Abstract: A method of forming a substantially hemispherically shaped diamond cutting element for use in a rotary drill bit is provided. A natural diamond is obtained and then cleaved to form a planar surface. A portion of the diamond is trimmed in the shape of a first truncated cone by directing a laser toward the planar surface from a predetermined angle and rotating the diamond in a circle about the central axis. The excess diamond produced by the trimming step is removed by directing the laser toward the diamond, from a direction substantially parallel to the planar surface, and rotating the diamond in a circle about the central axis. Then, a second truncated cone is created by directing a laser toward a lower portion of the first truncated cone from a predetermined angle and rotating the diamond in a circle about the central axis. If desired, the trimming and removing steps are alternately repeated, and the predetermined angle of the laser is successively adjusted.

Abstract: A method of forming hemispherically shaped diamond cutting elements for use in a rotary drill bit is provided. The method includes identifying a cleaving plane in a diamond and a perpendicular axis, polishing the diamond to form a series of truncated cones approximating a hemisphere around said axis, and cleaving the diamond to form a cutting face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing exact relative position information for two pipelines, particularly underwater pipelines, that are to be coupled together. The apparatus utilizes first and second gimbal assemblies secured to the ends of the pipelines by templates which establish a reference orientation for the gimbal assemblies relative to one another. A telescoping member having a slightly negative buoyancy connects between the first and second gimbal assemblies and includes potentiometers which indicate the distance and circular displacement between the gimbal assemblies. Each gimbal assembly provides pivotal movement of the telescoping member about two coordinate axes with potentiometers mounted on the gimbal assemblies indicating the angular positioning of the telescoping member relative to a coordinate axis. The values of the six parameters are supplied over electrical wires to a remote readout device for display and used to reproduce the misalignment situation on board a surface vessel.

Abstract: A method of installing a spool between misaligned underwater pipeline sections to effect connection thereof, as in the repair of a pipeline, the hook-up of a riser flow pipe to an underwater pipeline, or the connection of two underwater pipelines, is disclosed. The method is based upon the precise determination of the spatial relation between the pipe ends and the determination of an angle of entry of the spool in a direction to avoid binding between the pipe and spool ends. The method involves placement of guides defining surfaces extending beyond the perimeter of both the pipe and spool ends which define the direction of entry of the spool between the pipe ends and protect the surfaces from damage. The manner of placement of the guide surfaces is determined when the spool is constructed, so that once the spool is lowered underwater, the angle of entry can be readily perceived by aligning the guide surfaces. This minimizes the necessity for orientation of the spool underwater.