Abstract: A collet assembly has a housing and the collets disposed on flexible fingers connected to the housing at their opposed ends. A surrounding landing sleeve stops the assembly so that collets are aligned with a recess in a landing collar that is part of a surrounding tubing string. Once set the landing sleeve transmits compressive loads so that compressive stress essentially bypasses the finger structure supporting the collets. The fingers are initially tapered toward a longitudinal axis so that when internally supported they assume an aligned orientation to the housing axis to allow greater tensile loading and to provide a retraction force when the housing is to be removed after the collet support is removed.

Abstract: Packer assemblies capable of providing desired load-bearing performance and of being retrieved from a bore in a subterranean formation are described. A packer assembly can include a wedge that can respond to a force in a downhole direction by un-supporting the slip. The unsupported slip is configured to disengage from a casing string, allowing the packer assembly to be removed from the bore. The wedge can include a collet to allow the wedge to separate from the slip to prevent slip re-setting.

Abstract: A releasable locking system for a subterranean tool uses a split housing for a body lock ring that in one mode is retained for its normal locking function by a setting sleeve. The setting sleeve holds the potential energy in the housing that would otherwise cause the housing to grow radially and away from a locking function. The locking is defeated as a surrounding setting sleeve with a recess is moved to juxtapose the recess with the segmented housing allowing the housing to spring into the recess and away from lock ring engagement that previously maintained the locked position. The tool can be released and removed to a surface location.

Abstract: A running tool for well drilling operations is carried by a running string into and out of a wellbore. A collet is carried by the running tool, the collet having fingers with a radially expanded position arranged to latch against a wellbore shoulder in the wellbore. The fingers are resiliently and radially contractible. A shear element is carried by the collet, the shear element preventing the fingers from radially contracting to unlatch the running tool while the shear element is intact. If a selected axial force is applied against the shear element, it shears, freeing the collet fingers to retract. The collet may be part of a tool to set and release a liner hanger from engagement with a string of casing.

Abstract: A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a packer assembly having an upper packer and a lower packer in a wellbore in a single trip into a wellbore is provided. The packer assembly is configured to be retrieved from the wellbore using a retrieval tool in a single trip into the wellbore. The retrieval tool is configured to be released from the packer assembly while in the wellbore during a retrieval process in the event that the packer assembly will not release from the wellbore or is otherwise prevented from removal from the wellbore.

Abstract: An isolation tool for use in a tubular. The isolation tool comprising gripping members and sealing members to engage and seal the isolation tool to an inner wall of the tubular at a desired location in the tubular. The isolation tool further comprising a locking system that allows the isolation tool to be set in a desired position within the tubular. The locking system prevents the isolation tool from any further movement which would unset it from the desired position.

Abstract: A torque transfer arrangement includes a relatively immobile construct; a relatively mobile construct. The relatively mobile construct is radially adjacent the relatively immobile construct. One or more torque body assemblies are mounted to the relatively mobile construct. The assemblies are radially responsive to applied hydraulic pressure to contact a surface of a separate structure and transmit torque from the arrangement to the separate structure. A method is included.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole triggering tool. The tool includes a tool-engaging portion movable from a first position to a second position under the action of an external force, and a release mechanism for selectively permitting movement of the tool-engaging portion from the first position to the second position, the tool-engaging portion is restrained against the external force by the release mechanism through a plurality of force reducing mechanisms.

Abstract: A downhole triggering tool includes a tool-engaging portion movable from a first position to a second position under the action of an external force, and a release mechanism for selectively permitting movement of the tool-engaging portion from the first position to the second position, the tool-engaging portion is restrained against the external force by the release mechanism through a force reducing mechanism.

Abstract: An upper-completion single trip system is described which includes a hydraulic internal seal receptacle assemble. The HISR assembly includes an overshot assembly selectively connected to a mandrel assembly. Once fully actuated, relative axial motion therebetween is allowed, which provides a spacer apparatus for the tubing above and below the HISR assembly. A shearable anchor latch as well as an indexing mule shoe are also provided in the HISR system, which allow multiple completion steps to be performed in a single trip. The HISR system is particularly well-suited for installation of permanent downhole gauges or intelligent systems—installations where rotation of pipe is prohibited. The system is also particularly well-suited for submersible pumps. A method of performing multiple completion activities in a single trip is also described.

Abstract: A liner running system for placing a liner in a well bore comprises a latch sleeve connected to the liner and a running tool releasably attached to the latch sleeve. The latch sleeve has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner, and the running tool has an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the liner. The latch sleeve may be connected into the liner at any location along its length. The running tool is releasable from the latch sleeve via hydraulic actuation or mechanical actuation. Optionally, a swivel may be connected to the liner. The swivel has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner. The method for lowering the liner into the well bore via the liner running system comprises rotating the liner, pushing the liner, pulling the liner, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A non-rotational casing hanger and seal assembly running tool for use in oil and gas drilling operations has a mandrel and a tool body that is carried by the mandrel. The tool body supports a plurality of latching segments for releasably connecting the tool body to a seal assembly. A plurality of latching dogs on the tool body releasably connect the tool body to a casing hanger. Axial movement between the tool body and mandrel operates a pressure responsive shuttle piston positioned on the mandrel to urge the seal assembly into sealing position. A ball valve positioned in the mandrel bore is operable between open and closed positions to allow independent operations to be carried out such as cementing the casing hanger in position through the mandrel bore and operating the shuttle piston to then allow overpull to unlatch the tool from the casing hanger for retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for isolating a wellbore condition such as formation pressure during a wellbore operation. The invention has particular application in connection with underbalanced drilling. In one arrangement, a formation isolation apparatus is provided that serves as a selectively actuatable plug. The plug in one aspect is selectively set and released by a setting/releasing tool. The setting/releasing tool includes a system for setting the plug in the wellbore, and a system for releasing the plug from the wellbore. The setting/releasing tool is releasably connected to the plug. Thus, after the plug has been set, the setting/releasing tool may be removed from the wellbore. The plug includes a flapper valve that is restrained in its open position by the setting/releasing tool. Removal of the setting/releasing tool from the wellbore allows the flapper valve to close, thereby isolating pressures in the wellbore below the flapper valve. The plug is wireline retrievable.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers capable of mechanically setting the packer and opening a valve in the packer in one trip. The tool comprises an outer sleeve and an inner mandrel coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve and adapted to move axially relative to the outer sleeve. The tool further comprises three locking mechnisms that unlock under different fluid pressure loads. Two of the locking mechanisms lock the inner mandrel to the outer sleeve in a run-in position. Once a sufficient fluid pressure has been reached to unlock both of these locking mechanisms, the inner mandrel moves upward relative to the outer sleeve to set the packer. A spring forces the inner mandrel into a third position relative to the outer sleeve, which is maintained by the third locking mechanism. This third position is used to open the packer valve.

Abstract: A running tool that delivers an object selectively to one of a plurality of landing nipples and then releases from the object is disclosed. The tool is actuated by raising it after it has passed the desired landing nipple to release a locating dog. The locating dog places locking dogs on the object even with a groove on the landing nipple. Movement of the tool downhole secures the locking relationship and releases the running tool from the object. A sheer pin allows testing at the surface that the object is locked in place, prior to removal of the running tool. The object comprises a fishing neck to allow it to be subsequently retrieved.

Abstract: A food serving station includes a support structure, one or more wells supported by the support structure, a drain manifold fluidly coupled to each of the one or more wells and not fluidly coupled to any other wells and a fill valve coupled to the drain manifold and external to the one or more wells and is adapted to be coupled to a fluid source. The valve is movable between an open position in which fluid from the fluid source is permitted to flow into the manifold in a closed position. The at least one sensor is configured to identify a volume of fluid within the interior.

Abstract: The invention provides a running tool for a wellbore component. In one aspect, the tool includes a body having a longitudinal bore therethrough with an upper end for connection to a tubular run-in string and a selective attachment assembly for a wellbore component therebelow. A flow directing member is disposed in the bore and is movable between a first and second position. At a predetermined flow rate through the member, the member moves to the second position and directs fluid towards the selective attachment assembly, thereby causing the running tool to become disengaged from the wellbore component after the wellbore component has been actuated and fixed in the wellbore.

Abstract: A plug retrieval and installation tool is used with a subsea well having a production tree, a tubing hanger, a passage that extends vertically through the tubing hanger and the tree, and a plug located within a plug profile in the passage within the tubing hanger. The plug retrieval device has a housing and connector that is lowered on a lift line onto the upper end of the tree. An axially extensible stem in the housing is driven by drive mechanism into the production passage of the tubing hanger. A retrieval member mounted to the stem engages the plug and pulls it upwardly in the passage while the stem is being moved upward. The connector, drive mechanism and retrieval member are powered by an ROV.

Abstract: A well tool locking apparatus compatible with high temperature, high pressure well conditions comprises a packing ring mandrel that carries a sliding locking dog cage. The locking dogs are expanded radially into a tubing nipple channel by the axial translation of a ramped step on the mandrel surface. Chevron ring packing seals are positioned between the locking dog cage and an abutment shoulder around the mandrel. Translation of the mandrel against the locking dog cage engages the tool locking dogs and expands the chevron ring seal against the inside bore surface of the tubing nipple.

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer, in a drilled bore between inner tubing and outer tubing comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension. The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing.

Abstract: In a release system for a packer the release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to packers adapted to seal an annular space within a wellbore. The packers, for example, may be utilized to circulate or reverse circulate a fluid. In one embodiment, the present apparatus comprises a first tubular subunit and a second tubular subunit moveably coupled together, a flexible packing element disposed between the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit, and a temporary mechanical connection adapted to restrain the first tubular subunit and the second tubular subunit from compressing the flexible packing element, in which the temporary mechanical connection is adapted to be hydraulically disengaged. In another embodiment, the present apparatus further comprises a valve. The valve may be selectively opened to allow fluid to flow between the annular space and the central bore of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: A release system for a packer is disclosed. The release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.

Abstract: A releasable packer has a control line therethrough. A hydraulic release mechanism of the packer is controlled from the surface by application of flow and pressure. A modification of the packer and release mechanism using resettable collets and return springs allows multiple sets and releases of the packer.

Abstract: An improved single trip perforating and gravel pack system is provided which includes a tubing conveyed perforating assembly, a gravel pack completion assembly, and a retrievable service assembly. The retrievable service assembly includes a hydraulic setting tool and a crossover tool assembly. The hydraulic setting tool is less sensitive to hydraulic pressures generated by the detonation of the perforating guns. The hydraulic setting tool includes an annulus release mechanism, a preset lock assembly and a rotational lock assembly, all of which are mechanically actuated. The retrievable service assembly also includes a concentric check valve which improves well control and allows for reversing out excess slurry in the service assembly following completion of a gravel packing or frac packing operation.

Abstract: A downhole assembly for setting a well tool (e.g. packer) comprising a setting tool which has a draw rod made in two portions which are slidably connected to allow relative movement therebetween. The upper portion is releasably latched to the well tool wherein the weight of the well tool is effectively supported by the workstring rather than the draw rod during positioning of the assembly. Upon actuation of the setting tool, the upper portion is released from the well tool thereby allowing movement between the portions to switch the weight of the well tool to the draw rod during the setting of the well tool. By effectively unloading the draw rod during positioning of the assembly, the assembly can be retrieved if necessary without inadvertently setting the well tool or shearing the draw rod.

Abstract: A dog sub is provided for use in an assembly for running liners with weight-set packers and/or other mechanically or hydraulically actuated devices that need to be located. The dogs are retained by a sleeve so that an applied pickup force to determine that the running string had released from the liner can be applied which even results in removal of the dog sub from the extension tube of the weight-set packer. The dogs are held in a retracted position, even if taken out of the extension tube initially. Thereafter, the dog sub is supported off the extension tube and the locking sleeve on the dogs is liberated, with the dogs inside the extension tube. A subsequent pickup force allows the dogs to move outwardly, whereupon a subsequent setdown force locates the dogs on the setting extension tube. A subsequent setdown force sets the packer and breaks a breakable member, such as a shear pin.

Abstract: Wellhead apparatus is shown to comprise a casing hanger releasably latched to a running tool for lowering, landing and locking within the bore of a housing so as to suspend an inner casing which is suspended from the hanger within an outer casing string to which the housing is connected. The hanger includes a mandrel carrying a lock ring for locking in a recess in the housing bore, and a seal sleeve is carried by the mandrel for movement between an upper position to permit cement to be circulated through a space between the mandrel and a lower position closing the space. The tool includes a body carrying a latch ring which is held within a groove in the bore of the mandrel as the hanger is lowered and locked within the housing bore, and which may be actuated to lower the sleeve into sealed position and release the latch ring for retrieval of the tool, from the hanger within the well bore.

Abstract: A slip assembly for engaging a downhole tool and preventing it from rotating within a casing comprises a frangible ring and a plurality of slip pads supported on the ring, the slip pads preferably engaging the downhole tool by a tongue and groove mechanism. In addition, the camming interfaces between each slip pad and the tool comprise planar surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which facilitate underbalance drilling and completion of wells. In a described embodiment of a well control valve, the valve is opened and closed when a drill string is displaced therethrough. A shifting device is carried on a drill bit and deposited in the valve when the drill string enters and opens the valve. The valve is closed and the shifting device is retrieved from the valve when the drill string is tripped out of the well. A packer hydraulic setting tool usable in conjunction with the well control valve in underbalanced completions is also provided.

Abstract: A running/setting tool for packers is disclosed which can release in several different ways. The tool can be pumped through for normal release. The tool may be hydraulically released by dropping and pumping a ball to a seat and subsequent pressurizing. A frangible member is provided so that if circulation is impeded, it can be established by breaking the frangible member to allow a ball to be pumped to a seat. Finally, a shear release technique is provided which allows release by breaking a shear pin or shear ring or other frangible member, which unsupports collets to allow for removal. A support shoulder is provided on the tool to prevent the collets from becoming stressed on the trip out of the hole if the tool encounters a collar or other internal obstruction.

Abstract: The liner assembly and method includes lowering a liner, liner hanger, liner hanger setting tool, liner packer, and liner packer setting tool into the borehole on a work string. The liner hanger is set either hydraulically or mechanically using the liner hanger setting tool at the option of the operator. The liner is then cemented within the borehole and the liner packer setting tool is used to set the liner packer either hydraulically or mechanically at the option of the operator. The liner packer setting tool includes an actuator assembly mounted on the exterior of a tubular body. The actuator assembly includes an actuator member having a contact member which engages the packing element on the liner packer such that upon movement of the contact member with respect to the liner packer, the packing element on the liner packer is compressed to sealingly engage the cased borehole. The actuator member is sealed from the fluid pressure within the borehole until the liner packer is to be set.

Abstract: In a parent wellbore casing, full bore access to the portion of the casing beneath a lateral bore liner portion therein is provided using a specially designed tubular retrievable anchor assembly hydraulically set within the casing above the liner portion and having a depending mill guide portion. A milling pipe with a first rotary mill is extended through the anchor assembly, with the mill being laterally deflected by the guide to mill a partial opening through the bottom side wall of the liner portion. The milling pipe is then withdrawn from the casing, the first mill replaced with a second rotary mill, and a specially designed tubular retrieval collet coaxially secured to the milling pipe. The milling pipe is then extended downwardly through the anchor assembly, the second mill used to enlarge the initial liner opening, and the collet snapped into the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is then retrieved by pulling up on the milling pipe to release the anchor assembly which is removed from the casing.

Abstract: A retrievable production packer is conditioned for initial wireline installation in a well utilizing an adapter comprising an outer sleeve and an inner rod connected to a mandrel carrying the slip assembly of the packer. The packer is frangibly supported in an initial transport condition for being set by means of a wireline setting device. A flow control device, such as a blanking plug, may be seated in the packer mandrel at the very top of the packer while being lowered into position and set with a wireline setting device. Thereafter, the tubing string may be connected to the packer downhole to release the packer and retrieve it from the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an oil and gas well bore is disclosed. Generally, the apparatus comprises of a mandrel and a housing slidable on the mandrel. The apparatus will also include an engaging member for engaging the walls of the well bore. A spring disposed about the mandrel urges the mandrel into contact with the engaging member.

Abstract: A gun hanger for emplacement through a tubing string into a casing string, comprising an inner mandrel, a setting means slidably received on said mandrel, said setting means including a plurality of spaced apart, extendable slips mounted thereon such that operation of said setting means causes said slips to extend and engage the casing string, a slip release means slidably received on said mandrel such that operation of said slip release means causes said slips to retract and disengage from the casing string, said setting means and said release means having diameters less than the inside diameter of the tubing string when said slips are retracted, a centralizer mounted on and extending axially from the hanger, said centralizer comprising a stem and a plurality of evenly circumferentially spaced longitudinal bow springs flexibly mounted thereon, said bow springs being longitudinally spaced along said stem such that each spring longitudinally clears its preceding and succeeding springs when said springs are com

Abstract: A rotation release apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore tool to selectively couple a first wellbore tool member to a second wellbore tool member until the wellbore tool is lowered to a selected depth within the wellbore. The rotation release apparatus includes a coupling member secured to the first wellbore tool member, and a latch member secured to the second wellbore member. A cam member is secured to the coupling member to release the latch member from the coupling member when the wellbore tool is rotated about a longitudinal axis. The rotation release latching apparatus may be operated to couple the latch member to the coupling member by axial movement of the wellbore tool along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pull release apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore when coupled between a fluid-actuated wellbore tool and a retrievable source of pressurized fluid. The pull release, fluid-actuated tool, and source of pressurized fluid are positioned in the wellbore by a positioning member, such as a wireline or a work string. A central fluid conduit is defined within the pull release device, and is adapted for receiving pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid, and for directing the pressurized fluid to the fluid-actuated wellbore tool. A first latch is provided, which is operable in latched and unlatched positions. The first latch mechanically links the source of pressurized fluid to the fluid-actuated wellbore tool which unlatches the source of pressurized fluid from the fluid-actuated wellbore tool in response to axial force of a first preselected magnitude. A lock is provided which is operable in locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A locking system utilizing metal seals for sealing and a rotary lock mandrel which is rotated to lock by a rotary running tool in a landing nipple in a well conduit. The lock mandrel has a metal sealing surface sealingly engageable with a metal seat in the landing nipple and orientors on a number of helically profiled segments which are rotatably engageable with mating profiled segments in the landing nipple. As the lock mandrel is lowered on the running tool into the landing nipple, lock mandrel segments are oriented between nipple segments, and the mandrel metal sealing surface engages the metal seat in the landing nipple. Downward jarring on the running tool rotates the mandrel segments into engagement with the landing nipple segments, locking the lock mandrel in the landing nipple, sealingly engaging the metal seal surface on the metal seat and releasing the running tool from the locking mandrel for retrieval from the well conduit.

Abstract: An improved well packer for removeable installation in a well casing. A mandrel is associated with the packer for latching engagement with the well packer which can be released from the well packer by a simple rotation of the mandrel by no more than one-quarter turn. Arcuate 60.degree. segments of teeth are formed on opposing sides of the mandrel and contact ratchetable arcuate 60.degree. segments of teeth on opposing sides of the packer such that when the mandrel is moved longitudinally in relation to the packer, the ratchetable teeth can engage the fixed teeth on the mandrel. When it is desired to release the mandrel from the packer assembly, the mandrel is rotated no more than one-quarter turn and the mandrel teeth move out of engagement with the 60.degree. segment of the ratchetable teeth, thus disengaging the mandrel from the packer.

Abstract: A gravel packer and service tool combination for use in subterranean wells operates sequentially to lock and seal the packer in the well at a producing formation, release a mechanical connection between the packer and service tool, and open a passage through which gravel packing can be performed. Each operational step can be performed in primary and secondary fluid pressure-responsive modes of operation. The secondary mode of operation can be employed in the event the primary mode of operation fails.

Abstract: A well production apparatus includes a tubular production conduit which extends from the top of the well to a production zone interior of casing. An electric submersible pump has a production fluid flow passageway which communicates between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the casing. A packer is in communication with the production conduit below the pump and is movable into sealing engagement with the casing to isolate the production zone. A thermal absorber is carried on the production conduit between upper and lower production conduit members whereby subsequent to positioning of the packer assembly into set position, thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit above the set packer is absorbed by the thermal absorber without transmission of thermal expansion or contraction of the conduit to the pump.

Abstract: A geothermal wellhead repair unit including a mechanically set packer to isolate the wellhead for removal and repair thereof. The packer is run into the well string using a running tool. The packer is set by placing tension on the mandrel to set the packing elements and the slip assembly. Once the packer is set, the running tool can be disengaged without fear of collapsing the packer and the wellhead removed for repair or replacement. Upon replacement of the wellhead, the running tool is used to unset and retrieve the packer.

Abstract: A running tool for use with reeled tubing and a method of operating same in which a piston assembly extending over a portion of an inner mandrel assembly and in engagement with a locking device. Shear pins connect the piston assembly relative to the inner mandrel assembly and a fluid chamber is defined by cooperating shoulders formed on the inner mandrel assembly and the piston assembly. The inner mandrel assembly has a bore which can be connected to the fluid chamber for establishing fluid pressure in the fluid chamber to exert oppositely directed forces on the shoulder to shear the shear pins in response to a predetermined value of the fluid pressure to permit axial movement of the piston assembly to actuate the locking device.

Abstract: An arrangement for lowering into a well bore casing on an operating string to sealably engage a packer that is supported on a tubular member so that the packer can be set either by a combination of hydraulic or mechanical action or mechanical action alone or hydraulic action alone includes a packer supported by a tubular member. An outer tubular member extends from adjacent the other end of the packer and telescopically receives the tubular member and a release mechanism releasably connects the tubular member and the outer tubular member with the operating string. A lock arrangement locks the tubular member and the outer tubular member together against relative longitudinal movement and the lock arrangement is operable after the release mechanism is actuated to disconnect the tubular member from the operating string whereupon said outer tubular member may be moved relative to the tubular member to expand the packer into sealing engagement with the casing.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for anchoring a tubing string to a hollow bore sump packer located at a position in a subterranean well. The locking mechanism is attachable to the end of a tubing string and incorporates radially shiftable locking members which are engagable with an internal, downwardly facing shoulder defined within the hollow bore of the sum packer. The radially shiftable locking elements are moved from a retracted to a locking position by reciprocating movements of a mandrel carried by the tubing string. A supporting surface on the mandrel controls the position of the radially shiftable locking elements. The position of the supporting surface relative to the radially shiftable locking elements is controlled by a J-pin secured to the sleeve carrying the radially shiftable locking elements and a cooperating J-slot carried by the mandrel.

Abstract: A plugging device for installation as by wireline tools in a receptacle in a wall flow conductor for plugging the flow conductor against flow from below as well as from above, the plugging device including a tubular housing having seals for sealing with the receptacle, lock members for anchoring it therein, a mandrel reciprocable in the housing between lower and upper positions for moving the lock members to locking position and for allowing them to move to unlocking position, a plug member closing the housing and being movable relative thereto between lower and upper positions, and a locking mechanism for locking the plug member to the mandrel whenever the mandrel is in its lower position and the plug member is moved to its upper position to prevent the mandrel from being moved to its unlocking position. A running tool is provided for installing the plugging device which will not release the device unless it is properly installed in the receptacle.

Abstract: A packer and service tool assembly for oil or gas well preparation includes a disengageable coupling mechanism which permits the tool to be screwed into and out of the packer and which can be hydraulically disengaged so that the tool can be removed without applying torque to the tool or workstring. A releasable ratchet mechanism is also provided in the packer for trapping the setting loads when the packer is set in the casing. The ratchet mechanism is releasable by pulling up a housing portion which cammingly engages collapsible ratchet fingers thereby disengaging the ratchet finger trapping teeth from a stationary ratchet ring.