Abstract: An actuator apparatus for actuating a downhole well tool according to which a housing extends in the well and a tool to be actuated is disposed in the housing. A drive member is connected to the tool for operating the tool, and an actuator system is disposed in the housing and is normally connected to the drive member for driving the drive member and operating the tool. In the event the actuator system fails, an additional actuator system is disposed in the housing and is adapted to be connected to the drive member for also driving the drive member and operating the tool.

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

Abstract: Temporary no-go assemblies for use in locating a downhole tool at a predetermined target depth in a well are disclosed. Certain ones of the assemblies include a no-go sleeve for interfacing with a no-go shoulder in a casing and an actuating system for releasing the assembly from the no-go sleeve. Other ones of the assemblies include a key for engaging a landing nipple in a casing and a key retractor for retracting the key from the nipple. Still other ones of the assemblies include a key for engaging a no-go shoulder in a casing and a key retractor for retracting the key from the no-go shoulder. The assemblies are particularly useful in drilling and completing wells from a floating drilling rig.

Abstract: Locking system (196) is provided for selectively locking an external sleeve (76) to a main body (74) of a downhole tool (14). Locking system (196) comprises a pair of opposed holes (198) formed in the main body (74). The holes (198) capture respective locking balls (200). A channel (210) extends from each hole (198) longitudinally about the outer surface of the main body (74). A spring (206) held within the main body (74) acts to push the balls (200) out of holes (198). Openings (212) are also formed in the sleeve (76) and disposed so that the balls (200) can protrude therethrough and contact the inner circumferential surface (28) of a drive sub (12) by virtue of the bias of spring (206). When the internal diameter of the drive sub (12) is relatively small, the balls (200) are pushed inwardly against the spring (206) and reside, at least partially, within holes (198). This prevents the balls from moving longitudinally about channels (210) thereby locking the sleeve (76) to the main body (74).

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for converting axial force into torque comprising a body and set teeth positioned on the body. The tool also has a mandrel positioned to move relative to the body and drive teeth positioned on the mandrel such that there is relative motion between said set teeth and said drive teeth. When the set teeth and drive teeth engage, torque is applied to the mandrel.

Abstract: A retrieval tool for retrieving a back pressure valve and tree test plug (generally, a check valve) has a spear formed as a solid ring at the bottom with free fingers extending upward. The fingers are resilient and have protrusions adapted to engage a retrieval groove in the check valve. A wedge ring is provided on the tool body to positively lock the fingers in radially outward engagement with the retrieval groove. The wedge ring is fixed to the body by a shear pin so that upon a predetermined axial force the pin shears and releases the wedge ring allowing withdrawal of the tool assembly, if the check valve is stuck in a tubing hanger or coupling.

Abstract: Described is a clutch for providing a rotatable connection between the downhole end of a tubing string and a tubing anchor comprising first and second tubular subs and a connector device between the tubular subs, the connector device initially preventing relative rotation between the tubular subs and thereafter permitting relative rotation.

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 subterranean rotation-inducing device and method for translating axial motion into rotational motion at a remote location. A barrel slidably and rotatably maintains a sleeve within its axial bore. The sleeve's axial range of motion is limited by a shoulder within the barrel bore and a retainer ring removably attached to the lower end of the barrel. A rotation member having threading, or worm-type gearing, thereon mates with cooperative threading in the sleeve bore. A lower seal connected to the upper end of the rotation member and above the sleeve maintains the rotation member at least partially within the barrel at all times. Detents on the outer surface of the sleeve selectively interact with a clutch plate that extends partially through a receiving slot and into the barrel bore. When the barrel moves downward relative to the rotation member, the sleeve is forced upward causing engagement of the detents and the clutch plate. In this position, the sleeve cannot rotate.

Abstract: A keyless latch assembly automatically aligns and fixes the axial and circumferential position of a whipstock within a surrounding casing joint. Alignment and fixing of the whipstock ensures proper engagement and orientation of a drill bit relative to an access window formed in the casing wall. Spring loaded latches in the assembly register with and extend into corresponding receiving recesses formed on the inner surface of the casing joint. The recesses, which are spaced circumferentially around the interior of the casing joint, contain differing profiles that uniquely mate with corresponding profiles on the latches. The position of the latches relative to the recesses determines the amount of radial latch movement which controls the anchoring and orientation of the assembly within the casing. Confirmation of correct axial location and proper circumferential orientation may be made by surface monitoring of the setting string weight and turning torque.

Abstract: A release device for releasably coupling a first object to a second object includes a first member (10) adapted to be coupled to the first object and a second member (20) adapted to be coupled to the second objects. A latch mechanism (12, 21, 28) releasably couples the first member (10) to the second member (20). A time delay mechanism (22, 23, 24, 26, 27) permits the latch mechanism (12, 21, 28) to decouple the first and second members (10, 20) only after a time interval has elapsed from initiation of the decoupling of the first and second member (10, 20).

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing for use in downhole drilling which includes a housing, mandrel, ring and locking mechanism. The housing has a housing central axis, a downward facing end face defining a plane whose normal is offset from the housing central axis, and an inner shoulder parallel to the downward facing end face. The mandrel has a mandrel central axis, a first end dimensioned to fit inside the housing and having a downward facing outer shoulder defining a plane whose normal is offset from the mandrel central axis. The ring is axially slidable on the mandrel, with a ring central axis and an upward facing end face defining a plane whose normal is offset from the ring central axis. A locking mechanism, a mandrel head threaded onto the mandrel, engages and disengages the upward facing end face of the ring with the downward facing end face of the housing and simultaneously engages and disengages the inner shoulder of the housing with the outer shoulder of the mandrel.

Abstract: A wellhead retrieval tool assembly for retrieving a check valve has a spear formed as a solid ring at the bottom with free fingers extending upward. The fingers are resilient and have protrusions adapted to engage a retrieval groove in the check valve. A wedge ring is provided on the tool body to positively lock the fingers in radially outward engagement with the retrieval groove. The wedge ring is fixed to the body by a shear pin so that upon a predetermined axial force the pin shears and releases the wedge allowing withdrawal of the tool assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a directional drilling tool for use in controlled directional drilling. The drilling tool comprises two parts which are moveable relative to each other either in the horizontal or vertical planes. Cam surfaces are provided between the two parts for adjustments to the drilling direction in the vertical plane. A slot and groove mechanism is provided between the two as an example of adjustments in the horizontal plane. In each case hydraulic pressure is the preferred means of controlling the adjustments said controlling means being independent of the other well operations.

Abstract: Well apparatus is disclosed in which a tool is lowered on a pipe string into a well conduit for shifting a sleeve slidably mounted within a tubular housing connected as part of the well conduit. The sleeve has vertically spaced grooves about its inner diameter, and the tool has latches which are selectively moved into and out of engagement with a selected groove in the sleeve in response to the control of the pressure of fluid within the tool. When engaged in a groove, the tool may be raised or lowered with the pipe string to raise or lower the sleeve.

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 downhole tool for making up threaded connections between lower and upper tubulars within a well bore includes a lower anchoring member, an upper anchoring member, and a drive member including a movable piston assembly. A plurality of straight splines on the piston assembly and mating splines on a housing rotatable with the lower anchoring member allow axial movement while preventing rotational movement of the piston assembly with respect to the lower anchoring member during the tool driving stroke. The helical drive component on the piston assembly and a mating driven component rotatable with the upper anchoring member cooperate to rotate the upper anchoring member and thus the upper tubular to make up the downhole threaded connection. According to the method of the present invention, the upper and lower anchoring members are each secured to a respective tubular, and fluid pressure is increased to drive the piston assembly downward, thereby rotating the upper tubular.

Abstract: A well tool assembly and a method of operating same including a clutch which provides a rotary-driving connection between a running tool and well tool mandrel when the running tool is rotated in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) and has cammed surfaces which ride up on complementary cammed surfaces on the mandrel to disengage the clutch when the running tool is rotated in a second (e.g. counterclockwise) or opposite direction. Once the clutch is disengaged, the running tool can be disconnected from the mandrel by rotating the running tool in said first direction. The clutch can be disengaged either hydraulically at the same time a well tool (e.g. a packer) is being hydraulically set or by rotation of the running tool in the second direction in the event the well tool assembly becomes stuck before the assembly reaches its destination.

Abstract: A locking system which includes landing nipples connectable in a well flow conduit and a lock mandrel to which well flow control devices are connectable. The landing nipples have an unrestricted full bore flow passage with a locking groove and profiled locating recesses with one square shoulder in the flow passage. The lock mandrel may be lowered through full bore landing nipples to automatically locate in the full bore landing nipple in which the lock mandrel is to be operated to lock and expand a seal system to sealingly engage the landing nipple. The lock mandrel utilizes locking lugs engageable in the landing nipple locking grooves. The automatic locator device has locating keys with one or two square shoulders, which locate the lock mandrel in a landing nipple. After operating, the lock mandrel is releasably retained locked and sealed in the landing nipple. The lock mandrel may be operated to disengage the landing nipple and permit the seal system to retract for retrieval from the landing nipple.

Abstract: A locking system which includes landing nipples connectable in a well flow conduit and a lock mandrel to which well flow control devices are connectable. The landing nipples have an unrestricted full bore flow passage with profiled locking and locating recesses having no square shoulders in the flow passage The lock mandrel may be lowered through full bore landing nipples and operated to automatically locate in the full bore landing nipple in which the lock mandrel is to be operated to lock and expand a seal system to sealingly engage the landing nipple. The lock mandrel employs locking keys having no square shoulders. The automatic locator device has locating keys having no square shoulders, which position the lock mandrel in the landing nipple. After operating, the lock mandrel is releasably retained locked and sealed in the landing nipple.

Abstract: A recirculating tool assembly is lowered on a length of coil tubing into the production tubing of a well completion to a location above side wall perforations in the production tubing which have become obstructed. The tool assembly includes an upper tool portion telescoped into and releasably latched within a lower sealing and tubing extension portion. Recirculating fluid is pumped down the coil tubing, flowed through a first tool assembly passage, and downwardly discharged into the production tubing. A portion of the discharged fluid is forced outwardly through the production tubing perforations to remove the obstructions therefrom, and the remainder of the discharged fluid is forced upwardly through a second tool assembly passage into the annulus between the coil tubing and the production tubing for return to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of anchoring a work string to a packer set in a wellbore and releasing therefrom. The apparatus includes a stinger, a collet slidably disposed on the stinger and having a plurality of collet fingers adapted for engaging the packer, a shear ring member shearably attached to the stringer and adapted for holding the collet fingers into engagement with the packer. The packer may be normally released by applying torque to the work string such that the collet fingers are unthreaded from the packer. Torque is applied from the stinger to the collet fingers by a load ring attached to the stinger and having splines extending between the collet fingers so that torque may be applied to the collet without applying torque to the shear ring member.

Abstract: A rubber seal adaptor for a well having a pipe fitting, a compression sleeve about the pipe fitting and rubber seal rings positioned about the pipe fitting so as to be compressed by the compression sleeve. A first circular groove in the bore of the compression sleeve has a conical surface such that there is a shallower portion and a deeper portion. A plurality of circular grooves extend about the periphery of the pipe fitting so as to be adjacent the groove in the compression sleeve. A plurality of steel balls are positioned within the groove in the compression sleeve to interfere with the plurality of grooves for locking the compression sleeve in a compressed condition against the rubber seal rings. The pipe fitting includes threaded ends for receiving a kelly nut and a liner.

Abstract: The improved wellhead system includes a wellhead housing with an internal annular shoulder having a plurality of removed arcs to form an interrupted support shoulder. A casing hanger is provided with an external annular shoulder having a plurality of removed arcs which correspond with those on the wellhead housing. In a first orientation, the removed arcs of the casing hanger shoulder align with the arcs of the support shoulder in the wellhead housing to allow the casing hanger to pass through the wellhead housing or the wellhead housing to be lowered below the casing hanger. In a second orientation the remaining shoulder arcs of the casing hanger align with the support shoulder arcs to support the casing hanger. The casing hanger also includes a thread for attaching a tool whereby the casing hanger and casing attached thereto can be tensioned. An alternate embodiment of the improved wellhead system includes a wellhead housing with an internal support groove.

Abstract: In a drill string jar apparatus having an elongated tool body positionable within a drill string, which would also include a latch mandrel movable within a bore of the tool body between a first neutral position and fired up or fired down positions; a substantially continuous channel formed in the interior wall of the tool body, a shoulder portion on the exterior wall of the latch mandrel body for latching into the channel of the tool body when the mandrel is in the neutral position and slots in the wall of the latch mandrel for allowing the mandrel body to flex inwardly sufficiently to disengage the shoulder portion from the channel in the tool body and allow the latch mandrel to move upward or downward within the bore of the tool body depending upon the direction of the force imparted on the mandrel and make contact with the upper or lower end of the tool in order to dislodge a tool below the jar apparatus.

Abstract: A well servicing assembly utilizes a plug mechanism for preventing fluid loss into a formation. The assembly includes a string of tubing which carries a packer, a perforating gun, a running tool, and a latch assembly. After perforating, the operator pulls the tubing upward, leaving the packer in place. The latch assembly engages the packer. The latch assembly has a plug contained therein which prevents downward flow of fluid through the packer as the tubing string is retrieved to the surface. After removing the perforating gun, the tubing string may be again lowered and re-engaged with the latch assembly. The latch assembly may be then repositioned below the packer.

Abstract: A subsurface well flow control system includes a series of movable sleeve type flow control devices installed in a well flow conductor at various fluid-containing fracture zones, and a shifter tool movable through the conductor and operable to selectively shift any selected number of the sleeve portions of the flow control devices, in either direction between their open and closed positions, without removing the tool from the conductor. Radially retractable anchor and shifter key sets are carried in side wall openings of the tool body, and are respectively configured to be lockingly engaged with interior side surface groove sets on the body and movable sleeve portions of any of the flow control devices. The key sets are spring-biased radially outwardly toward extended positions, and an electromechanical drive system disposed within the tool body is operative to radially retract the key sets, and to axially drive the shifter key set toward or away from the anchor key set.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead tieback connector actuated solely by axial motion to achieve connection to and disconnection from the wellhead. The connector includes interconnected inner and outer bodies, a split lock ring surrounding the inner body, and an energizing mandrel for non-rotary axial movement to expand the lock ring into engagement with a wellhead component.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in lowering a mandrel type casing hanger into a well bore for landing within a casing, and then, when the hanger is so landed, rotating the casing connecting it to a mudline hanger installed at the subsea level in either rotational direction without disconnecting the threaded connection of the apparatus to the mandrel type hanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directional drilling to recover hydrocarbons, thermal energy, or the like, by using coiled tubing while the well is under pressure so that high density drilling fluids to control the subsurface pressures during drilling are not required. Snubbing apparatus and methods which maintain control of the bore hole pressure throughout the drilling operation are used, thus permitting the use of fresh water as a combination hydraulic fluid to operate a downhole motor and cool the bit, and to flush cuttings from the bore hole. The apparatus uses a down hole assembly including a bit driven by a motor, preferably hydraulic, which is located in a bent housing. A steering tool capable of indicating the angle and azimuth of inclination of the housing is carried by the motor housing and is connected to surface instrumentation by an electrical cable extending through the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A well tool having an anchor device, straddle packers above and below a port and an internal valve which are operated by longitudinal motion in an inflatable packer device. The well tool anchor is armed by a hydraulic operated plug and set upon downward motion in a locating profile groove in a well bore. The tool when attached to a string of tubing can be filled with cement slurry and downward motion used to anchor the well tool in a profile groove in an inflatable packer; to set the straddle packers above and below an access port on an inflatable packer; and then to open a valve to admit cement slurry to the inflatable packer. After filling the inflatable packer with cement slurry, an upward motion is used to close the valve, unset the straddle packers and release the anchor to move to another location where the operation can be repeated. At the conclusion of operations, a circulation valve is opened by pressure to reverse out cement slurry from the tubing string.

Abstract: A multiple acting lock is provided which prevents premature setting of the packer of a gravel pack tool by the setting piston of a setting tool. The lock comprises a locking cylinder which when in the locked position rotationally locks the setting tool with the gravel pack tool thereby allowing rotation of the tool during tripping to facilitate working the tool past tight spots. The lock also longitudinally locks the setting sleeve of the gravel pack tool to prevent premature setting of the packer of the gravel pack tool. The locking mechanism of the setting sleeve comprises keys located in keyholes and a sleeve inside the setting sleeve which protrude and engage with the setting sleeve. The locking cylinder when in a locked position covers the inside of the keyholes retaining the keys in engagement with the setting sleeve. When the locking cylinder is hydraulically moved to the unlocked position the keys slide inward out of the keyholes and out of engagement with the setting sleeve.

Abstract: A tension actuated device is adapted to be connected between a pipe string and an object stuck downhole in a wellbore and does not disconnect the pipe string from the object in response to a transient or temporary shock load that is temporarily applied to the pipe string. Rather, the tension actuated device selectively disconnects the pipe string from the object stuck downhole by continuously applying a pulling force of a predetermined magnitude to the device via the pipe string for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled apparatus responsive to changes in well annulus pressure is disclosed. The apparatus is run into a well bore intersecting an oil and gas reservoir with perforations communicating the oil and gas reservoir with the well bore. The apparatus has an associated packer to effectively seal off the perforations in the well bore. The apparatus contains a cylindrical housing with ports on the top end and bottom end, and an operating mandrel is disposed therein. A disengaging sleeve operably connected with the operating mandrel allows the ports contained on the lower portion of the cylindrical housing below the packer to be opened and closed selectively, thereby allowing communication of the reservoir pressure through the apparatus. The disengaging sleeve and operating mandrel are activated by either an increase or decrease in annulus pressure.

Abstract: Injection valve for injecting chemicals into subsurface formations penetrated by an oil or gas well, comprising a cylindrical housing (10) with seals (24A, 24B) for cooperation with well tubing (100), said housing enclosing a cylindrical chamber (1) in which a piston-like sleeve (2) is movable axially so as to cover or uncover one or more radial ports (10A) through a cylindrical wall of said housing (10). A spring (3) normally urge the sleeve (2) to a position in which the ports (10A) are covered. A collet (4) is mounted for axial displacement in a chamber extension (1A) beyond an inner end of the sleeve (2), a compression spring (5) urging the collet against said inner end of the sleeve (2).

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

Abstract: An adjustable bent sub for a down hole drill is disclosed consisting of a hollow housing and a hollow mandrel shaped to fit within the housing. A jam nut is positioned on the end of the mandrel to retain it within the housing by abutting a shoulder provided on the inner surface of the housing. A 1 degree off-normal face is machined on the shoulder and on the abutting face of the jam nut. By positioning the mandrel/jam nut assembly at different angular positions with respect to the housing, a linear deviation of 0 to 2 degrees is possible through the length of the sub.

Abstract: A hanger comprising two tubular sections, one partially received within the other, one section having a serrated surface and the other section retaining at least one detent whereby the axial length of the hanger is adjustable. This arrangement obviates the disadvantage in the conventional tie-back method of sub-sea wellhead completion wherein it is necessary to cut and dress the casing after pulling tension in the casing string.

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

Abstract: A well tool having an anchor device, straddle packers above and below a port and an internal valve which are operated by longitudinal motion in an inflatable packer device. The well tool anchor is armed by a hydraulic operated plug and set upon downward motion in a locating profile groove in a well bore. The tool when attached to a string of tubing can be filled with cement slurry and downward motion used to anchor the well tool in a profile groove in an inflatable packer; to set the straddle packers above and below an access port on an inflatable packer; and then to open a valve to admit cement slurry to the inflatable packer. After filling the inflatable packer with cement slurry, an upward motion is used to close the valve, unset the straddle packers and release the anchor to move to another location where the operation can be repeated. At the conclusion operations, a circulation valve is opened by pressure to reverse out cement slurry from the tubing string.

Abstract: A new method of standalone perforating comprises the steps of lowering a perforator part-way into a borehole on a tubing string; when perforating is desired, connecting a wireline to the perforator; disconnecting the perforator from the tubing string; lowering the perforator into the borehole to the desired depth; attaching the perforator to the borehole casing or formation by setting an anchor on the perforator; disconnecting all wireline and associated apparatus from the perforator; withdrawing the wireline apparatus to the well surface; with the perforator standing alone in the well, firing the perforator into the surrounding formation; and dropping the perforator to the bottom of the well. A new apparatus for releasing the perforator from the tubing string includes a neutral release latch mechanism, and a new anchoring apparatus includes two interleaved coil springs having beveled shaped surfaces.

Abstract: A setting tool for a liner hanger in an oil well completion system wherein the setting tool mechanism incorporates structure for manipulating a liner prior to and subsequent to hanging the liner hanger in a well casing. Prior to setting the liner hanger the setting tool is locked to a liner hanger by an interconnection with a clutch housing. After hanging the liner hanger, rotation of the setting tool mandrel uncouples the coupling nut from the liner hanger to release the setting tool from the liner hanger and further rotation of the setting tool moves a lock nut to a position when the coupling nut locks the clutch housing to the setting tool so that the liner hanger can be rotated after it is hung in a well casing. The liner hanger and the clutch housing have interengageable clutch surfaces.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A longitudinal passageway communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. A companion concentric tubing anchor is carried within the internal bore of the hanger and connects the hanger to the tubing string leading to the well surface.

Abstract: An invention relating to method and apparatus for the running of various tools and devices used to service oil and gas wells in combination with coiled tubing units that permits the application of a sudden downward force of predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A centering device for an assembly, particularly for drilling, having at least one centering device relative to which the assembly rotates. A driving arrangement is provided for rotationally driving the centering device, with the driving arrangement including a friction clutch in the form of, for example, a disk clutch, cone clutch, or drum clutch.

Abstract: A tubing release coupling which does not require rotation to effect release incorporates a collet which is retained within a groove by a collet retainer located on an axially movable piston. The piston is retained in place thereby locking the collet by a detent cantilever spring. Pressure differential between the tubing the annulus forces axial movement of the piston against the spring force of the cantilever spring effecting release of the collet. The spring force of the detent cantilever spring may be adjusted by positioning spring adjusters at a variable distance.

Abstract: A system and a plug for plugging a well conduit. The plug includes a lock mandrel and a valve. There is a prong releasably connected in the plug. A running tool is adapted to releasably connect to the plug lock mandrel and prong. After the plug is lowered into a well conduit and installed in a landing nipple, upward releasing force on the running tool moves the prong upwardly closing the valve and plug to flow and the prong locks in valve closed position. Later, the prong may be disconnected and raised from the plug to surface, permitting pressure outside and inside the plug to equalize for retrival of the plug.

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

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug and packer apparatus. The tool includes a packer settable by right-hand rotation and vertical manipulation of the tool string and a bridge plug also settable by right-hand rotation and vertical manipulation of the tool string. A disabling tool is provided to disable the packer during setting of the bridge plug so that the packer is not prematurely set. After setting of the bridge plug below the formation, the packer and disabling tool may be disengaged from the bridge plug. At this point, the disabling tool is disengaged so that the packer may be set above the formation. The packer is unset by pulling on the tool string, and the packer and disabling tool may be reconnected to the bridge plug. Again lifting on the tool string unsets the bridge plug so that the apparatus may be retrieved or reused. A method of treating a well formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directional drilling to recover hydrocarbons, thermal energy, or the like, by using coiled tubing while the well is under pressure so that high density drilling fluids to control the subsurface pressures during drilling are not required. Snubbing apparatus and methods which maintain control of the bore hole pressure throughout the drilling operation are used, thus permitting the use of fresh water as a combination hydraulic fluid to operate a downhole motor and cool the bit, and to flush cuttings from the bore hole. The apparatus uses a down hole assembly including a bit driven by a motor, preferably hydraulic, which is located in a bent housing. A steering tool capable of indicating the angle and azimuth of inclination of the housing is carried by the motor housing and is connected to surface instrumentation by an electrical cable extending through the coiled tubing.