Abstract: One or more balanced gas lift valves mounted on an oil production tube deep in a well are responsive to a remote valve control transmitter at the surface for controlling the ejection of a fluid, as a gas for example, into the production tube of oil for decreasing the specific gravity for lifting the oil and for increased production of the oil. This electronic remote controlled gas lift has fluid vent means therein for equalizing the fluid pressure on all sides and both ends thereof for reducing resistance to movement for thus requiring minimum energy for operation thereof, and for providing a highly efficient gas lift system for lifting oil in the well.

Abstract: Method for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The basic method comprises (1) attaching a helical spring sand screen to the lower end of a production tube for being lowered into a well to the liquid level for producing sand-free liquid from the production tube, (2) mounting a spring biased valve means on the production tube, (3) providing valve means for the production tube for controlling the outlet thereof, and (4) connecting a source of high pressure liquid to the spring biased valve means for storing energy in its spring, for expanding its helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into its helical spring sand screen for expansion and cleaning thereof.

Abstract: A method for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand filter and a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The filter comprises a helical spring connected in tension at each end to an elongated perforated sleeve for spacing apart all convolutions by a predetermined distance for forming the filter. One or more washer shaped cleaning rings with square holes therein are mounted between adjacent convolutions at one end of the spring for being rotated by a square ended rod supported by a sucker rod in a well between all of the convolutions to the spring other end for scraping off all foreign material from between the convolutions. The spring sand filter can be cleaned for as many times as there are cleaning rings instead of making trips to the surface for unclogging.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen deep in a well while filtering liquid comprises (1) injecting a high pressure hydraulic surge pulse into the spring screen for expanding the coils, (2) forcing high pressure liquid between the coils of the helical spring screen simultaneously with expanding of the coils for washing the sand from between the coils, and (3) forcing the coils together following their expansion by expanding action of a second spring for crushing and dislodging any sand therebetween the coils for removal upon subsequent spreading of the coils. A second method is disclosed likewise. Thus the methods provide for the spring coils being cleaned for a multiplicity of times without having to shut the well in for workover, thus saving workover costs and lost production.

Abstract: A method for equalizing the steam quality in a plurality of branch lines of a high pressure steam pipeline, as a tee joint comprises dividing the flow of steam entering the tee joint into the two branch lines with a perforated baffle plate rotatable in response to a steam quality determining means in each branch line. A steam manifold distribution system is disclosed including a mechanism for retracting a perforated baffle plate into a pressure equalizer chamber for removal, repair, or replacement of the baffle plate. The pressure equalizer chamber may be positioned on and fixedly attached to the tee joint in the field in any position between co-axial with one of the branch lines of the tee joint and perpendicular thereto. A new method for assembly of a steam manifold distribution system is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: A method for viewing by the driver of the blind area on a vehicle side opposite the driver comprises (1) viewing through a pivotally mounted mirror focused on a first line extending outwardly from the vehicle side opposite the driver normal to the vehicle longitudinal axis, and (2) viewing through the mirror as it is pivoted rearwardly through at least 35.degree. for covering the blind area prior to making the turn in the direction of the vehicle opposite side. A few external remote control mirrors and a method for forming a mirror assembly for the side of a vehicle opposite to the driver's side for viewing by the driver of the total blind area on that side are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The sand screen comprises a hydraulically actuated, spring based spool valve connected to the upper end of the sand screen for receiving liquid under high pressure, for storing energy in the spring, for expanding the helical spring sand screen, and for ejecting liquid into the helical spring sand screen for cleaning thereof. Then upon ceasing of flow of the high pressure liquid, the stored energy in another spring contracts the helical spring sand screen for restorating production of sand-free oil from the production tube. A second modification is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for lifting oil from the bottom of a well comprises, (1) injecting a fluid of less specific gravity into the well with a fluid flow control valve, and (2) equalizing the fluid pressure on all sides thereof for making the fluid flow control valve balanced and frictionless as the fluid of less specific gravity is ejected thus requiring a minimum of energy for operation thereof for providing a highly efficient lifting of the oil in the well.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand filter, methods for assembling a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter, and a self-cleaning helical spring sand filter for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are disclosed. The filter comprises a helical spring connected in tension at each end to an elongated perforated sleeve for spacing apart all convolutions by a predetermined distance for forming the filter. One or more washer shaped cleaning rings with square holes therein are mounted between adjacent convolutions at one end of the spring for being rotated by a square ended rod supported by a sucker rod in a well between all of the convolutions to the spring other end for scraping off all foreign material from between the convolutions. The spring sand filter can be cleaned for as many times as there are cleaning rings instead of making trips to the surface for unclogging.

Abstract: A new circuit is added to an electrical circuit including two electrodes underwater positioned very close to an air gun gaseous exhaust wherein the exhaust from the firing air gun momentarily blows away the conductive sea water from one or both of the electrodes to produce a high voltage pulse due to the large increase in resistance in the circuit indicating the precise moment of firing of the air gun free of any uncertainty and mechanical noise which normally affects conventional transducers.This new circuit added to the above circuit is a circuit polarity reversing circuit which includes particularly a positive current generator, a negative current generator, and a sea ground for forming a third electron source when any of the two electrodes becomes defective, thus forming a fail-safe system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen that has become clogged up while filtering liquid deep in a well and while simultaneously producing filtered liquid from the well comprises (1) positioning a cleaning washer with a large opening therein between two coils at one end of the helical spring screen, and (2) rotating the cleaning washer with a rotatable rod of a smaller circumference between all of the coils to the other end of the spring screen for cleaning all foreign material from between the coils of the spring screen, and for simultaneously producing filtered liquid through the cleaning washer large opening while sliding over the rod from one end to the other. A method for forming or assembling a self-cleaning helical screen and two modifications of a new and improved self-cleaning helical spring screen are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning sand from a helical spring sand screen for use at the petroliferous unconsolidated sand strata of an oil well are the basic steps: (1) ceasing flow from the production tube, (2) injecting high pressure liquid into a reciprocal valve means for expanding the helical spring sand screen, and (3) injecting more high pressure liquid into the helical spring sand screen for cleaning thereof. Then upon ceasing of flow of the high pressure liquid, the stored energy in another spring contracts the helical spring sand screen for restoring production of sand-free oil from the production tube. A second modification is disclosed.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas such as air to a zone of spent catalyst in a regenerator for the purpose of combusting air with the spent catalyst in order to rejuvenate the catalyst. A header support assembly is adapted for mounting in a regenerator which receives the spent catalyst. A hollow header ring is mounted onto the header support assembly and includes a plurality of openings each having a nozzle mounted therein. Air is supplied to the header support assembly and thus to the hollow header ring at a pressure sufficiently high to effect a maximum desired pressure differential between header pressure and pressure in the zone of spent catalyst to cause maximum uniform air distribution. The nozzles mounted in the openings in the header ring decrease air velocity between nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet in order to provide for maximum uniform air distribution without destruction of the catalyst.

Abstract: Three methods for forming three different, double acting, self-contained swages for joining two small diameter tubes are disclosed. Likewise three double acting small diameter (31/2 inch) combination hydraulic-mechanical swages assembled by the methods are disclosed using hinge arms with indentation tips thereon for deforming and connecting together two small (less than 7 inches or 17.78 centimeters diameter) telescopic tubes for casing repair or a flow line connection, for example. Two of the modifications have links connected to the swaging arms so that with increased pivotal movement of the arm and link, a gain results in the mechanical advantage and indentation force.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the minimum pullout strength of a ground anchor for an oil well derrick or other towers (as an antenna) guy line comprises an open ended cylinder connected to an anchor line, a piston positioned in the cylinder having a piston connecting rod extending out of the cylinder open end and connected to a winch, a compression spring around the connecting rod for damping outward movement of the piston from the cylinder, and a shear pin protruding through both the cylinder and the piston so that while applying an increasing load to the piston connecting rod, if the anchor does not move prior to breaking of the shear pin, a safe, satisfactory, and reliable anchor is indicated. A method for forming an anchor pullout test apparatus and a method for testing the pullout strength of an anchor are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for assembling an ignition system for in situ combustion operation to recover petroleum from a well in a subterranean reservoir, and an ignition system for an elongated combustion chamber suspended from a hollow electrical cable and which cable supplies both electrical means and fuel gas to the chamber. Air inlet ducts in the walls of the air inlet cylinder receive air from the annular space between the hollow cable and the wellbore tubing. An electrical ignitor is temporarily energized automatically or responsive to a thermocouple detecting no burning in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignitor is responsive to the thermocouple detecting burning in the combustion chamber for extinguishing the ignitor. The thermocouple is thus responsive to a flameout for re-energizing the ignitor either manually or automatically such that burner operation is interrupted only momentarily.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen that has become clogged up while filtering liquid deep in a well and while simultaneously producing filtered liquid from the well comprises (1) positioning a cleaning washer with a large opening therein between two coils at one end of the helical spring screen, and (2) rotating the cleaning washer with a rotatable rod of a smaller circumference between all of the coils to the other end of the spring screen for cleaning all foreign material from between the coils of the spring screen, and for simultaneously producing filtered liquid through the cleaning washer large opening while sliding over the rod from one end to the other. A method for forming or assembling a self-cleaning helical screen and two modifications of a new and improved self-cleaning helical spring screen are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a helical spring screen deep in a well while filtering liquid comprises (1) injecting a high pressure hydraulic surge pulse into the spring screen for expanding the coils, (2) forcing high pressure liquid between the coils of the helical spring screen simultaneously with expanding of the coils for washing the sand from between the coils, and (3) forcing the coils together following their expansion by expanding action of a second spring for crushing and dislodging any sand therebetween the coils for removal upon subsequent spreading of the coils. A second method is disclosed likewise. Methods for forming a self-cleaning helical spring screen and two modifications of a helical spring screen are disclosed herein for being cleaned for a multiplicity of times without having to shut the well in for workover, thus saving workover costs and lost production.

Abstract: The basic bubble cap assembly for sealing a hole in a tray deck for example, comprises an inner tubular sleeve having a lower flanged end telescopic with the inner surface of a tubular riser having a lower flanged end, and gasket means for sealing the lower flanged ends of both the telescopic tubular riser and the inner tubular sleeve to the upper and lower peripheral surfaces around the hole for providing a double seal between the tray deck and the bubble cap assembly, for minimizing leakage, and for assuring proper alignment of the bubble cap assembly relative to the tray deck. Three modifications are disclosed. One comprises a spider secured on the lower end of the hold-down stud for placing it in tension for compressing the two sealing gasket means. A second embodiment comprises a hold-down stud lower end fastened to a cross bar which is welded to the internal surfaces of the inner tubular sleeve.

Abstract: .[.A method and at least one mechanism for carrying out the method is disclosed. A method of (1) generating time modulated torque pulses by engaging and disengaging a mud turbine driven rotating torque generator in the bottom of a wellbore, and (2) monitoring the top of the drill string for the torque pulses therein may be practiced by a mud driven turbine inertial wheel for being momentarily and precisely braked or decelerated relative to a drill collar on the lower end of a drill string in a wellbore while drilling for generating the time modulated torque pulses in the drill string for being monitored at the surface. Mechanical, electrical, and fluid operated brakes and a mud turbine driven motor are disclosed for providing power to a motor at the bottom of the drill string or for being intermittently braked rapidly for generating the torque pulses..]. .Iadd.Methods and apparatuses for driving a means, as a power generator in a drill string while drilling, in a well are disclosed.