Abstract: A gripping tool includes a body assembly and gripping assembly with a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage a work piece in response to relative axial displacement. A linkage is provided to act between the body assembly and the gripping assembly which, upon relative rotation in at least one direction, of the body relative to the grip surface results in relative axial displacement of the grip surface to activate the gripping elements. This tool was developed for use on drilling and service rigs having top drives, and supports rapid engagement and release, hoisting, pushing, and rotating.

Abstract: A gripping tool having at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A grip activation assembly acts between the body and the grip surface to increase a grip ratio of radial load upon the gripping assembly relative to axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface. The grip activation assembly includes a motor driven load screw to create relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface.

Abstract: A fluid seal assembly consists of a seal of compliant material that interacts with a seal carrier. The seal carrier includes one or more elements of relatively rigid material defining a sealing face with a seal-receiving groove interrupting the sealing face. The seal-receiving groove has defining walls each of which has a proximal end at the sealing face and a distal end. The defining walls serve as seal contact surfaces. At least one of the seal contact surfaces converges inwardly to narrow the seal-receiving groove toward the distal end. The seal-receiving groove has a depth and a breadth suitable for accepting the seal, with the seal projecting past the sealing face when compressed to be in contact with the seal contact surfaces.

Abstract: A centralizer for installing on a metal pipe. The centralizer includes a generally tubular body having a central opening sufficiently large to allow insertion therethrough of a pipe having an external diameter; a sidewall of substantially uniform thickness including an inner-facing surface directed to the central opening and an outer-facing surface onto which are formed a plurality of outwardly protruding ribs by hydroforming the sidewall.

Abstract: A gripping tool has at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A fluid activated grip activation assembly acts between the at least one body and the grip surface. Axial movement of the load adaptor displaces fluid into a fluid chamber between the at least one body and the grip surface to create relative axial displacement of the at least one body relative to the grip surface.

Abstract: In a method for slotting a pipe, a sacrificial liner is inserted into the pipe and radially expanded into contact against the inner pipe wall surface, where-upon rotating blades are plunged through the pipe wall and partially into the sacrificial liner. The sacrificial liner prevents the formation of wickers, and prevents cuttings and cutting fluid from entering the interior of the pipe, thus facilitating production of wicker-free slotted pipe requiring reduced post-slotting cleaning. An apparatus for implementing the method incorporates a fixed seal sub-assembly and a movable seal sub-assembly, interconnectable to form an elongate assembly which is adjustable to suit different pipe lengths. A cylindrical re-usable liner is disposable around the assembled fixed and movable seal sub-assemblies, and sized for insertion into the sacrificial liner. The re-usable liner may be expanded by internal pressure, thereby expanding the sacrificial liner.

Abstract: A method for distributing injection fluid in a horizontal well bore in fluid communication with hydrocarbon bearing formation begins by determining flow resistance characteristics of the formation along at least a portion of the length of the horizontal well bore. An injection tubing string having a sidewall defining a tubing bore is injected into the horizontal well bore. The tubing string is provided with ports having a selected distribution and geometry. The annulus geometry is selectively controlled along the length of the tubing string through at least one of axial distribution of eccentricity and flow area of the annulus, so as to provide selected flow restriction characteristics along the annulus, such that when injection fluid is pumped into the tubing, a resulting flow resistance network is formed by the tubing bore, the ports, the annulus and the formation, resulting in a desired distribution of the fluid into the formation.

Abstract: A crimping tool is disclosed that includes a housing assembly carrying a crimping assembly having jaws with engagement surfaces designed to move in the radial direction under controlled load and controlled displacement with application of hydraulic pressure to pistons provided to load the jaws. The crimping tool is designed to be separable into two parts, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the tool around the work piece for crimping at locations remote from the end of a continuous or long section of pipe. This tool is adapted for use in crimping end fittings onto composite pipe and for use in a field environment where the tool is manually transportable.

Abstract: A shoulder ring, for installation in a threaded pipe coupling between the installed pin ends of two pipes being connected by the coupling, has opposing end faces and a central opening, and may lobate or circular in shape. The shoulder ring provides enhanced axial retention within the coupling by incorporating a thread element which engages the internal threads of the coupling to prevent or deter displacement of the ring from the coupling. Alternatively, enhanced axial retention may be provided by means of an interference or interlocking fit that is plastically induced during the ring installation process. The shoulder ring may be of lobate or circular configuration, with the axial retention of lobate embodiments being further enhanced by forces acting radially outward against the coupling due to elastic deformation of the ring during installation. Also disclosed are tools for installing the shoulder rings in a threaded coupling.

Abstract: A seal cup and method is disclosed that can be used on a wellbore tool. The seal cup includes an external circumferential seal land adjacent the cup lip and an outer surface capable of permitting drainage away from the seal land of fluids, which may seep past the seal land. This acts against pressure invasion in the interfacial contacting region between the seal cup and the structure, for example, a wellbore liner against which it is sealed.

Abstract: A gripping tool having at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A grip activation assembly acts between the body and the grip surface to increase a grip ratio of radial load upon the gripping assembly relative to axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface. The grip activation assembly includes a motor driven load screw to create relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface.

Abstract: A gripping tool has at least one body, including an associated load adaptor adapted to be connected to and interact with one of a drive head or reaction frame. A gripping assembly, carried by the body, has a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage one of an interior surface or an exterior surface of a work piece upon relative axial displacement of the body relative to the grip surface in at least one axial direction. A fluid activated grip activation assembly acts between the at least one body and the grip surface. Axial movement of the load adaptor displaces fluid into a fluid chamber between the at least one body and the grip surface to create relative axial displacement of the at least one body relative to the grip surface.

Abstract: A self actuating torque tool includes a shoe having at least one guide track lying in a plane, and at least one jaw. Each jaw has a follower paired with a pivot axis normal to the plane of the guide track. The follower travels along the at least one guide track between an extended position and a retracted position. There is a drive coupling through which torque is applied to the shoe. One of left torque or right torque is applied to the drive coupling causing the follower to travel along the at least one guide track moving the jaw to the extended position, and another of left torque or right torque is applied to the handle causing the follower to travel along the at least one guide track moving the jaw to the retracted position.

Abstract: A wear resistant casing connection including a wear resistant portion on its exterior surface is taught. A casing connection having a controlled bend angle is also taught.

Abstract: A Moineau stator includes a tube (10) having lobes (3) arranged in a configuration which is adapted to interact with a rotor and formed through a hydroforming process.

Abstract: A gripping tool includes a body assembly and gripping assembly with a grip surface adapted to move from a retracted position to an engaged position to radially engage a work piece in response to relative axial displacement. A linkage is provided to act between the body assembly and the gripping assembly which, upon relative rotation in at least one direction, of the body relative to the grip surface results in relative axial displacement of the grip surface to activate the gripping elements. This tool was developed for use on drilling and service rigs having top drives, and supports rapid engagement and release, hoisting, pushing, and rotating.

Abstract: A shear-assisted solid state welding method for joining of metal parts, involves a first step of heating opposing surfaces in a non-passivating environment to a temperature in the hot working temperature range of the metal. A second step involves bringing the opposing surfaces into contact while still in the hot working temperature range, and applying compressive stress sufficient to substantially prevent sliding in response to shear displacement, causing plastic flow in the hot layers. A third step involves imposing relative shear displacement of the metal work pieces without disengaging the opposing surfaces. The shear displacement induces plastic shear strain within the hot layers to progressively induce bonding.

Abstract: A crimping tool is disclosed that includes a housing assembly carrying a crimping assembly having jaws with engagement surfaces designed to move in the radial direction under controlled load and controlled displacement with application of hydraulic pressure to pistons provided to load the jaws. The crimping tool is designed to be separable into two parts, which facilitates assembly and disassembly of the tool around the work piece for crimping at locations remote from the end of a continuous or long section of pipe. This tool is adapted for use in crimping end fittings onto composite pipe and for use in a field environment where the tool is manually transportable.

Abstract: A seal cup and method is disclosed that can be used on a wellbore tool. The seal cup includes an external circumferential seal land adjacent the cup lip and an outer surface capable of permitting drainage away from the seal land of fluids, which may seep past the seal land. This acts against pressure invasion in the interfacial contacting region between the seal cup and the structure, for example, a wellbore liner against which it is sealed.

Abstract: A wear resistant casing connection including a wear resistant portion on its exterior surface is taught. A casing connection having a controlled bend angle is also taught.