Abstract: A fabric sleeve is used to hold gravel pack granular material in place over the open (slotted, perforated, punched, louvered, etc.) portions of a well screen. A well screen is described having an attachment device oriented to form longitudinal fabric sleeve pockets parallel to the longitudinal axis of the well screen. The pockets are filled with a gravel pack material.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus (10) having blades (42) disposed on a plate (32). A lever arm (50) moves the blades (42) up and down, simultaneously with a ratchet (72). On its upward stroke, the ratchet (72) rotates a chain (76). The rotation of the chain (76) moves a conveyor (97) holding the pipe (55) or other material to be cut into a position for the next cut.

Abstract: A tube slotting apparatus (10) includes a base (12) upon which a polyvinyl chloride tube (86) is disposed. The tube (86) is mounted over a convex surface (71) to allow bowing thereof. A tensioning apparatus (52) presses the tube (86) against the convex surface such that the upper surface thereof is tensioned and the lower surface thereof is in compression. A plurality of saw blades (70) are mounted on a pivoting bracket (72) to provide cutting of the slots in the tube (86). Rotation of the saw blades (70) on to the tensioned surface of the polyvinyl chloride tube (86) results in the formation of slots. The saw blades (70) are rotated in the opposite direction to the cutting teeth and the portion of the polyvinyl chloride tube (86) disposed between the two saw blades during formation of the slots pulls away from the surface of the saw blades such that binding is prevented.

Abstract: A self-cleaning mud pit (10) includes a container (18) mounted on a base (12). Supporting brackets (14) and (16) are provided for attachment to hinges (20) and (22) mounted on the side of the container (18). The container (18) is operable to rotate about the hinges (20) and (22) to decant liquid contained therein. An inlet port (36) and an outlet port (38) are disposed on either end of the container (18) with the centers thereof coinciding with the rotational axis of the container (18). Rotation of the container (18) causes liquid to decant through the inlet and outlet ports without displacing the inlet and outlet ports from the rotational centers thereof. Hinged doors (40) and (44) are provided to selectively inhibit flow through the inlet port (36) and the outlet port (38) such that the contents thereof decant over the edge of the container (18).