Abstract: A casing scraper can include extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that extends the scraper elements after the actuator retracts the scraper elements. The actuator extends the scraper elements and retracts the scraper elements after application of respective pressure differentials in a well. A method of operating a casing scraper can include extending scraper elements into contact with an interior surface of a casing after a predetermined pressure differential is applied without obstructing an interior flow passage, and then retracting the scraper elements after another predetermined pressure differential is applied. A well system can include a casing scraper with one or more extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that operates in response to manipulation of pressure differentials. The actuator operates the casing scraper only after at least a predetermined pressure differential has been applied for at least a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A casing scraper can include extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that extends the scraper elements after the actuator retracts the scraper elements. The actuator extends the scraper elements and retracts the scraper elements after application of respective pressure differentials in a well. A method of operating a casing scraper can include extending scraper elements into contact with an interior surface of a casing after a predetermined pressure differential is applied without obstructing an interior flow passage, and then retracting the scraper elements after another predetermined pressure differential is applied. A well system can include a casing scraper with one or more extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that operates in response to manipulation of pressure differentials. The actuator operates the casing scraper only after at least a predetermined pressure differential has been applied for at least a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method can include increasing a pressure differential from an interior to an exterior of a packer, thereby deactivating a lock that prevents setting of the packer, and applying a compressive load to a tubular string, thereby setting the packer. A packer can include an annular seal that extends radially outward in response to a compressive load applied to opposite ends of the packer, and a lock that prevents relative longitudinal displacement between sections of the packer, the lock including a radially displaceable piston. In another packer, an inner mandrel can have circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures that are engageable with other circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures, displacement of one packer section relative to another packer section in a longitudinal direction being prevented when the engagement structures are engaged, and such displacement being permitted when the engagement structures are rotationally misaligned.

Abstract: A method can include increasing a pressure differential from an interior to an exterior of a packer, thereby deactivating a lock that prevents setting of the packer, and applying a compressive load to a tubular string, thereby setting the packer. A packer can include an annular seal that extends radially outward in response to a compressive load applied to opposite ends of the packer, and a lock that prevents relative longitudinal displacement between sections of the packer, the lock including a radially displaceable piston. In another packer, an inner mandrel can have circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures that are engageable with other circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures, displacement of one packer section relative to another packer section in a longitudinal direction being prevented when the engagement structures are engaged, and such displacement being permitted when the engagement structures are rotationally misaligned.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide novel compositions and methods based on novel calpastatin (CAST) genetic markers, such as missense mutations in exon 3 that result in G48D or P52L substitutions (NM_174003.2:c.271G>A and 283C>T), a G/T substitution in intron 3 (AAFC02060381.1:g.2110G>T) and a GAAA repeat in intron 8 (AAFC02060381.1:g.6700[(GAAA)4]+[(GAAA)5]. Particular aspects provide novel markers for fertility (e.g., daughter pregnancy rate, DPR) and longevity (e.g., productive life, PL) in, for example, dairy cattle. Additional aspects provide for novel methods comprising marker-assisted selection to improve fertility and/or longevity in dairy cattle. Therefore, in particular embodiments, a combination of genetic selection based on one or more of the novel CAST markers, and high PTA potentials of milk production traits, provides for improved reproductive traits in association with continued high milk production traits.