Abstract: A multiple biscuit clutch or brake apparatus comprising an annular disc operably secured to a rotatable shaft and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced bores provided therein, a pair of complementary pistons slidably disposed in each bore in back-to-back relation and responsive to the application and withdrawal of pressure therebetween for reciprocation within the bore, an annular flange disposed on each side of the disc and outboard of the pistons for frictional engagement thereby upon axially outward movement of the pistons within the respective bores, the frictional engagement between the pistons and the flanges providing either a braking or clutching operation, and a housing encasing the disc and flanges to provide a chamber therearound, the housing being provided with inlet and outlet ports whereby a coolant may be introduced into the chamber and circulated around the disc and pistons and flanges for dissipating the heat generated by the frictional engagement of the pistons and flanges, the cool

Abstract: An elevating catwalk apparatus for use at a well bore drilling site, or the like, for effectively elevating the "ground level" with respect to the drilling floor of the well drilling apparatus and comprising a base framework structure having a catwalk secured thereto by a plurality of spaced support posts and movable between elevated and lowered positions with respect thereto, the opposite ends of the support posts being pivotally secured between the catwalk and the base framework, angularly disposed brace members having one end pivotally secured to at least one of the support posts and the opposite end pivotally and slidably secured to the base structure for strengthening the support of the catwalk in the elevated position thereof, the catwalk being responsive to longitudinal pressure in one direction for moving upwardly with respect to the base framework and pressure in an opposite direction for moving downwardly with respect to the base framework.

Abstract: A method and means for using nitrogen exhaust gases or gaseous mixtures of combustible products for reduction of oxygen in drilling fluids during the drilling of well bores and which comprises utilizing nitrogen from normally waste exhaust gases or the like, injecting the nitrogen and other gases present into the usual drilling muds for replacing the oxygen contents of the drilling muds with the nitrogen gas, whereby corrosive action of the drilling muds is greatly reduced or substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A clutch or brake utilizing the principles of a disc brake and comprising an annular disc rotatably secured between a pair of normally stationary annular flanges, a plurality of back-to-back caliper pistons secured in the disc and circumferentially spaced therearound, a fluid chamber interposed between each of the back-to-back pistons and in communication with a source of fluid for alternate extension of the pistons into simultaneous engagement with the pair of flanges and retraction of the pistons from engagement therewith to provide selective control of the rotation of the disc for either a braking or clutch operation.

Abstract: A disc-type brake apparatus adapted for installation in combination with the drawworks of a well bore drilling operation for automatically sensing any reverse torque situation in the drill pipe and quickly set the brake for precluding transmission of any reverse torque to the rotary table drive and clutch mechanism therefor.

Abstract: An elevating ramp for vehicles comprising a first ramp section disposed at a preselected angle with respect to the horizontal whereby the vehicle may ascend the said ramp section until the entire vehicle is disposed thereon, and a second ramp section connected with the first ramp section for receiving the vehicle thereon, said second ramp section being disposed at a greater angle with respect to the horizontal than the first ramp section whereby the vehicle may be moved through a total angular dimension with respect to the horizontal which is greater than the physical characteristics of the vehicle normally permit. When the vehicle has been positioned on the apparatus, the position of the ramp may be hydraulic adjusted for supporting the entire vehicle in a substantially horizontal position elevated above the surface of the ground.

Abstract: An igniter for flaring natural gas at the surface of the ground in spaced relation to an oil and/or gas well bore drilling operation wherein excessive gas pressure is encountered during the drilling operation, and comprising a relatively long pipe extending from the well head to a position somewhat remote therefrom for directing excess natural gas away from the well head, a spark plug assembly disposed at the outer end of the pipe and including constantly arcing spark plugs for flaring of the escaping gas and the open end of the pipe, and an annular passageway in the proximity of the spark plugs for providing an adequate supply of oxygen for facilitating the burning of the gas.

Abstract: A disc-type brake apparatus adapted for installation in combination with the drawworks of a well bore drilling operation for automatically sensing any reverse torque situation in the drill pipe and quickly set the brake for precluding transmission of any reverse torque to the rotary table drive and clutch mechanism therefor.

Abstract: A method and means for using nitrogen exhaust gases or gaseous mixtures of combustible products for reduction of oxygen in drilling fluids during the drilling of well bores and which comprises utilizing nitrogen from normally waste exhaust gases or the like, injecting the nitrogen and other gases present into the usual drilling muds for replacing the oxygen contents of the drilling muds with the nitrogen gas, whereby corrosive action of the drilling muds is greatly reduced or substantially eliminated.