Abstract: A tool for testing earth formations which is divided into upper and lower pivotable sections to alleviate the problem of becoming differentially stuck. A unique pivot structure incorporating sample chamber seal valve assembly, is provided.

Abstract: A tool for testing earth formations in boreholes provides a failsafe function for retracting the sealing pad elements of a formation isolation device, in the form of elements operable in response to failure of downhole power supply for the tool to effect release of hydraulic setting pressure on the seal pad elements. The tool further provides a formation mini-sample chamber of variable volume with elements permitting aboveground monitoring and control of same independently of any other tool function. The mini-sample chamber control device also controls the operation of a formation fluid sample flow line valve. The tool is divided into upper and lower pivotable sections to alleviate the problem of becoming differentially stuck. A unique pivot structure incorporating sample chamber seal valve assembly, is provided. A unique sand screen device is provided to permit the tool to function when working wih unconsolidated formations.

Abstract: A tool for testing earth formations in boreholes provides a failsafe function for retracting the sealing pad elements of a formation isolation device, in the form of elements operable in response to failure of downhole power supply for the tool to effect release of hydraulic setting pressure on the seal pad elements. The tool further provides a formation mini-sample chamber of variable volume with elements permitting aboveground monitoring and control of same independently of any other tool function. The mini-sample chamber control device also controls the operation of a formation fluid sample flow line valve. The tool is divided into upper and lower pivotable sections to alleviate the problem of becoming differentially stuck. A unique pivot structure incorporating sample chamber seal valve assembly, is provided. A unique sand screen device is provided to permit the tool to function when working with unconsolidated formations.

Abstract: A formation tester apparatus for use in a well bore for multiple testing of pressures of earth formation fluids and the taking of a fluid sample, including pad and shoe elements selectively operable for sealingly engaging a well bore. Upon sealing engagement of the pad element with the wall of a well bore, a fluid sample is ingested into an expanding chamber while its pressure is sensed. Upon completion of the pressure test, the pad element is retracted from the wall of a well bore, and the expanding chamber contracts to expel the fluid sample. The pressure test may be repeated any number of times. The expanding chamber includes a piston operated with fluid pressure used to actuate the pad element. A choke delays the application of pressure to the piston until after the pad element seals on the wall of the well bore.

Abstract: An improved sealing projectile for use in a borehole perforating tool of a type wherein there is an explosive charge such as one or more shaped charge units disposed in each of a plurality of chambers that are located one above the other, with a partition means between each two adjacent chambers and sealingly isolating the adjacent chambers but for a passageway in the partition means through which ignition wires are passed, with a sealing projectile driven into sealing relation with the lower end portion of the passageway upon detonation of the explosive charge in the lower one of the adjacent chambers.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for achieving true and accurate feed of linear sheet material such as a recording or plotting medium in a strip chart type utilization device, particularly in applications where a high degree of feed accuracy is required.

Abstract: An improved wireline borehole shifting tool comprises upwardly extending upper dog means and downwardly extending lower dog means, with the upper dog means being extendable and retractable responsive to slack or tension, respectively, in the wireline; with the lower dog means being extendable and retractible and longitudinally movable relative to the upper dog means responsive to movement of a reciprocator shaft and power means that is disposed within the tool body beneath the lower dog means and with the lower dog means being at all times movable radially inwardly against a spring bias force. Also disclosed is an arrangement utilizing the shifting tool for running a caliper log of the borehole conduit diameter profile for a selected region, with the shifting tool lower dog means acting as the caliper sensing means. Further disclosed are unique methods for utilizing the shifting tool to perform shifting operations on devices that are disposed in wellbore conduits.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods are provided for conducting drill stem and production testing operations. A bypass sub removably receives a wireline tool in sealing engagement within a bypass sub bore, with the bypass sub including bypass passage means and selectively actuable port closure means to permit fluid from below the bypass sub to flow into conduit means above the bypass sub when the wireline tool is seated and secured in the bypass sub. In one embodiment, the means for selectively actuating the port closure means is a motorized shifter means incorporated in the wireline tool. The wireline tool carries selected sensor devices for sensing earth formation characteristics. Improved and unique means are provided for securing the wireline tool in the bypass sub and for selectively engaging the motorized shifter apparatus wih the port closure means.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods are provided for conducting drill stem and production testing operations. A bypass sub removably receives a wireline tool in sealing engagement within a bypass sub bore, with the bypass sub including bypass passage means and selectively actuable port closure means to permit fluid from below the bypass sub to flow into conduit means above the bypass sub when the wireline tool is seated and secured in the bypass sub. In one embodiment, the means for selectively actuating the port closure means is a motorized shifter means incorporated in the wireline tool. The wireline tool carries selected sensor devices for sensing earth formation characteristics. Improved and unique means are provided for securing the wireline tool in the bypass sub and for selectively engaging the motorized shifter apparatus with the port closure means.

Abstract: Improved end closures for shaped charge unit chambers in borehole perforating tools have flanged peripheral portions to be clamped in the threaded joint when sidewalls of adjacent chambers are threadedly joined. Also disclosed are sealing means for conductor wires passing through the end closures, which sealing means involves means for compressing and deforming the conductor insulation so that the conductors with their insulation sealingly occupy a predetermined space between surfaces of cooperating compressing and deforming means.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods are provided for conducting drill stem and production testing operations. A bypass sub removably receives a wireline tool in sealing engagement within a bypass sub bore, with the bypass sub including bypass passage means and selectively actuable port closure means to permit fluid from below the bypass sub to flow into conduit means above the bypass sub when the wireline tool is seated and secured in the bypass sub. In one embodiment, the means for selectively actuating the port closure means is a motorized shifter means incorporated in the wireline tool. The wireline tool carries selected sensor devices for sensing earth formation characteristics. Improved and unique means are provided for securing the wireline tool in the bypass sub and for selectively engaging the motorized shifter apparatus with the port closure means.

Abstract: This describes a method for improved data signaling equipment for use with well-drilling tools for rapidly sending measurements made down the hole in the wellbore to the surface without the need of an electric cable. A special well tool is connected into a drill string having a drill bit coupled thereto for drilling a borehole. During normal drilling operations, the data-sending equipment is not in operation, and the main body of circulating or drilling fluid is passed through a main valve in the downhole tool and bypasses a pressure-changing unit. A sensing unit is incorporated in the downhole tool and measures downhole parameters. When it is desired to send these data to the surface, the main circulation of drilling fluid is stopped and the bypass valve closed. Then, a small amount of fluid is supplied to the "closed" drill string from a substantially constant-pressure source.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emplacing a liner in a conduit in a well penetrating subterranean formations characterized by suspending at a predetermined depth in the well at least one annular liner having an annular body portion and an adjacent, concentrically disposed swage means that is adapted for being driven interiorly of the body portion for expanding the latter outwardly into contact with the conduit; firing a setting tool in the method to drive the swage means concentrically interiorly of the body portion; and removing the setting tool, leaving the swage and the body portion set in the conduit with a large bore penetrating longitudinally thereof. Also disclosed are straddle patches having a liner at each end, either set in a unitary operation or set by a two-step operation; other combinations employing the liners and the specific apparatus for setting the liners.