Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a well logging cable that is gas-blocked by virtue of having solid outer conductors cabled around a stranded, filled center conductor and interred in a monolithic matrix material. Substantially all void spaces are thereby eliminated to prevent collection of gas anywhere within the cable at high temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a sealed beam, high intensity light is housed in a metal case provided with a bracket to one side and the bracket is bolted to an elongated base member that is semicircular in cross-section. A synthetic resin is molded on the inside of the base member to the precise shape and taper of the barrel of a gun, and the assembly is coated with a layer of vinyl resin to provide a nonconductive, corrosion proof surfacing. The length of base member is of a dimension to fit between the two upstanding terminals of a typical 12 volt lantern battery. The light can be mounted underneath the barrel of a gun by clamps positioned at each end of base member and encircling the barrel, or the light can be mounted on top of a lantern battery by two z-shaped clips held by the terminal nuts. The base member also provides a convenient grip to adapt the light for use as a hand spotlight.

Abstract: A wave motion compensating and drill string drive apparatus for use in connection with offshore drilling operations includes a kelley with a mandrel telescopically disposed therein and providing a hydraulic ram whose working volume is supplied with fluid at a preselected pressure such that a constant weight can be imposed by the drill string on the bit as the vessel undergoes vertical motion. The hydraulic fluid is supplied to the ram via a swivel coupling to enable the kelley and mandrel to rotate relative thereto, and the members are coupled by slidable splines for the transmission of torque from the rotary to the drill string.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pressure controlled reversing valve includes a housing having a flow passage and ports to communicate the passage with the well annulus outside the housing, valve means for normally closing said ports, valve operator means movable upwardly and downwardly in said housing in response to changes in the pressure of fluids in said annulus, lost-motion coupling means for enabling movement of said operator means independently of said valve means so long as said pressure does not exceed a first predetermined value, and means for converting said lost-motion coupling to a driving connection in response to a second pressure in excess of said first pressure to cause said operator to shift said valve means from closed to open position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein for placing a guide line or cable on an underwater well installation connection point in a case where there is already in place a connection line between the surface and the water bottom. By means of a self-carrying electric cable, a vehicle is lowered along the connection line, the vehicle being equipped with a drum on which is wound the guide line having a connector fixed to one end and held vertically on the vehicle. Near the underwater connection point, the vehicle is made to rotate around the connection cable in order to bring the connector into alignment with the connection point. The connector then is engaged with the connection point by allowing the vehicle to further descend, after which the vehicle is raised along the connection line by pulling on the self-carrying electric cable, causing the guide line to unwind from the drum, thereby bringing an end of the line to the surface.

Abstract: An assembly adapted to be anchored at a subsurface location within a tubular well conduit to function as a self-closing safety valve. The assembly includes a flapper valve closure element pivotably mounted in a tubular valve housing and controlled by a pressure sensitive control mechanism. An anchoring means having radially expansible anchoring and sealing members is employed to secure the valve in place and to form a seal which forces fluid in the conduit to flow through a flow passage in the valve housing. The expansible anchoring and sealing means may be retracted to permit retrieval of the entire assembly. The control mechanism includes a pressure charged bellows chamber which moves in response to a drop in the pressure within the well conduit to cause the flapper to close the flow passage.An incompressible fluid contained within the bellows of the control mechanism cooperates with a double acting valve to prevent over extension or over compression of the bellows by extremes in pressure differential.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a subsurface safety valve assembly that automatically closes in response to a drop in flowing pressure at the valve to a value that is below a set dome pressure, is provided with a flow restriction upstream of the valve that is sized to enable rapid closing of the safety valve in the event of disruption of surface flow lines or the like.

Abstract: A control valve apparatus adapted to be positioned within a subsea blowout preventer stack for controlling the flow of fluid from an offshore well includes a control unit releasably latched to a valve body having tandem, normally closed valve assemblies, the upper valve assembly including a flapper valve element and the lower valve assembly including a ball valve element. The control unit has hydraulically operable mechanisms adapted to open the valve elements in response to pressurization of control lines extending upwardly to the surface, and to assist in closure of the ball valve element to effect cutting of wireline or cable extending into the well in case of emergency.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein, a shock absorber adapted to be incorporated in a drill string includes axially splined housing and mandrel members having a helical coil spring reacting therebetween to absorb longitudinal vibration and shock loads and otherwise attenuate exciting forces generated by the drill bit. The coil spring has a low spring rate and is enclosed between the housing and a hollow flow tube that is slidably sealed with respect to the housing and the mandrel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pumping system using a pneumatically powered, submerged pump for lifting high viscosity oil from a well. The pump includes a flexible, bag-shaped expansible member or "bladder" mounted within a surrounding housing. Pressurized gas is supplied from the well surface to the bladder through a supply line. An inlet check valve permits oil in the formation to flow into the housing when the bladder is collapsed. When the bladder is expanded or displaced by the gas, the oil in the housing is displaced through an outlet check valve into a flow line which extends to the well surface. A submerged control valve channels gas into the bladder to control the bladder expansion. The control valve also functions to permit the gas in the bladder to flow into a vent tube to control bladder deflation.In a modified form of the invention, oil flowing into the housing expands the bladder and gas supplied to the housing collapses the bladder.

Abstract: A control valve apparatus adapted to be stationed in a subsea blowout preventer stack and used in connection with a production or drill stem test of an offshore well from a floating vessel, includes a valve section and a control section that are releasably connected together by a latch mechanism. The valve section has one or more fail-close valves for controlling the opening of the well, and the control section and latch mechanism are hydraulically operable for respectively actuating the valves and disconnecting the control section to enable its retrieval to the vessel leaving the valve section in place.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein, a wireline pulling and running tool can be preset at the surface by simple adjustment for functioning as either a pulling or a running tool, and for release from an associated hanger mandrel by jarring either upwardly or downwardly. A tubular support that carries pivotally mounted gripping elements which are yieldably urged toward disengaged position, has a control body movably mounted therein. The control body has a plurality of sets of circumferentially spaced recess means than can be selectively aligned with the gripping members to enable release thereof in response to vertical movement of the control body from an initial upper or lower position where the body is releasably fixed to the support by a shear pin.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a shock absorber adapted to be incorporated in a drill string includes axially splined housing and mandrel members that enclose a resilient structure which absorbs longitudinal vibrations and shock loads and otherwise attenuates exciting forces generated by the drill bit. The resilient structure comprises inner and outer cylindrical torsion tube springs providing a low spring rate.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a hollow mandrel mounted in a production string has an eccentrically disposed, lateral recess adapted to receive a measuring instrument. A plug-in contact assembly is located at the lower end of the recess and is connected to an electric cable which is fixed to the outside of the production string. The measuring instrument includes a receptacle assembly on its lower end which is fitted onto the contact assembly during emplacement of the instrument in the recess, thereby to provide in combination with the cable an insulated electric connection between the measuring instrument and the surface. The measuring instrument can be placed into, or removed from, the recess as desired, for example by means of conventional running and pulling tools that are lowered into the production string at the end of a wireline.

Abstract: Artificial lift apparatus for use in a well having an outer pipe string for flow of a first fluid and an inner pipe string for flow of a second fluid. The apparatus may comprise a tubular receiver for connection in the inner pipe string and having ports for providing communication between the inner and outer pipe string. The receiver may include an inner tubular member and a concentrically surrounding outer tubular member defining an annular passageway therebetween through which at least a portion of the first fluid flow may pass. The apparatus may also include a well tool adapted for movement through the inner pipe string for engagement with the receiver inner tubular member and being provided with at least one valve for controlling fluid flow between the inner and outer pipe strings through the ports.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a floating drilling vessel or the like comprises a wire rope having one end attached to an anchor and the other end secured to the drilling vessel. The secured end has attached thereto a floating tag line with a length greater than the location water depth, making it possible to easily recover a wire rope that is cast-off in the event the vessel is required to quickly leave its location, for example, in an emergency.