Abstract: Apparatus for rotationally locking the swivel of a drillstring during downhole backoff, directional drilling, and similar operations, and for continuous monitoring of the torque level in the drillstring. A first member has a collar which attaches to one side of the swivel, the collar having a main plate attached thereto and extending outwardly from the swivel. A second member is suspended from the plate, and has a set of jaws which can be closed to grip the swivel and thereby rotationally lock the swivel. A means for measuring forces between the first and second members is disposed between the first and second members, and in combination with appropriate processing and controls permits monitoring of torque on the drillstring while the drillstring is raised and lowered as desired.

Abstract: A tong unit having a ring gear, an upper cage plate, and a jaw assembly is disclosed. The cage plate has a removable window section, through which the jaw assembly may be inserted into and removed from the central opening in the ring gear. The jaw assembly may be attached to the removable window section, so that the window section and the jaw assembly can be lifted out and inserted together.

Abstract: Casing cutter for severing multiple tubulars in a well bore has a pair of cutter blades pivotally mounted on a support body. The blades are pivotally mounted for gradual movement outside of the support body when downward force is applied to proximate ends of the cutter blades. The support body is rotated inside the innermost of the multiple tubulars, while the cutter blades sever the tubulars of progressively increasing diameter. Should the cutter blades or pivotal connections become unusable, the tool body can be rotated about the vertical axis and secured to a downhole string by the opposite end. A substitute pair of cutter blades are then engaged on the tool body and operated to cut the casings similar to the first set of the cutter blades.

Abstract: A power tong having a ring gear and dumbell rollers, with mating load surfaces on the ring gear and dumbell rollers which transfer horizontal and vertical loads from the ring gear to the dumbell rollers, without contact between the ring gear teeth and the dumbell rollers. The power tong further has a dumbell roller shaft configuration which permits vertical and rotational locking of the shaft, while permitting easy replacement and without binding of the rotation of the top and bottom plates on the dumbell rollers.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a wireline on a drilling rig. The apparatus includes a main body having first and second entry ports, and wherein the first entry port is configured to receive the wireline. A bearing nut is operatively attached to the main body. A mandrel is partially disposed within the bearing nut, and wherein the mandrel is capable of rotating. A sleeve, disposed within a receptacle bore, is also included. The sleeve may have an inner conical surface. A method of performing wireline work is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular connection including a first joint having outer threads and an inner bore, and a second joint having outer threads and an inner bore. The tubular connection further includes an outer nut having inner threads that cooperate with the outer threads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connection further includes an inner sleeve positioned within the first inner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first inner bore contains a first groove having a first seal disposed therein and the second inner bore contains a second groove having a second seal disposed therein, wherein the first and second seals prevents a pressure from exiting the first and second inner bore.

Abstract: A release mechanism for removing a subsurface safety control valve from a production string in a well bore is mounted below the safety valve in operational engagement with the safety valve and the production string. The release mechanism has a two-part construction, with the upper part being normally locked to the lower part and released from the lower part when changing of the safety valve is required.

Abstract: A pickup truck cab, rear window, and bed protector, referred to herein as a “cab and bed protector,” particularly suitable when transporting four wheelers or all terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the bed of a pickup truck. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cab and bed protector can be mounted in the bed of a variety of pickup truck models and is easily removable. The present invention serves as a shield to arrest the forward movement of the ATV during sudden stops, to prevent damage to the truck bed, cab, and/or rear window, and protect the passengers from harm. The preferred embodiment incorporates a plate fixed to a frame to transfer forces imposed on the plate by the ATV to the front wall of the truck bed, preventing damage to either the truck or the ATV.

Abstract: A cleanout system and method for removal of metal debris from a fluid flow, such a flow of re-circulated drilling mud employs one or more magnetic unit positioned in the path of the fluid for collecting metal particles from the flow. The magnetic unit has a removable magnet core positioned in a non-magnetic sleeve. When the core is removed from the sleeve the attracted metal particles are allowed to drop from the sleeve under gravity to facilitate their collection and disposal. A fluid deflector is positioned upstream from each magnetic unit, protecting the magnetic unit from direct impact by the strong flow. The magnetic units are allowed to pivot from side-to-side and adjust their position in the flow.

Abstract: Multi-component additive for incorporation into a drilling fluid, and a drilling fluid system comprising said multi-component additive. The additive preferably comprises three primary components: (1) a rate of penetration enhancer, namely one of a number of synthetic (non-toxic) ester-based or olefin-based oils as a carrier for other additives, such as surfactants; (2) a lubricant, namely one or more of a number of chlorinated waxes, chlorinated olefins, and plant based fatty acids; and (3) a clay inhibitor/stabilizer, such as a polyglycol. Preferably, the three components are pre-mixed in a single container, for ease in use in adding to a drilling fluid system. The additive may be incorporated into a drilling fluid system at a shore based facility, and the “liquid mud” transported to a drilling rig; or the additive may be brought to the drilling rig and incorporated into a drilling fluid system on site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remotely operable top drive safety valve assembly having first and second valve elements. An actuator sleeve moves longitudinally on the main body of the top drive safety valve assembly under the influence of an operating arm. When operating the first valve element, a lock plate is preferably installed over the second valve element stem, and an arm is externally fixed to the stem of the first valve element and is disposed in a cutout in the wall of the actuator sleeve. Movement of the actuator sleeve up and down moves the arm, and thereby moves the first valve element between open and closed positions. When operating the second valve element, the arm on the upper valve element stem is removed, a lock plate is preferably installed over the first valve element stem, an arm is installed on the second valve element stem, and a linkage assembly is installed which operationally engages the second valve element stem arm with the actuator sleeve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the application of a sleeve upon a tubular, such as a pipe string, used in downhole applications, for example in oil and gas exploration or recovery. A mould is located around the tubular into which a composite material is injected. The material is cured at ambient temperature. Optional heating may then be applied to enhance the properties of the sleeve. The heating temperatures are well below those at which the structural integrity of the metal tubular would be compromised as regards its fitness for downhole use. Embodiments of wear protectors are illustrated for sleeves with and without wear pads.

Abstract: A mat assembly particularly suited for heavy equipment transit and support, such as roadway construction and the like. The mat assembly is made up of a number of structural members preferably having a “double I-beam” cross-sectional shape. Each I-beam has spaced apart flanges with edges preferably formed in tongue and groove profiles. When butted together, the tongue and grooves of adjacent I-beams mesh. Filler blocks are disposed in the cavities between the webs of the I-beams. Tension members extending through the webs and filler blocks tie multiple I-beams together to form the mat assembly. Preferably, both the I-beams and filler blocks are formed of a plastic material, via extrusion or other molding methods. The resulting mat is capable of bearing very high loads yet is decay resistant.

Abstract: Flow control apparatus, for placement in a downhole location in the tubing string of a well. The apparatus comprises a valve element and a lock element. Application and removal of annulus pressure (on the annulus between the tubing and the casing) permits the apparatus to be cycled between a sensitive-to-flow mode, in which it opens to permit fluids to be injected down the tubing into a subsurface formation, but closes to prevent fluid backflow from the subsurface formation into the tubing; and an insensitive-to-flow mode, in which the apparatus is open to permit unimpeded fluid flow in either direction.

Abstract: An anchor for mooring of structures to a water bottom, comprising an elongated central body having a longitudinal axis through its center. The central body comprises a plurality of channel members radiating outward from the center, each with a channel therein. A plurality of nose and tail plates are disposed within the channels, and hingedly connected to the central body, so that the plates can be swung in or out from the central body, and thereafter fixed in place (for example, by pins inserted through mating holes in the channel members and plates). A means for attaching a mooring line to the anchor, for example a load ring encircling the central body and rotatable completely around the circumference of the central body, has an arm hingedly attached thereto. The arm can be rotated to a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central body, and fixed at a set angle or within a range of angles to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A non-metallic pad for placement between equipment and its support, for example between a pipe and a beam supporting the pipe. The pad comprises an elongated main body, preferably having male and female dovetails on either end to permit connecting multiple pads together. In profile, the main body has a convex top and a flat bottom. The main body is of a lattice internal structure, with the ribs of the lattice running substantially vertically. The ribs terminate at one end against a closed top surface, and at the other end terminate at a common level to form an open bottom. Injection molding is preferably used to form the pad. Preferred non-metallic materials for the pad are plastics, including glass fiber filled polyurethane, glass fiber filled nylon, and rubber filled polypropylene.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for positioning a power makeup/breakout device, commonly referred to as a “power tong unit,” along the longitudinal axis of a tubular, with respect to the end of a connection. A probe having an electric coil is mounted on the power tong. An alternating electric current is flowed through the coil, creating an electro-magnetic field emanating from the coil. Positioning the coil such that the tubular connection is within the magnetic field, then moving the coil such that the connection end moves within the magnetic field, permits the connection end to be seen as a discontinuity, by the principles of eddy current testing. The location of the connection end is used to manually position the tong, or is input to a processor and then to a power positioner, which properly positions the power tong with respect to the connection end.