Abstract: The present invention provides processes and compounds that are useful in the preparation of (3?,3a?,6ahexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol and diastereoisomers thereof, which are useful in the preparation of compounds that may be inhibitors of HIV aspartyl protease.

Abstract: A packer and actuator therefor configured for use in relatively high hydrostatic pressure environments. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes an actuator for setting the packer. The actuator includes multiple pistons circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A packer includes one dual, or double acting, slip and a single acting slip positioned on a mandrel on opposite sides of a packing element and a setting cylinder. The single acting slip is designed to resist forces acting on the mandrel in one direction. Setting forces generated by the setting cylinder are coupled to the mandrel through a releasing sleeve. When the releasing sleeve is decoupled from the mandrel, the slip setting forces on both slips and the packing element are released and the packer can be retrieved from a well. In a preferred form, the releasing sleeve may be decoupled from the mandrel by multiple means.

Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.