Abstract: A laser apparatus is described having multiple modes of operation using intracavity optical switching within a laser resonator. The laser resonator has a solid state gain medium and one or more optical switches located between a pair of end reflectors. The pump for the gain medium has controlled duration to allow varying the pumping energy and pulse repetition rate. The laser has a Q-switched mode for generating energy from the laser resonator at a fixed level of outcoupling when the laser pump is operated to produce a range of predetermined pulse, rates and durations. The laser also has a cavity dumped mode of operation in which the laser pump is operated to produce a second range of predetermined higher pulse repetition rates and shorter pulse durations so that the pulse energy, rate and duration are selected by first Q-switching with essentially no outcoupling and then rapidly cavity dumping all the optical energy in the resonator.

Abstract: A packer for use in extreme service applications comprises a radially expandable packing element, a plurality of slip members above the packing element and a plurality of slip members below the packing element. The slip members are each provided with corresponding setting cones disposed adjacent thereto for radially expanding the slips. In addition, a scoop for use in extreme service application includes a double slot-and-pin locking mechanism for engaging the scoop and lock ring retainer.

Abstract: A scoop capable of orienting a orientable downhole tool, such as a whipstock assembly, comprising: an orienting member that includes a helical upper surface that terminates in a first pin engaging slot. The pin engaging slot includes upper and lower closed ends such that when the orientable downhole tool advances toward the orienting member, a pin on the orientable downhole tool engages the helical upper surface and orients the orientable downhole tool assembly and when said pin on the orientable downhole tool assembly engages the slot, the orienting member resists axial movement in either axial direction and resists rotational movement in either rotational direction.

Abstract: A slip assembly for engaging a downhole tool and preventing it from rotating within a casing comprises a frangible ring and a plurality of slip pads supported on the ring, the slip pads preferably engaging the downhole tool by a tongue and groove mechanism. In addition, the camming interfaces between each slip pad and the tool comprise planar surfaces.

Abstract: A materials handling system primarily for use in tunneling operations for transporting extracted material from a tunnel is disclosed comprising an overhead track from which are suspended an elongated conveyor and a train of mine cars or other transport units. The conveyor conveys materials from a loading zone to a discharge zone. The suspension arrangement for the conveyor and the train of mine cars is such that one mine car can be positioned at a materials receiving station beneath the conveyor for receiving materials discharging therefrom at the discharge zone while the remaining mine cars wait at a queuing station beneath the conveyor for movement in turn to the materials receiving station.

Abstract: A retrievable subsurface well conduit engaging apparatus having releasable engaging means which are movable outwardly to engage a well conduit and which may be released by up and down movement of an operating means. Locking means maintains the well conduit engaging means in engagement with the well conduit until the operating means is moved upwardly which releases a coupling means from the locking means and allows disengagement of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for hydrostatically testing a length of pipe wherein the pipe is adapted to be closed by plugs at each end, one of the plugs having a port to which a hose leading from a pump may be connected in order to fill the pipe with water, and the other plug having a bleed valve through which air may be vented from the pipe as it is filled. Pump pressure is applied to the water in order to test the pipe, and water is then drained from the pipe to permit the pump hose to be disconnected from one plug for use in testing another length of pipe.

Abstract: A subsea test valve system for well completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: A subsea test valve system for wells completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the selective disengagement of a fluid transmission conduit which is insertable through a second conduit for communication to a zone within a well bore, and for control of fluid transmission from the zone upon disengagement of the fluid transmission conduit. The apparatus defines a sealing means, usually a packer assembly, which communicates with the interior of the fluid transmission conduit for isolating an annular area between the fluid transmission conduit and the second conduit and above the zone. Valve means carried by the fluid transmission conduit and communicating with the sealing means is manipulatable between open and closed positions for selective isolation of fluid flow through the sealing means to the fluid transmission conduit.

Abstract: A subsea test valve system for wells completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: A double-tank shipping container for general bulk liquid cargo, the container being constituted by a sea-going vessel having a single hull provided with a hold which defines the outer tank of the container and a prefabricated flexible bladder forming an inner tank received within the outer tank and readily removable therefrom. The inner tank has a configuration roughly conforming to the contours of the outer tank and yet capable of sustaining the liquid cargo in the event of a rupture in the outer tank, thereby to prevent spillage from the vessel and to avoid pollution of the seas.

Abstract: A valve apparatus is provided for use in a subterranean well and is responsive to manipulation of a fluid transmission conduit to manipulate a valve head relative to a valve seat between open and closed positions, the valve head means comprising camway slot means defined exteriorly thereon. Camway ball means are secured to the valve seat means and carriable in the camway slot means to pivot the valve head means as the head is rotated relative to its seat.