Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is assembled as a crown ball meshed within a housing socket for rotation about respective rotational axes. The outside diameter of the crown ball is greater than the inside diameter of the socket. A plurality of channels, equally spaced around the crown ball perimeter are cut into the crown ball surface generally along or parallel with the crown ball drive axis. An arcuate cup is cut into each crown ball channel to confine a respective torque transfer element. A number, corresponding to the number of crown ball channels, of partial cylinder channels are cut into the inside surface of the housing socket. One of opposite side walls for each housing channel is given an arcuate radius corresponding to that of the force transfer elements. Ridges between adjacent crown ball channels mesh with ridges between adjacent housing socket channels.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing assembly for a deviated direction drill string having 1.5° adjustment increments between an index sub housing and mandrel has variances of less than 0.02° at 0.25 nominal degree increments between 0° and 3.00° of drill direction deviation.

Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint is assembled as a crown ball meshed within a housing socket for rotation about respective rotational axes. The outside diameter of the crown ball is greater than the inside diameter of the socket. A plurality of channels, equally spaced around the crown ball perimeter are cut into the crown ball surface generally along or parallel with the crown ball drive axis. An arcuate cup is cut into each crown ball channel to confine a respective torque transfer element. A number, corresponding to the number of crown ball channels, of partial cylinder channels are cut into the inside surface of the housing socket. One of opposite side walls for each housing channel is given an arcuate radius corresponding to that of the force transfer elements. Ridges between adjacent crown ball channels mesh with ridges between adjacent housing socket channels.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing assembly for a deviated direction drill string having 1.5° adjustment increments between an index sub housing and mandrel has variances of less than 0.02° at 0.25 nominal degree increments between 0° and 3.00° of drill direction deviation.

Abstract: The invention is a method of butt welding steel plates. The steel plates to be welded are placed closely adjacent to each other. A steel backing strip of segmental cross-section is placed in a recess of a heat-conductive support block and is held against one side of the steel plates while welding is carried out. Welding is carried out by an automatic process on the side of the steel plates opposite to the backing strip. Fusion of the steel plates and the backing strip occur so that all three are welded together. The heat-conductive support block is not welded to the steel plates or the backing strip and is removed.