Abstract: The present invention relates to a weight-set single-zone gravel packer which may be left in place after gravel packing attached to the screen as a production packer. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, ratchet means to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from the interior of a gravel screen below the gravel packer; closeable crossover means to transmit fluid from the return passage to the wellbore annulus above the gravel packer; first check valve means to prevent flow down to the gravel screen through the return passage; and second check valve means adapted to selectively connect the return passage with the outside of the gravel packer; and J-slot means for selectively disconnecting the crossover means and tubing string from the gravel packer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable assembly crossover to receive fluid from the return passage, relief ports between the intake passage and the return passage, a first valve for closing said intake passage from said circulation passage, a second valve for opening communication through said relief ports, a check ball at the lower end of the gravel packer, and a check ball release assembly for selectively releasing the check ball from the gravel packer.

Abstract: A multi-mode testing tool operable as a drill pipe tester, formation tester, nitrogen displacement valve or circulation valve. Tool mode is changed responsive to pressure cycling in the well bore. A ball valve in the tool bore may also be operated by pressure cycling when the tool is in its formation tester mode. Also disclosed is a pressure responsive double-acting piston power mechanism, and a ball and slot ratchet assembly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer especially adapted for gravel packing with a foam, for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, J-slot means to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, ratchet means to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, closeable crossover means to receive fluid from the return passage, first valve means to prevent flow between the intake passage and the return passage, second valve means to prevent flow between the intake passage and the circulation passage, and valve actuation means for selectively opening and closing said first and second valve means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanically set pack-off device adapted to be run into a wellbore on a tubing or pipe string, the pack-off device including upper and lower slip means, packing element means therebetween, drag block means, J-slot means to releasably maintain the pack-off device in an unset mode, ratchet means to releasably lock the device in a set mode, biasing means to maintain the set of the slip means and compression of the packing element means in the device's set mode, and closeable bypass means around said packing element means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved remote cement plug launching system including guide tube means associated with the cementing plugs, which guide tube means are adapted to guide plug release darts to seats in said plugs.

Abstract: The cable head provides an H.sub.2 S resistant assembly which includes a weak link therein substantially isolated from any stress other than tensile stress induced by the logging cable. The cable head also provides a fishing neck at the top of the tool string after the weak link is severed and the wireline retrieved. Moreover, the logging cable is positively secured to the cable head by a force-fit wedge, and the design thereof ensures that parting of the weak link also provides for a positive mechanical disengagement of the logging cable from the cable head. Finally, an external sinker bar has been provided which mounts externally of the cable head, surrounding the logging cable above the cable head and mechanically interlocking therewith; such sinker bars may be run above the cable head in series, each interlocking with the one below it.

Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing a shaped charge carrier from a generally cylindrical thin wall tube. A plurality of flat areas are formed on the cylindrical tube, and an opening through the tube is associated with each of the flat areas for receiving a shaped charge therein.

Abstract: A downhole safety valve has a ball valve element which is closed in response to an increase in well annulus pressure and which may be re-opened in response to an increase in tubing pressure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an exoskeletal packaging arrangement for electronic circuitry and components employed in downhole tools such as are deployed in the bores of oil and gas wells. The invention includes a monocoque structure comprising interlocked bulkheads and shell plates, within which the electronic circuitry and components are protected in substantial isolation from vibration and shock. Also included in the invention is a coupling for providing an environmentally sealed electrical connection between adjacent tool housings containing the aforesaid bulkhead/shell plate monocoque structure.

Abstract: A shaped charge carrier for a perforating gun includes a generally cylindrical thin wall carrier tube, a plurality of flat areas formed on the carrier tube, and an opening through each of the flat areas for receiving a shaped charge therein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a quick change coupling for hostile environment including means to assure alignment of electrical connectors carried by mating male and female components of said coupling, seal means between said components, and biasing means to assure the continued, non-damaging engagement of said electrical connectors.

Abstract: An improved retrievable compression set straddle packer assembly for use in oil and gas wells. The straddle packer assembly comprises an hydraulic slip assembly, an injection mandrel assembly, a packer assembly, a mechanical slip assembly, a drag block assembly, and a bypass assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhancing the quality of a foam, such as may be employed in industrial cleaning operations, petroleum well servicing operations, and the like. Foam from a foam generator is introduced into a foam separator comprising a pressure vessel, preferably having an apertured horizontal separator plate therein, a discharge line at the top thereof, and a drain line at the bottom thereof. As foam enters the separator, the foam will pass upward through the apertured separator plate, any liquid remaining below. The liquid then enters the drain line and is reinjected into the liquid line feeding the foam generator, preferably by use of an eductor. The foam is removed from the separator through the discharge line, and put to its intended use.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for placement and retrieval of gauges employed to measure temperature, pressure and other parameters in a well bore. The apparatus comprises a gauge receptacle means incorporated in a pipe string including a substantially tubular outer housing having a substantially tubular inner housing substantially coaxially therein, the inner housing being supported in the outer housing by a plurality of support rings having longitudinally extending apertures therethrough. The inner housing has a landing nipple profile cut therein, whereby a locking mandrel having a gauge holder secured thereto may be run into the pipe string on a wireline, and locked into the inner housing after which the wireline may be retracted. The locking mandrel may also be subsequently unlocked and retrieved with the gauge holder by wireline.

Abstract: A plug container has a flanged, splined end which mates with a complemental end of a casing adapter member. These two ends are secured to each other by a clamping mechanism which permits easy connecting and disconnecting of the two ends, thereby affording easy interchanging of different adapter members. The plug container has a cavity with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the plug to be retained in the cavity so that pressure equalization around the plug is maintained without an external bypass. Pressure equalization is also maintained adjacent a cap which closes an end of the plug container. This pressure equalization of the cap is achieved by one or more radial openings in an abutment wall of the cap. The cap is sealed by a pressure-energized seal disposed in the interior surface of the housing into which the plug is threadedly connectible. Two manifold ports are disposed near the two ends of the cavity in which the plug is to be disposed.

Abstract: A selective injection packer apparatus includes a housing having a longitudinal housing bore therethrough. A mandrel has a longitudinal mandrel bore therethrough and is slidably disposed in the housing bore. Upper and lower longitudinally spaced compressible packers are disposed about the housing. Upper and lower power pistons are operably associated with the housing and the upper and lower packers, respectively, for longitudinally compressing and radially expanding the upper and lower packers in response to an increase in fluid pressure within the mandrel bore. A power passage is operatively associated with the power pistons for selectively communicating the mandrel bore with the power pistons. An injection passage is operatively associated with the housing and the mandrel for selectively communicating the mandrel bore with an exterior of the housing between the upper and lower packers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method having particular utility in quickly releasing the moorings of large vessels and offshore platforms. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pair of pyrotechnic cutting torches disposed in a housing included as a structural member in a submerged mooring, such as an anchor chain. The housing divides at one end into a shackle comprising substantially parallel laterally spaced walls, each having an aperture therethrough. A common anchor chain link is inserted between the walls of the shackle and a shackle pin is inserted through the wall apertures and the link to secure the link to the housing. The cutting torches are disposed in the same plane as the link, and the torch nozzles oriented so as to sever the link on both sides of the pin when the torches are ignited, in order to release the chain therefrom. The other end of the housing comprises a clevis, secured to the anchor chain by a Kenter shackle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hydra-pneumatic load sensor and signal system including two stacked bellows, one filled with liquid, the other with a pressurized gas. Load on the sensor is initially supported by the gas filled bellows to a predetermined limit, above which the liquid filled bellows generates a liquid pressure signal which is used with a readout or control device.

Abstract: An optical reader contained in a portable case includes elements for rotating a chart containing indicia and for moving a lens and photo-responsive member substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the chart. These elements are controlled so that the photo-responsive element detects every one of an array of discrete informational units defined by the optical reader on the chart and for generating for each discrete informational unit a respective binary bit having one of two logic values depending upon whether the respective discrete unit is relatively light or relatively dark. The reader also includes circuit elements for detecting every eighth one of the respective binary bits to define a byte of information representing eight of the discrete informational units of the chart. The reader is controlled to commence a read of the chart from the right-hand end and to incrementally read strips of the chart progressing to the left-hand end of the chart.