IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR BORING OR DRILLING IN STONE AND OTHER MATTERS
Year: 1877

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to James Ker Gulland, of the Westminster Palace Hotel,
Victoria Street, in the City of Westminster, Mechanical Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR BORING OR DRILLING IN
STONE AND OTHER MATTERS.”
Sealed the 26th February 1878, and dated the 20th December 1877.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said James Ker Gulland at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 20th December 1877.
JAMES KER GULLAND, of the Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street, in the
City of Westminster, Mechanical Engineer. " IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
BORING OR DRILLING IN STONE AND OTHER MATTERS."
The improvements relate, first, to means of applying the diamonds in the "crown"
or "boring bit," so that the same diamonds may at different times be used with
" crowns or "boring bits" of different sizes, and thereby the number of diamonds
required to be kept for use may be reduced.
In carrying out this part of the improvements the diamonds are individually set
in plugs or holders which I generally form of steel; I also aid the correct holding
of these plugs or holders in the "crown" or "bit" by means of solder, pins, or screws.
These plugs or holders are formed to fit into corresponding passages formed for
them in the directions desired in the operating ends of the "crowns or "boring
bits."
"
I also apply the diamonds in separate rings adapted to the size of the crown or
boring end of the tube required, and I set the diamonds by forcing them into taper
holes holes in such rings or in the plugs. The larger end of such holes or back of the
diamonds I fill in with solder or other suitable material.
These rings are
fixed to their crowns or the ends of the tubes by solder, screwing, or other-
wise.

page_text: The improvements relate, secondly, to forming the cross head which carries the
drill bar to swing upon one end of it. For this purpose the cross head is guided in
the vertical motion of the boring rod by a pair of pillars or parallel guides, one of
which is formed to admit of one end of the cross head turning upon it, whilst
the other is formed or provided with a guiding surface to near the upper and lower
part thereof for the traverse of the cross head, such guiding surface or surfaces being
adapted to receive a correspondingly formed end to the cross head. When the cross
head is raised either above or below such guiding surface or surfaces, the one end
of the cross head will be free of that pillar, whilst the other end of it may turn
on the other pillar, thus throwing the drill bar and cross head clear of the line of the
bore hole.
In some cases I apply a rotatory or other suitable engine on to the cross head,
together with a pump for the supply of water to the drill, such engine driving the
bars and pump direct or through gearing, and being capable of swinging clear of
the bore hole along with the cross head.
The improvements also relate to means for lifting or releasing the drill bars or
lining tubes from the bore hole. It is customary at present when great pressure is
required to be exerted for this purpose, to use one or more screw or hydraulic jacks,
but the use of these often causes breakages on account of the power being unequaly
applied. To obviate this I employ an hydraulic cylinder with an annular space
fitted with a corresponding piston ram or ring, the rods or lining tubes to be lifted
passing up through a hole in the cylinder. Clamps or wedges being used for
attaching the rods or tubes to the ram, pressure is then put on the ram by means of
a pump, and in this manner the tubes or rods are drawn up from the hole in a direct
line with their centres.
Another part of the improvements relates to means by which the adjustment of
the counterweight to the boring rods may be more readily varied to the varying
weight of them or pressure desired to be exerted in boring. For this purpose the
chain or band employed to support the drill rods, in place of being also connected
directly to the counterweight, is at the one end connected with and wound on to a
drum or pulley, the axle affixed to which is operated by a series of wheels working
together, but of different relative diameters and consequent speeds, so that a small
weight travelling at increased speed, attached by chain or band to a drum at the
end of the series acts as the counterbalance to the greater weight of the rods, and I
apply a brake and disengaging arrangement to retain the parts in position during
the shifting of the weight.
I also in some cases employ an hydraulic brake to regulate the speed of the drill.
For this purpose an excentric or a series of excentrics or such like means operate by
connecting rods, pistons, or cylinders, to which fluid has access through suitable
valves, whilst the outlet therefrom is regulated by valve or valves weighted
(with capability for adjustment) to the pressure or resistance desired to be
exerted.
"
Also according to another part of my improvements the "crown
or "bit"
carrying the diamond or other cutter is formed as, or part of, a turbine wheel, and
it is set in motion by the force of water sent down hollow or tubular rods, and this
water as it escapes also raises the debris as cut away, the hollow or tubular rods
conveying the water remaining at rest.
〃
In well boring and other cases where it may not be desirable to preserve
the core, I apply the diamond or other cutters above the cutting of the "crown
or "bit," and across the inside of it, so as to cut the core away during the
boring process, the core being reduced to such a state that it is washed to the
surface by the water which is forced down through the boring bars and up outside
them.
I also fit a boss or sleeve on to the one pillar on which the cross head turns, and
on this boss I place a wheel, having teeth which gear into another wheel on the
drill bar, and also into a similar wheel on a driving shaft, whose axis lies parallel to

page_text: that of such pillar; the wheel on this shaft acts by a feather, so that the cross head
and gearing are free to slide up and down, whilst the cross head and drill bar are
free to swing clear of the centre line of the bore hole; when its other end is clear
of the guiding surface on the other pillar, the last-named pillar is arranged to be
easily removed, and allow of access to the bore hole.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said James Ker Gulland in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 20th
June 1878.
JAMES KER GULLAND, of the Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street, in tho
City of Westminster, Mechanical Engineer. "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR
BORING OR DRILLING IN STONE AND OTHER MATTERS."
The improvements relate, first, to means of applying the diamonds in the "crown"
or "boring bit," so that the same diamonds may at different times be used with
cc crowns or "boring bits" of different sizes, and thereby the number of diamonds
required to be kept for use may be reduced.
"
In carrying out this part of the improvements the diamonds are individually set
in plugs or holders, which I generally form of steel; I also aid the correct holding
of these plugs or holders in the " crown or "bit" by means of solder, pins, or
screws. These plugs or holders are formed to fit into corresponding passages formed
for them in the directions desired in the operating ends of the " crowns or "boring
bits."
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Drawings accompanying this Specification represent
sections of crowns or crown rings of boring bits, with several arrangements applied
thereto, according to this part of the Invention. In each of these Figures a repre-
sents the diamonds, and each diamond is set in a separate plug or holder b, which, as
already stated, I generally form of steel. In Figures 1 and 2 the one end of each
of the plugs b is reduced somewhat in diameter, as at b', the object of which is that
when such plugs have been driven into the holes formed for them in the ring of the
crown," the metal of such ring may then be hammered down around such part 6¹
to assist in the better holding of such plugs against the strain put upon them in
working. In these Figures the transverse and angular holes c, c¹, in the "crown
are formed to facilitate access to the inner ends of these plugs for their removal by
the action of suitable punches or "drifts," when required.
"
crown
"
"
I also apply the diamonds in separate rings, adapted to the size of the "
or boring end of the tube required, and I set the plugs or holders of the diamonds
by forcing them into taper holes in such rings. The larger end of such holes or back
of the plugs or holders for the diamonds I fill in with solder 63 or other suitable

page_text: material. These rings are fixed to their "crowns" or the ends of the tubes by
solder, screwing, or otherwise.
"
Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 show the "crown" formed in three separate rings, and each
ring set with separate diamonds, & representing the section of one ring or part
crown," e another, and f another ring or part "crown." In each of these illustra-
tions the middle ring or part "crown e is formed with a screw thread at the part e¹
thereof, by which it may be screwed tightly into the end of the "core tube" g, which
is formed to receive such part e, and it will be seen that by the shoulders e³, e³, of
the ring e acting on the corresponding projections d, f, to the rings & and f, the
ringe becomes the means of retaining the rings d and fin correct relative position
on the "core tube," but the means of holding of the part rings may be varied.
The diamonds to the "crown," Figure 5, are shown set immediately in the res-
pective rings. In Figures 3 and 4 they are set in plugs or holders b of an inclined
or conical form, and are placed in correspondingly formed holes in the respective
rings, and they are there held steadily by soldering or otherwise.
The improvements relate, secondly, to forming the cross head which carries the
drill bar, so that such cross head may swing upon one of its ends. An arrangement
of parts, according to this second head of the Invention, is represented by Figure 6.
In this Figure h represents the cross head, and it will be seen that this cross head is
guided in the vertical motion of the boring rod by a pair of pillars or parallel
guides i, j, one of which pillars or guides i is formed to admit of one end of the
cross head turning upon it, whilst the other pillar or guide j is formed or provided
with a guiding surface j' to near the upper and lower, or other suitable part thereof,
for the traverse of the cross head h, such guiding surface or surfaces being adapted
to receive the correspondingly formed end h¹ to the cross head h. When the cross
head his raised either above or below such guiding surface or surfaces (as opposite
a part), the end ¹ of the cross head h will be free of that pillar j, whilst the other
end h of it may turn on the other pillar i to facilitate, when required, the throwing
of the drill bark and cross head clear of the line of the bore hole. Motion is
given, as shown, to the drill bar k in the following manner :-k' is a shaft supported
in suitable bearings, and having rotary motion given to it from a steam engine or
other suitable power. On this shaft k¹ is applied the bevilled toothed wheel k², the
teeth of which take into the teeth of the bevilled toothed wheel ³, affixed on tho
shaft, and this shaft * is supported to turn freely in stationary bearings, and it is
formed with a groove to receive a corresponding feather applied in the boss of
the tooth wheel ke, so as to cause that wheel to rotate with the shaft in its
rotation, and yet admit of the wheel being moved along the shaft as that wheel
is caused to move vertically with the wheel k7, by the flanges of the wheel
embracing the teeth of the wheel k".
The wheel k simply rotates on the guide i, and is supported to traverse with the
cross head h, whilst its teeth also take into the teeth of the wheel applied on the
socket or supporting piece of the drill bar k. The socket piece 4° is supported, so
as to be capable of revolving freely in the part h*, *, of the cross head h. The pro-
longation of the tubular drill bar k is connected with the part 1 by stuffing box,
so as to admit of the part freely revolving in the cross head, and this pro-
longation 10 is for the purpose of conducting water by the drill rods to the drill,
and for the clearance of the bore hole.
Figure 7 shows, by front view, and Figure 8, by side view, a modification of this
arrangement, by which, in place of the shaft being separate from the pillar i, it is
formed hollow, as a boss or sleeve, to enclose the pillar i.
Figures 9 and 9a represent respectively a sectional plan view and a plan view of
the cross head and parts immediately connected therewith. On the hollow shaft
I apply the wheel, which is formed with feathers to ride in corresponding
grooves formed longitudinally in this hollow shaft kt.
In some cases I apply a rotatory or other suitable engine to the cross head together
with a pump for the supply of water to the drill, such engine or engines driving the

page_text: bars and pump direct or through gearing, and being capable of swinging clear of
the bore hole along with the cross head.
Figure 11 shows a side view, Figure 12 a front view, Figure 13 a plan view, and
Figure 14 a sectional plan view of an arrangement of apparatus with steam engine
cylinders applied to a swinging cross head. As shown, there are three horizontal
cylinders working to produce rotary motion to the drill shaft k.
m is the pump
driven by an eccentric m², or it may be a crank on the upper part of the rod k, for
forcing water down the "core tube or drill shaft k, to effect, or aid in effecting, the
clearance of the loose matter or debris formed by the cutters. is a pipe for con-
veying steam from a steam boiler to the engines l, and m² is a pipe for the supply
of water to the bore rod through the pump m.
The improvements also relate to means for lifting or releasing the drill bars or
lining tubes from the bore hole. It is customary at present, when great pressure is
required to be exerted for this purpose, to use one or more screw or hydraulic jacks,
but the use of these often causes breakages, on account of the power of them being
unequally applied. To obviate this, I employ an hydraulic cylinder with an annular
space, fitted with a corresponding piston, ram, or ring, the rods or lining tubes to be
lifted passing up through a hole in the cylinder; clamps or wedges being used for
attaching the rods or tubes to the ram, pressure is then put on the ram by means of
a pump, and in this manner the tubes or rods are drawn up from the hole in a
direct line with their centres.
Figure 15 shows, by sectional view, and Figure 16, by plan view, an arrangement
of apparatus according to this part of the Invention. k represents the upper of the
series of lengths of boring rods, or it may be a portion of a lining tube. n represents
the hydraulic cylinder with its annular space n¹, and this space n¹ is fitted with a
correspondingly formed cylindrical piston or ramo which is packed at its lower
surface o¹, and at its upper surface is, by clamps o' and wedges o³ or other suitable
means, made fast, when required, to the drill rod k, in order that such rod or tube
may be readily lifted when hydraulic power is applied. The liquid for this purpose
is forced, by suitable pumping apparatus, through the pipe n² to the annular space n¹
under the piston or ram o.
Another part of the improvements relates to means by which the adjustment of
the counterweight to the boring rods may be more readily varied to the varying
weight of them, or the amount of pressure desired to be exerted in boring.
An arrangement of parts adapted to carrying out this part of the Invention is
shown applied by front view, Figure 7, by side view, Figure 8, and plan view,
Figure 17. In these views p represents the framing of the apparatus; k, the drill
or boring rods to be counterweighted; r, the counterweight employed; and s is the
chain or band for supporting the drill rods during working. It will however be
seen that the chains or bands & employed to support the drill rods are connected at
one end, by elastic connection to the frame p, that these chains or bands thence
pass under pulleys 8 carried by the cross head h, and up over the pulleys 87 carried
by the main framing, and, according to this part of the Invention, in place of being
connected directly to the counterweight rare conducted from the guide pulleys 87
on to drums or pulleys 81, and that the axle of these drums s¹ is operated by wheels
83, 83, working together, but of different relative diameters and consequent speeds,
so that a small weight r, travelling at increased speed attached by chain or band 71
to a drum on the axis of the wheel 83, acts as a counterbalance to the greater
weight of the rods; I apply a brake 8 and disengaging arrangement to retain the
parts in position during the shifting of the weight. indicates the chain or band
for effecting the hoisting of the drill rods or boring bars, by one end of such chain
being connected to the drill rods, and the other end of it being affixed to the drum
Ns of the hoisting tackle.
Motion is given to the various parts, according to the arrangement shown, from a
steam engine or other suitable power acting by a band or strap on the drum or
pulley A applied to the main shaft or axis B, which is supported to revolve freely

page_text: in suitable bearings carried by the main framing p. On the axis B are applied the
three pinions C, D, and E, each of which is formed with a clutch connection, so that
either may by its clutch connection be so connected to the shaft B as to be
controlled to rotate with it, as is well understood. These pinions C, D, and E, are
of diameters differing each from the others, and their teeth gear with the teeth of
other wheels C³, D¹, E¹, of correspondingly different diameters applied on the shaft F,
so that the speed of such shaft F may be readily varied without varying the speed
of the shaft B, and if desired, other numbers of such gearing wheels of other varying
relative dimensions may be adopted, as may be found desirable, in giving the
required motions to the different parts for the differing circumstances that may
arise. A pair of bevilled tooth wheels G, G, is applied on and with capability of
separate clutch connection with the shaft F, so as to bring the teeth of either one
or other of them into working gear with the teeth of the bevilled wheel H affixed
on the shaft or axis k', and yet, by feather or other suitable means, of causing the
rotation of such wheels, and consequent rotation of the shaft in the direction
desired.
The drums or pullies s' are affixed to the shaft or axis I, which is supported so as
to be capable of freely revolving in bearings carried by the main framing p, and is
provided with a loose toothed wheel J capable of clutch connection with it, and the
teeth of this tooth wheel J are taken into by the screw thread K formed on or
applied to the axle k¹, by which it may, when required, receive motion from that
axle or shaft k¹. Upon the shaft I is also affixed the toothed wheel 8, the teeth of
which take into the teeth of the pinion 3 on the shaft or axis L, which is supported
to revolve freely in bearings carried by the main framing, and on this shaft or axis
L is affixed the drum and the brake wheels M and s; the drum 2 receives one
end of the band or chain r¹, which passes over a pair of guide pullies ³, and is
thence connected to the comparatively small weight r, acting as the counterbalance
weight to the drill bars. N indicates another pinion on the shaft F, the teeth of
which take into the teeth of a wheel N' affixed on the axis N2, which is supported
to revolve in the bearings carried by the main framing, and has applied to it the
drum N³ to receive and operate one end of the chain or band 2, the other end of
which is connected to the series of drill rods for use, when it may be desired to hoist
them.
Figures 18 and 19 represent a side view and a front view, each partly in section,
respectively of a slight modification of this part of the Invention, by the same chain
or band employed to regulate the weight of the boring roda being, when
disconnected from the cross head and connected to the boring rods, capable of being
used for the purpose of hoisting such rods. The same letters are employed in
these as in the previously described Figures to illustrate the same parts.
I also in some cases employ an hydraulic brake to regulate the speed of cutting
by the drill. For this purpose an eccentric, or a series of eccentrics, or such like
means, operate by connecting rods the pistons of the cylinders, to which fluid has
access through suitable valves, whilst the outlet therefrom is regulated by valve or
valves, weighted (with capability for adjustment) to the pressure or resistance
desired to be exerted in lieu of employing balance weights for that purpose.
Figure 20 represents by sectional side view an arrangement of apparatus with
three cylinders t, operating by their connecting rods t' on the cranks u, which are
formed at angles to each other on the shafts u³, and the frictional pressure exerted
by the water or other liquid acting on the pistons in these cylinders, controlled by
the pressure of the valve, or a series of valves, in the valve box v, regulates the
frictional pressure on the shaft u' for the feed of the drill rods, and consequent
speed of action of the cutters, Figure 21 is a transverse sectional view of Figure 20;
and Figures 22 and 23 shew a plan view and a side view, both in section, of a
modification of this part of the Invention, in which all three cylinders act by their
connecting rods on the same crank.
"
Also, according to another part of my improvements, the " Crown or "bit"

page_text: carrying the diamonds or other cutters is formed as or is part of a turbine wheel or
water-power engine, and it is set in motion by the force of water sent down the
hollow or tubular rods, and this water as it escapes also raises the debris as cut
away, the hollow or tubular rods conveying the water remaining at rest.
This part of the Invention is represented by vertical sectional views, Figures 24
and 24; and by cross section, Figure 25. windicates the " crown" carrying the
diamonds w; and w² is the bit or portion of tubing carrying the "crown พ. The
upper end of this tube w³ is connected to, yet so as to turn on, the portion of tube w³,
which though capable of longitudinal motion with the cutter tube w³ does not
revolve with it. This portion of tubing ws is affixed to the hollow rod w, and it
contains the turbine wheel or water engine w³, affixed on the axis w. The motion
to this turbine wheel or water engine for the motion of the cutters is effected by a
current of water or other liquid under pressure being caused to flow through the
tube w*, and the motion thus given to the turbine wheel is by means of the pinion w
on the axis w thereof transferred to the wheel w³, carried by the short shaft w³, and
the teeth of this wheel we take into teeth formed on or applied to the interior of
the tube w² to give the desired rotatory motion thereto. The water after passing
through the water engine w acts on the debris produced by the boring to wash it
upwards, and thereby at once cleanse the bore and aid in keeping the cutters cool.
w10 indicates the core obtained by the action of the cutters w¹; whilst the dotted
lines windicate the bore hole produced.
In some cases I form the crown was shewn on a larger scale by plan view,
Figure 26, and section, Figure 27, when the diamonds or other cutters w¹ are
applied above the cutting edge of the "
"
crown or "bit," and across the inside of it,
so as to cut the core away during the boring process, the core being thereby reduced
to such a state as to be readily washed to the surface by the water, which is forced
down through the turbine or water engine and up outside the tube w³.
Having thus described my Invention, and means which I adopt in carrying the
same into effect, I would have it understood that I do not confine myself to the
precise arrangements of parts as shewn and described, as the same may be varied
without departing from the peculiar character of the Invention; but what I do
claim as my improvements in apparatus for boring or drilling in stone and other
matters is,―
First. The application of the cutting diamonds in plugs or holders so that the
same may be readily interchangeable for use in "
"
crowns or boring bits of the same
or different sizes, substantially as described.
"
Also, I claim the arranging or combining parts forming the
"
crowns by the
use of separate rings provided with diamonds or other cutters, substantially as
described.
Secondly. I claim the arranging or combining parts whereby the cross head
employed in such apparatus may be capable of readily turning on one of the
guiding pillars, so that such cross head may be turned clear of the bore hole.
Also, I claim the method of giving rotary motion to the drill rods when using a
cross head turning on one of its ends, as described in respect of Figures 6, 7, 8, 9
and 9a.
Also, I claim the arranging or combining hydraulic apparatus for lifting or
releasing drill bars or lining tubes, substantially as described."
Also, I claim the arranging or combining parts operating with the counterweight,
substantially as described in respect of Figures 7, 8, 17, 18, and 19.
Also, I claim the arranging or combining parts forming an hydraulic brake to
operate substantially as described.
Also, I claim the arranging or combining parts whereby the pressure of a stream
of water in acting on a turbine or other water engine effects the desired rotation of
the " crown and portion of "core tube" immediately connected thereto without
necessarily causing the rotation of other of the boring bars or tubes, whilst the
"

page_text: water after acting on the engines serves to clear the bore hole, substantially as
described.
In witness whereof, I, the said James Ker Gulland, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Nineteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-eight.
Witness,
ALFRED GEORGE BROOKES,
37, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane,
London.
J. K. GULLAND. (L.S.)