Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel Tool Trap that in at least some embodiments can provide means for debris to fall over a Gate into a peripheral Sump and means to move a Gate laterally from a Center Tube to clear debris from the Center Tube that might restrict the Gate from rotating between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing permanent stretch characteristics of electromechanical cable by application of predetermined tension to a selected length of electromechanical cable within a cable processing arena. Movement of the cable from a pay-off reel into the cable processing arena and to the take-up reel is controlled by spaced capstans that also secure the length of cable in static position within a cable processing arena during cable stretching. Successive selected lengths of the cable are stretched for dissipating its permanent stretch characteristics and rendering the cable suitable for accurate well logging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing permanent stretch characteristics of electromechanical cable by application of predetermined tension and heat to the cable while continuously moving the cable linearly from a supply drum, through spaced capstans and to a take-up drum. A cable heater is positioned at a braking capstan to soften the polymer insulation of the electrical conductor or conductors and permit tension responsive conductor movement relative to the polymer insulation, thus dissipating the permanent stretch and rendering the cable suitable for accurate well logging and for conducting other downhole well services. The outer cable armor is loosened to start the seasoning process and is tightened as it is taken up at completion of the process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel Tool Trap that in at least some embodiments can provide means for debris to fall over a Gate into a peripheral Sump and means to move a Gate laterally from a Center Tube to clear debris from the Center Tube that might restrict the Gate from rotating between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Ram seal units for attachment to the rams of blowout preventers incorporate an integral ram seal block having a central web, with a parallel rectangular elastomer support plates extending from opposite sides of the integral ram seal block. The central web is perforate to permit its interlocked relation with elastomer sealing material that is molded to ram seal block. The generally rectangular elastomer support plates define outer face surfaces that remain exposed after the molding operation has been completed. These outer face surfaces of the elastomer support plates are adapted to be disposed in intimate face-to-face relation with internal wall surfaces of ram seal receptacles that are provided within BOP ram elements. Each of the rectangular elastomer support plates defines a pair of spaced retainer receptacles which receive a respective retainer element of a BOP ram to secure the ram seal units in retained relation within one of the ram seal receptacles of a BOP ram element.

Abstract: A valve controlled by-pass stud mechanism for a structure defining a stud receptacle and having a bleed passage intersecting the stud receptacle and normally containing a pressurized fluid medium. An elongate stud body is positioned in sealed relation within the stud receptacle and has a vent passage and defines an internal valve seat located about the vent passage and also defines a valve receptacle having internal threads. A needle valve is in threaded engagement with the internal threads of the valve receptacle and is movable by its threaded engagement within the valve receptacle between a closed position in sealing engagement with the valve seat and blocking flow of pressurized fluid from the bleed passage to the vent passage and an open position spaced from the valve seat and permitting flow of pressurized fluid from the bleed passage to the vent passage.

Abstract: A pressure containing wireline sheave mechanism having a sheave body defining an opening within which is received a sheave housing which cooperates with the sheave body to define a circular internal sheave chamber which is exposed to operating pressure such as well pressure during well servicing activities. A split sheave having an external wireline groove is located within the internal chamber and is rotatably supported at its inner periphery by bearings. During operation of the wireline sheave mechanism lubricant is supplied to the inner periphery of the internal sheave chamber at a location adjacent the bearing and at a lubricant pressure exceeding well pressure to prevent well pressure induced migration of contaminants from the wireline groove of the sheave to its bearings.

Abstract: A single ram wireline BOP mechanism is disclosed which incorporates opposed rams having elastomeric packing capsules and outer elastomeric seals for accomplishing sealing about a wireline extending through the BOP body. The packing capsules cooperate to define a centrally oriented grease chamber into which is injected grease from an externally accessible grease fitting so as to establish grease sealing about the wireline. Grease pressure from the grease chamber is ducted through the BOP rams and into inner cylinders where it acts upon the pressure responsive area of a free piston contained therein. The grease pressure develops a force on the free piston which acts against the ram to enhance the closing force of the ram.

Abstract: A single ram unidirectional wireline BOP system is provided having both mechanical and hydraulic sealing capability. A BOP body having a vertical flow passage and intersecting horizontal ram passages includes a single pair of opposed rams and appropriate actuators for moving the rams into sealing engagement with a wireline extending through the vertical flow passages. Each of the rams incorporates an elastomeric peripheral seal extending about a major portion of the periphery thereof and disposed for sealing engagement with internal wall surfaces of the body. The sealing system of the rams also incorporates a pair of vertically spaced inner elastomeric seals disposed for sealing engagement with one another and with the wireline. Between the upper and lower inner seals in the closed positions of the rams, is defined a small, centralized grease chamber through which the wireline extends.

Abstract: A pressure containing wireline safety mechanism for wireline assemblies incorporates a tubular body for attachment between the lubricators and stuffing box of the wireline assembly. An inner housing is releasably retained within the tubular body and is provided with a wireline cutter to cut the wireline and release a wireline tool string that is stuck in a position blocking closure of the wellhead saftey valves and the wireline blowout preventor. The inner housing also incorporates a valve mechanism that automatically forms a pressure containing seal after the wireline has been cut to thus permit the stuffing box to be removed and another wireline assembly installed above the first wireline assembly for removing the inner housing and releasing the stuck wireline tool string.

Abstract: A mechanical latching device for repeatable latching and unlatching of downhole well tools is adapted for use in a mandrel interconnected with a tubing string of a well, the mandrel forming a downwardly directed internal shoulder. The latch mechanism incorporates a fishing neck adapted for interconnection with the downhole tool. The fishing neck is disposed in upstanding generally centralized relation within the mandrel. A collet member which may be a component part of a well service tool or which may be a component part of the latch mechanism defines pulling shoulders at the free extremity of collet fingers defined thereby. A latch retainer is disposed in movable relation about the fishing neck and is movable between latched and unlatched positions relative to the fishing neck. In the latched position the latch retainer provides external support for the collet fingers to maintain the collet fingers in latching interengagement with a pulling flank.

Abstract: A downhole flow testing valve having a tubular housing with a valve and flow tube movable within the housing between an open position where valve ports therein are positioned in registry and a closed position where the valve ports are out of fluid communicating registry. The valve and flow tube is closed by a resultant force developed by compressed gas and opened by pressure introduced into the valve from the annulus between the valve and well casing. The normally closed flow testing shuttle valve is secured in its closed and safe condition during installation by a hydraulically locked sleeve valve. Upon fracture of a break plug by an implement dropped through the straight through flow passage of the flow tube hydraulic fluid captured within a locking chamber is released from the locking chamber by the force of a compression spring.

Abstract: A mechanical latching device for repeatable latching and unlatching of downhole well tools is adapted for use in a mandrel interconnected with a tubing string of a well, the mandrel forming a downwardly directed internal shoulder. The latch mechanism incorporates a fishing neck adapted for interconnection with the downhole tool. The fishing neck is disposed in upstanding generally centralized relation within the mandrel. A collet member which may be a component part of a well service tool or which may be a component part of the latch mechanism defines pulling shoulders at the free extremity of collet fingers defined thereby. A latch retainer is disposed in movable relation about the fishing neck and is movable between latched and unlatched positions relative to the fishing neck. In the latched position the latch retainer provides external support for the collet fingers to maintain the collet fingers in latching interengagement with a pulling flank.

Abstract: A wire-line controlled down-hole shut-in tool for wells incorporates a mandrel adapted for connection in a tubing string. A shut-in valve mechanism within the mandrel is opened and maintained in its open position by a sectioned flow tube assembly and is permitted to close upon linear retraction of the flow tube thus causing temporary shut-in of the well such as for purposes of inspecting formation pressure. The shut-in tool mechanism incorporates a pressure equalization system which is controlled by downward linear movement of the flow tube assembly for establishing a pressure balanced condition at the shut-in valve to permit opening of the valve without excessive force. Pressure balancing with the shut-in valve in its closed position is achieved by control of pressure equalization valves in response to actuation of a lost-motion connection between upper and lower sections of the elongated flow tube assembly.