Abstract: A tool for dropping one or more balls and then one or more darts features a closable ball drop opening that works automatically after the ball release to minimize damage to the subsequently released dart. A retainer keeps the darts from coming back up above the dart launcher in the event of a pressure surge in the well. The dart launcher features a dedicated movable barrel for each dart that can be locked in a fully misaligned and fully aligned position with the casing or tubular. A handle is retained to the dart housing and can be manipulated to defeat the lock and rotate a given barrel. The darts may be inspected in their respective barrels before launch and the launch order is variable.

Abstract: A sealing and gripping element for an expandable downhole tool features a ring supporting a sealing material with radially extending rings into the sealing material during run in. Expansion of the underlying ring brings the sealing material into contact with the surrounding tubular. It also forces the radially extending rings through the sealing material and into contact with the surrounding tubular. As a result the tips of the extending rings are blunted to create metal to metal seals on the surrounding tubular. Hardened inserts are also located within the sealing material for run in. Upon expansion of the underlying base ring, the inserts break through the sealing material and penetrate the surrounding tubular to enhance grip when high differential pressures are encountered.

Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.

Abstract: An expandable slip ring is used to secure attachment of an expanded tubular to a surrounding tubular. It features elongated generally axially oriented openings separated by narrow segments. As a swage is advanced within a tubular that has the slip ring outside it the narrow segments or tabs expand and can break but the ring is still held to its shape as the expansion progresses due to the integrity of other tabs that can subsequently break as the swage advances within the tubular that is surrounded by the slip ring. The integrity of the slip ring is enhanced for storage and run in while the expansion characteristics are more uniform as the ring retains some structural integrity during much of the expansion process.

Abstract: An expandable tubular pin and box connection is described having a feature of trapping the pin nose after preferably deforming the pin nose plastically in an outward direction away from the longitudinal axis of the connection. The box end is held away from the pin wall before expansion so that its tendency to curl inwardly upon expansion causes it to bend against the pin wall for sealing with it. The thread profile is also optimized to reduce flank separation as a result of expansion.

Abstract: Casing is scored but not penetrated in one embodiment of a method that allows access to the formation without perforating or section milling the casing. In the run in condition the casing is impervious, to allow cement to be pumped through it to seal the annular space between the casing and the wellbore. After the cement is delivered and displaced through a shoe, the casing is expanded in the regions where it was scored to create openings that go against the wellbore wall. In between the expanded sections the cemented casing offers isolation between adjacent formations.

Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.

Abstract: An expandable slip ring is used to secure attachment of an expanded tubular to a surrounding tubular. It features elongated generally axially oriented openings separated by narrow segments. As a swage is advanced within a tubular that has the slip ring outside it the narrow segments or tabs expand and can break but the ring is still held to its shape as the expansion progresses due to the integrity of other tabs that can subsequently break as the swage advances within the tubular that is surrounded by the slip ring. The integrity of the slip ring is enhanced for storage and run in while the expansion characteristics are more uniform as the ring retains some structural integrity during much of the expansion process.

Abstract: A sealing and gripping element for an expandable downhole tool features a ring supporting a sealing material with radially extending rings into the sealing material during run in. Expansion of the underlying ring brings the sealing material into contact with the surrounding tubular. It also forces the radially extending rings through the sealing material and into contact with the surrounding tubular. As a result the tips of the extending rings are blunted to create metal to metal seals on the surrounding tubular. Hardened inserts are also located within the sealing material for run in. Upon expansion of the underlying base ring, the inserts break through the sealing material and penetrate the surrounding tubular to enhance grip when high differential pressures are encountered.

Abstract: A method of repairing tubulars downhole is described. A swage is secured to a force magnification tool, which is, in turn, supported by an anchor tool. Applied pressure sets the anchor when the swage is properly positioned. The force magnification tool strokes the swage through the collapsed section. The anchor can be released and weight set down on the swage to permit multiple stroking to get through the collapsed area. The swage diameter can be varied.

Abstract: A one trip system for expanding a tubular that is solid or perforated or a screen comprises a downhole assembly that features a hydraulic anchor that can be set, released and repositioned to repeat the process. The anchor is small enough to go through the tubular or screen after initial expansion. The anchor's maximum extension is designed to avoid overstressing the already expanded tubular or screen. An expansion tool is hydraulically driven with the initial portion of the stroke delivering an enhanced force. The expansion tool initially supports the tubular or liner but subsequently releases during the first stroke, after the tubular or screen is fully supported.

Abstract: A compliant swage has the ability to change shape to allow clearance of an obstruction while permitting expansion to go on in other areas removed from the obstruction. A series of segments move with respect to each other longitudinally to change overall size. The segments have an additional degree of freedom to change from a round profile of varying diameter to an oblong, elliptical, or an irregular shape so as to compensate in the portion that encounters an obstruction to let the swage pass while at the same time permitting the intended maximum expansion in other portions where conditions permit such expansion.

Abstract: A method of repairing tubulars downhole is described. A swage is secured to a force magnification tool, which is, in turn, supported by an anchor tool. Applied pressure sets the anchor when the swage is properly positioned. The force magnification tool strokes the swage through the collapsed section. The anchor can be released and weight set down on the swage to permit multiple stroking to get through the collapsed area. The swage diameter can be varied.

Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: A multilateral junction comprises a primary leg and one or more lateral legs. Each end of the primary leg and each lateral leg has an inflatable element therein. A method for installing a multilateral junction includes running a deformed junction to depth and serially or collectively inflating an inflatable element in each leg of said junction to reform said junction.

Abstract: A thread for expandable downhole tubular connections is disclosed. The thread on at least one of the pin and box is coated, preferably with an anti-galling compound. During expansion the coating crumbles and the particles in between the threads keep the joint from becoming undone despite longitudinal shrinkage from the expansion or any tendency of the swage to impart a rotational motion on one part of the joint during the expansion process.

Abstract: A compliant swage has the ability to change shape to allow clearance of an obstruction while permitting expansion to go on in other areas removed from the obstruction. A series of segments move with respect to each other longitudinally to change overall size. The segments have an additional degree of freedom to change from a round profile of varying diameter to an oblong, elliptical, or an irregular shape so as to compensate in the portion that encounters an obstruction to let the swage pass while at the same time permitting the intended maximum expansion in other portions where conditions permit such expansion.

Abstract: A wet connect/disconnect arrangement is disclosed for a downhole system that allows installation of various tools and/or a string and subsequent electrical connection to the downhole system in a wet environment. Several embodiments are disclosed, all of which produce a clean, reliable connection. Exemplary embodiments include an upper section being mechanically and electrically joined to an intermediate section with electrical connectors for being joined at a lower section. The intermediate section further has auxiliary connectors that may be protected by a cover and remain unmated in a first connected application being therefore available for future use. The upper section may be removed leaving the intermediate section in place whereby the unmated connectors are available to rejoin a new upper section. Different types of connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: A wet connect/disconnect arrangement is disclosed for a downhole system that allows installation of various tools and/or a string and subsequent electrical connection to the downhole system in a wet environment. Several embodiments are disclosed, all of which produce a clean, reliable connection.