Abstract: The invention generally provides a sealing assembly with a deformable portion and a core at least partially disposed within the deformable portion that can be radially expanded to engage an adjacent surface and effect a seal. In one embodiment, the core is a fluid-containing core that preferably comprises a compressible fluid and the deformable portion comprises a deformable metal. The core can retain an amount of stored energy and adjust to changing conditions that otherwise might affect the seal integrity. The core can be sealed within the deformable portion and can be compressed by a force applied to the deformable portion to cause radial expansion. The core can also be coupled to a piston which can apply a force to fluid within the core to cause the radial expansion necessary to effect sealing. An elastomeric member can be attached to the deformable portion to assist in sealing.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a sealing assembly with a deformable portion and a core at least partially disposed within the deformable portion that can be radially expanded to engage an adjacent surface and effect a seal. In one embodiment, the core is a fluid-containing core that preferably comprises a compressible fluid and the deformable portion comprises a deformable metal. The core can retain an amount of stored energy and adjust to changing conditions that otherwise might affect the seal integrity. The core can be sealed within the deformable portion and can be compressed by a force applied to the deformable portion to cause radial expansion. The core can also be coupled to a piston which can apply a force to fluid within the core to cause the radial expansion necessary to effect sealing. An elastomeric member can be attached to the deformable portion to assist in sealing.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for sealing the junction between a vertical and lateral well. Several methods are disclosed which utilize a novel guide or mandrel which includes side pockets for directing liners into a lateral wellbore. Other methods include the use of extendable tubing and deflector devices which aid in the sealing process.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for re-entering selected lateral wells to perform completions work, additional drilling, or remedial and stimulation work. Methods and devices are described for assisting in the location and re-entry of lateral wells using a guide or mandrel structure. Preferably, the re-entry methods of this invention permit the bore size of the lateral wells to be the same or substantially the same bore size as the vertical wells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion including methods and devices for re-entering selected lateral wells to perform completions work, additional drilling, or remedial and stimulation work. Various methods and devices are provided for assisting in the location and re-entry of lateral wells. Such re-entry devices include permanent or retrievable deflector (e.g., whipstock) devices. Preferably, the re-entry methods of this invention permit the bore size of the lateral wells to be the same or substantially the same bore size as the vertical wells.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of methods and devices are provided for solving important and serious problems posed by lateral (and especially multilateral) completion in a wellbore including methods and devices for isolating a lateral well from other lateral branches in a multilateral well so as to prevent migration of fluids and to comply with regulations regarding the separate production of different production zones. Various methods and devices are provided for fluid isolation of a lateral well from other lateral wells and for separate production from a lateral well without commingling the production fluids. These methods include the use of a side pocket mandrel, whipstocks with sealable bores and valving techniques wherein valves are located at the surface or downhole at the junction of a particular lateral.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a valve housing adapted to be supported on a tubular member having a bore therein and a passage in the tubular member and the valve housing for communicating fluid from the interior of the tubular member to an inflatable element supported externally on the tubular member to inflate it. Disposed in the bore is a valve for controlling fluid flow from the interior of the tubular member through the bore to the inflatable element. The valve is restrained from moving responsive to a pressure differential between a higher pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubular member and a lower pressure in the bore, and the apparatus releases the valve for movement responsive to a lower pressure differential from a higher pressure from the interior of the tubular member and a lower pressure in the annulus for further movement to a further configuration responsive to a pressure differential between a higher pressure in the annulus and a lower pressure from the interior of the tubular member.