Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore which includes a housing having an axial flow bore and a piston sleeve moveably disposed within the flow bore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a ball seat. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating balls of different sizes that can be landed upon the ball seat.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore which includes a housing having an axial flow bore and a piston sleeve moveably disposed within the flow bore. The tool is moveable between first and second operating positions by an actuation mechanism having a piston with a ball seat. The tool can be moved between first and second operating positions with the use of actuating balls of different sizes that can be landed upon the ball seat.

Abstract: A combination whipstock and seal bore diverter system includes a whipstock; and a diverter configured to receive and support the whipstock in a selected orientation, the system being installable in a single run in a borehole.

Abstract: A downhole seal and anchor releasing device includes, a seal defeatable via a first pull, an anchor releasable via a second pull, and an energy dissipation device configured to dissipate enough energy from the first pull subsequent defeat of the seal to prevent release of the anchor in response to the first pull

Abstract: A combination whipstock and seal bore diverter system includes a whipstock; and a diverter configured to receive and support the whipstock in a selected orientation, the system being installable in a single run in a borehole.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus has been invented that includes a whipstock with a top and a bottom, the whipstock disposed in a wellbore extending down from an earth surface into the earth, the wellbore having an inner surface, a mill guide with a body having an upper end, a lower end, and a channel therethrough from the upper end to the lower end, and a portion of the lower end of the mill guide disposed between and held between the inner surface of the wellbore and an outer surface of the top of the whipstock.

Abstract: Wellbore operations (e.g. for milling and/or drilling) are disclosed which require a reduced number of tool trips into a wellbore to create a cut-out pocket, opening, or window in a tubular such as casing in the wellbore; and, in some aspects, to continue into a formation adjacent a main wellbore forming a lateral wellbore in communication with the main wellbore. Preferably one trip is required to complete a window or a window and the lateral wellbore. In one aspect a full gauge tool body is used so that the completed lateral wellbore is of a substantially uniform diameter along its entire length, which, in one aspect is suitable for the passage therethrough of full gauge tools, pipe, devices, and apparatuses. In one aspect a cutting system has cutting apparatus initially covered with a wearable away material which is worn away by contacting a tubular to be milled, exposing the cutting apparatus for milling and/or for drilling formation adjacent the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for milling an opening, slot, hole, or window in a tubular of a tubular string in a wellbore, has been invented which includes installing a mill system in the tubular at a desired milling location, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes using a mill which has a weight member below the mill, above the mill, or both. In one aspect additional weight is added to the weight member once it has been introduced into the tubular string.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain preferred aspects, a whipstock with a body with a top, a bottom, and a cavity in the body, a sacrificial element secured to the top of the body, the sacrificial element having at least one surface for abutment by a first mill moving down adjacent the whipstock to guide the first mill while the first mill mills a tubular in which the whipstock is positioned and the sacrificial element for inhibiting the mill from contacting the body, the first mill having a curved outer shape and a nose projecting downwardly therefrom, the nose having a nose shape, the cavity defined by sides of the body and having filler material therein, the sides of the body presenting a face for abutment by a second mill while the second mill moves down adjacent the whipstock to mill a window in the tubular, the face for guiding the second mill and inhibiting the second mill from contacting the body other than the sides thereof defining the cavity, the sacrificial element having a groove therein

Abstract: A new mill has been invented which has a body, a fluid flow bore therethrough, and apparatus therein for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through the bore. In one aspect the mill is a starting mill connected to a whipstock and controlled flow of fluid through the mill results in setting of an anchor device or anchor packer below the whipstock. In one aspect the mill is initially filled with fluid and apparatus is provided in the mill to permit controlled fluid leakage from within the mill. In another aspect the mill has apparatus thereon for isolating a shear stud from a downward force imposed on the mill, the shear stud releasably connecting the mill to a whipstock.

Abstract: A packing assembly which is connectable to reeled tubing and which can be inserted in and pushed through a wellbore tube by the reeled tubing. The packing assembly is hydraulically set in a locking and sealing position in the wellbore by fluid introduced from the reeled tubing and, after use, is hydraulically released and removed from the wellbore. An actuating apparatus is provided for hydraulically actuating the packing assembly and can be converted in a manner to pull the packing assembly from the wellbore. Prior to the removal of the packing assembly from the wellbore, the wellbore fluid pressure is equalized across the packing assembly.

Abstract: A device for connecting between two tubular members that are inserted in an oil and gas earth well in a manner to permit a quick release, yet prevent relative rotation between the tubular members. The device is adapted to pass fluid between the tubular member in their connected position.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus, shifting tool and method for oil and gas wells in which a sliding sleeve valve is connected in a string of well tubing in a wellbore casing. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control fluid communication between the well tubing and the wellbore casing. A shifting tool is provided for opening and closing the sliding sleeve valve and is connected to reeled tubing for receiving a fluid. The shifting tool includes a nozzle for discharging the fluid into the well tubing during or after the valve shifting operation.

Abstract: A pulling tool and method for pulling an operating tool from a downhole location in a wellbore in which an elongated tubular housing assembly is connectable to a section of reeled tubing and defines a longitudinal bore through which fluid passes from said reeled tubing. A passage extends through the housing assembly and communicates with the longitudinal bore of the housing assembly for discharging the fluid against the wall of the wellbore and the fishing neck of the operating tool to clean same. A latching assembly is disposed on the housing assembly for latching to the fishing neck of the operating tool as the housing assembly is inserted into the fishing neck to enable the fishing neck and the operating tool to be pulled from the wellbore.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system, assembly and method for wells in which a sliding sleeve valve is connected in a string of well tubing in a wellbore casing. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control the lateral flow of fluid through the assembly into the annulus between the assembly and the wellbore casing. A straddle assembly is locked within the sleeve valve assembly for isolating a lateral flow path. A stinger assembly is provided which receives reeled tubing and is insertable to lock within the straddle assembly to create a flow path between the reeled tubing and exterior of the sleeve valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic jar for use in a well and a method of operating same in which an outer housing assembly extends around an inner mandrel assembly in a coaxial relation thereto to define two fluid chambers separated by a piston. The housing assembly is movable relative to the mandrel assembly to force the fluid from one of the chambers to the other. The fluid flow rate is varied between a relative low flow rate and a relative high flow rate in response to the relative position of the housing assembly causing corresponding movement at the latter assembly. A high impact load is transferred to a member connected to the jar in response to a movement at the relatively high flow rate. The jar can be used to create a high impact load in both an upward direction and a downward direction.