Abstract: A packoff (10) with an elastomeric seal ring (16) interposed between two metallic seal rings (12) and (14) with retrievable characteristics in the form of a relatively thin apertured curved cylindrical band (50) extending between the two metallic seal rings (12) and (14). The metallic band (50) is such that it does not interfere with the deformability of the elastomeric material when the packoff is set, but provides a mechanical connection between the upper and lower metallic rings (12) and (14) thus providing the packoff with retrievable capabilities.

Abstract: The incorporation of a wrist exercising device in conjunction with the handlebar of a bicycle which permits the exercising device to be operated as the bicycle is being operated. The exercising device can be pivoted against a spring bias relative to the handlebar in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The movable portion and the fixed portion of the exercising device are interlocked together through a cooperating flange and groove assembly. This interlocking arrangement prevents lineal separation of the parts of the exercising device but yet permits rotation of a portion of the exercising device relative to another portion of the exercising device.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.

Abstract: An over-the-center toggle mechanism for actuating locking dogs for connecting and disconnecting two underwater members. The first member includes a locking notch and the second member slideably carries locking dogs for transverse movement for engagement and disengagement with the locking notch. A toggle linkage includes a first pivot connection connected to the dogs and a second pivot connection longitudinally actuated by a piston whereby longitudinal movement of the second pivot connections transversely moves the locking dogs. A resilient load spring acts against the second pivot connections and towards said first pivot connections for locking the second pivot connections in a past dead center position relative to the first pivot connections. The second member includes a tubular body having an annular cavity with a longitudinally reciprocal carriage mounted in the cavity and actuated by the piston.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described which includes a transfer structure having a nonrotatable turret anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion fixed to a dedicated storage vessel, and also a fluid conduit extending from the seabed up through the turret to a fluid swivel and from the rotatable portion of the fluid swivel to the vessel, which facilitates use of a moderate cost fluid swivel. A choke located on the nonrotatable turret, decreases the high pressure of oil from the seabed (e.g. 2000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. The turret has a control deck at the same level as the vessel deck, to facilitate entry of personnel to operate controls directly connected to valves at the seabed without requiring rotational joints between the controls and the devices they operate.

Abstract: An offshore oil production terminal system is described, of the type which includes a tall transfer structure that has a nonrotatable tower anchored to the sea floor and a rotatable portion that rotates with respect to the nonrotatable tower and is connected to a dedicated storage vessel. A fluid conduit of the system has a nonrotatable portion extending from the sea bed up alongside and through the tower to a fluid swivel at the top of the tower, the conduit also having a rotatable portion extending from the fluid swivel to the vessel. A choke located in the nonrotatable tower along the fluid conduit, decreases the high pressure of oil from the sea bed (e.g. 2,000 psi) to a moderate pressure (e.g. 200 psi) for passage through the fluid swivel, so that a moderate pressure fluid swivel can be utilized. In a system wherein the rotatable transfer structure portion is fixed to the vessel, the tower has a control deck at substantially the same level as the vessel deck and with a circular periphery.

Abstract: Special J-slot connectors have been devised for connecting concentric riser pipes and casing from a structure at the surface of a body of water to corresponding concentric casings set in the sea floor. This can be called a "tieback tool" for sealingly securing a first tubular member suspended from a vessel floating on a body of water to a casing hung in the wellbore in the bottom of the body of water. Special multiple axially aligned J-slot means are also provided together with means to assure proper "makeup" of the J-slots. Means are also provided for proper alignment of circumferentially spaced J-slot connectors. Special self-emergizing seals are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well casing hanger assembly for releasably connecting a first well casing to and from a second member by a resiliently self-expandable and contractible C-shaped spring support ring. The ring is positioned in a recess in the hanger body between stop shoulders for axially slideable movement thereon and is engageable with a locking means for locking the spring support in an expanded position. Coacting engagement between the hanger body and the support ring allows longitudinal movement of the support ring relative to the body but prevents rotational movement of the support ring relative to the body. A fluid flow slot is positioned in the periphery of the hanger body and is aligned with the split in the C-shaped spring support ring for providing a larger bearing area between the support spring and the hanger body without a loss in fluid flow area.

Abstract: An over-the-center toggle mechanism for actuating locking dogs for connecting and disconnecting two underwater members. The first member includes a locking notch and the second member slideably carries locking dogs for transverse movement for engagement and disengagement with the locking notch. A toggle linkage includes a first pivot connection connected to the dogs and a second pivot connection longitudinally actuated by a piston whereby longitudinal movement of the second pivot connections transversely moves the locking dogs. A resilient load spring acts against the second pivot connections and towards said first pivot connections for locking the second pivot connections in a past dead center position relative to the first pivot connections. The second member includes a tubular body having an annular cavity with a longitudinally reciprocal carriage mounted in the cavity and actuated by the piston.

Abstract: A threaded connector for a pipe string, such as a production riser used in connection with sub-aqueous wells, in which the threaded connection between the pin member and box member of the connector is made up initially through an application of relatively low torque to the members, after which the connector has a straight line pretension force of a high tensile value applied to it through use of a suitable tool, the high pretension force being retained between the mating threads of the pin and box members by a preload reaction member threaded on the pin member and rotated into solid engagement with the box member while the pretension force is being applied, to lock the preload in the connector between the threads.

Abstract: Pipe connectors particularly useful in securing sections of an underwater marine riser together, including a pin received in a box which are secured to one another by a plurality of lock dogs mounted in the box and movable radially inwardly against a portion of the pin by fluid actuated pistons to force the pin and box firmly together, the dogs being retained in position by fluid operated lock pistons. The lock pistons are operated by fluid pressure to shift them to an unlocking position, the fluid actuated pistons being operated by fluid pressure to shift the dogs outwardly and disconnect the pin and box from each other.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided capable of absorbing shocks due to decelerating forces caused by landing of a marine riser on a spider resting on a rotary table. The apparatus includes a hydraulic shock absorber mounted on the rotary table which supports the spider on which the riser lands, the load and shock of the riser moving pistons in cylinders to force hydraulic oil in the cylinders through an orifice into an accumulator, effecting shifting of an accumulator piston against compressed air in the accumulator, which can exhaust through a pressure relief valve. The above action decelerates the riser and spider. Upon removing the weight of the riser from the spider, the compressed air in the accumulator, supplied from the suitable source, moves the accumulator piston back to its initial position, which acts through the hydraulic oil to effect upward return of the pistons to their initial positions. The apparatus permits lateral translation of the spider and also its tilting in all directions to limited degrees.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.