Abstract: An integrated spring head/gimbal assembly holder is used to precisely load and unload a head/gimbal assembly (HGA) of the type used in magnetic disk drives. The holder includes a fixture base by which the holder is mounted. A first boss extending from the fixture base has a surface in which a recess is formed. The recess receives a second boss on the end of the HGA so that HGA rests on the surface of the first boss. A cantilevered beam extends from the fixture base and serves as a spring which includes a clamping head. Flexure of the cantilevered beam forces the clamping head to drive the second boss firmly against the sidewalls at the edge of the recess and to force the HGA against the surface of the boss. Thus, the HGA is precisely positioned and secured to the holder.

Abstract: A float valve for use with drill pipe or drill casing or the like in a well is provided wherein a valving flapper can be set in a partially open position while lowering the drill pipe or drill casing into a well thereby allowing the drill pipe or casing to fill with drilling mud or fluid thus preventing inadvertent collapse of the drill pipe or the drill casing. Once the drill string and the valve are fully in the hole, the valving flapper moves, responsive to circulation through the valve bore, from the partially open position to a fully open position allowing the valve flapper to freely pivot thereafter within the provided valve body between fully open and fully closed positions. The valve flapper is thus free to close in a back pressure situation or due to a blowout or for any such other reason. During circulation of drilling fluids or the like, the flapper is maintained in an open flow condition.

Abstract: A valve adapted for insertion in a radially enlarged portion of the kelly saver sub to retain mud in the kelly when the drill pipe is disconnected therefrom, including a tubular body with a downwardly extending closure member supported thereby, and a piston having an axial passage for the flow of drilling mud therethrough, axially movble within the body. The plug may be removed from the bore by the application of an upwardly directed tension force thereto, so that wire line tools may be run through the bore and the passage.