Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a well casing, when a length of production tubing is disposed within the well casing, utilizes a sealing means having a first diameter less than the diameter of the production tubing, and the sealing means is compressible to a second diameter which sealingly conforms to the diameter of the well casing, to prevent fluids disposed in the well casing below the sealing means from flowing through the well casing to above the sealing means.

Abstract: A rotary drag drill bit is seen wherein cutter bodies are rotatively connected to a main body structure at a fully offset position. The fully offset position is defined by a rotational axis of each cutter body, a longitudinal axis of the drill bit and end support points or positions of the cutter bodies. The rotational axes of the cutter bodies are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The end supports of the cutter body are each equal distance from any point on the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The cutter bodies of essentially ellipsoidal configuration, being slightly thicker at a mid-portion thereof. Cutting elements are connected to flutes projecting above an outer surface of each cutter body. In a primary rotational direction of the drill string and drill bit, the rows abrade the bottom and side walls of a well bore as the cutter body attacks the earth formation as the drill bit is rotated.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the tool to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug located within the valve prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in either direction. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A steam or thermal packer for use in subterranean wells having an integral expansion joint is disclosed. The packer has a multi-component, nonresilient, nonenergizing packing element, as well as a multi-component, nonenergizing, nonresilient sealing element engaging the expansion joint. Energy is stored in elements of the packer housing and in the dynamic seal assembly to maintain the sealing integrity establishing by the nonresilient sealing elements.

Abstract: A roller reamer/stabilizer tool is shown with rolling cutter assemblies removeably retained within elongated pockets in the body of the tool by cap members capturing opposing ends of the cutter axle pin. The cap members are received in sockets adjacent opposed ends of the pockets and secured thereon by balls, received within a passage defined by the mating faces of the socket and caps, and by threaded bolts. A countersunk bore in the cap members receives the bolts therethrough and provides an entry into a transverse opening through the cap to the passage for inserting or removing the balls. A shim plate between the cap and the body determine the gauge diameter of the tool.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor located near the end of a rotary drill string is powered by the drilling fluid for driving a rotary drill bit for the drilling of an oil or gas well or the like. Substantially all of the drilling fluid that exits the power producing section is channeled toward the nozzles of the drill bit with a small portion being diverted through the bearings of the motor. A series of elastomer flow restrictor elements, each responding to increased fluid pressure by reducing the flow area therethrough, controls the fluid flow through the bearings to within a narrow range of flow rates.

Abstract: Flowable materials such as slurry explosives are transported down a mine shaft by providing a pipeline from the surface to the level in the mine where the material is needed. A plug is slidably and sealingly positioned within the pipeline and connected through a cable to a winch whereby the plug can be raised or lowered within the pipeline. With the plug near the top of the pipeline, material is loaded into the pipeline on top of the plug. The plug and material are then lowered to the desired depth in the mine and the material drained from the pipeline.

Abstract: A bit holder equipped with a spraying device, comprising a receiving bore (2) in which the bit shaft (3) is supported, for limited axial shifting movement and optionally for being rotated, shifting movement of the bit shaft (3) in direction of the cutting pressure being limited by abutment (5) and the bit shaft being loaded by a return force in opposite direction to the cutting pressure and a valve (10, 11) for the supply of water to the bit or to the working or drift face during cutting operation being arranged within the bit holder (1) and being opened under the action of the cutting pressure by the axial shifting movement of the bit shaft (3). The valve housing (9) is inserted into the receiving bore (2). The rear end of the bit shaft (3) acts directly on the shaft (12) of the valve cone (10).

Abstract: A sidepocket mandrel for use in a well tubing having coaxial threaded connections about an end bore at each end for connection in a well tubing. The body includes a main portion having an open bore and a flow control device receiving pocket offset from the open bore. The longitudinal axis of the open bore is offset from the axis of the end bores. The body includes a space portion both above and below the main body portion for allowing the passage of a well tool of a predetermined length and size which could not pass directly between an end bore and the open bore. The space portions have a bore greater in lateral drift dimension than the open bore and have a length greater than the predetermined length of the well tool whereby the well tool may move laterally in the space portions for alignment with either an end bore or the open bore.

Abstract: A back-off tool comprising an explosive contained in a tubular housing which will disintegrate into fine particles upon detonation of the explosive. The explosive may be in the form of pellets so as to have the capability to vary the amount of explosive force by employing different diameter pellets and different numbers of pellets in the housing. A pressure compensation arrangement may be employed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control communication nipple for switching control fluid in a fluid passageway from one location to a second location. A metal plug is aligned with a portion of the fluid passageway and is positioned to be engaged by a vertically moving sleeve and moved into said portion to shut off fluid communication to a first location. The plug is a frangible plug that includes a longitudinal axis extending vertically into the passageway and includes threads screwed into and forming a metal-to-metal seal with the passageway. The movement of the plug into the portion of the passageway may also open communication of the passageway with the second location. For alternately opening the passageway to a second location, a metal breakable screw having a longitudinal axis extending vertically into the passageway adjacent the second location has threads screwed into and initially blocks the passageway with a metal-to-metal seal. The screw includes a cavity exposed to the passageway.

Abstract: An automotive V-belt used for power transmission to drive accessory units to an automotive internal combustion engine. Surface smoothing agent such as wax is dispersed in the inner material of the belt for reducing attachment of dust to the belt surface.

Abstract: An in situ oil shale retort containing a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles having a generally uniform permeability across horizontal cross-sections of the retort is provided. To form the retort, a void is excavated in a subterranean formation within the boundaries of the retort site, while at least one zone of unfragmented formation is left adjacent the void. A plurality of explosive charges are placed in the zone of unfragmented formation in a selected pattern; an array of central explosive charges and a plurality of perimeter charges arranged in rows surrounding the central charges. The spacing distance between each row of perimeter charges and an adjacent outer row of central charges is about equal. The combination of spacing distance and powder factor of the central charges is selected to produce a center portion of the fragmented permeable mass having a first average particle size (d.sub.1) and a first average void fraction (e.sub.1).

Abstract: In processes using electrical power to apply heat to a subsurface formation through a transmission well, power losses are reduced by installing in flowlines leading to the well one or more devices that electrically disrupts the flowline and that creates a tortuous flow path for liquids flowing through the device. The parts of the device contacting liquids are either fabricated of metal which is electrically insulated from the liquids or are fabricated of electrically nonconductive material. The device may be a free-wheeling hydraulic pump or motor, for example, a free-wheeling gear pump.

Abstract: A fluid supply system for a rotary cutter head of mining machines comprises a plurality of nozzles for directing air flow inducing sprays in the vicinity of the cutter head, and sensor means for sensing a preselected operational condition of the fluid supply to the nozzles and for deriving a signal indicative of the sensed preselected condition.

Abstract: A dockboard assembly is provided having a releasable holding means for restraining the upward pivoting of a ramp means, the latter being urged to pivot upwardly by a biasing means. The holding means is adapted to be adjusted to a release position either by a manually actuated first release means or by a second release means which is actuated automatically only upon the ramp means having assumed a predetermined position of pivotal adjustment and an external upwardly pivoting force exceeding a predetermined magnitude being exerted on the ramp means.

Abstract: Mining equipment for steering the cutting horizon of a mining machine cutter which is mounted on a ranging arm and which in use makes repeated traverses along the working face, comprises a boom urged into contact with the mine roof formed on a previous traverse of the machine. The boom is urged towards the mine roof by a ram hydraulically connected to a piston and cylinder device such that movement of the piston of the device is in accordance with that of the ram. Movement of the piston rod activates a flow control valve controlling operation of a ram controlling ranging of the arm.

Abstract: A hydraulic borehole mining method and device used to recover subterranean coal, oil shale and other minerals from depths exceeding 1500 ft. where a gas lift is utilized to lift the mined slurry to the surface.

Abstract: A wellhead connector assembly for use on undersea template platform where a plurality of wellheads are connected to a center work enclosure hull having a plurality of penetration connectors projecting from its sidewall. The present assembly has a connector for fitting on the wellhead, and a laterally movable connector for coupling with a penetration connector. A vertical actuation rod pivots a bell crank linked to the connector to cause lateral movement thereof. A loop of pipe connects the wellhead to the laterally movable connector and biases it to a neutral position.