Abstract: A packer retriever having a grapple body rotatably and slideably coupled to a mandrel directly attached to a milling tool can engage a packer (or extension thereof) having a substantially smooth I.D. in a wellbore while the packer is milled. The mandrel rotates in a central opening through the grapple body. The grapple body does not rotate when released from teeth of a nut on the mandrel and can remain engaged to the packer (or the extension) as milling proceeds. The mandrel includes a specially designed shoulder and the grapple body includes a specially designed bearing, both casehardened, which allow the mandrel to rotate constantly while reducing the effects of wear. The packer retriever remains in the engaged position to prevent the packer from falling if it breaks loose while milling. The packer retriever can transfer torque to the packer and can be engaged and released multiple times.

Abstract: A packer retriever having a grapple body rotatably and slideably coupled to a mandrel directly attached to a milling tool can engage a packer (or extension thereof) having a substantially smooth I.D. in a wellbore while the packer is milled. The mandrel rotates in a central opening through the grapple body. The grapple body does not rotate when released from teeth of a nut on the mandrel and can remain engaged to the packer (or the extension) as milling proceeds. The mandrel includes a specially designed shoulder and the grapple body includes a specially designed bearing, both casehardened, which allow the mandrel to rotate constantly while reducing the effects of wear. The packer retriever remains in the engaged position to prevent the packer from falling if it breaks loose while milling. The packer retriever can transfer torque to the packer and can be engaged and released multiple times.

Abstract: A mobile land rig and method are disclosed, for the transport, assembly, and disassembly of oil drilling equipment. A mobile telescoping substructure box includes at least one axle and coupled wheels lockable and releasable for engaging the ground and being raised above the ground and for supporting a mobile drill mast. A lifting means selectively supports the mobile telescoping substructure box unit in a raised position and lowered position with respect to the ground. An extension cylinder further extends the mobile telescoping substructure box unit in telescopic extension. A stationary frame member and a telescoping frame member comprising the mobile telescoping substructure box unit have a plurality of cables attached thereto for supporting the telescoping frame member when extended. Limit switches attached between the cables and frame members sense when cable tension reaches predetermined limits and generate a stop signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is provided for securing a cylinder liner to a pump module of a reciprocating pump, such as a mud pump. The hydraulic system includes a body attached to the pump module, a ram in sliding contact with the body and having a mating surface, preferably a radial shoulder, contacting the liner. Upon pressurization of fluid in a chamber defined by the body, the ram, and a pair of seals therebetween, the ram slides between a first position and a second position. The ram secures the liner to the module when in the first position and is removable in the second position. The system further includes a locking ring that engages the body, may be hand rotated upon pressurization, and mechanically holds the ram in the first position in the absence of hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic system is adapted to apply a precise axial securing force and to aid alignment of the liner.

Abstract: A latch device for a manual tong apparatus that incorporates a secondary catch mechanism is presented. Such a secondary catch would assist in maintaining the tong assembly in it's closed position during a reversing operation or at a time when load applied to the manual tong device in the gripping direction is very low. Additionally the secondary catch would also provide some additional protection by holding the tong assembly together in the event of a failure of certain tong components. The mechanism of the secondary catch is spring loaded and operates through two secondary up-down catch arms that are deactivated by swinging a handle in the direction that corresponds to the operator's natural motion to open the lug jaw.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector assembly is provided to couple an extension rod to a piston rod in a reciprocating pump. The connector assembly utilizes a single hydraulic ram to provide the compressive connecting force between the two rods. The connector assembly includes a mechanism for mechanically locking the hydraulic ram in place so that loss of hydraulic power does not uncouple the assembly. The piston rod and the connector rod can be coupled and uncoupled without the use of heavy wrenches, hammers, or impact tools.

Abstract: A check valve having a profiled entrance that reduces net positive suction head for piston and plunger pumps. The valve inlet surface has a cross-section that may include a curved portion that corresponds to a portion of a cone, circle, ellipse, hyperbola, or parabola.

Abstract: A sheave block for use with a wireline includes first and second opposing walls and a shaft extending therebetween. At least one grooved sheave is disposed on the shaft, each sheave being engageable with the wireline. At least one retractable sheave guard is movably connected to the first and second opposing walls and is moveable between open and closed positions, the open position allowing the wireline to be rereeved around at least one of the grooved sheaves without entirely removing the wireline from the sheave block.

Abstract: A multi-part handle system that incorporates bumper flanges disposed at opposite ends of a rigid handle device is proposed. The handle mounts to a manual tong apparatus, or any other piece of heavy equipment, by means of weldable or integrally cast brackets and provides a rigid but shock absorbing grip for the operator's hand. In the event that the bumper flanges become damaged or are torn off the handle assembly the rigid handle device will continue to provide a safe manipulation means while replacement bumpers are located. In contrast to prior art safety handles, rig operators will be able to deploy safety handles without the fear of lost rig time if the bumper components become damaged. A soft ergonomic grip cover is incorporated into the preferred embodiment of the safety to make gripping the handle assembly more comfortable and tactile for the operator.

Abstract: A unitized check valve assembly comprises: a valve body having a bore therethrough, the bore having an inlet and an outlet, a valve disk engaging said body at said outlet, a valve retainer engaging the body and surrounding the valve disk and the outlet; a first biasing member in compression between the body and the valve retainer; and a second biasing member in compression between the body and the valve disk. The flow passage between the valve seat and the valve is continuous around the circumference of the valve. In a preferred embodiment, the valve body and the valve disk each have a mating surface, the mating surfaces define an interface therebetween, and the interface comprises a portion of a spherical surface.

Abstract: A fully redundant drawworks is provided with two complete and totally independent systems for controlling and powering the drum and drum shaft of the drawworks. Each system broadly comprises at least one source of power (e.g., a motor or engine), a power transmission means, preferably of the gear or chain type, and some means of mechanically coupling the power source, transmission and drum shaft together. Each system may also be provided with a brake means, such as one or more disc, band, electric or water-cooled brakes. In the event that any component of either system fails, the fully redundant drawworks will still have the ability to raise drill pipe from a bore hole and thus avoid the risk of a “stuck” drill pipe.

Abstract: A piston head assembly for reciprocating in a cylinder is disclosed, the cylinder having an inside surface and the inside surface having an inside diameter, comprising: a piston head including a central portion and a flange, the flange having a diameter that is no more than 0.010 inches less than the inside diameter and an annular seal removably mounted on the flange, the seal including a lip and a heel, the lip having an uncompressed diameter that is at least 0.20 inches larger than the inside diameter and the heel being free of a separate retaining means. The seal can also be manufactured so as to be free of any annular depression in its outer surface.

Abstract: An alloy steel having particular utility for roll caster shells used in the direct casting of molten aluminum to sheet, consisting essentially of, in weight %, 0.25-0.45% C, 1.75-3.75% Cr, 0.75-2.5% Mo, 0.35 to 0.8% V, 0.4-1% Mn, greater than 0.4-1% Ni, 0.02% max P, 0.02% max S, up to 0.35% Si and balance essentially Fe. Roll caster shells fabricated from the steel have excellent toughness and ductility at room temperature to enable a greater shrink-fit with the core. The shells also have good resistance to heat checking. The excellent properties are provided by a controlled amount of Mo.sub.2 C and VC as well as limiting the amount of C in solution.