Abstract: The weight of a shaped charge carrier is predetermined as a buoyancy control parameter for perforating guns. Each charge carrier comprises a co-axial assembly of inner and outer carrier units. Both carrier units may be fabricated from low density metals or composite materials comprising high strength fibers in a polymer matrix. The outer carrier wall thickness may be a weight control parameter. Shaped charge units having no independent casement are formed into sockets within a light-weight inner carrier unit. Alternatively, the shaped charge units may be formed within light-weight material cases and seated within sockets in the light-weight inner carrier unit. Materials and dimensions are selected to substantially achieve the desired carrier buoyancy in the specific well fluid whereby a perforating gun assembled from a plurality of the carriers may be substantially floated into a completion position and allowed to settle along the floor or ceiling of the wellbore as predetermined by the perforation direction.

Abstract: The weight of a shaped charge carrier is predetermined as a buoyancy control parameter for perforating guns. Each charge carrier comprises a co-axial assembly of inner and outer carrier units. Both carrier units may be fabricated from low density metals or composite materials comprising high strength fibers in a polymer matrix. The outer carrier wall thickness may be a weight control parameter. Shaped charge units having no independent casement are formed into sockets within a light-weight inner carrier unit. Alternatively, the shaped charge units may be formed within light-weight material cases and seated within sockets in the light-weight inner carrier unit. Materials and dimensions are selected to substantially achieve the desired carrier buoyancy in the specific well fluid whereby a perforating gun assembled from a plurality of the carriers may be substantially floated into a completion position and allowed to settle along the floor or ceiling of the wellbore as predetermined by the perforation direction.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant connection for use with tubular members having externally threaded ends. The connection includes a stress-bearing sleeve member having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a fiber-filled polymeric composite shell having at least one internally threaded portion therein, the composite shell molded to the sleeve so as to be coaxially aligned and in close conforming contact with at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the sleeve member. The composite shell has a thickness of greater than about 0.04 inches.

Abstract: A downhole tool for making up threaded connections between lower and upper tubulars within a well bore includes a lower anchoring member, an upper anchoring member, and a drive member including a movable piston assembly. A plurality of straight splines on the piston assembly and mating splines on a housing rotatable with the lower anchoring member allow axial movement while preventing rotational movement of the piston assembly with respect to the lower anchoring member during the tool driving stroke. The helical drive component on the piston assembly and a mating driven component rotatable with the upper anchoring member cooperate to rotate the upper anchoring member and thus the upper tubular to make up the downhole threaded connection. According to the method of the present invention, the upper and lower anchoring members are each secured to a respective tubular, and fluid pressure is increased to drive the piston assembly downward, thereby rotating the upper tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a well completion having a gravel-packed annulus formed by a liner and a well casing, the annulus having at least one region within the gravel pack which is devoid of gravel.

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: An oil or gas well flapper-type safety valve is joined in the tubing string and has a cylindrical valve body with a valve seat therein. A flapper valve is hingedly supported from the valve body for movement between a closed position wherein the valve is seated against the seat and an open position wherein the valve is pivoted from the seated position. A control link is attached to the flapper valve at a point removed from the hinge. Control structure is provided for applying a force to the valve through the control link to selectively pivot the valve between its closed and open position. The control structure includes an hydraulically operated piston moveable in a valve control cylinder. The piston is attached to one end of the control link and is biased by a compression spring toward the valve to seat the valve.

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 protective appendage for the steering column of an automobile, made of a thin and semi-flexible material which is adapted to surround the area in the vicinity of the ignition key lock. The appendage is preferably thermo-formed from a clear plastic such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The base of the appendage is curved into an arc of a circle having a diameter of about four inches, so that it will snugly fit against a steering column having a diameter of about 31/2-4 inches. The appendage is installed by temporarily deforming a cylindrical shell of semi-flexible material and forcing it over the lock assembly; the shell is subsequently locked in position by the protruding arms of the lock assembly.