Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing pressure signals which indicate when weight-on-bit, during the drilling of a wellbore, exceed a predetermined, upper limit. The apparatus includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel that inserts into and is axially moveable within the first mandrel. The position of the second mandrel may be dependent upon the balance of a biasing member's biasing strength and the weight-on-bit exerted on the drill bit. If weight-on-bit values overcome the biasing strength of the biasing member, the second mandrel may move uphole within the first mandrel and create a pressure signal that is detectable at surface so that the operator is made aware that weight-on-bit values exceed the upper limit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing pressure signals which indicate when weight-on-bit, during the drilling of a wellbore, exceed a predetermined, upper limit. The apparatus includes a first mandrel and a second mandrel that inserts into and is axially moveable within the first mandrel. The position of the second mandrel may be dependent upon the balance of a biasing member's biasing strength and the weight-on-bit exerted on the drill bit. If weight-on-bit values overcome the biasing strength of the biasing member, the second mandrel may move uphole within the first mandrel and create a pressure signal that is detectable at surface so that the operator is made aware that weight-on-bit values exceed the upper limit.

Abstract: A percussion adapter that is driven to generate a percussive axial motion on a wellbore structure. One percussion adapter includes a drive connection to mechanically convert rotational drive to axially directed percussive motion. Another percussion adapter employs a valve that creates back pressure causing axially directed percussive motion. A wellbore tubular connection is also disclosed that transitions torque to resist back off when left hand or right hand torque is applied.

Abstract: A cuttings bed removal tool for use on a drill string in a well bore includes: a sub having a region of enlarged outer diameter over the string diameters indicated by its upper end connection and an indicator disposed downhole of the region of enlarged outer diameter and having at least one bypass port extending through the indicator to permit passage of fluid in an upward direction through the indicator.

Abstract: A ball release tool includes: a tubular body including an upper end, a lower end, an inner bore defined by an inner wall surface and extending from the upper end to the lower end; a pocket in the inner wall; a slidable sleeve carried by the tubular body and including a throughbore positioned in line with the tubular body inner bore, the slidable sleeve moveable along the inner bore from a first position substantially covering the pocket to a second position exposing the recess to the inner bore; a check valve in driving communication with the sleeve, the check valve selected to permit flow of fluid through the inner bore from the upper end to the lower end, but to act against flow from the lower end to the upper end and, when resisting flow, operable to drive the sleeve upwardly toward the second position, and a ball positionable in the pocket to be either held in the pocket behind the sleeve or released into the inner bore when the sleeve exposes the pocket.

Abstract: A well bore liner placement method and apparatus, including inserting a liner running assembly carrying a liner into a well bore, the assembly including a liner placement apparatus having an annular seal extending radially to sealingly engage the well bore, and pumping fluid into the annulus above the annular seal until fluid pressure on the upper surface area of the annular seal creates a force exceeding opposing bottomhole forces below the annular seal and thereby driving the liner down the well bore.

Abstract: A safety net for a top drive including: a body having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end including fasteners for connecting the upper end of the safety net to the top drive and the lower end including an inwardly directed return for extending inwardly beneath the underside of the top drive; and an opening through the body for accessing the top drive from outside the net.

Abstract: A ball release tool includes: a tubular body including an upper end, a lower end, an inner bore defined by an inner wall surface and extending from the upper end to the lower end; a pocket in the inner wall; a slidable sleeve carried by the tubular body and including a throughbore positioned in line with the tubular body inner bore, the slidable sleeve moveable along the inner bore from a first position substantially covering the pocket to a second position exposing the recess to the inner bore; a check valve in driving communication with the sleeve, the check valve selected to permit flow of fluid through the inner bore from the upper end to the lower end, but to act against flow from the lower end to the upper end and, when resisting flow, operable to drive the sleeve upwardly toward the second position, and a ball positionable in the pocket to be either held in the pocket behind the sleeve or released into the inner bore when the sleeve exposes the pocket.

Abstract: A cuttings bed removal tool for use on a drill string in a well bore includes: a sub having a region of enlarged outer diameter over the string diameters indicated by its upper end connection and an indicator disposed downhole of the region of enlarged outer diameter and having at least one bypass port extending through the indicator to permit passage of fluid in an upward direction through the indicator.

Abstract: A well bore liner placement method and apparatus, including inserting a liner running assembly carrying a liner into a well bore, the assembly including a liner placement apparatus having an annular seal extending radially to sealingly engage the well bore, and pumping fluid into the annulus above the annular seal until fluid pressure on the upper surface area of the annular seal creates a force exceeding opposing bottomhole forces below the annular seal and thereby driving the liner down the well bore.