| LONGYEAR TM, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120061146 | IMPREGNATED DRILL BITS WITH INTEGRATED REAMERS - Drilling tools include a bit crown and an integrated reamer. The bit crown and the integrated reamer can be configured with approximately equal drilling lives. The bit crown can be impregnated with abrasive cutting media and include one or more external flutes. The integrated reamer can be positioned at the base the bit crown and include one or more channels that align with one or more of the outer flutes. The channels can taper such that they increase in width as they extend away from the bit crown. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120055715 | METHODS OF CONTROLLING HYDRAULIC MOTORS - A hydraulic control system includes a first motor, a second motor, a pump operatively associated with the first motor, a first coupling valve operatively associated with the second motor, first parallel valves operatively associated with the second motor, and a first switching valve operatively associated with the first coupling valve and the first parallel valves. The first switching valve is configured to switch the first coupling valve between a first coupling state and a second coupling state opposite the first coupling state and to switch the first parallel valves between a first parallel state and a second parallel state opposite the first parallel state. While the first parallel valves are in the first parallel state a portion of the output of the first motor drives the second motor while the first parallel valves are in the second parallel state, the output of the pump drives the second motor. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20110303465 | IMPREGNATED DRILLING TOOLS INCLUDING ELONGATED STRUCTURES - Impregnated drilling tools include elongated structures that provide enhanced properties. The drilling tools contain a diamond-impregnated cutting section that contains elongated structures made from carbon, glass, ceramic, and the like. The elongated structures can comprise tubes, fibers, or rods. In one or more implementations the elongated structures are nano-sized. The elongated structures can control the tensile strength and/or the erosion rate of the drilling tools to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the elongated structures may also weaken the cutting section in one or more implementations; thereby, allowing higher strength binders to be used. Such higher modulus binders can cost less and allow for tailoring of the cutting section to retain the diamonds for the desired amount of time. As the cutting section erodes, the elongated structures may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting section. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110297444 | CORE BARREL RESTRAINT - A core barrel restraint adapted to prevent inadvertent dropping of a core barrel assembly during retrieval of a core sample can include a cup adapted to fit over an overshot and a brace adapted to be coupled to a core barrel assembly. A cable can connect the cup and brace and prevent the core barrel from falling if the overshot latch mechanism holding the core barrel assembly and overshot together fails. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110271797 | OPEN-FACED ROD SPINNING DEVICE - An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110253449 | METHODS OF PRELOADING A SONIC DRILL HEAD AND METHODS OF DRILLING USING THE SAME - A drill head assembly includes a shaft having a shaft axis, an oscillator assembly operatively associated with the shaft, the oscillator assembly having at least one eccentrically weighted rotor configured to rotate about a pivot point to generate an oscillating vibratory force, wherein an oscillation centerline is defined transverse to the shaft axis and including the pivot point. The drill head assembly also includes a lower bearing coupled to the shaft on a first side of the oscillation centerline and an upper bearing coupled to the shaft on a second side of the oscillation centerline, the second side being opposite the first side. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110247880 | ALIGNMENT ASSEMBLY, DRILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An alignment assembly includes a shaft, a first gripper coupled to the shaft, and a second gripper coupled to the shaft. The first gripper includes a fixed gripper body and a first rotating gripper body rotatingly coupled to the fixed gripper body. The second gripper may include a second rotating gripper body and a third rotating gripper body. An axis pivot rotatingly couples the second rotating gripper body and the third rotating gripper body. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110241366 | PIPE LIFTING AND HANDLING TOOL - A handling device useful for lifting and handling pipes includes as set of jaws for grasping a surface of the pipe. An upper jaw extends along an exterior pipe surface and a lower jaw extends along an interior pipe surface. A sidewall of the pipe is positioned within a gap between the upper and lower jaws. A handle attached to the set of jaws is used to angle the jaws relative to the side of the pipe, thereby causing the upper jaw to contact the exterior pipe surface, and the lower jaw to contact the interior pipe surface. A mechanical advantage is created that selectively secures the jaws to the pipe and allows handling of the device while maintaining control of the pipe. The upper and lower jaws may be at fixed orientations relative to each other, and the handling device may have few or no moving parts. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110198131 | CORE BARREL ASSEMBLIES WITH BRAKING DEVICES - A braking device for drilling operations in a borehole includes a brake retainer having a plurality of brake connector openings defined therein, a body member having a tapered surface having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, at least one brake element positioned at least partially between the brake retainer and the body member and in communication with the tapered surface and at least one of the brake connector openings, and a bias member configured to exert a biasing force on the body member to move the body member toward the brake retainer to move the brake element from contact with the first diameter of the tapered surface toward contact with the second diameter. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198127 | METHODS OF BRAKING CORE BARREL ASSEMBLIES - A braking device for drilling operations in a borehole includes a brake retainer having a plurality of brake connector openings defined therein, a body member having a tapered surface having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, at least one brake element positioned at least partially between the brake retainer and the body member and in communication with the tapered surface and at least one of the brake connector openings, and a bias member configured to exert a biasing force on the body member to move the body member toward the brake retainer to move the brake element from contact with the first diameter of the tapered surface toward contact with the second diameter. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110162892 | SONIC DRILL BITS AND SONIC DRILLING SYSTEMS - A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110132664 | DRILL MAST ARTICULATION ASSEMBLY - A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110131787 | METHODS OF ASSEMBLING AND INSTALLING SELF-DRILLING ANCHORS - An embodiment of the invention includes a self-drilling anchor. The self-drilling anchor includes a drill rod with a first end and a second end and a drill bit attached to the first end of the drill rod. The self-drilling anchor also includes an expansion shell located over the drill rod near the first end and adjacent to the drill bit and a rod sleeve located over the drill rod and adjacent to the expansion shell. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110127086 | HELICAL DRILLING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a mechanical gear box positioned within the housing. The mechanical gear box is coupled to the housing such that rotation of the housing at a first rotational rate provides a rotary input to the mechanical gear box. A rotary cutting bit is coupled to the mechanical gear box. The mechanical gear box is configured to rotate said rotary cutting bit at a second rotational rate in response to that rotary input from the housing. The second rotational rate is greater than the first rotational rate. The mechanical gear box is also further configured to cause the rotary cutting bit to orbit about the central axis of the housing. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110126541 | MUFFLER SYSTEM FOR NOISE ABATEMENT AND ICE CONTROL - A method of controlling a discharge of an exhaust gas from a pneumatic device includes directing the exhaust gas from an exhaust port of the pneumatic device into proximity with a heated portion of the pneumatic device, expanding the exhaust gas in proximity with the heated portion of the pneumatic device to heat the exhaust gas, and discharging the exhaust gas to atmosphere. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110100718 | CORE LIFTER - A core lifter may be used in a drilling system. An exterior surface of the core lifter may include a plurality of longitudinally-oriented recesses. The core lifter may include a raised contact feature that may extend inwardly away from a gripping surface of the core lifter. The core lifter may include a flared skirt configured to limit movement of the core lifter relative to a core lifter case. The core lifter may be formed via stamping a sheet of material. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110083901 | CORE DRILLING TOOLS WITH EXTERNAL FLUID PATHWAYS - Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly including external fluid pathways extending generally axially long the outer surface of the core barrel assembly. The one or more external fluid pathways can allow for increased fluid flow around a latch mechanism. The increased fluid flow around the latch mechanism can allow the core barrel assembly to travel faster within the drill string, can allow drilling fluid to pass by the latch mechanism when engaged. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including external fluid pathways, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110079436 | CORE DRILLING TOOLS WITH RETRACTABLY LOCKABLE DRIVEN LATCH MECHANISMS - Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. The driven latch mechanism can further include a refracted groove adapted to lock the plurality of wedge members radially within the core barrel assembly, thereby allowing for faster travel within the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079435 | DRIVEN LATCH MECHANISM - Implementations of the present invention include a core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism. The driven latch mechanism can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including such driven latch mechanisms, and methods of retrieving a core sample using such drilling systems. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110079433 | PUMP-IN SEAL - 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. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110067924 | IMPREGNATED CUTTING ELEMENTS WITH LARGE ABRASIVE CUTTING MEDIA AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - Implementations of the present invention include impregnated drill bits having a plurality of relatively large abrasive cutting media, such as polycrystalline diamonds, embedded therein. According to some implementations of the present invention, the relatively large abrasive cutting media can be dispersed in an unorganized arrangement throughout at least a portion of the crown. Additionally, one or more implementations can include a second plurality of relatively small abrasive cutting media. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including impregnated drill bits having a plurality of relatively large abrasive cutting media embedded therein, methods of using such impregnated drill bits, and methods of forming such impregnated drill bits. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110036640 | DIAMOND IMPREGNATED BIT WITH AGGRESSIVE FACE PROFILE - A drill bit includes a crown defining a central axis. The crown includes at least one segment. The segment includes a planar portion and a plurality of surface features continuous with and extending away from the planar portion. The surface features are discontinuous within the segment with respect to a first arced path defined at a first radial distance from the central axis. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110031027 | CORE DRILL BITS WITH ENCLOSED FLUID SLOTS - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20100288560 | MODULAR ROTARY DRILL HEAD - A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface. The modular base assembly also includes a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly. Furthermore, the modular base assembly can also include a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100276198 | VARIABLE FORCE/VARIABLE FREQUENCY SONIC DRILL HEAD - An oscillator assembly includes a first eccentrically weighted rotor having a first eccentric weight configured to rotate about an axis, a second eccentrically weighted rotor having a second eccentric weight configured to rotate about the axis. Rotation of the first eccentrically weighted rotor is coupled to rotation of the second eccentrically weighted rotor. An actuator is configured to vary an angular separation between the first eccentric weight and the second eccentric weight. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100276023 | VALVE SYSTEM FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - A valve system includes a load holding valve, a feed balancing valve, and a fast feed differential valve. The load holding valve may be in fluid communication with the load holding valve. The fast feed differential valve is configured to move between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state the fast feed differential valve fluidly couples a ring side of a feed cylinder, the load holding valve, and a piston side of the feed cylinder to allow fluid to flow from the ring side to the piston side. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100243331 | HELICAL DRILLING APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS - A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a mechanical gear box positioned within the housing. The mechanical gear box is coupled to the housing such that rotation of the housing at a first rotational rate provides a rotary input to the mechanical gear box. A rotary cutting bit is coupled to the mechanical gear box. The mechanical gear box is configured to rotate said rotary cutting bit at a second rotational rate in response to that rotary input from the housing. The second rotational rate is greater than the first rotational rate. The mechanical gear box is also further configured to cause the rotary cutting bit to orbit about the central axis of the housing. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100243327 | HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - A hydraulic control system includes a first motor, a second motor, a pump operatively associated with the first motor, a first coupling valve operatively associated with the second motor, first parallel valves operatively associated with the second motor, and a first switching valve operatively associated with the first coupling valve and the first parallel valves. The first switching valve is configured to switch the first coupling valve between a first coupling state and a second coupling state opposite the first coupling state and to switch the first parallel valves between a first parallel state and a second parallel state opposite the first parallel state. While the first parallel valves are in the first parallel state a portion of the output of the first motor drives the second motor while the first parallel valves are in the second parallel state, the output of the pump drives the second motor. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100155174 | NOISE ABATEMENT DEVICE FOR A PNEUMATIC TOOL - Noise-abatement devices are provided for a pneumatic tool that can include a housing having a first end and a second end. An expansion chamber is defined within the expansion chamber. At least one tube is located at least partially within the expansion chamber in which the tube has at least a perforated portion, and an outlet defined therein. The device also includes a port outlet in fluid communication with the expansion chamber in which the port outlet and the outlet are located near the second end of the housing. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100126772 | HYDRO-PERCUSSIVE MECHANISIMS FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing assembly having a head end and a bit end. The housing assembly further includes an inlet joint having an inlet channel defined therein, a sealing portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the inlet joint, and an outlet portion positioned toward the bit end relative to the sealing portion. A hammer assembly including a piston has a piston channel defined therein that includes an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet channel and an outlet in fluid communication with the housing assembly. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100101863 | SONIC DRILL ROD WITH EXTERNAL SURFACE FEATURES - Drill rods and systems for use in drilling processes, as well as methods for making and using such drill rods and systems. A drill rod configured for sonic drilling operations can include a cylindrical body having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first connector may be located on a first end of the cylindrical body and a second connector may be located on a second end of the cylindrical body. The first connector and the second connector can be complementary. The drill rod can include a helical feature and a corresponding helical channel on the exterior surface of the cylindrical body. The helical feature and corresponding helical channel can be configured for moving material displaced during a drilling operation in an axial direction away from one end of the drill rod to the other. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100089660 | DRILL BITS WITH AXIALLY-TAPERED WATERWAYS - Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100089653 | ISOLATION SYSTEM FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - In at least one example, an isolation system includes at least one air bladder assembly including at least one air bladder and at least one coupling member coupling the air bladder to a drill head, wherein the air bladder is configured to compress and expand to counter oscillating forces generated by the drill head. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100089646 | SONIC DRILL HEAD - A drill head assembly includes a shaft having a shaft axis, an oscillator assembly operatively associated with the shaft, the oscillator assembly having at least one eccentrically weighted rotor configured to rotate about a pivot point to generate an oscillating vibratory force, wherein an oscillation centerline is defined transverse to the shaft axis and including the pivot point. The drill head assembly also includes a lower bearing coupled to the shaft on a first side of the oscillation centerline and an upper bearing coupled to the shaft on a second side of the oscillation centerline, the second side being opposite the first side. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100078221 | MODULAR ROTARY DRILL HEAD - A modular base assembly for a rotary drill head includes a drive flange assembly having a tubular drive shaft configured to engage at least a lower drive interface, a gear housing supporting the drive flange assembly, and a plurality of interchangeable gear pinions selectively coupled to the drive flange assembly. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100065335 | ARTICULATION ASSEMBLY FOR MOVING A DRILL MAST - A jib assembly for use with a drill rig includes a jib boom having a first end and a second end. The jib boom is to rotate about the first end and the second end is configured to be coupled to a mast assembly mount. The jib assembly also includes an articulation assembly having at least one variable length link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the variable length link is offset from the jib boom and the second end is configured to be pivotingly coupled to the mast assembly mount. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100059281 | EXTERNAL WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR ROCK DRILLS - An external water delivery system includes a water box front head, a collet configured to interface with the water box front head, a polymer sleeve configured to be positioned between the water box front head and the collet, a shank, and at least one seal positioned within the sleeve. The sleeve and seals are configured to provide a water chamber when coupled to the shank. An inner of the sleeve provides a bearing surface for the shank. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100059280 | FEED MECHANISM FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - A cartridge feed screw nut includes a body having a tubular threaded opening defined therein and having side portions. The side portions include a plurality of lateral surfaces and a plurality of end surfaces. The lateral surfaces and the end surfaces form a profile shaped to prevent rotation of the cartridge feed screw nut relative to a front washer cylinder through engagement between at least one of the lateral surfaces or the end surfaces with the front washer cylinder. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100012386 | DRILL BITS WITH ENCLOSED SLOTS - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012385 | DRILL BITS WITH ENCLOSED FLUID SLOTS - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012383 | HIGH PRODUCTIVITY CORE DRILLING SYSTEM - High productivity core drilling systems are described. The system includes 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. Accordingly, the drilling system significantly increases productivity and efficiency in core drilling operations by reducing the time required for the inner core barrel assembly to travel through the drill string. Other embodiments are also described. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012382 | DRILL BITS WITH INCREASED CROWN HEIGHT - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100012381 | DRILL BITS WITH NOTCHES AND ENCLOSED SLOTS - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100008738 | FIBER-CONTAINING SINTERED CUTTING TOOLS - Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100006344 | DRILL BITS WITH ENCLOSED FLUID SLOTS AND INTERNAL FLUTES - Core drill bits with long crown heights are described herein. The core drill bits have a series of slots or openings that are not located at the tip of the crown and are therefore enclosed in the body of the crown. The slots may be staggered and/or stepped throughout the crown. As the cutting portion of the drill bit erodes through normal use, the fluid/debris notches at the tip of the bit are eliminated. As the erosion progresses, the slots become exposed and then they function as fluid/debris ways. This configuration allows the crown height to be extended and lengthened without substantially reducing the structural integrity of the drill bit. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090297326 | SPRING-LOADED ROD HANDLING DEVICE - A rod handling device includes a pivot rod, first clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, a second clamp assembly pivotingly coupled to the pivot rod, and at least one locking assembly configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. While in the locked position the locking assembly prevents rotation between the first clamp assembly and the second clamp assembly. The rod handling device also includes a biasing member coupled to the pivot rod, the biasing member being configured to urge the locking assembly toward the locked position. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090294211 | NOISE REDUCING DEVICE FOR A PNEUMATIC TOOL - A noise reducing device includes a housing defining an expansion chamber therein and having a longitudinal axis along the length of the expansion chamber and a tool port in fluid communication with the expansion chamber, the tool port being oriented transversely relative to the longitudinal axis so as to cause fluid directed from the tool port to the expansion chamber to whirl about the expansion chamber. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090283329 | SONIC LATCH MECHANISM - A head assembly includes a body, a spearhead operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body, and at least one latch operatively associated with the spearhead and the body. The latch is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body. In an extended position, the latch covers more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283328 | REAMER WITH POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND COMPACT INSERTS - Reamers for use in core-sample drilling having PDC inserts and methods for using the reamers with PDC inserts are described. A reamer with PDC inserts may be used to maintain borehole diameters, reduce deviation, and/or stabilize drill strings used in core sample drilling. The PDC inserts may be of different sizes and shapes and may be arranged around the reamer in various ways. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283327 | JOINTED SPEARHEAD ASSEMBLY - A jointed spearhead assembly can include a base portion that is adapted to be connected to a down-hole object and a spearhead portion having a first end and a second. The second end includes a follower tab with a non-convex first follower interface. The spearhead portion can be pivotally coupled to the base portion. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283326 | SONIC DRILL BIT FOR CORE SAMPLING - A drill bit for core sampling includes a body having a central axis and first end having a tapered outer surface and a radius transverse to the central axis, and an insert having a cutting surface on the first end oriented at an axial angle relative to the radius to move material displaced during drilling away from the first end. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283284 | PNUEMATIC DRIFTER WITH REPLACEABLE FOOT PIECES - Pneumatic drifters containing a drifter cylinder with removable feet and associated methods for using the pneumatic drifters are described. The removable feet are connected to feet pad of a drifter cylinder with multiple fasteners. The mating surfaces of the feet and the feet pad are provided with complimentary features that limit the shearing forces on the fasteners during operation of the drifter rock drill. The removable feet can be replaced quickly and easily without have to replace the entire drifter cylinder, thereby saving time and reducing costs. Other embodiments are also described. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090277688 | SONIC WIRELINE DRY SLOUGH BARREL - Slough removal assemblies and methods for removing slough from boreholes are described. A slough removal assembly containing a slough barrel is lowered into a borehole having excess slough, driven into the slough to cause the slough to enter the slough barrel, and the slough removal assembly is then removed along with the excess slough. The slough removal assembly may contain a shoe coupled to the slough barrel and configured to be driven into the slough, a retainer positioned between the shoe and the slough barrel to retain slough inside of the slough barrel, and a driving mechanism (such as a drop hammer) to drive the slough assembly into the slough. The slough removal assembly may be coupled either to a wireline system or to a drill string for insertion into and removal from the borehole. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277308 | OPEN-FACED ROD SPINNER - An open-faced rod-spinning device configured for making and/or breaking joints between threaded drill rods. The rod-spinning device may include a drive gear with an open face. The drive gear may also be coupled to a plurality of drive pins. The rod-spinning device may include a carriage assembly including an open face for receiving and rotating about a drill rod. The carriage assembly may include a plurality of gripping lobes configured to be engaged and rotated by the drive pins about pivot pins. The drive gear may be configured to rotate relative to the carriage assembly to cause the drive pins to engage and rotate the gripping lobes. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090266615 | BI-STEEL PERCUSSIVE DRILL ROD - A drill rod includes a first end section, a mid-section, wherein the first end section and the mid-section are connected and wherein the first end section is manufactured using different steel than is used for the mid-section. Such a configuration can reduce the costs associated with forming a drill rod while maintaining the functionality of such a drill rod. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090260882 | BRAKING DEVICES AND METHODS FOR USE IN DRILLING OPERATIONS - A braking device for drilling operations in a borehole includes a brake retainer having a plurality of brake connector openings defined therein, a body member having a tapered surface having a first diameter and a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, at least one brake element positioned at least partially between the brake retainer and the body member and in communication with the tapered surface and at least one of the brake connector openings, and a bias member configured to exert a biasing force on the body member to move the body member toward the brake retainer to move the brake element from contact with the first diameter of the tapered surface toward contact with the second diameter. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090238663 | DRILL ROD HANDLER - According to one example of the invention, a drill rod handler includes a movable clamp. A position sensor system for the drill rod handler includes a level sensor that is configured to detect a position of the moveable clamp with respect to gravity. The position sensor system further includes a rotation sensor configured to detect a rotational position of the moveable clamp with respect to a defined axis that runs parallel to gravity. Furthermore, the position sensor system includes a control center that is communicably connected to the level sensor and the rotation sensor. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090173542 | VIBRATORY UNIT FOR DRILLING SYSTEMS - A down-the-hole vibratory unit for a drilling system includes a casing comprising a fluid inlet, and a plurality of eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies positioned at least partially within the casing and in fluid communication with the inlet, the eccentrically weighted rotor assemblies that are unbalanced relative to a central axis and are configured to rotate in response to a fluid flow directed thereto to apply centrifugal forces to the casing. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090127918 | VIBRATORY MILLING MACHINE HAVING LINEAR RECIPROCATING MOTION - A continuous mining method includes operating a vibratory milling machine having a milling head, a base, and a milling tool to oscillate the milling head in a substantially linear reciprocating fashion relative to the base to move the milling tool along a milling axis; and advancing the vibratory milling machine in a work piece in a cutting direction and wherein milling axis is oriented at an attack angle relative to the cutting direction, the attack angle being between about 0 and about 40 degrees. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090101412 | DRILL-STRING SHOCK ABSORBERS - Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for absorbing vibration and shock impulses created during drilling operations. In particular, implementations of the present invention include drill-string shock absorbers adapted to absorb longitudinal forces produced during a drilling operation. For example, drill-string shock absorbers in accordance with at least one implementation of the present invention include a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and a second end coupled together by a radially interlocking joint. Such a configuration can reduce mechanical failure and increase the operating life of the shock absorber by transmitting torsional forces directly between the ends of the housing and reducing stresses from being transferred to fastening means securing the first and second ends of the cylindrical housing together. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090092458 | SELF-DRILLING ANCHOR - An embodiment of the invention includes a self-drilling anchor. The self-drilling anchor includes a drill rod with a first end and a second end and a drill bit attached to the first end of the drill rod. The self-drilling anchor also includes an expansion shell located over the drill rod near the first end and adjacent to the drill bit and a rod sleeve located over the drill rod and adjacent to the expansion shell. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090090530 | NOISE ABATEMENT DEVICE FOR A PNEUMATIC TOOL - Noise-abatement devices are provided for a pneumatic tool that can include a housing having a first end and a second end. An expansion chamber is defined within the expansion chamber. At least one tube is located at least partially within the expansion chamber in which the tube has at least a perforated portion, and an outlet defined therein. The device also includes a port outlet in fluid communication with the expansion chamber in which the port outlet and the outlet are located near the second end of the housing. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090078469 | METHODS OF FORMING AND USING FIBER-CONTAINING DIAMOND-IMPREGNATED CUTTING TOOLS - Fibers for diamond-impregnated cutting tools and their associated methods for manufacture and use are described. A matrix is formed that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The matrix is then sintered to form a cutting portion of a drill bit. The type and concentration of the fibers can be modified to control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may be added to the cutting section to weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090072061 | CONTINUOUS VIBRATORY MILLING MACHINE - A vibratory milling machine has a vibratory housing confined to substantially linear reciprocating motion relative to a base, causing a tool carried by the housing to impact a mineral formation or other work piece substantially in a primary milling direction. The vibratory motion may be generated by two or more eccentrically-weighted rotors rotated by a common drive mechanism. The rotors may be arranged in pairs with the rotors of each pair rotating in opposite directions about parallel axes so that lateral oscillations cancel and longitudinal vibrations in the milling direction reinforce one another. In one embodiment, a hydrostatic fluid bearing is provided between the outer surface of each rotor and the housing. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090071724 | DRILLING SYSTEMS INCLUDING FIBER-CONTAINING DIAMOND-IMPREGNATED CUTTING TOOLS - Diamond-impregnated cutting tools including fibers and drilling systems incorporating such tools are described. The cutting tools contain a diamond-impregnated cutting portion that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The fibers may be used to both control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may also weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion. Using the fibers allows the cutting tools to last longer and make them safer and more economical because they need to be replaced less often. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090056931 | CLAMPING AND BREAKING DEVICE - A system for clamping and breaking threaded tubular members includes a clamping device configured to grip a threaded tubular member. The clamping device further includes a housing and a base mount associated with the housing. A breaking device can be provided to grip and rotate a threaded tubular member, the breaking device further including a housing and a base mount associated with the housing in which the base mount of clamping device and the base mount of the breaking device are configured to be mounted independently to at least one support structure. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20080314203 | PROCESS OF DRILL BIT MANUFACTURE - A method for making drill bits includes sequentially moving a plurality of drill bits through a belt furnace, and moving the drill bits to a cooling station using an automated device after the drill bits have moved through the belt furnace. A continuous process for making core drill bits may also include placing a drill bit on a belt of a belt furnace, transporting the drill bit through the furnace using the belt, removing the drill bit from the belt using an automated process, and cooling the drill bit. | 12-25-2008 |
