Abstract: A slip includes a slip body made up of a slip tail, a slip mid-section, and a slip head. A wicker segment is receivable in a recess of the slip head, the segment having a first condition where the segment is immovable relative to the head and a second condition where the segment is movable relative to the head. A method for retrieving a tool having slips, includes loading the slip in tension, releasing a wicker segment of the slip, allowing the segment to move from a first condition to a second condition and disengaging the segment from a radially outward structure. A borehole system includes a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a slip having a releasable wicker segment disposed within or as a part of the string.

Abstract: A slip includes a slip body made up of a slip tail, a slip mid-section, and a slip head. A wicker segment is receivable in a recess of the slip head, the segment having a first condition where the segment is immovable relative to the head and a second condition where the segment is movable relative to the head. A method for retrieving a tool having slips, includes loading the slip in tension, releasing a wicker segment of the slip, allowing the segment to move from a first condition to a second condition and disengaging the segment from a radially outward structure. A borehole system includes a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, and a slip having a releasable wicker segment disposed within or as a part of the string.

Abstract: The energy-efficient hand-held device for treating an object with a flow of hot air includes a handle for positioning it in relation to the object, a blower for producing an air flow; a heating device for heating the air flow from the blower; a sensor device for determining when an interruption in the treating of the object with the hot air is or is not occurring; and a device for turning off or turning on the heating device and, if desired, the blower in response to a signal from the sensor device. The sensor device can be a light or ultrasonic transmitter and receiver which detects the presence or absence of reflected light or ultrasonic waves from the object and measures the distance to the object to determine if it is greater than or less than a threshold distance (S). Other embodiments are described.