Abstract: An improved apparatus for releasing a perforation gun from a tubing string in a well casing is disclosed. The explosion of a detonator that fires the perforation gun opens a previously sealed passageway through a wall of the apparatus of the invention. The passageway transmits bottom hole well pressure to a piston that actuates means for releasing the perforation gun. A secondary release sleeve is also provided to mechanically release the perforation gun when the piston fails to function properly. In an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, the perforation gun is released when the explosion of the detonator breaks a frangible rod that previously held one or more retaining balls within a recess in a wall of the perforation gun assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary well pressure packoff assembly for wireline control valves is positionable within the downstream passage of a wireline valve body without requiring cutting of the wireline and receives the wireline in surrounded, sealed relation. A retainer closure positively retains the packing assembly within the valve body passage. An externally controllable mechanism is provided to displace resilient sealing material of the packing assembly to enhance the sealing relationship thereof with the wireline and valve body passage, thus providing an auxiliary seal to protect workers from hazards in the event well pressure should leak past the wireline control valve mechanism. The packoff assembly also clamps the cable to prevent it from moving and vents any leaked well pressure to a safe location. An automatic pressure activated self-energizing feature is provided which increases sealing capability of the system in proportion to increase in well pressure.

Abstract: A cable head catcher mechanism for use when running tools within a well and which catches the fishing neck of a wire line operated well tool in the event the wire line should become broken due to excessive force as the well tool reaches the upper limit of its travel within the well servicing apparatus. A segmented collet system within a pressure containing housing of the apparatus is operative to catch the fishing neck of a well tool to prevent the tool from falling in the event the wire line cable becomes broken. A sleeve piston is provided which operatively positions the segmented collet within the housing and is hydraulically energized to cause releasing movement of the collet to thus release the fishing neck of the well tool when desired. The mechanism is constructed to allow the cable head and cable to be installed without requiring cutting of the cable.

Abstract: For conducting wireline operations in a deviated borehole, a dual or two-stage locomotive pulls a wireline cable through both the entire length of a drill string and the entire length of a stinger therein to dock with a tool at the bottom of the stinger. The inner or second-stage locomotive then pulls the stinger out into the borehole by pushing on the bottom end of the stinger to prevent buckling the stinger. The stinger and drill stem can be assembled to virtually any length, without requiring pre-wiring. The risk of buckling upon retracting the stinger back into the drill pipe, by pulling on the cable, is reduced by the use of the special configuration provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting wireline operations in oil and gas wells under blowout conditions is disclosed, wherein a releasable annular wireline blowout preventer is provided, whereby wireline operations may be conducted under normal operating conditions by only using a short riser and a releasable annular wireline blowout preventer. Under blowout conditions, a second riser may be attached to the releasable annular wireline blowout preventer to quickly enable a wireline suspended tool to be safely removed from the well, along with the releasable wireline seal assembly means of the blowout preventer.

Abstract: In the several representative embodiments of well bore apparatus disclosed herein adapted for releasable connection to a suspension cable, a cable-cutting member is arranged within an upper portion of the well bore apparatus for parting the lower end portion of the cable connected to the apparatus. In the disclosed embodiments of the invention, the cutting member is retained in an inactive position and chemically-degradable securing means are cooperatively arranged to fail only upon the elapse of a prolonged time interval so as to actuate the cable-cutting member should the apparatus have become stuck in a well bore. Provisions are also made for replacing the securing means upon return of the apparatus to the surface before the expiration of the predetermined time interval.