Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a seal between a cylinder and a fluid manifold for a reciprocating force delivery device is disclosed. A cylinder retention assembly comprises a rotatable member with a variable topography surface. The rotatable member is disposed against a stop extending outwardly from the cylinder, and is fastened to the fluid manifold by a locking ring. When rotated, the rotatable member produces an axial force on the locking ring and the cylinder, urging the cylinder against the fluid manifold. The cylinder retention assembly may be used in reciprocating pumps and compressors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating and deploying lengths of pipe when drilling wells is provided. The apparatus has a motor assembly with a rotor shaft coupled to a drive gear, and a torque assembly with a planetary gear set coupled to the drive gear of the motor and an annular gear. Planet gears are coupled to a torque converter, which is coupled to a stub for connecting to pipe joints. The torque converter has inclined surfaces for circulating lubricant through the gear assembly, and the planet gears have openings in registration with the inclined surfaces. A drilling fluid pipe is disposed through the rotor shaft of the motor assembly, and is coupled to the torque converter. Lead-screw linear actuators position an elevator, which hangs from links hooked to the apparatus, to manipulate the drill string, and a self-locking pipe jaw handles pipe joints.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing an opening of a fluid manifold is provided. A grooved sealing member, having compliant members disposed in the grooves, is seated in the opening. A retention member is coupled to the fluid manifold by tensile members such as bolts. One or more compression members fit between the retention member and the sealing member, and a cap fits over the sealing member to secure the one or more compression members. The cap is fastened to the sealing member. When pressure is applied inside the fluid manifold, the force generated thereby is transmitted by the sealing member through the one or more compression members, and the retention member, to the tensile members, which absorb and equalize the force around the sealing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accommodating mis-alignment of a piston rod in a reciprocating force delivery device is provided. A piston rod is coupled to a piston by a pivot bearing disposed around the piston rod inside the piston. The pivot bearing contacts an internal surface of the piston and provides a biaxial pivot point, which may also be triaxial, for the piston rod inside the piston. The pivot point is located near the centroid of the piston, enabling forces not aligned with the axis of the piston to be decoupled into axial and transverse components. The force decoupling avoids rotational moment on the piston, minimizing the possibility of metal-to-metal contact between components of the piston and the cylinder liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a seal between a cylinder and a fluid manifold for a reciprocating force delivery device is disclosed. A cylinder retention assembly comprises a rotatable member with a variable topography surface. The rotatable member is disposed against a stop extending outwardly from the cylinder, and is fastened to the fluid manifold by a locking ring. When rotated, the rotatable member produces an axial force on the locking ring and the cylinder, urging the cylinder against the fluid manifold. The cylinder retention assembly may be used in reciprocating pumps and compressors.