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: 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: A hydraulic back-up system for use in combination with an equalizer beam of a drawworks brake system during the drilling of an oil and/or gas well bore for reducing the hazards in the event of failure of the drawworks braking system by automatically locking the equalizer beam in order that a single brake band of a two-brake band system will function for holding the load in an emergency situation.

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.