Abstract: Releasable tubular couplings entailing spring-based designs providing a mechanical solution for linking/coupling tubulars. A method for forming a releasable coupling between a first tubular member and a second tubular member.

Abstract: An initiator monitoring and actuating system includes a first power supply selectively electrically connectable to a charge initiator. The first power supply provides a current lower than an activation current of the initiator. A second power supply is selectively electrically connectable to the charge initiator. The second power supply provides a current of at least the activation current. Switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to a test circuit operable to measure a current generated by the second power supply. The switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to the charge initiator. A current sensor is operable to measure current through the test circuit and operable to measure current from the first power supply when the first power supply is connected to the charge initiator.

Abstract: Cutters for severing objects in a bore. The cutters having a planar body with an opening passing from a top surface through a bottom surface, with the opening encircled by the body. A cutting edge is disposed on a side of the opening proximate a back end of the body. The cutting edge having a layer thereon to sealingly cover the edge. The body is configured for placement with the opening coincident with a bore in a housing and for movement across the bore. The body is configured to receive a propelled member to make contact with the body to transfer kinetic energy from the member to the body to move the body across the bore for the cutting edge to pass through the layer thereon and sever any object in the bore. A method for severing objects in a bore.

Abstract: A blowout preventer actuation system has a frame configured for underwater disposal, with a kinetic blowout preventer and at least one hydraulically actuated blowout preventer mounted thereon. The kinetic blowout preventer is configured with an electrically operated initiator. An interface module is disposed on the frame for signal communication with the electrically operated initiator. The interface module is configured to generate an actuation signal to actuate the initiator upon detection of the at least one of an electrical signal, an acoustic signal, and a hydraulic signal. A method for actuating a blowout preventer.

Abstract: A valve with a body having a through bore for fluid passage. The body has a plurality of passages transverse to the through bore. At least two of the transverse passages each have a gate disposed therein configured for motion along the passage between a position to permit fluid flow along the through bore and a position to restrict fluid flow along the through bore. Each gate is configured for motion along the transverse passage in one direction in response to a first force acting on the gate and in another direction in response to a second force acting on the gate.

Abstract: A ram for a blowout preventer has a pressure chamber having a piston movably disposed therein, and a charge disposed at one end of the pressure chamber. A gate is coupled to the piston on a side opposed to the charge. The gate is arranged to move across a through bore in a housing disposed at an opposed end of the pressure chamber. A coupling between the piston and the gate has sufficient strength to transfer kinetic energy of the gate to the piston.

Abstract: An initiator monitoring and actuating system includes a first power supply selectively electrically connectable to a charge initiator. The first power supply provides a current lower than an activation current of the initiator. A second power supply is selectively electrically connectable to the charge initiator. The second power supply provides a current of at least the activation current. Switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to a test circuit operable to measure a current generated by the second power supply. The switches are selectively operable to connect the second power supply to the charge initiator. A current sensor is operable to measure current through the test circuit and operable to measure current from the first power supply when the first power supply is connected to the charge initiator.

Abstract: A well pressure control device includes a housing having a through bore. A pressure chamber has a piston movably disposed therein. The pressure chamber is coupled at one end to the housing transversely to the through bore. The actuating piston defines a pressure source side and a through bore side of the pressure chamber. A fluid pressure source is coupled to the other end of the pressure chamber. A closure element is disposed in the pressure chamber on the through bore side. At least one locking element is coupled to the pressure chamber at an axial position along the pressure chamber on the through bore side.

Abstract: A ram for a blowout preventer has a pressure chamber having a piston movably disposed therein, and a charge disposed at one end of the pressure chamber. A gate is coupled to the piston on a side opposed to the charge. The gate is arranged to move across a through bore in a housing disposed at an opposed end of the pressure chamber. A coupling between the piston and the gate has sufficient strength to transfer kinetic energy of the gate to the piston.

Abstract: A rotary drive actuator for an annular well pressure control device includes a piston having a tapered inner surface, a through bore and a threaded outer surface. A threaded sleeve having a threaded inner surface is in threaded engagement with the threaded outer surface of the piston. A rotary motor is arranged to rotate the threaded sleeve, whereby rotation of the rotary motor causes corresponding axial motion of the piston.

Abstract: A well pressure control device includes a housing having a through bore. A pressure chamber has a piston movably disposed therein. The pressure chamber is coupled at one end to the housing transversely to the through bore. The actuating piston defines a pressure source side and a through bore side of the pressure chamber. A fluid pressure source is coupled to the other end of the pressure chamber. A closure element is disposed in the pressure chamber on the through bore side.

Abstract: A rotary drive actuator for an annular well pressure control device includes a piston having a tapered inner surface, a through bore and a threaded outer surface. A threaded sleeve having a threaded inner surface is in threaded engagement with the threaded outer surface of the piston. A rotary motor is arranged to rotate the threaded sleeve, whereby rotation of the rotary motor causes corresponding axial motion of the piston.