Abstract: A well pipe connection wherein the ends of the pipes have complementary sealing surfaces and are joined together by means of an internally threaded tubular connector that engages with corresponding threads on each of the pipe ends. One of the pipe ends has threads of a pitch that is greater than the pitch of the threads on the other pipe end, and the connector threads have corresponding thread pitches. The disclosed arrangement permits the connection to be assembled to the point short of relative sliding movement between the complementary sealing surfaces on the pipe ends and final tightening is accomplished by restraining the respective pipes from relative rotation while rotating the connector to draw the two pipe ends together into compressive sealing engagement without relative sliding in order to prevent galling of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A hydraulic drilling jar apparatus having axially elongated outer housing and inner mandrel members that telescope relative to each other when tripped by a predetermined axial force applied to the mandrel to deliver an impact blow to an object stuck in a well bore. A negative pressure is developed within the apparatus during initial retarded telescoping movement to effect acceleration of the mandrel member upon release at a rate exceeding the acceleration rate otherwise imposed by the axial force.

Abstract: Valve apparatus may comprise a first tubular member; a second tubular member telescopically engaging the first tubular member for axial movement between a retracted position and an extended position, the first and second tubular members forming flow passage through which fluid communication may be established between the opposite ends of the apparatus; ports through the walls of one of the tubular members by which fluid communication may be established between the flow passage and the exterior of the valve apparatus; and a closure assembly carried by one of the tubular members for selectively opening and closing the ports to permit or prevent fluid communication with the exterior of the apparatus. Methods of using the valve apparatus in remedial oil and/or gas well operations are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a hydraulic jarring device in which an impediment mechanism for controlling the movement of a mandrel with respect to a barrel is exposed to a fluid pressure which is significantly reduced from that pressure generated by the tensional load applied to the jarring device by the hoisting apparatus used to recover an object lodged within a well bore. The impediment mechanism, in one embodiment, is actuated by one or more hydraulically operated plungers slidably mounted within the housing of the jarring device. The plungers cooperate with a control sleeve whose movement is in turn controlled by a metering valve operating at a pressure significantly less than that above the plungers, and having an effect on movement of the sleeve inverse to the tension generated by the hoisting apparatus. The metering valve, in one embodiment, comprises a movable helical plug having a needle nose which associates with a valve seat to control fluid flow.

Abstract: Well bore pressure is utilized to develop an activating pressure during telescoping movement between an outer drill string and an inner mandrel for momentarily locking the mandrel to the drill string. Locking is effected through laterally displaceable mechanical elements carried by the mandrel and held engaged for a predetermined period of time during which an axial tension is applied to the mandrel. A control circuit independent of the amount of axial tension load provides for sudden release of the locking elements at the end of said predetermined period which results in free travel of the mandrel to an impact position to deliver a jarring blow to the drill string for dislodging stuck elements or junk in the well bore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device and a method for controlling the flow of fluid from a well bore. The device comprises a fluid control valve placed in the choke line of a well and has a shaped helical or spiral duct formed in one embodiment by a tapered screw-like plug engaging a hollow sleeve. In another embodiment, the plug is cylindrical and screw-like threads are formed in the hollow sleeve. The valve increases the degree of control over well bore pressure and flow rate as the well bore pressure fluctuates. The valve responds automatically to changes in the well bore pressure and is controlled by a control system including a hydraulic circuit and controls which visually indicate the position of the screw-like plug with respect to the hollow sleeve. The movement of the plug is controlled by the control system and the net pressure exerted on the plug by the fluid flowing through the control valve from the well bore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for injecting into or washing perforations in a cased well bore. The tool includes an outer housing and an inner mandrel with a fluid passage therebetween. Perforations are cleaned by discharging fluid from the passage into a region between closely spaced cups for maintaining pressure. Also disclosed is a valve system whereby the washing of perforations can be performed either by pumping fluid down the casing or the tubing string. The washing fluid discharged between the cups enters the perforations and is circulated behind the casing until reentering the casing bore through other perforations either above or below the cups. The fluid is returned to the well surface through the tubing by entering either from the tool bottom or through ports in the housing which are in communication with the inner mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for packing the annular space between the exterior of a sand screen or liner and the well casing or bore with accurately sized sand or gravel to prevent the intrusion of well sands into the well casing or bore. The apparatus includes a hydraulically actuated fluid diverting means and release mechanism to open diverting passageways and separate the sand screen or liner assembly from the run-in tool before introduction of the sized sand or gravel and without rotation of the run-in tool with respect to the sand screen or liner. The diverting means is capable of being closed at the completion of the injection process to facilitate the resumption of production from the well without the necessity of pulling the assembly out of the well bore for closing the diverting means thereby providing a novel method for gravel packing or sand packing a well.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool comprising a body having an opening which may be moved over a nut threaded onto a bolt and a surface on the opening to support the flat side of the nut, a bore in the body connected at one end with the opening opposite the supporting surface, and a rod having a cutting edge longitudinally reciprocal within the bore toward and away from the nut in the opening. The rod is so reciprocated by an operating system which includes a piston on the rod reciprocable within a cylinder on the body connecting with the other end of the bore.