Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system. The system has a pilot drill and an exit side drill, with a drill string extending between them. A backreamer is positioned between the drills to enlarge a borehole. The pilot drill pulls and rotates the backreamer. The exit side drill adds segments to the product pipe and pushes the product pipe into the enlarged borehole. The exit side drill is equipped with a rotational disconnect. The disconnect is engaged to allow torque transfer between a motor and a spindle when adding segments to the product pipe. The disconnect is disengaged to prevent torque transfer between the motor and the spindle when pushing the product pipe into the enlarged borehole.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for single-trip cementing and casing cutting for well abandonment and slot recovery. Using a tool string including a casing cutter and a stinger, where the casing cutter has a central through bore including a wall to isolate the cutting assembly from the cement, cement can be passed through the cutter and deposited using the stinger to form a plug. Embodiments of casing cutters are provided for parting an upper length of casing from a lower length of casing.

Abstract: An electrical conductor includes a substrate; and a first conductive layer disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of metal oxide nanosheets, wherein adjacent metal oxide nanosheets of the plurality of metal oxide nanosheets contact to provide an electrically conductive path between the contacting metal oxide nanosheets, wherein the plurality of metal oxide nanosheets include an oxide of Re, V, Os, Ru, Ta, Ir, Nb, W, Ga, Mo, In, Cr, Rh, Mn, Co, Fe, or a combination thereof, and wherein the metal oxide nanosheets of the plurality of metal oxide nanosheets have an average lateral dimension of greater than or equal to about 1.1 micrometers. Also an electronic device including the electrical conductor, and a method of preparing the electrical conductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for picking up a member from the bottom of the sea, the lifting device comprising; a body extending along a central axis of the lifting device and having means for connection to a hoist cable, a housing configured to be at least partially introduced into a cavity of the member to be picked up and accommodating at least a part of the body and wherein the body and the housing are moveable with respect to each other along the central axis of the lifting device.

Abstract: A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes include a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.

Abstract: A drilling method and apparatus. A drilling device includes a plastic casing part and a drilling unit arranged essentially inside the casing part. The drilling unit includes a first drilling part for drilling a center hole and a second drilling part for reaming the center hole for the casing part. The drilling parts are arranged at a drilling head. The drilling parts are coupled in a power transmitting manner or in a radially contractable manner in connection with the casing part. A casing shoe is mounted at an end of the casing part. In coupling of the casing shoe at an end of the casing part, a casing shoe is used that includes a working member. The casing shoe is mounted at the end of the casing part by treating the casing part to provide a joint between the casting part and the casing shoe that transmits pulling.

Abstract: A system and method for boring a hole in rock with a digger derrick; which utilizes a hollow stem auger, a kelly bar, and a core barrel with a top support member with a hole therein for receiving the kelly bar with a detachable central pilot bit thereon which is translatable up and down with respect to the core barrel as the kelly bar and auger are manipulated. The kelly bar is selectively positionable with respect to the auger so as to allow the ability to retract the pilot bit inward into the core barrel and to shorten the separation between the pilot bit and the auger.

Abstract: A core barrel assembly for retrieving a core sample. The core barrel assembly includes a retrieving element defining an inner tube for retrieving the core sample thereinto, a locking assembly including latch dogs for locking the core retrieving assembly inside the outer tube and a valve assembly mechanically coupled to the locking assembly and provided proximally relative thereto for controlling the flow of fluid across the core barrel assembly. The core barrel assembly is operable in a retrieving configuration in which the latch dogs are retracted and the valve assembly is closed, in a locking configuration in which a locking element locks the latch dogs in an extended configuration and the valve assembly is open and a retrieving configuration, in which the latch dogs are force in a retracted configuration and the valve assembly is open.

Abstract: A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes include a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.

Abstract: Misspelled words are identified in incoming email messages. The presence of misspelled words in emails is used to help determine which the emails are spam. Various statistical information concerning the number, prevalence, distribution, etc. of misspelled words in email messages is analyzed to detect spam or other forms of undesirable email, such as phishing emails. In some embodiments, the language in which an email is written is identified in order to aid in the identification of misspelled words. In some embodiments, the analysis of the misspelling information is combined with other techniques used to identify undesirable email.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulating a tool upwardly through a wellbore, the method including: providing a manipulator tool including an upper end and a lower end, conveying the manipulator tool down hole to a position adjacent a downhole tool, using the manipulator tool to manipulate the downhole tool, and reversing fluid flow through the well to create a pressure differential about at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool such that the at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool is lifted upwardly through the wellbore. A manipulator tool for use in a reverse circulating method is also described as are a tool catcher, a tool catching assembly and a tool catching method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for down-the-hole drilling. The drilling is carried out by a drilling device including a casing and a drilling unit. The drilling head includes a first drill for drilling a center hole, a second drill for reaming the center hole and a flushing flow arrangement including a first flusher for leading a flushing medium onto a drilling surface and a second flusher for returning of the flushing medium and drilling waste inside the casing. The first drill is removably coupled with the second drill to enable removal thereof from the hole. The casing is arranged to be drawn into a hole to be drilled by the drilling unit. The flushing medium is brought onto the drilling surface and returned therefrom by axially directed flow arrangements disposed in a cross-section view on an outer periphery of the first drill and/or in an inner periphery of the second drill.

Abstract: A wellbore machining device is proposed for machining a tubular component of a wellbore. The device includes a control unit at the surface level of the wellbore and a down-hole tool unit connected to the control unit through a wire line. The tool unit includes an elongated guide member, a tool member movably supported on the guide member with respect to at least three axes of motion and a plurality of actuators controlled by the control unit and adapted to move the tool member with respect to the axes of motion. The tool unit further includes two anchor members each mounted to an axial end of the guide member and adapted to releasably clamp the tool unit to the tubular component. The control unit and the tool unit form a computer numerical control device (CNC device) wherein the actuators are electric servo motors controlling an actual position of the tool member with respect to a path and/or a sequence of desired position defined by the control unit.

Abstract: An assembly may be disposed within a drill string. The assembly may be moved within and along the drill string using hydraulic pressure. A core sample may be collected within the assembly, and the assembly may be retrieved to obtain the core sample. The assembly may include a seal that may be configured to form a seal with different inner diameters of a variable-diameter drill rod of the drill string.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking an insertable device relative to an outer tube of a ground drill comprises at least one latch, which is arranged to releasably retain the insertable device in a substantially fixed axial position relative to the outer tube. The locking mechanism comprises a cam and a cam follower, which are arranged to control a radial position of the latch. The locking system may be used in a ground drill system.

Abstract: Drill bits enable the use of tools in a wellbore when it is undesirable or impossible to remove the drill bit. Drill bits include a drill bit insert, a latch assembly, a housing, a running tool, and a shaft trigger to operate the latch assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling device and a drilling method for drilling inside a casing tube with a drilling apparatus, which has a supporting frame with a fastening means for fixation with respect to the casing tube and a drilling tool, which is driven in a rotating manner via a telescopic rod by means of a drill drive arranged on the supporting frame. At the upper end of the casing tube a receiving part is arranged in accordance with the invention, onto which the supporting frame can be fastened. The receiving part is adjustably supported between a drilling position and an offset position, in which the receiving part is laterally offset with respect to the casing tube.

Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation comprises an expandable tubular element extending into the wellbore, wherein a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element. The expanded tubular section is extendable by downward movement of the remaining tubular section relative to the expanded tubular section whereby said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. A drill string extends through the remaining tubular section into the wellbore, such that a space is formed between the drill string and the remaining tubular section, and the system further comprises sealing means arranged to seal said space from an open-hole lower section of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulating a tool upwardly through a wellbore, the method including: providing a manipulator tool including an upper end and a lower end, conveying the manipulator tool down hole to a position adjacent a downhole tool, using the manipulator tool to manipulate the downhole tool, and reversing fluid flow through the well to create a pressure differential about at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool such that the at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool is lifted upwardly through the wellbore. A manipulator tool for use in a reverse circulating method is also described as are a tool catcher, a tool catching assembly and a tool catching method.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprising a bit body connectable to a tubular drill string, and provided with a longitudinal passageway for an operating tool; an externally removable closure element for closing the passageway for the operating tool; and a passage tool attached to or connectable to the closure element in its closing position, wherein the passage tool comprises a lower part to which the closure element is attached or connectable, which lower part is arranged so that it can be moved out of the bit body together with the closure element, and an upper tubular part which is arranged so that it can be moved along the passageway in the bit body, the upper tubular part forming a passage with a downstream opening for the operating tool when the lower part of the passage tool has been moved out of the bit body.

Abstract: A sealing device for downhole use, one of which is for casing, when drilling with casing, which allows the casing to be closed off if the bottom hole assembly needs to come out for any reason. In one embodiment, the internal packer is triggered to set in a variety of ways upon removal of the bottom hole assembly. It can be drilled out when the new bottom hole assembly is run in later. In an alternative design, a flapper can be used that is held open for the initial insertion of the bottom hole assembly and is released to spring shut upon removal of the assembly. Multiple flappers or packers or other types of closure devices are envisioned to allow removal of the bottom hole assembly more than once and still retain blowout protection on each removal of the bottom hole assembly. A variety of applications are contemplated some of which are perforation, side tracking, fracturing, and gravel packing, to name a few examples.

Abstract: High productivity core drilling systems include a drill string, an inner core barrel assembly, an outer core barrel assembly, and a retrieval tool that connects the inner core barrel assembly to a wireline cable and hoist. The drill string comprises multiple variable geometry drill rods. The inner core barrel assembly comprises a non-dragging latching mechanism, such as a fluid-driven latching mechanism that contains a detent mechanism that retains the latches in either an engaged or a retracted position. The inner core barrel assembly also comprised high efficiency fluid porting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing large vertical boreholes and underground cut-off walls is disclosed. A drill rig assembly with double rotary heads drives a small diameter drill string and a much larger diameter drill string which is concentric with the smaller drill string and has a donut shaped drill bit configuration at the lower end thereof. Preferably, a steerable mud motor/drill is provided on one end of the small drill string and is guided to make as vertical a borehole as possible. In a preferred embodiment, the small inner drill is advanced to the full depth using the steerable mud motor/drill to achieve a high degree of verticality and a slight smaller casing is installed and used as a verticality guide for the much larger diameter outer drill string. In a further embodiment, the inner drill string is advanced a predetermined distance, then the outer string is advanced using the inner string as a verticality guide, these steps being repeated in alternating fashion to the final depth.

Abstract: A well is drilled and casing installed utilizing a casing drilling technique. A bottom hole assembly having a drill bit and a fluid diverter is secured to a string of drill pipe and installed within a casing string. Drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipe string to cause the drill bit to rotate and drill the well while the fluid diverter is in a drilling mode position. At the total depth for the casing string, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a cementing position and pumps cement down the drill pipe and up the casing string annulus. After cementing, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a packer set position and again pumps drilling fluid down the drill string to set the packer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore includes running a liner drilling assembly into the wellbore, the liner drilling assembly having a liner, a conveying member, one or more connection members, and a drilling member. The method includes temporarily suspending the liner at a location below the rig floor; releasing the conveying member and the drilling member from the liner; re-connecting the conveying member to the liner; releasing the liner from its location of temporary suspension; and advancing the liner drilling assembly.

Abstract: A bit breaker for loosening or tightening a drill bit on a drill string incorporating a mud motor permits rotation of the drill bit while the bit box is held stationary. The bit breaker has a lower body which is held stationary on the rig floor and an upper body which houses the drill bit and which is connected to the lower body through a rotational connection. An actuator connected between the upper and lower bodies causes the upper body to rotate relative to lower body for co-rotating the drill bit. The bit box of the mud motor is held stationary using the lower tong of a conventional make-and-break unit.

Abstract: An optical inspection instrument includes a housing configured to move along the interior of a pipe string in a wellbore. The pipe has a cutting structure at its bottom end. The instrument includes a probe extending from a bottom end of the housing. The probe has an output from a light source and a light input to a video camera. The probe has a diameter selected to enable extension through an opening in the cutting structure. A method for inspecting a wellbore includes moving an instrument through an interior of a pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe has a cutting tool at its lower end. At least part of the instrument is moved outside the bottom end of the pipe through a port in the cutting tool. Optically transparent fluid is moved into the wellbore proximate an end of the instrument outside the pipe string. Objects proximate the fluid are inspected.

Abstract: A multilayer wiring substrate of the present invention has a laminated structure composed of conductor layers and resin insulating layers stacked alternately. A plurality of surface connection terminals to which terminals of a chip component are to be surface-connected are formed on a main face of the laminated structure. A plurality of via conductors connected to the plurality of surface connection terminals are formed in the resin insulating layers. Each of the plurality of surface connection terminals has a structure in which a copper layer, a nickel layer, and a gold layer are stacked in this sequence. The gold layer is larger in diameter than at least the copper layer. The gold layer has an overhanging portion which extends radially outward from a circumference of the copper layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.

Abstract: A method of installing a drilling tool at a lower end of a string of casing suspended in a borehole employs a setting tool run by wireline. The setting tool is latched to a drilling tool connected a drill lock assembly. After landing in a profile sub at the lower end of the casing, fluid pressure is applied to the interior of the string of casing to actuate the setting tool. The setting tool moves to latch the drill lock assembly to the sub so that torque may be transmitted between the profile sub and the drill lock assembly. The setting tool movement also releases the setting tool from the drill lock assembly for retrieval.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a wellbore includes a motor with a stator and a rotor. The rotor includes an output shaft connected to a cutting structure to drive the cutting structure in use. The stator and rotor are spaced radially outwardly of the axis of the rotor such that at least one of the stator and the rotor has an access bore that extends through the motor to a position adjacent the cutting structure and through which a further object can pass without obstruction from the stator and rotor. The further object includes a further cutting structure. The motor workings are radially outward of the output shaft and the further cutting structure so as not to obstruct passage of the further cutting structure toward the cutting structure, such that the motor workings do not require drilling or removal to allow the further cutting structure access to the cutting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one aspect includes: a drilling assembly configured to carry a first drill bit at an end thereof, a second drill bit disposed uphole of the first drill bit, and a connection device that is configured to selectively connect the second drill bit to the drilling assembly and disconnect the second drill bit from the drilling assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a plurality of segments positioned on a core member. This construction is particularly suitable for sleeves, stabilizers and drill bit gage pads used in the formation of oil and gas wells. Worn or damaged segments can be replaced without the need for replacing the entire unit. The segments may include spiral vanes for directed fluid upwardly to the well head.

Abstract: At least a portion of a subsea well is drilled casing-while-drilling techniques. A landing shoulder is formed within an outer string of a casing. The outer string of casing is secured to an outer wellhead housing above the landing shoulder and lowered into the wellbore. A casing hanger is attached to an inner string of casing and lowered through the outer string of casing into the wellbore. A drill bit at the at the lower end of the inner string of casing is rotated to deepen the well. The string of inner casing moves downward as the well is being deepened until landing the casing hanger on the load shoulder. A tieback member is attached to an inner wellhead housing and lowered into sealing engagement with the casing hanger. The inner wellhead housing lands in the outer wellhead housing.

Abstract: A casing-while-drilling bottom hole assembly is releasably connected with a casing string. A retrieval tool is run into the casing string and latched to the bottom hole assembly. Slips are mounted to the retrieval tool, the slips being retracted during running in. Differential pressure moves the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly upward, and the slips engage the casing string to prevent downward movement if the pressure differential drops too low. A flow passage extends through the retrieval tool and the bottom hole assembly. A check valve in the retrieval tool allows downward flow through the flow passage but prevents upward flow, so that fluid may be circulated through the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly while suspended with the slips.

Abstract: Drill bits are enable the use of tools in a wellbore when it is undesirable or impossible to remove the drill bit. Drill bits include a drill bit insert, a latch assembly, a housing, a running tool, and a shaft trigger to operate the latch assembly.

Abstract: A drilling system for use in a well bore consists of a drill string, an electrically powerable pump (8), a connector (16) for supporting the pump (8) including a through bore (32) through which fluid can flow, and a power cable (15) to provide power to the electrically powerable pump. The cuttings are pumped up through the drillpipe (3). The drill bit (4) may also be powered by the pump. Part of the cable is disposed externally to the drill string where new pipe sections are added, before passing into the drill string through a cross-over means (40) further down the drillpipe to connect to the electrically powerable pump.

Abstract: During casing-while-drilling, drilling fluid is pumped through a conduit leading to a flow passage a casing string gripper and down the casing string. A bottom hole assembly is mounted at a lower end of the casing string for drilling a wellbore. The bottom hole assembly is retrieved by mounting a circulation sub to the casing string below the casing string gripper, the circulation sub having a lateral outlet. A return flow line is connected from the outlet to the circulation system. The operator flows fluid downward in an annulus of the casing string and back up the casing string, causing the bottom hole assembly to move upward. The fluid flowing back up the casing string is diverted through the outlet in the circulation sub to the circulation system without passing through the flow passage in the casing string gripper.

Abstract: An earth boring bit assembly has a tubular mandrel carried by a casing shoe at the lower end of a string of casing. The casing shoe has stabilizer blades spaced circumferentially apart from each other. A cutter arm seat is formed on the leading edge of each blade at a lower end of the casing shoe. Windows are formed in and spaced circumferentially around the mandrel. A cutter arm is pivotally mounted within each window of the mandrel and movable from an extended position located within one of the cutter arm seats to a recessed position within its window. The cutter arm seats support the cutter arms for torque and axial weight. A sleeve inside the mandrel prevents the cutter arms from pivoting to a recessed position until the sleeve is moved to a released position.

Abstract: An auger and hole stabilization combination system includes an auger bit that has a bottom end, a top end, and at least one boring blade positioned between the top and bottom ends. A cylinder has an upper end and a lower end. The cylinder has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the auger bit. A coupler releasably couples the auger bit to the cylinder. The auger is extended into a ground surface and the cylinder retained within a hole dug by the auger while a post is placed in the hole.

Abstract: An anchor handling/tug/supply (AHTS) vessel is employed to engage conductor casings with the seafloor. The conductor casings initially penetrate the seafloor to a first depth under their own weight. The conductor casings may optimally be further engaged with the seafloor to a second depth by the application of suction to the interiors thereof or by the use of a drop hammer. The conductor casings are driven to grade by a hydraulic pile driving hammer deployed from the deck of the AHTS vessel the previously deployed conductor casings to grade before being recovered to the deck of the AHTS vessel.

Abstract: A casing drilling system includes a casing having a drill bit at one end. The drill bit is capable of drilling subsurface formations and formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure. The chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a centralizer affixed to an interior of the casing. The centralizer includes a receptacle therein for engaging a measurement while drilling tool. The centralizer is formed from a material removable by drilling or chemical exposure, wherein the chemical is substantially harmless to the casing. The system includes a measurement while drilling tool configured to move along the interior of the casing and to engage with the centralizer. The tool includes a device to measure a drilling parameter or a formation parameter. The tool including a latch at an upper end thereof for engagement with a retrieval tool moved through the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A liner rotates a bit to make more hole. The liner has openings with inserts in them to lend torque resistance to the liner. The inserts have a passage with a send control media in the passage and a seal so that the liner can hold pressure for run in to get proper circulation through the bit. When sufficient hole is made, the liner is hung off an existing cemented tubular and the seal for the passages with the sand control media is removed by a variety of techniques so that the formation can be produced in a single trip.

Abstract: A method for drilling with a liner includes: providing a liner string including an upper portion extending towards surface and a lower portion; drilling to a depth with the liner string; disconnecting the upper portion from the lower portion; pulling the upper portion from the well; and leaving the lower portion in the well to line the wellbore. A drilling assembly for drilling a borehole with a borehole liner includes: an upper liner string; a lower liner string including an upper end and a lower end; a releasable connector connecting the lower liner string to the upper liner string; and a drilling assembly connectable at the lower end of the lower liner string.

Abstract: A process for retrieving a bottom hole assembly through a casing string may include: installing a casing string in a borehole, the casing string including a bottom hole assembly releasably engaged thereto and moveable through an inner diameter of the casing string; releasing the bottom hole assembly from engagement with the casing string; reducing hydrostatic pressure in the casing string inner diameter above the bottom hole assembly so that the casing string inner diameter pressure above the bottom hole assembly is lower than a fluid pressure below the bottom hole assembly; permitting reverse circulation down through an annulus between the casing string and the borehole to permit the bottom hole assembly to rise up through the casing string toward the surface; and retrieving the bottom hole assembly from the casing string.

Abstract: A casing-while-drilling bottom hole assembly is releasably connected with a casing string. A retrieval tool is run into the casing string and latched to the bottom hole assembly. Slips are mounted to the retrieval tool, the slips being retracted during running in. Differential pressure moves the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly upward, and the slips engage the casing string to prevent downward movement if the pressure differential drops too low. A flow passage extends through the retrieval tool and the bottom hole assembly. A check valve in the retrieval tool allows downward flow through the flow passage but prevents upward flow, so that fluid may be circulated through the retrieval tool and bottom hole assembly while suspended with the slips.

Abstract: A device for boring a well with casing. The device is attached to a motor that has a power shaft for imparting rotational movement. The device comprises a driver operatively connected to the power shaft, with the driver containing a cylindrical body, a first bit having a first end connected to the driver so that rotational movement of the driver is imparted to the first bit, and a sleeve disposed about the power shaft, and wherein the sleeve has a radial shoulder. The device further includes casing attached to the sleeve, and wherein the casing is designed to be permanently placed within the well once the boring is completed. The device further comprises a housing disposed about the driver, a second bit attached to the housing, and a planetary gear anchored to the radial shoulder, and wherein the planetary gear is adapted for imparting rotation from the driver to the housing in a counter radial direction.

Abstract: A retrievable center bit for use with a tubular including an inner bore and a drill shoe cutter mounted thereon. The retrievable center bit may include a body positionable in the bore of the tubular and including an upper end, a lower end and a side outer surface extending therebetween. A cutting surface may be supported on the lower end of the bit body. There may be a locking assembly on the body for releasably locking the bit axially and rotationally to the tubular. A longitudinal bore may extend from the upper end into the body and the body may include a fluid port extending from the bore to open on the cutting surface and a lateral fluid port extending from the bore opening on the side outer surface positionable adjacent the drill shoe cutter when the bit is locked to the tubular.

Abstract: A method for driving pipe into the ground, which is particularly suitable for driving conductor pipes that are commonly installed in the hydrocarbon production industry during the construction of oil wells and gas wells, more particularly offshore wells comprises, assembling at the lower end of a drill string means for supporting a conductor pipe on the drill string, a reciprocable impact driving means, means for reciprocating the reciprocable impact driving means using fluid pumped through the drill string, an anvil capable of transferring the percussive force of the reciprocable impact driving means to the conductor pipe and means for jetting fluid, positioning the assembly within a conductor such that the assembly and conductor are supportable by the drill string and the means for jetting fluid is at the lower end of the conductor, positioning the lower end of the conductor pipe on the ground into which it is to be driven, (d) actuating the reciprocable impact driving means to impact the anvil and drive th

Abstract: A drill head has a domed leading face and carries cutting teeth. A tubular drill string can be used to drive the head into the ground. An off-center aperture communicates with the bore of the string, by means of a connecting passage, which defines an oblique cone. During drilling, a flushing medium can be pumped down the bore and out through the aperture. As the drill string and head are withdrawn, an elongate member can be introduced down the bore, out through the aperture, to be left in the passage drilled by the head. The form of the mouths and connecting passage avoid the elongate member encountering any discontinuities which would prevent it leaving the head. The elongate member could be reinforcing bar for a cast-in-situ pile, or part of a ground loop for a ground heat energy system.