Abstract: The present invention provides a slip system for frictionally engaging a temporarily set body, such as a packer or a whipstock, within a wellbore. The slip system comprises (1) a plurality of slips; (2) a tubular slip ring for holding the individual slips at an end; and (3) a tubular cone body having beveled surfaces for receiving the individual slips when the slip system is actuated. Each slip has a first end that defines a tail, and a second opposite end that defines a slip body. The tail and the slip body are integral, meaning that the intermediate shank portion of prior art slips is essentially removed. In its place, a dovetail geometry is provided within the tail, creating an increased tail width at the end of the tail opposite the slip body. The slip ring has a plurality of pockets, with each pocket being dimensioned to receive the dovetailed configuration of the tail on the respective slips.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for sealing a wellbore. In one aspect, a sealing apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a compressible sealing member disposed around a body and an anchoring device. The apparatus further includes an anti-extrusion assembly having at least one flexible segment and one seal ring disposable a each end of the compressible sealing member, wherein the anti-extrusion assembly is constructed and arranged to form a barrier around the ends of the compressible sealing member upon expansion thereof. In another aspect, a downhole tool for sealing an annulus of a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for sealing a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A releasing mechanism for releasing a hydraulically actuated setting tool from a downhole tool is provided. Preferably, the downhole tool to be released is a wellbore sealing tool such as a bridge plug, packer or inflatable packer. The releasing mechanism comprises an adapter having a body, a connector above the body connected to the setting tool, and a lower portion. The releasing mechanism further comprises a releasable connection which releasably connects the lower portion of the adapter to a mandrel within the bridge plug or other sealing tool. In one embodiment, the releasable connection defines a frangible body disposed within the plane of the circumferential bore of the bridge plug mandrel. In another arrangement, the releasable connection defines both a frangible body and threaded collet fingers which releasably engage matching threads on the outer surface of the mandrel of the bridge plug or other wellbore sealing tool.

Abstract: A high temperature and high pressure packer and method for sealing an annulus in a wellbore is provided. The packer can withstand temperatures up to 450° F. and differential pressures up to 15,000 psi. In one aspect, the packer comprises a body; and a sealing system disposed about the body including an element having an anti-extrusion ring at an end thereof, wherein the sealing system is compressible in length and expandable in outer diameter to seal the annulus.