Method and apparatus for concentrated energy drilling, core drilling, automated mining and tunneling

Abstract

A system, method, and apparatus for creating core samples, including a core bit; and a high-energy source disposed at a perimeter of the cutting head. That system, method, and apparatus allows removing much less material using much less energy than the current state of the art. A reason for this is that prior attempts tried to accomplish this via drilling just from the surface with a very large device or to send down hole a very large device. This invention makes it feasible to send high energy down hole is a relatively tiny device such as an optical fiber with a laser beam to cut the peripheral part of the hole to remove an intact center core or to bore a very small hole without a center core. With this invention it is feasible to drill a very small hole such as 0.25 inches diameter hundreds of feet through rock, or a 4 inch hole with less than 0.5 inch outer part of the hole being destroyed leaving a core in the center than can be removed. This invention has many more capabilities beyond these.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to provisional application: Ser. No. 63 / 034,408 filed Jun. 4, 2020, entitled “A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONCENTRATED ENERGY DRILLING, CORE DRILLING, AUTOMATED MINING AND TUNNELING” the disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entireties. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY[0002]The disclosure relates generally to the field of drilling, core drilling, and mining.BACKGROUND[0003]There are many ways to drill or bore through material. Currently core drilling of rock, concrete, etc. is done via diamond core drills, which are hollow pipes, studded with diamonds that leave a “core” inside the pipe. Diamond core...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an apparatus and method for creating core samples from materials in a borehole. The apparatus uses concentrated energy beams, such as lasers, to remove material on the periphery of the borehole without needing to use mechanical force. This reduces damage to the materials and energy requirements. The method also includes a way to protect the exit point of the energy beams from damage caused by debris or vapors. The apparatus and method can be used in drilling and construction projects.

Problems solved by technology

Diamond core drilling of rock as used to explore for ore bodies or for geologic knowledge is generally the slowest form of drilling.

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