuated by the impact-generating assembly.

Abstract: Drill tools with eccentric bits for drilling a hole having a large diameter generally include a bit for swinging out to an eccentric position for drilling, and for swinging into a non-eccentric position for removal from a tubular casing. Relatively complicated structures are required for effecting bit movement, and it is often difficult to remove the bit for replacement or repair.

Abstract: An assembly for raise mining or the like includes a drive support carrying a drive means (10) for driving the drive support along a guide (4). The guide is attached to the drift wall (2) and is successively lengthened concurrently with the drift driving. The drive support carries at least one drill boom rig (62) for mechanized drilling, and an operator's and service platform (40). The operator's and service platform (40) is carried shiftable with respect to the drive support in the direction of the guide (4) between a lower position, in which it does not obstruct the working movements of the drill boom rig (62), and upper positions, in which the drill boom assembly (62) in a collapsed non-operative position extends through an opening in the operator's and service platform (40).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drilling a pilot bore hole (B) along an underground arcuate path (P) between two surface locations (O, E). The pilot bore hole (B) is drilled in one direction with a drill string (10) having a leading pipe section (10A) of a reduced diameter to provide increased flexibility. Upon completion of the pilot bore hole (B), a reamer (48) connected to a product conduit (46) is connected to the drill string (10). Drill string (10) pulls the reamer (48) and product conduit (46) along the pilot bore hole (B) in an opposite direction for enlarging the bore hole (B) to receive the product conduit (46). A spud bit (34) has a flat or blunt leading end portion (34A) with a discharge opening (34D) therein to discharge high velocity drilling fluid into the formation at a location offset from the longitudinal axis of the drill string (10) to assist in guiding the drill string (10). An in-hole hydraulic motor (70) is provided in an embodiment (FIG.