Abstract: A roller tool 1 that can be connected into a string for deployment into an oil or gas well includes at least two rollers or wheels 10 located on each side of the roller tool 1, with axes of rotation that are perpendicular to the axis of the roller tool 1. The roller tool further includes at least two interconnecting tubular portions, where one tubular portion 41 comprises a mandrel 45 that connects to another tubular portion 42. An annular hub 20 is fitted over the mandrel 45 and the rollers 10 are connected onto the hub 20. The tubular portions 41, 42 comprise circumferential sleeve sections 56a, 56b that partially extend over the rollers 10 and resist detachment of the rollers 10 from the roller tool 1. The roller tool 1 can aid passage of a string through a well by holding the string away from the walls of the well and reducing frictional contact.

Abstract: A downhole tool (1) comprises a power control module (20), which includes a battery pack (22) for supplying power to components of the tool, and an electronic control circuit (24) for controlling the supply of power by the battery pack. The electronic control circuit (24) and battery pack (22) are contained within a housing (26) that allows their insertion and removal as a single unit. The tool (1) also comprises an electric motor (104) for powering a gear assembly (210), and a braking system comprising an electrical and a magnetic brake for braking the motor (104) when required.

Abstract: A roller tool 1 that can be connected into a string for deployment into an oil or gas well includes at least two rollers or wheels 10 located on each side of the roller tool 1, with axes of rotation that are perpendicular to the axis of the roller tool 1. The roller tool further includes at least two interconnecting tubular portions, where one tubular portion 41 comprises a mandrel 45 that connects to another tubular portion 42. An annular hub 20 is fitted over the mandrel 45 and the rollers 10 are connected onto the hub 20. The tubular portions 41, 42 comprise circumferential sleeve sections 56a, 56b that partially extend over the rollers 10 and resist detachment of the rollers 10 from the roller tool 1. The roller tool 1 can aid passage of a string through a well by holding the string away from the walls of the well and reducing frictional contact.

Abstract: A connection mechanism (4) comprises first and second components (6, 8) which can be selectively coupled together, one of the first or second components comprises a locking member (25) which is moveable between a first state and a second state, the other of the first or second component comprises means (16) for initially moving the locking member from the first to the second state as the first and second components are initially drawn together and means (19) for returning the locking member to the first state once the first and second components are fully engaged together to prevent disengagement of the first and second components.

Abstract: A time delay apparatus for use with a downhole tool in a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an electronic circuit comprising a timer, a fusible link, a split spool device that includes a center pin held in place in a restrained position with a spool and a spring element surrounding the spool. A pressure applied to a trigger device, such as a rupture disk, activates a pressure switch and starts a timer, configured with a preset countdown time, in the electronic circuit. On expiration of the timer, the timer block of the electronic circuit generates a signal to cause breaking of the fusible link and releasing of the spring element such that the center pin of the split spool travels to a functional position and activates the downhole tool.

Abstract: A controller (30,300) for mounting on or within a downhole tool (10) is provided and comprises a touch operated control device (32, 320; 36) having a touchable surface (34,340) mounted within an aperture (16) formed in a sidewall (15) of the downhole tool (10) such that the touchable surface (34, 340) is outwardly facing and is the radially outermost component of the controller (30, 300) such that an operator may touch the touchable surface (34, 340) without having to disassemble the downhole tool (10). The controller (30, 300) also comprises one or more microprocessors (44) in electrical or electronic communication with the touch operated control device (32, 320; 36), where the microprocessor (44) is capable of being programmed by an operator to instruct the downhole tool (10) to actuate wherein the operator instructs the controller (30, 300) by touching the touchable surface (34, 340) with one or more distinct touches.

Abstract: An antenna for use in a downhole tubular. The antenna comprises a generally cylindrical housing and a coiled conductor located within a portion of the housing and separated therefrom by insulating material. The portion of housing has a greater internal diameter than an external diameter of the coiled conductor.

Abstract: A time delay apparatus for use with a downhole tool in a wellbore casing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an electronic circuit comprising a timer, a fusible link, a split spool device that includes a center pin held in place in a restrained position with a spool and a spring element surrounding the spool. A pressure applied to a trigger device, such as a rupture disk, activates a pressure switch and starts a timer, configured with a preset countdown time, in the electronic circuit. On expiration of the timer, the timer block of the electronic circuit generates a signal to cause breaking of the fusible link and releasing of the spring element such that the center pin of the split spool travels to a functional position and activates the downhole tool.

Abstract: A connection mechanism (4) comprises first and second components (6, 8) which can be selectively coupled together, one of the first or second components comprises a locking member (25) which is moveable between a first state and a second state, the other of the first or second component comprises means (16) for initially moving the locking member from the first to the second state as the first and second components are initially drawn together and means (19) for returning the locking member to the first state once the first and second components are fully engaged together to prevent disengagement of the first and second components.

Abstract: A setting tool (10) for use in a downhole wellbore is described as having a hydraulic fluid pumping mechanism (78) for providing pressurized hydraulic fluid. A piston mechanism (116) is moveable by said pressurized hydraulic fluid acting upon a portion of the piston mechanism (116). A resetting mechanism (84) is provided which when operated releases the pressurized hydraulic fluid from acting upon said portion of the piston (116) and which results in the resetting of the setting tool (10). In addition, a method for resetting a setting tool (10) is described including the steps of: (i) running the setting tool (10) downhole; (ii) actuating the setting tool (10) and thereby deploying an apparatus (203) downhole; (iii) retrieving the setting tool (10) to surface; and (iv) bleeding off pressure to reset the setting tool (10).

Abstract: A controller (30,300) for mounting on or within a downhole tool (10) is provided and comprises a touch operated control device (32, 320; 36) having a touchable surface (34,340) mounted within an aperture (16) formed in a sidewall (15) of the downhole tool (10) such that the touchable surface (34, 340) is outwardly facing and is the radially outermost component of the controller (30, 300) such that an operator may touch the touchable surface (34, 340) without having to disassemble the downhole tool (10). The controller (30, 300) also comprises one or more microprocessors (44) in electrical or electronic communication with the touch operated control device (32, 320; 36), where the microprocessor (44) is capable of being programmed by an operator to instruct the downhole tool (10) to actuate wherein the operator instructs the controller (30, 300) by touching the touchable surface (34, 340) with one or more distinct touches.

Abstract: A setting tool (10) for use in a downhole wellbore is described as having a hydraulic fluid pumping mechanism (78) for providing pressurised hydraulic fluid. A piston mechanism (116) is moveable by said pressurised hydraulic fluid acting upon a portion of the piston mechanism (116). A resetting mechanism (84) is provided which when operated releases the pressurised hydraulic fluid from acting upon said portion of the piston (116) and which results in the resetting of the setting tool (10). In addition, a method for resetting a setting tool (10) is described including the steps of: (i) running the setting tool (10) downhole; (ii) actuating the setting tool (10) and thereby deploying an apparatus (203) downhole; (iii) retrieving the setting tool (10) to surface; and (iv) bleeding off pressure to reset the setting tool (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a downhole tool is disclosed. The method involves providing a conduit for the passage of fluid. The conduit includes at least one reader which can read data and is arranged for the passage of fluid. A downhole tool is coupled to the reader and has at least one tag capable of containing data. The tag is moved within the conduit and at least partially through the reader such that the reader can read data from the tag when the tag passes. This enables remote operation of the downhole tool. An antenna is provided for use in a downhole tubular. The antenna comprises a generally cylindrical housing and a coiled conductor located within a portion of the housing and separated therefrom by insulating material. The portion of housing has a greater internal diameter than an external diameter of the coiled conductor.