Abstract: A ram assembly for positioning in opposed cavities in a body of a blowout preventer having a vertical bore includes a first ram and a second ram. The first and second rams are movable in the cavities along a central guideway axis and between an open position to permit passage of a tubular member through the bore and a closed position to shear the tubular member. A first and a second shear member are mounted on the first and second rams, respectively. Each shear member has a pair of shearing portions disposed on opposite sides of a blade axis. Each shearing portion has a first cutting edge inclined to the blade axis at a first angle and a second cutting edge inclined to the first cutting edge at a second angle. The cutting edges are arranged to shear the tubular member, and the first and second angles are related such that the tubular member is constrained between the shearing portions as the cutting edges shear the tubular member.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connection includes a box member and a pin member. The box member has multiple internal, generally dovetail-shaped threads, each with stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. The pin member also has multiple external, generally dovetail-shaped threads, each with stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. The internal threads of the box member each increase in width in one direction, while the external threads of the pin member increase in width in the other direction so that the complementary flanks of the respective threads move into engagement upon make-up of the connection.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connection is disclosed that includes a box member and a pin member. The box member has a tapered, internal, generally dovetail-shaped thread incorporated in a two-step wedge configuration such that there exists a smaller step and a larger step each with stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. The internal thread has a beginning and an end and increases in width in one direction. The pin member also has a tapered, external, generally dovetail-shaped thread incorporated in a two-step wedge configuration such that there exists a smaller step and a larger step each with stab flanks load flanks, roots, and crests.

Abstract: A positive-displacement pump includes multiple pumping elements, each pumping element having a pressure vessel with a first and a second chamber and a separating member disposed between the first and second chambers. The first chambers and the second chambers are hydraulically connected to receive and discharge fluid, wherein the separating members move within the pressure vessels in response to pressure differential between the first and second chambers. A valve assembly having suction and discharge valves communicates with the first chambers. The suction and discharge valves are operable to permit fluid to alternately flow into and out of the first chambers. A hydraulic drive alternately supplies hydraulic fluid to and withdraws hydraulic fluid from the second chambers such that the fluid discharged from the first chambers is free of pulsation.

Abstract: The curing of a resin in a continuous manufacturing process is monitored by a sensor which measures the surface thermal energy of the resin. The surface thermal energy is measured without physically touching the resin. The surface thermal energy measurements are processed and sent to an automatic controller. The controller adjusts either the speed of the resin or the heat applied to the resin or both in order to optimize the curing process.

Abstract: A pressure balanced connector is provided for connecting a choke and kill line to a subsea wellhead. The connector bears the separation forces applied by the line pressure with a pressure balancing chamber that is in constant fluid communication with the choke and kill line. The forces applied on the pressure balancing chamber hold a latching mechanism for the connector in place on the wellhead. The latching mechanism does not require precise positioning with the wellhead to make the connection.

Abstract: A stress reduction groove for tubular connections which relates to a threaded pipe connection, and includes a box member, a pin member, and a continuous groove formed in the thread of one of the members. The box member has a tapered, internal, generally dovetail-shaped thread with stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. The internal thread has a beginning and an end and increases in width in one direction. The pin member also has a tapered, external, generally dovetail-shaped thread with stab flanks load flanks, roots, and crests. The external thread increases in width in the other direction so that the complementary flanks of the respective threads move into engagement during rotational make-up of the connection and form sealing surfaces that resist the flow of fluids between the threads upon rotational make-up of the connection. A section of one of the internal and external threads has the continuous groove formed in the roots thereof.

Abstract: A seal system for sealing between a pair of members is provided wherein a pair of substantially aligned walls on inner faces of the members have internal frustoconical portions. A metal ring includes a pair of lips with external frustoconical portions which sealingly engage the internal frustoconical portions. The metal ring includes at least one convolution between the lips. The convolution permits axial extension of the metal ring upon application of external pressure to the ring.

Abstract: A blowout preventer control system has been developed with a pod with features which include a retractable internal stab with fixed internal hydraulic connection lines to the blowout preventer. The hydraulic connection lines are connected by pressure activated packer seals. The stab also has an electrical connector to the blowout preventer which uses a guide which proper aligns the pins of the connector without any rotation. The piping of the control system uses an adjustable length type tubing to reduce the binding on the pipe. A lost motion float is used reduce the loading on the connection bolts of the system. The entire system is enclosed with plates with keep the expended hydraulic fluid in contact with the internal mechanisms. The transducers and seal subs are located for easy accessibility with no disruption of the surrounding elements of the system.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for connecting and disconnecting aligned hubs of a first and a second pressure vessel is provided. The clamping assembly includes a pair of clamp segments and at least one cam in operable engagement with the clamp segments. The clamp segments are movable between a closed position to engage the hubs and an open position to disengage from the hubs. The movement of the clamp segments from the closed position to the open position operates the cam to separate the hubs.

Abstract: A combination of a rubber or other elastomer part and a plastic or metal part is bonded by both chemical and mechanical means. The mechanical means is in the form of molded rivets integrally manufactured in the molding process as part of the elastomer. Appropriate mating holes are made in the plastic or metal parts to receive the rivets during the molding process or at least before the rivets are cured. Conventional chemical bonding materials for the circumstance are employed with the rivet bonding to provide dual bonding strength. The parts of a blowout preventer, such as at the T-seal and the upper seal, are disclosed as preferred examples of locations that are subject to high pressure and temperature where an elastomer part is bonded to a plastic or a metal part.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved pipeline pulsation dampener, including a pressure vessel divided by a diaphragm of elastomeric material into first and second pressure zones. The first pressure zone is connected to a pipeline and receives any undesired pressure changes in the pipeline through a first flow passage in the pressure vessel, while the second pressure zone receives a second fluid at a preselected pressure. The diaphragm has a reinforcing insert for bridging the first flow passage to support the diaphragm when the pressure of the second fluid in the second pressure zone exceeds the pressure of the first fluid in the first pressure zone to restrain the diaphragm from extruding through the first flow passage. The reinforcing insert is encased in the elastomeric material of the diaphragm to prevent the insert and the bond between the elastomeric material and the insert from being exposed to the fluid being pumped.

Abstract: A packing element for an annular blowout preventer includes an annular elastomeric body disposed about a longitudinal axis that is adapted to be compressively displaced inwardly towards the axis. A plurality of the metallic inserts are embedded in the body in generally circular fashion spaced apart in respective radial planes extending from the axis for reinforcing the body. Each of the inserts include upper and lower flanges, and a web element extending between the flanges. The web element includes leading and trailing edges, each having outer arcuate surfaces that are substantially semicircular in cross-section for distributing the loads applied to a bond line between the insert and the elastomeric body during the operation of the packing element. A central rib extends between the leading and trailing edges.

Abstract: A rotating blowout preventer is disclosed that provides the rotating spindle assembly with lugs that are moved downwardly through vertical slots in the preventer housing then horizontally into horizontal grooves in the housing to lock the rotating spindle assembly to the housing and that move horizontally out of the horizontal grooves and upwardly through vertical slots to release the rotary spindle assembly from the housing for making a connection or a trip.

Abstract: A threaded pipe connection is disclosed for connecting two joints of pipe having externally threaded pin members, one pin member having external right-hand threads and the other pin member having left-hand threads. An internally threaded coupling having right and left-hand threads that mates with the threads on the pin members. An internal pressure seal ring is positioned to provide a seal between the ends of the pin members. A plurality of mating lugs and grooves on the ends of the pin members hold the pins from relative rotation when the connection is being made up. A metal-to-metal seal located between each pin member and the coupling adjacent each end of the coupling isolates the threads of the connection from the ambient environment thus sealing off the pipe annulus from external pressure due to hydrostatic head.

Abstract: A high pressure seal material, such as for a lateral "T" seal of a shear ram blowout preventer, is disclosed wherein the seal material is preferably nitrile rubber and includes uniformly dispersed synthetic, non-cellulosic fibers in parallel alignment to resist rollover action occurring transverse to the applied compressive force by orienting the aligned fibers parallel to the axis of the applied force. The material is made in a milling process that aligns and maintains the alignment of the fibers. The milled sheet is then cut into appropriately shaped pieces. The pieces are rotated 90.degree., plied and cured to make the final material, which curing can be done in a suitable mold so that the final product is in its desired final shape.

Abstract: A deep water riser assembly includes a lower BOP stack positioned adjacent and anchored to the bottom of the ocean and an upper BOP stack attached to the riser at a water level just far enough below the surface to be unaffected by surface currents. The upper BOP stack has shear rams above the pipe rams to sever the section of the drill pipe above the shear rams to allow the upper section of the drill pipe between the shear rams and the drill ship to be retrieved followed by the section of riser above the upper BOP stack to free the drill ship to move as required to better weather a surface storm. A floatation module is attached to the riser below the upper BOP stack and exerts an upward force that holds the riser below the upper BOP stack free-standing and in tension. Means are provided to reconnect the upper section of the riser to the upper BOP stack after the storm has passed.

Abstract: A lightweight blowout preventer having a low profile is disclosed. Each of the rams have a sealing ring to be positioned thereabout to seal leaks from occurring between its bonnet and the ram body, thereby permitting the use of only about four connecting bolts for each side of the bonnet to the body and torqued for ordinary holding. A hinge plate is provided to allow selection of the side of the body for two associated bonnets. The hinge plate also is a manifold for the passageways for the hydraulic fluid to the fluid hinges. The hinges each includes a telescopic balancing sub with only one side spring for applying balanced pressure with the applied closing or opening hydraulic fluid to the hinge regardless of whether opening or closing hydraulic pressure is applied. The hydraulic passageways in the bonnets are located between the guideway extensions and the outside surfaces of the bonnets. The hinge plate and the bonnets can be inverted so that they can be mounted on either of two sides of the body.

Abstract: A lightweight blowout preventer having a low profile is disclosed. Each of the rams have a sealing ring to be positioned thereabout to seal leaks from occurring between its bonnet and the ram body, thereby permitting the use of only about four connecting bolts for each side of the bonnet to the body and torqued for ordinary holding. A hinge plate is provided to allow selection of the side of the body for two associated bonnets. The hinge plate also is a manifold for the passageways for the hydraulic fluid to the fluid hinges. The hinges each includes a telescopic balancing sub with only one side spring for applying balanced pressure with the applied closing or opening hydraulic fluid to the hinge regardless of whether opening or closing hydraulic pressure is applied. The hydraulic passageways in the bonnets are located between the guideway extensions and the outside surfaces of the bonnets. The hinge plate and the bonnets can be inverted so that they can be mounted on either of two sides of the body.

Abstract: A lightweight blowout preventer having a low profile is disclosed. Each of the rams have a sealing ring to be positioned thereabout to seal leaks from occurring between its bonnet and the ram body, thereby permitting the use of only about four connecting bolts for each side of the bonnet to the body and torqued for ordinary holding. A hinge plate is provided to allow selection of the side of the body for two associated bonnets. The hinge plate also is a manifold for the passageways for the hydraulic fluid to the fluid hinges. The hinges each includes a telescopic balancing sub with only one side spring for applying balanced pressure with the applied closing or opening hydraulic fluid to the hinge regardless of whether opening or closing hydraulic pressure is applied. The hydraulic passageways in the bonnets are located between the guideway extensions and the outside surfaces of the bonnets. The hinge plate and the bonnets can be inverted so that they can be mounted on either of two sides of the body.