Western Atlas International, Inc.

Hughes Tool Company LLC

I/o Exploration Products (u.s.a.), Inc.

John Mark Crowell

James Edward Teske

Lee Roy Hodge

Rhys Michael Evans

Richard A Rogers

A three-axis seismic vibrator is provided which imparts compressional and shear wave seismic vibrations, either sequentially or simultaneously, into the Earth's surface. The seismic vibrator includes an earth-contacting baseplate which transmits vibrational energy into the Earth's surface; a support structure; a vibrator assembly pivotally supported at one end by the support structure; and servo-hydraulic control circuits which activate reciprocal vibration along the vibratory axis of the vibrator assembly and sustained oscillatory vibration of the vibrator assembly. The vibrations thus generated are transferred to the baseplate and injected into the Earth's surface. These vibrations and their reflections can then be recorded and analyzed to determine the mineral content of the Earth's surface in the immediate area.

Three axis seismic vibrator

A removable bore liner is provided that substantially increases the dependability, flexibility and field-serviceability of seismic vibrators and other hydraulically actuated devices. A method for installing the removable bore liner in a seismic vibrator is also provided.

Removable piston bore liner for hydraulically actuated seismic vibrator

A preloaded vibrator assembly wherein each leg of a stilt structure is preloaded in compression during construction. The linear actuator is preloaded prior to operation by supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure between one end of the linear actuator piston and the hub of the stilt-structure spider. A structural deflection of the spider away from the piston rod is created by the hydraulic pressure. At a predetermined load, a mechanical lock is engaged, fixing the relative positions of the spider and the piston rod. Hydraulic pressure is removed leaving the structure preloaded.

Pre-loaded vibrator assembly with mechanical lock

An improved means for making up and breaking out sections of drill pipe is disclosed herein. The make-up and breakout system is adapted for drill rigs having powered rotaries and powered carriages for moving the rotary up and down the mast. A wrench is mounted to the carriage for gripping the first section of the pipe. Slips are mounted at the work table for gripping the second section of pipe to support the string of pipe and prevent its rotation. The wrench is powered independently of the rotary, and the wrench and rotary can also rotate a certain amount with respect to each other while the wrench is gripping the first section of pipe. The independent power of rotation allows the wrench to breakout the first section from the second section. It also allows the rotary to breakout the first section from the rotary while the wrench restrains the first section from rotation.

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Friendswood, TX, United States of America

John Mark Crowell