Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a lateral well bore to a vertical well bore using a tieback liner while providing full bore access in the vertical well bore casing. The tieback liner is rotationally aligned with respect to a window of the casing by locating a key slot formed above the window and longitudinally aligned by using a no-go device to locate the bottom edge of the window. The tieback liner includes a snap sleeve that extends into a window of the main well bore casing and connects the tieback liner to the casing. The section of the casing receiving the snap sleeve is of a larger inner diameter than the other sections of casing. The connection between the tieback liner and casing prevents the tieback liner from rotating, tilting, or moving laterally with respect to the casing. The connection imparts significant resistance to formation loading applied at the junction.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a first tubular with respect to a window in a second tubular including at least one member extending from an outer surface of a liner for aligning the liner with respect to a window in a casing of a primary wellbore. In one aspect, the invention includes a key and a no-go obstruction to rotationally and axially align the apparatus with the window.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting tubular strings in wellbores. In one aspect, the invention utilizes the inherent eccentricity of a non-vertical wellbore to provide a means of orienting a portion of casing that contains a pre-milled window.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting tubular strings in wellbores. In one aspect, the invention utilizes the inherent eccentricity of a non-vertical wellbore to provide a means of orienting a portion of casing that contains a pre-milled window.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a first tubular with respect to a window in a second tubular including at least one member extending from an outer surface of a liner for aligning the liner with respect to a window in a casing of a primary wellbore. In one aspect, the invention includes a key and a no-go obstruction to rotationally and axially align the apparatus with the window.

Abstract: Assembly and method for locating lateral wellbores in a main wellbore casing for positioning completion members in the lateral wellbore and the main wellbore casing and for orientating and positioning reentry and completion devices into the lateral wellbores comprising a window formed in the wellbore casing which is defined by a sill being convergently curved up hole to the sill up hole apex, a second wellbore located proximate and in communication with the window, a tubular string and a housing member movable in the wellbore casing and connected to the tubular string, orientation and positioning member connected to the housing for orientating and positioning the housing relative to the window upon up hole movement of the housing and tubular string toward the up hole apex of the sill and tools for completion, work over, reentry, and reentry and completion being attached for their respective functions.

Abstract: An assembly for drilling at least one lateral well from a well bore having a longitudinally premilled window formed therein and having a first orientation key-way member formed in the premilled window and in communication with the premilled window and located on the down hole portion of the premilled window and having a second orientation key-way member formed in the premilled window and in communication with the premilled window and located on the up hole portion of the premilled window. The window is provided with a cover for closing the premilled window and first and second orientation key way members from fluid communication. A whip stock is provided for drilling at least one multilateral well. A key is provided which is spring loaded for being received into the premilled window and guided into locking engagement in the first orientation key way as the key is lowered down hole.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly and method for forming a hydraulic seal at the junction of a multilateral well bore drilled through a window in at least a main well bore comprising a tubular member which is run into the well bore casing and has a sealing member positioned about the tubular member for seating, at least one orientation member being provided for orientation of the tubular member and sealing member in the main well bore casing, and having a tubular sleeve member for insertion in the well bore which has an aperture through at least one side of the tubular sleeve member for alignment of the aperture with the window and having a seating surface on the inside of the tubular sleeve member proximate the aperture, with the aperture in some embodiments being adjustable, and having a deflection member positioned and releasable sealed in the tubular sleeve member for deflecting the tubular member through the window in the well bore when the tubular member is run into contact with the deflection membe

Abstract: This invention relates to a shifting apparatus and method for use with a tubular string set in a well for unlocking, selective orientation and relocking of sections of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus of this invention, while the tubular string sections above the shifting apparatus of this invention remain substantially unchanged in their orientation in the well including a lower tubular wall member connected to the tubular string above the shifting apparatus, an upper tubular wall member connected to the lower tubular wall member for controlled movement and orientation between the lower tubular wall member and the upper tubular wall member and connected to the tubular string below the shifting apparatus, and an internal tool located inside the upper and lower tubular wall members for releasablely and selectively locking into the upper and lower tubular wall members for holding the upper and lower tubular walls engaged until orientation of the tubular string below the shifting apparatus is desi

Abstract: Down hole assembly and method for forming a longitudinal window and a key-way in communication with the longitudinal window used in drilling multi-lateral well bores and for entry and reentry thereafter comprising, a first milling drill bit for milling the longitudinal window, a first whip stock having a guide surface, and orientation and positioning members located on the first whip stock for orienting and positioning tools to be used in forming the key-way in communication with the longitudinal window. A guide surface member is provided on the first whip stock member for guiding the first milling drill bit for milling a longitudinal window. A housing member for slidable mating with the first whip stock having a second drill bit member mounted in the housing member is provided for forming a down hole orientation key-way in communication with the longitudinally milled window.

Abstract: An oil field assembly for gathering data about or producing an oil well having a self regulating assembly for free movement by gravity or the differential pressure of fluids in the tubing string of a well from the surface of a well or to predetermined down hole positions for collecting data and or producing a well while freely moving between the surface of the well and predetermined positions comprising a self regulating traveling piston for free movement by gravity and or the differential pressure of the fluids of a well from the surface of a well and to predetermined positions for collecting data about a well between the surface and predetermined downhole positions, and having instrumentation connected to the traveling piston for gathering data about the well, and a landing housing located at the surface of a well for receiving the traveling piston, and a receiving station at the bottom of the tubing string for releasably receiving the traveling piston.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and an upper section having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: A directional drilling apparatus for drilling offset wellbores from a main borehole using a steering tool to orient a guidance tool body and wherein the tool body has a pair of angularly intersecting passageways including a first smaller passageway that communicates with a packer, and a second larger passageway that cradles a smaller drill string for drilling the offset boreholes and wherein the smaller drill string will not fit in the first smaller passageway.

Abstract: A directional guidance device, for deflecting a drill bit away from the longitudinal axis of a substantially horizontal section of a wellbore, takes advantage of gravitational force to move a deflector member therein between first and second positions. In the first position, the deflector member prevents the drill bit from advancing past the directional guidance device. In the second position, the deflector member allows the bit to pass out of the guidance device, and deflects the bit away from the longitudinal axis of the horizontal section of the wellbore.