Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for effectively communicating data along the acoustic channel of a subterranean well. The method comprises optimally driving an acoustic transmitter with an adaptive transmitter controller. A data signal is transmitted along the acoustic channel and detected as a distorted signal along the acoustic channel. The distorted signal is input to the adaptive transmitter controller which, based on the detected signal, modifies later transmissions to counteract the distorting effects of the transmitter and acoustic channel. The adaptive transmitter controller preferably comprises a neural network. Another receiver may be employed, at a point further from the transmitter, to receive the optimized signals.

Abstract: A game includes a game board 10 marked with a plurality of indicia 40a-40b, 41a-41b, 42a-42e, 43, and 44. The game also includes a plurality of markers 30a-30f for positioning on indicia of the playing surface. A deck of question cards 20 including a plurality of question cards 21 is included, with each card bearing instructions 52, a question 53, and answers 54. The questions are designed to test various skills. A deck of bidding cards 22 is also included, with each card bearing the relative value of the bid 60 and relevant instructions 61. Successful identification of the answers on the question cards determines advancement of a player's marker on the game playing surface commensurate with the bidding card played, marker location on indicia 41-44, and the success of other players on the same question card.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud assembly mounted over the sand screen in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, the shroud having perforated and blank (non-perforated) segments with the blank segments corresponding to selected intervals of the wellbore, for example problem zones such as shale streaks or isolated zones where flows are restricted by mechanical seals or packers, and injecting particulate material into the wellbore, whereby gravel packing takes place in the remaining length of the wellbore/shroud annulus without voids. The inner annulus between the shroud and screen provides an alternate flow path for the slurry to bypass the blocked intervals and continue with its placement.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and a method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface divided into a first and second assembly zone. The apparatus further includes first and second clamping assemblies for clamping the truss in the first and second assembly zones. The apparatus includes a flip-over assembly having a flip-over arm movable relative to the truss table for moving the truss from a first truss position in the first assembly zone, wherein a first truss face contacts the work surface, to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, wherein a second truss face contacts the work surface. The flip-over arm is movable between a home position adjacent said work surface and an extended position, wherein the flip-over arm may be perpendicular to the work surface. In another alternative, at least a portion of the flip-over arm may extend over the second assembly zone when the flip-over arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a desired operation at a remote location in a wellbore. The system is composed of a downhole docking station assembly and a detachable downhole tool assembly. The downhole tool assembly includes electrically operated means to move in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool can also include an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment and various sensors. Data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. The downhole tool detaches itself from the docking station, travels to the desired location in the wellbore and performs a predefined operation according to programmed instruction. The downhole tool returns and connects to the docking station, where it transfers data relating to the operation and can be recharged for further operation.

Abstract: A slip for use in the anchoring device on a well tool has a wedge shaped body and teeth on the exterior of the body. The teeth are formed from a ring segment of spring steel material mounted on and extending from the exterior of the body. The ring segment may be mounted in a circumferential groove on the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: In general, a method is provided for completing a subterranean wellbore, and an apparatus for using the method. The method comprises positioning an expandable sand-control device in the wellbore thereby forming an annulus between the sand-control device and the wellbore; depositing a filter media in the annulus; and after the depositing step, radially expanding the sand-control device to decrease the volume of the annulus. The sand-control device can be a sand screen or slotted or perforated liner having radially extending passageways in the walls thereof, the passageways designed to substantially prevent movement of the particulate material through the passageways and into the sand-control device. Where a slotted liner is desired, the passageways can be plugged during positioning and later unplugged for production.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing wells and gravel packing an interval of a wellbore are provided. The methods include the steps of placing a perforated shroud having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the perforated shroud and the perforated shroud and the wellbore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids. The perforated shroud has a flow-controlling means for restricting fluid movement between the casing/shroud and shroud/screen annuli during gravel packing. The flow-controlling means may be comprised of a material installed on a selected number of the shroud perforations which blocks or partially blocks fluid flow through the otherwise permeable wall of the perforated shroud during gravel packing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for perforating a subterranean formation so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and a wellbore, the wellbore having casing cemented therein, the casing having a cement sheath therearound. The casing is perforated with a mechanical perforator and thereafter a propellant material is ignited within the casing thereby perforating the cement sheath. The formation may thereafter be stimulated with an acid stimulator. The mechanical perforator may include use of a toothed wheel, or a needle-punch perforator. The propellant may be deployed in a sleeve and may comprise an abrasive material.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods include the steps of placing in the wellbore a perforated shroud (liner) having an internal sand screen therein (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.), positioning about the perforated liner an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of “bypass” tubes or conduits having inlet passages or portions adapted to receive the gravel slurry as it reaches the apparatus and outlets for the slurry to reach the well annulus, and injecting particulate material (e.g., slurry) into the wellbore/perforated shroud and shroud/screen annuli, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the two annuli and the zone. In one aspect of the invention, the multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (e.g.

Abstract: The inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An expansion tool apparatus may have wear faces attached to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a mandrel for contacting the interior surface of the pipe, tube, or screen during expansion. According to another aspect of the invention, an expansion tool has a controlled egress seal between the outer surface of the tool and the inside surface of the expandable tubular. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatically variable diameter expansion tool is provided having a variable diameter cone, which expands, and contracts based on input from one or more sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method for expanding a length of screen assembly in a subterranean wellbore is provided.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: The present inventions contemplate an improved well tool actuator and method that does not require more expensive downhole equipment and can be utilized with limited actuation pressures. According to the improved well tool actuator and method of the present inventions, a fluid pressure intensifier is placed in the well and coupled to the downhole device to be manipulated. By using a fluid pressure intensifier the actuation pressure can be increased to a pressure sufficient to operate or manipulate the downhole device without the necessity of increasing the tubing pressure. According to the present invention the actuation pressures supplied by the intensifier can exceed the safe operating rated pressures of the well tubing and equipment. The well tool actuators of the present invention are self-contained in that they are powered from the tubing fluid pressure itself without a high-pressure hydraulic or electrical connection to the surface.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for isolating and opening a subterranean zone in a multiple zone well. An isolation tool is installed in the well with a tubing string accessing a particular zone. The tool can be remotely opened and closed to provide access to the zone either mechanically or by applying pressure variation sequences to the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a cased well having a production tubing assembly installed in the well and terminating with a connection mechanism at a subterranean location. The apparatus and method utilizes a spoolable tubular assembly for installation extending into the well to the connection mechanism wherein the tubular assembly has a plurality of conductors formed connected to electrically operable valve, sensors and tubing latch in the tubular assembly. In the method the assembly is spooled into the well with the tubing latch being operated from outside the well through the tubing conductors to selectively connect and disconnect the assembly from the connector mechanism. Operating the salve and sensors from outside the well when the assembly is installed. The assembly tubing is preferably made of a non-conductive, and preferably composite material that enclosed at least one, and preferably a plurality of electrical conductors.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved pressure transducer apparatus and methods of sensing and measuring pressure, or pressure and temperature, in a subterranean environment. The transducer apparatus and methods use a piezoelectric crystal transducer with at least one internal chamber therein and electrical output terminals on the exterior of the body. One or more piezoelectric crystal sensor located in the body and associated microelectronics located in the body connect to output terminals for producing an electrical signal responsive to pressure, temperature, or temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for washing a wellbore ahead of an expansion swedge and radially expanding a sand-control screen jacket in a subterranean well. The methods and apparatus can be used in either the bottom-up or top-down direction and can accomplish borehole washing and screen expansion in a single trip.

Abstract: In general, a method is provided for completing a subterranean wellbore, and an apparatus for using the method. The method comprises positioning an expandable sand-control device in the wellbore thereby forming an annulus between the sand-control device and the wellbore; depositing a filter media in the annulus; and after the depositing step, radially expanding the sand-control device to decrease the volume of the annulus. The sand control device can be a sand screen or slotted or perforated liner having radially extending passageways in the walls thereof, the passageways designed to substantially prevent movement of the particulate material through the passageways and into the sand-control device. Where a slotted liner is desired, the passageways can be plugged during positioning and later unplugged for production. The filter media is typically a particulate material and can be deposited as a slurry comprising liquid material and particulate material, or as a cement slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.