Abstract: A selectively released well tool anchor has a tubular wicker shoe cage and a tubular setting sleeve in sliding assembly over a tubular mandrel. The wicker shoe cage confines a plurality of independent wicker shoes. The tubular setting sleeve has a conical slip face that is loosely meshed with the shoe cage by a plurality of collet fingers extended from the conical slip face into meshed engagement with detents in the shoe cage. The collet fingers are secured within the detents for well run-in by calibrated shear fasteners. Slip faces on the several wicker shoes are aligned with the conical slip face to effect a radial displacement of the wicker shoes by an axial translation of the setting sleeve relative to the shoe cage. However, no relative axial translation may occur until sufficient axial compressive force between the shoe cage and setting sleeve is imposed to shear the calibrated fasteners.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly has a slip actuation system which is locked for run-in. A piston assembly bolts onto the mandrel in a sealable manner to actuate a mechanical lock. Upon release of the lock, a plurality of springs actuate a sleeve which is in turn attached to the slips to move them relative to their slip seats. The slip seats are preferably mounted to the mandrel without welding and have longitudinal spaces for mud or cement flow therebetween. Load is distributed from each slip through its slip seat into the mandrel without interaction from an adjacent slip or slip seat. A rupture disk ensures that a predetermined pressure is built up before the piston can actuate to defeat the lock. The lock can come in a variety of configurations. One of which is a sliding sleeve over a dog and another is a yoke over a split ring which, when shifted, allows the split ring to expand, thus unlocking the parts.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tractor within a downhole passage and for assisting movement of the tractor within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer (12), in a drilled bore between inner tubing (11) and outer tubing (16) comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section (18) defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension (40a, 40b). The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing (16).

Abstract: A hanger for use in joining tubulars includes an inner tubular with a first portion of length with increasing wall thickness and a second portion of length with decreasing wall thickness through the same longitudinal direction. A swedge sized to expand the inner tubular beyond the yield point to engage and expand the outer tubular is to be drawn through the inner tubular. With the variation in wall thickness, the outer tubular is progressively expanded in an increasing manner and then in a decreasing manner. The difference in inelastic expansion operates to insure an appropriate ultimate fit at one or two areas between the overlapping tubulars. The inner tubular may include a nipple affixed to a liner or may include a liner with an outer filler. In one case, the nipple has varying wall thickness while in the other the filler exhibits the varying wall thickness. A segmented swedge includes portions of the part lines between adjacent segments which are circumferential.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A releasable no-go tool and associated methods provide enhanced capabilities in positioning an item of equipment in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a releasable no-go tool includes a circumferentially continuous key which is radially outwardly displaced by a series of pistons. In use, the tool is interconnected in a tubing string, which is lowered into a casing string in a wellbore. The casing string has a nipple interconnected therein, the nipple having an internal profile. The tool is positioned below the nipple, pressure is applied to the tubing string to extend the key, and the tubing string is raised to thereby engage the key with the profile.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure retrievable packer adapted for service under extreme operating conditions when the packer apparatus is held in the wellbore with a mechanical slip and a barrel slip. The barrel slip has a barrel slip body with a plurality of openings defined in the outer surface of the body. Cylindrical inserts are received in the openings. The cylindrical inserts define upward facing and downward facing gripping edges that will engage casing when the barrel slip body is radially expanded. The inserts are preferably tungsten carbide inserts. A sufficient number of inserts are included along the length and around the circumference of the barrel slip so that the barrel slip can get a good grip in the casing wall. Separate metals may be used for the barrel slip body and the inserts so that a higher yield strength alloy steel may be utilized than is possible with other barrel slip arrangements.

Abstract: A slip assembly for anchoring a subterranean well tool, such as a packer or bridge plug, along the inner wall of a conduit, such as casing, against movements in at least one direction. As a series of radially aligned slip elements move from contracted to expanded positions, a continuous radial inwardly urging bias is applied against the slip elements to permit the slip elements to move to the expanded position in a substantially uniform plane of expansion. A subterranean well tool includes an elastomeric seal and the slip assembly.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring an oil well tubing string within an oil well casing. The device generally comprises a drive mandrel and an anchor mandrel. The drive mandrel has an upper end and a lower end, with the upper end releasably securable to an oil well tubing string. The anchor mandrel has an upper end that is releasably securable to the drive mandrel. The anchor mandrel is selectively engagable and disengagable with the interior surface of an oil well casing through the use of a plurality of rotatable slips. The slips have a gripping surface to contact and adhere to the interior surface of the oil well casing such that when the anchor mandrel is rotated in a first direction the slips are rotatably deployed to an engaged position with the gripping surfaces in contact with the interior surface of the oil well casing.

Abstract: A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing in a wellbore is disclosed. The packer apparatus includes a seal assembly disposed about a packer mandrel. Upper and lower seal wedges are disposed about the packer mandrel above and below the seal assembly and may be inserted between the seal assembly and the packer mandrel to radially expand the seal assembly into engagement with the casing. The seal assembly includes an expandable elastomeric seal element having anti-extrusion bridge elements disposed in recesses at the upper and lower ends thereof. The anti-extrusion elements form an almost complete circle and thus are arcuately shaped having first and second ends with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to an expandable liner for completing a hole in an underground formation, the liner being constituted by a spiral-wound strip with the longitudinal edges of the strip having complementary touching profiles so that after it has been expanded, the liner is circular in section. The invention also provides a method of completing a well finally or temporarily by installing a spiral-wound liner of the invention, expanding it, and optionally cementing it.

Abstract: A perforating gun brake includes a first body having an axis. Several gripping feet are provided each having a pivot end and a remote end. The pivot end is pivotally mounted to the first body. The gripping feet are movable between a stored position substantially parallel to the axis of the first body and an engaging position extending outwardly at an angle in relation to the first body. A second body is coupled to and axially movable relative to the first body. A wedge member is carried by the second body. The wedge member exerts a force upon the remote end of the gripping feet upon movement of the second body to force the gripping feet outwardly into the engaging position.

Abstract: An improved cage slip system is disclosed. The cage is constructed so that the cones which actuate the slips extend into the cage openings. The radial extension of the slips is limited so as to retain them if they are extended in an unsupported situation. The cones have a maximum outside dimension equal to the outside dimension of the cage so as to increase the rating of the slips by increasing the bearing area of the cones on the slips. The beneficial features of the cage design are retained while a greater degree of radial expansion of the slips is possible allowing minimization of tool inventory for situations where a lighter wall casing requires further slip extension. The release system allows the lower cones to be driven out from under the lower slips, thus facilitating release of the grip of the lower slips from the casing for extraction of the packer. The mechanical release is functional through the mandrel, whether tension or compression is placed on the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a running tool which can be released using hydraulic pressure and can provide continued rotation to a liner hanger or other tool disposed below and rotationally connected to the running tool. In one aspect, a hydraulic assembly is provided to release a thrusting cap from rotation so that a threaded connection between the running tool and the liner hanger can be released. On release of the liner hanger, a lock nut travels down a threaded surface of the thrusting cap and engages the thrusting cap to continue rotation through the thrusting cap. Additionally, the running tool may include a mechanical release operable without the assistance of hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A low pressure, high temperature composite bridge plug. The bridge plug comprises a mandrel with a plurality of slips disposed therearound. A wedge is initially attached to said mandrel and in planar contact with the slips for forcing the slips radially outwardly into gripping engagement with a wellbore. An elastomeric sealing element is disposed on the mandrel and compressed between the wedge and a shoulder on the mandrel to expand the packing element radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore. A plurality of ratchets retained in a ratchet body grippingly engage the mandrel to prevent the plug from unsetting. The mandrel, slips, wedge and ratchet body are preferably made of non-metallic, composite materials for easy drilling.

Abstract: A high-load slip system allows better transmission of loads from the slips to the body. The cone comprises longitudinal slots and the body comprises tabs which are disposed in those slots. The load is transferred from the slips to the cone and into the tabs which reside in the slots. The arrangement can be configured to share the load between the tabs extending from the body and the actual body itself after a small amount of collapse on the cone, leaving the body to support the cone, both through the tabs and on the outside diameter.

Abstract: A downhole pulling tool (100) for retrieving downhole devices (102, 104) from a wellbore is disclosed. The downhole pulling tool (100) includes a mandrel (106) and a sleeve (108) that is slidably disposed about the mandrel (106). The sleeve (108) is moveable in a first direction from a first position to a second position relative to the mandrel (106) and is moveable in a second direction from the second position to a third position relative to the mandrel (106). An engagement member (114) radially extends between the mandrel (106) and the sleeve (108) and is operated from a retracted position to an engagement position when the sleeve (108) is moved to the second position relative to the mandrel (106) after equalization.

Abstract: The present invention is a surge anchor mechanism which includes a main body, lower unit slidable in relation to the main body, and slip members. The slip members have at least one inclined end surface. The lower unit has an inclined surface forming a frustoconical shape wherein the slope of the surface complements the inclined end surface of the slip member. The lower unit is aligned along the axis of the main body and movable in relation to the main body along this axis. The slip members are biased towards the lower unit and movable transversely in relation to the axis of the lower unit. As a surge occurs in the well, the lower unit and the main body are forced towards each other. This causes the inclined surface of the lower unit to cooperate with and move along the corresponding inclined surface of the slip member forcing the slip member outward from the lower unit and into engagement with the well casing.

Abstract: A hanger assembly comprising a tubular housing having an internal cylindrical bore provided with an annular recess containing a fixed, annular, downwardly tapering ramp, and, supported on the ramp, a split, radially contractible, wedge locking ring which normally adopts a relaxed position not projecting into the bore; and a tubular hanger having an external surface which is a clearance sliding fit in the bore and which is provided with resilient energising mechanism, which are recessed in the external surface and held there by engagement with the bore during running in of the hanger until the energising mechanism come into alignment with the annular recess, whereupon the energising mechanism expands radially outwards to overlie the locking ring, final running in of the hanger forcing the locking ring down the ramp and hence causing the ring to contract radially and to grip the external surface of the hanger.

Abstract: An improved cage slip system is disclosed. The cage is constructed so that the cones which actuate the slips extend into the cage openings. The radial extension of the slips is limited so as to retain them if they are extended in an unsupported situation. The cones have a maximum outside dimension equal to the outside dimension of the cage so as to increase the rating of the slips by increasing the bearing area of the cones on the slips. The beneficial features of the cage design are retained while a greater degree of radial expansion of the slips is possible allowing minimization of tool inventory for situations where a lighter wall casing requires further slip extension.

Abstract: A packer apparatus for sealing between a tubing string and a casing in a wellbore is disclosed. The packer apparatus includes a seal assembly disposed about a packer mandrel. Upper and lower seal wedges are disposed about the packer mandrel above and below the seal assembly and may be inserted between the seal assembly and the packer mandrel to radially expand the seal assembly into engagement with the casing. The seal assembly includes an expandable elastomeric seal element having anti-extrusion bridge elements disposed in recesses at the upper and lower ends thereof. The anti-extrusion elements form an almost complete circle and thus are arcuately shaped having first and second ends with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A well tubular is hung within a casing through placement of the tubular in overlapping relationship with the casing. A spacer may be located therebetween. The tubular is expanded which in turn expands the spacer when used. The tubular is expanded beyond the yield point such that it or an intervening spacer engages the inside of the casing and stresses the casing within its elastic limits. The assembly then contracts to form a tight structural support between the tubulars and a high pressure seal against flow therebetween. A spacer having channels about either end with ductile sealing material therein is of an expanded metal material through cuts in the sheet. A hydraulic ram is employed with an expandable collet to draw the collet through the overlapping area of the liner and the casing. The collet extends within a shoulder at the end of its stroke such that it will be substantially released from the upper end of the liner.

Abstract: A downhole anchor for preventing rotational movement of a member within a well has a central tubular member, a slip housing and a drag assembly disposed about the tubular member. The slip housing carries at least two slip members, each slip member being rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the central axis of the tubular member between a retracted position, against the housing, and an extended position. The drag assembly is mounted on and rotatable about the tubular member and carries drag means. An actuator drives the rotation of the slip member in response to the rotation of the drag assembly about the tubular member. Drag means comprise a spring loaded drag block to frictionally engage a well casing, or, alternatively, unique vane members for reacting with a viscous fluid trapped between the vane members and well casing to cause drag.

Abstract: A connection for coiled tubing is disclosed which has a feature built into it for resistance to torque transmitted from rotating equipment, such as a downhole motor. The connection fits up inside the coiled tubing and has a variety of rotational locks, along with a unique slip design to facilitate the resistance in the connection to applied torque from mud motors or other downhole equipment.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, includes a whipstock system with a body having an upper concave and a lower end, anchor apparatus on the lower end of the body, the anchor apparatus having a movable member releasably connected to the lower end of the body, and movable radially with respect to the lower body, the lower end of the body and movable member initially occupying a first space with a first diameter, and the movable member and lower end of the body movable apart from each other to anchor the whipstock system in a wellbore tubular. In one aspect there is one or more toothed slips on the movable member for engaging an interior surface of the wellbore tubular in which the whipstock system is to be anchored. In one aspect such a system can be used "through tubing".

Abstract: A high expansion slip system for anchoring a tool to a downhole wellbore surface. A slip is initially retained within the interior volume of a tool body for installation downhole in the wellbore. The slip has an inclined surface which moves the slip radially outwardly when the slip is move axially along a longitudinal axis through the tool body. Two opposing slips can be operated to center the tool body within the wellbore, and the setting of the two slips can be synchronized to control the tool body position and setting force on each slip. After the slips have been moved from the interior space to engage the wellbore surface, the hollow interior space within the tool body is unobstructed to open an unobstructed flow path for passage of fluids or well tools.

Abstract: A full bore tubing hanger system for supporting a tubing string in a wellhead includes a hanger body positioned on the wellhead and having a vertical opening therethrough defined by a plurality of spaced apart circumferential enlarged internal diameter support recesses, each support recess providing a lower circumferential radial ledge surface and an upper frusto-conically shaped surface. A tubular tubing hanger is removably positionable within the hanger body vertical opening and has threads at the lower end thereof by which tubing is attached to it. A segmented cage is positioned on the external surface of the tubing hanger and slidable between a lower and an upper position, in the lower position the segmented cage is retracted with respect to the external surface of the tubing hanger. The segmented cage has spaced apart external circumferential support surfaces that, when the tubing hanger is downwardly positioned, engage the hanger body support recesses so that the tubing hanger is supported by the cage.

Abstract: A cable anchor for preventing longitudinal movement of a cable within a conduit to transfer the weight of the cable to the conduit, comprises a housing connectable to the cable. An arm member is connected to the housing and is movable from a retracted position to an extended position in gripping contact with an interior surface of the conduit to thereby transfer the weight of the cable to the conduit. A piston and cylinder assembly, operable from fluid pressure within the conduit, is connected to the housing and in operable contact with the arm member to extend the arm member.

Abstract: In a retrievable packer adapted for service under high temperature and high pressure operating conditions, improved retention of the packer in the wellbore is achieved by use of an inventive slip and wedge system, wherein the cones on the wedges are spaced a progressively slightly greater distance apart from their corresponding slip cones, from the centermost slip cone to the outermost slip cone. This forces the center of the slip to be loaded first. As greater forces are exerted on the wedges from end to end, the wedge will deform slightly and the next cone of the wedge will make contact with its matching portion of slip. Thereby, as the wedges are loaded higher and higher, more wedge cones come into bearing contact with the slip. Further, a barrel slip is used, to provide a uniform circumferential distribution of forces. This design effectively allows initial setting of the packer with very little slip tooth contact area. This permits the slip to quickly get a good grip into the casing wall.

Abstract: A ratchet/release mechanism for a retrievable well apparatus and a retrievable well apparatus includes a split ratchet ring engaging threads on a mandrel. Split ring wedge members engage an inclined end of the ratchet ring to maintain the ratchet ring in engagement with the mandrel. The wedge members are prevented from radial outward movement by a sleeve. A resilient elastomer ring is positioned between the ratchet ring and an internal shoulder on the sleeve. The ring compresses to enable the inclined end of the ratchet ring to slide up the wedge members upon movement of the mandrel in a first direction. The release of the ratchet ring is effected by moving the sleeve. When the wedge members are no longer confined by the sleeve they move radially away from the ratchet ring allowing the ratchet ring to disengage from the mandrel.

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 intensification of hydrocarbons production has a substantially tubular hollow body adapted to be arranged inside a well tubing and having an axis and a plurality of passages arranged one after the other in an axial direction and having different dimensions so that hydrocarbons can flow from a bottomhole of the well successively through the passages toward a well head, the body having at least one tubular portion which is provided inside with at least one of the passages and is provided outside with a unit for fixing the at least one portion and therefore the body to the well tubing, the body also having another portion axially spaced from at least one portion and provided inside with at least one of the passages and outside with a unit for sealing the another portion relative to the well tubing.

Abstract: An improved full bore nipple and associated lock mandrel provides enhanced sealing capability in tubing strings positioned in subterranean wells. In a described embodiment of the full bore nipple, a nipple body has a recessed seal surface and a latch profile formed on an internal bore of the body. In a described embodiment of the lock mandrel, an expander sleeve radially outwardly expands a circumferential seal to sealingly engage the recessed seal surface, locks a series of keys into the latch profile, and displaces another seal to sealingly engage an outer housing, when the expander sleeve is displaced axially downward relative to an inner mandrel of the lock mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, a system for securing and item in a tubular channel in a wellbore, the system having a lower body member, an upper body member, interconnecting apparatus for movably interconnecting the lower body member and the upper body member so that upon application of a downward force on the upper body member the upper body member moves downwardly in the second tubular effecting sideways movement of the lower body member so the lower body member contacts an interior surface of the tubular channel thereby wedging the lower body member and the upper body member in the tubular channel, the interconnecting apparatus having a connecting bar disposed partially in a first connecting bar groove in the lower body member and partially in a second connecting bar groove in the upper body member, and the connecting bar grooves and the connecting bar configured so that the connecting bar is movably held in the connecting bar grooves, and at least one pawl member having opposed pawl

Abstract: The invention relates to a slip design with substantially longitudinally oriented wickers, which can be used alone or in combination with transversely oriented wickers, to secure a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug or packer, against rotational forces, such as those imparted from a whipstock, as well as longitudinal forces, such as those ultimately delivered by pressure fluctuations from uphole or downhole. The longitudinally oriented wickers are further cammed against the casing since any imparted torque on the packer body contacts a corner or edge of the slip, imparting to it a camming action making it dig further into the casing surface.

Abstract: A tubing tightener which is readily adaptable to either clockwise or anti-clockwise rotational setting operation and which uses a series of drag slips having integral drag and slip surface regions. The drag surface regions are substantially smooth and are advanced into contact with a wellbore with the slip surface regions retracted, when the tightener is in its unlocked orientation. The slip surface regions are serrated to provide a positive engagement with the wellbore and are advanced into engagement with the wellbore with the drag surface regions retracted, when the tightener is in its locked orientation. The drag slips are caused to rock about a point of contact between the drag slip surfaces and the wellbore, located intermediate the drag and slip surface regions, in order to advance the appropriate surface region of each drag slip into engagement with the wellbore. The invention provides for a compact, lightweight construction with improved reliability and increased bypass around the tightener.

Abstract: A sealing system, particularly useful for packers and anchors, is disclosed. The sealing element or elements are of a nonelastomeric material and are configured with a feature that can add a biasing force on one or both sides of the nonelastomeric sealing element(s) to allow the sealing element(s) to maintain the seal despite temperature or pressure fluctuations in the wellbore. The apparatus allows a packer with a nonelastomeric seal to be set at a broad range of downhole temperatures. The system includes a biasing member in the form of a cylindrical element having narrow width and wider width openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for engagement of cylindrical members about the outside diameter, so that downhole tools may be positioned longitudinally along said cylindrical member. A generally cylindrical outer ring is detachably engaged with a generally cylindrical inner ring. Once the inner ring is detached from the outer ring it is automatically present into position by a spring clamping force exerted between the pipe and inner ring. Relative axial motion of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring automatically energizes the inner ring inward providing the high clamping force required to set the self energizing stop collar in its final position.

Abstract: In a retrievable packer adapted for service under high temperature and high pressure operating conditions, improved retention of the packer in the wellbore is achieved by use of an inventive slip/wedge system, wherein the cones on the wedges are spaced a progressively slightly greater distance apart from their corresponding slip cones, from the centermost slip cone to the outermost slip cone. This forces the center of the slip to be loaded first. As greater forces are exerted on the wedges from end to end, the wedge will deform slightly and the next cone of the wedge will make contact with its matching portion of slip. Thereby, as the wedges are loaded higher and higher, more wedge cones come into bearing contact with the slip. Further, a barrel slip is used, to provide a uniform circumferential distribution of forces. This design effectively allows initial setting of the packer with very little slip tooth contact area. This permits the slip to quickly get a good grip into the casing wall.

Abstract: A well packer has a metal seal which seals between the packer mandrel and the casing. The metal seal includes a seal sleeve located on the exterior of the mandrel. The sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall radially separated by a channel. The inner channel is initially separated from the exterior of the mandrel by a clearance. An energizing ring is sizably mounted to the mandrel for axial movement relative to the mandrel. Initially, the energizing ring will be located at the entrance of the channel. An actuating device moves the energizing ring into the channel, wedging the walls of the seal sleeve apart. The inner wall seals against the mandrel. The outer wall seals against the casing.

Abstract: An assembly for a production string with a downhole pump is disclosed which makes use of the polished bore in the top of the liner already installed in the wellbore. Lugs on the assembly align themselves with longitudinal grooves in the top of the liner assembly as an antirotation feature for when the downhole pump is operated. A signaling assembly, involving a collet which can be ultimately released, gives the surface personnel the feedback they need to know that the assembly has been set in the proper place in the top of the liner string, as opposed to another location in the wellbore. Seals, preferably stacks of opposed chevron seals, can be used to bridge the gap between the assembly and the seal bore at the top of the liner.

Abstract: This arrangement and method enables a window to be milled in casing (C) without first removing smaller diameter tubing (T) from the casing (C). An expandable anchor (A) has movable members (14), (19) on top expander (8) and bottom expander (12) which support slip means (21) in retracted position to enable passage through smaller diameter tubing (T) extending into larger diameter casing (C). Actuation of a work string (HSS or WSS) in a manner well known to those skilled in the art expands, or moves the members to secure the slip means and anchor (A) in larger diameter casing C. A whipstock tool including a whipstock W, a hinge assembly H, a centering device, and an orienting sub (OS). A latch assembly (LA) is then run on a workstring (WS) through the smaller diameter tubing (T) and engaged in orienting slot (7) in the riser 2 of Anchor A and a mill (57) on the workstring mills a window in the casing when the workstring is moved along the whipstock.

Abstract: A torque anchor for the purpose of anchoring well equipment within a well conduit. The device anchors the well equipment from rotation in one direction but allows rotation in the other. The device has a body with slips and a driving portion within the slip. The slip has a friction surface which slides against the well conduit. This prevents damage to the gripping teeth or the well conduit. The slip has a gripping teeth portion which engages the well conduit only when the anchor is set. The slip is urged outward by the use of a spring. A portion of the slip is the drive surface which engages the driving portion. This drive surface is such that the perpendicular distance from the drive surface to the outer edge of the gripping teeth increases along the slip in the direction away from the friction surface. The slip has a portion which retains the slip within the anchor and thereby does not require any retaining means.

Abstract: A tubing tightener which is readily adaptable to either clockwise or anti-clockwise rotational setting operation and which uses a series of drag slips having integral drag and slip surface regions. The drag surface regions are substantially smooth and are advanced into contact with a wellbore with the slip surface regions retracted, when the tightener is in its unlocked orientation. The slip surface regions are serrated to provide a positive engagement with the wellbore and are advanced into engagement with the wellbore with the drag surface regions retracted, when the tightener is in its locked orientation. The drag slips are caused to rock about a point of contact between the drag slip surfaces and the wellbore, located intermediate the drag and slip surface regions, in order to advance the appropriate surface region of each drag slip into engagement with the wellbore. The invention provides for a compact, lightweight construction with improved reliability and increased bypass around the tightener.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes radially movable engagement or latch members configured to engage a profile within a subsurface nipple, and further includes one or more sealing assemblies. The sealing assemblies are radially expandable by enlarging the interior of diameter of the elements of the sealing assembly, such as by placing a mandrel of relatively enlarged diameter through an internal diameter of elements of the sealing assembly.

Abstract: A longitudinally compact mechanism for anchoring a well tool to a casing includes a plurality of first slip members and a plurality of second slip members. The first slip members and the second slip members are carried on the well tool at the approximate same longitudinal position, and the first slip members are alternately circumferentially positioned with the second slip members. Each slip member is expanded by relative movement of an independent piston operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: This arrangement and method enables a window to be milled in casing (C) without first removing smaller diameter tubing (T) from the casing (C). An expandable anchor (A) has movable members (14), (19) on top expander (8) and bottom expander (12) which support slip means (21) in retracted position to enable passage through smaller diameter tubing (T) extending into larger diameter casing (C). Actuation of a work string (HSS or WSS) in a manner well known to those skilled in the art expands, or moves the members to secure the slip means and anchor (A) in larger diameter casing C. A whipstock tool including a whipstock W, a hinge assembly H, a centering device, and an orienting sub (OS). A latch assembly (LA) is then run on a workstring (WS) through the smaller diameter tubing (T) and engaged in orienting slot (7) in the riser 2 of Anchor A and a mill (57) on the workstring mills a window in the casing when the workstring is moved along the whipstock.