Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for catching and holding a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body that accepts a ball or a plug or a dart that flows downwardly into the tool body but disallows escape or discharge of the ball, plug or dart upwardly. The tool body has first and second flow channels or passages, one being generally axially aligned with the tool body. The other flow channel or passage is a second channel or passage that enables fluid flow around a cavity that contains one or more captive plugs (or ball or dart(s)).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for catching and holding a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body that accepts a ball or a plug or a dart that flows downwardly into the tool body but disallows escape or discharge of the ball, plug or dart upwardly. The tool body has first and second flow channels or passages, one being generally axially aligned with the tool body. The other flow channel or passage is a second channel or passage that enables fluid flow around a cavity that contains one or more captive plugs (or ball or dart(s)).

Abstract: A hydraulic oil and gas well downhole packer apparatus for use in a well casing below a wellhead and in combination with a coil tubing unit provides a tool body having a longitudinally extending tool bore and an upper end portion that connects to the lower free end of the coiled tubing unit during use. The tool body includes an inner elongated hollow mandrel with a hydraulic piston movably disposed upon the external surface of the mandrel. The piston is movable between an initial “running” position and a final “setting” position. An external sleeve is engaged by the piston when it moves between the running and setting positions, the external sleeve engaging slips that expand to anchor the tool body to the well casing. An annular packer member is expandable responsive to sliding movement of the external sleeve and is positioned below the slips for forming a seal between the tool body and the casing at a position near the lower end portion of the tool body.