Abstract: An adjustable bent drilling tool capable of changing in situ drilling direction to facilitate horizontal drilling. The drilling tool may be controlled from the surface and eliminates the need to bring the tool to the surface for reconfiguration. In one embodiment, the drilling tool utilizes a communications module to communicate with upstream sections of the tool. The communications module is connected to a programmable electronic control module which controls an electric motor. A hydraulic valve assembly follows the control module, which receives input signals and controls a pilot piston between two fixed points of a mid-assembly typically located adjacent to and downstream of the hydraulic valve assembly on the drill tool. A lower assembly is attached to the drill tool immediately following the mid-assembly, and provides both a safety release sub-assembly as well as a bendable sub-assembly which directs the adjustable drill tool to change drilling angle and direction.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a device between a retracted and extended position in which a ball screw is connected to the device and is in threaded engagement with a ball nut so that, upon rotation of the ball nut, the ball screw moves between a retracted and an extended position. A gear train is connectable between a power source and the ball nut for transferring torque therebetween to rotate the nut member, and a control system responds to a relatively low power input for selectively connecting the drive assembly between the power source and the ball nut member.

Abstract: A non-flowing pilot valve (16) for a control valve (C) in a main flow line (F) having a body (27) with an inlet fluid chamber (76), an outlet fluid chamber (106) and an intermediate fluid chamber (104) between the inlet fluid chamber (76) and the outlet fluid chamber (106). Diaphragm (34) in the fluid inlet chamber (76) is secured to a piston slidable body (40) extending within intermediate fluid chamber (104) and having a valve seat (88) thereon between inlet fluid chamber (76) and intermediate fluid chamber (104). A second fixed valve seat (64) is provided within the body (40) between the intermediate fluid chamber (104) and the outlet fluid chamber (106). A valve spool (92) has a pair of O-ring seals (94, 96) thereabout adapted to seal against the valve seats (88, 64).

Abstract: An expansion joint for use with a retrievable packer includes a stop to limit the extent to which the joint may be extended and for providing vertical support for packer retrieval and further includes and interfitting key and slot acting between a housing and a mandrel telescoped into the housing in order to transmit torque through the joint.

Abstract: A slip deployment mechanism for use in conjunction with a packer in a tubing string includes a cylindrical retainer telescoped over the upper ends of a plurality of slip segments and interfitting means on the segments and a mandrel coact with the retainer to keep the slips locked in place. A longitudinally acting spring reacting against a lateral reaction surface on the mandrel urges against the slip segments to advance them into an initially set position between an expander head of the packer and the interior wall of the casing when the retainer is moved from a locked position into a release position to free the slip segments. A stop acting between the mandrel and the retainer prevents the lower end of the retainer from binding against the slip segments in service use.

Abstract: A valve assembly is mounted with the setting tool for a hydraulically actuated well packer. The valve is located at a fluid passage in the setting tool and movable to control fluid flow from inside the setting tool to the well packer setting mechanism. In using this equipment, the valve is open when the setting tool is positioned within the well packer for setting of the well packer so fluid can pass through the setting tool and into the packer hydraulic setting mechanism. The valve is closed when the setting tool is removed from the well packer in order that fluid can flow through the setting tool and also through the bore of the well packer mandrel for fluid communication through the well tubing to a location below the packer without leakage into the annular cavity above or below the packer.

Abstract: A single string well packer having a pair of unitary tubular gripping members is disclosed which can be set by wireline, hydraulic pressure, or mechanically or tubing string.