Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing a well from at least one productive zone penetrated by the well bore in which casing is set below the top of the well. Tubing hanger means support at least one production tubing string extending downwardly in the well bore and communicating with a production zone. Anchor means on the tubing hanger means are actuatable into anchoring engagement with the casing. The tubing hanger means receives at least one upper production tubing string section typically carrying safety valve means thereon extending to the top of the well and sealingly engageable with the tubing hanger means before, during and after the anchoring engagement of the tubing hanger means with the casing, whereby the upper production tubing string section is respectively communicable with the downwardly extending production tubing string when the tubing hanger is set.

Abstract: The present invention provides a latch assembly carriable on a tubing string extendible into a subterranean well, the latch assembly being selectively engageable between upper and lower sections of the tubing string. The latch assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner body, with latching means carried on one of the housing and the body for selectively securing the latch apparatus to the lower section. Latch engaging means are carried on the other of the housing and the body and the lower tubing section for selective co-engagement between the latching means, the lower tubing section, and one of the housing and the body. Piston means are on one of the housing and the body and have a piston head with first and second piston chambers between the piston head.