Abstract: A means for adjusting the relative positioning of a valve closure element with respect to a valve seat is formed by a hub on the closure element having a valve stem receiving bore and at least two generally opposed threaded passages intersecting the bore. Threaded members are received in each bore to engage the valve stem from generally opposite sides thereof. Movement of the threaded members adjusts the relative positioning of the closure element with respect to the valve seat and valve stems while securing the closure element to the latter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running long tools into an out of pressurized enclosures includes a tool stop assembled on an access pressure lock of the enclosure and which tool stop cooperates with a segmented tool string to allow sequential assembly, insertion, withdrawal and disassembly of the tool string into and out of the enclosure. The tool string is made up of a number of tool segments interconnected by coupler/spacer members of smaller diameter than the tool sections and of shorter length. The tool catcher acts upon the thinner sections of the coupler/spacer members to fixedly hold the tool string in place for subsequent assembly/disassembly without allowing any significant pressure change in said enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for periodically and automatically introducing fluid into a producing well through a tubing drain valve in the production tubing. The apparatus and method of the present invention employ a tubing drain valve actuated to its open position by pressurizing the interior of the production string. The system further includes apparatus for introducing a fluid, e.g., a paraffin solvent or formation treating chemical, into the production tubing and into the formation through the opened tubing drain valve. After completion of this operation, the tubing drain valve is closed and production resumed by a mechanical actuator, preferably an actuator carried by the sucker rods for operating the downhole pump. A control device, including optional monitoring devices, provides a system for introducing such fluids at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A cutting element for a rotary drill bit comprises a thin hard facing layer, defining a front cutting face, bonded to a less hard backing layer. The backing layer is of non-uniform thickness, for example is wedge-shaped, and is thicker adjacent the cutting edge of the facing layer than it is over the rest of the area of the facing layer. The rear surface of the backing layer of the cutting element is bonded to a surface on a carrier which is mounted in the bit body. The backing layer of the cutting element may be formed in two portions: a front portion which is bonded to the hard facing layer and a second, wedge-shaped portion which is bonded subsequently to the rear surface of the first portion.

Abstract: A process of producing a water dispersible alumina comprising forming an aqueous alumina slurry, acidifying the slurry to a pH range of from about 5 to about 8, aging the acidified slurry at elevated temperatures and for a sufficient amount of time to convert the greater portion of the alumina to a colloidal sol, recovering the sol and drying the sol to produce a highly water dispersible alumina.

Abstract: For use with a pipe having an outer surface, a clamping structure is set forth. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the device utilizes a surrounding ring of solid construction having a central passage fitting over the pipe in question. An internal groove is formed in the ring. An encircling clamp means is placed in the groove which has an exposed or outer face confronting the pipe. The clamp means is fabricated with the outer face supported on a pair of spaced sidewalls which are corrugated along their length. On application of pressure to the interior of the ring, the corrugations are straightened, driving the outer face into the pipe and thereby clamping.

Abstract: A full bore drag-type well drilling bit comprises a bit body having an operating end face defining a plurality of upsets. Each of the upsets has a leading edge surface and at least one recess extending through the leading edge surface into the upset. The end face of the bit body further comprises a plurality of flow channels, each such leading edge surface having one such flow channel extending therealong and inset therefrom. At least some of the upsets have a plurality of such recesses spaced therealong. The bit body further has a plurality of circulation ports opening through its end face and a plurality of nozzles, each nozzle being mounted in a respective one of the ports. The number of nozzles is less than the number of flow channels. At least some of the nozzles communicate with more than one such flow channel, and the transverse cross-sectional flow area of each of the nozzles is substantially less than those of individual ones of the channels communicating therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating the rotational speed of a fan is disclosed. An electrical circuit is provided for selectively providing electrical power to a plurality of indicator lights mounted on the fan. The indicator lights are turned on and off in a coded sequence that indicates the speed at which the fan is rotating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for monitoring the continued rotation of a non-magnetically attractive indicator, e.g., a rotating, plastic dial, disc, wheel, arm or the like of a meter. The present invention is particularly useful for detecting the satisfactory operation of flow meters, e.g., meters used to determine the flow of fluids from oil and gas wells, in transmission lines and in chemical processing plants. The present invention provides a system for monitoring the operation or rotation by employing a rotating, magnetically attractive actuator to actuate a magnetic switch which in turn actuates an electrical switch for producing a monitoring signal. The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a rigid, dependable, accurate and wear-free device for monitoring the continued operation of a flow or other meter.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure is formed by a head/hook member having integral projections which interengage in preformed bores of a profiled body member of resilient material so as to maintain the unitary integrity of the assembly. The head/hook member is preferably a unitary member of relatively dense material, such as metal, so as to provide the necessary ballast for the lure. The body member is preferably formed of a resilient material, such as plastics or rubber like material, and as any geometric configuration, including the natural form of normal fish prey and may be colored in accordance with any coloration scheme. The body member has preformed bores which receive portions of the head/hook member therein without damage to the body member providing ease of assembly and replaceability not heretofore possible.

Abstract: An elongate cutter for a drag-type drill bit includes a stud defining one end thereof and a cutting formation comprising a cutting face generally adjacent the other end. Length extends from one end to the other, depth extends generally transverse to the cutting face as well as transverse to the length, and width extends transverse to both length and depth. The stud has a cross section transverse to its length such that the cross section cannot be circumscribed by a reference circle whose diameter is equal to the maximum width of the cross section. The cross section also has an assumed section modulus, in the direction of depth, greater than that of the reference circle. The leading side of the cutter comprises a first planar zone adjacent the one end and a second planar zone adjacent the other end, and on which the cutting formation is carried. The maximum lateral dimension of the leading side is generally greater than or equal to the maximum width of the cutter.

Abstract: A liquid polymer containing composition, useful as a thickening agent for aqueous systems, containing hydroxyethyl cellulose, a hydrophobic liquid medium in which the hydroxyethyl cellulose is substantially non-swellable and a gelling agent for thickening the hydrophobic liquid.

Abstract: The transmission has a housing enclosing an annular output gear with a drive member rotatably mounted coaxially therein. A drive gear carried by the drive member engages the output gear. A lug plate carried by the drive member interacts with a guide plate radially movable with respect to the housing to change the relative path traveled by the lugs and thereby the rotational ratio between the input and output gears. Transition between ratios is smooth and continuous over an almost infinite range of ratios.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for calipering a borehole using acoustic measurements within the borehole. These acoustic measurements are useful for measuring the reflectivity of the side walls of a borehole and for calipering a borehole in a wireline or measurement while drilling configuration. The apparatus comprises at least one acoustic transceiver disposed on a calipering tool, together with a second acoustic receiver disposed longitudinally a selected distance from the first receiver. Further, a second acoustic transceiver is disposed on the caliper tool azimuthally from the first transceiver. Measurement of the travel times of acoustic pulses reflected from the borehole walls by the transceivers and receivers of this device, together with other known data, permits an accurate caliper of the borehole to be produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining complete loading on a drill bit at the end of a drill string in a borehole employ at least three rosette strain gauges uniformly disposed on an instrument sub to measure torque and axial force on the sub, two bending moments in mutually perpendicular directions, and two shear forces in mutually perpendicular directions. These measurements are used to obtain torque on bit, weight on bit, two side forces on the bit normal to each other, and two bending moments on the bit normal to each other which, in turn, can be used to control the bit movement.

Abstract: A drag-type drill bit comprises a bit body having an operating end face and a multiplicity of superhard cutting elements interlocked to the bit body. The cutting elements define a multiplicity of cutting areas dispersed over the operating end face of the bit body in a pattern adapted to cause the cutting areas to cut an earth formation to a desired three-dimensional profile as the bit body is rotated. The cutting areas have back rake angles which become more negative with distance from said profile.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a pin connector for receipt by a box connector. An external surface of the pin features a helical groove; a generally complementary internal surface of the box features a helical groove of the same rotational sense and pitch. A helical latch coil is carried in one of the grooves, extending partly out of the groove. The connectors are latched together by stabbing the pin into the box, whereby the latch coil is ratcheted into place, partly extending into the groove of the connector not carrying the coil. Subsequent mutual rotation between the connectors in one rotational sense tightens the latched connection; rotation in the opposite sense releases the latching.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing the longitudinal position of a shaft, e.g., a valve stem, within the bore of a body, e.g., a valve body comprising a shaft having a plurality of peripherally extending, generally equally spaced, discrete grooves, the grooved portion of the shaft being received in the bore, a stop being provided internally of the bore, a washer having an inwardly tapered abutment surface engaging the stop, a split ring received on the shaft and engaging the inwardly tapered abutment surface, the apparatus further including a gland assembly including a second washer for engagement with the first washer, the gland assembly urging the second washer against the first washer, the split ring being forced into engagement with the abutment surface and into a groove adjacent the abutment surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling water temperature in a man-made pond includes means defining a closed loop raceway within the pond with at least a pump mounted to circulate the water in the raceway. At least a portion of the raceway is covered by a cover which will absorb heat and release a portion thereof into the water as it passes along the raceway below the cover. The pump is preferably arranged to draw cool water from the bottom of the raceway and eject it under the cover at the surface of the pond thereby assuring more uniform water temperature.

Abstract: A wafer-type valve for securing between two flange fittings comprises a valve body having a flowway therethrough, connection formations integrally adjoining the valve body and extending radially therefrom, a valve element mounted in the flowway, and adapter means adjoining the valve body and extending outwardly therefrom. First longitudinally extending connectors cooperate between the connection formations of the valve body and the adapters to connect the adapters to the valve body, while second longitudinally extending connectors cooperate between the adapters and the flanges of the flange fittings to connect the adapters to the flange fittings. The valve also includes a seat lining its flowway and a seat retainer axially abutting the seat and one end of the valve body. The adapter overlaps the seat retainer so as to mount it to the valve body.