Abstract: A periscope instrument control protection plate having specific finger openings for predetermined positioning over instrument controls, said plate having sides affixable to said control periscope to thereby position said protection panel plate to provide external finger adjustment and damage protection of said predetermined controls.

Abstract: A dry mixture of a crosslinking compound and a hydratable gelling agent where said dry mixture is storable for at least three months during which time it is readily activatable to rapidly produce an active, high-viscosity acidic treating fluid.

Abstract: A mixing valve for use in cementing, fracturing or other treatment of a well. The valve, which may be mounted in a pipe string, comprises a center mandrel surrounded by a coaxial housing having circumferentially spaced apertures therethrough. A packer cup surrounds the center mandrel below the apertures in the housing, and seals the annulus between the mandrel and housing when the pressure of fluid through the bore of the mandrel exceeds that on the outside of the chamber. When mixing fluids, it is only necessary to pressure the fluid outside the housing to collapse the packer cup against the mandrel, the fluid from the outside then entering the stream flowing from the mandrel bore. A method of mixing fluids utilizing the valve of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes inner and outer telescoping cylindrical members. The inner cylindrical member has a cylindrical indexing sleeve disposed thereabout. A groove having a semi-circular cross section is disposed in a cylindrical outer surface of the indexing sleeve. Connected to the outer cylindrical member is an apparatus for holding a spherical ball so that approximately one-half the ball is engaged with the semi-circular cross section groove and the other of the ball is disposed within a radial bore in the outer cylindrical member. Relative movement between the inner and outer cylindrical members is defined by engagement of the spherical ball with the groove. The spherical ball is biased toward the groove by a compression spring or a displaceable fluid under pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the metering of additives which are to be blended with a primary substance includes an element which determines how much additive is being discharged from an additive storage container. This element includes a weight detecting device which detects a first portion of the additive contained in a metering container and includes another weight detecting device for detecting the weight of a second portion of the additive contained in an inventory container which feeds the additive into the metering container. This element also includes a volumetric flow rate monitoring device for monitoring the flow rate of a liquid additive. Each of these detecting and monitoring devices generates respective electrical signals proportional to the respective monitored conditions. The apparatus also includes an element for sensing how much of the primary substance is being discharged from a primary substance container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the rate and extent of cutting slots in flow conductors, particularly casing in wells. The apparatus is hung in the well from a pipe string, locked in position, and force applied to the string. A hydraulic metering mechanism acts against the applied force to control the rate of travel of one or more jet bodies attached to the movable mandrel of the apparatus, the stroke of which determines the extent of the cut.

Abstract: A hydraulic well jar of the type having a longitudinally slidable inner mandrel within an outer case, the inner mandrel having a hammer element threon which impacts on an anvil element in the case. Hydraulic fluid is disposed between the case and mandrel. Initial movement of the mandrel with respect to the case is impeded by a hydraulic fluid metering jet mechanism, which is bypassed as the mandrel reaches a predetermined point in its travel, allowing a sudden, more rapid movement of the mandrel, thereby generating a greater impact force. The present invention comprises an improved fluid bypass design, as well as an improved mounting system for the hydraulic fluid screen and jet of the metering mechanism. An improved seal arrangement between the metering mechanism, which is attached to the mandrel and the interior of the outer case provides greater seal life and better performance for the jar.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a master control unit associated with a first locomotive and a slave control unit associated with a second locomotive. Each of the control units is identically constructed to include an electronic processor and memory. The memory includes a program which is also identical for both units. Each of the units is connected to at least a portion of a train line extending between the locomotives, and inter-unit communications are accomplished over only a single spare line within the train line. Under control of the program the control units detect the setting of the throttle in the first locomotive, and in response thereto the control units operate the throttle of the second locomotive so that the combined operation of the first and second locomotives functions at an optimum power output-to-fuel consumption ratio within a predetermined range of power levels for each setting of the throttle in the first locomotive.

Abstract: A process for cementing adjacent a subterranean gas-containing zone, in which process a cement slurry containing a stabilized, dispersed gas is placed adjacent the zone. Sufficient gas is present in the cement slurry or is capable of being generated within the slurry to prevent the connate formation gas under pressure from passing into or around the cement prior to the time the cement has set up.

Abstract: Oil boom for an open sea skimmer barge comprising a hull having a bow, bottom, side walls, stern having a substantially elongate slot extending across a portion thereof and a deck, a spill suction tunnel, a collection tank, secondary oil separation means and tertiary oil separation means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a powdered metal casing and an apparatus and method for making the powdered metal casing, which casing is useful for shaped explosive charges for perforating oil and gas wells.

Abstract: A discharge manifold system is provided for connecting a pressurized fluid discharge from a floating vessel to an offshore well. A floating buoy is anchored at a distance away from the offshore platform. A first manifold is located on the floating buoy and includes an inlet and first and second outlets. A second manifold is located on the production platform adjacent the offshore well and includes first and second inlets and an outlet which is connected to the offshore well. First and second valves are connected to the outlets of the first manifold. Third and fourth valves are connected to the inlets of the second manifold. A first flexible intermediate conduit is connected between the first and third valves and a second flexible intermediate conduit is connected between the second and fourth valves.

Abstract: A trap to catch knockout plugs or "pins" from casing inflation packers. The trap is mounted in the well casing above a float valve, and catches pins falling from casing inflation packers in the casing above it as these pins are broken off by a cementing plug descending into the well, thus preventing the loose pins from jamming the float valve open after cementing is completed. The trap comprises a generally cylindrical hollow body having rods extending laterally across its bore, and a collapsible pin guide mounted on top of the body to guide the pins into the body, where they are constrained above the float valve by the rods.

Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a hydraulically actuated connector which may be remotely actuated. The connector of the present invention comprises body means, hydraulically actuated cylinder means surrounding the body means and a plurality of segmental lug means interposed between the body means and cylinder means which selectively engage the end of a flow line.

Abstract: An inflatable packer for use on an offshore platform to seal the annulus between the jacket leg or pile sleeve and a pile driven therethrough, the inflatable packer comprising a packer housing, a first guide ring, a second guide ring, an annular inflatable packer member having an annular reinforcing member therein and annular band of material about the inner periphery thereof adjacent each end, first back-up shoe means and second back-up shoe means secured to the first and second guide rings respectively.

Abstract: Cement compositions which upon curing have high compressive strengths and are rapidly dissolved in acids are provided comprised of water, a metal halide or sulfate selected from the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum and zinc halides and sulfates, a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of magnesium, aluminum and zinc oxides and a metal carbonate selected from the group consisting of calcium and barium carbonates. Methods of using the cement compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid gel concentrate for forming a high viscosity treating fluid is provided which can be premixed and stored before being used. The concentrate is comprised of water, a hydratable polymer which yields viscosity upon hydration and an inhibitor having the property of reversibly reacting with the hydratable polymer in a manner whereby the rate of hydration of the polymer is retarded. Upon the selective reversal of the hydration inhibiting reaction the polymer is hydrated and high viscosity yielded thereby. The concentrate can be utilized directly or it can be diluted with additional water to form a large volume of high viscosity treating fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for cementing an annular cavity between a subsea well casing and a borehole from a floating vessel. A drill string is run into the casing. An opening positioner attached to the drill string is engaged with a valve in the casing. The drill string is lifted to open the valve. The drill string is positioned to align an isolation packer with the casing valve. An anchor attached to the drill string is set to provide sufficient resistance between the drill string and the casing to operate a motion compensator on the floating vessel. A cement slurry is then pumped into the drill string, out the isolation packer, through the open casing valve and into the annular cavity between the casing and the well bore-hole.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving insoluble fluoride deposits and methods of treating subterranean formations and industrial vessels using such solution to remove fluoride deposits. The solvent comprises boric acid, methanol and hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: An improved check valve assembly for use in a well bore comprising an outer annular housing, sliding mandrel slidably disposed within the bore of the outer annular housing, check valve seal means retained on the exterior of the outer annular housing and shear means disposed within the outer annular housing having a portion engaging the sliding mandrel and the outer annular housing.