Abstract: A rotating control device for sealing an annulus includes an outer housing, and a seal assembly disposed within the outer housing and configured to seal against a rotating tubular member extending axially through a throughbore of the outer housing, wherein the seal assembly includes an inner housing, a first proximity sensor disposed along an inner surface of the outer housing, and a first sensor element disposed along an outer surface of the inner housing, wherein the first proximity sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the seal assembly in response to rotation of the seal assembly in the outer housing.

Abstract: A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member.

Abstract: A gooseneck assembly having a body disposed circumferentially about a portion of a riser string. A stab member is inwardly radially extendable relative to the body and engages a receptacle disposed on the riser string. A cartridge assembly engages the stab member and has a flexible hose coupling that is rotatable relative to a central axis of the stab member. The coupling is in fluid communication with the receptacle via the stab member. The assembly includes an actuator that is operable to rotate the flexible hose coupling relative to the central axis of the stab member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.

Abstract: A blowout preventer which, in certain aspects, has a main body with a main top, a main bottom, and a main bore therethrough from the main top to the main bottom, at least one breech assembly secured to the main body, ram apparatus movable within the breech assembly and the main body, the breech assembly having a chamber for enclosing part of the ram apparatus, the chamber having a side opening, a sleeve around the breech, and the sleeve movable with respect to the breech assembly to uncover the side opening to permit access to ram apparatus within the chamber of the breech.

Abstract: A top drive drilling system, in at least some aspects, having a top drive unit, and a pipe gripping system beneath the top drive unit which has an open throat for receiving a tubular to be gripped by the pipe gripping system; and, in at least certain aspects, the gripping system having a body with first and second jaws movably connected thereto and piston/cylinder devices movably interconnected with each jaw for moving the jaws to clamp and then to rotate the pipe.

Abstract: A pipe guide having, in at least certain embodiments, a base, upper extension apparatus pivotably secured to the base and selectively extendable from the base, lower extension apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably secured to the upper extension apparatus, the lower extension apparatus selectively extendable with the upper extension apparatus, and pipe holder apparatus connected to the upper extension apparatus.

Abstract: A dual sided elevator for supporting a tubular member in a wellbore operation, the elevator in one aspect having an openable back end and an openable front end, either end openable by using opening apparatus at the front of the elevator; such an elevator with operation apparatus within an elevator body; and/or a top drive system which, in at least certain embodiments, has an apparatus connected below it for breaking connections and such an elevator.

Abstract: A blowout preventer which, in certain aspects, has a main body with a main top, a main bottom, and a main bore therethrough from the main top to the main bottom, at least one bonnet releasably secured to the main body, the at least one bonnet containing movable ram apparatus, and side mount apparatus including at least one side mount secured exteriorly to the main body, the side mount for selectively supporting the at least one bonnet; and, in certain aspects, one or more rollers rotatably connected to the bonnet for facilitating movement of the bonnet on the side mount.

Abstract: A blowout preventer which, in certain aspects, has a main body and ram block holding apparatus releasably secured to and movable with respect to the main body and/or to a door or bonnet, movable ram apparatus within the body including a ram block, the ram block holding apparatus positioned for selective engagement of and support of the ram block and for moving the ram block away from the body.

Abstract: Lock bars for blowout preventers and blowout preventers having, in certain aspects, a body with a top, a bottom, and a bore therethrough, at least one bonnet releasably secured to the body, a first lock bar recess defined by a first portion in the body and a second portion in the bonnet, at least one lock bar removably disposed in the lock bar recess for releasably connecting the at least one bonnet to the body, the at least one lock bar having a body with a first end and a second tapered end and/or with an end opening in an end of the at least one lock bar.