Abstract: A well tool (12) includes a mandrel (86), a collar (64), a sleeve (76) and a piston body (88). The collar (64) is disposed above and the sleeve (76) is disposed beneath a seal element (70), a conical element (72) and slips (74). A central bore (92) extends into the mandrel (86), and a flow port (96) extends from the central bore (92) to an exterior of the mandrel (86) which is adjacent to the sleeve (76). The piston body (88) extends exteriorly outward of the mandrel (86) and beneath the flow port (96). The sleeve (76) extends exteriorly around and slidably engages the mandrel (86) and the piston body (88). A setting pressure applied to the central bore (92) and passed through the flow port (96) moves the sleeve (76) upwards on the mandrel (86) to press the slips (74), the conical element (72) and the seal element (70) between the sleeve (76) and the collar (64) to set the well tool (12).

Abstract: A well tool (12) includes a mandrel (86), a collar (64), a sleeve (76) and a piston body (88). The collar (64) is disposed above and the sleeve (76) is disposed beneath a seal element (70), a conical element (72) and slips (74). A central bore (92) extends into the mandrel (86), and a flow port (96) extends from the central bore (92) to an exterior of the mandrel (86) which is adjacent to the sleeve (76). The piston body (88) extends exteriorly outward of the mandrel (86) and beneath the flow port (96). The sleeve (76) extends exteriorly around and slidably engages the mandrel (86) and the piston body (88). A setting pressure applied to the central bore (92) and passed through the flow port (96) moves the sleeve (76) upwards on the mandrel (86) to press the slips (74), the conical element (72) and the seal element (70) between the sleeve (76) and the collar (64) to set the well tool (12).

Abstract: A perforating gun having an elongated mounting strip and a selected wave or non-linear, zig-zag form as seen in a plan view, with an outer surface diameter sized for convenient insertion and removal from a well. The mounting strip has a series of openings spaced in intervals for mounting capsule explosive charges in a phased relationship between 0 and 360 degrees. The cross-sectional area of the mounting strip around each opening is selected to prevent fragmentation of the carrier upon detonation of the charges. The mounting strip is preferably metallic with a selected amplitude and wave length. In each opening is an explosive capsule with a hollow cap with a nose for attachment to one of the openings. The cap has an annular, interior thread with a thread run-out of selected width.

Abstract: A perforating gun having an elongated, spiral strip with an outer surface, cylindrical about a longitudinal axis, and a diameter sized for convenient entry and removal from a well. The strip has a series of threaded openings spaced in intervals for mounting capsule explosive charges in a phased relationship between 0 and 360 degrees. The cross-sectional area of the strip around each opening is selected to prevent fragmentation of the carrier upon detonation of the charges. The spiral strip is preferably metallic and forms a helical band with a pitch in a range of 12 to 24 inches. In each threaded opening is an explosive capsule with a hollow cap having at one end a threaded nose for attachment to one of the threaded openings. The cap has an annular, interior thread with a thread run-out of selected width at the other end.

Abstract: A longitudinally slotted carrier having one end adapted for mounting on a tubing string, the carrier being nonplanar, with a slotted configuration and interior dimensions to enable capsule charge orientation at selected phases between 0 and 360 degrees. The carrier has a frangible seam that fractures upon detonation to form two retrievable strips, each supported by the tubing string for retrieval. The seam is a narrow bridge, formed by slotting the carrier, with a cross sectional area that shatters upon detonation of the shaped charges. The remaining cross sectional area of each strip is sufficient to assure retrieval after detonation. The strips are nonplanar, arcuate or a segment of a circle in cross section. When the capsule charges are arrayed around many phases, by attaching both from and rear portions of the capsule charges to the unslotted regions of the carrier, plural primer cords are used for detonation.

Abstract: A system for safely transporting detonating cord that uses a container with a mounting board of insulating material with a walled path through which the cord is threaded. The path has a series of loop regions and adjoining, parallel regions through which the parallel cord is separated with a cord separator that will sever adjoining cord in the event of a detonation to terminate further cord detonation. A separator card of cardboard is an ideal separator means. The walled path must otherwise insulate the detonating cord, being formed in one embodiment of cylindrical cardboard tube and in another of expanded polystyrene having a path with an open top. Fastener means secures the detonating cord within the walled path, being "Nylon" in the tube embodiment and interference fit in the expanded polystyrene embodiment.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved systems and methods for selectively firing perforating guns in well bores and is concerned primarily with the production of a positive confirmation to the effect that each actuation at the operator control station intended to cause a firing of a particular shaped charge did or did not in fact result in the firing of that shaped charge. Such positive confirmation is accomplished by methods which involve the passage of measuring current from a constant current source through certain conductive loops to develop signals that are a function of the conductive loop resistance, the storage and comparison of said signals, and the display of resultant information. Due to certain phenomena, satisfactory measurement results will not be achieved unless a measuring current of substantial magnitude is used. The various parameters involved are treated.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an improved annular shaped charge of a type to be used in the shaped charge carrier of pipe cutting or severing apparatus. The improved annular shaped charge is made up of eight or more shaped charge segments disposed in side to side abutting relation. Each shaped charge segment has a die formed metal band and charge load. The invention also pertains to methods of making said annular shaped charge and the shaped charge segments, which methods are described.

Abstract: A well tool system including a device for downhole suspension by means of conduit for engaging and penetrating the casing wall of a wellbore and introducing a fluid into the adjacent penetration. The downhole device includes an expansion piston that extends with sufficient force to seal at least one end of the device against a wellbore casing of relatively large diameter. A projectile is subsequently fired from the device to penetrate the engaged casing and provide a selected path of egress for squeeze cementing or the like therethrough. Thereafter, the device is released from its fixed position in the wellbore by retraction of the piston and retrieved therefrom. The device is disclosed with the expansion piston and method of operation therefor shown and described in several embodiments including explosive and hydraulic actuated mechanisms.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for emplacing a liner in a conduit in a well penetrating subterranean formations characterized by suspending at a predetermined depth in the well at least one annular liner having an annular body portion and an adjacent, concentrically disposed swage means that is adapted for being driven interiorly of the body portion for expanding the latter outwardly into contact with the conduit; firing a setting tool in the method to drive the swage means concentrically interiorly of the body portion; and removing the setting tool, leaving the swage and the body portion set in the conduit with a large bore penetrating longitudinally thereof. Also disclosed are straddle patches having a liner at each end, either set in a unitary operation or set by a two-step operation; other combinations employing the liners and the specific apparatus for setting the liners.