Abstract: A running tool that delivers an object selectively to one of a plurality of landing nipples and then releases from the object is disclosed. The tool is actuated by raising it after it has passed the desired landing nipple to release a locating dog. The locating dog places locking dogs on the object even with a groove on the landing nipple. Movement of the tool downhole secures the locking relationship and releases the running tool from the object. A sheer pin allows testing at the surface that the object is locked in place, prior to removal of the running tool. The object comprises a fishing neck to allow it to be subsequently retrieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating coded messages in a wellbore between a transmission node and a reception node is provided. The coded messages are messages are impressed upon a fluid column which extends between the transmission node and the reception node. A transmission apparatus is provided at the transmission node which is in communication with the fluid column, for altering pressure of the fluid column to generate at least a portion of the coded message. A reception apparatus is provided at the reception node. The reception apparatus includes a rigid structural component with an exterior surface which is in direct contact with fluid column and an interior surface which is not in contact with the fluid column, and a sensor assembly which detects elastic deformation of the rigid structural component. The transmission apparatus is utilized to alter pressure of the fluid column in a predetermined pattern to generate at least one coded message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The assembly can be integrally formed with a plug-dropping head or can be an auxiliary feature that is mounted to a plug-dropping head. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, personnel do not need to climb up in the derrick to actuate manual valves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating coded messages in a wellbore between a transmission node and a reception node is provided. The coded messages are messages are impressed upon a fluid column which extends between the transmission node and the reception node. A transmission apparatus is provided at the transmission node which is in communication with the fluid column, for altering pressure of the fluid column to generate at least a portion of the coded message. A reception apparatus is provided at the reception node. The reception apparatus includes a rigid structural component with an exterior surface which is in direct contact with fluid column and an interior surface which is not in contact with the fluid column, and a sensor assembly which detects elastic deformation of the rigid structural component. The transmission apparatus is utilized to alter pressure of the fluid column in a predetermined pattern to generate at least one coded message.

Abstract: A downhole tool, comprising one or more separate packers and sliding sleeves in the preferred embodiment, is actuable from a nonelectrical signal transmitted from the surface to the tool. The signal is received at the tool by a control system located within the tool. The control system operates in conjunction with a power supply in the tool to accomplish tool actuation. In the preferred embodiment, the valve member is temporarily retained in a sealing position, isolating pressure in one chamber from a different pressure in an adjacent chamber. The valve member or piston is temporarily retained by a high-strength fiber, such as Kevlar.RTM., in the preferred embodiment. The control system actuates the power source to heat a resistance heating wire, which causes failure in the fiber. Other mechanisms to trigger pressure-equalization can be used. The fiber can be cut by a cutter actuated electrically. The piston can be retained by solder which is melted electrically.