Abstract: An indicator flag for attachment to a mailbox for indicating the presence of mail therein uses a generally horizontally disposed flag member that is rotatably attached to the door of the mailbox and that rotates between a first position wherein the flag member is generally flush against the mailbox door, indicating an absence of mail for pickup, and a second position wherein the flag member extends generally horizontally outwardly from the door, indicating the presence of mail therein for pickup. A mail carrier can easily rotate the flag member back to the first position with the same motion used to open the mailbox door.

Abstract: A bypass sub which will automatically bypass fluid flow in excess of a selected optimal flow rate for a downhole mud motor. A spring biased mandrel within a housing is driven downwardly by increased fluid flow, and driven upwardly by spring force upon decreased fluid flow, to control the alignment of a port in the mandrel with a bypass port in the housing, thereby maintaining a desired rate of fluid flow to the downhole motor.

Abstract: A method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a ramped drive assembly longitudinally, to drive a penetrator transversely, to cause the penetrator to penetrate and withdraw from a downhole tubular element. An anchor holds the tubing punch assembly in place in the downhole tubular element. A double piston assembly drives the drive assembly hydraulically in the downhole direction, thereby driving the ramp downhole, to force the penetrator outwardly to penetrate the tubular element. Thereafter, pulling uphole on the work string shears a shear sleeve, separating the housing of the tubing punch assembly from the work string. Further pulling on the work string partially withdraws the ramped drive assembly from the tubing punch assembly, thereby withdrawing the penetrator into the tubing punch assembly.

Abstract: A casing or tubing segment or segments are disclosed which can be used to create a parasite annulus during drilling. The cased wellbore receives a string containing valves and the drillstring operates through it. As the mud circulates, the segments of the tubing or casing provide communication at various depths from the parasite annulus (i.e., the outermost annulus) into the circulating mud, which is the innermost annulus. Each valve is adjustable to alter the amount of differential pressure required in order to open it. The valves are also in hydraulic pressure balance so that only the pressure added by the injected gas acts to open them. The valves close by a spring bias.

Abstract: An insert tool for pre-existing casing is disclosed which allows the use of existing control line connections to facilitate independent operation of a pair of safety valves. The insert is particularly useful when a pre-existing well is converted to gas lift operation and requires the use of downhole valves, such as tubing safety valve in combination with an annular-type safety valve. The tool can be readily reconfigured if one of the control lines becomes obstructed so that continuing independent operation of the two valve components can continue. Normal and emergency release techniques are also included when it is time to retrieve the insert assembly.