Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rotating a stripper assembly in use with a rotating drilling head. A drive system is disposed external to the rotating drilling head and generates rotational motion to match the rotation of a drillstring running through the rotating drilling head. A connection transfers rotational motion from the drive system to the stripper assembly. In one embodiment, the drive system comprises a housing disposed about the drillstring and a one or more contact members connected to said housing and operable to contact the drillstring. One or more biasing members urge the contact members into contact with the drillstring so as to transfer rotational motion from the drillstring to the housing.

Abstract: A drilling device is composed so as to drill a drilled object composed of a brittle material with the end of a rotating core bit by using a core bit in which a bit, formed by dispersing and arranging a cemented carbide or super abrasive in a binder phase, is provided on the end of a cylindrical tube, and rotating the core bit around an axis with a direct motor. The drilling device is composed so that the core bit is rotated such that the peripheral velocity at the outer periphery of the bit is 300 m/min or more while the core bit presses against the drilled object at a pressure of 0.6 N/mm2 or more during drilling.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a rotary fluid-sealing structure for a harsh environment which reduces the PV pressure (×velocity) that a sealing system may be exposed through the use of a rotary speed reducing planetary gear system. The system may have multiple stages with the amount of velocity reduction produced by the system being determined by the number of stages and the planetary gear ratios. Several alternatives are presented for the sealing under extreme conditions such as found in the interface between a wash-pipe and a rotary drilling string in a drilling rig.

Abstract: A method for drilling in the floor of an ocean from a floating structure using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a portion of a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system that is desirable in pressurized mud cap and reverse circulation drilling. A flexible conduit or hose is used to compensate for relative movement of the seal housing and the floating structure because the floating structure moves independent of the seal housing. The drilling fluid is pumped from the floating structure into an annulus of the riser, allowing the formation of a mud cap downhole in the riser, or allowing reverse circulation of the drilling fluid down the riser, returning up the rotatable tubular to the floating structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling apparatus and a method for introducing a drilling element into the soil. The drilling element is rotatably and slidably supported on a mast, with a torque being applied through a rotary drive located on the mast. In order to support the torque an additional turning device is fixed to the mast, which can be engaged with the driven drilling element.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for connecting parts of an apparatus. A first part having one or more bayonet connectors and one or more retention pin receptacles cooperatively mates to a second part having one or more mating bayonet connectors. The second part further provides one or more retention pin bores. The first and second parts assemble to form a bayonet connection such that at least one pin retention bore aligns with at least one retention pin receptacle. At least one retention pin assembly disposed through the at least one pin retention bore selectively engages the retention pin receptacle to secure the connection of the first part to the second part of the apparatus.

Abstract: An air swivel ring includes a non-rotating member having an air inlet, a rotating member having an air outlet, and a split seal having a first sealing surface and coupled to one of the non-rotating member and the rotating member so that the first sealing surface on the seal is disposed proximate a second sealing surface on the other of the non-rotating member and the rotating member.

Abstract: An auger boring machine includes a track having an initial end and a terminal end, and the track is provided with a rack. The boring machine also includes a sled that is mounted on the track and adapted to be moved between the initial end and the terminal end of the track. The boring machine also includes a mechanism for rotating an auger on the sled and a drive system. The drive system includes a pinion which is mounted so as to engage with the rack on the track and a mechanism for rotating the pinion so as to drive the sled along the track.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment includes methods and apparatus for locating a member within an aperture. One preferred apparatus generally includes a housing containing at least one rotatably connected ring, and a plurality of tie members spaced evenly about the ring's perimeter. The tie members are connected to the rotating ring and the housing such that rotation of the ring pulls the tie members taut across the inside of the ring. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction returns the tie members to their initial orientation. When the tie members are taut they urge elements passing through an opening towards the center. When the apparatus is installed in a drilling rig floor, it results in a simpler and more effective pipe centering technology than currently exists allowing pipe strings to be centered in the slip bowl or power slips so that the slips are easily and securely installed about the pipe string.

Abstract: A tong as may be used for a continuous circulation system in a wellbore. The tong has a housing with a hollow interior. A plurality of spaced apart jaw assemblies reside within the housing's hollow interior for engaging a portion of a tubular to be gripped and rotated by the tong. A gear wheel is secured to the housing for rotating the housing and the jaw assemblies. The gear wheel includes a toothed outer circumference for mating with teeth of a drive shaft of a driving motor. A gear flange is movably mounted on the gear wheel such that rotation of the gear wheel does not rotate the gear flange.

Abstract: A floating rig or structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a portion of a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system that is desirable in underbalanced drilling, gas-liquid mud systems and pressurized mud handling systems. The seal is contemplated to be either an active seal or a passive seal. A flexible conduit or hose is used to compensate for relative movement of the seal housing and the floating structure because the floating structure moves independent of the seal housing. A method for use of the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating drilling head seals around drill pipe while drilling. The drilling head has an outer housing that mounts to the rig floor. An inner housing is rotatably mounted in the outer housing. An annular bladder is mounted in the inner housing. An annular elastomeric gripping member is mounted in the bladder. The inner housing having a passage for delivering hydraulic fluid pressure to the outer surface of the bladder to cause the bladder to deform inwardly, thereby forcing the gripping member to deform inwardly to grip and rotate with a drill pipe. The gripping member has a first end secured to the inner housing for rotating the inner housing as the drill pipe rotates and a second end that is free to move axially to allow the bladder to elongate in response to the deformation by the bladder.

Abstract: A rotary seal assembly for a rotary support table for use in drilling systems and the like to provide pressurized fluid to a rotary slip assembly disposed within the rotary support table is provided. The rotary seal assembly is designed to be coupled to an existing rotary support table which is used to rotate a drill string, and includes a powered slip that is powered into an engaged position to securely engage a pipe segment, for example, a casing segment.

Abstract: A stakedown assembly for a horizontal directional drill that multiplies the travel of a hydraulic cylinder so that the drive head travels twice the distance of the hydraulic cylinder travel. A gear pinion is pivotally attached to a top end of the hydraulic cylinder. A first gear rack is fixedly attached to a tower, and a second gear rack is fixedly attached to a drive head. The gear pinion floats between the two gear racks, thus, producing multiplication when the hydraulic cylinder is actuated. This allows the use of a shorter hydraulic cylinder and results in a smaller overall stakedown assembly height.

Abstract: A drilling rig is provided which is adapted to selectively drill using coiled tubing and jointed-pipe. The rig includes a base, a mast, a top drive slidably mounted to said mast for performing jointed-pipe operations, and a tubing injector for performing coiled tubing operations, mounted on said mast for selective movement from a first position in which the injector is in line with the mast and a second position in which the injector is out of line with the mast to permit jointed-pipe operations by the top drive. The rig is uniquely suited to easily and quickly assemble bottom hole assemblies (BHA's), and to connect such BHA's to coiled tubing.

Abstract: A tube (1) in a borehole (2) in the ground (3) is displaced. The tube is simultaneously displaced along and about its axis, such that it is axially introduced into or retracted from the borehole. According to the invention, displacing the composed tube about its axis comprises an oscillating movement. The invention further relates to a device for displacing a tube in a borehole.

Abstract: A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore, including an erosion resistant bowl apparatus. The bowl comprises a bowl member, the bowl member having a central receiving cavity configured to receive a rotary sealed bearing assembly, the bowl member having a discharge nozzle extending therefrom, the discharge nozzle fluidly communicating with the receiving cavity, and at least one diverter member extending from an inner surface of the receiving cavity of the bowl, the diverter member formed and configured to disrupt patterns of fluid flow within the bowl during drilling operations. The apparatus preferably includes at least one nozzle diverter member extending from an inner surface of the discharge nozzle. A plurality of diverter members preferably extend from an inner surface of the receiving cavity of the bowl and from the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A dribble less pressure relief valve for power swivels includes a relief valve body, a valve seat insert for the body, a plunger valve element to seat against the insert, and a biasing means to urge the plunger against the valve seat. The valve is designed to hold pressure drop-tight, and if opened, to reclose drop-tight.

Abstract: A pipe spinning apparatus connected in a drilling string for threadably connecting or disconnecting joints of pipes is provided. The pipe spinning apparatus includes a rotatable stem for connecting and disconnecting members, at least one pneumatic, turbine motor rotatably connected to the stem and a throttle control functionally connected to the turbine motor for variably controlling the speed of rotation of the stem. The rotational speed of the stem can be controlled through a range of revolutions per minute (rpm) depending on the air pressure and flow rate provided. The speed may be varied from 0 rpms to at least 500 rpms. A desirable range of operation is from 0 to 200 rpms. This ability to control and vary the speed of the stem greatly increases the safe operation of present kelly spinner over the prior art kelly spinners.

Abstract: A method for downward communication in a borehole containing a pipe string, comprising the steps of: imparting a series of rotary motions to an upper portion of the string, the rotary motions representing at least two levels of a coded data sequence, the rotary motions imparted to a string upper portion effecting generally comparable motions at a lower portion of the string; the motions at the string lower portion effecting a downhole detectable condition or conditions indicative of rotation or no-rotation; detecting the condition or conditions to determine a corresponding coded data sequence; and processing corresponding data sequence to recover the imparted coded data sequence, from which a unique transmitted message is determinable.

Abstract: A rotating drilling head seals around drill pipe while drilling. The drilling head has an outer housing that mounts to the rig floor. An inner housing is rotatably mounted in the outer housing. An annular bladder is mounted in the inner housing. An annular elastomeric gripping member is mounted in the bladder. The inner housing having a passage for delivering hydraulic fluid pressure to the outer surface of the bladder to cause the bladder to deform inwardly, thereby forcing the gripping member to deform inwardly to grip and rotate with a drill pipe. The gripping member has a first end secured to the inner housing for rotating the inner housing as the drill pipe rotates and a second end that is free to move axially to allow the bladder to elongate in response to the deformation by the bladder.

Abstract: A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore, including an erosion resistant bowl apparatus. The bowl comprises a bowl member, the bowl member having a central receiving cavity configured to receive a rotary sealed bearing assembly, the bowl member having a discharge nozzle extending therefrom, the discharge nozzle fluidly communicating with the receiving cavity, and at least one diverter member extending from an inner surface of the receiving cavity of the bowl, the diverter member formed and configured to disrupt patterns of fluid flow within the bowl during drilling operations. The apparatus preferably includes at least one nozzle diverter member extending from an inner surface of the discharge nozzle. A plurality of diverter members preferably extend from an inner surface of the receiving cavity of the bowl and from the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A rotatable head assembly wherein there is an outer housing that carries a cartridge assembly that permits rotational movement. The cartridge assembly made up of a cartridge housing and cartridge body that is rotatable within the cartridge housing. Static seals are used to provide fluid seals between the radially outer surface of the cartridge housing and the outer housing. Fluid passages within the cartridge housing carry lubricating fluid from the static seals to dynamic seals that allow the cartridge body to rotate easily within the cartridge housing. Fluid passages are also provided within the cartridge housing for carrying spent fluid out through the cartridge housing. There may be multiple fluid inlets and outlets within the cartridge housing without requiring a multiplicity of stepped increases in the diameter of the cartridge housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: A mandrel rotator is provided is mounted in a housing for coupling to a well casing head. The mandrel rotator comprises of an annular gear having external gear teeth and an axial opening. The annular gear is coupled to a mandrel outer surface, such that rotation of the annular gear causes rotation of the mandrel. A retainer limits or prevents axial movement of gear within the housing. A second gear is coupled to the annular gear for rotating the annular gear.

Abstract: A system for continuously circulating fluid to and through a tubular string either of coiled tubing or made up of a plurality of tubulars connected end-to-end while an upper tubular is added to or removed from a top tubular of the plurality of tubulars, all tubulars having a top-to-bottom fluid flow channel therethrough, the system having an upper chamber with a bottom opening, a top opening, and an upper sealing apparatus for sealingly encompassing a portion of the upper tubular, a lower chamber with a bottom opening, a top opening and a lower sealing apparatus for sealingly encompassing a portion of the top tubular, one of the upper chamber and the lower chamber sized for accommodating connection and disconnection therein of the upper tubular and the top tubular, and gate apparatus between and in fluid communication with the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

Abstract: A rotary table for a drill string, including a stationary frame having a rotating part arranged therein, and hydraulic equipment such as hydraulic slips (wedge-shaped holding collars) and a hydraulic clamp on the rotating part, and also hydraulic power transmission between the stationary part and the rotating part. The hydraulic power transmission for each individual piece of hydraulic equipment includes a hydraulic motor (29, 30, 31) in the stationary frame (2), a hydraulic pump (17, 18, 19) in the rotating part (3), and a ring (11, 12, 13) provided with internal and external toothing, wherein the internal toothing is in driving engagement with a gearwheel (20, 21, 22) on an input shaft in the hydraulic pump and the external toothing is in driving engagement with a gearwheel (20, 21, 22) on an input shaft in the hydraulic pump and the external toothing is arranged for engageable and disengageable driving interaction with a gearwheel (24, 25, 26) on an output shaft in the hydraulic motor.

Abstract: A locking swivel device is provided for connection with a proximal end of a drill string and for conducting a drilling fluid to the drill string. The device is comprised of a housing and a mandrel rotatably supported within the housing such that an annular space is defined between the housing and the mandrel, wherein one of the housing and the mandrel is connectable with the drill string such that the drill string rotates therewith. A clutch assembly is positioned within the annular space which is actuatable between an engaged condition in which the clutch assembly engages the housing and the mandrel in order to inhibit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing and a disengaged condition in which the clutch assembly disengages the housing and the mandrel in order to permit the rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing. The clutch assembly is actuated to the engaged condition by a pressure exerted by the drilling fluid.

Abstract: A novel rotary table is secured to the top of a well's BOP simplifying the making up of sectional tubing joints used in some aspects of operations with coiled tubing. The rotary table comprises top a bottom stationary housing affixed to the BOP, a top housing supported on the bottom housing by an annular bearing, a split clamp to transferring the weight of the tubing to the top housing and seals between the top and bottom housings and between the top housing and the tubing. More preferably, a coiled tubing rig is provided having a frame, a tiltable mast, an injector reel, a tubing straightener and a jib crane in combination with the rotary table for increased functionality including drilling surface hole using coiled tubing. The mast tilts between two positions, either aligning coiled tubing and injector with the BOP or aligning a jib crane and tubing elevators for manipulating sectional tubing including BHA onto and through the rotary table.

Abstract: The rotary drilling head assembly of the present invention includes a housing having a bore for receiving a drive member. The drive member has an outer diameter of less than 17 ½ inches to pass through a 17½ inch opening in a rotary table. A bearing assembly is disposed between the housing and drive member allowing the drive member to rotate within the housing and includes an outer stationary portion and an inner rotating portion. Retaining clamps attach the outer stationary portion to the housing and the rotating portion to the drive member. Rotary seal assemblies isolate the bearing assembly and its lubrication system from the drilling fluid and prevent premature wear and failure of the bearing. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of opposing disc-like members that have flat bearing surfaces meeting on a substantially planar surface of contact. The disc-like members are preferably made of a polycrystalline diamond material.

Abstract: A rotatable head assembly wherein there is an outer housing that carries a cartridge assembly that permits rotational movement. The cartridge assembly made up of a cartridge housing and cartridge body that is rotatable within the cartridge housing. Static seals are used to provide fluid seals between the radially outer surface of the cartridge housing and the outer housing. Fluid passages within the cartridge housing carry lubricating fluid from the static seals to dynamic seals that allow the cartridge body to rotate easily within the cartridge housing. Fluid passages are also provided within the cartridge housing for carrying spent fluid out through the cartridge housing. There may be multiple fluid inlets and outlets within the cartridge housing without requiring a multiplicity of stepped increases in the diameter of the cartridge housing and the outer housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for blast hole drilling includes a hammer and drill bit driven by a hydraulic drive motor outside the hole through a drill string extending along the drilled hole to the drill bit. The drive motor is carried on a mast with a telescopic hydraulic cylinder driving the motor along the mast in a forward direction for forwarding the drill bit along the hole to the rock face and for applying a feed force on the drill bit at the rock face and in a rearward direction for reducing the feed force and for withdrawing the drill bit from the hole. The cylinder assembly has a pulldown pressure side fed at a constant supply rate and a holdback pressure side controlled to discharge the fluid when moving downwards and to supply the fluid at a constant rate when pulling up.

Abstract: A floating rig or structure for drilling in the floor of an ocean using a rotatable tubular includes a seal housing having a rotatable seal connected above a marine riser fixed to the floor of the ocean. The seal rotating with the rotating tubular allows the riser and seal housing to maintain a predetermined pressure in the system that is desirable in underbalanced drilling, gas-liquid mud systems and pressurized mud handling systems. A flexible conduit or hose is used to compensate for the relative movement of the seal housing and the floating structure since the floating structure moves independent of the seal housing. A method for use of the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotating blowout preventer and method is disclosed that includes a flexible bladder that defines a pressure chamber radially outwardly of the bladder for direct activation of the bladder to allow for gas tight sealing along the variable profile of drill pipe and the irregular shape of the kelly. The pressure chamber for activating the bladder is preferably defined within the rotating seal assembly. As well, the rotating seal assembly includes both the bladder and the bearings. A pressure drop element is included within the hydraulic flow line through the rotating seal assembly so that the upper seal and bearing have a significantly reduced pressure drop for increased lifetime operation. The rotating seal assembly is hydraulically secured within the rotating blow-out preventer housing, preferably by remote control, by means of a preferred single cylindrical latch piston that moves upwardly and downwardly substantially parallel to the well bore axis.

Abstract: A rotating blowout preventor having a spring-steel reinforced stripper rubber removably mounted in a rotating inner housing, wherein the stripper rubber is sealed against the drill pipe by well bore pressure and externally-applied hydraulic pressure. In a preferred embodiment the externally-applied hydraulic pressure is maintained against the middle and upper portion of the stripper rubber by using a pump at a level of about ten percent above the well bore pressure to insure rotation of the stripper rubber with the drilling string and minimize rotation of the drill pipe inside the stripper rubber. A bayonet-type locking mechanism is attached to the stripper rubber for selectively removing the stripper rubber from the rotating inner housing and changing or repairing the stripper rubber.

Abstract: An orientation device, particularly for drilling tools, of the kind comprising a first sleeve (1) and a concentrically surrounding second sleeve (2), where in an annulus between the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2) is disposed an axially displaceable carrier, e.g., in the form of a wedge/key (5) or a rail (8, 9), adapted to slide in an inclined, preferably helical groove (3, 4) disposed in the sleeve (1) or in the sleeve (2), the groove's direction crossing the direction of the carrier's (5; 8, 9) rectilinear movement which, thus, is converted into a relative rotational movement between the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2). The carrier (5; 8, 9) is adapted to slide in two inclined, preferably helical grooves (3, 4) disposed in the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2), respectively, and crossing the direction of the carrier's (5; 8, 9) rectilinear movement from opposite side.

Abstract: A portable top drive drilling unit that is a self-contained assembly of components adapted for quick installation in a drilling rig and which requires a minimum of modification to the rig structure.

Abstract: A drilling head has a body which lands in an external housing. The body is removably secured to the housing with an annular split ring which is moveable in response to a cam member. The body has an outer body and a rotatable inner body with an axial bore. An annulus extends between the inner and outer bodies. Inlet and outlet ports communicate hydraulic fluid to the annulus which is sealed. The inner body has a gripping member with inner and outer portions. The inner portion has a solid annular elastomer which is free to slide radially relative to the inner body. The outer diameter of the inner portion abuts the outer portion. The outer portion has an energizable elastomer with an annular cavity. The cavity communicates with the annulus through a passage. A primary seal extends from a lower end of the inner body. The seal has a conical elastomer and reinforcement webs to give the elastomer greater rigidity in the upward direction.

Abstract: A directional boring machine is disclosed which is capable of drilling substantially horizontal underground bores of significant length. The boring machine includes a movable carriage, a longitudinal boom mounted on the carriage and a drill head that is mounted on the boom for forward and reversible movement. A first drive normally advances the drill head to accomplish the drilling operation. When an obstacle is encountered, a second drive may be utilized to supplement the first drive to overcome the obstacle. The boom is itself longitudinally slidable relative to the carriage, and the boring machine includes a structure for longitudinally moving the boom between an extended operating position and a retracted transport position.

Abstract: A portable top drive drilling unit that is a self-contained assembly of components adapted for quick installation in a drilling rig and which requires a minimum of modification to the rig structure.

Abstract: A rotating blowout preventor having at least two rotating stripper rubber seals which provide a continuous seal about a kelly or drilling string having drilling string components of varying diameter. A stationary housing is designed to support a bearing assembly and a clamp cooperates with the housing to secure the bearing assembly in the housing. Chilled water and/or antifreeze may be circulated through the top inner barrel seal of the bearing assembly and lubricant is pumped into the top seal for lubricating the seals and bearings that facilitate rotation of the stripper rubber seals, kelly and drilling string with respect to the stationary housing and pressurize the inner barrel seals and bearings to at least partially offset well pressure.

Abstract: A kelly bar for rotary drilling machines comprises a hollow, tubular, elongated body having a plurality of electric arc gouged flutes therein, each flute having a hardened, heat-affected zone beneath its bottom surface to provide improved wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for excavation of earth around a pole embedded in an earth surface comprises a hollow auger in the form of a cylindrical drum with a helical flight about the outer wall thereof. The hollow auger is constructed in two halves to enable movement between an open position and a closed position embracing the pole. The hollow auger is rotatably journalled in a support frame and is driven by a drive motor engaging a spur gear around the upper position of the auger. The support frame is slidably mounted on a frame to enable extension and retraction of the auger.

Abstract: The multi-drill mounter allows any combination of two jack hammers, drills or augers to be simultaneously mounted on a tractor and the like. A flat back panel supports an upper and lower horizontal track. Upper and lower sliding brackets support a pair of vertical derricks. Each derrick can hold a drilling tool such as a jack hammer. In operation the active drilling tool is hydraulically pushed to the center of the derrick while the inactive drilling tool is moved to the side. The multi-drill mounter can also be tilted to allow the use of an auger for drilling wide holes.

Abstract: A rotating head having a bowl assembly and a rotating assembly disposed in a bowl opening formed in the bowl assembly. The rotating assembly consists of an elastomeric member having a bearing wall formed thereon bearingly engaging a portion of the bowl assembly for bearingly supporting the elastomeric member in the bowl assembly. The elastomeric member sealingly engages a portion of the bowl assembly for forming a seal between the rotating assembly and the bowl assembly.

Abstract: A kelly spinner for a drilling rig and installation method are disclosed. The spinner is installed directly to a stem of the derrick swivel by means of an adjustable sleeve which fits around the swivel stem. A clamping device is tightened to secure the sleeve to the stem and the clamp to the sleeve. A ring gear bolted to the clamp body is rotated by dual hydraulic or pneumatic motors to rotate the spinner.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing soil in a subterranean earth situs. The apparatus includes a parallelogram spotter or positioning portion with a drilling table support portion connected thereto. A rotary drilling table is mounted on the drilling table support portion. Relative movement is provided between the support portion and the positioning portion in a plurality of planes. A pivotation portion is disposed between the support portion and the positioning portion and pivotally connected thereto. Hydraulic cylinders are provided to shift the apparatus about a vertical axis, to move the drilling table support portion in a longitudinal direction, to tilt the pivotation portion and support portion about a horizontal axis and to tip the support portion with respect to the pivotation portion about a longitudinal axis. A table elevation winch is mounted on the support portion and has a table elevation cable extending therefrom which is engaged with a pulley connected to the support portion.

Abstract: A torque break-out system for a top drive drilling unit in a drilling rig. The torque break-out system includes a splined sub which is connected to a tubular member of the top drive drilling unit. A collar is positioned circumferentially around the splined sub. The collar has a plurality of interrupted splines in reciprocal relationship to interrupted splines on the splined sub. The collar is positioned by a pivot member having a pair of arms rotatably connected to the collar and a lift cylinder connected to the pivot member. The lift cylinder positions the pivot member between a first position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are not in substantial horizontal alignment and a second position in which the interrupted splines of the splined sub and the collar are in substantial horizontal alignment. The system includes a back-up wrench assembly having a vertical opening through which the drill string is received.

Abstract: A drive head for a down hole rotary pump driven from a well head assembly by a drive string that extends through the well to the pump is disclosed. The drive head includes a hollow rotatable drive shaft having an axial passage for accommodating a slip shaft, a housing attachable to the well head assembly, radial bearings centering the drive shaft in the housing and a thrust bearing for supporting the weight of the drive shaft and the drive string suspended therefrom. A pulley is mounted on the shaft for driving the drive shaft. The slip shaft is mounted to the top end of a polished rod which is attached to a top end of the drive string. The slip shaft and the passage in the drive shaft are preferably hexagonal so that drive torque is transmitted to the drive string without slippage of the shaft. The drive string is suspended in the well by a clamp that grips a top end of the slip shaft and rests on a top of the housing.

Abstract: A telescopic kelly bar assembly for use in drilling large excavations. The kelly assembly consists of a lower outer bar section, at least one middle bar sections and an upper inner bar section. Each bar has its own driver that either rests on top of the next size larger bar or is engaged to the rotary. The driver that is engaged on the rotary depends on which bar is the extended bar in the shaft excavation, since the driver that is engaged to the rotary is the driver of the bar that is extended in the shaft. The entire assembly is suspended by a swivel attached to a multi-part traveling block. When a bar is driven it is either driven by its driver via the rotary or by the next size smaller bar within the rotary. Lugs are added on the inside of the outer and middle bars at the top. If a round cross-section is used, the inside lugs transmit torque when fully extended from one bar to another. A thick ring is welded to the bottom of the middle bar and upper inner bar.

Abstract: An annular packer (P) with an axial bore (21) includes an elastomer body (23) with inserts (22) partially embedded therein and spaced circumferentially about the axial bore (21). The inserts (22) each support an element (24') embedded in the elastomer body (23) which move into the axial packer bore (21) beyond the inserts when an external compressive force is applied to the elastomer body to reduce the diameter of the axial bore (21) and to provide support for and inhibit extrusion of the elastomer body (23) that is moved into the axial bore by the compressive force.