Abstract: In one embodiment, a top drive system for drilling with casing is provided with an access tool to retrieve a downhole tool. The top drive system for drilling with casing comprises a top drive; a top drive adapter for gripping the casing, the top drive adapter operatively coupled to the top drive; and an access tool coupled to the top drive and adapted for accessing a fluid passage of the top drive system. In another embodiment, a method for retrieving a downhole tool through a tubular coupled to a top drive adapter of a top drive system is provided. The method comprises coupling an access tool to the top drive system, the access tool adapted to provide access to a fluid path in the top drive system and inserting a conveying member into the fluid path through the access tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. The DDV system can include fail safe features such as selectively extendable attenuation members for decreasing a falling object's impact, a normally open back-up valve member for actuation upon failure of a primary valve member, or a locking member to lock a valve member closed and enable disposal of a shock attenuating material on the valve member. Actuation of the DDV system can be electrically operated and can be self contained to operate automatically downhole without requiring control lines to the surface. Additionally, the actuation of the DDV can be based on a pressure supplied to an annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made. In one embodiment, the applied torque and/or rotation are measured at regular intervals throughout a pipe connection makeup. When a shoulder contact is detected, a predetermined torque value and/or rotation value is added to the measured torque and/or rotation values, respectively, at shoulder contact and rotation continued until this calculated value(s) is reached.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for connecting a control line to a tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide boom pivotable around a location adjacent the string and with a guide member at an end thereof to guide the control line. The apparatus further includes a clamp boom that is independently pivotable and includes a clamp housing at an end thereof for clamping the control line against the tubular string. The guide boom and the clamp boom each have a center line which is substantially aligned with the center line of the tubing string permitting the control line to be aligned adjacent the tubular string prior to clamping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: Improved transient response times are obtained while maintaining low emissions with a low pressure EGR system through methods for quickly obtaining a desired oxygen concentration for charge-air to be used for combustion. Under a first method, fuel quantity in the main combustion event is controlled in the combustion process to produce exhaust around a relatively constant target exhaust oxygen concentration value. By keeping the exhaust oxygen concentration levels at a relatively constant value, lag time in waiting for low pressure EGR valve adjustments during transients may be avoided, and the system's air handling response to meet transients may be paced solely by adjusting the mass of air to be supplied (i.e. boost response). Under a second method, a multiple-stage combustion process is utilized, in which fuel feed is controlled in a small, preliminary HCCI-type combustion event in order to produce a target oxygen concentration of charge-air to be used for the second, main combustion event.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment. In one aspect, a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment is provided, including: collecting data corresponding to the at least one parameter by a sensor module monitoring the at least one parameter of the well bore equipment; transmitting the collected data to a remote control/monitoring unit via a communication link; analyzing the collected data to determine if the parameter is within predefined limits; if the parameter is not within predefined limits, then transmitting control data from the control/monitoring unit to the well bore equipment for modifying the operation of the well operation equipment so that the parameter will conform to the predefined limits or stopping operation of the wellbore equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system are provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having includes a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.

Abstract: A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to easily replaceable rupture disk arrangements and, to arrangements including reversible calibrated rupture disk assemblies, bi-directional rupture disk assemblies and tandem pressure relief devices. The present invention further includes uses for such arrangements including apparatus and methods for preventing critical annular pressure buildup in an offshore well utilizing a modified casing portion that includes a burst disk assembly of the present invention and apparatus and methods for relieving an over-pressure in the outlet line of a positive displacement pump to prevent pump damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for deforming a tubular body, running the tubular body through a restriction in a wellbore, reforming the tubular body, and expanding at least a portion of the tubular body past its elastic limit. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for forming a substantially monobore well involving deforming a tubular body, running the tubular body below a restricted inner diameter portion, reforming the tubular body, and expanding at least a portion of the tubular body past its elastic limit. The restricted inner diameter portion may comprise a casing string previously disposed within the wellbore or a casing patch. The at least the portion of the tubular body expanded past its elastic limit may be a lower portion of the tubular body. Subsequent tubular bodies may be reformed and expanded below previous tubular bodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatus for dynamically controlling pressure within a wellbore while forming the wellbore. In one aspect, one or more pressure control apparatus are used to maintain desired pressure within the wellbore while drilling the wellbore. In another aspect, pressure is dynamically controlled while drilling using foam to maintain a substantially homogenous foam flow regime within the wellbore annulus for carrying cuttings from the wellbore.

Abstract: A turbocharger system includes first and second turbines arranged such that exhaust gas passes through the first turbine then the second turbine. A bypass channel is configured such that exhaust gas entering the channel passes only through the second turbine. A valve positioned in the bypass channel regulates the flow of gas therethrough. The valve accelerates a stream of gas and focuses the stream toward the second turbine such that a large part of the added velocity of the stream is preserved as it enters the second turbine. Operation of the valve may be controlled so as to maintain the valve in a closed position while exhaust gas pressure above the first turbine pressure is below a first threshold, to progressively open the valve as the pressure increases above the first threshold, and to maintain the valve in a full-open position while the pressure is above a second threshold.

Abstract: A more efficient multi-stage turbocharging system and method for internal combustion engine systems is set forth. The present invention recovers the loss of a portion of exhaust energy that conventionally occurs in bypassing exhaust flow from one stage to another in a multi-stage turbocharging system. The preferred method of preserving such exhaust energy is through converting a portion of the exhaust energy of the bypassed flow from pressure to kinetic energy (velocity) by passing the bypassed flow through a VGT vane outlet or other variable geometry valve/nozzle, and then not allowing the accelerated flow to dissipate energy before reaching the subsequent stage's turbine wheel, where the accelerated flow may then be converted to a mechanical rotational force by the lower pressure turbine's wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.