James Todd Howell

US Patent:

40492397, Sep 20, 1977

Filed:

Dec 8, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/638255

Inventors:

James D. Howell - Gretna LA

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

B66D 148

US Classification:

254172

Abstract:

An apparatus for limiting the tension to which a suspended member can be subjected is disclosed. The apparatus responds to excessive tensile stress by increasing in length at a rate to keep such stress from exceeding a predetermined level. The present invention includes a closed cylinder with a piston disposed therein. Connected to the piston is a piston rod which extends through an opening in one end of the cylinder. The cylinder and piston rod are adapted to connect with a suspended member and a hoisting means. A bypass conduit connects the cylinder chambers by extending from one side of the piston to the other. In the conduit, there is a flow control regulator which actuates when the pressure on one side of the piston reaches a predetermined level, corresponding to a proportional tensile stress, permitting fluid to flow through the conduit in such a volume that the pressure on that side of the piston is maintained at the predetermined level.

US Patent:

40636020, Dec 20, 1977

Filed:

Nov 1, 1976

Appl. No.:

5/737751

Inventors:

James Damron Howell - Gretna LA
Robert William Beck - Houston TX
George Hayden Bruce - Houston TX
John David McLain - Houston TX

Assignee:

Exxon Production Research Company - Houston TX

International Classification:

E21B 712

US Classification:

175 7

Abstract:

An improved method and apparatus for offshore drilling is described which is particularly useful for drilling in deep water from a floating surface vessel. Drilling fluid is introduced into a drill string extending from the vessel into a wellbore in the floor of the body of water. In order to maintain a controlled hydrostatic pressure within the riser, drilling fluids are diverted from the lower end of the riser and are either discharged into the body of water or pumped to the surface through a return conduit adjacent the riser.