Abstract: A magnetic sensing tool (“MST”) uses differentials in induced voltage to detect the approximate location of a ferric target tool within surface pressure control equipment associated with a wellhead. The MST comprises a transmitter coil and two receiver coils configured such that a voltage generated in the transmitter coil induces a baseline voltage, and a baseline voltage differential, in the receiver coils when no target tool is present. A target tool passing axially through the MST will disrupt the magnetic fields inducing the voltages, such that variations in the voltage differential can be used to detect the approximate location of the target tool. The MST can be deployed alone or in series depending on the requirements of detection of the target tool.

Abstract: A gate valve cavity reducer comprising a cavity reducer with an outer surface, a channel having an inner surface, and a plurality of bores extending through the cavity reducer body. Each of the plurality of bores extend radially from the inner surface of the cavity reducer to the outer surface of the cavity reducer. The cavity reducer is configured to be removed or inserted into a gate valve.

Abstract: A frac manifold isolation tool configured to connect to a zipper spool, and comprising a mandrel that is axially movable and a hydraulic setting tool configured to move the mandrel from an open position, in which fracturing fluid is allowed to flow from a zipper spool to a connected frac tree, to a closed position, in which the mandrel and its associated cup tool direct flow.

Abstract: A universal atmospheric deployment device (“UADD”) for use in oil and gas production or similar applications is provided. In one embodiment, the UADD includes a number of storage carriers disposed around a pathway that can be deployed into a well bore. The figures and art described herein show that this novel feature can increase the speed and usefulness of dispatching tools down a well bore, and also decrease down time to install or retrieve these devices. This UADD also removes personnel from the hazardous area, allowing for remote deployment of tools and devices.

Abstract: A latching assembly to couple a first mandrel to a second mandrel is disclosed. The latching assembly includes a plurality of wedge members disposed circumferentially and a guide plate. Each wedge member may include a semi-annular wedge body, an upper engagement lip, a lower engagement lip, and a guide pin. The guide plate may include a plurality of guide slots to translate and rotate the plurality of wedge members via the respective guide pins. Because the plurality of wedge members can be translated and rotated to lock and release the first mandrel to and from the second mandrel, the latching assembly can simplify the connection and disconnection of a first mandrel with the second mandrel.

Abstract: A latching assembly to couple a first mandrel to a second mandrel is disclosed. The latching assembly includes a plurality of wedge members disposed circumferentially and a guide plate. Each wedge member may include a semi-annular wedge body, an upper engagement lip, a lower engagement lip, and a guide pin. The guide plate may include a plurality of guide slots to translate and rotate the plurality of wedge members via the respective guide pins. Because the plurality of wedge members can be translated and rotated to lock and release the first mandrel to and from the second mandrel, the latching assembly can simplify the connection and disconnection of a first mandrel with the second mandrel.

Abstract: A universal atmospheric deployment device (“UADD”) for use in oil and gas production or similar applications is provided. In one embodiment, the UADD includes a number of storage carriers disposed around a pathway that can be deployed into a well bore. The figures and art described herein show that this novel feature can increase the speed and usefulness of dispatching tools down a well bore, and also decrease down time to install or retrieve these devices. This UADD also removes personnel from the hazardous area, allowing for remote deployment of tools and devices.

Abstract: An improved shear/seal ram assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique shear/seal ram assembly in which rail seal actuators attached to or integrally formed in a planar surface of one shear blade mate with and slide within corresponding rail guide grooves formed in a planar surface of a second shear blade. As the shear blades move over each other, the rail seal actuators slide within the rail guide grooves, eventually coming into contact with a seal actuator plate of a unique blade-to-blade seal assembly placed within a shear blade seal groove. Continued movement of the shear blades over each other causes the rail seal actuators to compress, or “energize,” the blade-to-blade seal of the blade-to-blade seal assembly, thereby providing a pressure tight seal between the shear blade assemblies.

Abstract: An improved ram inner seal assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides an inner guide seal assembly that comprises a specially shaped guide body and a separate sealing element. When the ram-type BOP is closed, two opposing rams move toward one another, and the inner guide seal assembly guides a wireline (or other tubular) toward the center of the vertical bore through the BOP. The inner guide seal assembly's proximity to the ram body's centerline axis helps ensure that a positive seal is formed and that no damage occurs to the device in the central bore of the BOP. The separate, specially-shaped sealing element can be easily inserted into and removed from the guide body of the inner guide seal assembly for easy replacement.

Abstract: A C-plate assembly for use in a cable-guided fishing assembly is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides a C-plate assembly in which a closure member is slidable from an open position, which allows a wellbore tubular or other item to be positioned in the cut-out section of the C-plate base, to a closed position, which closes the opening to the cut-out section and thereby prevents the wellbore tubular or other item from being unintentionally knocked free from the cut-out section during a fishing operation. The closure member is locked in place in the closed position by inserting the ends of a movable handle extending off of one side of the C-plate base into openings in the C-plate base. The ends of the movable handle are spring loaded to allow for the ends to be pulled out of the openings in the C-plate base such that the closure member can be “unlocked” and moved from a closed position to an open position during operation.

Abstract: An improved shear/seal ram assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique shear/seal ram assembly in which rail seal actuators attached to or integrally formed in a planar surface of one shear blade mate with and slide within corresponding rail guide grooves formed in a planar surface of a second shear blade. As the shear blades move over each other, the rail seal actuators slide within the rail guide grooves, eventually coming into contact with a seal actuator plate of a unique blade-to-blade seal assembly placed within a shear blade seal groove. Continued movement of the shear blades over each other causes the rail seal actuators to compress, or “energize,” the blade-to-blade seal of the blade-to-blade seal assembly, thereby providing a pressure tight seal between the shear blade assemblies.