Abstract: A kelly cock valve for a drill rig uses a sliding gate to open and close the flow passage through the drill string. The valve has a body with a longitudinal passage through it. The gate is mounted in the body perpendicular to the flow passage. Pushrods extend from each end of the gate out through bonnets mounted to the body of the valve. The fluid cylinders are mounted on each side of the gate. Each fluid cylinder has a piston with a piston rod extending in opposite directions. The piston rods are connected to a beam that also connects to the pushrod. Hydraulic passages supply fluid to the cylinders to stroke the piston and thus move the gate valve between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A mud valve assembly with a valve means with a first sealing surface and a piston means with a second sealing surface which seals against the first sealing surface such that the piston and the first seal surface move downward in response to pressure from above which exceeds a predetermined pressure level and the valve means and the second sealing surface move upwards in response to pressure from below the valve assembly; and the valve means with the second sealing surface can be retrieved from the bore of the drill pipe and reinstalled into the bore of the drill pipe without removing the mud valve assembly from the drill pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high pressure valve of the dump type. The valve body contains a slideable, hollow spool with ports connecting its interior and exterior. When the valve is in the on position, all ports are located in the pressurized portion of the valve body, and fluid flows to an outlet connected to the hollow spool. In the off position, at least one port is outside the pressurized area of the valve body, thereby relieving fluid pressure. The ports slide through a seal of self-pressurizing construction. The valve may also be used as a high pressure swivel, or combination valve swivel, by rotating the spool, if the spool is supported by bearings.

Abstract: There is described a coupling for in use lifting and supporting oil drilling strings while allowing rotation of the drill strike and calculation of mud through the drill. The coupling comprises an upper body and a lower body. The lower body is rotatably mounted on the upper body and has support means for lifting drill pipes. The coupling is provided with a through passage for supply of mud to the drill pipes and a valve member is provided to control mud supply.

Abstract: A safety valve and operator for a rotatable kelly or drill string. The valve includes a ball valve, a fluid operator, a swivel connection permitting rotation of the ball valve relative to the operator, and a mechanical movement for converting linear motion of the fluid operator to a pivoting motion for closing or opening the ball valve. A preferred form of the invention includes a rack-and-pinion device associated with the ball valve, a pair of bearing assemblies rotatably supporting the ball valve and rack-and-pinion assembly, and an annular hydraulic actuator connected to a housing which carries the bearing assemblies, the ball valve, and the rack-and-pinion assembly.

Abstract: A quick-ball release blowout preventer apparatus is mounted above a kelly for preventing oil and gas blowouts. A longitudinally bored subassembly is provided with at least one transverse bore therethrough for securably receiving a quick-ball release bolt mechanism. The longitudinal bore of the subassembly is aligned with the bores of the kelly cock and the kelly, thereby providing a fluid flow passage therethrough. An activator mechanism and a spring-loaded plunger mechanism is provided. The activator mechanism activates the spring-loaded plunger which in turn moves the ball valve to allow fluid flow through slots provided in the valve seat.

Abstract: A rotary well drilling system employs a drill string with a drill bit affixed at its lower end for the drilling of a borehole. Drilling fluid is circulated through the drill string to remove drill cuttings. To break out a section of drill pipe from the drill string, the drill string is raised to a point where the drill string joint to be broken is above the drilling rig floor. Compressed gas is injected into the drill string to displace the column of drilling fluid to a level below such drill string joint. The compressed gas is vented and the drill pipe is broken out of the drill string.

Abstract: A system, or apparatus combination, and apparatus components, for the measurement of fluid flow. Such system, or apparatus can be used, e.g., for measuring the amount or flow of drilling fluid, or mud, introduced into a well bore, the amount or flow of mud returned from the well bore, and differences in flow rate and density between the mud introduced into the well bore and the mud returned from the well bore. The system measures or calculates, inter alia, flow rates, viscosity, temperature, density and gas content and compensates for variations; and in marine installations the system additionally measures vessel motion and compensates for wave and tide motions.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a valve connected into a tubular element at the upper end of a drill string, to close off the flow of fluid through the element, and including a sleeve about the tubular element movable upwardly and downwardly relative thereto and mechanism carried by the sleeve for pivoting a valve actuating member to open and close the valve upon upward and downward movement of the sleeve. The specified mechanism preferably includes a part which interfits with the valve actuating member in a manner pivoting it upon upward and downward movement of the sleeve, but which desirably moves out of that interfitting relation in the extreme upper and lower positions of the sleeve to enable manual actuation of the valve in those positions without interference by the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: An operably automatic valve assembly for being received in a cavity of a short drill string subassembly, preferably a kelly saver subassembly, for preventing mud spills when the kelly assembly is disconnected when adding additional sections of drill pipe. An eccentric butterfly disc across the valve opening is biased closed by suitable air spring action. Fluid pump pressure in excess of the bias pressure opens the disc and telescopes closed the air springs located on either side of the valve housing within suitable pockets. A stop on one air spring and not on the other causes a slight twist to the disc as the disc reaches its full open position and eliminates any operating flutter of the disc. Pressure within the stem in excess of the closing bias pressure provided by the air springs keeps the disc open even in the presence of back fluid pressure.

Abstract: A drilling choke for controlling flow of drilling fluids from a well comprising: a body having an inlet and outlet and an intermediate cavity therebetween; a seat member coaxially disposed in the body outlet; an operator assembly removably attached to the body; and a stem assembly connected to the operator assembly for axial movement thereof. A portion of the stem assembly is removable, upon removal of the operator assembly from the body, without otherwise disturbing the operator assembly.

Abstract: This is a device for reverse flow drilling of water wells, elevator ram holes and other holes. It is constructed of a hollow metal tubing with doors to allow for the discharge of excavated materials. In operation the Kelly (drill stem) is rotated into the ground and an airlift is used to bring cuttings into the drill stem and then out the doors. The doors are usually hand opened and hand closed and are locked by turning the door locks with a wrench or other tool. As the Kelly is rotated into the ground each door is opened for discharge and then closed before submergence into the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A drill cuttings conveying head member having a tubular duct portion which includes a movable sidewall forming a gate operable to be pivoted into a position blocking the flow passage in the duct portion and diverting the flowstream out of the conveying head during wet drilling conditions. A lever mechanism is connected to the gate and is operable to bias the gate in either the open or closed position.

Abstract: A hand held fluid jet drilling apparatus is described. The drill includes an elongated drill stem with a fluid jet nozzle on one end and a motor on the other end. High pressure fluid is supplied to the drill from an external power pack which also produces compressed air. The drill includes a high pressure swivel which allows the motor to rotate the nozzle while a continuous supply of fluid is present. The drill stem is spring mounted to provide protection to the operator. The swivel may also operate as an on-off valve which supplies flushing fluid while the drill is off. The drill is operable as a drill, reamer or slotting tool by suitable arrangement of controls. A second embodiment is illustrated which provides for continuous flushing with low pressure fluid during operation. The drill is also attachable to mechanical feed systems to extend face coverage.

Abstract: A manually operated valve. The valve has a housing with a uniform outside diameter compatible with the outside diameter of flow conductors attached to the valve. An operating sleeve is movable longitudinally within the housing by engagement with a shifting tool from the exterior of the housing. The operating sleeve shifts the valve between its open and closed positions. A detent spring is provided to give an indication when the shifting tool has moved the operating sleeve sufficient to fully open or close the valve. The valve is particularly adapted for using in a drill string or workover string in an oil or gas well.

Abstract: Diverter valve for preventing blow-outs in oil wells during the early stages of drilling. The diverter valve has a simplified construction which reduces maintenance problems during use in the field.

Abstract: Mud choke apparatus is disclosed, and the preferred embodiment has the form of a hollow, tubular body receiving a mud flow introduced from a lateral port, the flow being directed through an axial passage and past a valve seat. The valve seat is a replaceable, hardened metal liner and is formed with a gradual taper so that the mud flows from the large end through the tapered, smaller end. Thereafter, it flows out of the body through an axial opening. The flow of mud is throttled by a tapered, hardened plug serving as a valve element which is received into the valve seat. A hydraulic cylinder and piston with a connecting rod move the plug. The plug has a surrounding, perpendicular shoulder which seals and seats against a shoulder on the insert to fully close the throttling valve apparatus. Flow is choked by inserting the tapered plug with controlled clearance into the tapered valve seat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for stabilizing hydrocarbon cores are given. Such stabilized cores have not previously been obtainable for laboratory study, and such study is believed to be required before the hydrate reserves can become a utilizable resource. The apparatus can be built using commercially available parts and is very simple and safe to operate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mud saver valve which includes a tubular body connectable between a kelly and a drill string. An annular seat ring having a central opening is mounted within the body. A piston is axially movably mounted within the body for engagement with the seat ring. The piston includes a bore substantially coaxially aligned with the central opening and a flange that extends radially outwardly from the piston to slidingly engage the interior of the body. The piston has a plurality of ports above the piston to communicate the exterior of the piston with the bore. A plug is removably mounted in the piston. The plug includes a shear ring removably inserted in the bore and a spear axially movably mounted in the shear ring. The plug is movable between a first position wherein the spear sealingly engages the shear ring in a second position that allows fluid to flow upwardly between the spear and the shear ring. A spring is provided to urge the piston into engagement with the seat ring.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve, said valve including a cylindrical valve body having a valve member disposed therein with a first gear attached to said valve member. A second gear is provided for drivingly engaging said first gear to operate said valve member. A support member is adapted to be attached to the valve body, and a first frame is rotatingly connected to the support member so that the valve body may rotate relative to said first frame. A hydraulic cylinder is connected between said first frame and a second frame. The second gear is rotatingly mounted upon the second frame. The hydraulic cylinder selectively moves said second gear into and out of engagement with said first gear. A locking apparatus is provided for selectively locking the first frame to the support member means to prevent the first frame from rotating relative to the valve body when the locking apparatus is in the locked position.

Abstract: A power actuated kelly valve includes a cylindrical valve body having a valve member disposed therein with a first gear attached to said valve member. A second gear is provided for drivingly engaging said first gear to operate said valve member. A support member is attached to the valve body, and a first frame is rotatingly connected to the support member so that the valve body may rotate relative to the first frame. A moving apparatus is connected between the first frame and a second frame. The moving apparatus provides apparatus for selectively moving the second gear into and out of engagement with the first gear. A locking device is provided for selectively locking the first frame to the support member to prevent the first frame from rotating relative to the valve body when the locking device is in the locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a continuous supply of air pressure downhole during a well bore drilling operation, even during the addition of a pipe section to the drill string, and comprising a housing installed at the surface of the well at the position of the drilling equipment wherein the upper end of the drill string is separated from the drive mechanism in order that a new piece of drill pipe may be added to the drill string, a flapper or closure member pivotally secured within the housing normally held in an open position by the outer periphery of the drill string and spring urged in a direction toward the open end of the sleeve through which the drive mechanism passes when the drive mechanism has been backed off or removed for the addition of a section of pipe to the drill string, and a by-pass line in communication with the interior of the housing for directing air pressure from the air supply to the housing when the flapper member is in the closed position whereby the air pressure may be circulated d

Abstract: An improved kelly valve of a type wherein a flexible inner valve body closes the valve passageway responsive to the pressure of a gaseous control fluid contained within a sealed chamber and opens the passageway responsive to exterior pressure of drilling fluid or of tools being passed through the valve. The improvements enhance the operating life of the flexible member and simplify the valve structure and assembly and disassembly procedures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling fluid flow wherein, according to the methods, a pressure-actuated main valve is conditioned to operate by fluid pressure actuation of a pilot valve, which closes a fluid flow passage through the main valve so that the main valve may then be actuated by fluid pressure. The apparatus is a self-piloting check valve apparatus, disclosed in three embodiments, wherein dual valves are provided. One of the valves serves as a pilot valve and is shown in the form of a spring-biased check valve, closing of which permits closing of a main ball valve adapted to withstand highly elevated pressures. The sealing elements of the valve are fully protected during flow periods whereby fluid erosion is prevented. Full opening flow passages are provided through the valves in each embodiment of the apparatus.

Abstract: A gas bubble is circulated from a well by a system that maintains the well and bottom hole pressure substantially constant by progressively increasing the casing pressure as needed to maintain the drill pipe pressure substantially constant. An incrementally increasing casing pressure reference signal is produced by detecting each occurrence of the drill pipe pressure falling a predetermined amount below a drill pipe pressure reference signal. The casing pressure reference signal is compared with the actual casing pressure. A throttling valve is closed a corresponding amount if the acutal casing pressure is less than the casing pressure reference signal. The throttling valve is opened a corresponding amount if the actual casing pressure is greater than the casing pressure reference signal.

Abstract: A drilling rig comprising a plurality of pipes connected in a row, with a drill at the lower end; the rotation transmitting bar or Kelly bar at the top end of the drilling rig must be periodically disconnected so as to install a new pipe section; the invention comprises a valve to seal the upper rotating or Kelly bar when it is disconnected so as to keep the sludge pump primed; the valve comprising a collapsible diaphragm which is forced shut by pressurized fluid to seal the rotating or Kelly bar; and an air escape valve communicating into the row of pipes beneath the sealing valve for effecting removal of air trapped beneath the rotating or Kelly bar valve.

Abstract: A tool for introducing self-tapping dowels in a structure by a drilling process which is accompanied by the generation of large-size drillings, has a shaft connectable with a drive, a dowel holder connectable with the shaft and having a receiving bore which includes a first section adapted to receive a dowel shank and a second section adapted to receive the large-size drillings, and a suction arrangement movable relative to the dowel holder to and from an operative position in which it communicates with the second portion of the dowel holder and draws air therethrough to thereby suck the large-size drillings into the second section of the dowel holder bore wherein they are retained during the drilling process.

Abstract: A device attachable to a power drill for the collection and removal of material released during drilling procedures. A collecting tube is mounted by a clamp parallel to the longitudinal axis of the power drill, and is movable relative to the power drill. A spout surrounds the drill bit near the tip area. Pressure is applied to the collecting tube or to the spout in closing the drill bit by a spring, so that the collecting tube can have relative motion in the opposite direction, in accordance with the progress of the drilling. The collecting tube is adapted to the contour of the power drill and has a bend in the vicinity of the spout. The collecting tube has, furthermore, a storage space for the material released during the drilling.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and a method for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore. The device comprises a fluid control valve placed in the choke line of a well and has a shaped helical or spiral duct formed in one embodiment by a tapered screw-like plug engaging a hollow sleeve. In another embodiment, the plug is cylindrical and screw-like threads are formed in the hollow sleeve. The valve increases the degree of control over well bore pressure and flow rate as the well bore pressure fluctuates. The valve responds automatically to changes in the well bore pressure and is controlled by a control system including a hydraulic circuit and controls which visually indicate the position of the screw-like plug with respect to the hollow sleeve. The movement of the plug is controlled by the control system and the net pressure exerted on the plug by the fluid flowing through the control valve from the well bore.

Abstract: A drilling fluid saver valve connected to the lower end of a kelly allows down flow of mud or other drilling fluid when pumps are actuated to circulate drilling fluid. The valve closes when the pumps are off, thereby to retain drilling fluid thereabove in the kelly. This prevents loss of fluid when the kelly and valve are disconnected from the drill pipe. The valve includes a tubular body and a top sub screwed therein. A replaceable seat is carried by the lower end of the sub. A poppet type valve closure is urged upwardly against the seat by a helical spring strong enough to close the valve against the weight of drilling mud in the kelly. The closure has a tubular stem extending down through the spring. The poppet valve closure has a central flow passage therethrough, communicating with the stem and controlled by an upwardly opening check valve, to communicate drill pipe pressure to the kelly when the pumps are off. The check valve closure is frangible for easy break-out if wire line tools need to be run.