Abstract: Soil conditioner injection systems that can provide a variety of benefits, including the fast and efficient amendment of soil with soil conditioner without requiring tillage and in a manner that significantly reduces or eliminates any inadvertent runoff of the soil conditioner, for example, from rain. In some examples the soil conditioner injection systems of the present disclosure include soil conditioner injectors that include a soil plug remover configured to remove a first volume of soil from a first location and a sleeved hammer configured to form a recess in soil and inject soil conditioner into the recess.

Abstract: A controllable drilling head for a drill string for ground drilling with a drilling head tip and a locating pin that carries the drilling head tip, the drilling head tip having a bore slanted to the longitudinal axis and the locating pin being angled to the longitudinal axis, wherein the drilling head tip can rotate on the locating pin, the drilling head tip and the locating pin being arranged in a first angular position relative to one another for straight drilling, and the drilling head tip and the locating pin being arranged in a second angular position relative to one another for drilling that deviates from straight drilling.

Abstract: A drill head assembly may include a sonde housing and a drill bit. Two or more alignment posts protruding from the steering face of the sonde housing may mate with holes on the underside of a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) drill bit and are used to align the drill bit and transfer much of the forces from the drill bit to the sonde housing. The alignment posts reduce the load on the drill bit mounting bolts and help prevent these bolts from breaking while drilling in difficult ground conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for installing a tubular metal pile (28) in a rocky ground, successively comprising drilling the rocky ground (6) in order to form a cavity (14) of predetermined diameter and depth, filling the cavity with a granular material (18), arranging the granular material present in the cavity by vibration, and installing the pile in the cavity.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use within a borehole. The packer assembly may include a mandrel, a top packer retainer, a packer, a bottom packer retainer, and a sleeve. The top packer may extend circumferentially around the mandrel. The packer may extend circumferentially around the mandrel and may be positioned downhole of the top packer retainer. The bottom packer retainer may extend circumferentially around the mandrel and may be positioned downhole of the top packer retainer. The bottom packer retainer may be shiftable to compress the packer against the top packer retainer to expand and set the packer. The packer sleeve may be shiftable between a run-in position covering the packer and a retracted position uphole of the packer, and the packer sleeve may restrict the packer from expanding when in the run-in position.

Abstract: A conduit forming part of a drilling fluid return path from a wellbore has at least one flow restrictor disposed on an interior surface of the conduit. A drill string is disposed through the interior of the conduit and has at least one flow restrictor disposed on an exterior surface of the drill string. The drill string is longitudinally movable through the conduit to enable placing the flow restrictor in the conduit, and the flow restrictor on the drill string at a selected longitudinal distance from each other.

Abstract: A golf tee insert device is provided herein. More specifically, a hand-held device for punching a hole in the ground is provided, where the hole is designed to receive a golf tee. The device may include a punch that is spring-activated, pneumatic, or electromagnetic. The punch is propelled out of the device a predetermined distance to create a tee-sized hole in the ground.

Abstract: Helical screw pile assemblies for piling and screwing into a foundation or the ground are provided. These pile assemblies comprise a disc member that mechanically engages with an elongated member causing the disc member to fasten onto the elongated member.

Abstract: A method of lining a wellbore having a tubular string cemented therein includes: running a liner string into the wellbore using a workstring having a liner deployment assembly (LDA) latched to the liner string; hanging the liner string from the tubular string and setting a seal of the liner string against the tubular string; opening a crossover valve of the liner string located below the set seal; and pumping cement slurry through the open crossover valve and down an annulus formed between the liner string and the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. An expandable liner hanger, if present, is expanded into engagement with the casing. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.

Abstract: Reverse circulation cementing of a liner in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation is presented. A running tool with expansion cone, release assembly, annular isolation device, and reverse circulation assembly is run-in with a liner. The annular isolation device is set against the casing. A valve, such as a dropped-ball operated sliding sleeve valve, opens reverse circulation ports for the cementing operation. The liner annulus is cemented using reverse circulation. The expandable liner hanger is expanded into engagement with the casing. Conventional circulation is restored. The running tool is released and pulled from the hole.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring multiple soil properties on-the-go is provided on an implement for traversing a field. An optical module is carried by the implement for collecting soil reflectance data. A pair of soil contact blades protrude from or are embedded in the optical module for collecting soil EC data and soil moisture data. A switching circuit or phase lock loop allows the same soil contact blades to feed signals to both a soil EC signal conditioning circuit and a soil moisture signal conditioning circuit. The soil moisture data can be used to calibrate the soil EC data and the soil reflectance data to compensate for effects of changing soil moisture conditions across a field. The system can also be used on a planter to control planting depth and/or seeding rate in real time based on multiple soil properties collected during planting.

Abstract: An automated device digs a payload into a geologic formation while filling a hole behind it. The device is made of components including a computer controller; a battery; a motor; a payload body; a drill head having a spiral blade; a cylindrical shell attached to the payload body to form an annulus between an inner wall of the cylindrical shell and the outer wall of the payload body; and a plurality of rotating track treads controlled by the computer controller. The device optionally includes: a hydraulic ram adapted to compress debris; a coil of wire adapted to unwind from the top end of the payload body; a hammer blade; ground penetrating radar; a gimbal mechanism; an engine-generator unit; and a cave traverse system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for boring into the earth near a Kudzu vine root system to apply herbicidal helium gas to the roots and eradicate the Kudzu vine. The technique uses a perforated tube with a drill bit that protrudes from one end of the tube to bore into the earth near the vine roots. Boring is stopped when all of the tube perforations are below the earth's surface. About 0.5 cubic meters of helium gas are applied to flow through the tube enabling the helium gas to flow out through the tube perforations and attack the Kudzu vine through the vine's root system.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for adapting an HVAC system in an existing building for utilizing geothermal energy, the system comprising an incoming flux of geothermal energy; a plurality of heat exchange surfaces adapted to receive the incoming flux of geothermal energy; and an interface between the HVAC system and the heat exchange surfaces, said interface adapted to transfer the geothermal energy to the system.

Abstract: A method and device for deploying a cable and an apparatus in a ground formation having a motherbore, wherein the method comprises positioning a non-rotating drill pipe, a cable and an apparatus in a motherbore tubular; and drilling a lateral opening relatively the motherbore by displacing the drill pipe into the formation with the cable and apparatus attached.

Abstract: A drive shoe assembly used in helping penetrate earthen formations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel autonomous excavating apparatus capable of solving conventional problems. The autonomous excavating apparatus comprises an apparatus body including a lower body 101 formed in a cylindrical shape and combined with a conical-shaped lower end, and a spiral blade 102 provided on an outer peripheral surface of the lower body 101 in the form of a right-handed screw. The lower body 101 has an internal space provided with a wheel 103 which has a rotary shaft 104 rotatably supported relative to the lower body 101 through bearings 105, 106. A motor 108 is fixed to the lower body 101 at a position above the wheel 103, and an output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to the rotary shaft 104. Thus, the motor 108 can drivingly rotate the wheel 103 relative to the lower body 101.

Abstract: The invention provides a jet-mixing method for casting a pile of predetermined diameter by thrusting or feeding into the ground a rod provided at its lower end with a first jet nozzle section for jetting ground improvement medium and a second jet nozzle section for jetting reactant in substantially the same direction as the jet direction of the first jet nozzle section, and provided above the first and second jet nozzle sections with a third jet nozzle section for mixing and jetting compressed air and water in a direction opposite the jet direction of the first and second jet nozzle sections, jetting compressed air and water within a predetermined range while simultaneously rotating and upwardly extracting the rod from the ground, thereby jet-cutting a ground improvement region into a cylindrical shape, discharging mud generated by the cutting operation to the ground surface through a bored hole, and jetting the reactant from the second jet nozzle section and jetting the ground improvement medium from the fir

Abstract: A superior ram-boring machine “mole”, employing compressed air to drive a reciprocating piston onto either forward or rearward anvils thereby imparting momentum. Wherein a control valve received into the rear of the piston interacts with ports therein determining its stroke characteristics. The end receiving impacts, and hence the direction of action are determined by accurately positioning the control valve forwardly or rearwards. Incorporating a robust, air-on, fail-safe “Rapid Reverse” mechanism, actuated by a small rotation of the air hose. Whereby guide means and an indexing collar incorporating or comprising encompassing spring or elastic means having inter-engaging features deforms by flexing and or compression to disengage and is biased to re-engage with corresponding features to position and lock the control valve into forward and reverse settings; thereby assisting easy switching, location and retention of operating positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boring head for a ground-boring device displacing earth with a percussive action, comprising at least three boring head sections, of which the first section has a form optimized for the loosening and for guiding the device, the second section is optimized with regard to the radial displacement of the earth with low resistance to motion, and the third section has a fixed connection to the housing of the ground-boring device. Improved transmission of the advancing forces to the earth and consequently an improved advance of the ground-boring device can be achieved by at least two of the boring head sections being designed so as to be axially movable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating underground obstructions are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongate probe with a first and second end and a first internal fluid passageway, a handle disposed on the elongate member, and a tip disposed on an end of the elongate member, wherein the tip comprises a second internal fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first internal passageway, and a flexible hose connection disposed on the elongate member, wherein the connection is disposed between the first end and the second end and the connection is in fluid communication with the first internal passageway.

Abstract: A material dispensing device delivers material directly into the ground. According to one embodiment of the material dispensing device, the device comprises an elongated hollow shaft, a receptacle, a helical flange and on or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flanges. The receptacle is disposed adjacent one end of the shaft for holding material. The receptacle is communicatively open to the shaft such that the material or a liquid-material mixture dissolved from at least a portion of the material can flow from the receptacle into the shaft. The helical flange is secured to the shaft. The shaft and helical flange are configured such that rotation of the shaft and flange causes the material dispensing device to be driven into the ground. The one or more openings formed in the shaft or helical flange disperse the material or the liquid-material mixture into the ground.

Abstract: A solid body contains a surfactant and crushed walnut hulls. The solid body is shaped to predetermined dimensions that permit passage through the central interior opening of drill pipe. The solid body dissolves in drilling mud for delivery of a pill to the annulus through the drill bit nozzles. The pill is an effective treatment against bit balling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sinking a borehole in the ground, in which a wet boring tool with a removal area for producing or advancing a borehole is used, the borehole is at least partly filled with a fluid and in the borehole is formed a filling area and the removal area is at least partly washed round by a fluid flow, which conveys the bore smalls produced at the removal area to a collecting container located in the borehole. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the wet boring tool has a pumping mechanism through which fluid from the filling area is made to flow and conveys bore smalls produced into the collecting container. The invention also relates to a wet boring tool and to a boring plant.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole includes; providing a drill string of drill pipe including a center bore, a distal end, a bit assembly at the distal end; hanging a liner from the drill string, thereby forming an annular space between the drill string and the liner and with the bit assembly extending from a lower end of the liner; positioning the drill string with the liner attached thereto in a borehole such that a second annular space is formed between the liner and the borehole wall; operating the bit assembly to proceed with drilling the borehole; and circulating drilling fluid down through the center bore of the drill string out through the bit assembly and down through the second annular space between the liner and the borehole wall, the drilling fluid returning up through the annular space between the drill string and the liner.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing the inner passage within the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. The valve member has an upper portion and a lower portion. A valve member and valve sleeve are located within an inner passage. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing a drill bit stabilizing system and methods which overcome the above noted problems. The at least one stabilizing member is biased to a second extended operating position. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in axially spaced relationship to the at least one movable stabilizing member. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member and at least one stabilizing member, being moveable from an extended operating position to a retracted position within the body member. The at least one stabilizing member comprises outer contact faces adapted to engage the walls of a bore hole when in an operating position, and an inner slide surface adapted to slidingly engage a corresponding slide surface formed in the body member. There is also provided a method of drilling a bore hole using a drill bit rotated in conjunction with a drill string.

Abstract: An injection probe assembly is disclosed for injecting material into subsurface formations for making geotechnical improvements. The probe assembly includes a sheath having an upper end for attaching to a mating tool string and a lower end for receiving a solid drive point. The sheath has a reduced diameter injection area which includes an interior space enclosed by a tubular sidewall, a valve seat, and a plurality of injection ports extending through the sidewall through which materials can be injected laterally. A check valve spool is arranged for sliding movement within the interior space for preventing back-flow of material into the interior space. The spool is seated on the valve seat and covers the injection ports in a first position, and is unseated from the valve seat with the injection ports uncovered in a second position. The spool is responsive to pressure changes of the injected materials.

Abstract: A jetting device for installing a piling or post includes: (a) a cap including a generally conical or pyramidal shaped, perforated, hollow main body portion, and an upper flange portion for closely fitting over a base of the piling or post, the flange portion extending upward in a generally vertical direction from the main body portion; (b) attachment mechanism for attaching the flange portion of the cap to the base of the piling or post; and (c) a threaded fitting for receiving a detachable, generally vertical line for conducting a liquid or air into the cap, the fitting being in an upper section of the main body portion below the flange portion. Also included is a rectangular-shaped cap for a bulkhead section, and a method for installing a piling, post, or bulkhead.

Abstract: A drilling fluid powered rotary drilling motor is mounted on the downhole end of a non-rotating fluid conducting drill string has a drill bit on its distal end and a plurality of fluid engaging, rotating elements coupled to at least one speed reducing planetary gear stage that converts the kinetic and pressure energies of the drilling fluid to mechanical power for rotating the drill bit. The drilling motor includes a lubricator, a drilling fluid filter, a pressure relief valve, a bypass valve and a check valve and is mounted with an output isolation coupling and a bearing package sized to withstand drilling load conditions.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling casing in a well bore. The drill bit is constructed from a combination of relatively soft and relatively hard materials. The proportions of the materials are selected such that the drill bit provides suitable cutting and boring of the well bore while being able to be drilled through by a subsequent drill bit. Methods of applying hard materials to a soft material body are provided.

Abstract: A tool for use with a rotatable drill shaft and a source of pressurized fluidized solidifying agent. The tool member has upper and lower extremities. A coupler is coupled to the upper extremity of the tool member and is adapted to be secured to the drill shaft. A plurality of radially extending arms are secured to the tool member intermediate the upper and lower extremities of the tool member. A plurality of forwardly and downwardly extending teeth are secured to each of the radially extending arms and are spaced apart longitudinally of the arms. A plurality of nozzles are carried by the tool member and are spaced circumferentially of the tool member and are coupled to the source of pressurized fluidized solidifying agent.

Abstract: A drill bit for directional boring of all earth formations such as dirt, sand, rock and/or any type combination of formations, utilizing a bit body containing fixed and semi-floating cutting points and one or more fluid channels for the purpose of lubricating and dispersing cut and/or fractured formations.

Abstract: A protective collar for a boring bit which interfaces with a boring head whereby shear forces developed during a boring operation are transmitted through the collar to the boring head, with minimal shear force being carried by mounting bolts. A collar is connected to a boring bit, wherein a head receptacle formed by the collar seatably receives a boring head with substantially close clearance so that shear forces during boring operations are transmitted from, the boring bit to the boring head through the collar. The preferred collar is fabricated from a pipe section, such as for example steel seamless pipe. In one embodiment, a bit recess is cut for interfacing with a boring bit at the head face connection thereof. A head recess is cut opposite the bit recess for providing an exit for the water spray from the nozzle thereof. In another embodiment, the collar has an inclined face with bores alignable with the bores in the boring head when the head is mounted within a receptacle in the collar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for discrete soil gas and saturated liquid permeability measurements with direct push emplacement systems (such as a cone penetrometer rod). A modified direct push emplacement system having at least one injection port and at least two measurement ports is first engaged to penetrate the soil to a predetermined depth. Gas or liquid is then injected into the soil at a predetermined location on the penetrometer rod. Next, a pressure response is recorded from each measurement port, which is at a known distance from the injection port (on the same penetrometer rod). This differential pressure response data allows calculation of the soil permeability directly by using a one-dimensional, spherical, steady state, porous flow model to measure the effective permeability of the soil, without substantial disturbance of the surrounding soil. The present invention minimizes false indications of reduced permeability as a result of soil compaction during the penetrometer emplacement.

Abstract: A method for making foundation piles in soil with a drilling device having an auger, the auger including two concentric tubes, an outer tube occupying an upper part of the auger and an inner tuber projecting partially as a prolongation of the upper part and occupying a lower part of the auger, the inner tuber having a first screw and the outer having one of a second screw and a plurality of blades, both of said tubes being displaceable with respect to each other, the method including the steps rotating the inner tube in a first direction, simultaneously rotating the outer tube in an opposite direction of the first tube and advancing the auger through said soil whereby the soil is compacted against a wall of a formed hole by the combined action of the first screw and the one of the second screw and plurality of blades of the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for steering a ground drilling machine, in particular, a pipe string assembly with a drilling head which is driven in the ground in rotative, propulsive and, if so desired, percussive fashion, in which at least one deflection pulse is exerted upon the rotating drilling head or the pulses acting upon the drilling head are interrupted when the angular position of the drilling head relative its axis corresponds to the position in which the deflection should take place.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus includes a sampling box for penetrating the ground first, and a shutter plate for subsequently penetrating the ground while engaging with the sampling box, thereby sampling soil layers located in a space surrounded by the sampling box and the shutter plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grout injection device and method for depositing a liquid grouting material in a hole formed by a cone penetrometer. The device is a modular design with a sliding sleeve member that replaces older grouting injection devices with exit port opening actuated by fluidic pressures with an improved more reliable mechanical design that is actuated by withdrawal of the cone penetrometer pipe string by friction between the sliding sleeve and the soil wall formed by the cone penetrometer. The invention solves the problem of pressure losses that can occur with prior art devices resulting in partially opened grout exit ports. The instant invention's design also achieves proper channeling of the grout flowing out of the device's grout exit ports for even distribution of grout filling the hole. This is achieved by the invention's boss structures mounted on an adapter unit of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing geophones beneath the surface of the earth includes a machine frame that supports an elongated probe rod. The probe rod is dimensioned to reach a selected subterranean earth layer. The rod has upper and lower end portions. A geophone holder is positioned at the lower end of the rod for holding a geophone and its cable. A plurality of drive wheels carried by the frame transport the rod between the upper and lower positions. The drive rollers include at least an opposed pair of upper wheels and an opposed pair of lower wheels. The wheels are loaded with an adjustable spring pusher so that extensive pressure can be applied from the drive wheels to the pipe for gripping and driving the pipe even when muddy. A gear train interconnects all of the driving wheels so that all of the wheels rotate at the same rotational speed. A gear train preferably includes six gears including a pair of upper gears, a pair of lower gears, and a pair of intermediate drive gears.

Abstract: Method and device for introducing a pipe into the ground. In order to restrict the drive power necessary to the greatest possible extent and to optimize the diameter of the pipe, it is proposed that the soil surrounding the pipe is displaced in the radial direction. To this end the pipe is provided with one or more displacement elements.

Abstract: A housing for electrical/electronic apparatus associated with the boring apparatus has a coolant flowpath for directing coolant fluid to cool the electrical/electronic apparatus and/or the housing. A relief coolant outlet port is closed by closure comprising fusible material which fuses at a predetermined temperature thereby to open the relief outlet port. The temperature at which the material of the closure fuses is lower than the temperature at which substantial thermal damage would occur to the electrical/electronic apparatus within the housing (typically at a temperature substantially at or below 200.degree. C).

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for removing soil from a well, which is particularly adapted for use both in cleaning out sandy deposits in pre-existing wells and in boring new well shafts through sandy ground, or through alternating hard and soft soil layers. The apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical, hollow reservoir body tapered at the bottom end to form a drainage spout and open at the upper end. The reservoir body is lowered into the well liner toward the bottom of the well. A jet of water is introduced through a passageway in the reservoir to create a slurry wave which causes previously loosened soil inside the well liner to rise and overflow into the reservoir body, whereby the soil may then be removed from the well.

Abstract: A zone isolator module for use on a penetrometer comprises a tubular body having an annular recess in an exterior wall thereof, an elastomer membrane fixed in the annular recess and adapted to lie against an inner surface of the recess, a sleeve slidably disposed on the tubular body and slidably movable between a first position in which the sleeve completely covers the recess, and a second position in which the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess, and the body having an opening extending outwardly from an axial central bore therethrough to the inner surface of the recess, whereby fluid flowed through the bore and the opening operates to expand the elastomer membrane against the sleeve when the sleeve covers the recess and to expand the elastomer membrane beyond the exterior wall of the body when the sleeve is substantially removed from the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in compacting or densifying soils includes a tubular casing having a vertical longitudinal axis and an inside surface; a hollow tubular drive shaft aligned with the vertical longitudinal axis of the tubular casing and mounted for rotation therein; a drive motor for rotating the drive shaft; a carrier attached to the drive shaft for rotation therewith; and a cylindrical roller weight in rolling contact with the inside surface of the tubular casing. The carrier engages the roller weight for rotation about the vertical longitudinal axis of the tubular casing. The centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the roller weight is resisted by the tubular casing thereby causing vibration thereof.

Abstract: A ram boring apparatus has a generally cylindrical body with an attached head, the apparatus being connected to a drive rod which pushes the apparatus forwardly through the earth. The drive rod can also rotate the body and the attached head about the longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and operation of the apparatus can also be supported by the ejection of pressure fluid from one or more jets arranged on the head and by a hammering mechanism carried by a portion of the body. The hammering mechanism is activatable by pressure fluid from the same source as the pressure fluid supplied to the one or more jets. The pressure fluid is delivered through the hollow drive rod and a control valve in a fluid supply line in the body, in dependence on the pressure of the pressure fluid supplied to the apparatus, selectively directs the pressure fluid to the one or more jets in the head or simultaneously to both the one or more jets and to the hammering mechanism.

Abstract: A drill bit (10) for drilling geophysical exploratory holes using a non-rotating drill approach is disclosed. The bit (10) includes a tubular body (12) threaded at one end for engagement with a pipe stem. The elements (16a -b) of a divided conical tip (14) are hinged to a second end (20) of the bit body (12). The wall thickness of the bit body (12) gradually increases from the first end (18) to the second end (20) to create, when the divided elements (16a-b) of the tip are closed, a generally diamond-shaped cross section facilitating burrowing when forced into the soil. An O-ring (36) installed in a groove (34) about the outer circumference of the tip (14) biases divided elements (16a-b) closed until a selected tool is loaded through the interior of the bit body (12), whereupon the divided elements (16a-b) are forced to rotate radially outward. The bit (10) can then be raised and removed from the borehole as desired.

Abstract: Relative permeability of subsurface earthen materials is measured by advancing a probe into the earthen material at a constant rate while simultaneously injecting a fluid sealant/lubricant, or vapor, or liquid, from the probe to the earthen material. The relative permeability of the earthen material is determined by measuring either changes in flow rate or pressure of the injected vapors or fluids. The prescribed method of operation of the probe seals the probe hole allowing collection of discrete vapor samples and also greatly facilitates advancement of the probe.

Abstract: A ground water sampling device has an elongated cylindrical hollow housing positioned at a desired depth below the ground surface. The housing has an opening formed at its lower end and an inner surface with an annular groove disposed adjacent the opening. The device has an elongated screen capable of being telescopically received in the housing and capable of being deployed through the opening of the housing. The screen has an annular slot formed on its outer surface adjacent its upper end. A resilient locking collar is compressed inwardly and received in the slot of the screen when the screen is received in the housing prior to its deployment. The collar expands outwardly into the groove of the housing when the slot of screen is longitudinally aligned with the groove during deployment of the screen. The collar in its expanded position is disposed in both the slot and the groove so that the screen is locked in its deployed position.