Abstract: An apparatus (60) for absorbing a shock comprises a first tubular member (62) and a second tubular member (80) that are slidable positioned relative to one another. A plurality of layers (94-104) of energy absorbing members (88) extend radially from the second tubular member (80) such that movement of the second tubular member (80) in a first direction relative to the first tubular member (62) sequentially deforms the layers (94-104) of energy absorbing members (88). As the layers (94-104) are sequentially deformed, a subsequent layer (96) of energy absorbing members (88) begins to deform before the previous layer (94) of energy absorbing members (88) is completely deformed. The deformation of the energy absorbing members (88) absorbs the shock.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for absorbing a shock comprises a first tubular member (62) and a second tubular member (80) that are slidable positioned relative to one another. A plurality of layers (94-104) of energy absorbing members (88) extend radially from the second tubular member (80) such that movement of the second tubular member (80) in a first direction relative to the first tubular member (62) sequentially deforms the layers (94-104) of energy absorbing members (88). As the layers (94-104) are sequentially deformed, a subsequent layer (96) of energy absorbing members (88) begins to deform before the previous layer (94) of energy absorbing members (88) is completely deformed. The deformation of the energy absorbing members (88) absorbs the shock.

Abstract: Redundant explosive transfer between two explosive carrier devices is accomplished by inserting into a transfer sub or gun head a non-moveable explosive means for receiving the detonating cord which, at its first end, establishes a gap from an adjacent positive alignment insert (PAI) and wherein the length of explosive means is sufficient to assure detonation between the explosive means and the detonating cord in the event that the detonating cord shrinks due to the temperature of well applications. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a positive alignment insert consists of an aluminum insert housing having an annular region of imbedded explosive. The annular region of the explosive-filled insert is typically annularly lined with an aluminum sleeve for protecting the explosive within and maintaining an annular region of sufficient diameter to allow for the passage and placement of the detonating cord and booster.

Abstract: Adaptive neural networks can be used to effectively enhance signal detection in the inherently noisy environment of an oil well. The neural network can be either non-recurrent or recurrent in nature. The system is implemented with a computer that accepts input from at least one sensor mounted to the wellhead or near the wellhead. The detected contaminated signal is a combination of the event signal and the noise from the environment. The event signal can be, for example, the detonation of a perforation gun. The noise can be either random or periodic. The use of adaptive filtering allows the noise to be more precisely predicted and then subtracted from the contaminated signal to produce a cleaner representation of the event signal. Once the predicted noise is subtracted, the remaining event signal can be analyzed using voice or sound recognition systems to produce an output describing what event occurred.

Abstract: A tubular casing section for a subterranean well has side wall apertures therein which are temporally sealed with plug structures. The plugged casing section is positioned within a wellbore at a selected subterranean formation and cemented in place within the wellbore. The plugs are removed, such as by melting, fracturing, shearing or corrosion, and a stimulation tool is lowered into the casing and operated to pierce through the cement lining at the unplugged casing side wall apertures and into the surrounding subterranean formation to establish communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: Methods are provided which permit pressure tested multiple perforating gun modules to be interconnected into gun assemblies, without disturbing any pressure-bearing seals of the modules. Prior to assembling the gun assembly, the seals of the modules are pressure tested. The pressure tested modules are then connected to each other without disconnecting or otherwise breaking any of the pressure-bearing seals of the modules.

Abstract: A method of delaying detonation of an explosive device within a subterranean well is provided which is convenient, economical and efficient in its use. In addition, the safety of such operations is enhanced by the construction of a firing head used in the method and engaged with the explosive device in the well. In one described embodiment, the firing head includes a piston reciprocably received in a fluid chamber, and an orifice for metering fluid from the chamber. When the firing head is engaged with the explosive device, weight is applied to the piston, thereby forcing fluid from the chamber through the orifice and producing a time delay. After the piston has traveled a predetermined distance relative to the chamber, its further displacement is relatively unrestricted and the weight drives the piston downwardly to cause detonation of the explosive device.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The perforating gun connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the perforating gun connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position.

Abstract: A tool connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The tool connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the tool connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position.

Abstract: A tool connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The tool connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the tool connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The perforating gun connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the perforating gun connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position.

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively perforating multiple zones in a well either simultaneously, or in series, having isolation barriers, or packers, located between the perforating multiple zones, without moving the system with respect to the well. The system includes a tubing string which carries at least a first and a second perforating gun. At least a first and a second pressure actuated firing head are associated with the first and second perforating guns, respectively. A first and second packer for isolating the perforating guns from each other. A source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing head is provided, which may be the bore of the tubing string. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first perforating gun has been fired, and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to firing of the first perforating gun.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for snubbing tubing-conveyed perforating guns in and out of a well bore. The apparatus includes a string of perforating guns wherein adjacent perforating guns are attached using a connector having an upper mandrel which is attached to a lower mandrel by left-hand threaded connection. A ratchet positioned on the upper mandrel allows left-hand rotation of the upper mandrel and ratchet with respect to the lower mandrel while preventing right-hand rotation of the ratchet with respect to the lower mandrel. Shear screws interconnecting the upper mandrel and the ratchet may be sheared upon application of a predetermined torque to allow right-hand rotation of the upper mandrel with respect to the ratchet. The lower mandrel has a recess or reduced diameter portion which is adapted for sealing engagement by a pipe ram in a blowout preventer.

Abstract: A gun hanger for emplacement through a tubing string into a casing string, comprising an inner mandrel, a setting means slidably received on said mandrel, said setting means including a plurality of spaced apart, extendable slips mounted thereon such that operation of said setting means causes said slips to extend and engage the casing string, a slip release means slidably received on said mandrel such that operation of said slip release means causes said slips to retract and disengage from the casing string, said setting means and said release means having diameters less than the inside diameter of the tubing string when said slips are retracted, a centralizer mounted on and extending axially from the hanger, said centralizer comprising a stem and a plurality of evenly circumferentially spaced longitudinal bow springs flexibly mounted thereon, said bow springs being longitudinally spaced along said stem such that each spring longitudinally clears its preceding and succeeding springs when said springs are com

Abstract: A system is provided for performing multiple operations on a well in response to multiple fluid pressure increases. The system includes first and second pressure actuated firing heads and a source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing heads. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first firing head has been actuated and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to actuation of the first firing head. This system is particularly adapted for allowing pressure testing of a well upon a first fluid pressure increase, followed by perforation of the well upon a second fluid pressure increase.

Abstract: A system is provided for selectively perforating multiple zones in a well on a single trip into the well. The system includes a tubing string which carries at least a first and a second perforating gun. At least a first and a second pressure actuated firing head are associated with the first and second perforating guns, respectively. A source of actuating fluid pressure for the firing head is provided, which may be the bore of the tubing string. A first selective communication device is provided for isolating the second firing head from the source of actuating fluid pressure until after the first perforating gun has been fired, and for then communicating the second firing head with the source of actuating fluid pressure in response to firing of the first perforating gun. The first firing head provides a time delay during which the actuating fluid pressure may be bled off prior to the firing of the first perforating gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to disable the actuation assembly for a perforating gun or any other detonation device used in subterranean wells to prevent premature surface detonation of the device. An apparatus is provided which can be quickly and easily connected in a tubing string intermediate the firing head and the perforating gun or other detonation device. In a preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a cylinder and firing piston combination wherein a chamber is provided between the cylinder wall and the firing piston. The chamber contains a transition material, such as an eutectic alloy. The transition material changes state from a solid to a fluid when the temperature of the material is increased above the material's "melting temperature." The transition material changes back from a fluid to a solid when the temperature of the material is decreased below the material's "melting temperature.