Locating sub system and method of orienting and/or positioning

Abstract

The locating sub system and method for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore allow for orientation and positioning of one or more tools within a well-bore to perform precise operations within a well-bore. The locating sub apparatus can include a latching member that engages and causes a tubular member to rotate to a desired orientation and/or position for down-hole operations. The locating sub apparatus can further include a sacrificial sub that houses a latching member and a tubular member to traverse the well-bore to the site for down-hole operations. Upon completion of down-hole operations as desired or in an emergency, an upward force can be exerted upon the tubular member thereby disengaging an frangible member causing the tubular member to disengage from the latching member allowing for retrieval of the tubular member through the well-bore.

Description

FIELD

The locating sub system and method relates, generally, to locating apparatuses and methods for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well bore.

BACKGROUND

When producing or completing a well, or performing other down-hole operations, a precise orientation and/or positioning of a tool is preferred to complete the desired down-hole operation. Performing multiple trips or procedures to complete the desired operation costs additional time, labor, money and resources. The improper positioning or orientation of a tool during an operation can cause irreparable damage to the casing or lining of a well or cause the collapse and loss of the well entirely. Additionally, the retrieval of stuck or lost tools down-hole can be a difficult and costly process. Other down-hole operations require precise positioning and orientation of tools to be performed correctly.

Known references, namely U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,480, describes the use of a coupling sub in conjunction with a well tool. The coupling sub is adapted to engage a receiver sub to orient and locate a well tool within a borehole. The coupling sub would then include an alignment key for engaging a certain azimuth profile. The alignment key is able to disengage when an upward or downward force is employed. The known implementation of an alignment key can create a problem whereby the coupling sub can slip out of the desired depth or location for well operations due to the ability of the alignment key to disengage so readily.

A need exists for a locator sub apparatus and method for orienting and/or positioning a well tool within a well bore that provides improved reliability and simplicity over conventionally available tools, while incorporating removal of the well tool from the well-bore.

A further need exists for a locator sub apparatus and method for orienting and/or positioning a well tool within a well bore that allows for a desired azimuth profile, orientation, direction or position more readily while preventing the disengagement of an alignment key.

The present locating sub system and method addresses these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate a preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway, perspective view of the locator sub system within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the locator sub system taken along the section line 2-2 in FIG. 1 within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sacrificial sub illustrating the second concave portion and the third concave portion of the protruding member of the sacrificial sub within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sacrificial sub illustrating the first concave portion within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates the latching member associated with the locator sub system within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a plan, cutaway view of the running tool with the retaining mechanism in an engaging position as associated with the locator sub system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another plan, cutaway view of the running tool with the retaining mechanism in an disengaging position as associated with locator sub system of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the locator sub system comprising the sacrificial sub, the latching member and the running tool with the running tool disengaged from the latching member.

FIG. 9 illustrates the locator sub system with the running tool having been raised by an upper tubular attached to the running tool for engaging the projection in the retainer.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sub illustrating an embodiment a locator sub system where the sub can be retrieved.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway, perspective view of a locator sub system that is retrievable within the scope of the present disclosure illustrating the sub, a running tool and a latch member.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method or aligning a tool within a wellbore within the scope of the present disclosure.

The depicted embodiments of the locating sub system are described below with reference to the listed Figures.

The above general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative of the generic invention, and additional modes, advantages, and particulars of this invention will be readily suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Prior to explaining the disclosed embodiments of the locating sub system and method in detail, it is to be understood that the present locating sub system is not limited to the particular embodiments depicted or described, and that the locating sub system and method for orienting and/or positioning can be practiced or carried out in various ways. Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention as described in the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure relates, generally, to locating sub apparatuses and methods for orienting and/or positioning a tool. The tool can be any type of tool, such as by way of example a perforating, cutting, isolation tool, eline tool, eline/jar tool in one tool, a slickline tool, or slickline/jar tool in one tool, within a well-bore, before, during, and after actuation of the tool. It is to be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that tools, other than those described above as known in the art, may be used in conjunction with the locating sub apparatus and methods for orienting and/or positioning such tools.

FIG. 1 is a cutaway, perspective view of the locator sub system 10 within the scope of the present disclosure. The locator sub system 10 comprises a sub 100, 100A, a latching member 200, and a running tool 300. The sub 100, 100A can be a sacrificial sub 100 or a retrievable sub 100A as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 11, respectively. The running tool 300 has attached thereto an upper tubular 404 and a lower tubular 402. The latching member 200 is removably engaged with the sacrificial sub 100 or the retrievable sub 100A. The running tool 300 is disposed within the sub 100, 100A and above the latching member 200. It is readily observed that the running tool 300 can pass through the upper portion of the sub 100, 100A, through the latching member 200 and through the lower portion of the sub 100, 100A.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the locator sub system 10 taken along the section line 2-2 in FIG. 1. The sacrificial sub 100 is shown comprising a protruding member 110 and a body 112. The protruding member 110 has one or more concave portions therein. Particularly, the protruding member 110 has a first concaved portion 102, a second concave portion 104 and a third concave portion 106. The concave portions are provided for accepting various components such as, for example, electrical cable. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional concaved portions may and can be included for use as required by the specific aspects of the use of the locator sub system 10. Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is the latching member 200 that is removably secured to the sacrificial sub 100.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sacrificial sub 100 illustrating the second concave portion 104 and the third concave portion 106 of the protruding member 110 of the sacrificial sub 100. Particularly, at one end of the sacrificial sub 100 is protruding member 110A. The protruding member 110A comprises the second concave portion 104A and the third concave portion 106A. Also, the protruding member 110A has one or more recesses 114A and one or more receptacles 118A. Similarly, on the other end of the sacrificial sub 100 there is a protruding member 110B. The protruding member 110B comprises a second concave portion 104B and a third concave portion 106B. Further the protruding member 110B has one or more recesses 114B and one or more receptacles 118B. The recesses 114B and the receptacles 118B are provided for accepting a cover that can protect any additional components, electrical or otherwise, that may be conveyed through the second concave portion or the third concave portion 106. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional portions, members or the like may be provided for accommodating passage along the sub 100.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sacrificial sub 100 illustrating the first concave portion 102A, 102B. The first concave portion 102A is provided via the protruding 110A of the sacrificial sub 100. The protruding member 110A has associated therewith, in addition to the first concave portion 102A, a recess 116A and an associated receptacle 118A. The recesses 116A and the receptacles 118A are disposed on alternate sides of the first concave portion 102A. The receptacle 118A is provided for receiving a plate or other enclosing device for being secured over the top of first concave portion 102A. Thus anything that would be transferred via the first concave portion 102A of the protruding member 110A would be protected and secured within the first concave portion 102A. Similarly, at the other extreme of the sacrificial sub 100 is the protruding member 110B which has therein a first concave portion 102B. The protruding member 110B has, as at the other end of the sacrificial sub 100, recesses 116B and receptacles 118B for engaging a member that would secure any electrical cable or the like that would pass through the first concave portion 102B of the protruding member 110B. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional portions, members or the like may be provided for accommodating passage along the sub 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates the latching member 200 associated with the locator sub system 10. The latching member 200 comprises a guide 210, a retainer 220 and a connector portion 230. The guide 210 comprises an apex 212, an arcuate portion 214 and an aperature 216. The aperature 216 is at one extreme of the retainer or slot 220. The connector portion 230 of the latching member 200 is disposed with a mechanical engaging device such as, for example, threads.

FIG. 6 is a plan, cutaway view of the running tool 300 with the retaining mechanism 350 in an engaging position as associated with the locator sub system 10 of the present disclosure. The running tool 300 comprises a first connecting end 310, an enclosure 320 and a second connecting end 312. The enclosure 320 has an opening 322. Within the enclosure 320 is a retaining mechanism 350. The retaining mechanism 350 comprises a biasing member 356, a support 354, a projection 352 and a frangible member 358. The projection 352 of the retaining mechanism 350 is secured by the biasing member 356 such that the support 354 disposes the projection 352 out of the opening 322 of the enclosure 320.

FIG. 7 is another plan, cutaway view of the running tool 300 with the retaining mechanism 350 in a disengaging position as associated with the locator sub system 10 of the present disclosure. As before the running tool 300 is illustrated with a first connecting end 310 and, a second connecting end 312 and an enclosure 320 there between. The enclosure 320 has an opening 322 for access by a retaining mechanism 350. The retaining mechanism 350 comprises the biasing member 356, the support 354, the protrusion 352, and the fungible member 358.

FIG. 7 illustrates the running tool 300 wherein the retaining mechanism 350 has been displaced by the fungible member 358. For example, the fungible member 358 will be broken or displaced with sufficient pressure or force. When the fungible member 358 is displaced, the retaining mechanism 350 collapses into the enclosure 320 of the running tool 300. The running tool 300 can be readily retrieved and the retaining mechanism 350 provided with a new fungible member 358 such that the running tool 300 is operable, yet again.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the locator sub system 10 comprising the sacrificial sub 100, the latching member 200 and the running tool 300 with the running tool 300 disengaged from the latching member 200. The latching member 200 has been engaged with the sacrificial sub 100 using the connector portion 230 of the latching member 200 and the connector portion 130 of the sacrificial sub 100. Thus, the latching member 200 is rigidly secured to the sacrificial sub 100. The running tool 300 is illustrated as having passed through upper portion of the sacrificial sub 100 and through the latching member 200 engaged to the sacrificial sub 100 via the connectors 230, 130. The orientation of the projection 352 of the running tool 300 is illustrated in FIG. 8 as being at any random location or azimuth. As the upper tubular 404 engaged with the running tool 300 is lifted, the running tool 300 will engage the guide 210 orienting the projection 352 to align with the aperature 216 and ultimately reside in the retainer 220. The guide 210 comprising the arcuate portion 214 requires that the projection 352 of the retaining mechanism 350 with follow the arcuate portion 214 in its upward movement to the aperture 216 and ultimately reside in retainer 220.

FIG. 9 illustrates the locator sub system 10 with the running tool 300 having been raised by the upper tubular 404 attached to the running tool 300 for engaging the projection 352 in the retainer 220. The projection 352 is secured at a specific common known azimuth with respect to the retainer 220. The upper tubular 404, provides for the running tool 300 to be oriented exactly at the depth and azimuth defined by the retainer 220 of the latching member 200 engaged with the sacrificial sub 100. Thus, any specific depth or azimuth can be achieved by using the locator sub system 10 of the present disclosure.

It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that different components or devices may be provided that would replace the sub 100, the latching member 200 and the running tool 300 of the present disclosure. The replacements that achieve the same purpose and result as the sub 100, the latching member 200 and the running tool 300 described herein would be within the scope and understanding of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the sub 100A illustrating the substantially smooth body 112A.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway, perspective view of an embodiment of the locator sub system 20 within the scope of the present disclosure. The locator sub system 20 comprises a sub 100A, a latching member 200, and a running tool 300. The running tool 300 has attached thereto an upper tubular 404 and a lower tubular 402. The latching member 200 is removably engaged with the sub 100A. The running tool 300 is disposed within the sub 100A and above the latching member 200. It is readily observed that the running tool 300 can pass through the upper portion of the sub 100A, through the latching member 200 and through the lower portion of the sacrificial sub 300. The locator sub system 20 is adapted for use such that it can be retrieved and reused. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that different devices may be provided that would replace the sub 100A, the latching member 200 and the running tool 300 of the present disclosure. The replacements that achieve the same purpose and result as the sub 100A, the latching member 200 and the running tool 300 described herein would be within the scope and understanding of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method or aligning a tool within a wellbore within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, provided by the present invention is a method for aligning a tool within a wellbore for performing a specific task. The method comprises the steps of engaging a latching member within a borehole at a specific depth and at a specific azimuth. Lowering a running tool into the wellbore such that the running tool passes the latching member. Pulling the running tool back toward the latching member and removeably engaging the running tool with the latching member such that the running tool is at the specific depth and at the specific azimuth defined by the latching member. Using the specific depth and the specific azimuth of the running tool to perform a specific task. Disengaging the running tool from the latching member for removing the running tool from the wellbore for reuse. This provides for the ability to make various measurements at specific locations and azimuths in the wellbore, provide perforations at specific locations and azimuths in the wellbore, and do other various and sundry tasks to better utilize resources.

Generally, in one embodiment of the locating sub system 10 (FIGS. 1-9), there is a latching member 200 that threadedly engages a sacrificial sub 100. It is to be appreciated that sacrificial sub 100 and sub 100A are interchangeable through out this disclosure. The latching member 200 of the preferred embodiment includes a slot or retainer 220 for engaging an arm or projection 352 of a running tool 300. The sacrificial sub 100 has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a wellbore or casing where the operations are to take place. The inner diameter of the sacrificial sub 100 is larger than an outer diameter of the running tool 300 that can operatively engage a well tool for performing operations downhole. The running tool 300 in the embodiment includes a projection or arm 352 that is pivotally secured to a body or enclosure 320 of the running tool and extends from within the inner diameter of the body or enclosure 320 through a window or opening 322 to protrude through the outer diameter of the enclosure 320. The projection 352 operates between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing member 356 actuates the projection 352 such that the projection 352 is biased in an extended position. When in the extended position, the projection 352 operatively engages the latching member 200 when the latching member 200 is engaged to the sacrificial sub 100. The latching member 200 is positioned in the sacrificial sub 100 so as to allow the proper azimuth profile, depth profile or both for downhole operations. The sacrificial sub 100 of the disclosure includes channels or concaved portions 102, 104, 106 along the outer diameter surface of the sacrificial sub 100. The channels 102, 104, 106 allow lines, such as electrical line, wireline, slim-line, slickline or some combination thereof, to reach the well tool to provide power or control for the well tool while the locating sub system 10 is in the wellbore.

In another embodiment of the locating sub system 20 (FIGS. 5-7, 10-11), there is a latching member 200 that threadedly engages a sub 100A. The latching member 200 of the preferred embodiment includes a slot or retainer 220 for engaging an arm or projection 352 of a running tool 300. The sub 100A has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a wellbore or casing where the operations are to take place. The inner diameter of the sub 100A is larger than an outer diameter of the running tool 300 that can operatively engage a well tool for performing operations downhole. The running tool 300 in the embodiment includes a projection or arm 352 that is pivotally secured to a body or enclosure 320 of the running tool and extends from within the inner diameter of the body or enclosure 320 through a window or opening 322 to protrude through the outer diameter of the enclosure 320. The projection 352 operates between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing member 356 actuates the projection 352 such that the projection 352 is biased in an extended position. When in the extended position, the projection 352 operatively engages the latching member 200 when the latching member 200 is engaged to the sub 100A. The latching member 200 is positioned in the sub 100A so as to allow a proper azimuth profile, depth profile or both for downhole operations.

In one embodiment of the locating sub system 10, a latching member 200 is included in the form of a tubular including an outer surface and an inner surface. The latching member 200 has an apex 212 at a first end and a connector portion 230 at a second end. The first end having the apex 212 and remote there from a guide 210 and a retainer 220. The retainer 220 may be in the form of a slot that extends from the outer surface through the inner surface of the latching member 200. In another embodiment, the central side terminates without the slot or retainer 220. In yet another embodiment, the central side terminates with a groove substantially situated along the inner surface while maintaining the integrity of the outer surface in the same location as the slot or retainer 220.

Further embodiments of the locating sub system 10 include a running tool 300 that has a tubular member or enclosure 320 having one or more end connections 310, 312, such as a threaded pin 310 or box end 312, for engaging one or more well tools, and an internal biasing member 356 connected to a moveable arm or projection 352. A frangible member 358, such as shear pin, screw, and/or ring, can be in operative association with the biasing member 356, such that the biasing member 356 can cause the arm to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The tubular member or enclosure 320 can also include a bore extending throughout the length of the tubular member 320 for use with one or more wire-lines, slim-lines, or a combination thereof

Further, the locating sub system 10 includes an arm or projection 352 pivotally secured to the enclosure 320 that is movable between a retracted position within or proximate to the enclosure 320, and an extended position for engagement with a slot or retainer 220 disposed within the latching member 200. The arm or projection 352 can also engage a groove situated on the inner surface at the low end of the first edge of the latching member 200. The arm 352 while in the extended position operatively associates with the first edge of the latching member 200 thereby causing rotation of the running tool 300 and any associated tool. In an embodiment, the arm or projection 352 operatively engages the slot or retainer 220 of the latching member 200 connecting the tubular member 200 to the latching member 200. In another embodiment, the arm or projection 352 may engage a groove set substantially on the inner surface of the latching member 200, thereby connecting the running tool 300 to the latching member 200.

The running tool 300, of one embodiment, includes a biasing member 356, such as by way of example one or more springs, that are in operative association with the arm or protrusion 352, such that the arm 352 is normally biased toward an extended position. While the frangible member 358, such as a shear pin, screw, and/or ring, is intact, the arm 352 is maintained in an extended position by the force exerted by the biasing member 356. Exerting an upward force in excess of the frangible member's 358 accepted limit upon the tool allows the frangible member 358 to disengage from the arm or protrusion 352. In one embodiment, a frangible member 358 shears when, for example, approximately one thousand pounds of upward force is exerted upon the locating sub system 10. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that other embodiments may use a frangible member 358 of varying capabilities or types to provide the desired operative use for the particular situation, e.g., weigh, pressure, etc. Upon disengagement of the frangible member 358, the biasing member 356 causes the arm or protrusion 352 to move into the retracted position. This retracted position can cause the arm or protrusion 352 to be fully retracted into the running tool 300, or it can be substantially retracted while maintaining a portion of the arm or protrusion 352 substantially outside the inner diameter of the running tool 300. When the arm or protrusion 352 is in the retracted position, the running tool 300 disengages from the latching member 200 and allows for retrieval of a tool and the running tool 300.

An embodiment of the locating sub system 10 includes a sacrificial sub 100 having a first end and a second end. The first end allows for the latching member to be disposed within the inner surface of the sacrificial sub 100. A preferred embodiment of the locating sub system 10 includes a sacrificial sub 100 that has a first end and second end each with threaded inner diameters for selectively engaging the latching member 200. Other embodiments of the sacrificial sub 100 can include other forms of operatively engaging the latching member 200 to the sacrificial sub 100, such as bolts, grooves and indentions, among other forms of engagement. The sacrificial sub 100 may include one or more channels 102, 104, 106 on an outer surface of the sacrificial sub 100 to accommodate a control wire to operate the well tool as attached to the running tool. Of course, other embodiments of the sacrificial sub 100 within the locating sub system 10 may not include these channels 102, 104, 106, as a well tool does not necessarily have to be attached to the running tool 300. Further, the sacrificial sub 100 allows for the latching member 200, while in operative engagement with the enclosure 320 of the running tool 300, to traverse a wellbore in a particular orientation and/or position in reference to the well-bore.

An embodiment of the locating sub system 20 includes a sub 100A having a first end and a second end. The first end allows for the latching member to be disposed within the inner surface of the sub 100A. A preferred embodiment of the locating sub system 20 includes a sub 100A that has a first end and second end each with threaded inner diameters for selectively engaging the latching member 200. Other embodiments of the sub 100A can include other forms of operatively engaging the latching member 200 to the sub 100A, such as bolts, grooves and indentions, among other forms of engagement. Of course, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, other embodiments of the sub 100A within the locating sub system 20 may not include exterior channels 102, 104, 106, as a well tool does not necessarily have to be attached to the running tool 300. Further, the sub 100A allows for the latching member 200, while in operative engagement with the enclosure 320 of the running tool 300, to traverse a wellbore in a particular orientation and/or position in reference to the well-bore.

Another embodiment of the locating sub system 10 can traverse a wellbore to reach the site of operations within the well-bore. Once operations are completed within the wellbore, such as a tool retrieval, perforation, cutting, among other operations known in the art, the operator may cause an upward force to be exerted upon the enclosure 320 of the running tool 300. Upon an exertion of an upward force in excess of the frangible member's 358 limit, the frangible member 358 will disengage causing the arm or projection 352 to move into the retracted position causing the enclosure 320 to disengage from the latching member 200 that remains disposed within the inner surface of the sacrificial sub 100. Upon disengagement of the running tool 300 from the latching member 200, the running tool 300, with or without another associated tool, may be retrieved by continuing to exert an upward force. Additionally, in other embodiments, the locating sub system 20 can include a sub 100A that is retrievable from the wellbore.

The method of orienting and positioning well tool in respect to a wellbore of the preferred embodiment includes the steps of providing the interior of the wellbore with a sub that is in operative engagement with a latching member, the sub being inserted in a particular orientation directed in the direction for well operations to take place down hole. The sub and latching member are lowered into the wellbore. The sub and latching member can be associated with the running tool before insertion of the locating sub system into the wellbore or the running tool can be engaged to the latching member after the sub and latching member have been placed into the wellbore. The arm of the running tool engages a slot disposed between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the latching member. When the locating sub system has been delivered to the desired location for well operations and when the locating sub system is ready for retrieval, the operator causes a force to be exerted on the running tool thereby sheering a frangible member which disengages an arm from the slot disposed on the latching member. The running tool is then disengaged from the sub and latching member and is able to be retrieved.

It is understood that the steps of the method described above or as claimed is not required to be performed in the order as disclosed. It is further understood that not all of the steps are necessary to carry out the claimed method and different embodiments of the method may not use all of the steps as disclosed above.

While the present disclosure has been described with emphasis on certain embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present locating sub system and method could be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Thus, additional advantages and modification will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus, and the illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, the departures may be made from the details without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An apparatus for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore, the apparatus comprising:

a locator sub for positioning within the well-bore, said locator sub having a first end and a second end;

a latching member for engagement within the locator sub, the latching member comprising a retainer;

a running tool comprising a projection, a support, a biasing member and a fungible member, the projection extends from the support for engagement with the retainer of the latching member; the projection pivotally moveable between an extended position wherein said projection projects from the running tool and a retracted position wherein said projection recedes into the running tool; the biasing member disposed within the running tool in operative association with the projection, wherein the biasing member biases the projection into the retracted position; and the frangible member disposed in association with the projection whereby shearing of the frangible member permits the biasing member to bias the projection into the retracted position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a latching member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a substantially slanted edge, said substantially slanted edge having a high end and a low end.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the running tool further comprises:

a window on a first side of the running tool, through which the projection is pivotally moveable between the extended position and the retracted position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the arm further comprises:

a substantially slanted first face.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the running tool further comprises:

a first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface is substantially slanted, the first inner surface is in operative association with the substantially slanted first face of the projection.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the running tool further comprises:

a window on a first side of the running tool, through which the projection is pivotally moveable between the extended position and the retracted position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the body further comprises:

a window on the first side of the running tool, through which the projection is pivotally moveable between the extended position and the retracted position.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

the arm having a substantially slanted first face;

the running tool having a first inner surface, wherein the first inner surface is substantially slanted, the first inner surface is in operative association with the substantially slanted first face of the projection.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the latching member further comprises a guide.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the guide further comprises an apex and an aperture.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the aperture serves as the opening of a groove.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locator sub comprises a bore extending there through for accommodating a wire line, a slick line, or a combination thereof.

13. An apparatus for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore, the apparatus comprising:

a tubular member having a first end and a second end, the first end having an angled wall, said angled wall having a high side and a low side, said low side terminating in a slot;

an orienting and/or positioning apparatus attached to said tool wherein said apparatus includes: a body for orienting and/or positioning within the tubular member, said body including a window situated substantially longitudinally in respect to said body, said body having an inner surface adjoining said window; an arm pivotally mounted substantially within said body, wherein said arm is moveable between an extended position, wherein said arm extends through said window, and a retracted position, wherein said arm is substantially retained within said inner surface; a biasing member disposed within said body in operative association with a first end of said arm, wherein the biasing member biases the arm into said retracted position; a frangible member disposed in association with a second end of said arm whereby shearing of said frangible member permits the biasing member to bias said arm into said retracted position; a bore extending through said body for accommodating a wire-line, a slick-line, or a combination of both;

a sleeve having a first end wherein said tubular member is disposed within said first end; said sleeve further having an exterior groove for accommodating a control wire.

14. A method for orienting and/or positioning a tool within a well-bore the method comprising the steps of:

providing an interior of the well-bore with a latching member having a first end and a second end, the first end having a substantially slanted edge, said substantially slanted edge having a high end and a low end.

lowering said tool in operative engagement with an arm; and

engaging said arm with said first end of said latching member whereby contact between said arm and said first end causes rotation of the tool toward a selected orientation.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of engaging said arm with said first end of said latching member comprises:

engaging said arm with a notch in said low end of said latching member.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the arm is movable between an extended position for engagement with the substantially slanted edge and the notch and a retracted position for disengagement with the substantially slanted edge and the notch the method further comprising:

moving the arm from the extended position to the retracted position; and

removing the tool from the well-bore.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of moving said arm from the extended position to the retracted position comprises:

shearing of a frangible member in operative association with the arm thereby permitting a biasing member to bias the arm into the retracted position.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of providing the interior of the well-bore comprises:

providing a sacrificial sub comprising the latching member into the well-bore wherein the step of removing the tool from the well-bore comprises retaining the sacrificial sub within the well-bore.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the step of removing the tool from the well-bore comprises retaining the sacrificial sub and the latching member within the well-bore.