Abstract: A tool and method for use with a drill string or the like in capturing an object in a cavity, such as subterranean borehole, include a mandrel, object engaging apparatus for latching the mandrel to the object as the tool is moved into the borehole, and string engaging apparatus for keeping the mandrel latched to the drill string as the mandrel is moved into the borehole and for unlatching the mandrel from the drill string when the drill string is rotated in a first direction with the mandrel latched to the object. A washover pipe and mill, which are connected to the drill string, may be moved into contact with the object after the mandrel is unlatched from the drill string for milling through the object. A ratchet allows the mill to move toward the object relative to the mandrel and prevents the mill from moving away from the object relative to the mandrel. The ratchet allows the mill to move away from the object when the drill string is rotated in the first direction and lifted relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: An unthreading apparatus is set forth which includes upper and lower mandrels which thread together at a threaded connection which is made of threads having the same pitch as the pipe making up the drill string. There is an internal stem or shaft passing through the upper and lower mandrels. The shaft is provided with upper and lower cylinders, thereby enabling fluid under pressure to be introduced into the cylinders to drive the shaft to and fro. Through a ratchet type mechanism, shaft movement is converted into an unthreading motion for the two mandrels and they unthread, coupling unthreading action to the pin and box at a threaded joint in the drill string above the sticking point of the drill string. This enables the present apparatus to unthread at a particular location because it is locked at that location to straddle a particular threaded joint.

Abstract: A casing mill for milling pipe cemented in an oil well comprises a body with a plurality of fixed milling blades having a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and a second plurality of movable blades movable between a retracted position smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and an extended diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of a pipe coupling between adjacent sections of pipe. Means are provided for selectively moving the blades between the retracted and extended positions in response to drilling fluid flow. A stabilizer keeps the casing mill centered in the pipe to be milled. In this way, one can mill both the pipe and coupling in the vicinity of a coupling and mill only pipe between the vicinities of adjacent couplings.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a packer against premature actuation in a well bore. The locking apparatus includes a sleeve attached to a lower end of the packer and spring biased locking members adjacent to the sleeve. When in a locked position, lugs on the locking members engage a groove in the sleeve and prevent longitudinal movement of a mandrel in the packer with respect to the packer elements. When the locking apparatus enters a liner in the well bore, the locking members are biased radially inwardly, disengaging the lugs from the groove, so that the packer mandrel may be actuated and the packer set.

Abstract: A positioning tool apparatus for positioning a sliding member of a well tool includes a drag assembly having a longitudinal passageway defined therethrough. An inner mandrel is disposed through the longitudinal passageway of the drag assembly and is longitudinally movable relative to the drag assembly. An operating assembly is provided for selectively operably engaging the sliding member of the well tool in response to longitudinally reciprocating motion of the inner mandrel relative to the drag assembly.

Abstract: A wire line operated shut-in tool for a tubing string of an oil or gas well has a locking mandrel for cooperation with a ported landing nipple disposed below a packer in the tubing string to lock the tool in position, and a mandrel core which passes through the locking mandrel and is axially movable relative thereto, the core having a lower portion which is surrounded by the locking mandrel and is caused to rotate by the engagement of pins projecting inwardly from the locking mandrel with a jay slot assembly machined on the outer surface of the core when the core is moved axially. The arrangement of the jay slot assembly is such that by operating the wire line to move the core axially relative to the locking mandrel, the tool can be cycled between respective positions in which the well can be flowed, the reservoir shut-in, or the tool run out of the well.

Abstract: A straddle packer apparatus includes a housing having a central opening. The housing has inflation passages, treating fluid passages, and equalizing passages defined therein. Upper and lower longitudinally spaced packers are mounted on the housing on opposite sides of an outlet of the treating fluid passage. An inner mandrel is slidably received in the central opening of the housing. The mandrel has a mandrel bore and has upper and lower inflation ports, upper and lower equalizing ports, and a treating port, all of which communicate with the mandrel bore. A lug and endless J-slot is operably associated with the housing and mandrel for controlling a telescoping position of the mandrel relative to the housing in response to telescoping reciprocation without rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for completion of a horizontal section of a subterranean well. The apparatus comprises a first packer assembly which is settable in the well by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. A second packer is carried into the well on the workstring and is settable by application of hydraulic pressure through the workstring. A perforating gun is carried into the well on and in communication with the workstring, together with a gun retractor for telescopically retracting the perforating gun. A valve is also provided for selective communication between the exterior and the interior of the apparatus and is manipulatable to the open position to effect, for example, a fluid flow path from the production zone to the top of the well for transmission of production fluids in the well.

Abstract: A packer assembly is provided for use in a subterranean well and settable only by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. The assembly has an outer housing and a seal assembly with anchoring slips carried by the housing in retracted position and movable to expanded position along the wall of a casing or the like. A longitudinally extending central mandrel telescopes within the housing. Orienting and setting pins are provided for initial receipt within orienting and setting slots with the setting pins being moved to the orienting slot to permit setting of the packer. The seal assembly and anchoring slips are maintained in retracted position and are responsive to a variation in internal diameter between a first and second tubular conduit to thereafter permit the manipulating device to move the seal assembly and the anchoring slips to expanded position within only the second tubular conduit which has a diameter less than that of the first tubular conduit.

Abstract: An above packer perforate, test and sample tool. The tool includes a tester valve which is positioned above a well packer and which has a bypass which provides communication between a well annulus above the packer and a firing mechanism for guns positioned below the packer. When the well annulus pressure is raised, the firing mechanism is triggered. The bypass may be closed prior to firing of the guns, and after perforation, a valve in the tester valve may be opened to flow a sample of well fluid into a sampling chamber located above the tester valve. A method of testing a well formation utilizing the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve well flow control device having a tubular nipple connectable in a well tubing string and side ports for flow into the nipple and a retrievable pack-off sleeve insertable into the nipple for closing the side ports, the sleeve including an equalizing port and J-slots for coacting with a guide lug in the nipple to position the sleeve at an equalizing position prior to retrieving the sleeve from the nipple to minimize the damage to seals around the retrievable sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel, improved connector mechanism for connecting a probe and a pipe string portion of a wireline based data transmission system. The connector mechanism includes cooperating pin and channel means, one of said means associated with the probe and the other with the pipe string portion. The connector mechanism is especially suited for use in conjunction with a combined tubing conveyed perforating and drill stem testing operations due to the present invention's resistance to unwanted disengagement responsive to jarring or shock waves such as are generated by perforating guns.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus has a first mandrel and a second mandrel telescoped therein. A cleaning tool can be attached to the second mandrel. Changes in fluid pressure flowing through the mandrels will cause the second mandrel to rotate relative to the first mandrel. Rotation is used to direct fluid jets in the cleaning tool towards different portions of the interior of the flow conductor. Rotation of the cleaning tool can also be used for hydraulic drilling of deposits within the flow conductor.

Abstract: For use in a wellbore, a connector assembly for connection to and use with a variety of downhole tools and apparatuses and methods for effecting such use; and tools including such a connector assembly in combination and methods for the use of such tools. The connector assembly has a T-shaft with shoulders extending therefrom and a slot cylinder for receiving, holding, and supporting the T-shaft. Slots and recesses are provided in the slot cylinder for receiving, transmitting and encompassing the T-shaft's shoulders.

Abstract: A device for releasably connecting well tools together for disconnection thereof downhole in a well without jarring but in response to a series of upward pulls on the cable or flexible line by which the well tools are lowered into the well.

Abstract: A production sub carrying a plurality of annular locator rings is coupled in series relation with downhole production equipment. A collet latch assembly including fixed and floating collet members is connected to a down hole service tool and is inserted into releasable coupling engagement with the annular locator rings of the production sub. Resilient finger portions of the fixed collet are alternately supported and unsupported by the floating collet to establish positive engagement with a selected one of the annular locator rings or to permit passage of the latch assembly with respect to the locator ring. The foregoing arrangement provides positive restriction to longitudinal movement of a work string which allows a downhole service tool attached to the work string to be selectively positioned at predetermined operating locations relative to downhole equipment.

Abstract: In the representative embodiments of the new and improved methods and apparatus disclosed herein, a full-bore valve is cooperatively arranged to be tandemly coupled in a typical production string including a string of production pipe that is coupled to a packer isolating a lower well bore interval. A wireline measuring tool is lowered into the production string to land the tool in a measuring station defined therein above the valve. An anchor on the tool is extended to secure the testing tool in the measuring station. A mechanism is also provided on the testing tool for releasably engaging the actuator for the full-opening valve to open and close the valve by successive upward and downward movements of the tool suspension cable. A fluid-testing device is arranged on the testing tool for making successive measurements of one of more characteristics of the connate fluids in the well bore as the valve is successively opened and closed by the upward and downward movements of the cable.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve includes a tool housing having a flow passage disposed therethrough. A ball valve is disposed in the flow passage and rotatable between closed and open positions. An actuating mandrel is operably connected to the ball valve. An annular power piston is disposed within the housing and reciprocates relative to the housing in response to changes in well annulus pressure. A lug and slot ratchet assembly operably connects the ball valve with the power piston for moving the ball valve between its closed and open positions in response to movement of the power piston within the housing.

Abstract: A retrievable well packer includes a packer mandrel with an expandable packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower shoes are received about the mandrel above and below the expandable packing element for compressibly engaging the packing element. A slip assembly is received about the mandrel for anchoring the packer within the well bore. Upper and lower wedges are received about the mandrel above and below the slip assembly for wedging the slip assembly radially outward upon longitudinal compression of the packing element. The mandrel is nonrotatably connected to each of the upper and lower shoes and upper and lower wedges for preventing rotation of those components relative to the mandrel in the event the packer must be milled out of a well bore. The mandrel is initially releasably longitudinally locked relative to the lower wedge by a releasing collet attached to a lower end of the mandrel and having radially outward extending lugs received within a groove of the lower wedge.

Abstract: Assembly for reducing the force applied to a guide lug received in a slot. An outer telescoping member includes a guide lug extending from the radially inner surface thereof which is received in a groove formed on the radially outer surface of an inner tubular member with the lug and groove controlling relative axial movement between the inner and outer tubular members. The inner tubular member includes a load lug on the radially outer surface thereof for abutting against an annular shoulder disposed about the radially inner circumference of the outer tubular member to prevent the guide lug from exerting significant axial forces on the groove.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of positioning and seating a retrievable insert landing assembly in a well bore tubular member with a left-hand threaded portion and having a sealing bore above or below the threaded portion. A releasable connecting arrangement secures the landing assembly in a well bore tubular member by engaging with the left-hand threaded portion in the tubular member. The landing assembly has an internal polished bore above the connecting arrangement which slidably and sealingly receives a tubular extension attached to a well string. The connecting arrangement is actuated by lowering the retrievable landing assembly within the tubular member to position the connecting arrangement adjacent the left-hand threaded portion and then lifting up on the landing assembly to lock it with the left-hand threaded portion. The well string is manipulated to actuate the releaseable coupling and disconnect the well string from the landing assembly after it is connected with the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressurized cleaning of flow conductors. The apparatus utilizes a control slot formed in a zig-zag pattern and a pin which travels in the slot. The slot and pin assist in indexingly rotating the nozzle section of the apparatus when the apparatus is reciprocated in alternate directions in the flow conductor. Pressurized cleaning fluid is supplied to the apparatus and is directed radially outward through nozzles against the flow conductor in such a manner as to progressively clean the flow conductor as the nozzle section rotatively indexes. Another set of nozzles may be included, if desired, in the lower end of the apparatus to allow cleaning along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated downhole locking sub is capable of locating and locking into a doubly tapered downhole landing nipple adapted to a magnetically coded, electrically actuated lock. The sub permits the substitution of mechanical actuation for electrical or explosive actuation within a drillstring or a wireline run for setting and releasing downhole tools within an oilwell without requiring a changeout of the landing nipples, which may be set in the casing or be otherwise unremovable. The mechanism includes a specific spring biased split locking ring design which permits the mechanical locks of the tool to be set in a cocked position downhole and then to be positively locked upon engagement with a landing nipple where the tool is raised. An internal engagement mechanism, mechanically connected to the fishneck of the tool, permits the locking ring to be disengaged subsequent to landing and locking the tool, thereby cocking it for removal.

Abstract: A well test tool for closing a well at a downhole location below the well packer and near the formation to be tested, the apparatus being openable and closable from the surface by tensioning and relaxing the cable or wire line on which it is lowered into the well, the test tool having a lock mechanism which locks automatically upon entering its landing receptacle in the well and is further provided with a releasing mechanism for unlocking the test tool automatically after a present number of open/close cycles have been performed. A bypass landing receptacle is provided which permits high rates of flow during testing. A modified bypass landing receptacle is provided to permit use of the apparatus above the well packer, as in wells having an existing packer therein. Methods of testing wells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packer type bridge plug for use in wells which may be set upon a wireline and retrieved upon a tubing string.

Abstract: A retrievable well tool which can be lowered into a well casing and set on a wire line and thereafter moved for resetting or retrieval with a drill string. The tool includes a body having expandable slips mounted thereabout for anchoring with the casing. Drag blocks which are longitudinally slidable along the body slide from a first to a second position to expand the slips. A lug on the drag blocks is received into a channel on the body. Manipulation of the plug body effects locking the drag blocks into their first position. Shear bolts maintain the drag blocks in their first position when the tool is initially lowered into the casing on a wire line. A shiftable abutment adjacent the drag blocks is selectively operated to shear the bolts and shift the drag blocks to their second position to anchor the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted to be lowered on a tubing string for setting a gravel pack at the bottom of a well. Conduits provide a gravel-slurry flow path from the bottom of the tubing to a screen which is suspended from a housing at the lower end of the conduits. A packer is provided between the tubing and the housing for sealing the well bore during gravel packing. When the screen hits the bottom of the well, a clutch connected between the housing and the conduit disengages to prevent transmission of tubing movement to the screen during the gravel packing process. Upon packing completion, tubing string rotation releases the screen to permit raising of the apparatus on the tubing string.

Abstract: A packer assembly and its method of use are provided, the packer assembly being carried on a first conduit for use in wells exposed to corrosive injection fluids, the well being encased by a second conduit having a locking recess defined therein, such as by having first and second conduit members, the conduit members being interengaged by coupling whereby the locking recess is defined by the coupling element and between the conduit members. The assembly comprises a body member communicating to the first conduit and having a slotted configuration thereon. An inwardly flexible, outwadly urged collet assembly is exterior of the body, with control means on the collet assembly being carryable within the slotted configuration. Means on said body define a pocket for selective receipt of the collet assembly for locking the collet assembly relative to the locking recess.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly is provided having an internally projecting pin on the actuating sleeve element for the ball valve which engages a recessed shoulder in the periphery of the valve to prevent accidental displacement of the ball valve from its fully open position.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates a torque transmitting expansion joint providing a selectively adjustable extent of axial contraction. The expansion joint essentially comprises a telescopic inter-relationship of two sleeve assemblies. One sleeve assembly carries a fixedly mounted rectangular key which is engagable only with an axially extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The first mentioned sleeve assembly also rotatably mounts a key which cooperates with a peripherally extending slot provided in the other sleeve assembly. The axial extending slot connects with a trough portion of the peripherally extending slot. Successive reciprocations of the two sleeve assemblies produce an incremental rotation of the round key around the peripherally extending slot and normally limits the extent of axial contraction of the two sleeve assemblies to the axial extent of such peripherally extending slot.

Abstract: A stinger assembly for use in releasably connecting an upper section of a tubing string to a tool in a well includes a mandrel with a master cam slot formed therein to define upper and lower support shoulders. An indexable collar telescoped on the mandrel includes a follower which fits within the slot so that as the mandrel is moved vertically, the follower rides within the slot indexing the collar between upper and lower positions relative to the mandrel. A collet is journaled on and carried by the collar and includes a plurality of radially flexible spring-fingers which in the lower position are blocked against deflecting radially inwardly and in the upper position are free to deflect inwardly into an annular recess on the mandrel. The upper shoulder in the master cam slot supports the follower so that the spring-fingers are in registry with the recess to allow the collet to be disconnected from the well tool.

Abstract: An anchor tool and cooperating anchor positioner for use in a well bore are disclosed. The anchor tool may be employed as part of a well casing or liner, while the anchor positioner is part of a tool string run inside the casing or liner. The anchor positioner locates and anchors the tool string at a desired level in the well bore by engagement with the anchor tool placed at that location. Multiple anchor tools may be employed if it is desired to deploy the tool string at different levels. All operation of the anchor positioner is effected by mechanical force.

Abstract: A kickover tool which has its tool carrier latched in aligned and kicked-over positions. The locator key is stopped during upward travel of the tool by engaging a muleshoe.

Abstract: An improved anchor positioner for use with anchors incorporated in a liner or casing of a well bore. The anchor positioner comprises upward-facing spring arms having downward facing shoulders on the exterior thereof, the spring arms, when extended radially outward, engaging a shoulder on an anchor to locate a tool string in a well bore. An indexing head, rotatable in response to axial reciprocation of the tool string, retracts the spring arms from the anchor. A subsequent reciprocation of the tool string will cause the spring arms to extend radially outward and to be locked in the extended position by contact with the indexing head, thus locking them into the anchor against downward movement. Retraction of the spring arms is effected by force from contact with inwardly-inclined faces on the indexing head, and extension of the spring arms is effected by outward force exerted by contact of the inside of the spring arms with axial grooves on the outside of the indexing head.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes inner and outer telescoping cylindrical members. The inner cylindrical member has a cylindrical indexing sleeve disposed thereabout. A groove having a semi-circular cross section is disposed in a cylindrical outer surface of the indexing sleeve. Connected to the outer cylindrical member is an apparatus for holding a spherical ball so that approximately one-half the ball is engaged with the semi-circular cross section groove and the other of the ball is disposed within a radial bore in the outer cylindrical member. Relative movement between the inner and outer cylindrical members is defined by engagement of the spherical ball with the groove. The spherical ball is biased toward the groove by a compression spring or a displaceable fluid under pressure.

Abstract: This turbo-coring device comprises a tubular body provided with a coring bit and surrounded by a following pipe provided by a reaming bit. The tubular body is connected to the turbine through a fluid distributor having a side opening for discharging above the following pipe in the annular space between the device and the borehole wall a fraction of the fluid leaving the turbine, while the remaining fraction feeds the tubular body.The following pipe is connected to the outer wall of the fluid distributor through releasable bayonet type latching means.Means are provided for automatically closing the fluid discharge opening when the lower part of the tubular body becomes obturated by ground formations and an annular sealing packer is positioned between the tubular body and the following pipe.

Abstract: A device for guiding the lower end of a pipe string, or the like, past an upwardly facing shoulder in a well in which rotation of the pipe string is prohibited. When the guiding device lodges on such shoulder, the pipe string is lifted and lowered a few times, this reciprocating action actuating an indexing mechanism in the guide tool and causing the lower end of the guide tool to rotate so that a slanted guide surface thereon is brought around to the point of lodging to dislodge the guide tool from the shoulder and guide the pipe string therepast.

Abstract: A crossover tool for use with concentric tubing strings. The apparatus disclosed provides the ability to treat and/or gravel pack a producing zone in a well, and is particularly suited for use in a multiple-zone well. The crossover tool may be locked in any one of three positions: a circulate mode, a closed test mode, or a closed bypass mode to facilitate movement of the tool within the well bore. All operation of the crossover tool is effected by reciprocation of the pipe string to which it is attached. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed which dispense with the closed test mode.

Abstract: A tubing string (86) is connected at its upper end to a hanger (42) and has its lower end anchored within an outer casing. The hanger and tubing string are lifted from a position below the wellhead assembly to tension the tubing string a desired amount. The hanger has a plurality of guide pins (90) extending from and spaced about the outer periphery of the hanger. Upon lifting of the hanger and suspended tubing string, the guide pins enter inverted J-slots (62) in the hanger bowl (30) which receive and guide the pins to a seated position on the bowl.

Abstract: A wire line anchor has a slot in its side wall that will move the slot into position to engage a key attached to a housing in a pipe string to hold the anchor against upward movement relative to the housing. The anchor is released from the key by subsequent downward movement followed by upward movement of the anchor relative to the key.

Abstract: An index mandrel body, which connects with a well string in a borehole, is received by a tubular body have a plurality of splines, which slidably engage teeth on an indexing sleeve rigidly affixed inside the mandrel said splines receiving seatable lands rigidly affixed inside the tubular body, said lands being so spaced as to be able to pass between the splines so that the body becomes fully rotatable, said invention being adaptable for use in compression or tension application to off shore drilling, as well as on land drilling.

Abstract: A multi-element writing instrument is disclosed for use in computer-operated plotters or similar graphics systems. Successive applications of a linear force applied along the axis of the instrument are converted to rotary motion which is employed to select successive elongate writing elements normally positioned at a uniform radial spacing from the axis of the writing instrument. Each selected element is displaced in a substantially axial direction a distance sufficient to extend the writing point of the element through the exit opening of the instrument.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for effecting perforation of a well casing with a casing gun while maintaining pressure in the well bore at a lower level than the pressure in the surrounding reservoir at the point of perforation. Before production tubing is run into the well, the casing gun is deposited in the bore below the desired production level. After the tubing is installed, borehole pressure is reduced to the desired level by swabbing the tubing and an automatic coupling and decoupling pickup tool is lowered on a wireline through the tubing and attached, mechanically and electrically, to the casing gun. The casing gun is then raised to the production level, as measured by locating the casing collars. When the gun is properly located, it is activated through an electrical cable carried along with the wireline. The casing gun perforates the well casing and surrounding formation, and is then decoupled from the wireline to be left in the well.

Abstract: A port valve isolation packer comprises an upper body, a slip joint port valve, a positioner mandrel, a spacer coupling and a lower body, all of which make up a tubular body of the isolation packer. Said tubular body has upper and lower packer assemblies and a closing positioner attached to its outer surface. An inner mandrel is concentrically disposed within said tubular body. The slip joint port valve includes a slip joint mandrel having a port disposed therein, and a slip joint sleeve having a radial bore therethrough. When said port valve is in a first closed position, said port is blocked by said slip joint sleeve. When said port valve is in a second open position, said port is aligned with the radial bore of the slip joint sleeve. The inner bore of the inner mandrel communicates with said port. A fluid bypass is provided through an annular cavity between the inner mandrel and the tubular body.

Abstract: A centralizer apparatus for guiding, within a well bore, a tool having a radially outwardly extending member thereon includes a sleeve concentrically disposed about the tool. The sleeve has a downwardly opening, substantially J-shaped groove therein sized to receive the radially outwardly extending member on the tool about which the sleeve is disposed. The J-groove has a first, closed, axially-extending slot portion and a second, axially-extending slot portion opening at the downstring end of the sleeve. The first and second axially extending slot portions of the J-groove are spaced circumferentially apart and communicate through a substantially transverse slot portion. An outer protective jacket is provided about the sleeve. A centralizer guide depends from the lower end of the jacket to contact the walls of the bore and maintain the tool centrally with respect thereto.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed which fishes an object from a bore hole. The tool uses a tubular body having an upper and lower end, fingers are mounted within the body for moving between an opened position and a closed position and a spring is mounted within the body to use the fingers toward the lower end of the body. The movement of the fingers between the opened and closed positions is controlled by a camming mechanism slidably mounted within the body, which uses a sleeve forming a cam face defining a recycling "J" slot grooves and a pin extending from the body into the groove to cause the sleeve to rotate. Lugs are mounted with the sleeve for nesting within slots formed in the body to limit movement of the pin within the stems of the "J" slotted grooves.

Abstract: A stroke actuated well testing tool carried by a tubing string and including a packer, radial ports for maximum internal flow past the packer, and a valve controlling flow through the tubing string; the tool further including radial port control assemblies which are relatively movable axially, when the packer and tool are set, to close the radial ports, and valve control assemblies which are relatively movable to open and close the valve; the radial port control assemblies including a fluid flow restrictor to provide a time delay thereby to permit relative movement of the valve control assemblies without operation of the port control assemblies; the tool further including at least one annular sample collecting pressure resistant chamber occupying an open position for receiving well samples when the packer is set and a closed position when the tool is being pulled out.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting and recovering casing from a well which includes a well string having a swivel mounted thereon, a gripping assembly, a lower drive cone, and a cutter mounted on the lower end of the well string, the swivel functioning as the expander or drive cone for the gripping assembly to set the cutter at any desired level within a casing to be cut and the gripping assembly which has been expanded by the swivel to set position functioning to support the swivel for rotation of the string during a cutting.

Abstract: A competent permeable communication zone connecting injection and production wells completed in a tar sand which communication zone will be rigid and will not tend to slump or heal may be developed by injecting a fluid in the injection well under such pressure so as to fracture the tar sand formation between the injection well and the production well and circulating a fluid between the injection and production wells which is at a temperature sufficiently low to freeze the water in tar sands. The fluid may contain propping agents to hold the fracture surfaces apart. This procedure will rigidify the hydrocarbon portion of the tar sand formation in the vicinity of the fracture zone as well as freeze the water in the tar sand formation. Once the fracture is established a solvent for the hydrocarbon in the tar sands may be circulated preferably at a temperature below the freezing point of the water in the tar sands to extract the bitumen therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a pressure controlled reversing valve includes a housing having a flow passage and ports to communicate the passage with the well annulus outside the housing, valve means for normally closing said ports, valve operator means movable upwardly and downwardly in said housing in response to changes in the pressure of fluids in said annulus, lost-motion coupling means for enabling movement of said operator means independently of said valve means so long as said pressure does not exceed a first predetermined value, and means for converting said lost-motion coupling to a driving connection in response to a second pressure in excess of said first pressure to cause said operator to shift said valve means from closed to open position.