Abstract: A fluid loss device including a flapper and seat assembly that provide a seal on a lower flapper surface when the flapper is closed and resists pressure in either direction. The flapper and seat assembly is spring biased to contact a flapper support above the flapper to resist deformation of the flapper due to a pressure differential from below the flapper. The flapper and seat assembly may be moved by tubing pressure to release an opening prop that opens the flapper. The valve seat may include an elastomeric seal element to improve the fluid flow restriction. The flapper and seat assembly is also biased upward by a pressure differential from below to above the flapper, to thereby increase the flapper to valve seat pressure as the fluid pressure differential increases.

Abstract: A free point tool has at least one sensor to measure deformation of a stuck conduit in a borehole. A set of anchors is located adjacent to and on each side of the sensor. The anchors include anchor arms that move from a stowed position to an extended position. Each of the anchor arms has a pad, which pad has a contact face. The contact face is structured and arranged to engage the conduit. The pad is coupled to the respective anchor arm in an articulating manner, such as by a pin joint or a ball and socket joint. The pad can be easily coupled to or disconnected from the arm. This allows the pad to be selected for the downhole conditions, including conduit physical characteristics and environmental conditions downhole. The anchors also include cam arms coupled between the anchor arms and an actuator. There are provided at least two sets of anchor linkages of cam arms and anchor arms so as to adapt to the conduit inside diameter.

Abstract: A system for cementing a casing in an open wellbore having no surface casing, wherein an annulus is defined between the casing and the wellbore, the system having: an annular plug around the casing at the mouth of the wellbore; a cement composition pump fluidly connected to the annulus through the seal; and a coupling connected to the exposed end of the casing for taking circulation fluid returns from the inner diameter of the casing.

Abstract: An auxiliary cutting plate (10) for a multi-cutting plate drill bit (2) has a body (44) for fixing into a slot in the drill bit (2) and a profiled tip (46). The body (44) has a central longitudinal axis and the profiled tip (46) protrudes from one end of the body (44). The profiled tip (46) has a cutting edge (62) defined by a transition between a rake face (64) and a relief face (66). The rake face (64) and the relief face (66) each slope axially rearward from opposite sides of the cutting edge (62). The angle of inclination ? of at least a portion of the rake face (64), measured from a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, decreases with increasing distance from the cutting edge (62).

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a motor, at least one rotatable screw powered by the motor, and a chain engageable with the at least one rotatable screw, whereby rotation of the at least one rotatable screw moves the chain.

Abstract: A reversible post hole digger apparatus powered by a power takeoff shaft includes a transmission providing a reverse gear and a forward gear in a single housing. The apparatus has a power head disposed between a shaft connected to the power takeoff and an output shaft driving an auger. A gear box within the power head contains a main shaft which carries forward and reverse pinion gears at opposite ends and has a central portion with an external spline connector. The pinion gears are activated by a central spline-containing slide. Movement of the slide, carried out by means of a shift lever engaging a fork with a rack and pinion device, provides connection to forward, reverse and neutral positions on the shaft. Upper and lower ring gears drive an output shaft in a selected direction.

Abstract: A removable surface pack-off device adapted for use in reverse cementing applications is provided. The device includes a housing adapted to be mounted between the ends of an inner casing and an outer casing at or near the surface of a well and at least one fluid passage disposed within the housing, which is adapted to pass fluid, such as cement, from a location outside of the well into an annulus formed between the inner and outer casings. It also includes a first pressure-activated seal disposed between the inner casing and the housing and a second pressure-activated seal disposed between the outer casing and the housing. The device further includes an attachment assembly, which enables the device to be easily removed from the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing data transmission hardware in downhole tools includes an insert insertable into the box end or pin end of drill tool, such as a section of drill pipe. The insert typically includes a mount portion and a slide portion. A data transmission element is mounted in the slide portion of the insert. A biasing element is installed between the mount portion and the slide portion and is configured to create a bias between the slide portion and the mount portion. This biasing element is configured to compensate for varying tolerances encountered in different types of downhole tools. In selected embodiments, the biasing element is an elastomeric material, a spring, compressed gas, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A connector system is provided for connecting parts of an apparatus. A first part having one or more bayonet connectors and one or more retention pin receptacles cooperatively mates to a second part having one or more mating bayonet connectors. The second part further provides one or more retention pin bores. The first and second parts assemble to form a bayonet connection such that at least one pin retention bore aligns with at least one retention pin receptacle. At least one retention pin assembly disposed through the at least one pin retention bore selectively engages the retention pin receptacle to secure the connection of the first part to the second part of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system is provided (1) for increasing the diameter of at least a portion of a well bore, the system being intended to be attached to a drill pipe (3), the system having a support element (10) bearing cutting arms (13, 14) which is movably mounted with respect to a body (4) and wherein the arms and the chamber (6) of the body (4) are designed so as to cooperated. A method is also provided for increasing the diameter of at least a portion of a well bore by drilling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for horizontally drilling for detecting subsurface features and avoiding such features during closed-loop control of an underground drilling machine. A horizontal drilling system includes a base machine capable of propelling a drill pipe rotationally and longitudinally underground. A cutting tool system is coupled to the drill pipe, and a control system controls the base machine. A detector is employed to detect a subsurface feature. A communication link is utilized for transferring data between the detector and the control system. The control system uses the data generated by the detector to modify control of the base machine in response to detection of the subsurface feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to downhole wellbore apparatus and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatus for use in wellbore cleaning operations. A downhole tool (2) comprises a body (4) having a bore extending longitudinally therethrough, wherein the tool (2) further comprises a one-way valve (24,26) for allowing a flow of fluid in a first direction through the tool bore and preventing a flow of fluid in a second direction through the tool bore, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The tool further comprises mandrel (38) for rendering the one-way valve (24,26) inoperable so as to be ineffective at preventing fluid flow; and a shear pin assembly (44,40) for selectively making the one-way valve operable so as to be effective at allowing fluid flow in the first direction and preventing fluid flow in the second direction.

Abstract: A positioning tool for moving an element in a flow path of a down hole system without actuating a pressure actuated device in the system. The positioning device includes a choke for restricting flow of fluid between the positioning device and the down hole system, a flow diversion path from the upper end of the positioning device to a lower end of the positioning device, and a valve allowing fluid to flow through the diversion path when the choke is proximate the pressure actuated device and blocking flow of through the diversion path when the choke is displaced from the pressure actuated device. The down hole system may be a flapper type fluid loss device with a pressure actuated opening prop.

Abstract: A cutting auger has a main auger blade and a front subsidiary coaxial blade each having a drive core and a helical auger flight carried on the drive core for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the drive core with a cutting edge at an axial end face of the auger flight, such that when rotated the cutting edge cuts a hole equal in diameter to the helical flight and the helical flight carries the cut material away from the cutting edge. The second auger blade having a smaller diameter than the first, is shorter than the first and is arranged with the helical turns thereof in opposed angular direction. A planetary drive system is arranged to rotate the first and second cutting augers in opposed direction with the first driven at a slower angular velocity than the second so as to balance the torque.

Abstract: An extension rod has an interior end and an exterior end. The exterior end is formed with male screw threads. A primary bit has a cylindrical interior end and a conical exterior. Female threads at the interior end releasably couple with the extension rod. A secondary bit has a cylindrical interior end and a conical exterior end. Female threads at the interior end releasably couple with the extension rod. A length of line is coupled to the exterior end of the secondary bit. A coupler has a rearward end couplable to a linear member. A forward end is couplable to the rearward end of the secondary bit. In this manner the line, secondary bit and linear member may be pulled through the bore hole.

Abstract: A cutting device cuts one or more downhole control lines such that the cut ends of the one or more control lines will not interfere with subsequent fishing operations. The cutting device comprises a mandrel, a cutting sleeve and a housing supported on a tubing. Movement of the tubing induces relative motion of the cutting sleeve to cut the one or more control lines.

Abstract: A device for keeping liquids separate in a pipe, especially for use in a petroleum well, where the device comprises a diaphragm, which in its operative position and through use of pretensioned slats is stretched across the cross section of the pipe, and where each of the two end portions of the slats is connected to a boss, respectively, in a manner such that each the slats forms an outward bow relative to the common axis of the bosses, when in the neutral position.

Abstract: An in-well aeration device which includes a water pumping section disposed within the well for drawing water from the well, an aerating section operatively connected to the water pumping section for drawing air into the well and subsequently injecting the air into the well water above the level of the water pumping section, and a motor operatively connected to the water pumping section and the aerating section for operating both sections simultaneously.