Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and localizing a leak from an above-ground liquid storage tank is disclosed. The invention utilizes a fiber optic chemical sensor to sense vapor from the liquid stored in the tank through a plurality of horizontal bores created at spaced intervals through the strata underneath the tank. Each of the plurality of horizontal bores is connected to a vacuum pump and manifold system which delivers the vapor or liquid present in the strata underneath the tank, resulting from diffusion or leakage in the tank, to the fiber optic chemical sensor. The horizontal bores are created with the use of a pilot which protects the bottom of the tank from punctures and ensures that the bores lie in close proximity to the bottom of the tank, enabling the detection of leaks in the tank as they develop.

Abstract: A down hole drilling tool activating mechanism is provided which will adjustably activate tool elements such as stabilizer pads by a mandrel which will move vertically against a bias spring and has inclined surfaces to bear on the inside of the adjustable pads creating variable diameters. The mandrel has a series of flexible fingers which engage the main body of the tool. A male spline element is provided which moves vertically within the body of the tool so that a portion thereof moves between a position in which it engages the fingers and forces them into engagement thereby locking the mandrel against vertical movement and a second unlocked position in which the portion is removed from the fingers allowing them to flex and allowing them to disengage the body so that the mandrel may move vertically changing the adjustment of the tool.

Abstract: Conventional drill pipe is rotated at a rate sufficient for distributing deforming forces substantially uniformly around the circumference of the drill pipe at each location along the length of the drill pipe disposed within the curved portion while the pipe is passed through the curved portion of a short-radius wellbore. The drill pipe arrives in the lateral portion in operable condition for drilling to extend the lateral portion and is retrieved from the wellbore in reusable condition.

Abstract: A steerable motor system with integrated formation evaluation logging capacity is presented. The device comprises a housing, a formation resistivity logging tool, a surface signaling device, a density logging tool, a porosity logging tool and a downhole motor and drill. The formation resistivity logging tool is located below the downhole motor and is mounted within the housing wherethrough a drive shaft, extending from the downhole motor, is disposed. Power and signal cables are located within an outer shell of the housing and connect the surface signaling device with the resistivity logging tool. In an alternate embodiment, the resistivity logging tool is located between a motor stabilizer and the drill bit. The present invention allows for increased drill angle during wellbore drilling and formation evaluation.

Abstract: Boring apparatus for forming a generally horizontal underground passage in soil for a utility conduit or the like that includes a tool head with a base portion and a nose portion mounted on the base portion. The nose portion is rotatable relative to the base portion between a first position in which nose portion surfaces are symmetrical with respect to the tool axis so that the tool will move along a straight path and a second position in which nose portion surfaces are in asymmetrical position with respect to the tool axis so that said tool will move along a curved path. By application of torque to the base portion, the base portion is shifted relative to the nose portion to shift the tool head from between an asymmetrical configuration and a symmetrical configuration.

Abstract: A fitting for controlled trajectory drilling. This fitting comprises a downhole motor, a drilling tool, and a variable geometry stabilizer.

Abstract: For steering a drill bit, a trajectory control sub has a lower part adjustable relative to the upper part to produce an axial bend to angularly offset the drill bit so that drilling proceeds along a curved path. Adjustable stabilizer blades are mounted on the sub and are movable between extended positions and retracted positions. An actuator is provided which selectively maintains the drill bit in axial alignment with the section of borehole being drilled, and which is actuable to move the blades into their retracted positions and subsequently, with the blades in their retracted positions, to effect tilting of the lower part relative to the upper part to produce the axial bend leading to tilting of the drill bit.

Abstract: A pressure actuated, telescoping subassembly is supported by a pipe string to axially move an attached member within a wellbore. Increasing fluid pressure to the subassembly actuates a telescoping action, axially moving the attached member but not the supporting pipe string. Motion can be used during rotary drilling or running of tubulars into a drilled borehole portion. Pressure actuation provides a way to remotely apply axial force to a member, such as a tool or drill string portion. Moving only the member instead of the entire drill string and member lowers the total force required to move members and provides a new way to chase drill bits and apply constant drilling forces. This minimizes the risk of pipe string overloading and buckling, exceeding rig weight limitations, and tool bit damage.

Abstract: A device for enabling two elements connected by a knuckle to take a disalignment angle with respect to one another in a single displacement plane. One of the elements is a lower element extending beyond the knuckle and is shaped as a lever arm located in the second element which forms the upper element. The knuckle is fashioned as a ball joint, with a guiding arrangement being provided for holding the displacement of the drill elements in the displacement plane. The guiding means are integrated into the upper element and, in the upper element, a control arrangement is provided for controlling the disalignment angle with the controlling arrangement including an eccentric having the positioned determined by the disalignment angle.

Abstract: An elongated body, capable of serving as a length of drill string, has two major portions with each portion providing an end for connection to the drill string with drilling fluid channels extending from end to end. One portion extends into the other and is hinged therein for deflection of the center lines of opposite ends. A piston in the body responds to drilling fluid flow to actuate the deflection of a few degrees. A turret carried by the body has a cam and groove relationship with the structure carried by the piston such that it turns one increment each time the piston makes a round trip of axial excursions. On alternate round trips of excursions, the piston is stopped short of the movement needed to deflect the body and instead holds the body straight until the fluid flow is reduced to begin another piston excursion. An internal valve is operated by the piston to cause a pressure rise in the drilling fluid stream when the piston moves enough to deflect the body.

Abstract: An improved drilling drill collar particularly for use in drilling horizontal wells employing a fluid driven drill, the drill collar being in the form of an elongated intermediate portion of at least substantially triangular cross-sectional configuration and having a central passageway therethrough and having externally threaded ends, the intermediate portion being formed of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, magnesium or alloys therefore, a first tubular tool joint member threadably secured to the intermediate portion first end and a second tubular tool joint member threadably secured to the intermediate portion second end, one of the tool joint members having female threads and the other external threads so that thereby joints may be threadably secured end-to-end, the tool joint members being of a stronger metal, such as steel, the triangular configuration of the drill collar permitting free flow of well drilling circulation fluid as the drill collar lies in a horizontal borehole.

Abstract: A downhole adjustable stabilizer and method are disclosed for use in a well bore and along a drill string having a bit at the lower end thereof. A plurality of stabilizer blades are radially movable with respect to the stabilizer body, with outward movement of each stabilizer blade being in response to a radially movable piston positioned inwardly of a corresponding blade and subject to the pressure differential between the interior of the stabilizer and the well bore. A locking member is axially movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, such that the stabilizer blades may be locked in either their retracted or expanded positions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer may be sequenced from a blade expanded position to a blade retracted position by turning on and off a mud pump at the surface.

Abstract: In a method of operating a ram boring machine having a rotatory-thrust drill rod an impact force is applied to the rear end of the drill rod. The boring machine includes a thrust unit and a striking tool that are combined to form a thrust/percussion aggregate.

Abstract: A downhole adjustable stabilizer and method are disclosed for use in a well bore and along a drill string having a bit at the lower end thereof. A plurality of stabilizer blades are radially movable with respect to the stabilizer body, with outward movement of each stabilizer blade being in response to a radially movable piston positioned inwardly of a corresponding blade and subject to the pressure differential between the interior of the stabilizer and the well bore. A locking member is axially movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, such that the stabilizer blades may be locked in either their retracted or expanded positions. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer may be sequenced from a blade expanded position to a blade retracted position by turning on and off a mud pump at the surface.

Abstract: A supplemental horizontal section is drilled from a lower end of an existing well bore by a drilling tool which provides a short radius of the order of 20 feet of a curved section interconnecting the vertical initial section and the horizontal section. This enables the drilling to take place without expensive monitoring equipment since the distances involved are relatively small. The drilling tool includes a mud motor to which is attached a drilling section including a drill bit at the outer end thereof. The drilling section is connected to the mud motor by a knuckle joint which allows pivotal action about an axis at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. A counterbore of increased diameter is formed at the lower end of the existing well bore and the knuckle and drill bit located therein. The knuckle is biased toward one side of the counter bore by a leaf spring so that the longitudinal axis of the drill bit takes up an inclined position with a knuckle bent at a shallow angle.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a downhole instrumentation package in a roll stabilised orientation with respect to a drill string comprises an instrument carrier which is mounted within a drill collar for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the collar. An impeller is mounted on the instrument carrier so as to rotate the carrier relatively to the drill collar as a result of the flow of drilling fluid along the drill collar during drilling. The torque transmitted to the instrument carrier is controlled, in response to signals from sensors in the carrier which respond to the rotational orientation of the carrier, and input signals indicating the required roll angle of the carrier, so as to rotate the carrier in the opposite direction to the drill collar and at the same speed, so as to maintain the carrier non-rotating in space and hence roll stabilised.

Abstract: A fluid powered incremental stepping motor arranged to serve as a length of pipe string has a body that includes an arbor end with an arbor of reduced diameter extending into a bore of a housing end bearingly supported for rotation about the arbor. An annular space between arbor and housing contains a piston rotationally secured to the arbor for limited axial movement. The piston operates within the bore as a power cylinder and carries a flow resistor. Fluid channels extend through the body to accept fluid flow down the pipe string. Fluid flow urges the piston downward and a spring urges it upward. Cams on each end of the piston and mating cams in the housing bore engage at the upward and at the downward extreme of piston travel and at each engagement impart an increment of rotation of the housing relative to the arbor at each excursion of the piston. Increasing fluid flow down the pipe string and then decreasing the flow causes the piston to reciprocate at each flow rate change cycle.

Abstract: A steerable burrowing mole including a forward steering unit with an axial main portion, adjustable fins, and apparatus to adjust the fins between first and second angular orientations, the first for inducing mole rotation and the second for inducing movement toward a first radial direction. The earth-penetrating tip is preferably beveled surface to provide maximum turning force toward the first radial direction. One of the fins is in an orientation for inducing slight corrective reverse rotation. An adaptor for converting a basic burrowing mole into a steerable mole as described.

Abstract: A steerable drill head which utilizes the combination of a hydraulic cutting nozzle and a rotary mechanical cutting blade wherein the drill string is intermittently rotated and lineally advanced in the bore. The drill head further includes a ramp attached to the head behind the cutting blade including a steering surface for deflecting the drill head and its string in a particular direction by linear advancement without rotation. The cutting blade is positioned at the center of the head with the plane of the blade positioned on the axis of rotation of the drill head.

Abstract: Drilling fitting equipment is disclosed, comprising a drilling motor, a member to be actuated, an information detection unit and a power unit for controlling the member, the motor comprises an energy transformation zone for rotating a drilling tool, the zone having an upper end, the equipment comprising a flow of drilling fluid through the drilling fitting, wherein the member to be actuated and at least one of the elements of an assembly formed by the detection unit and the power unit are situated on opposite sides of the upper end.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding and steering pipe casing bored and pushed underground by an earth boring machine is disclosed which includes hinge assemblies pivotally connecting a steering head to a front casing. Each hinge assembly includes two pivots. A first pivot has a horizontal pivot axis and a second pivot has a vertical pivot axis. Preferably, the hinge assemblies are compound hinges so that the pivots are carried by a unitary hinge assembly. Actuators are provided which impart an actuation force on the steering head to rotate the steering head about the first and second pivot axes. One of the actuators is provided by slidably mounting one of the hinge assemblies so that the first and second pivot axes of that hinge assembly are compounded and moved unitarily. A second actuator is connected to the steering head to move the steering head about the first pivot axis while the hinge assembly slides to pivot the steering head about the second axis.

Abstract: In one broad aspect, the invention provides a method of receiving instructions for an implement, for example, a drill string stabilizer, mounted on a drill string, which instructions are transmitted by varying the rate of flow of, or pressure exerted by, the fluid in the bore of the drill string in accordance with one of a plurality of predetermined sequences; the method comprising the steps of:a) monitoring variations in the rate of flow of, or pressure exerted by, the fluid in the drill string;b) comparing the sequence of monitored variations with a plurality of predetermined sequences, each predetermined sequence corresponding to a set of instructions for the implement; andc) eitheri) ignoring the variations if they do not correspond to a predetermined sequence, orii) if the variations do correspond to a predetermined sequence, executing the instructions which correspond to that sequence.

Abstract: The invention, which can be applied to both starting mills and window mills for use in sidetracking a cased borehole, makes use of carbide discs as cutting elements and the geometrical disposition of blades on which the discs are mounted to enhance cutting efficiency. The blades are angularly offset with respect to the tool centerline in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of this invention, a downhole adjustable stabilizer includes a sleeve having outwardly extending blades and mounted for limited rotation on a mandrel, vertically aligned sets of radially movable buttons mounted in bores in the blades, and longitudinal flats on the outer periphery of the mandrel that when radially aligned with the respective sets of buttons allows them to shift inward to positions where the stabilizer becomes undergage and can be tilted in the borehole. Some spring loaded buttons drag against the borehole wall to provide frictional restraint against rotation of the housing. The blades can each have an inclined side surface that causes the sleeve to be rotated to its position relative to the mandrel where the sets of buttons are retracted as the stabilizer slides downward in the borehole.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a well bore having a vertical portion, a curved kick-off portion, and a horizontal portion. The length of the horizontal portion is extended by using drill pipe having an aluminum tube and steel tool joints to reduce the weight of the pipe string in the horizontal portion and reduce the friction resisting movement of the drill pipe along the low side of the well bore. In addition, the length of the joints of aluminum drill pipe is reduced to between 14-16 feet to substantially increase the buckling strength of each joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for steering pipe casing laid underground is disclosed which includes a steerable pipe jacking head attached to a forward pipe casing and pushed through the ground by a string of pipe casings from a pipe pushing or jacking machine at a station below or above the ground. A steering wedge which may be rotated to a desired steering position and then extended from the forward end of the pipe jacking head is disclosed which accurately steers the pipe jacking head in horizontal and vertical directions. An inclinometer is used to measure the vertical position of the pipe jacking head. A directional heading sensor which includes a toroidal fluxgate magnetometer with a free floating ring core is utilized to measure the horizontal position of the pipe jacking head. Horizontal and vertical position signals, and the rotational position of the steering wedge, are measured and transmitted as serial data to a computer where the signals are processed and displayed graphically on a display screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a horizontal controlled borehole in the earth includes a drill frame, a drill string and a downhole tool. The drill frame includes a wrench attached to the frame for assisting in breaking and forming joints. The downhole tool includes removable blade assemblies having, for example, stepped or spade-like profiles and hard facing at areas of primary contact with the soil. When fluid is added for cooling, lubricating and flushing away cuttings, the downhole tool can include a nozzle parallel to the centerline of the longitudinal axis of the drill string, a check valve means for preventing downhole particles from entering the fluid passageway and/or a transmitter protecting waterproof plug for diverting fluid to a fluid passageway and for allowing an on-board downhole transmitter to be near the drill bit. Also, the blade assembly can be placed so as to divert fluid from the nozzle to an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the drill string.

Abstract: A method is presented for designing a bottomhole assembly whose tendency to build/drop or hold angle is independent of borehole inclination. This method comprises the adjustment of the location of any one of the first three stabilizers of an arbitrarily selected bottomhole assembly while the location of the remaining stabilizers is left in position. In accordance with the present invention, at one particular location of the stabilizer which has been selected to be moved, the resulting build/drop or hold rate of the bottomhole assembly is independent of borehole inclination.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the direction of a borehole drilled by a downhole motor, including the steps of positioning downhole adjustable bent housing and near-bit stabilizer in the drill string, adjusting the bent housing from its normally straight condition to its bent condition to effect borehole curvature, and using the stabilizer in its undergage condition to enhance the inclination. The Measurements are made from which the inclination with respect to the vertical and the azimuth can be determined and telemetered uphole for processing, display, and recording. Preferably the directional measurements are made at two locations, one below the bent point and one above it. These two sets of measurements can be compared to confirm the bend angle and to obtain a definition of the orientation of the plane of the bend angle so that the drilling path can be accurately controlled.

Abstract: The device comprises a set of rods having a first end, by means of which the rotation is transmitted to the set of rods and the axial force to the tool (3) during drilling, and a second end to which the tool (3) is fastened. The device comprises means for adjusting the azimuth angle of the path of the drilling tool which consists of a tubular body (10) comprising a radially projecting bearing blade (11) and mounted rotatably on the set of rods (2), and a remotely actuable junction means making it possible to fix the set of rods (2) and the tubular body (10) relative to one another in terms of rotation in its active position. In the inactive position of the junction means, the set of rods (2) is freely rotatable within the tubular body which is held immobile in terms of rotation in the drill hole by means of the bearing blade (11). The bearing blade (11) is placed in the drill hole in an angular orientation making it possible to adjust the azimuth angle in the desired direction.

Abstract: A directional drilling apparatus and method in which the drill bit is coupled to the lower end of a drill string through a universsal joint which allows the bit to pivot relative to the string axis. The bit is contra-nutated in an orbit of fixed radius and at a rate equal to string rotation but in the opposite direction. This speed-controlled and phase-controlled bit nutation keeps the bit heading off-axis in a fixed direction. The invention enables directional drilling while the drill string rotates normally.

Abstract: Steerable ground drilling device, which comprises a body (3) destined to be attached to a flexible pipe, a rotatable head (4) which is mounted on the front extremity of the body (3) and is provided with at least one spraying device or hammer drill (5) to which fluid under pressure can be supplied through a pipe (10 through 13) which extends through the head (4) and the body (3), and means (6) for rotating the head (4), characterized in that the means (6) for rotating the head (4) are means which can rotate this head (4) both in one direction and in the other direction and that, between the head (4) and the body (3), an axially located shaft section (7) is mounted that is attached to the head (4) and through which extends the pipe (10 through 13) for the supply of fluid under pressure to the spraying device (5), a cylinder (14) which surrounds the shaft section (7) and comprises an outer periphery which is eccentric in relation to the shaft section (7), and a blocking mechanism (15) is mounted that can couple

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding and steering pipe casing bored and pushed underground by an earth boring machine is disclosed which includes hinge assemblies pivotally connecting a steering head to a front casing. Each hinge assembly includes two pivots. A first pivot has a horizontal pivot axis and a second pivot has a vertical pivot axis. Preferably, the hinge assemblies are compound hinges so that the pivots are carried by a unitary hinge assembly. Actuators are provided which impart an actuation force on the steering head to rotate the steering head about the first and second pivot axes. One of the actuators is provided by slidably mounting one of the hinge assemblies so that the first and second pivot axes of that hinge assembly are compounded and moved unitarily. A second actuator is connected to the steering head to move the steering head about the first pivot axis while the hinge assembly slides to pivot the steering head about the second axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an underground bore hole employing a steerable boring head at the end of a remotely driven drill string. The boring head, preformed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the trailing pipe string to bore along a curvilinear path is straightened by increasing the pressure of the fluid within the drill string above a predetermined range to enable drilling along a linear path. Subsequent reduction of the fluid pressure to normal drilling pressure returns the boring head to its former state along a resumption of a curvilinear drill path.

Abstract: In an apparatus for creating an underground bore hole using high-pressure fluid within a steerable drill string to disturb and displace the subsoil, the improvement of the steering capability of the boring head by the inclusion of a percussive device to hammer the drill string forward after the desired steering of the boring head has take place to cause the boring head to fully engage the media being bored so that upon resumption of normal rotary drilling the boring head will proceed in the selected path.

Abstract: A device for forming an elongated hole in the ground, comprising a hollow, flexible conduit, a head (2') which is connected to one end of the conduit and which is fitted with at least one nozzle (5') through which fluid passing along the conduit under pressure is delivered in such a direction and under such pressure that when the head is not in rotation, the head will form a hole of curved configuration and such that when the head rotates about its longitudinal axis and the conduit is moved forwards in the hole-forming direction the head will form a substantially straight hole, the end of the head facing towards the hole-forming direction being provided with a surface which is positioned obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the head and which assists the head in forming a curved hole.

Abstract: An earth boring tool for forming a bore underground at a desired percent of grade and a grade sensor (A) for sensing percent of grade as the bore is formed are disclosed. The earth boring tool includes a pipe casing (10) and cutting head (12). Sensor (A) includes dielectric fluid chambers (30b, 32b) formed by chamber plates (30, 32) and a sandwiched capacitor plate (34). Capacitors (34a, 34b) are contacted by the dielectric fluid in the chambers. A differential capacitance signal is produced as a fluid level (80) variably covers and uncovers capacitors (34a, 34b) to produce a varying differential output signal. The differential output signal is converted into a linearly changing percent grade signal (64) by a conversion circuit (44a). The percent of grade signal is displayed on a monitor (C) by which an operator may steer the casing to a desired grade.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful deflection method and apparatus for use in directional drilling, the apparatus comprising a housing which is adapted to be disposed about a drill string and to be rotatable relative to the drill string; a deflection member pivotally connected to the housing and moveable between a first equilibrium position in which the member is in a retracted position adjacent the housing and a second position in which the member is biased toward an extended position outwardly of the housing; means for maintaining the member in the first equilibrium position; means responsive to an external force for releasing the member from the equilibrium position; and means for biasing the deflection member into the extended position; and wherein the means for biasing is responsive to the release of the deflection member from the first equilibrium position to move the deflection member toward the second position. The method comprises the use of an apparatus such as that of the invention.

Abstract: A percussive-action mole 10 is energized by compressed air supplied through hollow rods 36 in a string 12 connected to the mole. A hydraulic motor 18 rotates the string and mole. The mole head 30 has a slant face 32 and a transverse permanent magnet 34. After each new rod is added to the string, the air is stopped to halt the mole which continues to be rotated. The field fluctuations from the magnet are detected by a magnetometer 24 using its probe at three positions 50, 52, 54 determiend by a triangular frame 22 placed flat on the ground. Calculations using the three readings each representing the distance of the magnet from the respective position on the frame enable the position and depth of the magnet to be determined. After completion, the passage 38 can be reamed to larger diameter to receive a gas pipe or other service.

Abstract: For a self-controlling drill rod for rotary boring rods of machine rock drills, comprising an inner drilling shaft adapted to be connected with the boring rods and the boring tool and having a flush channel and a housing mounted on the drilling shaft so as to be rotatable thereabout, control bars capable of swinging out being disposed on the outside of the housing, and the parts of the hydrostatic drives acting on the control bars as well as the control electronics and control electrical system being provided within the housing, whereby the required energy is generated by the rotary motion during the boring operation, the inventive improvement is that an annular space exists between the drilling shaft and the housing having a radial connection with the flush channel of the drilling shaft and being closed off at each end by a rotary check valve keeping out the borehole fluid, and that the annular space serves as a tank for the working fluid of the hydraulic system, said fluid being formed by the drilling shaft

Abstract: Boring apparatus for forming a generally horizontal underground passage for a utility conduit or the like that includes a tool head with elongated body structure and a cutting face of ellipto-conical form at one end of the elongated body structure. The cutting face has a major axis and a minor axis and cutting bit structure is fixed to and projects forwardly from the cutting face and extends substantially the full width of the cutting face generally along the major axis. The tool head also includes coupling structure for attaching the tool head to a drill string such that the cutting tool face is offset from the drill string axis. Structure in the cutting face defines a cutting fluid orifice adjacent the cutting bit structure for directing a high velocity jet of cutting fluid forwardly of the cutting tool face.

Abstract: A combined steering and lubricating apparatus for use with earth boring apparatus includes a casing extension pivotally attached to one end of a casing section and controlled by an elongate tube which is movable along an axis parallel to the axis of the casing to pivot the casing extension. The invention includes a first connector for connecting one end of the tube to the casing extension and a second connector assembly connected to the other end of the tube for moving the tube and pivoting the casing extension and for providing lubricating fluid to the tube and first connector for deposit on the exterior of the casing.

Abstract: The invention provides a steerable soil displacement hammer for driving holes in the ground. This comprises a substantially cylindrical body (1) and a soil displacement head (2) at a forward end of the body. The head is of larger diameter than the body so as to tend to create an enlarged hole around the body when the head is driven through the ground. At the rear end of the body a pivotable member is provided for directing said rear end away from the center of this hole.

Abstract: A steerable earth boring device comprises a compaction auger rotatably mounted to a housing at one end of the auger such that the compaction auger is substantially externally exposed. A steering tip is pivotably disposed at the other end of the compaction auger for providing steering control for the earth boring device. An internally housed steering mechanism is provided for pivoting the steering tip relative to the compaction auger while the auger is rotating. The steering mechanism includes a non-rotatable cam disposed within and pivotably connected to the housing and a follower rotatable with and pivotable relative to the compaction auger. The cam and follower contact at a bearing surface so that pivoting motion of the cam is transmitted to the rotatable follower. A control member is connected between the follower and the steering tip, extending through the compaction auger, to transmit pivoting of the follower to pivoting of the steering tip.

Abstract: A flexible tunneling apparatus has an articulated thrust rod made up of a plurality of substantially identical tubular elements having complementary end surfaces, the elements being disposed in end-to-end relation and strung on a cable which is tensioned to effectively integrate the elements to form the rod. The rod is inserted into a tubular guide member which extends axially through and along the sidewall of a shaft. At one end the tubular guide member defines a rounded 90 degree turn causing flexure of the rod and diverting it to a path perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. Repetitive thrusting and retraction of the rod create a tunnel extending radially with respect to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an underground bore hole using high pressure fluid within a drill string to disturb and displace the subsoil. The drill string is steerable by increasing the pressure of the fluid above a predetermined range to a second range and apparatus is responsive thereto to effect a bending movement and change in the direction of the drill string.

Abstract: A method of boring a hole in the earth such as for passing under obstacles, not limited, but including roadways, rivers, dikes, canals or other inexcessible areas where it is impossible to trench a ditch including the steps of advancing a rotating drill string in a direction inclined to the earth's surface to establish a borehole, stopping the rotation and advancement of the drill string, aligning the drill pipe so that the drill bit is inclined at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string towards a new direction desired for the borehole, advancing the drill string and drill bit a short distance without rotation, resuming rotation advancement of the drill string for a short distance, sequentially repeating the steps of advancing the rotationally aligned drill string without rotation to move the drill bit in the newly desired direction, followed by rotation with simultaneous advancement until the new direction of drilling is achieved, after which, until a still different direction is desired, drilling

Abstract: A non-rotating drill string is formed from a plurality of independent, cylindrical sections pivotally connected together by a latch mechanism. The adjacent ends are partially beveled such that the sections can bend in a single direction. Means are disclosed for varying the effect of the beveled surfaces, thus controlling the angle of bend for a given one of the sections. A downhole mud motor (PDM) drives the drill bit through the use of a flexible drive shaft running through the center of a metal-lined, neoprene drilling fluid hose which runs through the interior of the independent cylindrical sections. The total curvature of the borehole drilled by the system equals the sum of the angles of bend between the individual sections.

Abstract: A system and method for controlled directional drilling utilizes a system approach to design the hardware for drilling according to the well plan. The bend angle of a bent housing, connected between the bit and downhole motor, the diameter of a plurality of stabilizers and placement of the stabilizers with respect to the drill bit are selected and predetermined on the basis of the desired well plan. With the use of an MWD, the direction of the progressing borehole is tracked from the surface. Direction changes as required are controlled from the surface simply by controlling rotation of the drillstring. For curved path drilling, only the downhole motor is rotated, causing the borehole to travel along the curve determined by the bend angle in the bent housing and the diameter and location of the concentric stabilizers. When straight hole drilling is required, both the downhole motor and the entire drill string are rotated, effectively nullifying the effect of the bend angle in the bent housing.

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.