Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool such as a packer, bridge plug or straddle. The support assembly has first and second support devices at each end of the sealing element with each device having an elastically deformable support member adapted to be located between the respective end of the sealing element and an actuating member of the downhole tool. Additionally, a guide member with an inclined guide surface is provided such that the support member travels along the inclined surface when a force is exerted by the actuating member to expand the sealing element radially into abutment with a surface downhole. The support member moves radially outwards to support the respective end of the sealing element during deformation.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole reduces a number of penetrations required through a well bulkhead for a given number of fluid paths extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, a fluid conductor includes multiple fluid paths extending therein. The fluid conductor is installed in an aperture formed through a bulkhead. Couplings are connected on opposite sides of the bulkhead to opposite ends of the fluid conductor. Multiple hydraulic lines are connected to each of the couplings.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods for preserving plants and plant parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with two or more hydraulic conduits deployed downhole reduces a number of penetrations required through a well bulkhead for a given number of fluid paths extending therethrough. In a described embodiment, a fluid conductor includes multiple fluid paths extending therein. The fluid conductor is installed in an aperture formed through a bulkhead. Couplings are connected on opposite sides of the bulkhead to opposite ends of the fluid conductor. Multiple hydraulic lines are connected to each of the couplings.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: A release device for releasably coupling a first object to a second object includes a first member (10) adapted to be coupled to the first object and a second member (20) adapted to be coupled to the second objects. A latch mechanism (12, 21, 28) releasably couples the first member (10) to the second member (20). A time delay mechanism (22, 23, 24, 26, 27) permits the latch mechanism (12, 21, 28) to decouple the first and second members (10, 20) only after a time interval has elapsed from initiation of the decoupling of the first and second member (10, 20).

Abstract: Apparatus (50) for amplifying a load applied by a wireline to a tool in a borehold includes a housing (4). A first coupling device (51) couples the wireline to the apparatus (50) and a second coupling device (60) couples the tool to the apparatus (50). The second coupling device (19) is movably mounted within the housing (4) and the transmission mechanism (9, 14,16) interconnects the first and second coupling devices. The transmission mechanism permits a mechanical advantage and comprises a first linearly movable member (9) coupled to the first coupling device (51) and a second linearly movable member (16) coupled to the second coupling device (19). The first and second members (9, 16) are interconnected by a rotatable member (14) such that movement of the first member (9) rotates the rotatable member (14) to move the second member (16). The movement of the second member (16) is less than the movement of the first member (9) and so the apparatus (50) generates a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A lock member (10) is disclosed for securing to a lock structure (14) in a conduit. The lock member (10) comprises a housing (24), a shoulder (16) on the lock structure (10), a locking device (26) movably mounted on the housing (24) for movement between a first retracted position and a second extended position in which the locking device (26) enters a corresponding locking recess (30) in the lock structure (14). The shoulder (16) of the lock member (10) is movably mounted on the housing (24) between a first position in which, in use, the shoulder (16) bears upon the shoulder (18) of the locking structure (14) and the locking device (26) when in the extended position is disengaged from the surfaces of the locking recess (30) of the lock structure (14). When the shoulder (16) of the lock member (10) is in the second axial position, the locking device (26) bears upon a surface of the locking recess (30) so as to bear at least a portion of any load applied to an end of the lock member (10).

Abstract: A release mechanism is described for releasing a lock member (10) which secures a first body member (5) to a second body member (1). The release mechanism comprises a reciprocal member (6) which is mounted on the first body member (5) for movement relative to the first body member (5). A catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) is also provided which is movable between the first position where the lock member (10) is fixed and the second position where the lock member (10) is released. The reciprocal member (6) moves in a first direction when a force is applied to the reciprocal member (6) and moves in a second direction when the force is removed. Repeated reciprocal movement of the reciprocal member (6) in the first and second directions effects movement of the catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) from the first position to the second position to release the lock member (10) to permit relative movement between the first and second body members (5, 1).

Abstract: A connector is described which comprises a male member (20) and a female member (30; 40). The male member (20) has two longitudinally spaced sets of three circumferentially flanges (1). When the male member (20) is inserted into the female member (30; 40) the flanges (1) locate in co-operating recesses (11) defined by flanges (31) in a central bore (10) of the female member (30; 40). Located in the body of the female member (30; 40) is a latch (4; 41) which engages a corresponding slot (3) in the end of the male member (20) and prevents relative rotation between the male and female members after connection. The latch (4; 41) is pivotally mounted on the female member (30; 40) and is biassed into engagement with the slot (3) by a spring (6).

Abstract: A jar mechanism is described, which comprises a piston (5) movably mounted in a fluid chamber (9). A jar member (2) is releasably coupled to the piston (5) by a release device (3, 4; 3, 38, 39, 40, 54, 64) so that when the piston (5) is in a first position in the fluid chamber (9), the jar member (2) is coupled to the piston (5) by the release device (3, 4; 3, 38, 39, 40, 54, 64). A first force exerted on the jar member (2) moves the piston (5) to a second position within the fluid chamber (9) against the resistance of the fluid (11). When the piston (5) is in the second position, the action of the first force applied to the jar member (2) actuates the release device (3, 4; 3, 38, 39, 40, 54, 64) to enable the jar member (2) to be uncoupled from the piston (5).