Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which pivots radially outwardly from the tool upon tool rotation to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released and is stowed adjacent the housing by opposite tool rotation. Preferably the profile of the jaw allows it to stow closely against the housing for presenting minimal obstruction. More preferably, the jaw is formed independent of the housing and the bore supports differential pressure so that the tool can be installed above a rotary pump or as a part of an extended tailpiece.

Abstract: A borehole tool, such as a seismic shuttle-type logging tool, including a tool body having at least one sensor package and an anchoring mechanism, the anchoring mechanism having a drive mechanism including a motor, a drive shaft and a clutch; an anchoring arm moveable between first (extended)and second (retracted) positions relative to the tool body; a push rod connecting the anchoring arm to the drive mechanism; and a spring acting to bias the arm into a first position relative to the tool body. The push rod extends through the clutch mechanism and is engaged by the spring to bias the arm into the first position, and is also driven by the drive mechanism through the clutch to move the arm between the first and second positions. The spring is a coil spring surrounding the drive mechanism and acting on the push rod directly.

Abstract: A clamped receiver array using tubing conveyed packer elements is disclosed and described. The receiver array can be used for borehole seismology as well as marine bottom surface seismology. The receiver array has a plurality of receivers connected together by a signal cable. The apparatus is further provided with a fluid conduit running essentially parallel to the signal cable. The fluid conduit has a plurality of receiver deployment sections which are located proximate to respective receivers. The receiver deployment sections are responsive to an increase in pressure within the fluid conduit, causing the receiver deployment sections to operate to press the receiver against the inside of a wellbore or to a marine bottom surface. In one example the receiver deployment section uses pistons disposed in openings in the fluid conduit to push the receivers away from the conduit as pressure in the conduit is increased.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for anchoring within tubular structures and releasing therefrom. In a described embodiment, a packer includes multiple debris barriers, which are deployed when slips of the packer are radially outwardly extended. The debris barriers prevent debris from settling about the slips, thereby enhancing convenient retrieval of the packer. Use of the debris barriers may also permit control over how the slips are extended.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: A clamped receiver array using tubing conveyed packer elements is disclosed and described. The receiver array is adapted to be received within a borehole and is therefore particularly useful for borehole seismology. The receiver array has a plurality of receivers connected together by a signal cable. The receivers include sensors which can be 3-component geophones. The apparatus is further provided with a fluid conduit running essentially parallel to the signal cable, the fluid conduit having expansible sections located adjacent to the receivers. The expansible sections expand in response to an increase of fluid pressure within the fluid conduit, contacting the associated receiver and thereby pushing the receiver into a coupled or clamped contact with the casing in the wellbore. The expansible sections have a resilient outer sleeve which fits over a fluid conduit element adjacent to the receiver.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus for conveying at least one logging tool through an earth formation traversed by a horizontal or highly deviated borehole. The conveyance apparatus comprises a pair of arcuate-shaped cams pivotally mounted to a support member, a spring member for biasing the arcuate surface of each cam into contact with the borehole wall, and actuators operatively connected to each cam. A logging tool is attached to the conveyance apparatus. When either actuator is activated in a first direction, the cam connected to the activated actuator is linearly displaced forward and the arcuate surface of the cam slides along the borehole wall. When either actuator is activated in a second direction, the activated actuator pulls the connected cam backwards and the spring member thereby urges the arcuate surface of the cam to lock against the borehole wall.

Abstract: A tractor system has been invented which, in certain embodiments, includes a body connected to the item, first setting means on the body for selectively and releasably anchoring the system in a bore, first movement means having a top and a bottom, the first movement means on the body for moving the body and the item, the first movement means having a first power stroke, and the tractor system for moving the item through the bore at a speed of at least 10 feet per minute.

Abstract: A tractor system for moving an item through a wellbore has been invented with a central mandrel interconnected with the item, first setting means about the central mandrel for selectively and releasably anchoring the system in a wellbore, the central mandrel having a top, and a bottom, and a first power thread therein, the first setting means having a first follower pin for engaging the first power thread to power the first setting means to set the first setting means against an inner wall of the bore. In one aspect, the tractor system is for moving the item through the bore at a speed of at least 10 feet per minute.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating zonal isolation between the exterior and interior of an uncased section of an underground well system which is located adjacent to a well section in which a well casing is present. The method includes inserting an expandable tubular through the existing well casing into an uncased section, such as a lateral branch, of the underground well system and subsequently expanding the expandable tubular such that the one end is pressed towards the wall of the uncased section of the well system and the outer surface of the other end is pressed against the inner surface of the well casing thereby creating an interference fit capable of achieving a shear bond and a hydraulic seal between the surrounding surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a downhole tool in a borehole. A phase change material such as a shape memory metal is activated to engage the borehole and to transport the tool through the borehole. After the tool has been advanced in the borehole, the phase change material is deactivated to release from the borehole wall, and advances into position to continue the transport process. An extension can be engaged with the phase change material to extend the movement range of the phase change material. The phase change material actuator requires few moving parts and can be integrated with other tool components. The invention can operate in opposite directions within a borehole and can replace wellbore tractors and other locomotive tools.

Abstract: A slip element installable about a downhole tool apparatus for use in anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore. The slip element has at least one slip button made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising an effective percentage by weight of a preselected titanium compound. The composite makes the slip button resistant to chipping upon setting but has favorable drillability characteristics upon drilling the downhole tool from a wellbore. The slip element may include at least one slip element made of a non-metallic material such as a laminated nonmetallic composite material. Preferably at least one slip button is made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising less than about 75 percent by weight of titanium carbide having a density ranging between about 5 to 7 grams per cubic centimeter. Preferably, the slip button is cylindrically shaped and is installed in at least one slip element at a preselected angle and extends outwardly at a preselected distance from a face of the slip element.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for stabilizing a PC pump suspended from production tubing. The stabilizing apparatus is connected to the pump and comprises a tubular body having a cylindrical wall, a longitudinal bore contiguous with the production tubing and three or more circumferentially-spaced linkages are disposed in longitudinal slots formed in the exterior of the tubular body. Each linkage comprises at least a passive and an active link pivotally connected end-to-end in series, the passive link being pivoted from the body. An annulus is formed within the cylindrical wall and contains a longitudinally movable annular piston pivotally connected to the active link. The annulus is connected to the bore so that the piston is pressurized dynamically with fluid from the bore. Fluid pressure drives the piston, actuating the active link, thereby causing the linkage to expand radially outwards, the radial force being proportional with the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A clamped receiver array using coiled tubing conveyed packer elements is disclosed and described. The receiver array is adapted to be received within a borehole and is therefore particularly useful for borehole seismology. The receiver array has a plurality of receivers connected together by a signal cable. The receivers include sensors which can be 3-component geophones. The apparatus is further provided with a fluid conduit running essentially parallel to the signal cable, the fluid conduit having expansible sections located adjacent to the receivers. The expansible sections expand in response to an increase of fluid pressure within the fluid conduit, contacting the associated receiver and thereby pushing the receiver into a coupled or clamped contact with the casing in the wellbore.

Abstract: A conveyance apparatus for conveying at least one logging tool through an earth formation traversed by a horizontal or highly deviated borehole is disclosed. The conveyance apparatus comprises a pair of arcuate-shaped cams pivotally mounted to a support member, means for biasing the arcuate surface of each cam into contact with the borehole wall, and actuators operatively connected to each cam. A logging tool is attached to the conveyance apparatus. When either actuator is activated in a first direction, the cam connected to the activated actuator is linearly displaced forward and the arcuate surface of the cam slides along the borehole wall. When either actuator is activated in a second direction, the activated actuator pulls the connected cam backwards and the biasing means thereby urges the arcuate surface of the cam to lock against the borehole wall.

Abstract: A thru-tubing retrievable whipstock is disclosed. A running tool creates relative movement to pivot out anchors at the lower end of the whipstock to accomplish its support. The setting force is trapped by spring-loaded wedges. The whipstock can be released and retrieved through tubing by undermining the wedges which allows retrieval of the whipstock by a pick-up force on the whipstock which collapses the anchoring mechanism for retrieval of the entire assembly to the surface.

Abstract: A slip having a passageway for installation of lines therethrough and associated anchoring device provides uniform gripping engagement with a wellbore without unduly stressing the slip or casing, and without requiring complex manufacturing and assembly. In a described embodiment, a slip has slip segment, transitional and C-ring axial portions. The slip segment portion includes multiple axially elongated and circumferentially spaced apart slip segments. Each slip segment is attached to an axial end of the C-ring portion by a transitional element. When the slip is extended into engagement with a wellbore, the transitional portion permits the slip segments to flex and uniformly apply a gripping force to the wellbore.

Abstract: A device for coupling a receiver system with the wall of a well (1) bored in the ground comprises at least one sensor (11;12) sensitive to vibrations, structure (14,15) for applying the system against the wall of said well at the two ends of the system. A surface for supporting the system against the wall, arranged between the applying structure, has a radius of curvature essentially identical to the radius of curvature of a transverse section of the well so that this contact surface (MN) between said system and the wall follows a portion of a cylinder contained within an arc equal to at least 90.degree..

Abstract: A new wellbore tractor system has been invented which, in one aspect has at least two slip units for alternately and releasably anchoring the system within a wellbore or within a tubular member and at least two movement units for moving an item in a wellbore, such as, but not limited to cable, tubing, casing, a tubular string or coiled tubing. In one aspect power strokes of the movement units overlap in time so that the system provides continuous motion. In another aspect a wellbore tractor system has been invented for moving an item through a wellbore, the wellbore extending from earth surface to an underground location, the system comprising a body connected to the item, first setting means on the body for selectively and releasably anchoring the system in a wellbore, first movement apparatus on the body for moving the body and the item, the first movement means having a first power stroke, and the wellbore tractor system for moving the item through the wellbore at a speed of at least 100 feet per minute.

Abstract: A packer for sealing a space downhole in a well. The packer includes a deformable sheath having a body and first and second ends for defining an interior volume proximate to a tool surface. A material located within the interior volume is deformable, when the sheath second end is moved toward the sheath first end, to move the deformable sheath into the downhole space. The sheath can function as a sealing element or a backup element, and can be applied to different structures and tool configurations downhole in a wellbore. For example, the packer can be applied to plugs, to through tubing mandrals, and to other well tools in open hole or in cased wellbore configurations. The packer resists damage to the seal elements, provides confirmation of the packer setting force, and is less expensive than conventional packer designs.

Abstract: An elastic force generated by a volume of compressed gas in a chamber (7b) of a cavity (7) interior to the body of a well tool (1), acting on a piston (8), is used to open arms (4) intended to anchor the tool to the wall of a well (2). In order to close them, an opposed hydraulic force generated by a pump (13) driven by an electric motor (14) is applied intermittently, which brings piston (8) back to a recoil position. Piston (8) is coupled hydraulically with the cylinders of jacks (5, 6) acting on arms (4). A sufficient elastic force can thus be generated under a very low volume and the characteristics thereof can be readily changed by acting on the gas injection pressure and/or the extent of the dead volume when piston (8) is in a recoil position. Such device can be used for coupling sondes in wellbores for seismic prospecting for example.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool is disclosed which has as one of its purposes anchoring coiled tubing during certain downhole operations such as milling. In the anchor format the tool is run in in the retracted position and then expanded to get a grip on the casing or tubing in the wellbore prior to actuation of a downhole tool such as a mill, which is generally driven by a downhole motor. A flushing mechanism keeps the anchoring assembly free of debris so that it functions properly. The anchoring assembly employs a linkage of two or more links depending on the size of the tubing against which the coil tubing is to be anchored and the amount of anchoring force required. The same tool through a switchout of linkage components can serve a multitude of other functions on separate runs in the well or on the same run with one tool body. The tool can serve as a sleeve shifting tool, a centralizer, or a tubing end locator. The tool can expand to a ratio of greater than 1.

Abstract: An anchor (A) is secured in a cased well bore by a setting tool (T) having latch (10) that releasably secures with the anchor (A). A whipstock (27) has surfaces (33) which are engaged with shaft surfaces (32) at the earth's surface to orient the whipstock to face in a desired direction. The whipstock (27) is then lowered into a cased well bore and releasably latched to the anchor (A) by retrievable latch (35) engaged in recess (3) of the anchor and secured against rotation by surface 31d engaged in whipstock latching surface 8 on the anchor (A). A lateral well bore (47) can then be drilled from the cased well bore in the desired direction and at the desired elevation. The whipstock (27) may be connected with a drill string (DS) for lowering into an anchor (A) in the well bore. If desired, an ordinary well string 53 with latch arrangement (77) cooperates with latch arrangement (78) in the whipstock (27) to retrieve the whipstock from the anchor (A), or to position the whipstock in the anchor (A).

Abstract: An oil field Whip-Anchor System, for deviating a well bore, which uses an improved Whipstock incorporating a new setting apparatus and method, attached to a hydraulic or mechanical anchor packer is disclosed. The complete Whip-Anchor System also includes an apparatus and method for retrieving the Whip-Anchor if it is used in well bores which require retrievable well bore deviation tools. The new apparatus reduces the number of whipstock bodies that must be warehoused to three fundamental types which fit all commonly used well bores. The apparatus permits the proper "set" of a mechanical packer without fear of shearing the releasable attachment device currently used in the industry and permits an operator to "bottom hole wash" while setting a mechanical packer in a well bore. The same technique and apparatus are used for both mechanical or hydraulic packers. The system utilizes a slot cut in the face of the whipstock for setting and retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention includes, in one embodiment, a receptacle for use in orienting a tool or member in a wellbore or in a tubular with respect to an anchor (or other member) anchored in the wellbore or tubular. In one aspect the receptacle has hollow cylindrical body with a tapered nose and a lower alignment assembly in a bottom of the hollow body member. The lower alignment assembly receives and releasably holds a top portion of the anchor and facilitates its movement through and orientation with respect to the receptacle. In one aspect the receptacle also includes an upper locking assembly which receives and locks onto the anchor. An anchor according to this invention has a guide key according to this invention with dual opposed carved surfaces which co-act with curved surfaces on the tapered nose of the receptacle's body to facilitate movement of the receptacle in a correct orientation down over the top to the anchor.

Abstract: A wellbore anchor tool employing at least one pair of individual slip segments which wrap at least partially around a mandrel passing through the tool, the individual slip segments carrying bearing surfaces and restraint members for holding the slip segments in the tool but at the same time in slidable engagement with the tool.

Abstract: An outer chain plate for a bicycle drive chain includes an elongated plate body with upper and lower edges, two end portions formed with a respective hole, and a waist portion interconnecting the end portions. The plate body has an outer face which is formed with a generally S-shaped longitudinal recess that includes a straight connecting portion formed in the waist portion, and insert portions which are disposed on two ends of the straight connecting portion and which surround a respective one of the holes. The longitudinal recess has two open ends which extend respectively from the insert portions and which open in opposite directions toward a respective one of the upper and lower edges of the plate body. The plate body further has an inner face which is formed with a generally S-shaped longitudinal projection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp mechanism that can be used to attach or temporarily support objects inside of tubular goods. The clamp mechanism can also be modified so that it grips objects. The clamp has a self-centering feature to accommodate out-of-roundness or other internal defections in tubular objects such as pipe. A plurality of clamping shoes are expanded by a linkage which is preferably powered by a motor to contact the inside of a pipe. The motion can be reversed and jaw elements can be connected to the linkage so as to bring the jaws together to grab an object.

Abstract: A removable lock for installation in a water well having a plastic casing includes a cylindrical body that fits loosely within the plastic casing. The body includes pivotable blades having points that are directed downwardly and outwardly. After the lock has been lowered a substantial distance below the ground into the casing, the blades are forcibly pivoted so that the points of the blades penetrate into the plastic coating. After the lock is thus set, the application of a downward force to the body of the lock will cause the point of the blades to dig deeper into the plastic casing so that the blades cut a slit in the plastic casing if an attempt is made to drive the body downward within the casing. A coupling is included at the top end of the body, and the coupling is engaged to the lower end of a pipe string for moving the lock into the casing and for removing it. To prevent unauthorized removal of the plug, the coupling at the top end of the body is provided with threads of an uncommon type.

Abstract: An anchor is disclosed which is engageable by application of a downward load which allows collets having a thread form to engage a thread form on a packer body. Further letting down on the tool locks in the collets anchoring the tubing string. Release is accomplished by an upward pull which shears a ring which frees the collets for inward movement thereby allowing release from the packer body. An additional feature of the apparatus is that it permits initial contact and disengagement prior to shearing shear screws holding the apparatus in its initial position. Thus, if insufficient tubing is available at the surface upon initial engagement with the packer, the tool may simply be pulled up to permit the addition of a pump joint at the surface. With the pup joint added, the string can then be lowered for latching leaving enough room at the surface to attach the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A borehole seismic tool including a borehole clamp which only moves perpendicular to the borehole. The clamp is driven by an electric motor, via a right angle drive. When used as a seismic receiver, the tool has a three part housing, two of which are hermetically sealed. Accelerometers or geophones are mounted in one hermetically sealed part, the electric meter in the other hermetically sealed part, and the clamp and right angle drive in the third part. Preferably the tool includes cable connectors at both ends. Optionally a shear plate can be added to the clamp to extend the range of the tool.

Abstract: A three-component adjustable mandrel well casing hanger that can be attached to the upper end of a tie-back sub or string to effect a tensioned connection between a subsea location and a surface wellhead of an offshore well.

Abstract: A well tool locates within a subsea wellhead to seal and isolate the wellhead from testing of blowout preventer stack located on a riser string extending from the wellhead to a surface vessel. The well tool has a mandrel and a body which are axially moveable relative to each other. The body has a locking element which can move from a radially retracted position outward to engage grooves in the wellhead. The body also has an elastomeric seal for sealing the interior of the wellhead. A wedge ring has a compression member mounted to it for energizing the seal. Simultaneously, the wedge ring pushes the dogs outward. The wedge ring moves downward with the mandrel. A retaining assembly will retain the mandrel in the upper position until it is desired to set the tool. The retainer releases the mandrel for moving downward by rotating less than one turn. The wedging surfaces can be moved to a disengaging position to disengage the wedging surfaces from actuating the locking element.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly is disclosed for setting within a casing conduit and carrying a liner string therebelow. The assembly has slip elements for gripping the casing with each of the slip elements having symmetrically angled teeth such that only one set of slips may be used to anchor the hanger and liner in position against relative longitudinal movement in either direction subsequent to setting. The apparatus is hydraulically settable and provides for application of workstring load to the apparatus to direct additional load in excess of that required to set the slips in anchoring engagement. The housing of the apparatus and the liner therebelow also may be rotated by the tubular workstring subsequent to setting without effecting rotational movement of the slip elements.

Abstract: A well pipe hanger with a metal sealing annulus valve comprising an axially positionable annular metal seal element with a pair of radially spaced annular sealing surfaces that cooperate with annular metallic sealing surfaces on adjacent well elements to establish a metal-to-metal seal between said elements.

Abstract: The improved joint of the present invention includes a tubular member which is cold formed into tight gripping and sealing engagement within an internal grooved recess within a support member, such a wellhead housing. The upper end of the recess is tapered upwardly and inwardly and the upper end of the tubular member of a wedge ring mounting between the upper end of the tubular member and the tapered surface of the recess is positioned against the tapered surface of the recess so that when the cold forging step is performed the upper end of the tubular member is compressed downwardly to introduce the compression preload into the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking a packer against premature actuation in a well bore. The locking apparatus includes a sleeve attached to a lower end of the packer and spring biased locking members adjacent to the sleeve. When in a locked position, lugs on the locking members engage a groove in the sleeve and prevent longitudinal movement of a mandrel in the packer with respect to the packer elements. When the locking apparatus enters a liner in the well bore, the locking members are biased radially inwardly, disengaging the lugs from the groove, so that the packer mandrel may be actuated and the packer set.

Abstract: A lock mandrel for selectively locking a well tool at a desired landing nipple in a well bore, and a running tool for installing the lock mandrel. The lock mandrel includes an upwardly operable expander sleeve for locking the mandrel responsive to an upward force and a selector key assembly for landing the lock mandrel at a landing nipple having a selector profile compatible with the profile on the selector keys of the lock mandrel. The running tool includes a latch key assembly for coupling the running tool with the lock mandrel and an operator lug assembly for operating the lock mandrel. The running tool also includes a non-load bearing shear pin for holding the running tool in a running mode and a emergency release apparatus for releasing the lock mandrel in the well bore and retrieving the lock mandrel with the running tool in the event that the locking mechanism of the lock mandrel is not fully operable in the well bore.

Abstract: A compound linkage arm assembly for providing a substantial force to initially extend an arm assembly from a sonde without increasing the driving force in the opening mechanism. A linear drive mechanism initially acts upon a linkage within an arm assembly of the tool. The links unseat and force the arm away from the tool without much force from the drive mechanism. Once the arm is moved away from the tool by the full extension of the links, push rods act directly upon the arm to contact the bore hole wall. The advantage of this arrangement is that the linear drive mechanism is not required to exert a great amount of lateral force upon the arm to obtain the initial extension. The links acting between the arm and the sonde body provide the lateral force necessary to extend the arm.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking a casing in a stationary support has an intermediate element which can move elastically in a receptacle of the support. The receptacle has upper and lower conical flanks. Conical inner grooving of the intermediate element has conical flanks of an angle at the apex greater than the angle at the apex of the upper flanks of the receptacle and less than the angle at the apex of the corner flank. The resultants of the forces to which the intermediate element is subjected has a radial component. When pulled upward, the radial component is outward. Under a downward force, the radial component is inward.

Abstract: A probe and anchoring device for anchoring the probe and the well, with the probe having an axis parallel to a well axis and including a probe body supporting the anchoring device. The anchoring device is provided with two arms which are offset angularly with respect to each other in relation to the axis of the probe, with the arms being so arranged that when they are deployed, the probe comes directly into contact with the walls of the well.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting data uphole in a well to the top of the well. A string of electrically conductive tubing and a tool connected to the tubing are lowered down the well along the inside of tubular shaped electrically conductive casing for the well. The inside of the casing is electrically contacted with an electrical contact carried by the tool. A switch in the tool is operated for alternately electrically connecting and disconnecting the contact and thereby the casing and with respect to the conductive tubing for changing the electrical conductance between the tubing and the casing representative of data. The changing conductance is interrogated with an alternating current, formed at the top of the well, to recover the data.

Abstract: A system is provided for transmitting energy to an apparatus, such as a pulsed or vibratory seismic source, lowered inside a well or drill hole. It includes a structure anchorable in a well, mobile means whose linear displacement with respect to the anchorable structure causes the creation of energy and means for accumulating the energy created, a rigid column connected to said mobile means and drive means disposed outside the well for moving the rigid column linearly. The mobile means and the accumulation means may be formed by a weight and a device for raising this latter or else by a hydraulic system including a linear pump.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting an inner and an outer tubular member to and from each other in a well. A resiliently expandable and contractible locking support element is carried by and is axially slidable on the inner member. Two or more radially outwardly extending and downwardly facing load bearing support shoulders and peripheral locking surfaces are positioned on the inner member and coact with inwardly facing load bearing shoulders and locking surfaces on the locking support element. Two or more radially outwardly facing load bearing support shoulders on the locking support element coact with mating load bearing support shoulders on the inside of the outer tubular member. A release initially prevents axial movement of the locking support element on the inner member and may be positioned above, below or intermediate the ends of the locking support element. The locking support element may be an integral unit or a plurality of multiple separate units.

Abstract: A metal support ring is located between a housing and a wellhead for reducing bending movement of the wellhead relative to the housing. The support ring has a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs for engaging the bore of the housing. The ribs are parallel to and vertically spaced apart from each other. Each rib protrudes outwardly from the wellhead a distance greater than the inner diameter of the housing. This causes the ribs to deflect in an interference fit when the wellhead is inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated downhole locking sub is capable of locating and locking into a doubly tapered downhole landing nipple adapted to a magnetically coded, electrically actuated lock. The sub permits the substitution of mechanical actuation for electrical or explosive actuation within a drillstring or a wireline run for setting and releasing downhole tools within an oilwell without requiring a changeout of the landing nipples, which may be set in the casing or be otherwise unremovable. The mechanism includes a specific spring biased split locking ring design which permits the mechanical locks of the tool to be set in a cocked position downhole and then to be positively locked upon engagement with a landing nipple where the tool is raised. An internal engagement mechanism, mechanically connected to the fishneck of the tool, permits the locking ring to be disengaged subsequent to landing and locking the tool, thereby cocking it for removal.

Abstract: For a downhole seismic tool, a securing mechanism which uses an arm which swings from the side of tool and into contact with the earth, causing the tool also to come to rest against the opposite side of the borehole on at least one pair of lugs protruding from the opposite side of the tool.

Abstract: An anchor for a tubing string for use with a sucker rod pump is provided which defines a large fluid passage area for the passage of treatment fluids through the anchor. The anchor comprises a tubular body or body extensions having two vertically spaced sets of radial ports. A flow sleeve is positioned in straddling relationship across the bore of the anchor body and has its external surface recessed to provide an annular passage connecting the two sets of radial flow ports. The upper set of flow ports are connected to a tubular flow line extending to the well surface while the lower set of flow ports are connected tubular flow line extending to the production zone or to the location where corrosion, scale or other treatment becomes necessary. The flow sleeve is run into the well with a sucker rod pump on the sucker rod string and can be detachably latched to the tubing string in overlapping sealing relationship to the radial flow ports.

Abstract: A sub-sea well assembly has features to eliminate side-to-side movement between a wellhead and a wellhead housing due to movement of the drilling vessel. The wellhead extends into the wellhead housing and is connected on its upper end to equipment extending to the vessel. Slips are located in an annular space between the wellhead housing passage and the exterior wall of the wellhead. The slips are mounted so that they will slide from the contracted position when the wellhead is being placed into the wellhead housing to an expanded position after the wellhead is locked into the wellhead housing. In the expanded position, the slips move downward to wedge, but are not weight bearing. The slips are self-actuating, with a spring to urge them downward into the expanded position.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well tool having a slip assembly which is adapted to grippingly engage a cylindrical surface within a well conduit, and which includes a sleeve carried by a body adapted to be lowered into the well conduit so as to dispose a relatively high friction surface about one side of the sleeve opposite the cylindrical surface. The sleeve is split about its circumference and has end edges which extend at an angle with respect to the axis of the sleeve and are arranged to slide over one another as the sleeve is caused to move between expanded and contracted positions into and out of gripping engagement with the cylindrical surfaces.