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 wellbore cleanup tool collects debris when moved in one direction downhole. A flow diverter is extended for such flow diversion when debris is collected. When running the tool in the opposite direction in the wellbore, the flow diverter is in whole or in part articulated to retract so as to reduce resistance to fluid that passes around the outside of the tool. A segmented diverter can have fixed and movable components that are guided. The movable components can become longitudinally offset from the fixed components for movement in the direction where maximum flow bypass around the outside of the tool is desired. In an alternative embodiment, the diverter segments can all be movable on an inclined track to retract against a bias force for fluid bias with movement of the tool in the opposite direction allowing the bias to push the segments on the inclined track for diversion of debris laden fluid into a capture volume in the tool.

Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool features a flow diverter that comprises a series of bristles mounted on a sleeve that slides on a spiral track on a mandrel. For run in the sleeve is in an upper position with respect to the mandrel and allows flow around the outside of the screen and through passages defined between the sleeve and the mandrel. When coming out of the hole, the sleeve shifts down and the bristles block flow through themselves so as to direct the debris laden fluid under the sleeve that now rests on top of the screen. The defined flow path is under the sleeve and behind the screen leaving the debris trapped and allowing the fluid to pass through the screen without the debris.

Abstract: A circulating sub is run in with the circulating port closed. A dart blocks a central passage and moves two concentric pistons in tandem to open the circulation port while retaining the dart. The outer piston shoulders out in the circulation port open position. A second dart lands on the first and with applied pressure moves the inner piston relative to the shouldered outer piston to close the circulation port and only then discharge both darts. Subs can be used in tandem as long as higher located subs accept larger darts than lower subs and preferably the two darts for each sub are the same size. The ejected darts can be used to pressure actuate a downhole tool like a packer.

Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool features a flow diverter that comprises a series of bristles mounted on a sleeve that slides on a spiral track on a mandrel. For run in the sleeve is in an upper position with respect to the mandrel and allows flow around the outside of the screen and through passages defined between the sleeve and the mandrel. When coming out of the hole, the sleeve shifts down and the bristles block flow through themselves so as to direct the debris laden fluid under the sleeve that now rests on top of the screen. The defined flow path is under the sleeve and behind the screen leaving the debris trapped and allowing the fluid to pass through the screen without the debris.

Abstract: A wellbore cleanup tool collects debris when moved in one direction downhole. A flow diverter is extended for such flow diversion when debris is collected. When running the tool in the opposite direction in the wellbore, the flow diverter is in whole or in part articulated to retract so as to reduce resistance to fluid that passes around the outside of the tool. A segmented diverter can have fixed and movable components that are guided. The movable components can become longitudinally offset from the fixed components for movement in the direction where maximum flow bypass around the outside of the tool is desired. In an alternative embodiment, the diverter segments can all be movable on an inclined track to retract against a bias force for fluid bias with movement of the tool in the opposite direction allowing the bias to push the segments on the inclined track for diversion of debris laden fluid into a capture volume in the tool.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: A downhole debris filtering apparatus has the flow diverter retracted as the tool is run in. Settling velocity is the rate at which debris will fall through the fluid. Settling velocity is dependent on the density of the fluid and the debris density. If the fluid velocity exceeds the settling velocity, the debris will rise. The restricted annular area outside the screens raises the fluid velocity. Above the cup sleeve, the annular area increases significantly and the fluid velocity is reduce to below the settling velocity to allow debris to settle to the bottom of the tool. On run in, the fluid merely bypasses on the outside of the filter. Large debris will settle into the tool as described. When pulled out of the hole the swab cup/flow diverter is actuated into casing or liner wall contact and a large passage is opened to allow flow though the filter. Small debris that has risen above the tool will be captured as the fluid is filtered through the screen.

Abstract: A downhole debris filtering apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the flow diverter is retracted as the tool is run in to provide easy passage for debris. Settling velocity is the rate at which debris will fall through the fluid. Settling velocity is dependent on the density of the fluid and the debris density. If the fluid velocity exceeds the settling velocity, the debris will rise. The restricted annular area outside the screens raises the fluid velocity. Above the cup sleeve, the annular area increases significantly and the fluid velocity is reduce to below the settling velocity to allow debris to settle to the bottom of the tool. On run in, the fluid merely bypasses on the outside of the filter. Large debris will settle into the tool as described. When pulled out of the hole the swab cup/flow diverter is actuated into casing or liner wall contact and a large passage is opened to allow flow though the filter.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: A rock cutting tool with a plurality of independently rotatable cutter units and with a shaft, a sleeve located around the shaft, and at least two rotatable hubs located around the sleeve. At least one cutter unit is located on each of the two rotatable hubs for rotation about an axis of rotation with respect to a rock-face. Bearings between the sleeve and each of the hubs rotatably support the hubs. The bearings comprise at least one cylindrical roller bearing set and at least one ball bearing set for each hub. Each roller bearing set is located substantially entirely under the cutter unit of its associated hub to absorb radial loads, and each ball bearing set is located remotely from the cutter unit of its associated hub to be isolated from radial loads. The shaft has first and second key receiving openings. The key is located on the interior surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bit body and at least one saddle member secured to the bit body to receive and support each of a pair of ends of a journal member. A cutter is mounted for rotation on the journal member and a bearing is defined between the cutter and journal member. A lubricant reservoir is formed in the journal member to receive a quantity of lubricant and is in fluid communication with the bearing. A seal means is provided between the cutter and journal member to retain lubricant in the bearing. A hydrostatic-pressure compensator is disposed in the lubricant reservoir in communication with hydrostatic-pressure in the borehole in which the bit operates. The hydrostatic-pressure compensator responses to hydrostatic-pressure to equalize a pressure differential across the seal means. An internal-pressure compensator is disposed in the lubricant reservoir and is responsive to the internal pressure of the lubricant to prevent the lubricant from being extruded past the seal means.

Abstract: An improved method for assembling a stem within a mating, close fitting hole of a raise boring head by attaching an overhead beam to the body of the raise boring bit, supporting the stem with its longitudinal axis aligned with that of the beam and that of the mating hole, and moving the stem along its axis to assemble the stem in the mating hole. A coating of wear resistant material on selected regions of the stem employs a softer material than that of the stem or the mating hole to minimize damage to the hole during assembly.

Abstract: An improved raise boring bit to enhance cuttings removal and prevent accumulation of cuttings on the body of the bit, which utilizes a pair of radial rails and a plate connected with and strengthening the rails while defining an opening for the flow of cuttings beside the stem and the radial rails during boring. Cutter mounting means are disposed at intervals along the radial rails to permit the flow of cuttings between the rails and the mounting means. At least one wing extends radially from the plate for supporting additional cutters, a vertical stabilizer roller is mounted on the end of the wing and struts extend between adjacent sides of the wings for stability and support.