Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool for earth drilling with a drill rod element which can be connected to a rotary drive and can be driven in a rotating manner about a drilling axis, a frame-like housing and at least one removal tooth which is supported in a radially adjustable manner in the housing between a retracted position in the housing and an operating position, in which the at least one removal tooth projects radially from the housing. Furthermore, on the drill rod element in the housing a transmission mechanism is arranged, through which a stroke and/or rotational movement of the drill rod element can be translated into a radial movement for radial adjustment of the at least one removal tooth.

Abstract: A subterranean support-bolt drilling assembly has a drill bit rotatable about a central axis and including at least one cutting edge. The drilling assembly also includes a spacer coupled to a rearward end of the drill bit. A reamer member is coupled to a rearward end of the spacer, the reamer member having at least one cutting element, the at least one cutting element having a cutting edge that extends radially beyond an outer peripheral portion of the drill bit relative to the central axis. A subterranean support-bolt drill bit includes a bit body and at least one cutting element coupled to the bit body. The support-bolt drill bit has a central pilot extending from the bit body in an axially forward direction. The cutting edge of the at least one cutting element extends radially beyond the central pilot relative to a central axis of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a drill collar forming part of a primary drilling assembly and having an outward opening groove in the side thereof, and a secondary drilling assembly. The secondary drilling assembly includes a tubular drill string connected at one end to the drill collar, a drilling motor mounted in the drill string, and a drill bit mounted at the other end of the drill string and connected to the drilling motor. The secondary drilling assembly is mounted in the drill collar so as to be movable between a first position in which the drill bit is seated in the groove, and a second position in which the bit projects laterally from the groove in the side of the drill collar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a borehole in an earthen formation includes a side cutting device comprised of a laterally extendable side cutting element that can be actuated from a retracted position to an extended position in which the side cutting element is selectively employed to create a larger borehole diameter in a down hole location than the remaining portion of the borehole that is closer to the borehole opening.

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: A rock head for use with an auger borer to bore a passageway through a body of soil and rock and simultaneously laying a pipe in that bored passageway. The rock head has a base connectable to the leading end of the auger. A plurality of movable mounts are provided on the base and a roller cone is secured to each movable mount. A spring is disposed between the movable mount and the base. The spring is compressed as the movable mount pivots the roller cones inwardly toward a central region of the base. This reduces the diameter of the rock head so that it can travel through the bore. Each movable mount is provided with at least one wheel so that it can ride smoothly through the bore. When the rock head exits the pipe, the springs automatically pivots each roller cone outwardly so that at least a portion thereof is disposed beyond the outermost edge of the base. In this second position, the rock head has a greater diameter than the pipe bore and therefore it cannot travel therethrough.

Abstract: A method includes drilling and lining a wellbore, in one aspect by mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, and passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing. The apparatus comprises a drill string including a section of expandable tubing, a drill bit mounted on the string, and a tubing expander mounted on the string.

Abstract: A directional drilling system, including a casing string, a casing latch disposed inside the casing string proximate a lower end of the casing string and coupled to the casing string, a rotary steerable system disposed inside the casing string and coupled to the casing latch, and a drill bit coupled to the rotary steerable system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for drilling and lining a wellbore in one downhole trip. The method comprises mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, then rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, then passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing, wherein the expandable tubing is deformed by compressive plastic deformation of the tubing with a localised reduction in wall thickness, resulting in a subsequent increase in tubing diameter, and then retrieving the drill bit from the bore through the expanded tubing.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus includes a platform for positioning at a drilling site) a mast pivotally mounted on the platform) a rod clamp on one end of the mast for clamping a drill rod) a drill head slidably mounted on the mast for driving the drill rod during a drilling operation, a main ram connected to said mast and said drill head for moving the drill head longitudinally of the mast) a casing clamp on the rod clamp for clamping the mast to a top end of a casing carrying the rod) whereby the mast is anchored to the ground during drilling) and a drill head slidable on the mast for driving the drill rod during drilling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for drilling and lining a wellbore in one downhole trip. The method comprises mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, then rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, then passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing, wherein the expandable tubing is deformed by compressive plastic deformation of the tubing with a localised reduction in wall thickness, resulting in a subsequent increase in tubing diameter, and then retrieving the drill bit from the bore through the expanded tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for drilling and lining a wellbore in one downhole trip. The method comprises mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, then rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, then passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing, wherein the expandable tubing is deformed by compressive plastic deformation of the tubing with a localised reduction in wall thickness, resulting in a subsequent increase in tubing diameter, and then retrieving the drill bit from the bore through the expanded tubing.

Abstract: A retrieval head (14) coupled to a downhole tool that is used for retrieving a drill bit composed of individual drill bit segments (14). The down hole tool is adapted to travel through a drill sting and a drive sub (12) attached to the drill string. The tool also releases segments (14) which are clamped between the drive sub (12) and a bit locking sleeve (16). The retrieval head (10) includes a body (30) having a first length (32) and a contiguous second length (34). The first length (32) is of constant diameter. The second length (34) has a portion (42) of reduced diameter relative to that of the first length (32). The diameter of the first length (32) is dimensioned so that the bit segments (14) can initially collapse radially inwardly wholly onto an outer circumferential surface (38) of the length (32). The reduced diameter portion (42) is dimensioned so that when the bit segments (14) are disposed thereon, the bit segments (14) can pass through the drive sub (12) and bit locking sleeve (16).

Abstract: A down hole running tool 14 travels in a first direction through a drill pipe for installing bit segments 18 at the end of a drive sub 12 attached to the drill pipe. The tool 14 includes a first portion 82 and a second portion 84 which is retractably coupled to a leading end of the first portion 82. The first portion 82 includes a tubular extension 134 which receives a spigot 136 that extends from an upper end of the second portion 84. A pin 138 extends transversely through the tubular extension 134 and resides within opposing slots 140 formed in the spigot 136. There is a stepped reduction in the internal diameter at the lower end of the tubular extension 134 so as to form a cup-like structure 146. A spring 168 is disposed about the spigot 136 and has an upper end seated in the cup-like structure 146 and a lower end bearing against an upper face 170 of the second portion 84. The spring 168 is biased so as to push the first and second portions 82 and 84 apart in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A retractable drill bit system for a ground drill includes drill bit assembly, a bit assembly sleeve, and a transport member. The drill bit assembly is engagable with a drive sub attached to the bottom of the ground drill with the drill bit assembly being selectively expandable and collapsible between a transport position in which the drill bit assembly is transported through the ground drill by the sleeve and transport member and a cutting position in which the drill bit assembly locks into the drive sub and cuts the hole. The drill bit assembly in the cutting position is able to cut a hole substantially greater than the diameter of the ground drill itself. The drill bit assembly includes a circular bit attached at a lower most end of the sleeve and bit segments retained in slots formed in the sleeve. Each segment is provided with a lever that extends radially inwardly of the sleeve and engages the transport member.

Abstract: A drilling tool for boring in earth and rock formations includes a pilot bit which defines a longitudinal tool axis and includes a cam part having a cam axis arranged eccentrically relative to the tool axis. A reamer includes a hollow reamer body mounted on the cam part for rotation relative thereto about the cam axis. Relative rotation in one direction causes the reamer to be radially extended, and relative rotation in an opposite direction causes the reamer to be radially retracted. The reamer body carries cutting elements for enlarging a hole drilled by the pilot bit when the reamer is in its extended position. The cam part carries a first removable insert on which a first stop surface is formed. The reamer carries a second removable insert on which a second stop surface is formed. The stop surfaces are engageable with one another when the reamer body is radially extended, for transmitting rotational cutting forces to the reamer.

Abstract: A retraction system allows disengagement of retrieval latch dogs of a down hole running tool from a bit locking sleeve. The locking sleeve is slidably retained within a drive sub and includes a pair of slots which are engaged by the retrieval latch dogs when the tool is used to retrieve bit segments from the drive sub. The retraction system includes a sleeve which is slidably mounted on a main body of the tool and spring which is biased to push the sleeve over the retrieval latch dogs. The sleeve has a pair of diametrically opposed slots through which the retrieval latch dogs can extend for contacting the inner surface of the drive sub. The retraction system also includes a length of the inner surface of the drive sub which is made of progressively reducing diameter in the direction of retraction of the tool from the drive sub. The upper end of each slot is provided with a bevel for directing the retrieval latch dogs in the inward direction.

Abstract: Locking system (196) is provided for selectively locking an external sleeve (76) to a main body (74) of a downhole tool (14). Locking system (196) comprises a pair of opposed holes (198) formed in the main body (74). The holes (198) capture respective locking balls (200). A channel (210) extends from each hole (198) longitudinally about the outer surface of the main body (74). A spring (206) held within the main body (74) acts to push the balls (200) out of holes (198). Openings (212) are also formed in the sleeve (76) and disposed so that the balls (200) can protrude therethrough and contact the inner circumferential surface (28) of a drive sub (12) by virtue of the bias of spring (206). When the internal diameter of the drive sub (12) is relatively small, the balls (200) are pushed inwardly against the spring (206) and reside, at least partially, within holes (198). This prevents the balls from moving longitudinally about channels (210) thereby locking the sleeve (76) to the main body (74).

Abstract: A retractable drill bit system 10 comprises a drive sub 18 which is adapted for connection to a lower end of a drill 12, a tool 20 for installing and retracting drill bit segments 22 from the drive sub 18; and an insert 24 for selectively locking the bit segments 22 to an end of the drive sub 18 and releasing the bit segments 22.A plurality of recesses 5B are formed about an inner circumferential wall at one end of the drive sub 18 and a landing seat 32 formed about the inner wall upstream of the recesses 58. The area of the interior wall between the landing seat 32 and recesses 58 is profiled with a series of tapered and level surfaces.The tool 20 includes a slidable cradle 176 extending from one end about which the bit segments 22 are held during installation and retrieval. The bit segments 22 being held in place about the cradle by an elastic band 198.

Abstract: A retractable drill bit system (10) comprises a drive sub (18) which is adapted for connection to a lower end of a drill (12), a tool (20) for installing and retractable drill bit segments (22) from the drive sub (18); and an insert (24) for selectively locking the bit segments (22) to an end of the drive sub (18) and releasing the bit segments (22). A plurality of recesses (5B) are formed about an inner circumferential wall at one end of the drive sub (18) and a landing seat (32) formed about the inner wall upstream of the recesses (58). The area of the interior wall between the landing seat (32) and recesses (58) is profiled with a series of tapered and level surfaces. The tool (20) includes a slidable cradle (176) extending from one end about which the bit segments (22) are held during installation and retrieval. The bit segments (22) being held in place about the cradle by an elastic band (198).

Abstract: A device for augering a conical hole in a solid medium that includes a first elongated member that extends along a longitudinal axis and a cutting blade having a cutting section and a non-cutting section coupled to the first elongated member. The rod is adapted to be rotated about the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled to the first elongated member which rotates the cutting blade about the longitudinal axis. A shroud is provided through which the first elongated member passes. The shroud attaches to a hydraulic unit. Activation of the hydraulic unit causes the first elongated member to move in a longitudinal direction, which causes the cutting blade to move in a radial direction thereby forming a conical hole in a solid medium. The device is used for forming holes used in foundations and anchors. Also disclosed is a method of operation of the device to form a conical hole in solid media.

Abstract: A retrievable drill bit and cutter or reamer assembly includes a fluid-drive motor, an eccentric cutter part and a concentric bit in assembly and insertable in and retrievable from the interior of a drill stem without removing the drillstem from a wellbore. The eccentric cutter is disposed on a shaft connected to the output shaft of the motor and journals an accentric cylindrical bearing member mounted on the shaft. In response to rotation of the shaft in one direction, the cutter part is displaced into a position to enlarge the wellbore to permit progress of the drillstem therethrough and in response to rotation in the opposite direction, the cutter centers itself to permit retrieval of the bit assembly throught the drillstem. The fluid-driven motor engages locking splines on a sub at the lower end of the drillstem and may be inserted in and retrieved from the drillstem by drilling fluid in forward and reverse circulation, respectively.

Abstract: A system for measuring earth formation resistivity while drilling a wellbore through an earth formation using a self-contained drilling assembly supported at the lower end of a casing string. The drilling assembly includes a drilling fluid driven motor driving a drill bit, where the motor and bit are electrically isolated from the casing string. Formation resistivity measuring circuitry is provided in the assembly. Data transmission mechanism is provided for encoding the resistivity data and transmitting it through the drilling fluid to the surface location of the wellbore.

Abstract: A device for drilling and lining holes in earth bores wherein a casing is intended to be lowered into the bore along with the drilling unit. The drilling unit is mounted on a rotating drill. The drilling unit includes a plurality of cutters which can be arranged in the extended active position or can be retracted to a passive position arranged within the casing of the drilling unit. Drilling fluid through an activating piston repositions the cutters between the passive and the active position. The drilling unit includes a gripping device which contacts a groove in the casing which carries the casing down the bore with the drilling unit. Threaded ribs within the drilling unit act as a pump to maintain down hole drilling fluid pressure. A valve is provided in conjunction with the cutters whereby when the cutters are moved to the active position the valve will open allowing flow of the drilling fluid.

Abstract: An eccentric drilling tool comprises a guide member (10) rotatably centered by the mouth of a casing tube (11) that follows the tool downhole during drilling. A pilot bit (23) on the guide member (10) is provided with axially oriented hard metal pilot button inserts (57, 57.sup.I -57.sup.III) peripherally thereon directed to define the diameter of the pilot hole to be cut during drilling. A laterally extending eccentric bit (22) behind said pilot bit (23) has axially oriented hard metal reaming button inserts (48-51) at the eccentric top portion thereof directed to ream up the pilot hole to a maximum diameter. The eccentric bit (22) is movably supported relative to said guide member (10) between a drilling position, in which the eccentric bit (22) projects laterally beyond said casing tube (11) so as to drill jointly with said pilot bit (23) a hole larger than said casing tube (11), and a retracted position, in which the drill bit can be retracted or lowered through the casing tube (11).

Abstract: A flushing device for drilling tools comprises a guide member (10) carrying a drill bit (20) and being rotatably centered by the mouth of a casing tube (11) which is adapted to follow the drilling tool downhole during drilling. The drill bit (20) has a bit portion (22) that projects laterally beyond and is spaced axially in front of the casing tube (11) so as to drill a hole larger than the casing tube (11). There are external flushing grooves (70,71) on the guide member (10) adapted to lead the outflow of flushing medium and debris from the hole during drilling into the casing tube (11). At least one of these grooves (70) extends from front to rear of the guide member (10). One or more further grooves (71) are open towards said rear while ending blindly into the periphery of the guide member (10) spaced from its front. By retraction of the guide member (10) its front enters the casing tube (11).

Abstract: A downhole impact drill having a drill bit head with a drill bit sector for drilling an enlarge hole upon rotation of the drill. The bit is mounted within a chuck for movement between a retracted, working position in which the bit is coaxially mounted for drilling and an extended, non-working position in which the bit is loosely mounted within the chuck to permit the bit to swing laterally to reduce the diameter of the drill bit head envelope. In its extended, non-working position, the bit is supported on the chuck at a 3.degree. angle at which the drill bit sector is positioned inwardly to facilitate installation and withdrawal of the drill.

Abstract: A core sampling device comprising a drill bit assembly, a drive shoe arranged to house the drill bit, a core sampling tube and a retraction tube. The drill bit assembly includes a bit housing, which is drivingly engaged by the drive shoe, and a series of drill segments which are pivotally attached to the housing to be capable of pivoting between a drilling position and a retracted position. The segments are maintained in the drilling position by the core sampling tube when this is in a forward position, but are allowed to adopt the retracted position when the sampling tube is withdrawn. The core sampling tube engages the drill bit assembly via the retraction tube whereby continued withdrawal of the core sampling tube causes withdrawal of the drill bit assembly from within the drive shoe.

Abstract: A drill tool for rotary and/or percussion drilling includes a drill string and a cutting apparatus connected to a lower end of the drill string. The cutting apparatus has an intermediate portion which is rotatable with the drill string and includes an outer surface, a reamer is mounted eccentrically on the intermediate portion for rotation relative thereto about a longitudinal axis. The reamer includes an inner surface facing the outer surface. The reamer is driven by an arrangement comprised of a tongue disposed on either of the inner and outer surfaces and a pair of circumferentially spaced shoulder surfaces disposed on the other of the inner and outer surfaces. The tongue is selectively engageable with the shoulder surfaces along an area of contact having an upper longitudinal end which terminates below an uppermost end of the reamer, and a lower longitudinal end which terminates above a lowermost end of the reamer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting an underwater conductor pipe in which the conductor pipe is lowered into the wellhole on a drill string as the borehole is being formed by a drill bit and underreamer positioned at the end of the drill string below the end of the conductor pipe. The drill string and conductor pipe are detachably interconnected by a housing latch which includes means for detachably securing the drill string and drilling assembly to the conductor pipe. The drill string is provided with an upper latch sub, which retains and supports the drill string in its fully extended position within the conductor pipe, and a lower latch sub which retains and supports the drill string in the retracted position. As the apparatus is lowered a drill motor actuates the drilling assembly such that the well hole is formed in the ocean floor. Drilling continues until the permanent guide base of the conductor pipe engages the ocean floor.

Abstract: A screen placement apparatus and system wherein the apparatus includes a motor for providing rotational torque to an auger received within a ground screen and a disposable cutting tip having a cutting diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the screen is connected to the end of the auger. The screen is placed into the ground by simultaneously drilling the hole with the disposable cutting tip, drawing the drill cuttings up through the screen with the auger, and inserting the screen into the hole. The drill cuttings, drawn up through the hole, are discharged through discharge openings. After the desired depth is reached, the auger and motor are longitudinally moved with respect to the screen and cutting tip thereby permanently disconnecting the disposable cutting tip and leaving it within the ground. The auger is, thereafter, retracted from within the ground screen.

Abstract: Drilling means of the type having a pilot bit, a reamer and a guidemember mounted in the bottom end of the casing tube, and which transmits impacts to the casing. The guide member is snugly enclosed in the thickened mouth portion of the casing tube and has a plurality of channels which are segments of a spiral through which the drilling debris is discharged upwardly to the casing tube.

Abstract: Drilling means of the type having a pilot bit, a reamer and a guidemember mounted in the bottom end of the casing tube, and which transmits impacts to the casing. The guide member is snugly enclosed in the thickened mouth portion of the casing tube and has a plurality of channels which are segments of a spiral through which the drilling debris is discharged upwardly to the casing tube.

Abstract: Casing is run into a well bore hole on a running pipe string. Fluid motor and drill apparatus is supported in the casing, with the drill extending below the lower end of the casing to drill the bore hole in advance of the casing. For subsea drilling operations, the casing is suspended from a riser housing which lands on a subsea base, and the running pipe is released from the riser housing to enable retrieval of the motor and drill assembly. Plural motors are employed for drilling large holes.

Abstract: A cutterhead adapted for drilling a hole upwardly in the earth, and to then be withdrawn downwardly through a casing which is inserted underneath the cutterhead, characterized by gauge cutters which are pivotally mounted on the cutterhead so that they will pivot upward and radially inward when the cutterhead is drawn into the casing, and also characterized by stabilizer rollers mounted on removable frames that can be detached.

Abstract: A self-sinking, axial passage foundation pile and method are provided. The pile is preformed with an axial bore which is capable of accommodating a rotatable shaft. At one end of the pile a drill bit is affixed to the shaft and at the other end a driving means is attached to the shaft in order to rotate the drill bit. In this configuration the rotational drilling torques are transmitted by the shaft without importing torque to the pile. Accordingly, the pile need not be specially reinforced to accommodate the bore hole drilling torques. Furthermore, the invention encompasses the novel method for installing the unique pile disclosed.

Abstract: A drill in which a drilling apparatus is releasably mounted on the bottom of a drill string and on release can be withdrawn upwardly through the drill string by wire-line. The main cutting bit is disposed on the bottom end of the removable apparatus and the apparatus includes expandable cutters disposed above the main cutting bit to ream the hole cut by the main bit to permit the drill string to follow down the hole. The cutters are retracted for withdrawal of the apparatus.