Abstract: A ballistic transfer delay device and method of use. The ballistic transfer delay device does not include a firing pin and it is not pressure initiated. The device comprises a time delay fuse, a through-bulkhead initiator to initiate the time delay fuse, and an output booster to ballistically transfer the energy from the initiated time delay fuse.

Abstract: A ballistic transfer delay device and method of use. The ballistic transfer delay device does not include a firing pin and it is not pressure initiated. The device comprises a time delay fuse, a through-bulkhead initiator to initiate the time delay fuse, and an output booster to ballistically transfer the energy from the initiated time delay fuse.

Abstract: A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive.

Abstract: A detonating device includes a high explosive portion comprising high explosive; a low explosive portion comprising low explosive; and a transition portion between the high explosive portion and the low explosive portion, wherein the transition portion comprises a mixture of high explosive and low explosive.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: A through-tubing perforating gun and method is provided. The assembly comprises an elongated carrier strip, a plurality of perforating charges, and means for connecting the plurality of charges to the carrier strip. Each of the charges has a focal axis along which a shaped charge explosion occurs in a firing direction when the charge is actuated for use in perforating the casing wall, a cross-section that fits within a circle defined by the smallest inner diameter of the well tubing through which the assembly is intended to pass, and a detonating cord receiving means.

Abstract: A well perforating gun and method of perforating a subterranean surface within a well bore are provided. The perforating gun comprises a tubular gun body having a plurality of external recesses formed therein and positioned in spaced relationship on a helical path around the peripheral surface thereof. The recesses are all equally spaced one below another relative to the longitudinal axis of the gun body with each successive recess being laterally spaced from a preceding one by an angle of about 150.degree.. Such spacing results in the first recess and every second one of the recesses thereafter lying on a second helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 60.degree., and the first recess and every third one of the recesses thereafter lying on a third helical path and being laterally spaced by an angle of about 90.degree..

Abstract: A shaped charge assembly includes at least one shaped charge having an outer case. The case has a forward end and a rearward end, and has a flange defined thereon. A retaining clip is operably associated with the flange and spans the rearward end of the case for retaining a detonating cord. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining clip also serves to hold the shaped charge in place within a shaped charge carrier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for setting a packer and for placing a seal assembly into the packer bore on a single trip into the borehole. Such apparatus includes a releasable mechanism coupling the seal assembly in fixed relation to the packer until such time as the packer is at least partially set. Methods and apparatus of the present invention also include a mechanism for hydraulically setting a packer without any manipulation of the tubing string. A pair of hydraulic pistons are utilized to move in opposite directions and exert forces on both a packer actuating sleeve and the packer body to set the packer. Methods and apparatus are provided for actuating well tools in response to the hydrostatic pressure in the well. Through use of such apparatus, a chamber at atmospheric pressure is placed in communication with one side of a hydraulically movable member, the other side of which is exposed to hydrostatic pressure.