Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for operating a self-propelled vibratory plate device. The vibratory plate of this device receives its vibratory motion from counter-rotating eccentric parts driven by an internal combustion engine. According to the method, the vibratory plate is stopped with a deadman's handle mounted on the device without the engine stopping. The method is realized with the arrangement of the invention which includes the deadman's handle. The deadman's handle is connected to the engine's fuel control and a centrifugal clutch between the engine and the eccentric parts is engaged only when the speed of the engine is above idle speed. A cam is provided with an interacting support which limits the angular movement of the deadman's handle to a position which corresponds to the idle speed of the engine.

Abstract: A core drilling tool for bore-holes includes a stem for connection to the string and an outer rotating tube for rotating a drill bit mounted thereon. A core tube is mounted in a central passage by a latch means to remove the core tube and/or replace it. The outer tube is rotated by a downhole motor such as a Moineau type motor. The diameter of the central passage through the stator is equal to the maximum diameter of the core tube plus the eccentricity of the stator to permit passage of the core tube into and out of the tool. Thus coring can be achieved without tripping the tool. Various details of the structure are described.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting an inner and an outer tubular member to and from each other in a well. A resiliently expandable and contractible locking support element is carried by and is axially slidable on the inner member. Two or more radially outwardly extending and downwardly facing load bearing support shoulders and peripheral locking surfaces are positioned on the inner member and coact with inwardly facing load bearing shoulders and locking surfaces on the locking support element. Two or more radially outwardly facing load bearing support shoulders on the locking support element coact with mating load bearing support shoulders on the inside of the outer tubular member. A release initially prevents axial movement of the locking support element on the inner member and may be positioned above, below or intermediate the ends of the locking support element. The locking support element may be an integral unit or a plurality of multiple separate units.

Abstract: Known groundcovering elements (44) consist of three basic shaped slabs which are connected to form a unit and which are delimited from one another by at least two dummy joints (stem dummy joint 74 and middle dummy joint 81), the peripheral surface having projections (67, 68, 79) and depressions (69, 70, 80) along an (imaginary) base line to form a toothing. To improve the stability and laying of such groundcovering elements (44), it is proposed to make these T-shaped by means of a half-size stem (13) formed approximately centrally on an elongate crossbar (12). When rhombi (45-47) are used as the basic shaped slab, the groundcovering element (44) has the form of an inclined "T".

Abstract: A tubing retrievable, hydrostatically operated liquid sleeve valve to control and shut off well production to the well surface of a producing well. The sleeve valve includes a port for supplying production fluid through the well annulus for pumping. When the pump stops, the liquid level in the annulus rises and creates a hydrostatic head against a sleeve piston which is biased to the open position by a gas charge. When the liquid reaches a selected level, the valve will move to a closed position. When the pump is reactivated, the liquid level is lowered and the valve is moved to the open position. Low friction seals minimize friction and a dynamic seal is set after the valve is shifted to the closed position.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for an unlocked roadway manhole accessing a municipal sewage system is interposed between a cover 2 and a frame 1, and has an inverted L or hook-shaped cross-section including two spaced and parallel outwardly extending upper lips 18, 19 and two lower, oppositely extending lips 17, 20.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, new and improved tool-orienting apparatus is adapted to be secured on a well tool that is to be moved through a highly-deviated well bore. To assure that the well tool will remain in a selected angular orientation as it is moved in a well bore, the orienting apparatus includes a pair of oppositely-directed generally-helical guide rails that are respectively terminated in lateral projections that are eccentrically located on one side of the orienting apparatus so that the unbalanced weight of a well tool carrying the orienting apparatus will cause the tool to roll over into a selected angular orientation when the tool is being moved through a deviated well bore interval with the lateral projections riding on the lower wall of the well bore interval.

Abstract: A powered telescoping auger in which the paddle elements or deflector plates are provided with rectangular, channel shaped castings which fit over complementary rectangular support tubes, and have tongue and groove interconnections. The castings have bolt means for removably attaching each paddle element to the support tubes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for underwater drilling of foundations, comprising at least one cutter (27) and one pump (29) for discharge of excavated material, and hydraulic motors for driving the said cutter and the said pump.It comprises an hydraulic turbine (16) capable of functioning by means of a fluid such as sea water, and an hydraulaic plant driven by the said turbine and designed for feeding the said hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A downhole fixed choke mandrel apparatus for steam injection is described. The apparatus permits the dividing of the injection of a non-compressible fluid into two portions for injection into different producting zones separated by non-producing strata such that the quantity and quality of the injected material can be adequately derived and monitored. The apparatus further provides for the logging through the injection tubing string above and below the first injection into the first producing zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for firing perforating apparatus in a borehole. A pressure actuated firing assembly is run into the borehole on th eend of a cable and latched onto a perforating apparatus. The cable is removed and pressure is applied to the tubing annulus. At a predetermined pressure the firing asembly is armed. After arming pressure is released from the tubing annulus during a time delay period before the firing assembly impacts a percussion firing head to thereby detonate the perforating apparatus.

Abstract: A bit assembly for undercutting a blind bore extending along a bore axis between an open outer end and a closed inner end and having a substantially cylindrical wall of a predetermned diameter centered on the bore axis and extending between the ends comprises a pusher body normally seated in the closed inner end of the bore and having an outwardly turned camming surface inclined to the bore axis, and a bit having a shaft extending along a longitudinal bit axis and having an inner end, an outer end, and a pair of longitudinally extending sides terminating at the inner end. One of the sides is at least partially cylindrical and centered on the bit axis and the inner end is formed with a camming surface engageable with the camming surface of the body and inclined to the bit axis. A blade fixed permanently and stationarily on the inner end projects radially from the one side of the shaft, the other side being cut back toward the bit axis.

Abstract: An inflatable packer for sealing across downhole conduits comprises a pair of rigid tubular packer heads coaxially interconnected by an inflatable tubular packer body. A bladder in the form of an elongate, flexible elastomeric sleeve includes a central section lining the packer body and having an outer diameter which, in a relaxed state of the bladder, is less than the deflated inner diameter of the packer body. The central section of the bladder is folded upon itself within the packer body in its deflated configuration. An inner reinforcing layer of the packer body is exposed in an annular area between the ends of the packer body.

Abstract: For use in a wellbore, a connector assembly for connection to and use with a variety of downhole tools and apparatuses and methods for effecting such use; and tools including such a connector assembly in combination and methods for the use of such tools. The connector assembly has a T-shaft with shoulders extending therefrom and a slot cylinder for receiving, holding, and supporting the T-shaft. Slots and recesses are provided in the slot cylinder for receiving, transmitting and encompassing the T-shaft's shoulders.

Abstract: Apparatus for hauling mined coal in a subsurface mining operation with a longwall conveyor, a drift conveyor and a cross frame with stripper for the connection of the longwall conveyor with the drift conveyor. The longwall conveyor and the drift conveyor are designed as chain scraper conveyors and include a conveyor trough with trough bottom and trough sidecheeks, pushers guided in the sidecheeks, and at least one pull chain with which the pushers are connected and which runs in the region of the trough center at least in the case of the longwall conveyor. On the side away from the lateral discharge, the pushers are guided in a guide trough continuing the associated trough sidecheek. A track-in device for disengaged pushers of the longwall conveyor running with one arm on the trough sidecheek is provided, which comprises a track-in cutout in the trough sidecheek.

Abstract: An existing underground sewer or other pipe is renovated by rupturing and radially expanding the pipe and installing a replacement pipeline within the ruptured pipe. The pipe is ruptured and radially expanded by introducing a plurality of radially expandable tubular members into the pipe so as to form a liner. Each member is then radially expanded so that the liner engages with and then ruptures the portion of the pipe adjacent thereto. The tubular members may be radially expanded by inflating a bag within the confines of the members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the gravitational separation of hydrocarbons and water discharged from a production formation of a subterranean well. The well casing is extended downwardly beyond the production zone to a water absorbing zone of the subterranean well. A mixture of hydrocarbons and water flows into the interior of the casing through perforations disposed adjacent the production zone. A fluid collection chamber is provided either exteriorly or interiorly of the casing perforations permitting the hydrocarbons to rise to the top of any water. The water flows downwardly, or is forcibly pumped downwardly to the water absorbing formation and is absorbed in such formation. If the fluid pressure of the formation is not sufficient to force the hydrocarbons to the surface of the well, any conventional pump may be mounted in the well casing to effect the pumping of the separated hydrocarbons to the well surface.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying a sealing composition to a road surface. The apparatus includes supply means for the sealing composition and an applicator having a pressure chamber having adjustable-gap exit openings adjacent the road surface and having doctor blades which, when appropriately set, apply the composition to the road surface to a uniform and preset thickness across the width of the applicator. The apparatus includes means for propelling the applicator over a road surface.

Abstract: The enchancement of rock drilling by neutralizing the rock surface charge with respect to the drilling fluid. The isoelectric condition is obtained by nullifying the zeta potential of the rock surface by chemical additives such as surfactants or any material. Drilling enchancement is maintained as long as the rock zeta potential registers a zero reading. An apparatus and method is disclosed herein to achieve and maintain this isoelectric condition and provide for the maximal drilling rate and drill bit life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a well wherein chemicals are applied to the well screen with steam. The well screen may be first washed with a sterilizing agent, and subsequently a chemical mix is added to the steam. The chemical mix includes a sterilizing agent, an acid, and perhaps a surfactant. The well is capped during treatment so the well becomes pressurized; and, the chemical mix is forced out beyond the well screen. The surfactant aids in penetrating the clog, while the sterilizing agent kills any plant or animal life that is causing or contributing to the clog. Some sterilizing agent may remain to prevent regrowth of life forms that may feed on other chemical components. The well may be surged to assist further in breaking up the mass clogging the well.