Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore are provided to prevent an electrical current from passing between a power supply and an electrically operated downhole well tool until after the electrically operated downhole well tool is positioned downhole within the wellbore. A temperature sensitive member prevents a biased member from moving from a first position to a second position until after the temperature sensitive member has been heated to an activation temperature, at which the temperature sensitive member softens to allow the biased member to move through the temperature sensitive member and to the second position for electrically connecting between the power supply and the electrically operated downhole well tool.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore are provided to prevent an igniter from igniting a pyrotechnic device within a downhole well tool until after the downhole well tool is positioned downhole within the wellbore. A blocking member is movable between two positions for selectively obstructing an ignition pathway between the igniter and pyrotechnic device. An actuator is provided which, when heated to an activation temperature by downhole well temperatures, moves the blocking member from a position obstructing the ignition pathway to a position for allowing the igniter to ignite the pyrotechnic device.

Abstract: The preferred firing mechanism of the present invention includes a number of components which cooperate together to actuate an electrically-actuable wellbore tool, which is operable in a plurality of operating modes, and which is carried within the wellbore by a selected one of a plurality of concentrically-nested wellbore tubular members. Viewed broadly, the apparatus includes an electromagnetic sensor means for detecting electromagnetic fields and providing an actuation signal to the electrically-actuable wellbore tool, when an electromagnetic field is detected. The electromagnetic sensor means is carried by the first selected one of the plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members. The apparatus further includes means for selectively generating an electromagnetic field in the wellbore, which is carried by a second selected one of a plurality of concentrically nested wellbore tubular members.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the wedge-set sealing flap of the present invention includes a cylindrical mandrel disposed about a central longitudinal axis, the mandrel defining interior and exterior surfaces. At least one of the interior and exterior surfaces of the cylindrical mandrel at least in-part define a fluid flow passage. The mandrel further includes a radially-enlarged portion, and a radially-reduced portion. A cavity is disposed between the radially-enlarged portion and the radially-reduced portion. The cavity has a predetermined radial clearance. A wedge member is circumferentially disposed about the radially-reduced portion of the cylindrical mandrel in substantial axial alignment with the cavity, and slidably engaging the radially-reduced portion. The wedge member has a predetermined radial thickness which exceeds the predetermined radial clearance of a cavity by a preselected amount.

Abstract: The present invention is a wellbore tool which includes as a component an actuator which is composed at least in-part of a shape-memory material characterized by having a property of switching between a deformed shape and a pre-deformed shape upon receipt of thermal energy of a preselected amount. The wellbore tool further includes a component which is movable in position relative to a wellbore tubular conduit into a selected one of a plurality of configurations. The plurality of configurations include a first configuration with the first component in a first position relative to the wellbore tubular conduit, and corresponding to a first mode of operation of the wellbore tool. The plurality of configurations also includes a second configuration with the first component in a second position relative to the wellbore tubular conduit, and corresponding to a second mode of operation in the wellbore tool.

Abstract: A seal is provided for containing fluid (either gaseous or liquid fluids) under variable pressure in a pressurized region to prevent leakage into a less pressurized region. First and second interfacing seal members are provided and adapted to slidably engage one another at an interface region during makeup of the seal apparatus. A seal region is carried by the first seal member at the interface region and composed of a deformable material. A seal bead is carried at the interface region by the second seal member and protrudes therefrom. The seal bead is composed of a material less malleable than the seal region for seating in the seal region. At least a portion of the second seal member adjacent the seal bead forms a containment barrier with the pressurized region on one side and the less-pressurized region on the opposite side.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for iso-thermally sealing electronic packages with a thermosetting adhesive have first and second platens for holding and for heating a package and a lid, respectively. The second platen is operatively coupled to the first platen, so that alignment of the package to the lid is automatically achieved when the first platen and the second platen are placed in a sealing position. The process includes the steps of pre-heating a package and a lid, the lid having a mating surface coated with a thermosetting adhesive; and mating together the heated package and the heated lid when iso-thermal conditions are achieved. The iso-thermal seal process and apparatus are based on the principle of uniting the package and the lid with a thermosetting adhesive after all three components, and gases in the cavity as well, are already at a stable adhesive curing temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting and retrieving a bridge plug of the type which may be passed through a small diameter tubing, and may be sealed against a relatively large diameter casing by pressured fluid to inflate an elastomeric packing element carried by the bridge plug. The running tool is engagable with a valve housing by a J-slot connection and an axially shiftable, pressure balanced valve plug cooperates with the valve housing to open or close the fluid passageway therethrough extending to the inflatable elastomeric packing element. Upward movement of the running tool followed by left hand rotation effects the closing movement of the valve plug and the disengagement of the running tool. Downward movement of the running tool, while engaged with the valve housing, effects an opening of the plug valve.

Abstract: A downhole injection valve for selectively opening and closing the bore of a tubing string to permit the passage of chemical treatment fluid at a preselected flow rate to a downhole tool comprises a first annular valve element mounted in a valve housing which is connected in a tubing string above the downhole tool. A slip joint is connected between the valve housing and the downhole tool to permit relative upward and downward movement of the valve housing with respect to the tool. A second annular valve element is disposed in surrounding relationship to a support rod which is inserted in the tubing string and supported at its bottom end by the downhole tool. Upward movement of the tubing string effects contact of the first and second annular valve elements to close all fluid flow through the bore of the tubing string. Conversely, downward movement of the tubing string will effect axial separation of the valve elements to permit fluid flow through the tubing string to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A downhole injection valve for selectively opening and closing the bore of a tubing string to permit the passage of chemical treatment fluid to a downhole tool comprises a first annular valve element mounted in a valve housing which is connected in a tubing string above the downhole tool. A slip joint is connected between the valve housing and the downhole tool to permit relative upward and downward movement of the valve housing with respect to the tool. A second annular valve element is disposed in surrounding relationship to a support rod which is inserted in the tubing string and supported at its bottom end by the downhole tool. Upward movement of the tubing string will then effect contact of the first annular valve element carried by the valve housing with the second annular valve element carried by the support rod, and thus move such elements into engagement and close all fluid flow through the bore of the tubing string.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for securing a production tubing string against axial movement in a subterranean well is disclosed. The anchoring apparatus can be employed with a conventional sucker rod pumping apparatus transporting fluids through the production tubing. A separate injection line is attached to the exterior of the production tubing and treating fluids are injected therethrough. A conduit which can be connected to the separate injection line extends along the exterior of the inner body of the anchoring apparatus in an axially extending groove and extends through encircling anchoring slips which are expanded by rotational movement of the production tubing and of the body of the anchoring apparatus.

Abstract: An injection tool for use in injecting fluids through perforations in the well bore of an oil or gas well is mechanically set and mechanically releasable. Fluid can be injected between upper and lower packing elements into a selected perforation. The upper and lower packing elements on opposite sides of the perforation into which fluid is injected are retractable, and any pressure differential across the upper packing elements or across the lower packing elements can be separately equalized.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is of the shuttle type and is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the apparatus to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug selectively inserted within the valve apparatus prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in one direction and permits the build up of said fluid pressure. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is shifted to the open position. An annular elastomeric sealing mass cooperates with a relatively movable annular ridge to provide sealing action for the valving apparatus.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the tool to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug located within the valve prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in either direction. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A tool for actuating a subsurface well tool located within a well bore by metering the force applied by hydrostatic pressure within the well bore is disclosed. The tool is actuated in response to an external signal whereby hydrostatic pressure is applied to a hydraulic fluid contained within the tool. The hydraulic fluid is metered to apply a prescribed actuating force to a piston with a metering orifice determining the rate at which force is applied to the actuating piston and to the well tool.

Abstract: A method of chemical injection and of swabbing and/or flow testing a subterranean well by interconnecting a resettable packer and a circulating wash tool so that the packer may be positioned and set in the casing at a plurality of positions above the casing perforations. The introduction of pressurized chemical solution through the tubular work string produces an injection of the chemical solution into the perforations isolated by the vertically spaced annular sealing elements conventionally provided on the wash tool. Following the chemical treatment, the wash tool can be moved to a position above the perforations and a swab test run to measure the productive capabilities of the treated formation, all with a single trip of the wash tool and associated packer into the well.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for accomplishing pressure surging operations to remove particulates from the casing perforations and formation face of a subterranean well production zone. The apparatus includes two normally closed valve assemblies separated by a surge chamber maintained at atmospheric pressure. The uppermost valve assembly is connected to the end of a tubing string. A packer secures the lower valve assembly in sealing relationship to the casing bore. The lower valve assembly incorporates means for opening a flapper valve disposed between the atmospheric pressure surge chamber and the open bottom bore of the lower valve assembly. Such flapper valve is shiftable to an open position by movement of an actuator which responds to an increase in annulus fluid pressure. The opening of the flapper valve in the lower valve assembly produces a surge of production fluid from the formation and through the casing perforations into the atmospheric pressure surge chamber.

Abstract: A pump catcher apparatus is provided for supporting within a subterranean well a portion of a tubular conduit and a pump depending from the conduit. The apparatus comprises a control mandrel and a main body extending from the control body. Slip elements are provided on the main body for anchoring the pump catcher to the well conduit and are selectively shiftable to anchoring engagement with the casing by axial manipulation of the tubular conduit. A telescoping connection is provided between the control mandrel and the tubular conduit so that limited longitudinal movement of the tubular conduit will be permitted without disturbing the anchored engagement of the slip elements. Shearable members are provided between the control mandrel and the main body for selectively securing the main body to the mandrel and are severable by a predetermined force.

Abstract: An improvement in a lubricator apparatus for use in installation of drilling, completion, workover tools, or parts thereof for subsequent use in a subterranean well and for control of fluids through said well, the lubricator having therein a valve assembly comprising a longitudinally shiftable carriage, a ported valve head rotatable on said valve seat means between closed and opened positions by said carriage to control flow of fluids through said well and through said lubricator apparatus. Improvement comprises a differential sleeve longitudinally movable immediate the valve assembly and is sealingly engageable upon the exterior of the ported valve head when the valve assembly is in closed position.

Abstract: A valve and lubricator apparatus are provided for installation of tools on wire line and the like for use in an oil or gas well while controlling fluids therethrough. The apparatus has valve means having a passageway therethrough for control of fluids through the apparatus. First fluid activatable means are provided for first shifting of the valve means to closed position. Second fluid activatable means also are provided for second shifting of the valve means to the open position. Means for locking the valve in closed position are provided to prevent shifting of the valve to open position by operation of the first fluid means. The second fluid means are operational to unlock the valve means from the closed and locked positions and to shift the valve to open position. The first and second fluid means and the locking means are repeatably and sequentially operational.