Abstract: Composite sample storage and measurement system having a divided vessel for receiving samples, the first part of which stores the samples received, and a second part of which, isolated by a flexible membrane, contains a standard fluid which is displaced to a reservoir to determine the weight of standard fluid displaced, and therefore, the volume of sample received. The reservoir, the flexible line from vessel to reservoir and the vessel are maintained under superatmospheric pressure to assure sample integrity.

Abstract: A non-rotating fluid conductor for use with well apparatuses. A top drive with such a conductor and methods of using such a conductor and such a top drive. The conductor in one embodiment has a tripartite gland with outer, central, and inner gland members. The central gland member is movable in response to externally applied fluid pressure to bring into communication one or more passages through the conductor which includes passages through the outer member and inner member which are brought into communication when a passage on the central member aligns with the passages of the inner and outer members. Appropriate configuration of and biasing of the central gland member provides non-contacting of the central and inner members unless the conductor is in an energized mode.

Abstract: An elevator bail with elongated slots, an elevator tilting assembly and indexing apparatus, and a top drive drilling unit in combination with such devices that are connected to the upper end of a drill string and movable upwardly and downwardly with the drill string along a guide apparatus and that can be provided with a pipe handling mechanism for lifting and positioning the drill string which can can be swung about a vertical axis to a more advantageous attitude for loading or unloading drill pipe. Movement about the vertical axis can be achieved through the use of an air or hydraulic cylinder. Fitted about the top drive central shaft can be a rotable air conducting sealing gland and about its perimeter an annular ring containing a target material that is sensitive to a proximity switching device. The annular ring is rotable through an infinite angular travel and is able to be secured against unwanted rotation.

Abstract: An hydraulic top drive apparatus and tubular handling device mounted beneath a conventional crown block, traveling block, bail, and swivel, and including an hydraulically powered top drive pipe rotating device having a single hollow shaft with threads at each end for mating on one end with the drill string or tubular to be worked and on the other with a drilling swivel. The top drive rotating device is attached to a wheeled support frame which moves on guide rails which are mounted to a derrick. The top drive apparatus can be pivoted in a horizontal plane away from the vertical axis of the drill string or other tubulars. Motive force is applied directly to the drill string or other tubular being worked. A pivotable pipe lifting and positioning device is mounted beneath the top drive on the wheeled support frame for picking up pipe and positioning it so that the pipe threads can mate precisely with the threads of the top drive shaft.