Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clearing a helix gap of an auger, comprising a retainer for holding the device on a mast of a drill, a guide tube which surrounds the auger in portions and is mounted on the retainer, and a clearing element which engages in the helix gap and is mounted on the retainer so as to be freely rotatable about the drilling axis. According to the invention it is provided for the guide tube to be mounted on the retainer so as to be freely rotatable about the drilling axis, for the clearing element to be firmly attached to the rotatably mounted guide tube, for the guide tube to be axially fixed in the direction of the drilling axis, for the purpose of clearing, and for the clearing element, together with the guide tube, to be able to be caused to rotate about the drilling axis by means of a pulling procedure of the auger for the purpose of clearing the auger.

Abstract: A pressure control system includes a housing having a bore and a first pair of opposed rams positioned within the housing. The first pair of opposed rams is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the bore. The pressure control system further includes a rotating control device (RCD) seal assembly, which includes a frame that is configured to couple to the first pair of opposed rams while the first pair of opposed rams are in the extended position relative to the bore, an annular seal element coupled to the frame, and a bearing assembly positioned between the annular seal element and the frame. The annular seal element is configured to seal about a tubular within the bore, and the bearing assembly is configured to enable the annular seal element to rotate relative to the frame and the first pair of opposed rams.

Abstract: An improved rotating control device, having a spool and removable bearing assembly, provides a self-contained hydraulic reservoir that can be operated with standard air pressures from an air hose or other readily available source, eliminating traditional surface hydraulic power units (HPUs). Hydraulically operated pistons can be spring biased to close latching elements around the bearing assembly. Hydraulic fluid can be forced from the self-contained hydraulic reservoir through flow paths to hydraulic cylinders to force the pistons to retract radially outward to release the bearing assembly for removal. The bearing assembly can include a lubricant reservoir to supply gravity-fed or pressurized lubrication for internal roller bearings. The bearing assembly can further include a rotary seal in several embodiments that efficiently reduces risks of dropping bolts on personnel and in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system including a mud bucket with a clam shell enclosure and a storage tank. The clam shell enclosure can have a first portion and a second portion, with the second portion being rotationally coupled to the first portion, where the first portion and the second portion are configured to form a sealed chamber around a joint of a tubular string when the second portion is rotated into engagement with the first portion, where the sealed chamber is configured to receive expelled fluid from the tubular string when the joint is unthreaded, and the storage tank is configured to receive and store the expelled fluid from the sealed chamber while the mud bucket is located at the well center.

Abstract: A rotary valve includes a first ball valve including a first stem extending from a first proximal stem end to a first distal stem end outward from the first ball valve. The first stem including a first slotted opening extending from the first distal stem end into the first stem. The rotary valve includes a second ball valve including a second stem extending from a second proximal stem end to a second distal stem end outward from the second ball valve. The second stem including a second slotted opening extending from the second distal stem end into the second stem. The second stem extends towards the first stem. The rotary valve includes a drive key of non-uniform thickness located within the first slotted opening and the second slotted opening. The drive key operably connects the first ball valve to the second ball valve.

Abstract: A low cost, disposable, molded reinforcing insert which has a metal ring or a circular arrangement of threaded metal inserts encased therein, a low cost disposable stripper rubber for drill pipes or other tubulars which includes the molded reinforcing insert, and molding methods for forming the reinforcing insert and the stripper rubber.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a seal, such as a seal in a blowout preventer or in another oilfield device, is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a blowout preventer including a seal and a blowout preventer seal-monitoring system that includes a sensor positioned within a body of the seal and a data analyzer. The data analyzer has a processor and is configured to monitor a condition of the seal through analysis of data received by the data analyzer from the sensor positioned within the body of the seal. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly operable to control production fluid flow around an obstruction in a production tubing string. The obstruction may be caused by another valve or valve assembly located in the production tubing string, where the valve is closed and blocks flow through the production tubing. The downhole valve assembly comprises a tubular body that includes an axial passage extending through the body and one or more ports extending substantially radially through the body. The downhole valve assembly also includes one or more actuating members operable to move relative to the body. Movement of the actuating members selectively opens the ports such that a fluid flow path through the ports is defined between an annulus region outside of the valve assembly and the axial passage such that the blockage can be bypassed.

Abstract: An earth drilling apparatus is disclosed herein. The earth drilling apparatus includes an exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes an inner barrel positionable within the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a drill bit releasibly engaged with the exterior conduit. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a liner for retaining samples of earth and positionable within the inner barrel. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a shoe releasibly engaged with the inner barrel at a mounting location to selectively retain the liner in place. The earth drilling apparatus also includes a wiper mountable on the inner barrel at the mounting location when the shoe is removed. The wiper is operable to wipe the liner as the liner is removed from the inner barrel.

Abstract: The pipe wiper assembly of the present invention assists with wiping the pipe as the pipe is removed from the hole (“tripped out”). The pipe passes through the two pipe apertures of the pipe wiper assembly during the removal. Two upper containment arms adjust between an open position and a closed position within the housing to form the upper pipe aperture. The lower containment lip forms the lower piper aperture. The upper containment arms and lower containment lip partially enclose the housing to prevent the wiper from exiting the wiper storage. The containment arms slideably adjust to eliminate the need for hinges. The removal of the hinges provides for easier storage and transportation of the pipe wiper assembly. The removal of hinges also reduces manufacturing costs of the pipe wiper assembly.

Abstract: Degasser assemblies, systems and methods, including an air-driven degasser assembly that includes a degasser having a drive shaft with a seal that inhibits intrusion of ambient air and an air motor having a motor shaft that drives the drive shaft. The motor shaft is distinct from or integral to the drive shaft, and the air motor is positioned to direct air leakage around the motor shaft away from the seal.

Abstract: A rock drilling rig and a method of driving a compressor, wherein the rock drilling rig is operated by a combustion engine and is provided with a flushing system including a compressor for producing pressurized air. The compressor is driven by an electric drive motor. The combustion engine is connected to drive a generator, which produces electric energy that is stored in an energy storage. The stored electric energy can be utilized in driving the compressor.

Abstract: A system to clean a tubular member includes an apparatus to support a tubular member having a bore with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a fluid dispensing system disposed adjacent to an opening of the apparatus, the fluid dispensing system having a nozzle to dispense fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method to wipe a tubular member. The apparatus includes a first wiper section and a second wiper section, in which the first wiper section and the second wiper section are movable with respect to each other towards a point of convergence. The apparatus may further include a base having an aperture formed therein to receive the tubular member such that the first wiper section and the second wiper section are connected to the base and movable with respect to the base between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Exemplary drill tools for placement in a drill string may include a body; a plurality of reamer cutters; and a plurality of ball and socket connectors configured to attach the plurality of reamer cutters to the body. Each of the plurality of reamer cutters may be replaceable by removing at least one of the plurality of ball and socket connectors from the reamer body. Each of the ball and socket connectors may be attached to the reamer body with bolts. Each of the ball and socket connectors may include titanium dioxide and/or titanium carbide coatings where the connectors interface with the reamer cutters.

Abstract: A method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore whilst rotating the drill string after full drilling depth is reached without running the drill string out the bore to install a clean up work string is disclosed wherein a drill string having a drill bit at one end includes at least one near bit selectively activatable cleaning tool (10, 11, 12) mounted within the length of the drill string, said cleaning tool having a cleaning member (18) adapted to be moved from a close fitting stowed configuration within a recess (17) to a deployed configuration upon a body of the tool, wherein the cleaning member has magnets (19, 43) for use in positioning thereof, and compact tools for scraping, milling and brushing with improved resistance to ingress of detritus, debris and formation particulates are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to auxiliary working apparatus (10) for use with drilling apparatus for drilling holes into the ground and where the drilling apparatus has a platform supported by a support structure (50) thereof through which a drill bit (30) passes, the platform serving as a barrier between chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground and the drill motor and drill bit displacement mechanism of the drilling apparatus. The auxiliary working apparatus includes a roller-type brush (20) arrangement that, in its operative configuration, is mounted beneath the platform and that is operable for displacing chippings blown from a hole being drilled into the ground to spaced locations from the hole.

Abstract: The drill pipe wiper system includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear support rails with axially opposed ends with a plurality of openings formed in the opposed ends of the support rails, a plurality of ports penetrating an outer surface of the support rails, and a plurality of spring-loaded latch pins. The system further includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear end rails and a mechanism for attaching the support rails to a support surface. The support rail attaching mechanism includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear beams, a plurality of cotter pins, a plurality of coupling members monolithically formed with the second ends of the shafts, and a rectilinear channel. A moisture removing mechanism includes a carrier assembly with a first plate, a second plate, a plurality of first slider guides, a third plate, a fourth plate, a plurality of second slider guides, and wiper pads.

Abstract: A flute-wiping auger cleaner has a laterally-shearing shackle, an axial track spaced parallel to the auger; and a traveling carriage on the track for supporting the shackle. The shackle includes a series of angularly-staged wiper blades to project into the flute of the auger and centrally stabilize the blades on the turning axis of the auger. The shackle is biased not only to pressure the wipers inwards towards the auger's cylindrical sidewall but also allow the shackle to open slightly against the force of the bias in event a blade cannot dislodge a difficult clump of fouling material in the flute. In that event, the blade is pushed out and then pressured back in as it rides over the difficult-to-dislodge clump. Spinning the auger causes the blades to travel the length of the helical flute while the shackle travels axially on the track.

Abstract: A mobile soil sampling device is mounted on the side of a vehicle such as an ATV or UTV and includes an upstanding frame member which is vertically movable with respect to the vehicle by means of a parallel arm linkage and actuator. A vertically disposed and rotatable auger is mounted on the frame member and is moved upwardly and downwardly with respect thereto through the use of a motor and pinion gear with the pinion gear engaging a gear rack on the frame member. The auger is rotated so as to dig into the ground to the desired depth with the soil sample being conveyed upwardly into a vacuum collection chamber with the soil sample being conveyed to a vacuum chamber mounted on the vehicle. A sample collection device is mounted beneath the vacuum chamber for receiving the desired soil samples. An auger flute cleaning apparatus is mounted on the device to remove soil from the flutes of the auger as the auger is raised from a soil penetration position.

Abstract: The drill pipe wiper system includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear support rails with axially opposed ends with a plurality of openings formed in the opposed ends of the support rails, a plurality of ports penetrating an outer surface of the support rails, and a plurality of spring-loaded latch pins. The system further includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear end rails and a mechanism for attaching the support rails to a support surface. The support rail attaching mechanism includes a plurality of coextensively shaped rectilinear beams, a plurality of cotter pins, a plurality of coupling members monolithically formed with the second ends of the shafts, and a rectilinear channel. A moisture removing mechanism includes a carrier assembly with a first plate, a second plate, a plurality of first slider guides, a third plate, a fourth plate, a plurality of second slider guides, and wiper pads.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning auger flightings having a mounting attachable to an auger support frame, and an auger cleaning device having a single shaft positioned in the mount; a disk slidable on and rotatable about the shaft; the disk having a series of lobes extending radially from the disk and adapted to be interposed in the flightings of an auger; a stop fixable on the shaft; and a spring to bias the disk against the stop.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for cleaning auger flightings having a mounting attachable to an auger support frame, and an auger cleaning device having a single shaft positioned in the mount; a disk slidable on and rotatable about the shaft; the disk having a series of lobes extending radially from the disk and adapted to be interposed in the flightings of an auger; a stop fixable on the shaft; and a spring to bias the disk against the stop.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.

Abstract: A rotary displacement piling equipment for boring a hole within the soil includes a rotary displacement bit, driving rod members connected to the bit, a casing surrounding the driving rod member, and a casing adapter having a lower end provided with a cylindrical collar for co-operating with the upper part of the casing for keeping in line the casing with respect to the driving rod member and with an horizontal thrust face for applying a thrust at the upper end of the casing, the driving rod member passing through the casing adapter. The equipment may also include a rotary drive box co-operating with the driving rod member for rotating the driving rod means and provided with connecting member to be connected to the upper end of the casing adapter, and vertical supporting and guiding member for supporting and vertically guiding the rotary drive box.

Abstract: The wiper device comprises an elongated conveyor arm which can pivot in a horizontal plane and freely move forward and backward through a limited travel (which movement capabilities are collectively termed "floating" capability). The arm carries a wiper pad assembly on its outer end. The wiper pad assembly can therefore float with the arm to accommodate lateral and to and fro sway of the drill string within the confines of the rig rotary table bushing, when the wiper pads are engaged with the drill string. The arm can be advanced and withdrawn to convey the wiper pad assembly between the operative stripping position over the bushing and a retracted position off to one side of the bushing.

Abstract: This device is a pipe wiping apparatus. The pipe wiping structure incorporates a housing and the housing is provided with a central opening to enable the housing to be positioned along the pathway of a pipe string. The pipe string is extended upwardly and passes through the housing. The pipe string is made of a number of drill pipes which are serially connected to extend through the housing so that the external surface can be wiped. As the pipe string passes through the housing, it is exposed to the action of similar wipers which are mounted on multiple actuators where each actuator incorporates a low pressure pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder operates a piston which moves a piston rod which operates a belt crank. This belt crank mechanism rotates an arm to thereby rotate a curving conformed resilient wiper element of sheet material. It is supported on the arm extending radially inwardly toward the pipe. Retraction is permitted to pull the wiper away from the pipe.

Abstract: An automatic pipe wiping system using a circular air manifold with jets which is automatically triggered to flow air at the pipe. The pipe is wiped, even when moving laterally with crooked pipe. The pipe is air blown to wipe the mud down. The air jets have a pneumatic logic circuit connected to sense upward pipe movement and start air flow to a manifold around the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe wiper assembly for stripping fluid from oil and gas well strings which has a pair of rams which can move from a first remote position relative to the pipe forward to a second position contacting and wiping the pipe and forward to a third position when the pipe is not in the oil or gas well to protectively cover the well, the rams being mounted in a carrier which has freedom of movement in any radial direction to allow the rams to be centralized around the oil or gas well string. The unit having alignment guides such that when the rams are returned to the first position the rams and carrier will be centralized over the well bore and the freedom of radial movement is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning dirt and debris from the stem and flighting of an earth boring auger. The auger cleaner apparatus has an opposed pair of blade assemblies which are brought into mechanical engagement with the stem and flighting of the auger. Once the auger cleaner is engaged about the auger, the user of the apparatus then need only rotate the auger cleaner about the auger to strip off dirt and debris. The auger cleaner has handles which provide mechanical advantage to the user for causing the device to rotate about the auger. The device may be provided with selectively exchangeable blade assemblies for adapting the auger cleaner for use on augers of different sizes and of different manufacturers.

Abstract: A subsurface tool comprising an elongated steel shaft having a soil penetrating lower end element and having a threaded upper end, a transverse elongated handle having a pair of ends for manual gripping thereof, and a central zone, an elongated isolator between the shaft upper end and the handle, the isolator being an electrically insulating, reinforced polymeric composite having an upper end ring portion encircling and molded to the handle at its central zone, and having a lower end socket, the shaft upper end being attached to the isolator lower end socket.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a container for preventing spilling of drilling mud onto the rig floor to thereby save the mud for later reuse includes a diametrically split and hinged barrel having a fixed lower seal assembly and a movable upper seal assembly which engage the outer wall of the drill pipe respectively below and above a joint connection that is to be unthreaded. Upon disconnection and upward movement, the upper seal moves upward with the pipe to totally eliminate wear which otherwise would result in seal and mud leakage.

Abstract: Apparatus (30) is disclosed for preventing accumulation of debris such as clay, dirt or stones in the flighting (28) of an elongated earth auger (12) so that when the auger is removed from a bore hole while continuing to rotate, accumulated debris is not left in the flights which could fall on adjacent workmen or equipment. The apparatus includes a fan-shaped flight cleaning device (76) having a rotatable hub (80) which carries a series of radially extending, co-planar petal elements (82) adapted to successively extend into the auger flighting to dislodge debris tending to accumulate in the flights. As the auger rotates, the flighting engages the edges of the petal elements to cause the cleaning device to rotate and successively bring the petal elements into the area between adjacent flight sections for dislodgement of debris tending to accumulate in such areas.

Abstract: A pipe wiper assembly is provided which comprises a first housing for supportingly receiving at least one resilient wiper member, and a second housing supported above the well bore for connecting the first housing to the stack assembly of the drilling unit. The first and second housings are interconnected such that the first housing is selectively movable in response to vertical deviations of the drill pipe as the drill pipe is withdrawn from the vertically extending well bore.

Abstract: What is provided is a system for washing and cleaning sections of drill pipe being tripped out of the hole, and the system including a cylindrical housing having a central opening therethrough, the cover sections movable between open and closed positions by hinged joint along one edge, utilizing a system of hydraulic system cylinders, and in the closed position, maintain closed for defining a chamber therewithin. Within the housing chamber there is further included a wiper member, which comprises a circular member of rubberized material having a bore through its central axis through which sections of pipe travel during the cleaning process, the bore being a width so as to frictionally engage and wipe the wall of a section of drill pipe. The wiper would be spaced apart from the housing and housed within an annular channel along the inner surface of the housing so that the wiper would be stationary within the housing as the housing is placed in the closed position.

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 stripper rubber for use in a drilling head to seal against a work string deployable through the drilling head. The stripper rubber is longitudinally restrained to prevent extrusion of the stripper under pressure and to reduce the tensile and compressive stresses on the stripper rubber. One embodiment of the stripper rubber incorporates upper and lower metal rings which are maintained in spaced apart relation by vertical rods thereby allowing radial expansion as tool joints pass through the rubber but prevents inversion of the stripper rubber under pressure. Reinforcing cords added to the stripper rubber increase the longitudinal strength. A second embodiment bonds a stripper rubber into a cylinder which restrains the rubber in the vertical direction. Radial deflection is accomodated by allowing the rubber to flow vertically as a tool joint passes therethrough. Each of the stripper rubbers incorporates an integrally formed drive bushing which facilitates mounting within the drilling head.

Abstract: A pipe wiper assembly for stripping fluid from well strings has a container, with side walls, for use above the well head. Inside the container a frame is situated for some limited horizontal movement and the frame contains a pair of wiper blades in a horizontal guideway. The wiper blades move in opposite directions in the guideway between open and closed positions by way of forces provided by fluid power cylinders mounted on the frame and attached to the wiper blades. In the open position, the wiper blades are clear of the well string and in the closed position they are pressed against the well string. The wiper blades are vertically stacked in the closed position and overlap to assure full circumferential wiping of the well string. The frame is tethered to the container to prevent rotation due to well string friction. The cylinders are provided with fluid power by way of flexible hoses.

Abstract: A system for washing, cleaning, and chemically treating sections of drill pipe being tripped out of the hole, which includes an elongated cylindrical housing having a central opening therethrough, the housing comprised of a first and second semi-circular sections, the sections movable between open and closed positions by a hinged joint along one edge, and in the closed position maintained closed via a locking member along the second edge. Within the housing there is further included upper and lower wipers, which comprise circular rubberized material having bores along their central axes, the bores being substantially the width of a section of drill pipe to clean the wall of the pipe. Each wiper would be spaced apart from one another and housed within an annular channel along the inner surface of the housing so that the wipers would be stationary within the housing as the housing is placed in the closed position.

Abstract: The earth auger is provided with a clearing blade near the top of the flight for clearing loose soil from about the mouth of the drilled hole. A second blade is provided at the distal end of the auger within the contour of the flight for cutting of fibrous roots and to loosen the soil to encourage plant root growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning, during its extraction without rotation, of a drill formed from a helical surface wound around an axial stem. It comprises a scraper blade capable of being inserted at will between two turns of the helical drill, and that it comprises a motor for causing the scraper blade to revolve around the stem substantially in synchronism with the speed of extraction of the drill.

Abstract: A scraper ring system for removing fluid from a relatively moving cylindrical surface such as a piston rod which comprises a series of overlapping blades or leaves which are pressed against the rod surface at an acute angle either by a garter spring or when the blades are part of a continuous strip, by the natural resilience of the strip and blades. The blades are located in a housing and passages are provided for the discharge of any removed fluid.

Abstract: A wireline cleaning unit which replaces a conventional packing nut. A housing is sealed around a packing nut by O-rings to define an annular chamber between the housing and the exterior of the packing nut. Fluid communication between the longitudinal bore of the packing nut and the annular chamber is provided by radially extending bores through the packing nut. A line wiper disposed in the longitudinal bore of the packing nut wipes excess fluid off the line, the fluid then flowing down the longitudinal bore and through the radial drain ports into the annular chamber. The annular chamber in the outer housing is provided with a drain port and hose adapter for draining the collected fluid to a proper container.

Abstract: A wiper device is provided comprising a container having a central opening through which the well string may pass. A pair of opposed wiper pads disposed in a horizontal attitude are mounted in spaced vertical relationship within the container for longitudinal movement toward each other, to engage the vertical string. A double-acting pneumatic cylinder actuates each pad. Each cylinder is mounted in the plane of the pad, said cylinder being connected at its front end with the rear portion of the wiper pad and being pivotally connected at its rear end with a support member. The front end of the cylinder is thus adapted to rotate in a horizontal plane about its pivot connection, to accommodate transverse movement of the attached wiper pad. The container side walls are spaced from the wiper pad edges to permit such transverse movement to take place. Arrays of anti-friction rollers support each of the pads.

Abstract: Means are provided in combination with the depending cylindrical skirt of a drill rig for conveying drill cuttings from around the drill stem during a drilling operation so they will not deposit in the usual annular pile around the open mouth of the drill hole. The means comprise a hopper attached to the lower end of the skirt and having a side discharge opening into which one end of an endless conveyor protrudes in confronting relationship with the drill stem that passes through an accommodating opening in the otherwise closed bottom of the hopper. The conveyor is advantageously of scraper type, having an endless chain with scraper blades at intervals along its length that scrape along the bottom of a conveyor trough, and advantageously having an elongate discharge opening extending lengthwise of the bottom of the trough adjacent to the discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: The wiper apparatus of this invention is arranged to be located and to seat on top of the rotary head structures such as a Williams Connector or Shaffer blow-out preventor located on top of the casing. This apparatus wipes the mud from the surface of the pipe and, also, provides a catch basin to trap objects such as wrenches and the like which might fall through the casing were it not for this wiper structure. Additionally, this wiper structure provides for damping the vibration of the drill pipe string and assists the slips on the rotary table or rig derrick floor to grasp the drill pipe string and hold it in position while segments of such drill pipe string are added to or removed from the string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and apparatus for removing drilling mud and other substances from the outside surfaces of drill pipe as the drill pipe is removed from a wellbore. The apparatus is comprised of a housing adapted to be attached over a wellbore and positioned whereby the drill pipe passes through the housing, an inflatable pipe wiping member formed of resilient material having a central passage formed therein for providing wiping contact with the outside surfaces of the drill pipe attached within and to the housing and means for selectively flowing a gas under pressure into or out of the pipe wiping member whereby the member can be selectively expanded or contracted to increase or decrease the force of wiping contact with the drill pipe. Improved methods of removing drilling mud and other substances from the outside surfaces of drill pipe as the drill pipe is pulled out of a wellbore are also provided.

Abstract: A hole cleaning device which may be attached to the top of an auger or auger extension for rotation therewith includes two diametrically opposed blades arranged to resemble one flight of an auger, the outside diameter of the blades being suitably larger than the hole-digging auger itself. The two blades are secured to a mounting sleeve adapted to be secured to the upper end of the auger tube which supports the auger or to the top auger collar. To the top sides of the two blades are secured two elongated and radially extending deflecting elements, these being arcuately shaped and upstanding. As a hole is being drilled into the soil, the displaced soil is lifted and deposited onto the surface of the ground in an area around the hole. When the hole is drilled to full depth, the cleaning blades engage the soil build up, lifting and throwing it radially outwardly. For slow auger speeds, the loose soil is stacked in an annular pattern spaced from the hole.