Abstract: A pipe pick-up and laydown machine for lifting a joint of pipe from a generally horizontal position on a pipe rack to an inclined and elevated position relative to an elevated rig floor for connection to rig elevators by the drilling crew. The apparatus includes a horizontal base position adjacent the pipe racks with a pipe carrying trough slidably mounted in a trough trestle which can telescope in and out of one end of the trestle. An inclined track extends from one end of the base to a position near the edge of the rig floor and structure is provided for lifting the front end of the trough trestle along the inclined track. The rear end of the trough trestle is mounted on a sliding articulating arm which first moves forward as the front end of the trough trestle is elevated on the inclined track and then stops and pivots to raise the rear end of the trestle to incline the pipe carrying trough at a desired elevation when extended over one edge of the rig floor. The operation is reversed when laying down pipe.

Abstract: A plurality of annular plates are machined to have substantially identical outer diameters equal to the inner diameter of the head to be made. A first annular plate is arranged as an annular base plate. The other annular plates are cut into four congruent arc portions of less than 90.degree. and braces are attached to each congruent arc portion. A plurality of the arc portions are mounted by a first end to the upper surface of the annular base plate in a substantially equally, circumferentially spaced arrangement. The second end of each arc portion is fastened to the outer surface of a central collar to form the hemispherical frame.

Abstract: A stabilizing drill collar having eight longitudinally-extending sides with means for connecting the collar in a drill string, and having a plurality of wear members welded to alternating sides of the collar. The area of the collar affected by the heat of welding the wear members to the collar is outside the effective circumference of the collar, with the circumference being measured from opposite, flat surfaces of the sides of the collar.

Abstract: A marine riser having a pair of hydraulic lines, such as choke and kill lines, secured thereto and substantially parallel to one another providing track means extending along substantially the full length of a multiple joint riser string for transporting a carriage along the riser from near the top to the bottom. The invention also includes a carriage adapted to travel along such track and also includes television camera and lights as well as manipulator means for performing various functions on a blow-out preventer stack and wellhead connector as well as associated equipment positioned at the lower end of the marine riser.

Abstract: A holder for a cannister having a valve which is typically used for aerosol spraying is provided. The holder securely grips a cannister bead and is provided with a handle having a valve actuator for actuating the valve on the cannister. The holder provides improved stability by surrounding and supporting the body of the cannister so that it can be shaken or moved rapidly without disengagement from the cannister.

Abstract: A multi-layered vessel which includes a multi-layered generally cylindrical shell and at least one multi-layered generally hemispherical head of less thickness than the shell. The head has a main section and discontinuity neutralizing portion adjacent the shell. Each layer of the head main section and the discontinuity neutralizing portion have gores with substantially equal radius of curvature. The discontinuity neutralizing portion gores have a different center of curvature than the gores of the head main section.

Abstract: A new and improved inner seal assembly adapted to be mounted with the ram of a blowout preventer which includes a central sealing member and a seal insert, with the central sealing member being formed having at least one securing member receptacle capable of receiving a securing member formed with the seal insert, with the seal insert being removably mounted with the central sealing member by yieldable cooperation between the seal insert and the central sealing member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream of water vapor and combustion gases for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation, wherein the method includes directing high pressure combustion gases into a partially water-filled vapor generator vessel for producing therein a high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases, and thereafter injecting high quality steam into the high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases within the vapor generator vessel to increase the steam-to-combustion gas ratio of the discharge stream produced within the vapor generator vessel, and thereafter flowing the discharge stream into a subterranean formation for enhanced recovery of viscous petroleum therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing the frozen head of an annular type blow-out preventer, wherein an annular frame is mounted over the threadedly attached head leaving a central, top portion of the blow-out preventer head exposed to receive a torque arm adapted to be secured to the preventer head, torque being applied to the torque arm from hydraulic power assemblies mounted on the frame for breaking the threaded connection between said preventer head and body.

Abstract: A heat-insulated container for liquefied gases, which includes a rigid outer shell internally lined with a heat-insulating material, is provided with a locating and/or supporting device for pumps or other apparatus. The support device is formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as an iron-nickel alloy and is bonded directly or indirectly to the heat-insulating material lining the rigid shell.

Abstract: Fluid containing support members of walking beam mechanisms for moving beams and the like in furnaces are insulated with refractory ceramic fiber blanket modules. The modules are wrapped about the support members and attched with attachment members. Protective coverings are provided to reduce exposure of the fiber materials from slag from the beams.

Abstract: An underwater pipe anchoring device is adapted to be connected to an anchor for anchoring the pipe to underwater strata. A first support section is shaped to engage a first portion of the outer surface of the pipe and a second support section is shaped to engage a second portion of the outer surface of the pipe. A hinge connects an end of the second support section to the first support section so that the second support section can swing into and out of a position where the support sections surround the pipe and engage opposite sides of the outer surface of the pipe. The end of the second support section opposite the hinge is releasably connected to the first support section so that the support sections can be connected for supporting the pipe. Metal-to-metal contact between the support sections and pipe is prevented for protecting the pipe.

Abstract: Plate assembly and method for installing same in a separation device for separating components from a multi-component carrier liquid having components of a specific mass differing from that of the carrier liquid wherein the assembly includes at least two parallel separating plates being separated by spacer members mounted with the top and bottom portion of the separating plates and extending along the plate surfaces thereof for engaging and spacing ajacent separating plates for enhanced separation within the separation device. In practicing the method of the present invention, the plate assembly is established by inserting individual separating plates within the separation device one at a time with each such separating plate having its own spacer member therewith for spacing adjacent plates from one another and for forming a plate assembly for a separation device.

Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for absorbing shocks encountered by a drill string wherein the shock absorber assembly is for use with a drill string having a working fluid therein and includes a body member affixed to the drill string, a mandrel mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement with respect to the body member and a fluid dampening member floated within the central bore of the body member in engagement with the body member and the mandrel for absorbing shocks transmitted between the body member and the mandrel.

Abstract: Preferential sulfur dioxide absorption solvents may be buffered with suitable agents, such as alkanolaminium carboxylates, to substantially retard or eliminate the tendency of such solvents to degrade or accumulate non-regenerable salts, particularly sulfates, when loaded with absorbed sulfur dioxide. A method for employing the buffer as an immiscible aqueous phase as a separate trimming solvent to selectively absorb residual sulfur dioxide from a gas stream from which the bulk amount of sulfur dioxide is first removed by contact with a trialkyl phosphate solvent is disclosed. The method permits the trialkyl phosphate solvent to be regenerated and purged of salts at lower energy requirements.

Abstract: A method for forming a counter bore in the bore of a shotgun barrel and a choke tube insert for the counter bore. The insert includes an internal surface formed with a choke constriction for modifying the choke of the shotgun barrel and threads on its external surface for engaging complementary threads formed in the counter bore. Complementary angles are formed between the inner end of the choke tube and a ledge on the counter bore for preventing powder residue from accumulating between the threads. The method includes the steps of inserting a portion of a shotgun barrel in a frame and potting the barrel in a material which has a melting point substantially below the temperature which would affect the bluing of a shotgun barrel, but which when solidified rigidly holds the barrel when a counter bore is being reamed in its bore.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a single hoist line operated clamshell bucket apparatus and method of use. The bucket apparatus is loaded in the usual manner at a first location for transporting bulk material to a second location where it is discharged. The bucket is discharged by sensing the presence of a preselected radio command signal that is controlled by the crane operator. The sensed radio signal operates a shut-off valve in a hydraulic controlled bucket latching system to release hydraulic fluid to permit discharge of the clamshell bucket.

Abstract: A heat-insulated hose for liquefied gases, in particular, liquefied natural gas, comprising an inner hose (5) resistant to cryogenic temperatures, a plurality of successive layers (7A, 7B, 7C) of heat-insulating material, for example, polystyrene foam, arranged around the inner hose (5) and an outer protective sheath (18) arranged around the outermost layer of heat-insulating material, wherein each layer (7A, 7B, 7C) comprises a helically wound strip (6A, 6B, 6C) of fibre material holding together a mosaic of blocks of the heat-insulating material.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing clay-based grease compositions is described whereby a clay containing pre-grease is prepared and a water separated from the clay-bearing pre-grease prior to the addition of an epoxide which is cured, e.g., simultaneously with the dehydration of the pre-grease. The grease compositions prepared in this manner show improved water resistance over those wherein the epoxide is added prior to separation of the water phase and the grease is also more responsive to the addition of conventional grease additives such as extreme pressure additives, anti-corrosion additives and anti-oxidants.