For Use In Well Drilling Or Operating Patents (Class 267/125)
  • Patent number: 11953075
    Abstract: A damper device that suppresses arc discharge between electrodes generated by bubbles in an electro-rheological fluid, includes an inner tube housed in an outer tube forming an outer shell of a damper device. An electrode tube is arranged between the outer tube and the inner tube. An electro-rheological fluid is sealed in the outer tube. The inner tube and the electrode tube constitute a cathode and an anode, respectively, and apply a voltage to the electro-rheological fluid located between the inner tube and the electrode tube. An insulating layer is provided on a surface of the electrode tube on a side facing the inner tube or on a surface of the inner tube on a side facing the electrode tube. When a maximum voltage applied to the electro-rheological fluid is Vmax (V), a thickness t (m) of the insulating layer is set to satisfy Formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Junpei Kusukawa, Michihiro Asanuma, Motohiro Hirao, Hiroshi Ooka, Tatsuro Nambu
  • Patent number: 11814936
    Abstract: A bumper spring assembly having a one piece mandrel including an integral head piece is further configured with a cage assembly retained on the mandrel with a cage nut locked to the mandrel to obviate the need for pins, set screws, and the like, to provide a more robust assembly. In two embodiments the cage nut is locked to the mandrel in a swaging operation. Improved flow of fluids through and around the bumper spring assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: FLOWCO PRODUCTION SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Garrett S. Boyd, Mitchell A. Boyd
  • Patent number: 11814959
    Abstract: A method for increasing an amplitude of reciprocal axial extensions and contractions of a shock tool configured to induce axial oscillations in a drillstring during drilling operations includes (a) selecting the shock tool. The shock tool has a central axis and an axial length. The shock tool includes an outer housing, a mandrel telescopically disposed within the outer housing, and a first annular piston fixably coupled to the mandrel. The shock tool has a first amplitude of reciprocal axial extension and contraction at a pressure differential between a first fluid pressure in the outer housing and a second fluid pressure outside the outer housing. In addition, the method includes (b) fixably coupling a second annular piston to the mandrel of the shock tool and increasing the axial length of the shock tool after (a). The second annular piston is axially spaced from the first annular piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventors: Sean Matthew Donald, Andrew Lawrence Scott, Yong Yang, Roman Kvasnytsia
  • Patent number: 11808317
    Abstract: A squeeze mode giant electrorheological fluid damper is disclosed. The squeeze mode giant electrorheological fluid damper comprises a support, a container and a connecting structure, wherein the support comprises a bottom plate, guide shafts and a top plate, the guide shaft is vertically fixed on the bottom plate, and the top plate is slidably arranged on the guide shaft; the container comprises a container body and two spiral spring pieces coaxially arranged in the container body, the container body is fixed on the bottom plate, the bottoms of the two spiral spring pieces are fixed to the bottom of the container, the two spiral spring pieces are not in contact with each other and are spaced by 180°; the top of the connecting structure is fixedly connected with the top plate, and the bottom of the connecting structure is fixedly connected with the tops of the two spiral spring pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Shanghai University
    Inventors: Yi Sun, Ben Lu, Huayan Pu, Min Wang, Jiheng Ding, Wenchuan Jia, Yan Peng, Jun Luo
  • Patent number: 10370954
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for surveying drill holes with a drilling arrangement and borehole survey assembly. The method can include providing a drill tool having at least one drill rod and a drill bit assembly, and providing a borehole survey tool having a sensor) for measuring a borehole. In the method a drill tool having a central flushing channel for conducting flushing fluid to the drill bit assembly is used, and the borehole survey tool is arranged in the central flushing channel so that flushing fluid can flow in the central flushing channel past the borehole survey tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ROBIT OYJ
    Inventors: Mikko Heinonen, Harri Sjoholm, Jussi Rautiainen, Mikko Mattila, Jori Montonen
  • Patent number: 9918951
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving the preservation stability of glutathione in a solid composition containing glutathione and arginine. In particular, glutathione and arginine are made to be coexistent with an organic acid such as citric acid, tartaric acid, ascorbic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and the like. The amount of the organic acid to coexistent with glutathione and arginine is generally 0.1-2 parts by weight relative to 1 part by weight of arginine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KYOWA HAKKO BIO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Sakai, Shun Kayahashi
  • Patent number: 9512684
    Abstract: A shock tool for a drill string includes an outer tubular housing having female multi-spiral helical spline grooves disposed on an interior surface of the housing, and an inner tubular mandrel having a portion of an exterior circumferential surface with mating male multi-spiral helical splines. The inner tubular mandrel is telescopically and rotationally received in the outer tubular housing with the male splines received in the female spline grooves of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Prafulla Khaparde, Ragi Lohidakshan Poyyara, Krunal Kanubhai Mehta
  • Patent number: 9243464
    Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus includes a biasing member applying a biasing force to a closure member, and a sealing member receiving the closure member. A dampener operatively connected to the closure member resists a force applied to the closure member. A fluid seal is formed when the biasing member presses the closure member against the sealing member. The closure member and sealing member may cooperate to control fluid flow along a fluid conduit formed in a wellbore tubular. The apparatus may include an actuator that controls the force applied to the closure member. The actuator may adjust the biasing force, and/or the dampening force. Also, a controller control the actuator may be responsive to a signal generated at a surface location, a downhole location, and/or a signal generated by a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andreas Peter, Carsten Freyer, Thomas Kruspe, Hans-Jurgen Faber, Marcus Oesterberg
  • Patent number: 9027720
    Abstract: A vibration damping mechanism allows increase of an absorption amount of vibration energy, with less possibilities of increase in the manufacture cost of a vibration damping weight and of reduction in the strength of a shaft section. Within a cylindrical hollow portion formed inside the shaft section, there are accommodated a plurality of weight members divided from each other along the circumferential direction about the axis of the hollow portion. An urging member is provided for urging the weight members toward the axis such that dividing faces of adjacent weight members are brought into surface contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Daishowa Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuya Ogata
  • Patent number: 9010726
    Abstract: A technique provides a component actuation system in a space efficient form. A movable actuator member may be positioned within a corresponding housing in a manner which forms an annulus between the movable actuator member and the surrounding wall of the housing. A spring is located in the annulus and is designed such that the spring extends part way along a circumference of the actuator member to create an open annular region between circumferential ends of the spring. The open annular region provides space for a system related component without requiring additional longitudinal or radial space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: David James Biddick
  • Patent number: 8998185
    Abstract: A Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) for damping oscillations of a hanging vertical pump structure includes a removable mass symmetrically configured within the pump structure diameter and supported by a mechanism which provides damped mobility relative to the pump structure so as to absorb and dampen pump vibrations and oscillations. The TMD mass is easily removable before tipping of the pump between horizontal and vertical orientations during maintenance. In some embodiments, the TMD mass comprises fluid pumped by the pump to fully or partially fill a housing, the fluid being gravitationally drained therefrom when the pump is not operating. In other embodiments the TMD mass is supplied by removable solid weights. Damped mobility is provided by springs damped by mechanical or fluid friction, or by obstructed movement of fluid within a partially filled housing. In embodiments, the TMD mass is at least 5% of the total mass of the pump structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventor: Jason Douglas Allaire
  • Patent number: 8944190
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 8662205
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 8240401
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 7997357
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 7934561
    Abstract: A depth compensated passive eave compensator comprises a first cylinder connected at its upper end to a vessel. A piston rod extends from a piston located within the first cylinder through the lower end thereof and is connected to subsea equipment. A second cylinder contains a compressed gas which maintains pressure beneath the piston of the first cylinder. The upper end of the first cylinder is connected to the upper end of a third cylinder having a piston mounted therein. A piston rod extending from the piston of third cylinder extends through the lower end thereof thereby applying the pressure of the sea to the piston of the third cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: InterMoor, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Jake Ormond
  • Patent number: 7493950
    Abstract: Device for a tool string (2) for insertion in a well, the tool string (2) being provided with a brake nose (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Aker Well Service AS
    Inventor: Bård Martin Tinnen
  • Publication number: 20080315471
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: APS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Publication number: 20080251980
    Abstract: A depth compensated passive eave compensator comprises a first cylinder connected at its upper end to a vessel. A piston rod extends from a piston located within the first cylinder through the lower end thereof and is connected to subsea equipment. A second cylinder contains a compressed gas which maintains pressure beneath the piston of the first cylinder. The upper end of the first cylinder is connected to the upper end of a third cylinder having a piston mounted therein. A piston rod extending from the piston of third cylinder extends through the lower end thereof thereby applying the pressure of the sea to the piston of the third cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew Jake Ormond
  • Patent number: 7219752
    Abstract: A system for damping vibration in a drill string can include a valve assembly having a supply of a fluid, a first member, and a second member capable of moving in relation to first member in response to vibration of the drill bit. The first and second members define a first and a second chamber for holding the fluid. Fluid can flow between the first and second chambers in response to the movement of the second member in relation to the first member. The valve assembly can also include a coil or a valve for varying a resistance of the fluid to flow between the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Ellsworth Wassell, William Evans Turner, Daniel E. Burgess, Carl Allison Perry
  • Patent number: 6905114
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus and method includes a shaft travelling north and south within a tube. The tube is positioned south of a sucker rod. The shaft has a piston head coupled at a south end thereof, which piston head is received in an area of reduced diameter with the shaft. North pores and south pores permit the movement of fluid into and out of the interior of the tube, in response to the northward/southward movement of the piston head. Fluid entering through the pores provides a shock absorbing effect on both the upstroke and the downstroke. The shock absorbing effect on the upstroke can be rapidly eliminated and an upward shock force generated, through the shearing of a shear pin that maintains a bushing in position on the shaft, restricting northward travel of the piston head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 6817598
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gun brake system adapted to slow the descent of a tool string in a well. In one embodiment, the brake system comprises a brake installed within the well and having a snug fitting restriction and one or more fluid channels extending along a portion thereof. The brake system further provides means for maintaining the fluid volume substantially constant within the production tubing to which the gun brake is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Parrott, Stephen F. Lloyd, Gerhard Schoonderbeek, Atilla Kaplan, Henrik Praesius, Kuo-Chiang Chen
  • Patent number: 6691801
    Abstract: A load compensator is disclosed for use in connection with a pipe running tool. The load compensator includes an outer housing connected to the portion of the pipe running tool that holds the pipe segment. A piston is disposed within the housing, and is connected to a top drive system of the pipe running tool. The housing is formed with a first port through which pressurized air is delivered inside the housing to drive the piston within the housing. A second port is disposed at a selected location on the housing, such that when the piston is advanced past the second port, pressurized air passes through the port, and causes the control circuit to stop delivering air through the first port. Once pressurized air no longer flows through the second port, the control circuit causes air to be delivered to the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Juhasz, George Boyadjieff, Brian L. Eidem, Hans Van Rijzingen
  • Patent number: 6446946
    Abstract: This invention is a shock absorber for a oil well pumping unit. When a oil well is being produced by means of a oil well pumping unit-the pumping unit sits on the ground surface and pumps in an upward and downward motion which works the sucker rod string that runs down the well bore with a oil pump attached to the bottom of the sucker rod string. The sucker rods are attached to the pumping unit by means of a polish rod. The polish rod is the top rod of the sucker rod string. This shock absorber fits over the polish rod and slides down to a desired position. It is attached to the pumping unit by either wire line clamps on the bridle arms or a carrier bar. It will fit any and all oil well pumping units. Other oil well shock absorbers will only fit oil well pumping units with special attachments. This shock absorber is to eliminate pounding and vibration from the pumping unit and sucker rod string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Tony E. Pelham
  • Patent number: 6308940
    Abstract: A rotary and longitudinal shock absorbing apparatus with an mandrel therein is connected to a drill string assembly to absorb abnormal longitudinal shocks and abnormal torsional shocks by cooperating hydraulic and mechanical means, while allowing communication of drilling fluid through the body of the apparatus. The construction of the apparatus is such that torque shock absorbing action is independent of the longitudinal shock absorbing action and the apparatus provides balanced internal and external pressure to permit its operation at all levels of hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5660241
    Abstract: A drilling tool, adapted to drill a wellbore in an earth formation, comprises a weight on bit equalizer shock sub. The weight on bit equalizer shock sub includes a precharged nitrogen chamber and additional chambers, the nitrogen in the nitrogen chamber adapted to telescopically open the equalizer shock sub during the drilling of the wellbore thereby maintaining a constant weight or force on the drill bit during the drilling operation. A force resultant from the pressurized nitrogen exists in the nitrogen chamber and additional forces resultant from a pressurized wellbore fluid exist in the additional chambers. The shock sub is specially designed in a particular manner to cause the sum of the force of the nitrogen in the nitrogen chamber and the additional forces of the wellbore fluid in the additional chambers to be equal solely to the force of the nitrogen in the nitrogen chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Dowell, a division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Leising, Howard L. McGill
  • Patent number: 5183113
    Abstract: A down-hole decelerator for decelerating a device dropped down a borehole in a drilling mud column has an elongate casing immersible in the mud flow with its longitudinal axis along the axis of the borehole. A plunger is slidable axially within the casing to vary the volume of two chambers within the casing and terminates outside the casing in a nose for impacting on a landing plate within the borehole when the decelerator reaches the end of its travel on being dropped down the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Baroid Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Leaney, Robert J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5083623
    Abstract: A shock absorber apparatus for inclusion in a tool string which consists of outer and inner casings telescopically assembled with one casing having an uphole threaded joint member and the other casing having a downhole threaded joint member. The concentric casings then define spaced, sealed voids communicating through a metering sleeve clearance that are filled with a compressible oil. Shock wave induced relative movement of the casings from either direction causes a shock absorbing instantaneous displacement of oil from one void to the other via the metering clearance. Alternatively, coil springs may be disposed in the voids to aid in shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Burchus Q. Barrington
  • Patent number: 4932471
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an eletronic temperature gauge is carried into a well bore within a pressure-sealed housing which can free fall through a drill string to impact upon a drill bit connected at the bottom of the drill string. A shock absorber is connected at the bottom of the housing to absorb the shock upon impact of the apparatus on the drill bit. The shock absorber has a relatively linearized shock absorbing response in the preferred embodiment. Additional structural features provide further cushioning of the gauge during transit and upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Hilliburton Company
    Inventors: James C. Tucker, Stephen E. Tilghman
  • Patent number: 4901806
    Abstract: A drill string apparatus for the controlled absorption of both axial and torsional forces exhibited on the well string during drilling operations. The device is adapted to be connected in the drill string above the drilling tool in order to control the forces acting on the bit and to arrange the mean weight on bit for the selected drilling operation. Generally, the apparatus includes an outer casing coupled at its upper end to the drill string and an inner assembly telescopically received within the outer casing and connected at its lower end to the lower part of the bottom hole assembly or the drilling tool. Rotational torque is transferred from the drill string and outer casing to the inner assembly and drill bit by a series of helical splines. The mean weight on bit is controlled through an interchangeable pressure control nozzle mounted at the top of the inner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Drilex Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Forrest
  • Patent number: 4892444
    Abstract: A resilient unit able to accomodate a large movement comprises a stack of elastomeric bearing units arranged to be loaded in series and to deform primarily in shear. Preferably a plurality of the stacks are provided in a nested configuration and interconnected in series to enable even greater movements to be accommodated.The resilient unit is particularly suitable for use on an offshore platform to accommodate movement between the platform and a riser pipe while also maintaining a tension loading in the riser pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Dunlop Limited a British Company
    Inventor: Alan F. Moore
  • Patent number: 4844180
    Abstract: A downhole drilling motor is disclosed in which an output shaft is allowed to translate in axial direction relative to the motor housing over a predetermined stroke. Fluid pressure of a drilling fluid pumped to a rotary drill bit driven by the motor may be used during operation of the motor to exert a predetermined axial force to the output shaft so as to control the axial force exerted to the bit during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Djurre H. Zijsling
  • Patent number: 4781359
    Abstract: A sub assembly for connecting a power swivel to a drill string. The assembly includes a telescopic sub having a preloaded spring. The telescopic sub has three discrete positions enabling it to travel in either direction from a normal position. This capability prevents thread damage for both when connecting and disconnecting a drill pipe to the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: National-Oilwell
    Inventor: Wayne L. Matus
  • Patent number: 4779852
    Abstract: A vibration isolator and shock absorber system which provides excellent protection to sensors against the deleterious effects of shock and vibration even under severe drilling conditions is presented. The vibration isolator and shock absorber system is enclosed within an outer cage and an inner yoke. The cage is attached to the drill collar which takes the full impact of the shock and vibration due to drilling. The yoke supports the sensor. Conical disc springs (e.g. Belleville springs) or the like are stacked between the yoke and the cage; and are supported by pairs of upper and lower support rings. These rings fit together to compress the springs and to allow for axial displacement as well as providing damping. The pairs of support rings are supported, in turn, between upper and lower elastomeric isolator rings. The upper elastomeric isolator ring is keyed to the yoke and the cage. Fluid is allowed to move through the system via orifices in both the elastomeric isolators and the pairs of support rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Teleco Oilfield Services Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Wassell
  • Patent number: 4679669
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a wireline instrument, the shock absorber having solid, cylindrical upper body, a cylindrical sleeve, and a mandrel. The mandrel has a hexagonal upper portion, a circular center portion, and a lower nose portion. A bolt connects the mandrel to the upper body, so that the mandrel can move telescopically within the sleeve, but cannot fall out of the sleeve. Three carbide cutting elements are mounted on the sleeve adjacent to alternate sides of the upper portion of the mandrel for cutting chips of material off of the sides of the mandrel as the mandrel is moved into the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: S.I.E., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald F. Kalb, David M. Brown
  • Patent number: 4630809
    Abstract: A vibration isolator and shock absorber device is presented wherein elastomeric vibration isolation elements interact with reaction elements to form differential springs, i.e., springs in which the deflection and load characteristics change with load. In the present invention, the load characteristics change from shear at low loading to compression at high loading, with a smooth transition between shear and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Teleco Oilfield Services Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Duckworth
  • Patent number: 4600062
    Abstract: A well tool carried in a drill string for maintaining bottom hole contact while absorbing angular and axial shock forces of a rotating drill bit. The tool has an elongated body with pipe joint ends and includes a tubular mandrel slideably mounted within a tubular barrel. A groove and roller connection guides the mandrel within the barrel during drilling. Resilient shock absorbing members between metal guide rings are carried between stop elements on the mandrel and barrel. Shock forces are absorbed by the telescoping movements of the mandrel within the barrel and by in the members acted on by the stop elements. The mandrel is formed of two pieces that threadedly connect to one another between the resilient shock absorbing members and the groove and roller connection. A lifting lug positioned above the rollers and below the shock absorbing members within an elongate mandrel groove, engages the joint to transfer the weight of the mandrel to the barrel upon withdrawal of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: 501 Dailey Petroleum Services Corporation
    Inventor: Chuan C. Teng
  • Patent number: 4571162
    Abstract: An oil well sucker well shock absorber having a cylindrical outer casing, a spring disposed therewithin, a plurality of apertures extending through the casing and allowing fluid communication with upwardly extending slidably disposed piston plunger rod attaching device. Thus, unwanted play and travel and its associated wear can be minimized by force dissipation through the associated spring within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Ira M. Patton
    Inventor: Floris B. Knox
  • Patent number: 4552230
    Abstract: A telescopic shock absorber for use in a drill string includes a resilient arrangement to cushion telescopic contraction and extension of the shock absorber in response to shock loads and vibrations imparted during drilling. The shock absorber operates independently of the drilling fluid pressure conducted through the structure during drilling operations. A dampening system assists in cushioning the shock loads and vibrations and the dampening system and resilient arrangement are deactivated when jarring impacts are delivered to the well string by a drilling jar carried therein. The resilient arrangement provides a combination mechanical and hydraulic system for cushioning the impact loads and vibrations encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Inventors: Edwin A. Anderson, Derrel D. Webb
  • Patent number: 4534683
    Abstract: A holding or checking means for holding the control rod of a reciprocating drill feed control apparatus in position after each advancing movement of an automatic drilling machine during a "peck drilling" operation. The holding means includes a cylindrical body adapted to be fastened over the end of a drill feed control apparatus and with the control rod of the feed control apparatus extended through said body. A pair of pivotally mounted yoke arms are mounted on a cylindrical body and have semi-circular recesses adapted for friction holding engagement with the feed control rod to hold it in an advanced position when the reciprocating drill apparatus is retracted. The holding means includes a biasing means for biasing the yoke arms into friction engagement against the control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Ace Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel D. Colliau
  • Patent number: 4501219
    Abstract: The invention pertains to tensioners for maintaining a load between two relatively movable structures, such as an offshore drill ship or the like and a riser pipe. First and second tensioner bodies are mounted for relative reciprocation, and are further functionally interconnected with the first and second offshore structures respectively. Relative movement of the offshore structures tends to cause corresponding relative reciprocation of the tensioner bodies. A force is applied between the tensioner bodies tending to reciprocate them in a first directional mode and thereby supporting the offshore riser pipe with respect to the offshore support structure. A balancing chamber cooperative between the tensioner bodies communicates with a source of pressurized fluid for resisting reciprocation of the tensioner bodies in the first directional mode, but includes an outlet for egress of the pressurized fluid to permit such reciprocation under controlled conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: NL Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard J. Bates, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4463815
    Abstract: Adjustable torsional type latching means (5) for triggering a mechanical well jar tool comprises torsionally actuated gear racks (20,22) including acme threads or teeth which extend axially on opposite adjacent side portions of telescopic parts (1,2). The gear rack teeth which mesh in the latched position have incline tooth faces that can be disengaged by applying a strong axial force which torsionally stresses and rotates a torsion sleeve (16) portion of one telescoping part (1) and gear rack (20) thereon away from the other part (2) and gear rack (22). Upon release of the latching device (5) the telescopic parts (1,2) of the well jar and the kinetic energy stored therein are freed for a limited longitudinal jarring movement. The torsion sleeve portion (16) has an end portion connected to the other telescopic parts by a second slot-spline-gear (15) of relative short axial length, which serves as a torque support in the latched position and becomes deengaged during a jarring stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Christensen, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Jurgens, Dietmar Krehl
  • Patent number: 4443206
    Abstract: A well tool carried in a drill string for maintaining bottom hole contact while absorbing angular and axial shock forces of a rotating drill bit. The tool has an elongated body with pipe joint ends and includes a tubular mandrel rotationally and slideably mounted within a tubular barrel. A groove (preferably helical) and roller connection guides the mandrel from the barrel during drilling. Resilient shock absorbing members between metal guide rings are carried between stop elements on the mandrel and barrel. Shock forces are absorbed initially by the rotating/telescoping movements of the mandrel within the barrel. Excess shock forces are absorbed in the members acted on by the stop elements on further inward/outward movements of the mandrel rotating in the barrel. Unique cross-over rings (graphite-filled Teflon.RTM.) cushion the resilient members from impacts of the metal guide rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Dailey, Inc.
    Inventor: Chuan C. Teng
  • Patent number: 4439167
    Abstract: A shock absorber assembly adapted to be used with a drill string dampening intermittent shocks and vibrational forces encountered with a drill string, the shock absorber assembly including a mandrel, a tubular body reciprocally mounted with respect to the mandrel, and a dampening device including an annular chamber adapted to be filled with a compressible fluid and a flexible wall with the mandrel adjacent the annular chamber for permitting flexure of the mandrel as needed for dampening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Bowen Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Bishop, Archie W. Peil, Wayne A. Kovar, Roger D. Chancey
  • Patent number: 4429743
    Abstract: A well servicing system in which sonic energy is transmitted down a pipe string to a down hole work area a substantial distance below the surface. The sonic energy is generated by an orbiting mass oscillator and coupled therefrom to a central stem to which the piston of a cylinder-piston assembly is connected. The cylinder is suspended from a suitable suspension means such as a derrick, with the pipe string being suspended from the cylinder in an in-line relationship therewith. The fluid in the cylinder affords compliant loading for the piston while the fluid provides sufficiently high pressure to handle the load of the pipe string and any pulling force thereon. The sonic energy is coupled to the pipe string in a longitudinal vibration mode which tends to maintain this energy along the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Albert G. Bodine
  • Patent number: 4402495
    Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus for use in a drill string for earth boring operations has a pressurized lubrication system. The shock absorber has a tubular body and a mandrel reciprocally mounted in the body for rotation with it. The mandrel and body telescope with respect to each other, with an annular pressurized chamber being located between them for absorbing load and shock. Lubricant cavities contain lubricant for lubricating the seals of the pressurized chamber. The lubricant in the lubricant cavities is maintained at a pressure greater than ambient but less than that in the pressurized chamber. This is accomplished by utilizing a differential piston that operates in response to the pressure differential between the chamber and the lubricant in the lubricant cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventor: Billy F. Dyer
  • Patent number: 4398898
    Abstract: A novel shock sub is disclosed for use in a drill string for absorbing longitudinal and impact loads. A tubular housing is provided for connection to one part of a drill string and a tubular mandrel extends into the housing for longitudinal sliding movement with an outer end portion for connection to the other part of the drill string. The mandrel and housing define an annular cavity when assembled. The mandrel has two slots, positioned 90.degree. apart circumferentially extending for length of the annular cavity. Annular spring washers positioned in the annular cavity are of a size having a sliding fit on the outside of the mandrel and inside the housing. The spring washers are each corrugated in a wave configuration and with a tab of a size fitting one of the mandrel slots and are placed on the mandrel with alternate ones having tabs fitting in one of the slots and the others having their tabs fitting another mandrel slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Texas Long Life Tool Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Odom
  • Patent number: 4394884
    Abstract: For use in a string of drill pipe terminating in drill collars and a drill bit, a shock sub is disclosed which, in the illustrated and preferred embodiment, incorporates telescoping upper and lower mandrels. The upper mandrel incorporates a pin connection and supports concentrically deployed, inner and outer tubular sleeves defining an internal cavity. The lower mandrel incorporates an upstanding sleeve which telescopes into the cavity between the sleeves of the upper mandrel. A two-chamber fluid damping system constrains movement of the lower mandrel sliding in the cavity of the upper mandrel. The two chambers are defined by meshed splines which permit telescoping movement, but which prevent relative rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Inventor: Uvon Skipper
  • Patent number: 4387885
    Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for absorbing shocks encountered by a drill string wherein the shock absorber assembly is for use with a drill string having a working fluid therein and includes a body member affixed to the drill string, a mandrel mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement with respect to the body member and a fluid dampening member floated within the central bore of the body member in engagement with the body member and the mandrel for absorbing shocks transmitted between the body member and the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Bowen Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Bishop, Roger D. Chancey, Wayne A. Kovar
  • Patent number: 4331006
    Abstract: A shock absorber assembly for absorbing shocks encountered by a drill string having a working fluid flowing therethrough wherein the shock absorber assembly includes a housing affixed to the drill string, a mandrel mounted for reciprocal longitudinal movement with respect to the housing, and a fluid dampening member replaceably sandwiched between the mandrel and housing for absorbing shocks transmitted between the mandrel and the housing during drilling operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Bowen Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Bishop