Abstract: An apparatus for restraining the movement of a gun charge holder within a gun tube including a snap ring with an alignment end that engages an end fitting and the gun tube simultaneously, the snap ring further comprising a grounding hole to facilitate the grounding of the electronics and detonation devices within the gun charge holder.

Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for including information on a shaped charge.

Abstract: An apparatus for restraining the movement of a gun charge holder within a gun tube including a snap ring with an alignment end that engages an end fitting and the gun tube simultaneously, the snap ring further comprising a grounding hole to facilitate the grounding of the electronics and detonation devices within the gun charge holder.

Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.

Abstract: A shape charge venting apparatus and method for venting gases generated during deflagration. The venting apparatus and method including vent grooves inside the shape charge providing a pathway for deflagration gases to escape the shape charge. The venting apparatus and method also may include using a retainer ring in addition to the vent groove in order to hold the components of the shape charge in place. The venting of the gases during deflagration facilitates pressure relief within the shape charge and increases safety from accidental detonation during a fire.

Abstract: A downhole explosive detonation comprises a high voltage electro-explosive initiator comprising an input high voltage power supply with a low impedance shunting fuse, a flexible electrical link and a capacitor discharge unit. Explosive is initiated in a direction approximately parallel, or in another version perpendicular to the capacitor discharge unit. A unique configuration and construction of the assembly allows installation through a small service port in the gun housing structure for more efficient gun arming. A real time downhole voltage monitoring is described that transmits voltage readings to the surface during a firing sequence.

Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Also provided are apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more perforating guns, release devices, and explosive devices in a string to be lowered into a wellbore. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, “each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. Control and power functions are accomplished with voltage of different polarities for safety.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling and communicating with one or more tools in a downhole tool string including a tractor, an auxiliary tractor tool, a logging tool, a safety sub, a release mechanism, a unit containing sensors for monitoring downhole conditions, a setting tool, and a perforating gun. Control and communication are accomplished by sending signals from the surface to control switches in the control units on the tool, with redundant switches for safety, to state machines in the respective control units, each state machine returning a signal verifying switch status to the surface. The state machine need not return a signal including a unique identifier.