US3303897A

US3303897A - Underground water swivel apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3303897A
Application number: US303600A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ray K Casper
Original assignee: EJ Longyear Co
Current assignee: EJ Longyear Co
Priority date: 1963-08-21
Filing date: 1963-08-21
Publication date: 1967-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 1984-02-14

Description

Feb. 14, 1967 R. K- CASPER UNDERGROUND WATER SWIVEL APPARATUS Filed Aug. 21, 196s s 2 "viii-"a ing; ma( n@ n f 49 /4- 85 73 4f A\ .ai f8 E 68 /27eE 'F'I E'. l

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66 I L i 65"' FICE. E

/l` INVENTOR. i PAY CASPER 1 BY J/WMM Zh Feb. 14, 1967 R, K, CASPER 3,303,897

UNDERGROUND WATER SWIVEL APPARATUS Filed Aug. 21, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q PIE. :5'

INVENTOR. Ray K C/:SPER

United States 3,393,597 UNDERGROUND WATER SWIVEL APPARATUS Ray l. Casper, Minneapolis, Minn., assigner to Si.

Ilongyear Company, Pviinneapoiis, Minn., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 21, 1963, Ser. N $93,600 14 Claims. (Ci. 175-214) invention is to provide new and novel water swivel apparatus for use with an inclined or horizontally extending drill stern where core barrel apparatus is hydraulically propelled to the bit end of the drill stem.

A further object of this invention is to provide water swivel apparatus having a new and novel swivel pulley assembly and structure for releasably locking said assembly to other portions of the water swivel apparatus. A still further object of this invention is to provide in water swivel apparatus new and novel pulley swivel assembly and interchangeable blank or loading chamber plug together with mechanism for selectively locking either said assembly or the respective plug in an operative position.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new and novel loading chamber plug for a wide line core barrel water swivel assembly to facilitate the insertion of a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly into a drill stem; especially where the drilling direction is above the horizontal.

Other and further objects are those inherent in the invention herein illustrated, described and claimed and will be apparent as the description proceeds.

To the accomplishment of the aforegoing and related ends, this invention then comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of this invention may be employed.

The invention is illustrated by reference to the drawings in which corresponding numerals refer to the same parts and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a cross sectional View of the water swivel apparatus of this invention generally taken lalong the line and in the direction of arrows 1 1 of FIGURE 4, together with a fragmentary showing of the outer end of a drill stem and an overshot assembly, said view also showing a blank plug;

FIGURE 2 is a transverse cross sectional view generally taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 2--2 of FIGURE l to illustrate the mounting of the lock mechanism on the swivel cap;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side view of the structure illustrated in FIGURE 1 other than that schematically represented, said view being generally taken along the line and in the direction of `arrows 3 3 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is a plan view generally taken along the line and in the direction of arrows 4--4 of FIGURE 3 other than that the pulley sheave is not illustrated;

FIGURE 5 is a view, in cross section, of the blank plug illustrated in FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional View illustrating the outer end portion of the water swivel cap and associate structure together with the loading chamber plug locked in position on said cap, said view also illustrating the outer end portion of an underground wire line core barrel inner tube assembly in the plug loading chamber.

Before describing the underground water swivel apparatus, generally designated lil, of this invention, structure with which it is :associated will first be described. The apparatus 1d of this invention can be used with structure such as described in U.S. Patent 2,829,868, issued April 8, 1958, and other conventional wire line core barrel apparatus; and in particular is advantageously utilized with underground wire line core barrel apparatus such as described in the copending application Serial No. 829,429, iiled July 24, 1959, now U.S. Patent 3,120,283, granted February 4, 1964, which has been assigned to the same assignee as this application. Thus even though the outer end portion of the drill stem 11 illustrated in FIGURE l extends in a vertical downward drilling direction, it is to be understood that the drill stern with which this invention is utilized more frequently is extended in a generally horizontal direction7 a vertically downward direction, a directly vertical upward direction, or at any other angle of inclination desired. Thus the drill stem 11 may extend into a tunnel of, for example, a mine wherein the drilling direction may be any desired angle, including an upwardly inclined drilling direction wherein the core barrel inner tube assembly and/or the overshot assembly is iiuidly propelled to the bit end of the drill stern.

For purposes of facilitating the description of the invention the inner end refers to that portion of the apparatus described hereinafter that axially is most closely adjacent the bit end of the drill stern when in position of use regardless of the drilling direction while outer end will refer to opposite end portion of such apparatus.

The outer end of the drill stem has female thread 11a to which one end of the apparatus 1i? is threadedly connected, the apparatus lil in turn being connected to a fluid conduit 12 through appropriate valve mechanism (not shown) to a hydraulic pump 13 that forces drilling fluid or mud through the water swivel 10 and thence into the drill stern in a conventional manner. The valve mechanism may be such as described in the copending application mentioned above for the same purpose described in said application. Additionally there is provided rnechanism schematically shown at 14 that includes a power winch .for retracting a wire line 15 which at one end is connected to an overshot assembly 16 that is propellable through the drill stem to a position for retracting a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly from the bit end of the stem. Since the details of constuction of the members fri-16 inclusive do not form a part of this invention they will not be further described.

Referring now in particular to FIGURES 1 4 inclusive, the structure of the underground water swivel apparatus 1li will now be described. The apparatus itl includes a tubular spindle ZS that at one end has threads which form a matching i'lt with threads 11a for connecting the spindle to the outer end of the drill stem. The central portion of the spindle has an enlarged outer diametric flange Zila that is radially adjacent the reduced diameter ange portion 21a formed at one end of the annular swivel body 21. As may be noted in FIGURE 1 the annular swivel body is of a substantially greater diameter than the maximum diameter portion of the spindle to provide an annular space therebetween. An oil seal 2?. is mounted intermediate the portions 20a and 21a.

The opposite end of the swivel body has internal threads 21h that form a matching fit with the adjacent threaded portion of the annular cap 23. Located axially intermediate the adjacent axial surfaces of the cap 23 and portions a and 21a is a bearing 24, said bearing having an inner race that abuts against the shoulder kformed by flange 20a and an outer race that abuts against the shoulder formed by the tiange 21a. The spindle has a peripheral groove for mounting a retaining ring 25 for holding the inner race in engagement with the shoulder formed 1by the annular iange 20a and against outward axial movement relative thereto.

The cap has an axially extending minimum diameter bore portion 27a that in conjunction with the slightly enlarged bore portion 27b forms a shoulder closely adjacent the outer end of the spindle. The inner diameter of the bore 27a is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the spindle while the outer diameter of the radially adjacent portion of the spindle is slightly less than the inner diameter of the bore portion 27b.

Axially intermediate the bore portion 27h and the inner end of the cap adjacent the bearing 24, the bore is further enlarged at 27e for mounting the chevron packing set 28, the outer bronze ring 38 and the inner bronze ring 39 radially intermediate the cap and the outer end of the spindle to prevent drilling fluid under pressure working into the bearings. The packing set 28 is located axially between

rings

38 and 39 and in abutting engagement therewith. The inner end portion of the cap is provided with an annular groove for mounting a retaining ring 29 that abuts against one axial end of ring 39 for retaining it in axially spaced relationship relative to the Ehearings while in the shoulder formed by bore portions 27b and 27e there is provided a well for mounting a compression spring 30 that bears against the outer axial end of the outer ring to thereby through the packing set resiliently retain the ring 39 in engagement with the retainer ring 29. As may be noted in FIGURE 1, an axially extending small bore 32 at one end opens into the aforementioned axial space and at the opposite end opens to radially extending bore that mounts a grease fitting 33.

The cap is also provided with an axially elongated aperture for mounting pin 36 so that it extends into an aperture in the outer ring as shown in FIGURE l. The function of pin 36 is to prevent the outer ring rotating relative the cap and thereby prevent cocking of the spring 3G which at times would take place due to the rotation of ring 38 if the pin were not provided.

Formed in the cap to at one axial end open into the bore portion 27a is a transverse bore 26, said bore 26 being threaded at the opposite end for threadedly receiving the threaded end of the bushing 37 that has an outer hex head. Bushing 37 in turn is mounted on one end of the uid conduit 12.

The bore 27, in a direction axially outwardly of the reduced diameter portion 27a, is first slightly enlarged through an enlarged diametric portion 27d, and then further enlarged through an axial portion 27e for receivingly mounting a stuiing box pulley sheave assembly, generally designated 40. As may be noted in FG- URE l a beveled shoulder is formed between bore portions 27a and 24d to form a relatively close lit with a corresponding beveled portion of assembly 4t).

The combination stuffing box-pulley sheave assembly 40 includes a stuffing box 41, the outer peripheral configuration of the axial portion of the stuiing box being such that it forms a close t with the bore portions 27d and 27e respectively; other than for a small annular groove that has an O-ring 43 mounted therein to bear against the bore portion 27d to form a uid seal, and an enlarged annular groove 44 that opens to the bore portion 27e. The groove 44 in cross section is generally semi-circular in shape, the purpose of providing this groove becoming more apparent hereinafter.

An axial extending bore 4S is formed in a stuffing box, the outer axial bore portion being of a diameter to mount Cir a bushing 49 having an inner diameter to form a relatively close t with the wire line 15 that is extended therethrough. In an axially inward direction, the bore 48 is of a slightly reduced diameter through a second axial stage to form a shoulder that abuts against one axial end of the bushing and thence is enlarged through a third stage 48b to mount the packing 50 which has a central aperture therein through which the wire line 15 is extended. The inner axial end of the stuffing box is threaded to have the packing nut 51 threaded therein to bear against the packing 50, the packing nut having a central aperture therethrough through which the wire line is extended. The packing is sul'l'iciently compressed by the packing nut to form a relatively close fluid iit with the wire line to minimize leakage of fluid through this portion of the water swivel apparatus even though fluid is being pumped into the drill stern under suicient pressure to fluidly propel the overshot assembly in an upward direction.

Welded to the stuffing box on opposite transverse sides of the bore 48 are a pair of pulley brackets,

brackets

55 and 56 respectively, there being provided a sheave bushing member 57 mounted on said brackets for rotatably mounting the sheave 5S. The diameter of the sheave, the size and shape of brackets plus the location of the sheave bushing are such that when the wire line 1S is extended over the sheave, the wire line extends along a line that extends through the ybore 48 and is tangential to the sheave. A guide pin 6@ is mounted by the brackets for retaining the wire line is contact with the adjacent portion of the pulley sheave. A lug 56 is welded to bracket 58 to prevent bushing 57 rotating, bushing 57 having a flattened end portion of bear against said lug.

In order to releasably hold the combination of pulley sheave and stuffing box assembly in the cap as illustrated in FIGURE 1, there is provided the lock mechanism generally designated 65. In order to mount the lock mechanism, one arcuate section of the cap is cut away at 66; while on the opposite transverse side of the cap, a second section is cut away at 67. A transversely extending aperture 68 is provided in the cap to at one end open to the cut out portion 66 and at the opposite end opens to the cut out portion 67. The central portion of the aperture opens to the stufling box groove 64 so that along a plane of the axis of the drill stem that is perpendicular to the axis of elongation of aperture 68, the groove 44 and the aperture in cross section are circular in shape as illus-- trated in FIGURE 1. A locking pin or cam member 69 is mounted in the aperture 68 and has one end portion extending outwardly through the cut out portion 67, there being provided a spring pin 7b* extended through said end portion of the locking pin. The opposite axial end of the locking pin extends outwardly through the cut out portion 66 and has one end of an operating lever 71 welded thereto to extend at right angles to said pin. The central portion of the pin 69 has an axially elongated slot that is semicircular in cross section.

A retaining clip 72 is mounted in the cut out portion 66 for releasably holding the central portion of the operating lever when said lever is located in a plane extending at right angles to the axis of the drilling direction. When the operating lever is in this position, the slotted portion 69a of the locking pin is faced in a direction opposite the stuing box (see FIGURES 1 and 2). However upon rotating the locking pin 180 in the direction of arrow 73 the slot 69a will open to the ybore portion 48e and accordingly no portion of the locking pin will extend radially inwardly into the bore 43 or groove 44. At this time the assembly 4G may be freely withdrawn out of the bore 48 and thereby permit either the removal or insertion of the overshot assembly through said bore.

When it is desired to have the assembly 40 removed from the cap and at the same time to block uid flow outwardly through the cap aperture 48, a blank plug generally designated (see FIGURES 1, 2 and 5) is inserted thereinto and locked in position by the lock mechanism being turned to the position illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2. The plug 8@ includes a main body 81 having an exterior size and shape that is generally the same as the stuffing box 41. That is the main body has an annular groove 81a that corresponds to groove 44 and serves a similar purpose, a smaller annular groove 8l!) for mounting an O-ring 82 for forming a iluid seal with the adjacent bore wall 27, and a beveled shoulder Sie forms a close lit with the shoulder of the cap intermediate bore portions 27d and 27e. The aforementioned groove Sitz is formed in the maximum diameter axial portion Sila while the groove Sib is formed in an intermediate diameter axial portion Sie of the main body. The portions 31d and 81e, other than for the respective grooves formed therein, form a close iit with the bore portions 27d and 27e respectively. An axial extending bore 84 may be provided in the main body, said bore not opening through the outer axial end portion of said main body.

Formed integral with the main body or welded thereto is one end of a r-shaped handle 34. In order to retain the plug closely adjacent the water swivel when said plug is not in use, one end of a nylon cord 83 is tied to the handle while the opposite end of the nylon cord is tied to the bushing 37.

Referring now in particular to FIGURE 6 there is illustrated the loading chamber plug, generally designated 100, of this invention that is releasably locltingly retained on the cap 23 by a lock mechanism 65, the cap and lock mechanism being of the same construction as that described in FIGURES 1 4. The plug lil@ includes an inner body portion itil (extending vertically above line X-X of FIGURE 6) that is of the same exterior size and shape as the main body portion 8.?. of the blank plug illustrated in FIGURE 5. That is the body portion itil includes a small annular groove that mounts an O-ring S2. and a larger annular groove libia in which the locking pin of the lock mechanism 65 extends for releasably holding the loading chamber plug in the position illustrated in FIG- URE 6.

The plug lill? also includes a generally cylindrical portion 192 that at one end is formed integral with the body portion itil and an end wall lt that is integrally formed with the opposite end of the cylindrical portion lill Provided in the plug lit@ is an axially elongated aperture the that at one end opens through the body portion titi of the plug, the diameter of said aperture being substantially identical to the inside diameter of the spindle 2t? and the inside diameter of the drill stem l1. The closed end of the aperture 1524 is of a generally conical shape as illustrated at lfla.

A bail t is welded to the midportion of the plug 100. The cord i557 at one end is tied to the bail HB6 and at the opposite end is tied to the bushing 37 for retaining the plug iut) closely adjacent the water swivel when said plug is not in use. As may be apparent from FlGURE 6 the loading chamber plug is adapted for inserting a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly into the water swivel, and is most advantageously used when the drilling direction is at an angle above the horizontal. In particular the loading chamber plug is adapted for use in conjunction with inserting an underground wire line core barrel inner tube assembly of the nature described in the aforementioned copending application, Serial No. 829,429; the core barrel inner tube assembly being generally designated llt?, partially illustrated in FlGURE 6, and `of the same construction as that set forth in said copending application. Thus the plug loading chamber aperture 194 is of an axial length such that when the plug lliltl is locked in position as illustrated in FIGURE 6, the outer end of spear point plug 111 will abut against the end wall lti, the inner end of the spear point plug will abut against the outer transverse edges of the latched dogs 116 in a retracted position, and the enlarged diametric portion 1145i of the latch retracting sleeve 1M and valving por- CII lit

tion llSa of the latch body 11S will be inwardly of the transverse aperture 26 into which the bushing 37 is threaded. In this connection it is to be mentioned that the enlarged diametric portion 114:1 has an outside diameter such that it forms a close fluid lit with the inner peripheral wall of the spindle 20. By making the loading chamber aperture of such a length, liuid under pressure is passed through the bushing 37 to act against the enlarged diametn'c portion llaa and the radially adjacent valve member 1.15ct to propel the core barrel inner tube assembly toward the bit end of the drill stem even though a drilling direction is upwardly inclined or directly vertically upwardly as illustrated in FIGUREI 6.

The reasons for providing a loading chamber plug of the aforementioned construction, particularly when the drilling direction is above the horizontal, is that without a plug 16% and during the time the operator manually inserts the core barrel inner tube assembly into the axial cap bore such that the spear point is inwardly of the outer axial end or" the cap, the latch dogs will move toward a latching position when they are radially adjacent bore portion 27e, and accordingly permit the inner end of the spear point plug to extend between the latch dogs to retain them in partially latched position. Upon this happening it is impossible to move the core barrel inner tube assembly further into the drill stem, it being noted that the inside diameter of bore 27e of the cap is larger than the inside diameter of the spindle. In this connection it is to be mentioned that upon the latch dogs moving to a partially latched condition, the spear point and latch retracting sleeve connected thereto is inwardly axially movable relative to the latch body as more fully described in the aforementioned copending application.

If it is attempted to throw the core barrel inner tube assembly suiciently upwardly into the water swivel-drill stem apparatus before the dogs can move toward a latching position and then to insert a blank plug Si) into position before the core barrel inner tube assembly through the action of gravity moves outwardly, there is the danger of an operator injuring himself. However through the provision of the loading chamber plug, it is rst positioned over the outer end of the core barrel inner tube assembly as exempliiied by FIGURE 6 whereby the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion M2 retains the latch dogs in a retracted position and then the inner end of the core barrel inner tube assembly is inserted through the water swivel cap and the operator by pushing on the outer end of the loading chamber plug can move the cornbination of the core barrel inner tube assembly and the loading chamber plug relative to the water swivel cap to a position so the plug ltlti abuts against shoulder 27d as illustrated in FIGURE 6. Now the locking mechanism is moved to a locking position as illustrated. After the loading chamber plug has been locked in position to prevent it moving axially relative to the water swivel cap and at the same time to form a uid seal therewith, appropriate valving is moved so that fluid under pressure passes through bushing 37 and thence against the enlarged diametric portion and adjacent the valving member to iluidly propel the core barrel inner tube assembly towards the drill bit as described in the above mentioned copending application.

In utilizing the apparatus of this invention and if the drilling direction is at an upwardly inclined angle, then a gate valve such as described in the aforementioned copending application may be provided in the drill stem inwardly of the spindle Ztl. The gate valve with the valve member in an open position would have a central aperture of a diameter such that the wire line core barrel apparatus may be moved therethrough; however, when moved to a closed position, block the flow of iluid through the drill stem. The purpose of providing such a gate valve would be to retain any fluid inwardly of such a valve in the drill stem when core barrel apparatus is being inserted through or removed from the water swivel apparatus in a manner described hereinafter.

For purposes of facilitating the description of the use of the underground water swivel apparatus of this invention, it will be assumed that the drill stem 11 extends in an upwardly inclined drilling direction and that the previously mentioned gate valve is in a closed position, that the valve (not shown) intermediate pump 14 and conduit 12 has been closed, that neither the overshot assembly nor the core barrel inner tube assembly are positioned within the drill stem, and that neither of the members di) or Si) or 100 are positioned to extend into the bore 27.

If the drilling direction is above the horizontal then it is preferred that the loading chamber plug 100 be used as described above, it being slipped over the outer end of the core barrel inner tube assembly and then said assembly inserted through the cap axial bore. If the blank plug Sti is used (usually only if the drilling direction is at an angle below the horizontal), then the wire line core barrel inner tube assembly is inserted through bore 27 and moved in a drilling direction sufciently so that the outer end is inwardly of the outer axial end of the cap. Now the plug Sti is inserted into the bore portions 27d and 27e. Thence the lock mechanism is rotated in a direction opposite arrow 73 so that the nonslotted portion of the lock pin will extend into the annular groove lilla or Sia, depending on which plug is being used, and the operating lever will `be releasably clamped by the retaining clip 72. Due to the provision of the annular groove 81a and lilla respectively, it-is possible to rotate the respective plug 360 about its axial axis while at the same time the plug is held against axial movement in bore 27 to block any substantial leakage of fluid outwardly through bore portion 27e. Now the valve (not shown) in the drill stem 11 is opened and thence the valve (not shown) in line 12 is opened so that the drilling iluid is pumped through the transverse bore 26 and thence through bore portion 27a, 27b and 27C into the drill stem. After the wire line core barrel inner tube assembly is filled with core or it is desired to Withdraw same, then the valves in the drill stem and line 12 are closed to minimize the loss of iiuid outwardly through the water swivel. Next the operating lever 71 is rotated in the direction of arrow 73 to position the slot 69a of the locking pin adjacent the plug. At this time the plug (S or 10G) may be axially withdrawn from the cap in the direction of the arrow 85.

Now assuming that the wire line has been extended over the pulley sheave and through the apertures formed in the stuffing box, etc. and attached to overshot assembly 16, and the line is connected at the other end to the winch mechanism E4, then the overshot assembly 16 is inserted through the bore 27' of the cap and the spindle and moved sufficiently inwardly into the drill stern such that its outer end is inwardly of the transverse bore. Now the assembly 46 is positioned such that the stuffing box 4l is located in the bore 27 as illustrated in FIGURE l and thence locking pin 6() is rotated in a direction opposite arrow 73 to a position as illustrated in FIGURE 2. Now the non-slotted portion of the locking pin extends through the annular groove .4 to hold the stuing box mechanism from axial displacement but at the same time permitting rotational movement of the mechanism 44B to permit it to rotate to a position so that the axis of rotation of sheave 58, substantially remains perpendicular to the vertical plane of the portion of the wire line between said sheave and the winch even though the winch is relatively long and the wire line is spooled on said winch.

At this time the valves in the drill stem and luid conduit line 12 are opened and the overshot assembly 16 propelled to grasp the wire line core barrel inner tube assembly in a manner disclosed in said copending application. Now the winch apparatus 14 is operated to Withdraw the wire line and accordingly move the overshot assembly 16 to a position such as illustrated in FIG- URE l. Next the valve mechanism in the drill stem and line 12 are closed and then locking pin 6% rotated in the direction of arrow 73 to permit removal of the assembly 4t). Upon withdrawing the assembly 40 in the axial direction of arrow to separate it from the cap, the overshot assembly 16 and inner tube assembly 110 may be withdrawn through the aperture 27. It is believed that from the preceding description that utilization of the apparatus of this invention is apparent.

Another feature of this invention not described heretofore is that due to the provision of the bearings 24 and the associated structure, the cap and bushing 21 may be freely and easily rotated relative to the spindle Without any axial displacement and accordingly position the transverse bore 26 so that it will extend in the desired direction for connection to fluid conduit l2. At the same time the assembly 4t) is held by the locking mechanism 65 to hold the mechanism 49 against axial displacement but at the same time permit angular movement of the assembly relative to the cap so that the sheave is always positioned to have a wire line extended thereover to be drawn by the winch mechanism. As 4a result the bushing 21 may be tightened to form a water tight seal (compressing packing 28) While the bushing and cap may be rotated relative to the spindle to properly position the transverse `bore 26 and the mechanism 4t? properly angularly positioned independent of the cap, bushing 21 and of the spindle 20 to have the sheave located in a proper position for having the wire line extended thereover.

Although the apparatus of this invention has been described as being used with core barrel apparatus that is tluidly propelled to the bit end of the drill stem, it is to be understood it can be used where wire line core barrel apparatus is allowed to free fall to said bit end. Also it is to be understood that where the drilling direction is at an angle below the horizontal either plug S0 or plug E99 may advantageously be used. However where the drilling direction is about horizontal and particularly a substantial distance above the horizontal it is preferred for reasons set forth heretofore that the loading chamber plug 10% be used.

As many widely apparently different embodiments of this invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the specific embodiments herein.

What I claim is:

1. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stern to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparatus comprising a hollow spindle adapted to be attached at one end to the drill stem and having an outer diametrically enlarged flange inwardly of its outer axial end, a cap having a central bore, the inner diameter of said spindle and minimum diameter of said bore being sufficiently large to have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, means for cooperating with the cap to selectively close the outer end of said bore, means for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative to the spindle, the last mentioned means including annular bearing means located inwardly of the outer end of the spindle and having an inner race seated on said flange and an outer race seated against the inner end of said cap, annular means connected to the cap for holding said outer race in a seated position against said cap, and means mounted on the spindle for axially retaining the inner race against said flange, said bore having an axially enlarged diametric portion of a substantially larger diameter than the spindle into which the spindle is extended and packing means mounted on said spindle for forming a lluid seal with the enlarged diametric portion bore wall, said cap having a second bore opening to the central bore axially intermediate said packing means and the means cooperating with the cap for passage of drilling fluid to and from said central bore.

2. The structure of claim l further characterized in that said means for cooperating with the cap includes a plug portion movably insertable into the outer end portion of said bore, said plug portion having an annular groove, and means mounted on the cap for selectively being extended into said groove to lock said plug portion on said cap against axial displacement relative to the cap and at the same time permitting rotational movement of the plug portion relative to the cap.

3. The structure of claim 2 further characterized in that said plug portion has a central aperture to have a Wire line extended therethrough and that said means for cooperating with the cap includes a pulley sheave and means for mounting the pulley sheave on the plug portion to have the wire line extended over the pulley sheave.

4. In water swivel apparatus that is mounted on the `outer end of a drill stem and used in conjunction with wire line core b-arrel apparatus, a cap having a central bore of a diameter to have wire line core barrel apparatus inserted therethrough, a second bore opening to an intermediate portion of said central bore, said central bore having a reduced diameter portion intermediate its outer axial end and the second bore to form a shoulder, means insertable into the outer end portion of the central bore to set .against said shoulder for in conjunction with said cap forming a iluid seal, said uid seal means having an annular groove axially intermediate said shoulder and the outer axial end of the cap, means movably mounted by said cap for being extended into said groove to hold the fluid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while permitting rotation relative to the cap and alternately being axially moved relative to the cap, and swivel means having an axial bore of a diameter for said apparatus to pass therethrough for mounting the cap on the drill stem for rotational movement relative the drill stem.

5. In water swivel apparatus that is mounted on the outer end of a drill stem and used in conjunction with a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly having a latch mounting body, means mounted by said latch body for movement between a retracted non-latching position and a latching position, and means mounted on the outer end portion of the latch body for limited axial movement for moving said latch means between a latching position and a retracted position and releasably retaining the latch means in the respective position, a cap having a central bore of a diameter to have wire line core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, a second bore opening to an intermediate portion of said central bore for passage of drilling fluid, said central bore having a reduced diameter portion intermediate its outer axial end and the second bore to form a shoulder, a loading chamber plug having an inner end portion insertable into the outer end portion of the central bore to set against said shoulder for in conjunction with said cap forming a uid seal, said plug having, a chamber that has a closed outer end and an open inner end and being of a greater axial length than the axial distance between said latch means and the outer axial end of said assembly and of an inside transverse cross sectional area to retain the latch means in a retracted position as long as said latch means abuts against the closed end of the plug, said plug and cap having cooperating means thereon to releasably hold said plug against axial displacement relative to the cap and in fluid sealing engagement therewith and means having a hollow interior of a transverse cross section to permit said assembly to pass therethrough for mounting said cap on the drill stem.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further characterized in that the Vlast mentioned means includes swivel means for permitting rotation of the cap relative to the drill ste-m.

7. In water swivel apparatus that is mounted on the outer end of a drill stem and used in conjunction with a l@ wire line core barrel inner tube assembly having a latch mounting body, means mounted by said latch body for movement between a retracted non-latching position and a latching position, and means mounted on the outer end portion of the latch body for limited axial movement to move said latch means between a latching position and a retracted position and releasably retain the latch means in either of said positions, a cap having a central bore of a diameter to have wire line core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, a second bore opening to an intermediate portion of said central bore to have drilling fluid pass therethrough, said central bore having a reduced diameter portion intermediate its outer axial end and the second bore to form `a shoulder, the improvement being axially elongated means insertable into the outer end portion of the central bore to set against said shoulder for in conjunction with said ca-p forming a fluid seal, said fluid seal means including a generally tubular body having an annular groove axially intermediate said shoulder and the outer axial end `of the cap and an end closure at the outer end thereof, the axial length of hollow interior of said fluid seal means being greater than the axial distance between said latch means and the outer axial end of said assembly and the inside diameter being such that the inner peripheral wall of the tubular body retains the latch 4means in a retracted position as Ilong as the latch retracting means abuts against said end closure, and means movably mounted by said cap for being extended into said -groove to hold the iluid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while permitting rotation relative to the cap and alternately being axially moved relative to the cap.

8. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stem to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparat-us comprising a hollow spindle adapted for attachment to the outer end of the drill stem, a cap having a central bore, said bore being of an enlarged diameter at one axial end to have the outer end portion of the spindle extended therein, means cooperating with the spindle for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative the spindle, means extendable into the outer end of said bore for forming a lluid seal with the bore wall to close the outer end of the bore, said fluid seal means having an annular groove, and means on the cap for selectively holding the uid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while at the same time permitting rotation of said seal means relative to the cap, said fluid seal holding means including a cam member rotatably mounted on the cap for alternately being extended into said groove to lock said fluid seal means against axial displacement and out of said groove and means connected to said cam member for selectively rotating said cam member.

9. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stem to selectiveiy have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparatus comprising a hollow spindle adapted for attachment to the outer end of the drill stem, a cap having a central bore, said bore being of an enlarged diameter at one axial end to have the outer end portion of the spindle extended therein, means cooperating with the spindle for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial `displacement yrelative the spindle, means extendable into the outer end of said bore for forming a fluid seal with the bore wall to close the outer end of the bore, said uid seal means including a plug having a handle portion and a combination stuing boxdpulley sheave assembly interchangeable with said plug, the plug and the last mentioned assembly each having an annular groove, `and means on the cap for selectively holding the uid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while at the same time permitting rotation of said seal means relative to the cap, said holding means including a cam member rotatably mounted on the cap for alternately being extended into the groove of the iluid seal means while it is closing the outer end of the bore to lock the last mentioned uid seal means against axial displacement and out of the groove to permit removable, and means connected to said cam member for selectively rotating said cam member.

10. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stern to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparatus comprising a hollow spindle adapted for attachment to the outer end of the drill stem, a cap having a central bore, said bore being of an enlarged diameter at one axial end to have the outer end portion of the spindle extended therein, means cooperating with the spindle for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative the spindle, Imeans extendable into the outer end of said bore for forming a fluid seal with the bore `wall to close the outer end of the bore, said uid seal means having an annular groove, said cap having a transverse aperture opening to said bore at an axial position to also open to said groove when the fluid seal means is in a fiuid seal position, a lock pin rotatably positioned in said aperture and having a slotted portion, said lock pin in one rotated position having the slotted portion opening to the annular groove so that the uid seal means can be moved axially relative to the cap and another rotated position to have a non-slotted portion extend into said groove to hold the uid seal means against axial movement relative the cap, and means connected to the lock pin for selectively rotating it between said rotated positions, and means on the cap for selectively holding the uid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while `at the same time permitting rotation of said seal means relative to the cap.

11. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stem to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, said core barrel assembly being a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly having means mounted for movement between a retracted position and a radially outward drill stern latching position and axially elongated means including a spear point axially movable relative the latching means for moving the latching means between a latched position and a retracted position, water swivel apparatus comprising a hollow spindle adapted for attachment to the -outer end ot the drill stem, a cap having a central bore, said bore being of an enlarged diameter at one axial end to have the outer end portion of the spindle extended therein, means cooperating with the spindle for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative the spindle, means extendable into the outer end of said bore for forming a fluid seal with the bore wall to close lthe outer end of the bore, said uid seal means including a plug having an axially elongated loading chamber and a closure at the outer axial end of said chamber, the plug loading chamber being of an axial length to have the spear point abut against said closure when the latch means is located in said chamber and of a transverse cross section to retain said latch means in a retracted position, and means on the cap for selectively holding the fluid seal means against axial displacement relative the cap while at the same time permitting rotation of said seal means relative to the cap.

12. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stem to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparatus comprising integrally formed hollow spindle adapted to be attached at the inner axial end to the drill stem and having an outer diametrically enlarged ange inwardly `of the outer axial end, a cap having a central bore, the inner diameter of said spindle and the minimum diameter of said bore being sufficiently large to have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, the cap bore at the inner end portion being of a substantially larger diameter than the outer diameter of the s-pindle to have a portion of the spindle axially outwardly of the flange extended thereinto, annular packing means mounted on the spindle to form a tluid seal with the diametrically enlarged bore portion, said packing means including a packing set, and a metal ring axially intermediate said packing set and the shoulder formed by the juncture of the enlarged bore portion with the adjacent portion of the bore, said ring and enlarged portion having adjacent apertures, a pin in said apertures to prevent said ring rotating relative the cap, and bearing means cooperating with said flange for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative the spindle, the bearing means including a bearing mounted on the spindle adjacent said ange and means mounted on said spindle intermediate said packing .means and the flange to abut against the bearing for retaining the bearing against outward axial displacement relative the spindle.

13. For being mounted on the outer end of a drill stem to selectively have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, water swivel apparatus comprising a hollow spin. dle adapted to be attached at on end to the drill stem `and having an outer diametrically enlarged flange inwardly of its outer axial end, a ca-p having a central bore, the inner diameter of said spindle and minimum diameter of said bore being suiciently large to have a core barrel assembly inserted therethrough, closure means for cooperating with the cap to selectively close the outer end of said bore, means for rotatably retaining the cap on the spindle and releasably holding the cap against axial displacement relative to the spindle, the last mentioned means including annular bearing means located inwardly of the outer end of the spindle and having an inner race seated on said flange and an outer race seated against the inner end of said cap, annular means connected to the cap for holding said outer race in a seated position against said cap, and means on the spindle for axially retaining the inner race against said ange, said bore having an axially enlarged diametric portion of a substantially larger diameter than the spindle into which the spindle is extended and means cooperatively mounted by said spindle and cap for forming a fluid seal between the enlarged diametric portion bore wall and the spindle, said uid seal means including a metal ring mounted in the enlarged diametric bore adjacent the shoulder formed by the juncture of the enlarged bore portion with the adjacent portion of the bore, and an annular iiuid seal member mounted in abutting engagement with said ring and the spindle to extend axially inwardly of the ring, said ring and enlarged bore portion having adjacent apertures, and a pin in said aperture to prevent said ring rotating relative the cap, said cap having a second bore opening to the central bore axially intermediate said Huid seal means and the closure means for passage of drilling fluid to and from said central bore.

14. The apparat-us of claim 13 further characterized in that said enlarged bore portion has a Well opening to the ring axially opposite said iluid seal member, and that the fluid sealing means includes resilient lmeans in said well and abutting against said ring for resiliently retaining the ring in engagement with the fluid seal member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 473,918 5/1892 Douglass 175-214 3,120,282 2/1964 Pickard 175-214 3,165,155 l/l965 Leathers 166-84 X CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Examiner.

N, C, BYERS, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

1. FOR BEING MOUNTED ON THE OUTER END OF A DRILL STEM TO SELECTIVELY HAVE A CORE BARREL ASSEMBLY INSERTED THERETHROUGH, WATER SWIVEL APPARATUS COMPRISING A HOLLOW SPINDLE ADAPTED TO BE ATTACHED AT ONE END OF THE DRILL STEM AND HAVING AN OUTER DIAMETRICALLY ENLARGED FLANGE INWARDLY OF ITS OUTER AXIAL END, A CAP HAVING A CENTRAL BORE, THE INNER DIAMETER OF SAID SPINDLE AND MINIMUM DIAMETER OF SAID BORE BEING SUFFICIENTLY LARGE TO HAVE A CORE BARREL ASSEMBLY INSERTED THERETHROUGH, MEANS FOR COOPERATING WITH THE CAP TO SELECTIVELY CLOSE THE OUTER END OF SAID BORE, MEANS FOR ROTATABLY RETAININ G THE CAP ON THE SPINDLE AND RELEASABLY HOLDING THE CAP AGAINST AXIAL DISPLACMENT RELATIVE TO THE SPINDLE, THE LAST MENTIONED MEANS INCLUDING ANNULAR BEARING MEANS LOCATED INWARDLY OF THE OUTER END OF THE SPINDLE AND HAVING AN INNER RACE SEATED ON SAID FLANGE AND AN OUTER RACE SEATED AGAINST THE INNER END OF SAID CAP, ANNULAR MEANS CONNECTED TO THE CAP FOR HOLDING SAID OUTER RACE IN A SEATED POSITION AGAINST SAID CAP, AND MEANS MOUNTED ON THE SPINDLE FOR AXIALLY RETAINING THE INNER RACE AGAINST SAID FLANGE, SAID BORE HAVING AN AXIALLY ENLARGED DIAMETRIC PORTION OF A SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER DIAMETER THAN THE SPINDLE INTO WHICH THE SPINDLE IS EXTENDED AND PACKING MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SPINDLE FOR FORMING A FLUID SEAL WITH THE ENLARGED DIAMETRIC PORTION BORE WALL, SAID CAP HAVING A SECOND BORE OPENING TO THE CENTRAL BORE AXIALLY INTERMEDIATE SAID PACKING MEANS AND THE MEANS COOPERATING WITH THE CAP FOR PASSAGE OF DRILLING FLUID TO AND FROM SAID CENTRAL BORE.