Abstract: A universal handling head which includes a lifting and/or a guiding head, for a pipe racker for handling pipe in a drilling derrick comprises a housing member and latch assembly having at least one latching finger. A latch assembly is engaged with the housing member to allow a latched finger to be placed in a left hand and right hand position with respect to the housing member. In one embodiment, the latch finger and latch assembly is rotated in the housing member in order to close on the pipe from both the left or the right sides. In another embodiment, the latch assembly has two latching fingers, a right and left latching finger, each of which may be translated as a unit by translating the latching assembly with respect to the housing member. The reversability of the latch finger by automated means allows the latch assembly to be positioned in such a manner as to facilitate closely spread pipe in a pipe racker.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the position of a traveling block along a vertical axis within a computer-controlled oil drilling rig is characterized by a magnetically responsive element for generating a pulse when a metallic member, movable with the traveling block, passes in proximity thereto. A counter is operatively associated with the magnetically responsive element to count the pulses therefrom. An electrical signal of a predetermined magnitude functionally related to the output of the counter is representative of the position of the traveling block.

Abstract: A cap for installation over the open end of a tubular member that has a pipe or pipes of smaller diameter projecting through the open end of the tubular member. The cap has a rubber discoid portion that covers the open end of the tubular member and a rubber apron extending from the discoid portion and adapted to encircle the tubular member adjacent to its open end. An aperture or apertures for the pipes of smaller diameter are provided in the discoid portion. The cap is split except at the back where a portion including the apron provides a hinge. The split intersects the aperture or apertures. A split, flexible metal band is embedded in the apron and has a latch for tightening and locking the apron about the tubular member. To install the cap, it is hinged open and placed over the end of the tubular member with the smaller diameter pipes passing through the apertures, and is then closed around the tubular member and locked.

Abstract: A multi-stage, well-drilling mast assembly, particularly adapted to mobile drilling platforms, such as drilling vessels, the assembly having a main stage mast and an auxiliary mast, both pivoted to the platform for swinging movements between horizontal and vertical positions. The main stage carries well pipe hoisting equipment, and the auxiliary stage carries rack equipment for vertically storing well pipe, and racker equipment for moving the well pipe between the rack and the center line of the mast assembly. Slings operated by the hoisting equipment swing the stages between horizontal and vertical positions. A low profile and a low center of gravity are achieved when the stages are horizontally disposed. The distribution of the weight of the hoist, the rack, and the rackers between the stages of the mast assembly provides a multi-stage mast assembly in which the individual stages may be conveniently swung between reclined and vertical, well-drilling positions.

Abstract: A shock absorbing rotary drive coupling unit for drivingly connecting a tubular drive shaft to an axially aligned tubular driven shaft of a rotary blast hole drill. The unit has an annular body of resilient elastomer sandwiched between and bonded to end plates, with lugs and fasteners for connecting the end plates, respectively, to the drive shaft and the driven shaft.

Abstract: A method of making lightweight cement slurry which involves dissolving sodium metasilicate and an activator in mix water, and thereafter mixing Portland cement therewith. The activator may be calcium chloride, calcium formate, calcium oxide, a water soluble calcium compound or a mixture thereof. The lightweight cement slurry so formed may be used for cementing well pipe in wells or for casting lightweight structural members, such as board, columns, and the like.

Abstract: A stroke actuated well testing tool carried by a tubing string and including a packer, radial ports for maximum internal flow past the packer, and a valve controlling flow through the tubing string; the tool further including radial port control assemblies which are relatively movable axially, when the packer and tool are set, to close the radial ports, and valve control assemblies which are relatively movable to open and close the valve; the radial port control assemblies including a fluid flow restrictor to provide a time delay thereby to permit relative movement of the valve control assemblies without operation of the port control assemblies; the tool further including at least one annular sample collecting pressure resistant chamber occupying an open position for receiving well samples when the packer is set and a closed position when the tool is being pulled out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple stage cementing of well casing in subsea wells. Also, a subsea stage cementer, plug stack assembly. The combination with a subsea stage cementer, plug stack assembly of a packing and shipping crate therefor. A trip-plug for operating a stage cementing collar to open the ports thereof. A dart adapted to enter the bore of a hollow plug to block the flow of liquid through the bore.

Abstract: A head for grasping and guiding a length of pipe, such as marine riser pipe. The head has a base, a body pivoted to the base, and a pair of latch arms pivoted to the body for grasping and releasing the pipe. Power actuated means are provided for pivoting the body on its pivot. Power actuated means are provided for pivoting the latch arms between open and closed positions. The power operated means may embody features that adapt the head to the requirements of grasping and guiding a length of riser pipe suspended from hoisting equipment by a cable and being drawn into a derrick.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated rotary power slip assembly which is mountable in a rotary drilling table. It includes a stationary housing having an annular opening therethrough adapted for mounting generally coaxially with the pipe opening in the rotary table. The stationary housing has a conduit therein for transmitting pressurized fluid. The assembly includes a rotary housing having an annular opening therethrough, which housing is adapted for mounting generally coaxially with the opening in the rotary table and for rotation therewith. The stationary housing is provided with a pair of inflatable annular seals which, together with the rotary housing, form two axially spaced apart annular ducts between said housings upon inflation of the seals.

Abstract: A method of making a one-piece elevator link having a shank with an eye at each end involving the steps of casting from alloy steel a link blank having an oversize shank portion, forging or swaging the shank portion to reduce its diameter and correspondingly elongate it, and heat treating and drawing the forged or swaged blank to enhance its physical and mechanical properties. The eyes are cast in their final form. The oversize shank portion may be machined to reduce its diameter before it is forged or otherwise hot worked, whereby castings of but one size may be used in the production of elevator links of varying lengths.A cast elevator link blank to be hot worked into an elevator link of final form.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabbing casing pipe as the casing is being run into a well bore. It includes a casing handling head arranged for grasping a generally upright section of casing pipe near the upper end thereof. The head is controllable for movement in a horizontal plane extending over the well bore and is movable vertically also. An operator platform is attached to the head for movement therewith. The platform has control means mounted thereon for operating the head, whereby an operator supported on the platform can visually observe and guide stabbing of a section of casing pipe and release the same by operating the control means. The position of the platform is such that an operator supported thereon can carry out other manipulative steps associated with the casing stabbing operation, as for example, the operation of the elevators, the pipe slings, and the like.

Abstract: Means are described for absorbing energy when a drill string has been lowered into a tube for storage. The apparatus comprises a piston, orifice, fluid and spring in combination with a storage tube capable of holding a string of drill pipe.

Abstract: Cementing plug launching apparatus for use in cementing a casing string in a well in which a casing closure is releasably attached to the upper end of the casing string, the closure having a cement conduit opening therethrough and in which a cementing plug is releasably supported below the closure by the cement conduit, the plug being separable from the cement conduit upon introduction of a ball into the cement flowing into the casing through the conduit.