Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and apparatus for forming an opening or a window in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a thermite containing apparatus is run into the wellbore on a wire line and a widow is subsequently formed in casing wall. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a run-in string or drill stem with a drill bit attached to a lower end thereof. A diverter, like a whipstock is attached temporarily to the drill bit with a mechanically shearable connection. At a lower end of the whipstock, a container is formed and connected thereto. The container is designed to house a predetermined amount of exothermic material at one side thereof adjacent the portion of casing where the window or opening will be formed. A telescopic joint extends between the bottom of the container and an anchor therebelow and the telescopic joint is in an extended position when the apparatus is run into a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the point at which a tubular is stuck within another tubular or a wellbore by applying a tensile or torsional force to the stuck tubular and measuring the response of various locations within the tubular. In addition, the apparatus may be combined with a cutting tool to separate the free portion of the tubular from the stuck portion.

Abstract: A heated tire for melting snow and ice that contacts a vehicle's tire tread. The heated tire includes a vehicle tire that has a heating apparatus integrally formed within the tire between the tire tread and the outermost steel belt and is automatically activated by a control unit interlinked to a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system for locating a stuck pipe is disclosed which, in one aspect, includes a tool with a removable bi-sensor cartridge assembly which has at least two autonomous independent sensors, one for sensing torsion and one for sensing tension. The sensors may also be used to indicate temperature downhole. A method is disclosed for locating stuck pipe using such a sensor and using a slip joint according to the present invention. In one aspect the slip joint has a housing, a mandrel, and a two conductor coil cord assembly.