Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in drilling and completing a subsea well of the type in which a blowout preventer stack positioned on a floating rig is connected to the well by a drilling riser, and wherein the flow of well fluid between the tubing/casing annulus and the upper end of the wellhead is controlled by valves means within passageway in a relatively thick walled upper portion of the housing above a relatively thin walled portion thereof in which a casing hanger is installed.

Abstract: A drill and/or core tool, in particular for oil drilling and/or coring, comprising a body (2) showing a substantially cylindrical peripheral surface (3) and a front (4), blades (5) which extend from the front (4) till over the peripheral surface (3) and which show each a leading edge (6), possibly PDC cutting elements (7) which are situated at least in a central area (15A) of the front (4) and the longitudinal axes of which are transverse to the rotation axis of the tool (1), and comprising moreover, on at least one blade (5), outside said central area (15A): PDC (7C) and/or secondary (10) cutting elements which show each a cutting edge (8), forming together the leading edge (6) of the blade (5), and the longitudinal axis of which is transverse to the rotation axis, and at least one associated cutting element (10A) which is situated behind at least one of the PDC (7C) or secondary (10) cutting elements, which shows a cross-section of the same shape, at least for its portion protruding from the blade (5), than

Abstract: A conventional center-latch elevator with smooth slip segments of the present invention is employed to grip and suspend a pipe without damaging the pipe surface. The slip segments are made of aluminum or another material that is softer than the material of the pipe. The elimination of rough surfaces on the slip segments prevents damage to the external pipe surface. A threaded lift connector is secured to the box end of the pipe to be lifted. The lift connector forces spring-loaded slip segments down into the conical bowl of the elevator to move the segments radially inwardly into gripping engagement with the pipe. The axial forces exerted by the elevator against the bottom of the lift connector are transmitted through the connector to the threads engaged in the pipe. The arrangement prevents the forces of the elevator from being transmitted to the base of the coupling connected to the pipe to prevent coupling damage or disengagement of the coupling from the threaded pipe end.

Abstract: Pipe used in drilling and/or completing wells is stored in long rectilinear segments or strings in the space adjacent a drilling rig being used to construct a well. The pipe is introduced into the well, or extracted from the well, in long segments made up of multiple individual pipe sections. In one embodiment, long rectilinear segments of pipe are bent into a curve that extends from the rig to the space surrounding the rig, where the pipe re-assumes its rectilinear shape. The curve radius is greater than the pipe's yielding bending radius. On a water-based rig, the pipe is received in the water surrounding the rig where it may be stored, tested, inspected, reassembled, treated, and/or otherwise processed. The pipe may be received within a long pipe storage sleeve that is buoyed laterally at or below the water surface or it may be secured to a guy line anchored between the rig and the water bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for treating particulate material within a rotating retort in which gas is injected within the retort to fluidize the particulate material within the rotating retort. An auger is mounted within an axle supporting the retort for rotation and particulate material is injected by the auger within the retort. Gas may be exhausted from the retort through an annular chamber about the auger or from a hollow shaft of the auger. Gas may also be exhausted through a permeable wall of the retort.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a subsea drilling, completion and/or workover apparatus which includes a spar buoy having a well therethrough, and a riser which extends through the well in the buoy for connection to the subsea wellhead during the drilling and/or completion process. A buoyancy tank is disposed about the riser within the buoy well to support the riser, and the upper end of the tank is fee to move vertically with respect to the well deck so that it will not be placed in compression despite anticipated rise and fall of the buoyancy tank.

Abstract: A method of repairing an outer vinyl seat cover (14) having a tear (20) therein by spreading a liquid vinyl (21) over the outer surface of the vinyl seat cover (14) adjacent the cut (20) and into the area formed by the cut, and then applying a woven mesh patch (22) larger than the tear (20) onto the liquid vinyl (21) on the outer surface of the vinyl cover (14) over the tear (20). The mesh patch (22) and liquid vinyl (21) are heated by a propane torch to a temperature over at least about 1000 F. and preferably 1400 F. for curing. Next, a silicone graining pad (24) is pressed down against the patched area while the cured vinyl is hot. Additional layers of liquid vinyl are added to the patched area and cured to a temperature over about 1000 F. until the desired vinyl thickness is obtained. Then the patched area is spray painted while the patched area is at a temperature over about 500 F. to provide a color to the patched area similar to the color of the outer vinyl seat cover (14).

Abstract: A sheet of paper is provided with pressure-sensitive adhesive on areas of its front and rear surfaces. In a preferred form, the sheet is provided as a pad of similar sheets that may be removed from the pad one sheet at a time. The adhesive on the rear of the sheet is employed to secure the sheet to a first object. The adhesive on the front of the sheet is employed to secure a second object to the sheet. An area of the sheet face free of adhesive may be employed for a written message. A modified sheet is provided with cuts formed in an adhesive area of the sheet so that the cut area of the paper may move away from the plane of the sheet to adhere to irregular surfaces. The cut sheet may have adhesive on one or both sides. Where the adhesive is applied to both sheet sides, pressure-sensitive adhesive on the back of the uncut side of the sheet is used for adhering the sheet to a smooth surface.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for non-metallic piles (10) including a pair of lifting devices (26, 28) which grip opposed faces (22, 24) of the pile (10). A sling (36) supported from an overhead crane (44) is connected to the lifting arms or handles (30) of the lifting devices (26, 28) for lifting of the pile (10). The lifting handles (30) are secured to cams 72 which include gripping teeth (76) effective upon lifting of handles (30) to engage the inner face (24) of pile (10) for gripping the pile (10) between backing edge (58) and inner face (24). A modification shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides a threaded screw (86A) which is received within an opening (89A) in the pile (10) for lifting of the pile (10).

Abstract: A collapsible wind screen assembly for an infant stroller or similar perambulator. The collapsible wind screen assembly includes two collapsible side panel members comprising loops made of resilient material, such as steel or the like, which act as frames for the wind screen with nylon or mosquito netting material as a covering. Each side panel member is placed on either side of tie stroller and secured to the stroller with fasteners such as adhesive tape or laces A cover member comprising flexible mesh or netting material covers the front and top of the assembly.