Abstract: A system for connecting a cement string for a cementing operation, the system may include a casing spool and a lower quick connector attached to the casing spool, the lower quick connector comprising a lower body having an inner surface and at least one sealing element disposed on the inner surface of the lower body. The system may also include a cement adapter removably connected to the lower quick connector, the cement adapter comprising a cement adapter body having an outer edge that engages at least one sealing element and a radial protrusion extending outwardly from the cement adapter body and a connector clamp that engages the lower quick connector and the cement adapter to hold the cement adapter in place relative to the lower quick connector.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: A plug for displacing cement in a downhole environment comprising a seal surface having at least one profile. The seal surface, in response to applied pressure, creates a hydraulic seal with another device. The seal surface can be made of molded rubber and the profile formed thereon can be formed from the molded rubber and during the molding process. The profile can be a semicircular profile or multiple semicircular profiles. The profile or profiles can be one or more semicircular profiles and one or more line profiles. The plug can be a bottom plug and the seal surface can be an upstream seal surface and the other device can be a float collar. The plug can be a top plug and the seal surface can an upstream seal surface and the other device can be a bottom plug.

Abstract: Provided, in one aspect, is a cementing apparatus. The cementing apparatus, in one embodiment comprising a housing; a fixed member coupled with the housing, the fixed member having at least one fixed member fluid opening therein; and a moving member positioned downhole of the fixed member and movable between a circulating position and a cemented position, the moving member having at least one moving member fluid opening therein, the at least one moving member fluid opening linearly offset from the at least one fixed member fluid opening.

Abstract: A cementing tool and a method for cementing a casing string using the cementing tool is provided. The cementing tool comprises threaded top and bottom openings for attaching to a casing string, a plurality of ports, and a plurality of shear plugs shaped to fit within the ports. In the method, a casing string comprising the cementing tool is run into a well and the cementing process of the casing string is initiated. When the casing shoe of the casing string becomes plugged, the cementing tool is activated without removing the casing string from the well. Activation of the cementing tool releases pressure trapped in the cementing tool, thereby releasing the shear plugs from the ports and opening the ports to create alternative passages for the cement to complete the cementing process.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: A resettable mechanism for preventing the accidental actuation of a load set downhole tool and method of use. The resettable mechanism provides a collet (52) and a detent (56) with a collet ring arranged to ride over the detent under a load in excess of the operating load of the downhole tool and the collet load. Reversing the loading resets the mechanism and the downhole tool. A disengagement assembly (66) is described to disenable the detent (56) and operate the downhole tool at the operating load. Embodiments to a retrievable mechanical tension-set packer and a casing cutting and removal system are described which prevent premature actuation of the packer when run from floating structures.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing differential pressure sticking of a drill string stuck against a sidewall of a wellbore by decreasing hydrostatic pressure around the drill string within the wellbore. Drilling fluid is displaced out of the wellbore by injecting a displacement fluid into an annulus defined between the sidewall and an exterior of the drill string, and pressure of the injected displacement fluid within the annulus is decreased by bleeding the injected displacement fluid out of the annulus.

Abstract: The present casing wiper plug system and method includes a novel top wiper plug and a dissolvable blocking element. The top wiper plug includes a rupture disk and an open tail section configured and dimensioned to receive the dissolvable blocking element. The blocking element can be dissolved by a solvent and can dissolve quickly given the size or materials of the blocking element. When used in conjunction with a bottom wiper plug and a displacement fluid, the central bores of the top and bottom wiper plugs and shoe track provide an open passage to the formation allowing future injection or fracking fluid to access the formation. The blocking element is released into a seat of the open tail section to temporarily block the passage so a casing test can be performed on the casing. After the test is complete, the blocking element is dissolved to reopen the passage.

Abstract: A cementing method includes positioning a bottom plug at a casing shoe, rupturing the bottom plug, signaling when a top plug reaches a target position, and releasing a chemical into a cement slurry below the top plug in response to the signaling. The signal may comprise a mechanical trigger changing its position due to movement of the top plug past the target position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inspection assembly (10) for inspecting the interior of a pipe (12). The inspection assembly (10) comprises a sensor assembly (20) adapted to receive a sensor signal and a housing (22) within which the sensor assembly (20) is at least partially arranged. The inspection assembly (10) comprises a seal (24) at a first housing end (31). Moreover, the inspection assembly (10) is adapted to assume a transport condition in which the sensor assembly (20) is positioned in a first position in the housing (22) and in which the seal (24) is closed. The inspection assembly is further adapted to assume an inspection condition in which the inspection assembly (20) is positioned in a second position, closer to the first housing end (31) as compared to the first position, and in which the seal (24) is open.

Abstract: This system maintains bottom hole pressure and constant well bore pressure profile for a period of time in event of loss of power to rig pumps, rig pump failure or other loss of pressure to the primary flowline. The back pressure system diverts mud into the primary flowline to maintain pressure. The system provides time to get the diesel powered cement unit on line to maintain pressure or get the power reinstated to the rig pumps. The mud discharged into the primary flowline can be recovered back into the housing via the housing inlet line and the housing can be recharged via the N2 high pressure bottle rack. The back pressure system installs upstream of the MPD chokes with interfaces to the primary flow line to divert the drilling mud to the primary flowline.

Abstract: A jet pump assembly is adapted to be releasably attached to a tubular member of a tubular string in an oil well. The jet pump may be pumped out of the tubular string to the surface by a reverse flow of power fluid down the well between the tubular string and the casing of the well. Consequently the jet pump may be serviced or reconfigured to a direct pumping mode without the necessity of a wire line or other apparatus. A sensor for measuring downhole parameters such as temperature and pressure etc. is positioned within a cavity located in a lower portion of the jet pump so as to be removable from the well with the pump.

Abstract: A constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable and a constant-resistance device are provided. The constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable comprises cables (7), an anchoring device (13), a loading plate (12) and clipping sheets (4). The upper end of cables (7) is fixed on the anchoring device (13) and the loading plate (12) by clipping sheets (4). The constant-resistance and large deformation anchor cable also comprises a constant-resistance device, and the constant-resistance device comprises a sleeve (8) and a constant-resistance body (5). The sleeve (8) is a straight tube. The constant-resistance body is conical, and the diameter of the lower end of the constant-resistance body is bigger than the diameter of the upper end of the constant-resistance body. The inner diameter of the sleeve (8) is smaller than the diameter of the lower end of the constant-resistance body.

Abstract: In a fracking context the object that will ultimately block a passage in an isolation device is introduced into the zone with the bottom hole assembly. The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object. The retaining device is placed in close proximity to the isolation device and its setting tool to allow a larger object and passage in the isolation device to be used. If the guns misfire, the object is not released and comes out with the guns. The replacement guns can be pumped in because the passage in the isolation device has stayed open during the misfire. Direct and indirect object release in response to pressure created from the firing of the guns is contemplated.

Abstract: In a fracking context the object that will ultimately block a passage in an isolation device is introduced into the zone with the bottom hole assembly. The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object. The retaining device is placed in close proximity to the isolation device and its setting tool to allow a larger object and passage in the isolation device to be used. If the guns misfire, the object is not released and comes out with the guns. The replacement guns can be pumped in because the passage in the isolation device has stayed open during the misfire. Direct and indirect object release in response to pressure created from the firing of the guns is contemplated.

Abstract: A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The conveyor system includes a central conveyor and a lateral conveyor that feeds the central conveyor. The central conveyor is on a travel track. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe has a tip, and the tip of the probe includes an outer surface defining an outer taper bore and an inner surface defining an inner taper bore.

Abstract: Provided is a coring apparatus for collecting marine sediments, and more particularly, to a coring apparatus having a core filled with marine sediments when the coring apparatus is inserted into a seabed.

Abstract: A downhole fracturing system including a seat assembly having a plurality of like-sized openings therein. Each of the like-sized openings has a cross sectional area complementary to a corresponding plurality of objects such that each of the objects is matable therewith to substantially inhibit fluid flow through each like-sized opening. The objects have dimensions insufficient to mate with an opening in a next adjacent upstream seat assembly. A method of hydraulic fracturing is also included.

Abstract: When conducting cementing operations within confined locales, such as the annular space within a wellbore, it can sometimes be difficult to successfully deliver an uncured cement composition to a desired location. Cementing methods can comprise: providing a cement composition comprising a cement and a property control package, the property control package comprising: a filtration control agent; a friction reducer; and a setting accelerator; introducing the cement composition into a mineral exploration wellbore; and setting the cement composition in the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly is configured for repeated and selective hydraulic actuation and deactuation. A piston assembly is configured to reciprocate axially in a downhole tool body. The piston assembly reciprocates between a first axial position and second and third axial positions that axially oppose the first position. The downhole tool is actuated when the piston assembly is in the third axial position and deactuated when the piston assembly is in either of the first or second axial positions. A spring member biases the piston assembly towards the first axial position while drilling fluid pressure in the tool body urges the piston assembly towards the second and third axial positions. Downhole tool actuation and deactuation may be controlled from the surface, for example, via cycling the drilling fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A resettable downhole tool actuator comprises a housing, a collet slidable within the housing and defining a seating with which a ball is engageable, in use, the collet being mounted upon a moveable support including a piston and arranged such that, when the bail engages the seating, fluid flow through an axially extending passage provided in the support is restricted, the housing including an increased diameter region arranged such that, when the seating is aligned with the increased diameter region, outward deflection of the collet permits the ball to pass through the seating and through the axially extending passage.

Abstract: A method of operating a downhole tool in a no-flow configuration in which a piston and a flow-restriction cooperate to occlude a tool throughbore. The tool is reconfigured to an intermediate configuration by flowing fluid through the tool at an intermediate flow-rate lower than an operating flow-rate and axially translating the piston to an intermediate position in which the piston and flow-restriction cooperate to define an intermediate flow area. Axial translation of the piston between a no-flow position and the intermediate position includes an occlusional stage of a first axial extent during which the piston and the flow-restriction occlude the tool throughbore, and a transitional stage of a second axial extent during which the piston and the flow-restriction cooperate to provide a step-change in flow area. The tool is reconfigured to an operating configuration by flowing fluid through the tool at the operating flow-rate and axially translating the piston.

Abstract: A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liner wiper plugs with bypass options to allow displacing fluid to be pumped through after the liner wiper plug is set in a liner hanger system landing collar. By pumping displacing fluids through the bypass, uncured cement may be removed from the shoe track area and an area external to the shoe track area.

Abstract: A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A tool and its operating procedure are provided to protect any device while lowering into a well, and especially hydraulic devices such as sensors with expandable arms or inflatable elements such as packers. The protection is mainly important in the open hole of highly deviated or horizontal wells, for any device equipped with external seal element, delicate sensor or articulated parts. This tool features an automatic sequence controlled by a single dart or a single ball launched into the running string from the surface: when the dart or the ball lands on its seat, the pressure build-up is initially applied to a piston to extract the device from the protector without exposing it to any differential pressure, then it is automatically applied to the device itself for actuation as soon as the device is entirely pulled out of the protector.

Abstract: A wall casing cement plug assembly includes a receptacle with an axial passage. The receptacle is pumped to a lower end of the casing string and locked in place. The receptacle has a casing seal that engages the string of casing and a retainer mechanism on its exterior that engages a profile in the string of casing. Cement is pumped through the receptacle by rupturing a blocking device in the axial passage of the receptacle. A wiper plug is pumped down the string casing. The wiper plug has a prong on its lower end that stabs into the axial passage of the receptacle. A latch located in the lower portion of the receptacle locks the wiper plug to the body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for running a completion string, such as casing, into a predrilled wellbore while allowing rotation of a downhole component with respect to the completion string. The downhole component may be a drill shoe or reamer shoe for example. There is also disclosed a drillable or millable drive assembly for driving the rotation of a portion of the casing assembly and other applications thereof.

Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a wellbore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.

Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a well-bore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restricted passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug and the bottom cementing plug into the wellbore casing. The bottom cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage, a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices useful in stage cementing operations are provided. One example of an apparatus may comprise a catcher tube assembly and a deformable device. One example of a method is a method of stage cementing a casing string comprising: positioning a catcher tube on top of a float collar; pumping a first fluid through the casing string; placing a first deformable device in the casing string; and pumping a second fluid through the casing string, thereby causing the first deformable device to translate downward in the casing string and into the catcher tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and method to displace fluids and to prevent the mixing or bypassing of fluids used in gravel pack operations. A moveable plug is used to create a physical partition between fluids.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for completing a well. Particularly, the present invention relates to a single-direction plug for use with cementing applications and with drilling with casing applications. One embodiment comprises a cement plug for installation in a wellbore casing. The plug includes a body and gripping members for preventing movement of the body in a first axial direction relative to the casing. The plug further comprises a sealing member for sealing a fluid path between the body and the casing. The plug is movable in a second axial direction with fluid pressure but is not movable in the first direction due to fluid pressure.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing a hydrate plug (38) from a pipeline (16), wherein a pig (1), which is connected to an umbilical (2) extending to surface, is displaced down into the pipeline (16) until proximity of the hydrate plug (38), after which a fluid arranged with hydrate-plug-dissolving properties is pumped through the umbilical (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restricted passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug and the bottom cementing plug into the wellbore casing. The bottom cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage, a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: A platform is used to deliver a tool down a hole by controlling the flow of fluid through and around the platform. The platform has a top surface for receiving the tool. The platform also has a bottom surface to provide guidance through and resistance to the flow of fluid. The lower surface of the platform can be engineered to steer the platform against an inner wall of the casing. This slows the descent by adding mechanical friction to its descent. The lower surface can also be engineered to add a predetermined amount of resistance to the flow of the well fluid across it. A stop on the casing already in place in the well stops the descent of the tool at a desired depth. Once the tool is no longer needed, a fishing tool can be lowered from the same crane to retrieve the tool and platform. Use of a crane substantially decreases the cost of the operation compared to the need for a rig.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restrictef passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage. a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: A telescoping rig with an upper mast telescopingly received within a lower mast. A torque carrier is formed of an upper part suspended within the upper mast and a lower part attached to the lower mast. The lower part may be secured to the upper part when the rig is in operational position, and is movable to allow the upper mast to move into a telescoped position within the lower mast. The rig is readied for transport by disconnecting upper and lower parts of a torque carrier, moving the lower torque carrier laterally within the lower mast to allow the upper mast to telescope within the lower mast; and telescoping the upper mast within the lower mast.

Abstract: A plunger lift for a hydrocarbon well includes a multipart piston that is dropped into the well in separate pieces. When the pieces reach the bottom of the well, they fall into an accumulation of the formation liquid in the bottom of the well and unite. Gas from the formation pushes the unit upwardly, pushing liquid above the piston toward the surface. The multipart piston includes a upper sleeve and a lower component. A decoupler at the surface comprises a separator rod which the sleeve passes onto thereby dislodging the lower component and allowing it to fall into the well. The sleeve is held on the separator rod by the action of well contents flowing around and/or through the sleeve. When well flow around the sleeve is interrupted, the sleeve falls into the well. The length of time the sleeve is held at the surface is varied in response to the amount of liquid produced on each cycle.

Abstract: The plug holder sub 110 for being supported on a conveyance tubular temporarily supports a liner wiper plug 150, so that a pump down plug may land in the liner wiper plug and be supported from a generally tubular body 116 of the plug holder sub. The retaining member 114 is provided for attaching the liner wiper plug to the tubular body, and a piston 134 moves within the tubular body from a retaining position to a release position. A metering jet 130, 131 on a fluid flow path 128 from chamber 132 restrains the piston movement, thereby preventing release of the liner wiper plug until the piston moves to the release position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cementing a casing string in a wellbore. A self-filling tubular cementing collar connected to the lower end of a casing string is provided with one-way flow valving that allows well fluid to enter and self-fill the casing string as it is lowered into the wellbore and automatically prohibits reverse fluid flow from the collar when washing or cementing during forward circulation through the collar. The one-way valving is carried by an axially movable support that can be shifted by a cementing plug moved by pump pressure to permanently seal the entry flow passage after the casing sting is properly positioned in the wellbore.

Abstract: A cementing manifold is disclosed that preferably includes: modular housings that can be stacked together and interconnected to add multi-dart or multi-sphere capability; identical, interchangeable valves; internal bypass capability; a minimum number of protrusions into the pressure containing components; and no externally mounted welded or threaded components.

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: 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: 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: An actuator for an orienting device for orienting a borehole apparatus in a borehole and an orienting device comprised of the actuator, wherein the orienting device is comprised of an orienting mechanism which is actuated by longitudinal movement. The actuator is comprised of a housing having a first end and a second end and a fluid passageway extending through the housing from the first end to the second end. Further, a longitudinally reciprocable piston, positioned within and providing a first partial obstruction of the fluid passageway, engages with the orienting mechanism such that longitudinal movement of the piston actuates the orienting mechanism.