Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprises a drillpipe (11) defining a hollow, generally cylindrical interior having secured therein a valve member (12) that is moveable between an open position, permitting passage of an object through the valve (10), and a closed position preventing passage of fluids along the drillpipe (11). A resiliently contractile arm (17) interconnects the valve member (12) and the drillpipe (11) so as to urge the valve member (12) towards the closed position and such that when an object passes along the drillpipe (11) and engages the valve member (12) or the arm (17) the valve member (12) occupies the open position.

Abstract: Particulate filling devices and methods are disclosed that use a loading system generally including a loading cart, a drive system, and a line assembly. The drive system generally includes a motor, a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a spool, a plurality of cable partitions, and a controller. Each line assembly generally includes cable sections, swivel connectors, one or more spring blocks and a weight.

Abstract: An acoustic isolator section for an acoustic well logging tool, the isolator section comprising: an isolator comprising: (i) an isolator body; (ii) a mass; (iii) a resiliently deformable portion formed integrally with the isolator body; (iv) a movement limiter.

Abstract: A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steerable drill bit arrangement, in particular for the use in drilling boreholes for oil and gas extraction. According to the invention there is provided a steerable drill bit arrangement comprising a drill bit, a steering component and a stabilizer, the steering component being adapted to provide a steering force which in use can drive the drill bit along a non-linear path, the stabilizer being located between the drill bit and the steering component and in use providing a fulcrum for the steering force provided by the steering component, the position of the fulcrum provided by the stabilizer being adjustable relative to the drill bit and the steering component. In use, the position of the fulcrum can be adjusted to vary the maximum curvature of the borehole and to suit the rock type(s) being drilled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole assembly and to a cutter assembly, and in particular to a downhole assembly including an apparatus for breaking up large-scale material which is present behind a drill bit, and to a cutter assembly for use in such a downhole assembly. The downhole assembly is suitably for use in a drillstring, the downhole assembly comprising a drill bit, a sensitive component, and at least one rotatable set of cutter blades located between the drill bit and the sensitive component.

Abstract: A method of top-filling a drill pipe string comprises injecting fluid into the upper end of the string. Apparatus for use in top-filling a drill pipe string comprises an injector adapted to co-operate with the upper end of a drill pipe string, whereby fluid may be pumped through the injector and into the string.