Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily storing the lower portion of a string of drill pipe in a well which has a cased portion wherein a packer, installed between a storm valve located below the packer and an actuator located above the packer, is set in the annulus between the drill pipe and the well casing, the actuator being designed to close the valve upon initial axial movement of the upper portion of the drill pipe, and then to become disengaged from the lower portion of the set drill pipe allowing the remaining surface suspended drill pipe and actuator to be retrieved as in the case of a floating drill ship or set aside for reconnection and reopening of the storm valve after a storm has passed.

Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool is mounted to a wellhead to isolate the bore of the wellhead from a treating fluid being injected. The isolation tool has a housing which has an upper section and a lower section. A valve is connected between the upper and lower sections. A mandrel is slidably carried in the housing and moves from an upper position spaced entirely in the housing to a lower position extending through the bore of the wellhead. In the lower position, the upper end of the mandrel is below the valve. This allows the valve to be closed and the upper section removed. The treating line is attached to the upper end of the valve. The nozzle has annular recesses formed in it to enhance turbulence to reduce erosion.

Abstract: A liner hanger will actuate remotely in a well to support a liner in casing. A running tool is secured to drill pipe and attached to the upper end of the liner. The liner hanger mounts to the exterior of the liner and includes a pair of tapered wedge members mounted in opposition to each other. The lower wedge member is stationarily secured to the liner for movement with it. The upper wedge member is carried in an extended running-in position by a retainer. A stop member is mounted above the lower wedge member by a connector. The connector secures the stop member to the liner for movement with it while running-in. Once on bottom, the stop member is released from the connector by stroking the drill pipe. Continued upward movement of the drill pipe will be relative to the stop member because it will engage the casing to remain stationery with the casing. The wedge members will move upward, with the upper wedge member contacting the stop member and being prevented from further upward movement.

Abstract: A stage valve with particular use in cementing a well bore annulus where the stage valve has pressure operated valve member for opening a flow passage in the stage valve and the valve member has differential pressure areas which maintain the valve member open while a fluid moves through the flow passage in one direction and which can be closed by fluid moving in an opposite direction. The flow passage has a choke to develop a pressure differential from the flow of fluid. Spring members can be used with the valve member to close the flow passage when the pressure differential of the fluid flow in one direction is insufficient to maintain the valve member in an open position.

Abstract: A mechanical setting tool for setting a flow control tool in an oil or gas well using the drill string includes a mandrel with means for attachment to the end of the drill string. Slips are releasably carried on the mandrel by a first release structure. A cone is releasably carried on the mandrel by a second release structure and has tapered surfaces confronting the slips. A stinger is carried on the lower end of the mandrel and has a third release means for releasably engagement to the flow control tool being set. A setting sleeve is releasably engaged to the mandrel by way of a fourth release structure between the sleeve and the cone.

Abstract: A downhole tool for controlling the flow of fluids through the well casing includes a tubular mandrel with a flow control valve therein. A radially expandable seal member encircles the mandrel and a sub-bottom defines an abutment member, attached to and movable with the mandrel, for engaging one side of the seal member. A bottom cone is positioned around the mandrel and on the opposite of the seal member from the sub-bottom. The cone has a sleeve extending therefrom positioned between the seal and the mandrel on which the seal member is carried. An upper cone is positioned around the mandrel with slips segments being positioned between the upper and bottom cones. An upper radially expandable seal member encircles the mandrel and its carried on a sleeve extending from the upper cone. A lock hub is positioned around the mandrel and on the side of the upper cone opposite the upper seal and slip segments.

Abstract: In an oil or gas well, a cement retainer setting tool for setting and pumping cement therethrough includes an inner piston defining a bore and an activation sleeve carried on the piston and defining an annular space between the piston and sleeve. A sleeve ring is formed inwardly from the activation sleeve and is positioned within the annular space beween the piston and the sleeve. Ports are provided to the piston above the sleeve ring for communicating a retainer setting pressure to the sleeve ring to move the sleeve downwardly relative to the piston upon application of such pressure. A plug means for plugging the lower end of the piston is provided therein. The plug means is disengagable upon application of a predetermined pressure greater than the retainer setting pressure. A second port structure is provided for connecting the lower end of the piston to a cement retainer, or other tool.

Abstract: A packer tool, and method for permanently setting the tool, in a packed off position, in a well casing, is disclosed. The tool includes lower slips which are slideable upwardly on a lower cone, and upper slips which are slideable downwardly on an upper cone. The lower slips are set against the casing wall first by applying downward force against the lower cone. After the lower slips have been set, additional downward force is applied against the packer tool to set the upper slips against the casing wall.

Abstract: A cementing head is disclosed, which is particularly designed for injecting an omega-type cementing plug into a well casing. Prior to cementing, the plug is retained in a housing. Located above the plug is a movable plunger, actuated by an operating fluid, such as hydraulic fluid. Below the plug is a control valve. When the valve is closed, it prevents any accidental downward movement of the plug into the well casing. Following injection of the cement slurry into the casing, the valve is opened, and the plunger is moved down to push the plug through the valve and beyond the cement inlet. A fluid such as water is passed through the cement inlet, under pressure, to push the plug down the casing behind the cement slurry.

Abstract: A bridge plug tool is disclosed, for temporarily plugging off a well casing to perform a downhole operation, such as cementing, or acidizing. The tool includes a mandrel having separate thread segments thereon. During running in of the tool, one thread segment engages a set of control members, to keep the mandrel in place and to prevent it from shifting longitudinally. In the set position the control members are disengaged from the mandrel, and the other thread segment engages a set of lock members. Setting weight on the mandrel after engagement with the lock members causes a set of slips and packing elements to engage the casing wall. When the downhole job is finished, the mandrel is rotated to disengage from the lock members and to re-engage the control members. This sequence releases the slips so the tool can be retrieved from the casing, or re-set at another point in the casing.

Abstract: A cementing head apparatus is disclosed, for injecting a cementing plug into a well casing. The basic apparatus is made up of a head unit, manifold unit, and a tubular mandrel slidable within the manifold unit. Prior to injecting cement into the well casing, the cementing plug is mounted in the head unit and held in place by a shearable O-ring. During the cementing operation, part of the slurry stream flows through the head unit below the cementing plug, and part of the slurry collects in a "head" space above the plug. This arrangement provides an equal pressure force on both sides of the plug, to prevent premature injection of the plug into the well casing. When the desired amount of cement has been pumped, the mandrel is moved to a position which cuts off the cement flow and diverts another fluid only into the space above the plug. The resulting pressure above the plug shears the O-ring and allows the plug to follow the slurry down the well casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing ball-like objects and more particularly to an apparatus with a grooved longitudinally disposed member and a surrounding sleeve having a helical inwardly extending rib therein rotatably mounted around the sleeve, the objects being dispensed by the rib pushing them along the groove and out of the apparatus as the sleeve is rotated.