Abstract: A bearing pressure system includes a bearing assembly having a first component movable against a second component and at least one accumulator in fluid communication with an interface between the first and second components, the at least one accumulator holding a pressurized fluid. A method includes providing a bearing pressure system having a fluid communicable between an accumulator and an interface between components movable relative to each other, providing an amount of pressurized fluid from the accumulator to the interface when the pressure of the fluid at the interface falls below a pressure range being maintained, and transferring an amount of the fluid from the interface to the accumulator when the pressure of the fluid at the interface rises above the pressure range being maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for performing well operations from a floating installation comprising a high pressure riser (8) connected to the floating installation through a tension system, and where the riser comprises a housing (18) with an internal diameter larger than an internal diameter of the riser and connected at the top of the riser, where it for performing operations is made an assembly (15) comprising a desired numbers of modules for use in a specific operation, the modules are assembled at the installation, then positioned in the housing and the operation is performed through the assembly.

Abstract: A pourable aqueous cement composition is disclosed. The cement composition comprises a hydraulic cement, water and a selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof. An article, including a downhole article, and more particularly a reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article includes a hydraulic cement, wherein the hydraulic cement has at least partially set into a permanent form. The article also includes a selectively removable material dispersed within the cement, the selectively removable material comprising a plurality of selectively corrodible metal powder particles dispersed within the cement or a nanomatrix powder compact, or a combination thereof, wherein the selectively removable material is configured for removal in response to a predetermined wellbore condition.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, of an improved drill bit assembly for a percussion boring system. More specifically, one non-limiting embodiment of an improved drill bit assembly for a percussion boring system comprises a bit and a product engagement member. The bit comprises a slant faced head and at least one exhaust port. The product engagement member comprises a product coupling portion and at least one fluid restriction portion. This improved drill bit assembly is such that, when the product engagement member is detachably engaged with the slant faced head of the bit, a first portion of the fluid stream expelled from the bit is directed substantially forward of the slant faced head and a second portion of the fluid stream is directed substantially rearward from the slant faced head.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.

Abstract: A rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched and unlatched with a docking station housing for use and removal, respectively. The system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with an active seal. A first sensor and a second sensor can be used to detect temperature, pressure and density of the supplied fluid at different locations and this data can be compared using a central processing unit (CPU). Also, a sensor can be used to detect the revolutions per minute of a rotating seal of the rotating control device and fluid can be provided to the rotating control device responsive to the detected revolutions per minute.

Abstract: A track guiding system includes a track comprising a linear beam and a linear plate operatively coupled to the linear beam. The linear plate has opposing first and second surfaces separated by a first distance and opposing first and second edges separated by a second distance. A first compound edge roller and a second compound edge roller are disposed adjacent to the first and second edges of the linear plate, respectively, for travel along the first and second edges of the linear plate. Each of the first and second compound edge rollers include a first roller element adjacent to the first surface of the linear plate and a second roller element adjacent to the second surface of the linear plate. A carriage is coupled to the first and second compound edge rollers.

Abstract: A reconfigurable downhole article is disclosed. The article comprises a base material. The article also comprises a removable material disposed on or within the base material that is configured for removal from the base material in response to a wellbore condition, wherein the base material and the removable material define a base article that is configured to perform a first function, and wherein upon removal of the removable material, the base material defines a modified article that is configured to perform a second function that is different than the first function.

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: A multi-function machine for drilling, boring, driving and lifting comprising a translation system (2) which supports a turret (3) motorized and provided with driving cab. A lattice tower type arm is hinged to the frame of the turret and movable between substantially raised and inclined positions. In at least a first configuration the arm is used as a lifting arm. The free upper end of the arm has a head (9) having a system of pulleys and/or transmissions for rope (10). The arm (4) can rotate with respect to the turret (3) to acquire a second configuration of mounting/transport wherein its longitudinal axis is substantially horizontally arranged and turned over toward the front. Ropes and rods are provided (14,16) for bringing the arm from the first to the second configuration and vice-versa.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.

Abstract: A modular tool for use in subterranean formations includes a first module, a second module and one or more connectors for connecting the first and second modules. In particular, the first module includes a first collar that at least partially defines an exterior of the tool and that includes a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the collar and a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the collar. The first module also includes a fluid passageway for passing drilling fluid therethrough. The second module has a similar configuration as includes similar architecture. The one or more connectors facilitate the connection of at least one flowline fluidly connected to an exterior of the tool, and an electrical pathway for transmitting power and/or data between the modules.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for drilling, particularly percussion drilling or rotationally drilling, a hole (2) in ground or rock material and forming a brace in said hole (2). According to the invention, a borehole (2) is formed by a bit (7) that is mounted on drilling rods (1), and a brace is formed by at least one expanding element (12) that is mounted along the circumference of the drilling rods (1) and is brought, especially by expanding the same, into a position in which the expanding element (12) penetrates or rests against the material (22) surrounding the borehole (2), thus allowing for reliable bracing immediately after creating a borehole (2).

Abstract: A top drive system with a plurality of top drive modules, which are configured to be quickly exchanged. The top drive modules may include any or all of the following: a main body module, a gearbox module, a drive motor module, a pipe handler module, an upper fluid module, a lower well control valve module, a block interface module, a retract system interface frame module, a cooling system module, a work platform guard module, and a quill saver sub module. Alternatively, the top drive may comprise a first top drive and a second top drive which are configured to be quickly exchanged.

Abstract: A modular tool for use in subterranean formations includes a first module, a second module and one or more connectors for connecting the first and second modules. In particular, the first module includes a first collar that at least partially defines an exterior of the tool and that includes a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the collar and a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the collar. The first module also includes a fluid passageway for passing drilling fluid therethrough. The second module has a similar configuration as includes similar architecture. The one or more connectors facilitate the connection of at least one flowline fluidly connected to an exterior of the tool, and an electrical pathway for transmitting power and/or data between the modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coring guide for converting a mine roof bolter into apparatus suitable for guiding a coring rod, or drill, into a mine roof, as well as a method for obtaining a geological core from the mine roof using the guide. The guide includes a pair of jaws, wherein each jaw has an adapter end and a pivotable end. The adapter end of each jaw includes a cavity that faces a cavity included in the adapter end of the other jaw, such that the closed jaws form at least a major portion of a cylindrical coring cavity that accommodates a coring rod. Each jaw includes means for fixing the rod guide within a mine roof bolter apparatus such that when the coring guide is positioned between the jaws and the jaws are partially closed such that they enclose the coring rod, the roof bolter causes the coring rod to penetrate the mine roof and obtain a core sample.

Abstract: Flow control devices and associated control methods are described for use with hydraulic tools, such as those in a drill string. The described flow control device is typically incorporated into a drill string and is selectively operable in either a flow-through mode or a valve control mode. In the valve control mode, fluid pressure is increased or decreased within the drill string to selectively actuate a valve which is associated with the flow control device. In the flow-through mode, fluid pressure may be increased or decreased without operating the valve. Techniques are described for selectively moving the flow control device between the flow-through mode and the valve control mode. Wellbore fluid pressure readings provide signals to a rig operator for selectively moving the device in this manner.

Abstract: A double-head drilling machine is disclosed, which by changing over or converting small component units can cooperate with drill or drill pipes of different diameters. To this end, drive carriages (16) operating on drills or drill pipes, for example, comprise a carriage base element (32), to which a drive unit (42) is releasably fitted. The drive unit (42) can thus be replaced by a different drive unit having essentially the same geometry, which is designed for operating with a drill or drill pipe having a different diameter.

Abstract: The invention features an assembly for use with a drilling rig having a mast and a first torque guide section mounted to the mast. The first torque guide section has an end and a coupler mounted near the end. The assembly includes a second torque guide section and a fastener mounted to the second torque guide section. The fastener is configured to form a releasable pivotal connection with the coupler.

Abstract: A digger from a unit for digging utility pole holes is encased in an elongated box. The box has an attachment thereon for attachment to the carrying arm of a backhoe in place of the backhoe bucket. A 90.degree. attachment provides versatility. The digger is thus capable of digging horizontal tunnels for laying one underground line under another underground line.

Abstract: A convertible drill apparatus for applying force to a probe capable of operating in either a vibratory drilling mode wherein the apparatus is adapted to drive the probe into the material to be drilled or a rotary drilling mode wherein the apparatus drives the probe into the material to be drilled by rotation of the probe. The apparatus comprises a drill stand, vibratory drive for imparting a vibratory motion to the probe, rotary drive for imparting a rotary movement to the probe, a vibratory drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the vibratory drive, a rotary drive probe coupling for coupling the probe to the rotary drive, a support for supporting and containing the coupling, a carriage assembly for mounting the support to the drill stand in sliding up and down fashion, and carriage drive for lifting or lowering the carriage assembly. The invention can be easily converted from vibratory drilling modes to rotary drilling modes and back by exchanging the vibratory drive with the rotary drive.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is mountable upon preferably a skidsteer tractor, through a forklift truck or similar wheeled vehicle could be employed. The apparatus can be lowered into a trench on one side of a street or sidewalk and used to bore axially beneath the street or sidewalk to a trench on the other side of the street or sidewalk. Operation of the apparatus, which uses conventional commercial augers is controlled from the hydraulic couplings situated in the skidsteer tractor.The apparatus includes a main housing which includes a means for receiving the accessory shoe of a prime mover for physical attachment thereto; and a motor housing with a motor, hydraulic coupler and bearing disposed therein, which motor housing is pivotally mounted to the main body.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus for use in combination with a chain saw is set forth wherein a housing includes a rotatable shaft for attachment of a left-hand helical flight ice auger wherein the shaft includes a plurality of bearings secured within either side of the housing with the shaft extending through the housing and formed with a sprocket housing for mating engagement with the chain saw sprocket. A depending extension of the housing includes a plurality of through extending apertures for accepting a plurality of spaced threaded connectors associated with a chain saw.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a coupling means (19) for removably coupling the drilling machine (1) to the bucket of an excavator with the aid of gripping arms (20, 21). Between the drilling machine and coupling means there is a rubber member (9) taking up misalignment stresses and a gas spring (11, 12) taking up shock and compression stresses arising in conjunction with drilling.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for positioning a kelly drive bushing of a surface drilling assembly in spaced relationship to an associated rotary table. The adapter permits the wireline of an electronic steering assembly to pass through the central aperture in the rotary table below the drive bushing to surface readout equipment, enabling the electronic steering assembly to be employed for drilling directional bores without removal of the kelly.

Abstract: An improved drilling rig (10) and conversion apparatus for drilling rigs is disclosed. The rig includes a percussion assembly (32) rotatably mounted to a ram (30) above the ground in which drilling is to be made. The rig (10) includes a conversion mandrel (40) structured for insection in, and retention by, the percussion assembly (32) in place of a normally retained bit element (34). The mandrel (40) has an anvil surface (56) to which percussive strokes of a piston (50) disposed within the percussion assembly (32) for reciprocating movement therein are applied. The mandrel (40) further includes a hammer portion (68) to transfer both the percussive force of the piston (50) and continuous downward pressure applied to the percussion assembly (32) by the ram 30 to a length of casing (20) encircling the drill rod (22) which accomplishes the drilling. The conversion apparatus can, therefore, convert a bottom-hole drilling rig to a top-of-the-hole rig.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for drilling a pilot hole and subsequently enlarging the pilot hole in earth formation. A dual concentric pipe string is used for circulating air downwardly through the outer pipe via a cross-over sub, through a pilot bit and upwardly through the bore hole outside the pipe string to bail cuttings, during drilling of the pilot hole. The air pressure expands the cutters of an expansible bit while a limited portion of the air supplied cools the cutters. After the cutters are fully expanded, additional air is utilized to clean and cool the cutters. Air is returned through the inner pipe of the dual concentric pipe string. A venturi device is utilized to induce return flow through the inner pipe during enlargement of the hole and to vacuum residue when enlargement is completed. The dual concentric pipe string is made up of lengths of pipe providing threaded, sealed joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rock bit having a quick change connection for use with an auger drilling machine. The quick change connection comprises a female connection extending upwardly from the body of a conventional rock bit. The connection has polygonal sides that mate with matching surfaces of a male connection secured to a kelly. A pin extends through mating holes in the female and male connections for fastening. Thus the male connection is axially releasable from the female connection by removing the pin. This permits convenient change between the auger drilling system and the rock bit drilling system.