Abstract: A method of actuating a well tool can include displacing a magnetic device pattern in the well, thereby transmitting a corresponding magnetic signal to the well tool, and the well tool actuating in response to detection of the magnetic signal. A method of injecting fluid into selected ones of multiple zones penetrated by a wellbore can include displacing at least one magnetic device into at least one valve in the wellbore, the valve actuating in response to the displacing step, and injecting the fluid through the valve and into at least one of the zones associated with the valve. An injection valve for use in a subterranean well can include a sensor which detects a magnetic field, and an actuator which opens the injection valve in response to detection of at least one predetermined magnetic signal by the sensor.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated downhole flow control. A downhole flow control system includes a flow control device with a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device. An actuator varies a vibratory motion of the restrictor to thereby variably control an average flow rate of fluid through the flow control device. A method of controlling flow in a well includes the steps of: installing a flow control device in the well, the flow control device including a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device; and displacing the restrictor to thereby pulse a flow rate of fluid through the flow control device.

Abstract: A downhole ram pump. A downhole pump system includes a flow restricting device which variably restricts fluid flow through an opening, the restricting device vibrating in response to the fluid flow, thereby alternately increasing and decreasing the fluid flow through the opening; and a pump device which generates a pressure differential in response to vibration of the restricting device. Another downhole pump system includes a flow restricting device which vibrates in response to fluid flow through an opening, thereby alternately increasing and decreasing the fluid flow through the opening, a pressure differential across the restricting device variably biasing the restricting device to increasingly restrict the fluid flow through the opening, and the pressure differential alternately increasing and decreasing in response to respective alternate increasing and decreasing flow through the opening; and a pump device which generates differential pressure in response to vibration of the restricting device.

Abstract: A single line control module for well tool actuation. A well tool control system includes an actuator, a control module for controlling pressure applied to the actuator, and a single line extending between the control module and a remote location, elevated pressure being applied to the line and exhausted from the line at the remote location to operate the actuator. Another well tool control system includes an actuator having first and second chambers, a line for applying elevated pressure to the actuator to operate the actuator, and a control module including an accumulator, and a valve. The valve has a first position in which the line is connected to the first chamber and the accumulator is connected to the second chamber, and a second position in which the line is connected to the second chamber and the accumulator is connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: A direct proportional control system for remotely controlling actuation of a tool. A well control system includes an actuator for a downhole well tool, the actuator including an actuator member which displaces to operate the well tool. A control system member is positioned at a remote location. A displacement of the control system member is proportional to a displacement of the actuator member.

Abstract: A flow regulator for use in a subterranean well. A well flow regulating system includes a flow regulator for regulating a flow rate of a fluid in a wellbore, the flow rate remaining substantially constant while a differential pressure across the flow regulator varies. The flow regulator is adjustable while positioned within the wellbore to change the flow rate. Another well flow regulating system includes a flow regulator for maintaining a desired fluid flow rate between an annulus and an interior passage of a tubular string. The flow regulator includes a closure device, a biasing device which applies a biasing force to the closure device, and a flow restriction which operates to apply a restriction force to the closure device. The biasing force and/or the restriction force is adjustable downhole to change the flow rate.

Abstract: A downhole electrical power generator. A downhole electrical power generating system includes a flow restricting device which variably restricts flow through an opening, the restricting device vibrating in response to flow through the opening and the restricting device thereby alternately increasing and decreasing flow through the opening; and an electricity generating device which generates electricity in response to vibration of the restricting device.

Abstract: A packer for sealing a space downhole in a well. The packer includes a deformable sheath having a body and first and second ends for defining an interior volume proximate to a tool surface. A material located within the interior volume is deformable, when the sheath second end is moved toward the sheath first end, to move the deformable sheath into the downhole space. The sheath can function as a sealing element or a backup element, and can be applied to different structures and tool configurations downhole in a wellbore. For example, the packer can be applied to plugs, to through tubing mandrals, and to other well tools in open hole or in cased wellbore configurations. The packer resists damage to the seal elements, provides confirmation of the packer setting force, and is less expensive than conventional packer designs.