Abstract: An inflatable packer for sealing across downhole conduits comprises a pair of rigid tubular packer heads coaxially interconnected by an inflatable tubular packer body. A bladder in the form of an elongate, flexible elastomeric sleeve includes a central section lining the packer body and having an outer diameter which, in a relaxed state of the bladder, is less than the deflated inner diameter of the packer body. The central section of the bladder is folded upon itself within the packer body in its deflated configuration. An inner reinforcing layer of the packer body is exposed in an annular area between the ends of the packer body.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic coupler suitable for interconnecting subsea fluid lines is provided with a radial seal between the male and female body portions. A C-shaped metallic seal is housed within the female body of the coupler, so that the seal may be checked or replaced if necessary between successive mating and unmating operations. An elastomeric secondary seal is also provided on the female body, and sealingly engages the same diameter cylindrical surface of the male coupler which is engaged by the C-shaped seal. A wiper member also mounted on the female body cleans this cylindrical surface as the body portions are brought together, thereby enhancing the reliability of both the elastomeric seal and the metallic seal. A guide for the valve poppet is threadably connected to a respective coupling body to increase reliability. Coupler halves may typically be housed within either a latchable subsea control module mounting base or a junction plate conventionally used in surface petroleum recovery operations.

Abstract: A surfactant composition comprising from about 30 to about 50% by weight of a sulfated alkoxylated alcohol, an effective amount of an alkyl aryl sulfonate and an effective amount of a water soluble salt of a divalent acid, the composition being flowable or pumpable at normal handling temperatures.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting negative ions and, more particularly, for detecting negative ions produced from a quadrupole mass spectrometer. By modulating the ion beam either at the ion source or within the ion focusing system, the output current from the electron multiplier detector is a pulsating current which is then capacitively or inductively coupled from a high direct current potential to ground level. Electronics operating at ground level are employed to correct the current signal distortion due to the capacitive or inductive coupling of the detector output current. The present invention enables substantially increased detector sensitivity to negative ions compared to prior art equipment, and does not require expensive and complex preamplifier circuitry. The techniques of the present invention allow both positive and negative ions to be detected utilizing the same basic equipment, thereby increasing equipment versatility and reducing costs.

Abstract: The invention comprises a pressure actuated switch which is actuated when the inlet port of the device is exposed to a preselected pressure. A piston size, and one or more shear pins, is selected for the desired operating pressure, the piston area being inversely proportional to the desired operating pressure. Shear pins are preferably of one size and material. When the desired operating pressure is applied, the force of the piston causes the shear pin to shear thereby allowing an electrical contact to complete an electrical circuit and initiate operation of a selected device such as a recorder, perforating gun, etc. If a single shear pin is used, with any selected piston and desired operating pressure, the shear force applied is a constant; i.e., for any given operating pressure and selected piston size with a single shear pin, the applied shear force is the same. If two shear pins are required, the applied shear force is doubled.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rotary drill bit of the kind comprising a bit body having a shank for connection to a drill string, a plurality of cutting structures mounted in sockets in the bit body, and a number of nozzles also mounted in sockets in the bit body and communicating with a passage for supplying drilling fluid to the face of the bit. The method includes the steps of forming at least part of the bit body from steel, forming the sockets in the bit body part, plugging each socket with a former which projects partly beyond the bit face, applying to the bit face a coating of a fusible hardfacing material, heating the coated bit body part so as to fuse the hardfacing material, cooling the bit body part to solidify the fused hardfacing material, and then removing the formers from the sockets.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling fluid communication with a fluid pressure system includes parallel flow paths connected to the system. A first flow path includes first valve apparatus for selectively closing the flow path. The second flow path includes relief valve apparatus responsive to fluid pressure in the second flow path to move from a closed configuration to an open configuration. Switching apparatus, including sensors for detecting the condition of the system, operate to close the first valve apparatus in response to pre-determined threshold values of such condition. Fluid communication from the system may thereafter occur along the second flow path at the relief valve apparatus opens in response to pressure buildup in the flow path. A third flow path, parallel to the first two flow paths, may be provided with throttling apparatus for controlled communication of fluid along such third flow path.

Abstract: A thickening composition for use in viscosifying aqueous mediums, particularly heavy brines, comprising hydroxyethyl cellulose, 2-pyrrolidone and a mono alkyl ether of ethylene glycol which is water soluble and exerts no appreciable swelling effect on the hydroxyethyl cellulose, the weight ratio of hydroxyethyl cellulose to 2-pyrrolidone being less than about 2.6:1.

Abstract: A composition and process for the removal of mercaptans from gaseous mixtures, particularly gaseous mixtures containing hydrocarbons, wherein the gaseous mixture is treated with an aqueous solution of a water soluble nitrite, such as sodium nitrite, and a water soluble polysulfide, such as sodium tetrasulfide, the pH of the aqueous solution preferably being about 10 or greater initially.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus useful in downhole logging tools used in the oil and gas industry. The present invention is particularly directed to an acoustic logging tool including improved, articulated transducer pad assemblies for providing improved transducer contact with the wall of a borehole or the inside wall of casing cemented in the borehole. The apparatus of the present invention provides a plurality of articulated transducer pad assemblies disposed about the circumference of an acoustic logging tool in a plurality of separately movable and adjustable groups. These assemblies each include a plurality of articulated joints permitting limited independent movement of each assembly. The assemblies are spring biased at each end into a deployed configuration to maintain good contact with the wall of the borehole or casing. A drive motor overcomes the biasing springs to retract the assemblies to provide a compact tool for tripping to the location of interest within the borehole.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for releasing a perforation gun from a tubing string in a well casing is disclosed. The explosion of a detonator that fires the perforation gun opens a previously sealed passageway through a wall of the apparatus of the invention. The passageway transmits bottom hole well pressure to a piston that actuates means for releasing the perforation gun. A secondary release sleeve is also provided to mechanically release the perforation gun when the piston fails to function properly. In an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the perforation gun is released when the explosion of the detonator breaks a frangible rod that previously held one or more retaining balls within a recess in a wall of the perforation gun assembly.

Abstract: An instrument for monitoring the direction of a borehole comprises an elongate casing having its longitudinal axis coincident, in use, with the axis of the borehole, an outer gimbal pivotally mounted within the casing with its pivot axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the casing, a gyroscope unit mounted in the outer gimbal, a torque motor and a gravity sensor unit. At the beginning of a run the instrument is positioned at the mouth of the borehole. The rate of rotation about an axis transverse to the outer gimbal axis is then sensed by the gyroscope unit, and the outer gimbal is slewed by the torque motor in dependence on the sensed rate so as to align the transverse axis along an East/West direction. The instrument is then moved along the borehole and the rate of rotation about the outer gimbal axis is continually sensed by the gyroscope unit, the outer gimbal being torqued by the motor in dependence on the sensed rate to stabilize the outer gimbal about its axis.

Abstract: A detector identification device is provided on the premises of the called elephone station capable of detecting network telephone signals, converting them to digital signals and displaying the digital signals. The device is also capable of providing ringing and other calling signals to the called telephone station. The telephone exchange serving the called telephone station is programmed to initiate a back signaling process to the exchange serving the calling telephone station. In addition, the device transmits back signals used to request and thus complete the identification of the calling telephone station from the telephone network.

Abstract: A plastic body having a cylindrical hole through its center has a handle for hand-carrying the body. The hole is at least partially lined with an elastomer. The elastomer lined hole has a diameter approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch larger than the cylindrical tank to be carried. After sliding the plastic body over a cylindrical tank, by tilting the body, the elastomer lined body surrounding the hole makes a two-point contact with the tank to be carried, thus allowing the lifting and carrying of the tank. The body has three T-shaped slots, each one of which is designed to mate with an external fixture for storing the tanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing fluid loss characteristics of a test fluid such as drilling mud under static or dynamic conditions, the apparatus having a filter medium cell which has a generally vertically disposed cylindrical wall, the apparatus further including a first chamber which is in open communication with the inner surface of the cylindrical wall and a second chamber which is in communication with the outer surface of the cylindrical wall, there being a generally vertically disposed rotatable shaft which is received internally of the cylindrical wall, the shaft being driven by a motor or the like, the apparatus being capable of providing a differential pressure across the cylindrical wall such that fluid will flow from the first chamber to the second chamber in response to the differential pressure and the liquid passing into the second chamber can be suitably measured and used to calculate fluid loss rate of the test fluid.

Abstract: The inclination and slope of a bedding plane are determined from oriented measurements of the bending moment generated as a bit encounters and passes completely through the interface between two dissimilar formations. These moments are distinguishable from moments generated by gravity, interaction of the bit and the formation, and interaction of the drill string with the borehole. Preferably, determination of the bedding slope and direction is accomplished by downhole data processing.

Abstract: A process for treating dry, particulate alumina for use in preparing alumina slurries which are resistant to gellation in which the particulate alumina is contacted with a carbon dioxide rich gaseous medium for a suitable time.

Abstract: A process for producing alumina wherein an aluminum trialkyl is reacted with a substantially water immiscible alcohol to produce an aluminum alkoxide and an alkane, the reaction between the aluminum trialkyl and the alcohol being conducted in an organic phase, the alkoxide being hydrolyzed in an aqueous phase which is in contact with the organic phase, the alumina formed by hydrolysis of the aluminum alkoxide being recovered from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pier including a deck supported by an array of piles by means of flexible lines extending between the deck and elevated points on the piles. The lengths of the flexible lines extending between such points and the pier are adjustable by reels used to retract or pay out flexible line to raise or lower the deck relative to the piles. The operation of the reels may be carried out selectively or automatically in response to the changing level of the surface of the water relative to the piles. A water-motion powered motor may motivate the reel operation. The deck may be anchored against downward motion relative to the piles by locking apparatus normally engaged in a closed configuration, or by locking apparatus which is normally open and closes in response to the flexible lines going slack.