Abstract: A housing is attached to a tubular sub located within a tubing string suspended in an earth borehole, the connection being an angled ball channel connected between the housing and the tubular sub. A ball carrier is provided within the interior of the housing which can be moved in two opposite directions either using pneumatic or hydraulic pressure against one or two pistons. The ball carrier can have either two balls or three balls. The movement of the ball carrier by the applied pressure causes one of the pockets holding the balls to be aligned with the ball channel which allows the balls to be successively dropped into the ball channel and thus into the interior of the tubing string. The ball carrier includes a sequencing apparatus for providing and ensuring that the balls are dropped in the proper sequence.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a packer cup fixedly attached to a sliding sleeve disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tool is inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lower further such that the packer cup sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A non-metallic centralizer for casing having a tubular, plastic sleeve adapted to fit closely about a joint of casing, said sleeve having a plurality of blades extending substantially longitudinally along an outer surface of said sleeve. The non-metallic centralizer having strength characteristics capable of withstanding the forces encountered in casing operations. The non-metallic centralizer is non-sparking for use in hazardous environments, abrasion and wear resistant, and provides protection from electrolysis between adjacent casing strings. The non-metallic centralizer is light weight, allowing increased transportation capacity at a economical cost.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a packer cup fixedly attached to a sliding sleeve disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tool is inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lower further such that the packer cup sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for engagement of cylindrical members about the outside diameter, so that downhole tools may be positioned longitudinally along said cylindrical member. A generally cylindrical outer ring is detachably engaged with a generally cylindrical inner ring. Once the inner ring is detached from the outer ring it is automatically present into position by a spring clamping force exerted between the pipe and inner ring. Relative axial motion of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring automatically energizes the inner ring inward providing the high clamping force required to set the self energizing stop collar in its final position.