Abstract: An electrode well extending into a subterranean formation containing viscous hydrocarbons comprising a plurality of electrode tubes which are formed by extension of an elongated tube from the surface above the formation using a coiled tube injection unit or lowering the tubes on drill pipe, diverting the tubes radially outwardly from the wellbore into the formation and penetrating the formation with the electrode tubes using hydraulic jetting action by pumping fluid through the tubes during the insertion process. The tubes are installed axially spaced apart using respective tube guide members which are inserted into the wellbore and operate to form a curved path for diverting the tubes into the formation during the insertion process and for supporting the end of the tube after its insertion into the wellbore.

Abstract: A remotely controlled, hydraulically operated cutter apparatus for use within a conduit includes a control for generating a plurality of control signals for controlling the operation of a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. Valves are provided for receiving both the pressurized fluid and the control signals and for distributing the received fluid in accordance with the received control signals. A hydraulically powered cutter motor located within the conduit and including a cutter tool receives the hydraulic fluid from the valves for driving the cutter tool. The cutter motor is supported within the conduit by supporting members. A first hydraulically actuated cylinder is included for receiving hydraulic fluid from the valves and for holding the supporting members in a fixed axial position within the conduit.

Abstract: A system for the formation of a bore hole, particularly for use in enhancing the recovery of oil from an oil bearing underground formation using an assembly including a piston sliding in a guide tube. The forward end of the piston body terminates in a drillhead including multiple ports for passing drilling fluid into the formation. Pressurized fluid flowing through the piston body applies pressure against the drillhead to cause it to move into the formation at the same time as it is cutting a pathway for itself. In a preferred embodiment, the forward end of the guide tube includes a whipstock through which the piston body turns from a vertical to a horizontal direction into the formation to provide a radial for the injection of steam. A rigid metal piston body may be used which plastically deforms when passing through the whipstock and becomes rigid thereafter as it moves through the formation.

Abstract: Earth well drilling apparatus including piping in a well, a metal drilling tube within the piping, and a hydraulic jet drilling head secured to the lower end of the tube. A seal is disposed between the piping and the tube. The drilling head is urged downwardly through the piping under hydraulic pressure through a tube bneding assembly laterally extensible from a retracted position substantially within the structure. The hydraulic pressure propels the tube downwardly through the piping and bending assembly to bend the tube and to direct the drilling head laterally toward the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for drilling a sidewall core from a borehole which has a cylindrical housing with an opening through which a core bit and barrel are extended and retracted. In a preferred embodiment there is a fixed plate on opposite sides of the bit motor with guide slots cut therethrough. A drive plate is provided adjacent each fixed plate having guide slots. The bit motor has two pins on each side which extend through the guide slots of the drive plate. Movement of the drive plates causes the bit motor to follow the designated path.

Abstract: This relates to sidewall coring tools used to obtain samples of the formation through which the wellbore is drilled. It includes a housing which supports a guide means along which the drill bit, core barrel and motor can be moved to extend or retract the cutting bit and core barrel along a selected path. The core barrel is retracted inwardly on a horizontal path and tilted in an upward position such that the outer end of the core barrel is higher than the end near the motor. Means are provided to force the cut core from the barrel into a core container in association with indexing means.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a mechanism and method for positive drill bit guidance during well drilling operations. The guidance device includes a control arm or paddle which, due to hydraulic pressure, pivots to steer the drill bit towards its target area. As the paddle applies pressure to the wall of the well, the drill bit is then turned from the contacted area of the well wall in the desired direction.

Abstract: A hole is drilled laterally from a main well bore by lowering a drilling unit into the bore in a position of extension essentially longitudinally thereof, and then swinging the unit to a position of extension transversely of the well bore to drill the lateral hole. The drilling unit is desirably held by a carrier as the drilling unit and carrier are lowered into the well, and preferably is of a self-propelling character adapted to move entirely out of the carrier and grip the wall of the lateral hole in a manner transmitting the reactive forces of the drilling operation directly to the earth formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a port in a liner installed in a conduit having a lateral opening inwardly overlaid by the liner so that the port coincides with the lateral opening, including a carriage adjustably positionable longitudinally within the liner adjacent to the lateral opening in the conduit; a brake for locking the carriage in fixed position in the conduit; a power driven port forming tool borne by the carriage in substantial radial relation to the liner for adjustable movement outwardly to liner engagement and inwardly to retraction therefrom, for adjustable movement longitudinally of the carriage, and for adjustable rotational movement about an axis longitudinally of the carriage; control means for controlling the position of the tool on the carriage from a position remote from the carriage; and a television system having a camera mounted on the carriage having a view of the tool and a viewing screen at said remote position.

Abstract: There is provided in accordance with the invention apparatus and a method for boring holes through carbonaceous deposits.The method involves the step of introducing combustion-supporting gases such as air under pressure through the apparatus installed in a well hole opposite the area to be bored. The apparatus comprises inner and outer flexible tubes with flexible, jointed armour and a directional nozzle which permits it to be bent and change attitude as necessary. The adjacent carbonaceous interface after being ignited is maintained in this condition by the combustion-supporting gas which is supplied under pressure. As the combustion proceeds, the pressure expels the combustion products and the gas injector is advanced along the channel it has previously formed.

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.