Abstract: A slip mechanism for anchoring a well tool in a well conduit. A first cylindrical wedge member having on its outer surface a plurality of circumferentially extending grooves, preferably forming a helix in which the grooves include an outwardly tapered side. A second cylindrical shaped slip member having a plurality of slips is positioned outside of the first member and includes a plurality of teeth on its outer surface and includes ridges mating with and coacting with the grooves on the first member. The ridges include a tapered side coacting with the tapered sides of said first member for providing radial displacement of the slip when the wedge member and slip member are moved axially to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a well packer assembly which comprises a packer which includes a body having a bore therethrough and a packing element and slips carried about the body in contracted position. The packer is lowered into a well bore by means of a locator seal unit which includes a tubular member connectable as part of a well tubing and extending sealably within the bore of the tubular member. The tubular member is automatically released from its connection to the packer in response to expansion of the packing element and slips into engagement with the well bore and testing of the set packer by means of test fluid in the annulus above it. The packing element and slips are expanded by inhibitor fluid from a source at surface level, and the inhibitor fluid is released into the annulus below the packer after it is set.

Abstract: A retrievable well packing tool suitable for high pressure environments which is hydraulically set within a well bore and thereafter mechanically released. The packer includes a pressure compensator which enhances the setting force, maintains a continual setting force during well operations, and equalizes differential pressures during release. Dual slips are provided to ensure rigid anchoring of the packer to the casing wall. The short, compact design of the packing tool facilitates running through the casing while reducing manufacturing costs. Inadvertent presetting of the packer is presented by positively locking all components.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A hydraulic line communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. The tubing hanger is releasable by a straight upward pull upon the tubing string extending from the well surface to the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A venting packer tool for insertion into the open end of a pipe under repair and the like, characterized by telescoping body members hydraulically actuated to simultaneously operate an anchor to grip within the pipe and a packer to seal within the pipe, the body members having open communicating bores from the pipe interior to a vent tube for remote venting, and the tool inherently precluding accidental release when once set.

Abstract: A bridge plug for sealing a well casing comprises a plurality of cups which tightly interfit together when a compressive load is applied to both opposite ends of the plurality of cups. Application of the compressive load to both opposite ends of the cups forces a first cup to fit into a second cup, the second cup to fit into a third cup, and the third cup to fit into a fourth cup, etc., thereby producing a single unitary plug which includes a plurality of tightly interfit cups. Further application of the compressive load to both opposite ends causes transverse expansion of the plurality of interfit cups to occur. When the cups contact the well casing wall, a permanent seal is achieved between the cups and the well casing wall. Anchor elements on both sides of the cups contact the well casing wall and permanently hold the interfitting cups in their compressed condition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for completion of a horizontal section of a subterranean well. The apparatus comprises a first packer assembly which is settable in the well by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. A second packer is carried into the well on the workstring and is settable by application of hydraulic pressure through the workstring. A perforating gun is carried into the well on and in communication with the workstring, together with a gun retractor for telescopically retracting the perforating gun. A valve is also provided for selective communication between the exterior and the interior of the apparatus and is manipulatable to the open position to effect, for example, a fluid flow path from the production zone to the top of the well for transmission of production fluids in the well.

Abstract: A packer assembly is provided for use in a subterranean well and settable only by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. The assembly has an outer housing and a seal assembly with anchoring slips carried by the housing in retracted position and movable to expanded position along the wall of a casing or the like. A longitudinally extending central mandrel telescopes within the housing. Orienting and setting pins are provided for initial receipt within orienting and setting slots with the setting pins being moved to the orienting slot to permit setting of the packer. The seal assembly and anchoring slips are maintained in retracted position and are responsive to a variation in internal diameter between a first and second tubular conduit to thereafter permit the manipulating device to move the seal assembly and the anchoring slips to expanded position within only the second tubular conduit which has a diameter less than that of the first tubular conduit.

Abstract: In a wellbore having a liner hung from a higher string of pipe, a permanent packer and a seal unit are utilized to isolate the annulus between the liner and the wellbore surface. The downhole completion assembly, which comprises an on-off tool, a latch and seal assembly and a tailpipe, can be lowered into the packer and seal unit by the production tubing, with the latch mechanism of the latch and seal assembly snapping into a threaded portion of the packer. The on-off tool can be disconnected and the production tubing withdrawn from the well. Alternatively, the latch mechanism can be disengaged and the entire downhole completion assembly can be withdrawn from the well in a single trip.

Abstract: Disclosed are packers for use with a gravel pack system in an oil or gas well. The packers are of both the releasable and non-releasable, or sump type. The packers are designed so that after they are set or actuated and they seal against the casing wall or the well bore, fluid pressure in either axial direction on the packer seal will increase the energizing force on the seals. This self-energizing feature is accomplished with selectively disposed and sized annular seals on telescoping members.

Abstract: A slip retention mechanism for a packer or hanger for a subterranean well comprises a slip retention sleeve disposed in surrounding relationship to a tubular body on which cone elements are mounted for axial movement. Segment-shaped slips are mounted in the space intermediate the retention sleeve and the tubular body and have inner surfaces cooperable with the cone elements to effect a radially outward displacement of the slip elements upon relative axial movement of the cone elements. The slip retention sleeve is provided with a plurality of peripherally spaced windows separated by axially extending bars. Each slip segment is provided with an axially extending slot in its outer surface which is aligned with one of the window bars. A leaf spring is mounted intermediate the window bar and the axial slot to exert a radially inwardly directed force on the respective slip segment to hold it in a retracted position.

Abstract: A dual string well packer which is anchored at a downhole location within the bore of a well casing string by relative longitudinal movement between the primary tubing string and the secondary tubing string. The well packer is set by applying tension via the secondary string. The well packer is released from its downhole location by applying tension via the primary string. The invention is particularly adapted for use in well completions that are subject to thermocycling such as steam injection wells. However, the anchoring and releasing mechanism of the present invention can be readily adapted for use with any dual string well packer. The present invention includes an improved method for well completion, minimizing tubing handling requirements during the installation and removal of the production tubing strings and associated dual string well packer.

Abstract: A dual seal packer is shown having a central mandrel which carries upper and lower seal assemblies which straddle an outer cage assembly. Rocker type slips are carried in the cage assembly and are set by a single expander ring. Special support surfaces on the slips cooperate with mating support surfaces on the cage assembly to provide support for the slips under tensive and compressive loading. The slips and upper and lower seal assemblies are set in a single step operation by rotating the mandrel to the right while holding tension on the well string from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end reverse to that of the conically tapered surface around the housing and which is selectively longitudinally movable relative to the housing from a first, unset position on the conduit section to a second, set position on the conduit section and radially expandable during the movement relative to the housing. Anchoring means are carried exteriorly around the body for securing the apparatus to the conduit section against upward and downward movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retrievable packer arrangement that can be used as a permanent production packer employs a simple compression set packer which can be either mechanically, hydraulically or wireline explosively set and retrieved by coupled or coiled pipe or wireline.The arrangement includes an adapter supported by the setting tool which surrounds an external seal surface on the upper end of an inner tubular member which seal surface is exposed after the packer arrangement is set in a well bore tubular member by release of the setting tool from the inner member and removal of the adapter therewith, so that a production string may then sealingly telescope over the inner member upper end.An outer member includes release means adjacent its upper external end including an external grapple engaging surface means so that the packer arrangement can be released without engaging the packer or slips which secure the packer arrangement in the tubular member and without inserting any mechanism in the set packer arrangement.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of an inflatable tool of the type comprising a mandrel adapted to be raised and lowered within a well bore and an inflatable element including a sleeve of elastomeric material surrounding a tubular section of the mandrel and anchored at its ends to upper and lower heads which are disposed about the tubular section and relatively movable longitudinally toward and away from one another, upon inflation of the sleeve, as well as substantially flat reinforcing strips of sheet metal or other relatively rigid but flexible material which are arranged about the sleeve with their side edges in overlapping relation and with their ends anchored to the heads so that the strips flex outwardly with the sleeve to cause the inflatable element to engage a wall of the well bore.

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.

Abstract: The pipeline packer described herein typically includes a main body adapted for propulsion through the pipeline in an axial direction. A brake shoe support assembly is located on the main body and a plurality of circumferentially spaced brake shoes capable of gripping the interior wall of the pipeline are mounted to the support assembly. Fluid pressure activated means are associated with the brake shoe support assembly for urging the brake shoes radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the pipeline to secure the main body in a desired location in the pipeline against the pipeline pressure forces acting thereon. A pair of annular wedging means are also mounted to the main body for axial movement toward each other as the fluid pressure activated means acts on the brake shoe support assembly to urge the brake shoes into gripping engagement.

Abstract: A retrievable downhole wedging system is disclosed for firmly securing accelerometers and other instruments to the bottom of a cased bore hole. The system includes a pair of arcuate top wedges and a pair of arcuate bottom wedges for insertion between the accelerometers and the casing. The bottom wedges are slideably coupled to the accelerometer such that they will not become separated from the accelerometer during retrieval. A retrieving means is provided for disengaging the accelerometer by first individually removing the top wedges and then pulling the accelerometer free of the bottom wedges.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the well conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: A packer for a subterranean well conduit providing an electrical conduit bypass comprises a top sub having a first eccentric bore connectable between a tubing string and a mandrel and a second eccentric passage sealingly receiving an electrical conduit. A tubular body assembly is shearably connected to the top sub and mounts an annular packing element, an annular cylinder and piston unit and an annular slip and cone assemblage in axially stacked, abutting relationship. A support block secured to the lower end of the mandrel supports the electrical conduit and secures the lower cone against relative movement so that extension of said cylinder and piston effects setting of the packer. Upward movement of the top sub effects unsetting and retrieval of the packer.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the wall conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: An improved wellhead sealing assembly having an annular body with an outer diameter sufficient to pass through the interior of the wellhead housing and an inner diameter smaller than the exterior of the wellhead hanger so that it lands on the upper end of the hanger, a metal sealing ring secure to said body and adapted to be positioned between the housing and the hanger, said sealing ring having an inner sealing lip for engaging the exterior of the hanger and an upstanding sealing rim, a plurality of locking segments with arms extending radially through said body and projecting beyond the interior of said body, a plurality of load segment carried by said body and engaging the interior of said sealing rim, load pins extending through said body and engaging the interior of each of said load segments and extending inward through and beyond the interior of said body, and a loading wedge ring supported within said body and movable axially therein to engage said load pins and said locking segment arms to move said

Abstract: A packing assembly for a whipstock in which the whipstock can be run into a well casing to a level above the bottom and milling through the casing wall without having to make a round trip with the well string. The packing assembly includes slip-type anchors which initially set the assembly and packing elements which sealingly engage the well casing to seal off the casing while anchoring the device. Disposed between the packing elements is a spacer ring which is axially movable in response to the fluid pressure within the well casing to enhance the sealing engagement of the packing elements. The spacer ring includes an O-ring seal which provides improved sealing between the spacer ring and the inner mandrel to which it is mounted. In order to compress the packing elements while preventing extrusion thereof, an overleaf ring and retainer arrangement is provided thereby enhancing sealing engagement of the packing assembly.

Abstract: A well packer as shown having a shear release mechanism located internally within a packer body which allows the shear release value to be easily varied. A lock body and internal piston ring are initially static. An engagement surface on the lock body cooperates with the setting sleeve to lock setting force into the packing elements. A straight upward pull on the packer mandrel, allows the piston and lock body to become dynamic to relax the packing elements and allow the well packer to be retrieved to the well surface.

Abstract: A packer, preferably utilized for dual string operations, comprising a plurality of axially stacked body elements including, from the bottom up, a hydraulic housing, a lower cone element, an annular slip cage containing radially expansible slip elements, an upper cone element, a lower packing expander, an expandable packing element, an upper packing expander, a receptacle, and a retainer plate. All of said elements are provided with two bores equal in diameter to that of the tubing string to be run which extend entirely through the axial stack. One bore accomodates a long string mandrel and the other bore accomodates a short string mandrel conventionally connected to a short tubing string. The short string mandrel is connected at one end to the hydraulic housing and at the other end to the receptacle housing. Fluid pressure is applied to concurrently effect the downward movement of the hydraulic housing and the upward movement of the lower cone to set the packer into engagement with the conduit wall.

Abstract: A tubing string resettable packer is conditioned for initial wireline installation in a well utilizing an adapter within a mandrel carrying the slip assembly of the packer and frangible connecting means between the sealing assembly and mandrel to place the sealing assembly in an alternate transport condition for first being set by means of a wireline device. Thereafter, the tubing string may be connected to the packer downhole to release the packer for resetting in a different position.

Abstract: A well packer is shown having an annular packing element surrounded on either side by axially shiftable annular shoulders. Extrusion preventing devices are located between each shoulder and the packing element to prevent extrusion of the packing material during use. The extrusion preventing devices include an outer split ring having a generally triangular cross-section defined by a cylindrical abutment surface for abutment with the outer conduit, a tapered sidewall engageable with one of the shoulders, and a planar surface which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the packer. The planar surface has an innermost radial extent which joins the tapered sidewall and an outermost radial extent which joins the cylindrical abutment surface. The extrusion preventing device also includes an inner split ring of complimentary shape but reversely arranged to the outer ring.

Abstract: A multiple well string packer of the type wherein the packer is lowered into a well bore on one of the well strings, and the one string hung off from the wellhead so that the packer may be set at a desired level therein, and wherein the packer, when unset, is retrieved from the well bore on the same string, the other string or strings being lowered into and raised from connection with the packer, when disposed at such level, separately of the one string.

Abstract: A packer for effecting steam treatment of a production formation of a subterranean well comprises an insulated mandrel which is slidably inserted within the bore of an inner tubular body assembly. An outer operative tubular assembly surrounds the inner assembly and mounts a plurality of drag blocks, upper and lower cone elements, a plurality of radially displaceable slips cooperating with the upper and lower cone elements, and an outer packing element fabricated by an assemblage of high temperature resistant, non-resilient seal elements formed primarily of graphite. An inner packing element is provided in the inner tubular body assembly utilizing additional high temperature resistant, non-resilient seal elements formed primarily of graphite, which sealingly engages the insulated mandrel.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for effecting the sealing of an annulus between two telescopically related tubular conduits, of the type employed in subterranean wells, is achieved by utilizing annular seal backup elements dieformed from a knitted wire mesh by two successive dieforming steps. In the first dieforming, the knitted mesh backup element is formed to an external diameter equal to or preferably exceeding the maximum diameter that will be required for the backup member to assume when expanded into engagement with the outer wall of the annulus to be sealed. The second dieforming operation reduces the external diameter of the annular knitted mesh seal backup element to a dimension less than the outer wall of the annulus to be sealed, thus permitting convenient assembly and run-in of the sealing assemblage. The two step dieforming operation significantly reduces the amount of axial compressive force required to expand the sealing elements and the seal backup members to their sealed position.

Abstract: A wireline set and tubing retrievable bridge plug. The bridge plug includes a central mandrel portion having a plurality of J-shaped recesses thereon at an upper end and at least one shaped recess at a lower end thereof. Disposed around the central mandrel is a packer mandrel having a packer element thereon and slips disposed therearound. A ratchet assembly is provided for holding the apparatus in a set position in which the packer element sealingly engages the well bore and the slips grippingly engage the well bore. The shaped lower recess in the central mandrel is disposed below the ratchet mechanism. A packer mandrel case having a lug therein for engaging the shaped recess is disposed around the lower end of the mandrel. The slips, ratchet mechanism and J-shaped recess are all positioned below the packer element for protection from debris in the well bore. A retrieving tool attached to a tubing string is used to retrieve the bridge plug.

Abstract: A well packer adapted to be set and reset in a well bore without removal of the packer from the well bore including a packer mandrel adapted to be connected with a tubing string, an interlocking segment assembly on the packer mandrel for releasable connection with the mandrel, a drag spring assembly connected with the interlocking segment assembly for frictional engagement with a well bore wall, a locking slip assembly coupled with the drag spring assembly for locking the packer with the well bore wall, a seal element package assembly connected with slip assembly for sealing around the packer mandrel with the well bore wall, and a detent ring between the slip assembly and the seal element package permitting initial setting of the upper ends of the slips and preloading of the seal element package preliminary to final setting of the slips and expansion of the seal element package.

Abstract: A double-grip screen hanger apparatus providing compensation for thermal expansion as a result of heat, such as is present in steam flood or steam injection wells. The screen hanger includes an inner mandrel adapted for attachment to a liner screen. A packer portion is disposed around the inner mandrel, and opposed upper and lower slip assemblies are positioned above and below the packer portion, respectively. The slip assemblies and packer portion are shearably attached to the inner mandrel. Setting of the slips and packer is accomplished by a hydraulic actuator and a running tool attached to the tool string. Downward force applied on the mandrel shears the shearing attachments, thus setting the slips and the packer portion. After setting, the slips locate the packer, and the mandrel is relatively free to longitudinally move within the packer and slips due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A seal bore packer comprising a packer subassembly which can be employed with either wireline or tubing manipulatable packer setting subassemblies is disclosed. Packing elements and slips on a packer subassembly are expanded when relative axial forces are applied to the packer by wireline or mechanical setting forces. The packer has an inner mandrel and intermediate mandrel connected by a shear pin. A collapsible ring holds the outer packer assembly, including slips and packing elements, normally secured to the intermediate mandrel. Relative movement between the intermediate mandrel and the inner mandrel releases the packer.

Abstract: A retrievable well packer includes a packer mandrel with an expandable packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower shoes are received about the mandrel above and below the expandable packing element for compressibly engaging the packing element. A slip assembly is received about the mandrel for anchoring the packer within the well bore. Upper and lower wedges are received about the mandrel above and below the slip assembly for wedging the slip assembly radially outward upon longitudinal compression of the packing element. The mandrel is nonrotatably connected to each of the upper and lower shoes and upper and lower wedges for preventing rotation of those components relative to the mandrel in the event the packer must be milled out of a well bore. The mandrel is initially releasably longitudinally locked relative to the lower wedge by a releasing collet attached to a lower end of the mandrel and having radially outward extending lugs received within a groove of the lower wedge.

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 releaseable 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.

Abstract: A well packer is shown of the type having a packer head and a pair of tubular extending downwardly therefrom. An upper seal, a gripping assembly, a lower seal and a lock body are all located about the mandrels extending successively downwardly from the packer head. An actuator within the lock body is provided for effecting outward radial movement of the seals and gripping assembly to seal and grip a surrounding well conduit. A push rod extending from the lock body through the lower seal to the gripping assembly moves the gripping assembly, as a unit, in the direction of the upper seal to compress the upper seal before the lower seal is compresed. A tie rod extends from the packer head through the upper seal to the gripping assembly and carries a locking mechanism which allows unidirectional movement of the gripping assembly with respect to the upper seal whereby sealing force applied to the upper seal from the gripping assembly is locked into the upper seal.

Abstract: A packer type bridge plug for use in wells which may be set upon a wireline and retrieved upon a tubing string. The retrieval of the bridge plug is facilitated by the positive retraction of the upper and lower wedge members from beneath the slips during the retrieval process.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanically set pack-off device adapted to be run into a wellbore on a tubing or pipe string, the pack-off device including upper and lower slip means, packing element means therebetween, drag block means, J-slot means to releasably maintain the pack-off device in an unset mode, ratchet means to releasably lock the device in a set mode, biasing means to maintain the set of the slip means and compression of the packing element means in the device's set mode, and closeable bypass means around said packing element means.

Abstract: A retrievable well packer and gravel packing system employing a multi-component packing element system is disclosed. The packing element system is expandable under axial compression to seal the annulus between a production or treatment tubing string and the well casing. The packing element system includes outer elastically deformable anti-extrusion backup rings and a central primary seal. A resilient member conformable to the surrounding countour, such as wire mesh, is employed between the central primary seal and each backup ring to allow retraction of the backup rings for retrieval.

Abstract: A packer apparatus for use in a subterranean well comprises an inner mandrel and means for applying tension to the inner mandrel to set radially expandable slips and packing elements. The mandrel can be releasably positioned in a first position to secure the slips and packing element in the retracted position and can be shifted to a second position in which engagable lock segments secure the slips and packing element in expanded configuration. The packer can be released by rotational manipulation or by axial force. The packer apparatus can be used with rotationally manipulatable well tools positioned either above or below the packer apparatus.

Abstract: A tubular well tool receiving conduit for receiving a well tool having anchoring teeth in which a plurality of circular extending grooves on the inside on the conduit are provided for coacting with the anchoring teeth for supporting the well tool. Preferably the grooves match the tooth profile of the anchoring teeth and the grooves are concentric. For receiving a well packer, a second plurality of circularly extending grooves on the inside of the conduit coact with the expandible seal for providing multiple seal points with the packer seal. A no-go shoulder on the conduit positions the well tool in the conduit. In another embodiment, the circular grooves extend longitudinally a greater distance to engage the well tool anchoring means and seal and extend continuously along the inside diameter.

Abstract: A tubing string resettable bridge plug is conditioned for initial wireline installation in a well utilizing an adapter within a mandrel carrying the slip assembly of the bridge plug and frangible connecting means between the sealing assembly and mandrel to place the sealing assembly in an alternate transport condition for first being set by means of a wireline device. Thereafter, the tubing string may be connected to the bridge plug downhole to release the bridge plug for resetting in a different position.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a packer for closing off the annular space between a pipe string and a well bore in which the pipe string is disposed, each of which includes an annular packing element adapted to be expanded into sealing engagement with the well bore in response to relative axial movement between inner and outer tubular members, and releasably latched in expanded position by means which includes a circumferentially expandible and retractable body lock ring. In each case, the body lock ring has cam teeth about its outer side which are engaged with cam teeth on the inner circumference of the outer tubular member for circumferential expansion and contraction with respect thereto, and a relatively long length of ratchet teeth on its inner side for ratcheting with respect to a relatively short length of ratchet teeth on the outer circumference of a latching member carried by the inner tubular member in response to movement of the tubular members to retracted positions.

Abstract: A well casing packer includes a seal mechanism, mounted on a mandrel. The casing packer comprises a seal element and a wedge member for driving the seal element radially outward against a well casing by applying radial forces to the seal element. This wedge member and a support member support the seal element to maintain the radial forces on the seal element, and the support member and the wedge member are constrained to move together during the driving of the seal element against the well casing. The casing packer also includes a mechanism for releasing the radial forces on the seal element, which comprises a member for releasing the constraint between the wedge and support members to allow these members to be longitudinally driven relative to one another to remove the support on the seal element by the wedge member, and thereby release the radial forces on the seal.

Abstract: A packer type bridge plug for use in wells which may be set upon a wireline and retrieved upon a tubing string.

Abstract: A tubular member is provided with expandable seals which are expanded into sealing engagement with a surrounding surface by a sleeve actuating member on the tubular member. A releasable retaining member is secured to the tubular member and has shoulder means adjacent one end interlocked with shoulder means adjacent an end of the sleeve actuating member to retain the sleeve actuating member in nonexpanding seal position as the tubular member is lowered into position in the well bore. The shoulder means on the releasable retaining member is on a longitudinally extending, radially flexible portion of the retaining member. An annular shoulder intermediate the ends of the flexible portion engages the upper end of a liner in the well bore, and moves the flexible portion radially inwardly to disengage the interlocked shoulder means, thus releasing the sleeve actuating means to expand the expandable seals.

Abstract: A retrievable seal bore packer adapted to be lowered into a casing on a wireline and set by a wireline gun. The packer is retrieved by a retrieving tool lowered into the casing on a wireline by a downward force followed by an upward force on the wireline. The packer has a cylindrical mandrel, selectively engageable slips, a lower cylindrical element encircling the mandrel and bearing against the bottom of the slip and an upper cylindrical element encircling the mandrel and bearing against the top of the slip. The wireline gun is interconnected with the cylindrical mandrel and the upper cylindrical element to selectively cause relative movement therebetween and to thereby engage the slips with the casing.

Abstract: A well tool, such as a packer apparatus, is adaptable for insertion on a conduit within a subterranean well having casing therein. The well tool comprises a cylindrical mandrel which is communicable to the conduit. Slip means are carried exteriorly around the mandrel and are movable into expanded position for anchoring the apparatus to the casing whereby subsequent longitudinal movement of the apparatus in at least one direction is prevented. Seal means are circumferentially extending exteriorly around the mandrel and are urgable into sealing relation with the casing to prevent fluid communication thereacross, the seal means comprising at least one section of transversely compressible seamless, knitted elements generally defined by a continuous series of interlocking ductile metal-containing loop members.