Patent ID: 7665549

Claim:
A fluid channeling device for a down-hole drill assembly, the drill assembly having a central axis, being advanceable into a hole in a downward direction along the axis, and including at least one drill member, the drill member having an inner circumferential surface bounding a central bore and an outer circumferential surface, the fluid channeling device comprising: at least one passage provided within the drill member so as to extend generally between the drill member inner and outer surfaces; and a generally annular channeling member disposeable about a portion of the drill member and having at least one inlet port, at least one discharge port, and a passage extending between the inlet and discharge ports, the inlet port being fluidly connectable with the drill member passage so as to fluidly couple the central bore with the discharge port, the discharge port being configured to direct fluid generally externally of the drill assembly and generally in an upward direction along the axis.