Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for facilitating operator interaction with a data processing system which includes a menu-formatted graphical user interface. The menu-formatted graphical user interface is provided on a display in the data processing system for interaction with the operator, and includes a plurality of menu fields whose identities and display positions are determined by an initial display configuration. Additionally, a menu field palette is provided in the graphical user interface which includes at least one additional possible menu field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinflatable external casing packer which is operable in three modes, including: a filling mode of operation, a locking mode of operation, and a reinflation mode of operation. A valve system is provided which allows for selective filling and reinflation of the external casing packer in response to suspected or detected loss of pressure within the inflation chamber. The present invention may also be characterized as a method of placing a wellbore.

Abstract: In a blown film extrusion system in which film is extruded as a tube from an annular die and then pulled along a predetermined path, an apparatus is provided for gauging and controlling the circumference of the extruded film tube. At least one transducer, preferably ultrasonic, is mounted adjacent the extruded film tube for transmitting and receiving interrogating pulses along paths normal to the extruded film tube, and for producing a current position signal corresponding to the circumference of the extruded film tube. The current position signal is continuously compared with at least one previous position signal, preferably with a computer program resident in a controller memory. If at least one preselected condition is violated, the current position signal is disregarded in favor of an estimated position signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore are provided to prevent an igniter from igniting a pyrotechnic device within a downhole well tool until after the downhole well tool is positioned downhole within the wellbore. A blocking member is movable between two positions for selectively obstructing an ignition pathway between the igniter and pyrotechnic device. An actuator is provided which, when heated to an activation temperature by downhole well temperatures, moves the blocking member from a position obstructing the ignition pathway to a position for allowing the igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: A tandem safety valve for use in a tubing string in a wellbore has a pair of identical valves disposed in a valve housing. Each valve has a flow tube for selectively opening and closing each valve. Each valve is provided with an hydraulic normal-operation actuator and an hydraulic looking actuator. The normal-operation actuator and locking actuator are selectively engaged with the flow tube disposed within the valve housing. Each flow tube is provided with a latch to releasably engage the normal-operation actuator, and a a locking dog to selectively engage the flow tube in a locked-open position. The locking actuator engages the latch to release the normal-operation actuator from engagement with the latch and to permit the locking dog to engage the valve housing to maintain the flow tube and valve in a locked-open position.

Abstract: A resettable wellbore tool is provided for running into a wellbore on a workstring, and hydraulically actuating to urge into setting engagement with a wellbore surface. The resettable wellbore tool includes a fluid control member which is resettable between a latched closed position for locking out fluid pressure from the resettable wellbore tool to prevent inadvertent actuation while an operating pressure is applied to a central bore of the workstring, and an open position for passing pressurized fluid into the resettable wellbore tool. The resettable wellbore tool further includes a release latch which is repeatably latchable and unlatchable for releasably securing the resettable wellbore tool to the workstring. The resettable wellbore tool is operable for urging into a setting engagement at a first depth within the wellbore, being released from the workstring, then relatched to the workstring for resetting into the setting engagement at a second depth within the wellbore.

Abstract: A system is provided for inventorying a plurality of items in a supply. The items include a plurality of subgroupings of similar "item types" which are distributed in a selected pattern among a plurality of known locations. The inventory process is done by a plurality of known inventory entities. The system includes a plurality of type identifiers, each carrying machine readable data specific to an item type, for distinguishing a particular item type from other item types. A plurality of sequential item identifiers are also provided for carrying machine readable data. A unique item identifier is applied to each item in the supply without regard to item type, for distinguishing each item from other items within and without a particular item type subgrouping. A device is provided for reading and storing machine readable data from the type identifiers and item identifiers.

Abstract: A seal apparatus is provided for use in a subterranean wellbore having a wellbore tubular disposed therein. The wellbore tubular defines a wellbore surface. The seal includes a number of components which cooperate together. A conveyance tubular is provided, which is positionable within the subterranean wellbore at a selected location relative to the wellbore surface. A sealing ring is provided, and disposed about at least a portion of the conveyance tubular. The sealing ring has a first surface proximate the conveyance tubular and a second surface which is removed in distance from the conveyance tubular. The second surface defines a sealing surface, and includes a plurality of portions, with selected ones of the plurality of portions of the sealing ring extending radially from the conveyance tubular in at least one radial dimension. The selected portions define at least one metal seal point for selectively and sealingly engaging the wellbore surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a wellbore tool assembly to a wellbore tubular member, which includes a number of method steps. The wellbore tubular member is provided, and defines a surface with a substantially cylindrical shape having a selected tubular diameter. A wellbore tool assembly is likewise provided, and includes a plurality of ring-shaped components, with at least one ring-shaped component defining a cylindrical surface having a selected ring diameter which differs from the tubular diameter of the wellbore tubular member. A plurality of radial groove members and radial land members are formed on at least one of the cylindrical surface of the wellbore tubular member and the cylindrical surface of the at least one ring-shaped component of the wellbore tool assembly. The wellbore tubular member and the at least one ring-shaped component of the wellbore tool assembly are urged to differing thermal conditions to cause the tubular diameter and the ring diameter to become substantially equal.

Abstract: A downhole pump is provided having characteristics that permit it to be installed in a subterranean well in order to pump well fluids at a substantial pressure to operate a downhole tool, such as an inflatable packer. The pump is mechanically driven by motors whose diameter permits insertion through the well and whose output characteristics are suitable for driving the pump means. A single mounting bracket supports the motors in a housing and prevents counter rotation of the motor stators. The motors are immersed in a clean fluid inserted at the well surface and the clean fluid is maintained at the well hydrostatic pressure by a compensating piston.

Abstract: A downhole well tool is provided which includes a shifting sleeve for opening a flow communication port. The well tool includes first and second primary seal elements positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the port as well as upstream and downstream of the threaded connections between the well tool and sections of tubing forming the well flow conduit. A fluid diffuser element may be included to abate flow damage across the primary seal elements during the shifting of the sleeve. A method of selectively transmitting fluid incorporating said well tool also is disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided for sealing between concentric relatively moveable tubular members. The sealing apparatus is comprised of a plurality of retainer seal rings, made of a high temperature thermoplastic, and between each retainer seal ring is a thermoplastic seal ring constructed of a normal temperature service thermoplastic. The thermoplastic seal rings are alternately spaced with the high temperature thermoplastic retainer seal rings. The retainer seal rings and the thermoplastic seal rings are cylindrical rings having a radial cross-section of a general chevron shape. Energization to press both sets of seals into sealing engagement with the two relatively moveable tubular members is accomplished by the interaction of an axial interference fit between alternating seal rings, a diametrical interference fit between the relatively moveable wellbore surfaces and the seal rings, and wellbore fluid pressure.

Abstract: A transducer is described especially designed for use in providing acoustic transmission in a borehole. The transducer includes a multiple number of magnetic circuit gaps and electrical windings that have been found to provide the power necessary for acoustic operation in a borehole while still meeting the stringent dimensional criteria necessitated by boreholes. Various embodiments conforming to the design are described. Moreover, the invention includes transition and reflector sections, as well as a directional coupler and resonator arrangement particularly adapted for borehole acoustic communication.

Abstract: The preferred firing mechanism of the present invention includes a number of components which cooperate together to actuate an electrically-actuable wellbore tool, which is operable in a plurality of operating modes, and which is carried within the wellbore by a selected one of a plurality of concentrically-nested wellbore tubular members. Viewed broadly, the apparatus includes an electromagnetic sensor means for detecting electromagnetic fields and providing an actuation signal to the electrically-actuable wellbore tool, when an electromagnetic field is detected. The electromagnetic sensor means is carried by the first selected one of the plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members. The apparatus further includes means for selectively generating an electromagnetic field in the wellbore, which is carried by a second selected one of a plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members.

Abstract: A zone isolation apparatus is provided which allows for selective communication of fluid between a workstring and one or more subterranean zones. Fluid-pressure actuated packers may be placed in any desired location within a workstring without regard to the placement of the other packers, allowing maximum user flexibility and on-site configuration of the zone isolation apparatus. Each packer includes a rotary coupling to allow rotation of the workstring during running and sealing modes of operation. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent premature or accidental inflation.

Abstract: An equalizing apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore tool string which includes a wireline-conveyable source of pressurized fluid which selectively discharges fluid, a wireline-conveyable fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool which is operable in a plurality of modes of operation including at least a running mode of operation with the wireline-conveyable fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool in a running condition and a actuated mode of operation with the wireline-conveyable fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool in an actuated condition, a flow path for communicating fluid from the wireline-conveyable source of pressurized fluid and the wireline-conveyable fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool, and a wireline assembly which is coupled thereto for delivery of the wireline-conveyable source of pressurized fluid and the wireline-conveyable fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool to a selected location within a wellbore.

Abstract: A well service tool has a mandrel including a fluid flow conduit therethrough in fluid communication with a workstring including a fluid pressure source. An expendable knife-mounting sleeve is coupled to the mandrel and includes at least one cutting knife pivotally secured thereto. A housing is disposed about and secured against rotation relative to the mandrel by drive pins and is selectively movable relative to the mandrel responsive to fluid pressure from the fluid pressure source. The housing includes a positive extender to extend the cutting knives and temporarily maintain them in an extended position. A closure member is coupled to the mandrel to selectively obstruct fluid flow through the fluid conduit, wherein fluid pressure within the fluid conduit is increased, and wherein relative movement between the housing and the mandrel is induced. A probe is coupled to the housing to open the closure member upon a selected extension of the cutting knives wherein fluid pressure within the mandrel is decreased.

Abstract: A connector is provided for coupling a tubular member to a selected apparatus. The tubular member has inner and outer surfaces, and terminates at an end, with the inner surface at least in-part defining a central bore. A central body is provided with first and second ends. A linkage member is disposed at the first end of the central body for connecting the central body to a selected apparatus. A tubing coupler is disposed at the second end of the central body, and is operable in an insertion mode of operation in a radially-reduced position for insertion into the central bore of the tubular member, and a coupling mode of operation in a radially-expanded position for grippingly and sealingly engaging the inner surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for continually adding chemicals to a producing oil and gas well. A mixing chamber is provided having an inlet and an outlet. A subassembly is provided for diverting a flow of production fluid from the well and directing the flow of production fluid to the inlet of the mixing chamber. A subassembly is provided for admitting an amount of chemical into the mixing chamber. The fluid mixture of the production fluid and the chemical is exhausted from the mixing chambers through the outlet. A flow control system is provided, in fluid communication with the outlet of the mixing chamber, for permitting only a predetermined flow rate of the fluid mixture to exit from the mixing chamber. An adjustment control is provided for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid mixture through the mixing chamber to selectively increase and decrease the predetermined flow rate. An exhaust system is provided for conveying the fluid mixture from the outlet, through the flow control, and into the well.