Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes providing an element formed of a superplastic material to perform a predetermined downhole task. In another arrangement, a method and apparatus includes a flowable element and a deformable element that can be expanded by flowing the flowable element.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface device that is capable of communicating wirelessly with a tool. In one example arrangement, the tool can be a well tool or a tool having one or more explosive components. The user interface device is adapted to send commands to the tool to perform tasks, such as test operations. In one arrangement, the user interface device is a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an anchoring apparatus for use in a wellbore that comprises a gripping assembly and an actuation assembly. In one arrangement, the actuation assembly includes a motor and a module having at least a compressible element (e.g., a hydraulic module) between the motor and the gripping assembly. Upon activation, the motor actuates the hydraulic module to cause activation of the gripping assembly. In one arrangement, the anchoring apparatus is designed to pass through a tubing or other restriction in the wellbore. When in the retracted state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubing. When in the expanded state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter than is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the liner to enable engagement of the gripping assembly against the liner.

Abstract: A perforating device has a carrier strip (e.g., a linear strip) on which are mounted capsule charges arranged in a desired pattern. The pattern can be a phased pattern, such as a spiral pattern, a triphase pattern, and so forth. Alternatively, the pattern is a 0°- or 180°-phased pattern for performing oriented perforating, with the capsule charges shooting in opposite directions with respect to a desired plane in the formation of the wellbore. One or more brackets can be used to mount the capsule charges to the strip. In one arrangement, the bracket has plural support rings to connect to the capsule charges. In another arrangement, multiple brackets each holding one or more capsule charges may be employed. In yet another arrangement, a tube containing the capsule charges in a phased arrangement can be used. In a further arrangement, instead of using brackets, threaded openings are provided in the carrier strip in which capsule charges can be threadably connected to provide the desired phased pattern.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface device that is capable of communicating wirelessly with a tool. In one example arrangement, the tool can be a well tool or a tool having one or more explosive components. The user interface device is adapted to send commands to the tool to perform tasks, such as test operations. In one arrangement, the user interface device is a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a graphical user interface (GUI).

Abstract: A method and apparatus includes providing an element formed of a superplastic material to perform a predetermined downhole task. In another arrangement, a method and apparatus includes a flowable element and a deformable element that can be expanded by flowing the flowable element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an anchoring apparatus for use in a wellbore that comprises a gripping assembly and an actuation assembly. In one arrangement, the actuation assembly includes a motor and a module having at least a compressible element (e.g., a hydraulic module) between the motor and the gripping assembly. Upon activation, the motor actuates the hydraulic module to cause activation of the gripping assembly. In one arrangement, the anchoring apparatus is designed to pass through a tubing or other restriction in the wellbore. When in the retracted state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubing. When in the expanded state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter than is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the liner to enable engagement of the gripping assembly against the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an anchor device for use in a wellbore that comprises an actuator assembly responsive to an actuating signal, an operator coupled to the actuator assembly, and an engagement member moveable to a set position by the operator when actuated by the actuator assembly to set the anchor device. The anchor device may be employed in various tool strings, such as a perforating tool string. In one arrangement, the anchor device provides an automated retraction mechanism that is activated after a predetermined delay. In another arrangement, a retract signal may be supplied to activate the retraction mechanism.