Abstract: A method and apparatus for slotting a pipe including a clamping system comprising a clamping surface adapted to engage at least about 50 percent of the pipe circumference and at least about 50 percent of the pipe length in a clamped position and which defines a longitudinal clamping gap oriented to permit the slotting of the pipe therethrough. A first perforating mechanism moves a cutting head comprising a plurality of cutters toward and away from the clamping gap such that the cutters perforate the pipe wall. A second independently operable longitudinal cutting mechanism moves the cutting head along the clamping gap to further cut the pipe wall by the cutters to form a plurality of discrete slots. A third indexing mechanism rotates the pipe about its longitudinal axis in an unclamped position to vary the location of contact between the cutters and the pipe wall about the pipe circumference.

Abstract: A tool for connection in a wellbore drill string for maintaining penetration of a drilling bit attached to the drill string when the drill string becomes stuck or hung up during drilling operations. The tool has a telescoping outer member and inner member which form an annular chamber between them which contains a plurality of springs that are selected to provide a desired amount of contraction of the tool when a predetermined axial compressive load is applied through the tool to the drilling bit. The tool also includes interlocking splines on the outer member and the inner member which inhibit rotational movement of the outer member and inner member relative to each other, and the chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid which is pressurized to the hydrostatic pressure of the wellbore adjacent the tool by a floating piston which is movably located in the chamber. In operation, the tool contracts when an axial compressive load is applied through the tool during drilling operations.

Abstract: A device for securing written information to tubular goods which have a cavity at one end. The apparatus has of a closure, whereby an end cavity of a tubular good is closed. An elongate container is secured to the closure, such that the container extends into the end cavity when the closure is placed on the end of the tubular good.