Abstract: A packer assembly adapted to be disposed in a wellbore includes a packer and a packer lock apparatus, the packer lock apparatus including a lock and release apparatus for locking the packer in an unset condition, releasing the lock on the packer which locks the packer in the unset condition when the packer is lowered into a smaller diameter casing in the wellbore, allowing the packer to begin changing from the unset condition to a set condition, and a time delay apparatus for requiring a predetermined time period to elapse, following the release by the lock and release apparatus of the lock on the packer, before the packer can be fully changed from the unset condition to the set condition. As a result, the entire packer will be disposed within the smaller diameter casing before the packer is fully set.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampler adapted to be disposed in a wellbore includes a full bore and an outer housing. The outer housing includes an annular sample chamber having a first port disposed on one side of the chamber and a second port disposed on the other side of the chamber. The annular sample chamber further includes a fluid sample parameter transducer adapted for measuring a parameter of the fluid sample trapped in the annular sample chamber, and an EPROM memory for instantly storing the parameter measured by the transducer when the sample was initially taken by the sampler. The sampler also includes a piston disposed within the outer housing and adapted to move axially in the sampler in response to an annulus pressure around the sampler.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic set packer is set independently of the setting of two other straddle packers, the straddle packers being set by other than hydraulic means, such as by inflation or compression. If the straddle packers are set by inflation, a novel inflate deflate valve is associated with both straddle packers for providing an additional method to deflate the inflatably set straddle packer. If the straddle packers are compression set, it may be necessary to allow a top staddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set, that is, the top straddle packer is not permitted to set when the straddle packer assembly is being pushed into a deviated/horizontal borehole or through a restriction in the borehole. Accordingly, a novel hydraulic ratchet, disposed above a bottom straddle packer on a tubing but below the top straddle packer on the tubing, will enable the top straddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a valve apparatus adapted to be incorporated in a string of tubing to permit pressure testing thereof in a well bore includes inner and outer members telescopically disposed and movable between extended and contracted relative positions, main valve means for closing the axial flow passage through said members to downward flow in response to extension of the members, and equalizing passage and valve means for equalizing pressures across the main valve prior to reopening thereof in response to contraction of the members.

Abstract: A control valve apparatus adapted to be positioned within a subsea blowout preventer stack for controlling the flow of fluid from an offshore well includes a ball valve element provided with the capability of cutting coil tubing typically employed in well workover and completion operations. The ball element has a cutting edge that coacts with the valve seat to shear the tubing, and a relief slot that receives the tubing during cutting to prevent the tubing from being placed in double shear. Hydraulically operable means is provided to assist in closure of the ball valve element and consequent cutting of tubing extending into the well, in case of emergency.