Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.

Abstract: A wrapper operates to store data relating to messages received from a kernel such that kernel-specific data or information is not passed to a module core. The wrapper on receiving data from the module core uses the data stored in the relevant part of the memory to provide the data or information required by the kernel to handle the message. On receiving a message, the kernel begins to process it. At a certain point the wrapper intercepts the message and creates a SCSI data message and a PLUT element comprising a kernel pointer, a core pointer, and a reference counter. The kernel pointer is provided by the kernel and identifies a memory location where implementation-specific information pertaining to the message, pointers to raw data and a SCSI-formatted command descriptor block resides. The reference counter defines the number of times a message will be processed within the core before the related memory can be reused. The wrapper re-formats data and references the result by the core pointer.

Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.

Abstract: A bridge includes first and second network connections, and processor means and memory together operating to implement plural software modules. These allow data to be passed between the network connections and allow the data to be handled as it passes. Each software modules has a priority, either pre-set in software or settable by the bridge in response to receiving a command from a device connected to the bridge. The bridge is operable to arrange the software modules sequentially between the network connections, such that data provided by a software module is received at the next software module in the sequence, according to their priorities. Software modules can be added to or removed from the sequence. This can be carried out dynamically, for instance by the bridge following a determination from monitoring of data flow that such would improve performance.

Abstract: A wrapper operates to store data relating to messages received from a kernel such that kernel-specific data or information is not passed to a module core. The wrapper on receiving data from the module core uses the data stored in the relevant part of the memory to provide the data or information required by the kernel to handle the message. On receiving a message, the kernel begins to process it. At a certain point the wrapper intercepts the message and creates a SCSI data message and a PLUT element comprising a kernel pointer, a core pointer, and a reference counter. The kernel pointer is provided by the kernel and identifies a memory location where implementation-specific information pertaining to the message, pointers to raw data and a SCSI-formatted command descriptor block resides. The reference counter defines the number of times a message will be processed within the core before the related memory can be reused. The wrapper re-formats data and references the result by the core pointer.

Abstract: In a bridge, a cache module is operable on receipt of a message pertaining to a write or other cacheable command from an initiator device to process the command so as to cause a suitable command to be passed to the relevant target device and to respond immediately to the initiator device with a ‘response good’ response. The ‘response good’ response is sent to the initiator device before the corresponding response pertaining to the cacheable command is received from the target device. When the cache module receives an error response from a target device, the cache module converts the response into a ‘deferred error’ response and passes this onwards to the initiator device. Since the initiator device receives a positive response sooner, it can send a subsequent command sooner and thus performance is increased.

Abstract: A bridge includes first and second network connections, and processor means and memory together operating to implement plural software modules. These allow data to be passed between the network connections and allow the data to be handled as it passes. Each software modules has a priority, either pre-set in software or settable by the bridge in response to receiving a command from a device connected to the bridge. The bridge is operable to arrange the software modules sequentially between the network connections, such that data provided by a software module is received at the next software module in the sequence, according to their priorities. Software modules can be added to or removed from the sequence. This can be carried out dynamically, for instance by the bridge following a determination from monitoring of data flow that such would improve performance.

Abstract: A ball design for withstanding high differential pressures without leakage features a circumferential groove near the circle of contact on the ball with a surrounding seat. High differential forces are transmitted beyond the circle of contact so that deflection due to applied differential pressures results in flexing in the groove area while maintaining full circumferential seat contact to prevent leakage.

Abstract: The lock allows two members in a downhole tool to be temporarily held together. In an application where mandrel movement is dictated by pressure cycling in combination with a J-slot mechanism, such as in a downhole valve, the mandrel is releaseably retained to an adjacent connector against mechanical impacts. The mandrel features an extended collet that moves relatively to a floating sleeve during pressure cycles. At some point the collet heads rise to an elevated groove that causes them to contact a no-go shoulder for locking. The lock is defeated be removing the collet heads from the elevated groove for normal tool operation.