Abstract: A pipe union device and method in which terminal ends of well casing, well production tubing or drill pipe are connected in fluid type fashion by stressing compressively a spacer disposed between terminal ends of adjacent lengths of tubing.

Abstract: A multi-stage compressor having variable volume compression ratios and automatic lubricating features. The multi-stage compressor comprises first and second pistons which are mounted for reciprocal movement in first and second cylinders so as to define a plurality of compression chambers. The pistons are rigidly connected by a connecting rod so as to define between the lubricating pumping chamber for lubricating the piston seals of the multi-stage compressor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for centralizing at least one sucker rod within a production pipe and for reducing frictional forces between the pipe and the sucker rod(s). The device comprises an elongate, substantially cylindrical body member, a plurality of slots within the member and a rotatable member in each slot. Each rotatable member is formed from a metallic material having a hardness of at least about 50 Brinnel Hardness, less than the hardness of the material forming the production pipe tubing. In a preferred embodiment, the slots and the rotatable members are in a helical array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for centralizing at least one sucker rod within a production pipe and for reducing frictional forces between the pipe and the sucker rod(s). The device comprises an elongate, substantially cylindrical body member, a plurality of slots within the member and a rotatable member in each slot. Each rotatable member is formed from a metallic material having a hardness of at least about 50 Brinnel Hardness, less than the hardness of the material forming the production pipe tubing. In a preferred embodiment, the slots and the rotatable members are in a helical array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which can be used to centralize a polished bar and/or a piston stem of a subsurface pump within a production pipe. The device comprises an elongate, substantially cylindrical body member having a longitudinal axis of symmetry, a plurality of slots in the member, and a plurality of rotatable members eccentrically mounted in the slots with respect to the longitudinal axis of symmetry for permitting simultaneous contact between the rotatable members and the inner wall of a tubular production pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping high viscosity fluids such as viscous crude oils using a reciprocating pump powered by a reciprocating rod string where friction between the viscous fluid and the rod string and the resulting floatation effect are reduced greatly or substantially eliminated.