Abstract: A ball valve assembly and method in which a ball valve is rotatable in a conduit section to selectively permit fluid flow through the bore to control the flow of the fluid through the conduit section. An insert is disposed in the valve bore, has a plurality of small-diameter passages and defines, with a portion of the valve, a large-diameter passage extending therethrough. The valve is rotated from its closed position to a first, partially-opened position where the small-diameter passages are in the flow path of the fluid to reduce the flow rate and the noise caused by the fluid flow. The valve can be rotated to a fully-opened position in which the large-diameter passage is in the flow path of the fluid to achieve relatively high flow rates. The insert forms an airfoil surface to prevent separation of the fluid as it passes through the large-diameter passage.

Abstract: A method of assaying the compressive strength of rock comprises testing a primary plurality of rock samples of similar lithology, at least some of which have different porosities, to determine, for each sample respectively, a value corresponding to compressive strength and a value corresponding to porosity. A first series of pairs of electrical compressive strength and porosity signals, the signals of each pair corresponding, respectively, to the compressive strength and porosity values for a respective one of the samples, is generated. These signals are processed by a computer to extrapolate additional such pairs of signals and generate a second series of electrical signals corresponding to compressive strength as a function of porosity. The second series of signals may correspond to unconfined compressive strength, and may be further processed, to generate a cumulative series of signals, using electrical adjustment signals corresponding to other conditions affecting the compressive strength of the rock.

Abstract: Hardfacing to protect wear surfaces of drill bits and other downhole tools having coated diamond particles dispersed within and bonded to a metallic matrix deposit. The coating on the diamond particles may be formed from materials and alloys such as particles, tungsten carbide, and tungsten carbide/cobalt and cermets such as metal carbides and metal nitrides. The coated diamond particles are preferably sintered and have a generally spherical shape. The coated diamond particles are premixed with selected materials such that welding and cooling will form both a metallurgical bond and a mechanical bond within the solidified metallic matrix deposit. A welding rod is prepared by placing a mixture of coated diamond particles, hard particles such as tungsten carbide/cobalt, and loose filler material into a steel tube.

Abstract: An improved insert for use in a drilling device. The insert adapted to be mounted on the drilling device within a socket formed in the drilling device. The insert has a convex curved lead-in surface formed on the lower portion of the insert. The lead-in surface operates to enhance the retention of the insert within the socket during drilling operations.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of support arms extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an exterior surface with a stabilizer pad formed as an integral part thereof. A number of cutter cone assemblies equal to the number of support arms are rotatably mounted on respective support arms and project generally downwardly and inwardly from each support arm. A ramp may also be formed on the exterior surface of the support arm as an integral part thereof. Both the stabilizer pad and the ramp preferably have surfaces inclined at an angle from a leading edge of the support arm toward a trailing edge of the support arm such that a fluid flow channel is formed therebetween to direct drilling fluids and cuttings to flow upward in the borehole.

Abstract: Hardfacing to protect wear surfaces of drill bits and other downhole tools having coated diamond particles dispersed within and bonded to a metallic matrix deposit. The coating on the diamond particles may be formed from materials and alloys such as particles, tungsten carbide, and tungsten carbide/cobalt and cermets such as metal carbides and metal nitrides. The coated diamond particles are preferably sintered and have a generally spherical shape. The coated diamond particles are pre-mixed with selected materials such that welding and cooling will form both a metallurgical bond and a mechanical bond within the solidified metallic matrix deposit. A welding rod is prepared by placing a mixture of coated diamond particles, hard particles such as tungsten carbide/cobalt, and loose filler material into a steel tube.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit for forming a borehole having a bit body with an upper end portion adapted for connection to a drill string. A number of angularly-spaced support arms formed to extend from the bit body. Each support arm has an inside surface with a spindle connected thereto and an outer surface. A number of cutter cones equal to a number of support arms are rotatably mounted on respective spindles. Each of the cutter cones includes an integral cylindrical cavity for receiving the respective spindle. A gap with a generally cylindrical portion is formed between the spindle and the cavity with a seal element disposed within the gap. The gap has an opening contiguous with the bottom edge of the outer surface and extending outwardly from the spindle. A bearing element is disposed within each gap between the exterior of the respective spindle and the interior of the respective cavity. A seal element is disposed within each gap to seal between the respective spindle and the interior of the respective cavity.

Abstract: An assembly and method for controlling the opening of a safety relief valve exposed to a system fluid pressure and containing a control fluid which controls the opening of the safety relief valve. The assembly includes a pilot valve connected to the safety relief valve and adapted to respond to a predetermined pressure of the system fluid for permitting flow of the control fluid. A regulator receives the control fluid and operates to reduce the pressure of the control fluid a predetermined amount. The safety relief valve opens in response to the reduction of the control fluid pressure, and the remaining control fluid pressure modulates the opening of the safety relief valve.

Abstract: A gage surface cutting element (22, 30, 50, 70, 100, 120) for a cutter (20) in a roller cone drill bit (10) has a generally cylindrical body (32, 52, 72, 102, 122) formed of a hard and wear-resistant material. The cutting end (34, 54, 74, 104, 124) of the cutting element (22, 30, 50, 70, 100, 120) has a generally conical cutting surface (38, 58, 78, 108, 128) substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body (32, 52, 72, 102, 122). A plurality of generally parallel shallow and elongated grooves (40-42, 60-63, 80-82, 110-112, 130-132) are formed in the conical cutting surface (38, 58, 78, 108, 128), and a plurality of elongated strips of an ultra hard material (44-46, 64-67, 84-86, 114-116, 134-136) is disposed in the grooves. The result is a conical cutting surface (38, 58, 78, 108, 128) that has alternating hard and ultra hard cutting surfaces that can be oriented at 0.degree., 90.degree., or any angle in between with respect to the rotational direction of the cutter cone (20).

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit (20 and 120)is provided with inserts (70 and 90) and compacts (50 and 150) having contoured cutting portions (66, 166, 72 and 92). The rotary cone drill bit (22 and 122) includes a bit body (26 and 126) having at least one downwardly extending arm (28) terminating in a spindle (40). A cutter cone (30) with a gauge face surface (62) and a plurality of holes (64) formed therein, is rotatably mounted on each spindle (40). A compact (50 and 150) having a cutting portion (66 and 166) with a radius approximately equal to the desired radius for the resulting borehole (100) is press fit into each hole (64) in the gauge face surface (62). A number of inserts (70 and 90) are also installed in the exterior of each support arm (28). Inserts (70 and 90) have a contoured cutting surface with a radius approximately equal to the desired radius for the resulting borehole (100).

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus and method in which a valve unit having a plurality of inlets is respectively connected to multiple fluid sources and an outlet. A unit containing a flowmeter is also provided which cooperates with the valve unit in a manner so that, upon rotation of one of the units relative to the other, the flow of fluid is controlled from the selected fluid source to the valve unit outlet. The flowmeter is adapted to measure variations in the flow rate of the fluid, and the flow of the fluid is controlled in response to one or more related parameters.

Abstract: A method of regulating drilling conditions applied to a given well bit comprises assaying the compressive strength of the formation in an interval to be drilled by said bit. Wear of critical bit structure of the same size and design as in said given bit and which structure has drilled material of approximately the same compressive strength as that so assayed, is analyzed along with respective drilling data for the worn structure. From said analysis, a power limit for the respective compressive strength, above which power limit excessive wear is likely to occur is determined. Drilling conditions, such as rotary speed and weight-on-bit, at which the given bit is operated are regulated to maintain a desired operating power less than or equal to the power limit. Where several feasible rotary speed/weight-on-bit combinations may result in the desired operating power, these conditions are optimized.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit (10) with two-stage cutting action is provided. The drill bit (10) includes at least two truncated conical cutter assemblies (20) rotatably coupled to support arms (18), where each cutter assembly (20) is rotatable about a respective axis (44) directed downwardly and inwardly. The truncated conical cutter assemblies (20) are frusto-conical or conical frustums in shape, with a back face (60) connected to a flat truncated face (22, 62) by conical sides. The truncated face (22, 62) may or may not be parallel with the back face (60) of the cutter assembly (20). A plurality of primary cutting elements or inserts (24) are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the flat truncated face (22, 62) of the truncated conical cutter assemblies (20). The teeth (26) of the cutter assemblies (20) are not meshed or engaged with one another and the plurality of cutting elements (24) of each cutter assembly (20) are spaced from cutting elements (24) of other cutter assemblies (20).

Abstract: A fluid meter in which a crankcase and two axially-aligned cylinders are defined in a housing. A crankshaft is disposed in the crankcase and two pistons are respectively mounted in the cylinders for reciprocal movement. Two connecting rods respectively connect the pistons to the crankshaft for rotating the crankshaft in response to the movement of the pistons. A portion of each of the connecting rods engage the other connecting rod to support and guide the connecting rods during the movement.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly and method in which a ball valve is rotatable in a conduit section to and from an open position in which at least a portion of a bore in the valve registers with the inlet and the outlet of the conduit section to permit the flow of the fluid through the conduit section. An insert is disposed in the bore and has a plurality of through passages formed therein for reducing the noise caused by the fluid flow though the ball valve and is operable over a relatively wide range of pressure drops and flow rates.

Abstract: A gasoline vapor recovery system and method in which a mixture of air and gasoline vapor is passed from a vehicle tank to a storage tank during the dispensing of gasoline from the storage tank to the vehicle tank. A portion of the mixture of air and gasoline vapor is vented from the storage tank, the flow and/or the vapor concentration of the vented mixture from the storage tank are determined, and the mixture flow from the vehicle tank is varied accordingly.

Abstract: A weld rod is prepared by placing a plurality of tungsten carbide/cobalt nuggets, preferably mixed with loose material, into a steel tube. The nuggets are previously sintered and have a generally ellipsoidal shape. A substrate is hard faced by progressively melting the weld rod onto the surface to be hard faced, and allowing the melted material to solidify on the surface.

Abstract: A low-friction, extended-life exhaust valve has a coating on the valve stem that is protected from hot exhaust gases. The valve stem slides axially in a valve guide pressed into the cylinder head, and the coating on the valve stem is receded away from the end of the valve guide exposed to the hot exhaust gases passing through the exhaust port. Protecting the coating from the hot exhaust gases allows the use of coatings that cannot normally withstand the harsh environment to which the exhaust valve is exposed. The preferred coating is a molybdenum oxide coating, which not only retains lubricating oil because of its porous nature, but also has solid lubricity which is useful in case of hydrostatic breakdown of the lubricant between engine cycles.

Abstract: A data entry module having a keypad responsive to manual activation for generating electrical signals. A shaped mass of material is provided having a processor embedded therein for processing the generated signals. The processor is connected to the keypad so that the generated signals pass from the keypad to the processor. A housing is detachably riveted to the keypad to enclose, and secure to the keypad, the mass of material so that the connection between the keypad and the processor is maintained.