Abstract: A loading tube for installation in the body of a perforating gun is disclosed. The loading tube holds a plurality of shaped charges whose detonation is electrically initiated, and the loading tube, when installed in the body, comprises at least a portion of the electrical circuit used to initiate detonation the shaped charge. In one embodiment, the loading tube comprises the hot portion of the electrical circuit, the body comprises the ground portion of the electrical circuit and the loading tube and the body are insulated from one another. Alternatively, the loading tube may comprise two distinct portions of conductive material which are electrically isolated from one another where the two portions of conductive material comprise the hot and ground portions of the electrical circuit. Additionally, a loading tube according to the present invention may comprise a conductor which is disposed in the loading tube near the outer surface of the loading tube and which is insulated from the loading tube.

Abstract: Improved inflatable packers are provided. A packer may be constructed from hybrid structures including slat structures and weave structures. A packer may include a bladder and a cover, with a plurality of slats disposed therebetween, and/or a weave structure or anti-extrusion layer disposed therebetween. The slats may vary in width and thickness, and be provided with a plurality of reinforcement members. The reinforcement members may be longitudinally and/or transversely disposed in the slats. One or more of the various components of the packer preferably include a fiber, a wire, a cable, a nanofiber, a nanotube, and/or a nanoparticle modified elastomer. Anchors may be attached to or embedded in the outer cover. The packer may include a carcass having an end coupling including a plurality of slats. Improved packer cups are also disclosed, and preferably include a body member reinforced with a nanotube or similar material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packer cup system for use inside a wellbore comprising a packer cup and a backup component coupled thereto. In one configuration, the backup component further comprises an angled support member and a rubber ring disposed between the angled support member and the packer cup. The support member is configured to facilitate uniform expansion of the rubber ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internal data conveyance within a well from the surface to a downhole tool or apparatus and for returning downhole tool data to the surface, without necessitating the provision of control cables and other conventional conductors within the well. One embodiment involves sending telemetry elements such as tagged drop balls or a fluid having specific chemical characteristics from surface to a downhole tool as a form of telemetry. The telemetry element or elements are provided with identification and instruction data, which may be in the form of data tags, such as RF tags or a detectable chemical constituent. The downhole tool or apparatus is provided with a detector and microcomputer and is capable of recognizing the telemetry element and communicating with it or carrying out instructions that are provided in the telemetry data thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method useful for providing a seal with a surface includes a seal assembly having a seal body constructed at least partially of elastomeric material and at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The SMA wire is capable of encouraging at least part of the seal body into engagement with the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internal data conveyance within a well from the surface to a downhole tool or apparatus and for returning downhole tool data to the surface, without necessitating the provision of control cables and other conventional conductors within the well. One embodiment involves sending telemetry elements such as tagged drop balls or a fluid having specific chemical characteristics from surface to a downhole tool as a form of telemetry. The telemetry element or elements are provided with identification and instruction data, which may be in the form of data tags, such as RF tags or a detectable chemical constituent. The downhole tool or apparatus is provided with a detector and microcomputer and is capable of recognizing the telemetry element and communicating with it or carrying out instructions that are provided in the telemetry data thereof.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly that includes at least one component that is constructed from a composite material and that is impermeable to wellbore fluids. The components may include the outer carrier and/or loading tube of a perforating gun, the connecting tubing of a gun release mechanism, and the gun connector used to attach adjacent perforating guns. The composite material is designed to be very brittle under dynamic impact. The component is made impermeable to wellbore fluids by including an impermeable liner therein. The impermeable liner can be bonded to the inner or outer surface of the component or can be embedded within the component. Since it is brittle under dynamic impact, the composite component shatters into small pieces upon detonation of the perforating gun.