Abstract: An anchor for a wellbore is adaptable to be operated in at least two separate and distinct ways. In one embodiment, a whipstock anchor is provided that can be operated either mechanically or hydraulically. In another embodiment, the anchor is designed to run through a restriction in a retracted position and thereafter expanded to position a wellbore tool in the wellbore. Preferably, the anchor is expandable to set in wellbores of various sizes and either cased or uncased.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.

Abstract: A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system and method for excavating a subterranean formation, according to which a suspension of liquid and a plurality of impactors are introduced into at least one cavity formed in a body member and are discharging from the cavity so that the impactors remove a portion of the formation. The impactors are separated from at least a portion of the fluid, and are passed to a conduit so that the impactors accumulate in the conduit before being removed from the conduit.

Abstract: A method and system of subterranean excavating that estimates a buoyancy force applied to a downhole excavating system from drilling fluid. The estimated buoyancy force is used to derive a true weight on bit (WOB) at the borehole bottom. The derived realized WOB is compared to a target WOB to obtain a change in WOB. Based on the change in WOB, the excavating system is adjusted so the realized WOB approximates the target WOB. The excavating system adjustment includes applying a compensating force to the string. Compensating forces can be produced by manipulating a block assembly or deploying a thruster device in the string.

Abstract: An excavation system for forming a wellbore through a subterranean formation, the system employing pressurized drilling fluid with impactors mixed therein. The pressurized fluid with impactors is directed to a drill string having a drill bit with nozzles on its lower end. The fluid impactor mixture is discharged from the nozzles and against the formation, wherein the impactors contact, compress, and fracture the formation to excavate through the formation. The system includes an impactor injection system that injects impactors into a stream of pressurized drilling fluid to form the mixture. The injection system operates at substantially the same pressure as the pressurized drilling fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for handling tubulars and drilling with tubulars such as casing into a formation. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus comprises a circulating head and a cementing head operatively connectible to a gripping member. The circulating head is used to circulate drilling fluid while drilling with casing, and the cementing head is used to cement the casing string within the formation at a desired depth. The present invention also relates to methods and apparatus for isolating a tensile load from a drilling apparatus rotated by a top drive. In one aspect, the present invention provides a load isolator apparatus having an isolator body operatively connected to the top drive and a torque body at least partially disposed in the isolator body. In operation, the bearing assembly transfers the tensile load from the torque body to the isolator body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hydraulic overshot tool. The overshot tool mechanically engages a cylindrical body downhole attempting to be retrieved. In the event retrieval is unsuccessful, the overshot tool may be hydraulically released from the cylindrical body. The release function employs a pressure differential within the overshot tool, but without necessity of a nozzle within the bore of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for operating a tool in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a hydraulically operated tool and a wellbore tubular both in communication with a pressure sensing line. The hydraulically operated tool is responsive to a combination of a fluid pressure in the pressure sensing line and a manipulation of the wellbore tubular, such response causing the tool to operate within the wellbore. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for anchoring a well tool in a wellbore. The method includes the steps of lowering the well tool into the wellbore on a tubular string, flowing fluid through the tubular string to begin anchoring the well tool, and manipulating the tubular string to complete the anchoring of the well tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predictable downhole milling of a casing window having predetermined location, orientation, dimension and contour geometry. An elongate substantially rigid milling shaft has at least one casing window milling element in fixed relation therewith and has a pilot mill in articulated and rotary driven connection with the milling shaft. The milling shaft is in articulated and rotary driven connection with a rotary drive mechanism. The articulated connection of the pilot mill and milling shaft may incorporate an articulation control system to permit the pilot mill to be maintained substantially coaxial with the milling shaft so that its trajectory at a predetermined stage of window milling can be controlled by the milling shaft when positive guiding by a deflecting tool can no longer be ensured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tooth type rolling cutter earth boring drill bit with secondary cutting elements on the tooth surfaces. The secondary cutting elements provide additional, relatively sharp edges that help cut hard rock. The teeth also have convex radiused buttresses at their bases to reduce the stresses the teeth experience when drilling through extremely hard rock. This allows the tooth bit to survive the high loads encountered when drilling hard, tough rock formations, without breaking the teeth. The combination of teeth with secondary cutting elements and convex radiused buttresses at their base provide a tooth type rotary drill bit that has superior resistance to wear and breakage when drilling through hard, tough rock without significantly reducing the drilling rate of penetration when drilling through soft rock.

Abstract: A densified sintered product, such as a rolling cutter adapted for use in a steel tooth rolling cutter earth boring bit, has a layer of a metal powder applied to the external surface of the unsintered compact, the metal powder being melted to form a thin glaze of the melted metal powder on the external surface of the sintered compact, and the sintered compact may then be pneumatically isostatically forged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.

Abstract: A densified sintered product, such as a rolling cutter adapted for use in a steel tooth rolling cutter earth boring bit, has a layer of a metal powder applied to the external surface of the unsintered compact, the metal powder being melted to form a thin glaze of the melted metal powder on the external surface of the sintered compact, and the sintered compact may then be pneumatically isostatically forged.