Lug In Closed Branched Slot Patents (Class 166/240)
  • Patent number: 7004266
    Abstract: An adjustable down-hole tool, for example a drill-string stabiliser (10), comprises a body (12) having a through bore (16). A mandrel (18) is rotationally fixed but axially movable in the body, the mandrel being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a first return spring (44) between a first, activated position and a second deactivated position. A sleeve (66) is between shoulders (68, 69) on the body and mandrel. Castellations (18a,b, 69a,b) are on the mandrel and facing edge or edges of the sleeve so that, when the castellations are in phase the mandrel is prevented from travelling from said first to second position and when they are out of phase they interdigitate and the mandrel is not prevented from travelling from said first to second position. A control piston (36) is slidable in the mandrel, being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a second return spring (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Alexander Russell, Andrew Ollerenshaw
  • Patent number: 7004250
    Abstract: A sealing system for the interspace in the transition region between two well pipes of different diameters, and a mounting tool for producing the sealing connection. The mounting tool is lowered via a drilling string through a larger diameter pipe and, with a sealing system, is placed on a holding docket on the upper end of a lower, smaller diameter, pipe. A rotation exerted on the mounting tool via the drilling string; causes the sealing system to be fixed to the lower pipe. Via the drilling string, the mounting tool is pressed vertically downwards against a sealing ring of the sealing system which, as a result, bears in a sealing manner against the inner wall of the upper pipe of larger diameter. This sealing position is fixed by rotating the mounting tool in one direction and by rotating the mounting tool in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: H. Butting GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Friedrich Henneicke
  • Patent number: 6948561
    Abstract: An indexing mechanism is disclosed that can put a tool in a variety of positions while downhole in the face of high static and dynamic loads. In the preferred application, the mechanism controls a movable sleeve on a downhole choke. It contains an indexing feature comprising a pin movable in a series of slots. A piston restrained to move longitudinally engages and rotates an index sleeve to allow the pin to advance into the next J-slot track. A separate lug on the piston engages a radial face on the index sleeve to take the shock load and position the choke instead of allowing the pin to load against the closed end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter J. Myron
  • Patent number: 6926088
    Abstract: The present invention is to a pre-selected set of packer tools having J tools and on/off tools (“stingers” and “washovers”) with varying strokes and varying set and release directions to enable the operator to individually address the various packers. By increasing the amount of travel necessary to set and/or release the subsequent packer tools, it is possible to select which tool is being manipulated or operated upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Team Oil Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Donald W. Tinker
  • Publication number: 20040168832
    Abstract: An adjustable down-hole tool, for example a drill-string stabiliser (10), comprises a body (12) having a through bore (16). A mandrel (18) is rotationally fixed but axially movable in the body, the mandrel being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a first return spring (44) between a first, activated position and a second deactivated position. A sleeve (66) is between shoulders (68, 69) on the body and mandrel. Castellations (18a,b, 69a,b) are on the mandrel and facing edge or edges of the sleeve so that, when the castellations are in phase the mandrel is prevented from travelling from said first to second position and when they are out of phase they interdigitate and the mandrel is not prevented from travelling from said first to second position. A control piston (36) is slidable in the mandrel, being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a second return spring (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Alexander Russell, Andrew Ollerenshaw
  • Patent number: 6776239
    Abstract: A tubing conveyed multi-position well treating tool having a tubular housing and a tubular inner member which are relatively positionable at “Set”, “Treat”, “Dump” and “Release” positions actuated by a mechanical indexing mechanism. The indexing mechanism is loaded by a spring, such as a compressed gas spring or mechanical spring, which urges the tubular housing away from the tubing connection of the inner tubular member, thus requiring no set-down forces for tool actuation or indexing. The treating tool is anchored within the well casing by hydraulic pressure actuated buttons, thus eliminating the typical requirement for anchoring actuation by set-down forces. The treating tool is sealed within the casing by pressure energized packers which are activated by the hydraulic pressure of fluid supplied from the tubing. The tool provides a bypass passage to allow communication of the zones above and below the tool while isolating the straddled interval to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Eslinger, Stephen D. Hill, Randolph J. Sheffield, Howard L. McGill, James M. Costley
  • Patent number: 6745836
    Abstract: The down hole motor is a self-contained radial drive unit that is driven by a linear input, which can be supplied from various sources. As linear motion is applied to the input of the tool, drive pins on a drive shaft follow a helical path, converting the linear motion into radial motion at the attached mandrel end. This may then be utilized in various activities such as drilling, boring and obstruction removal. This tool may also be used in conjunction with jarring mechanisms in order to create an impact drilling device, or a percussion motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jeff L. Taylor, Mark A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6708785
    Abstract: An adjustable down-hole tool, for example a drill-string stabiliser (10), comprises a body (12) having a through bore (16). A mandrel (18) is rotationally fixed but axially movable in the body, the mandrel being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a first return spring (44) between a first, activated position and a second deactivated position. A sleeve (66) is between shoulders (68, 69) on the body and mandrel. Castellations (18a,b, 69a,b) are on the mandrel and facing edge or edges of the sleeve so that, when the castellations are in phase the mandrel is prevented from travelling from said first to second position and when they are out of phase they interdigitate and the mandrel is not prevented from travelling from said first to second position. A control piston (36) is slidable in the mandrel, being movable by fluid pressure in the tool against the action of a second return spring (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Alexander Russell, Andrew Ollerenshaw
  • Publication number: 20040007356
    Abstract: An indexing mechanism is disclosed that can put a tool in a variety of positions while downhole in the face of high static and dynamic loads. In the preferred application, the mechanism controls a movable sleeve on a downhole choke. It contains an indexing feature comprising a pin movable in a series of slots. A piston restrained to move longitudinally engages and rotates an index sleeve to allow the pin to advance into the next J-slot track. A separate lug on the piston engages a radial face on the index sleeve to take the shock load and position the choke instead of allowing the pin to load against the closed end of the slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Walter J. Myron
  • Publication number: 20040000406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jerry P. Allamon, Jack E. Miller, Andrew M. MacFarlane
  • Patent number: 6668936
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes a control module which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select from among multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. When the member is in another selected position, the flowpath is placed in fluid communication with an actuator of another one of the well tool assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Jr., Virgilio Garcia-Soule, Perry C. Shy, Leo G. Collins
  • Patent number: 6510898
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for positioning downhole tools in a borehole such as a cased or lined oilwell, wherein the system is adapted to control the vertical and rotational position of the tool within the borehole. The system uses a plurality of guide slots or ledges which form a spiral on the inner surface of a tubular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignees: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Target Well Control Limited
    Inventor: Jean P. Buytaert
  • Publication number: 20020053438
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes multiple control modules, each of which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select a corresponding one of multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member of a certain control module is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. The members of the multiple control modules are displaced simultaneously in response to pressure on a line connected to each of the control modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Jimmie R. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20020046834
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Christophe M. Rayssiguier, Vong Vongphakdy
  • Publication number: 20020046843
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Christophe M. Rayssiguier, Vong Vongphakdy
  • Publication number: 20020029890
    Abstract: A downhole valve that may be opened and closed by alternatingly pressurizing/bleeding a first control line, which is in fluid communication with a first surface of an activating member, and a second control line, which is in fluid communication with a second surface of the activating member. The fluid within the control lines is the same density as the fluid found in the annulus of the wellbore. The development of a leak in the control lines therefore does not by itself result in the actuation or movement of the activating member or valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Publication number: 20020027003
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes a control module which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select from among multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. When the member is in another selected position, the flowpath is placed in fluid communication with an actuator of another one of the well tool assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Williamson, Virgilio C. Garcia-Soule, Perry C. Shy, Leo G. Collins
  • Publication number: 20010045290
    Abstract: An in-line flow control device for a well chokes flow through a conduit while allowing access therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris
  • Publication number: 20010042626
    Abstract: An apparatus usable in a subterranean well includes a valve, a first mechanism and a second mechanism. The valve controls communication between an annular region that surrounds the valve and an inner passageway of the valve. The first mechanism causes the valve to transition from a first state to a second state in response to pressure in the annular region. The second mechanism causes the valve to transition between the first state and the second state in response to a pressure differential between the annular region and the inner passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6308783
    Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means -or transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Clay W. Milligan, Jr., Dwayne D. Leismer
  • Publication number: 20010030049
    Abstract: A formation isolation valve assembly for use in a well includes first and second fluid paths that are coupled to at least first and second completion zones. A first valve controls fluid flow from the first zone to the first fluid path, and a second valve controls fluid flow from a second zone to the second fluid path. The valves may include ball valves and sleeve valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6286599
    Abstract: A method and apparatus using hydrajetting of fluid to cut a lateral casing window for drilling a side track. The apparatus comprises a J-sub having a J-slot therein which guides movement of a jetting nozzle such that a window may be abrasively jetted in well casing in the general shape of the J-slot. In an alternate embodiment, a hydraulically activated actuator sub is used to operate the J-sub. The actuator sub is activated by alternately pressurizing and depressurizing the actuator sub to apply longitudinal movement and torque to the J-sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim B. Surjaatmadja, Gary T. Keene, Steven R. Grundmann
  • Patent number: 6276458
    Abstract: A choke system or valve assembly includes a valve having an orifice through which fluid flow can be choked or controlled. An actuator is adapted to position the valve at one or more incremental positions between an open position and a closed position. The valve, orifice, and actuator may be adapted to provide a substantially consistent (or otherwise predetermined) change in pressure drop and flow rate between different valve positions. This is accomplished by varying the flow area of the valve orifice non-linearly as the valve is shifted or stepped through the several valve positions. Another feature is the ability of the actuator in conjunction with an indexing mechanism to provide substantially precise control of the valve orifice through the several valve positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Malone, Ronald E. Pringle
  • Patent number: 6241015
    Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling fluids in a well is provided. The flow control apparatus may include a body member having a flow port in an outer wall of the body member, and a flow aperture spaced inwardly from the outer wall. A remotely shiftable valve member may be disposed for reciprocal movement within the body member to regulate fluid flow through the flow aperture and flow port. An indexing sleeve may be rotatably disposed within the body member and engaged with the shiftable valve member to shift the valve member within the body member. An operating piston may be engaged with the indexing sleeve and movably disposed within the body member in response to pressurized fluid. A locking mechanism may also be included for locking the shiftable valve member in a closed, or sealing, position. Electrically-operated mechanisms for shifting the valve member is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Clay W. Milligan, Jr., Dwayne D. Leismer
  • Patent number: 6237683
    Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means for transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Clay W. Milligan, Jr., Dwayne D. Leismer
  • Patent number: 6230807
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a valve positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus includes a tubing having a bore and a piston operably coupled to the valve. The piston is moveable from a first position to the second position by predetermined pressure applied from fluid in the tubing bore. A counter mechanism coupled to the piston prevents movement of the piston to the second position until the predetermined pressure has been applied a first number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 6220357
    Abstract: A downhole tool having selectively openable ports therein, the tool being actuable between a closed configuration in which the ports are closed, a primed configuration in which the ports are primed for opening, and an open configuration in which the ports are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Carmichael, Paul Howlett
  • Patent number: 6109354
    Abstract: A circulating valve and associated methods of servicing a well provide reliable operation, economical manufacture, and convenient maintenance in the circulating valve which is responsive to flow of fluid therethrough, and increased versatility in well servicing operations utilizing the valve. In a preferred embodiment, a circulating valve includes an upper case having a reverse circulating port formed radially therethrough, a circulating case having a circulating port formed radially therethrough, a lower adapter, a mandrel having a flow port formed radially therethrough, a biasing member, a ratchet, an inner sleeve, and a one-way flow restrictor carried on the mandrel. In an open configuration, fluid communication is permitted between the flow and circulating ports, and between the reverse circulating port and the flow restrictor. In a closed configuration, fluid communication is not permitted radially through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 6082453
    Abstract: An orientation device, particularly for drilling tools, of the kind comprising a first sleeve (1) and a concentrically surrounding second sleeve (2), where in an annulus between the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2) is disposed an axially displaceable carrier, e.g., in the form of a wedge/key (5) or a rail (8, 9), adapted to slide in an inclined, preferably helical groove (3, 4) disposed in the sleeve (1) or in the sleeve (2), the groove's direction crossing the direction of the carrier's (5; 8, 9) rectilinear movement which, thus, is converted into a relative rotational movement between the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2). The carrier (5; 8, 9) is adapted to slide in two inclined, preferably helical grooves (3, 4) disposed in the sleeve (1) and the sleeve (2), respectively, and crossing the direction of the carrier's (5; 8, 9) rectilinear movement from opposite side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Bakke Oil Tools AS
    Inventor: Stig Bakke
  • Patent number: 6053244
    Abstract: A tool can be released from a tool string in a wellbore by setting the tool and applying reverse torque to the tool string for an extended period. The release mechanism (200) comprises a latch (250) including a plurality of collects (253) which are held in a radially extended position to secure a tool "T" to the tool string. A first member (201) is connected to the tool string and to the latch (250). A second member (202) is connected to the latch. In use, after the tool is set reverse torque is applied to the first member (201) to rotate it relative to the second member (202) which is constrained against rotation by the action of the tool on the latch. When the first member (201) has rotated sufficiently the first and second members occupy a release position in which downward movement of the first member (201) relative to the second member (202) (which was previously blocked) is permitted. This movement releases the latch (250) and hence allows separation of the tool and the tool string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Hrrman Dybevik, Tarald Gudmestad
  • Patent number: 6050341
    Abstract: A downhole running tool (10) for use in positioning an item, such as a length of tubing (12) , in a bore comprises a body (11, 22) defining a fluid passage, an arrangement (20, 30) for creating a flow restriction, to create an increase in fluid pressure in the passage, and a fluid actuated retaining member (34) mounted on the body for engaging an item (12) to be carried into a bore on the tool (10). The retaining member (34) is in fluid communication with the body fluid passage above the flow restriction arrangement (20, 30) and is movable to a retracted position to release the item (12) by application of fluid pressure forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Petroline Wellsystems Limited
    Inventor: Paul David Metcalf
  • Patent number: 5542476
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for drilling an maintaining holes in golf courses. It is built onto a mini-tractor with the drilling unit itself suspended in a hydraulic hoist for moving up and down between a raised and a lowered position. The drilling unit is equipped with a downward directed hollow auger which is operated by the tractor. The apparatus is characteristic in that the vertical drill spindle of the drilling unit is designed as a hollow shaft in which the tubular hollow auger is inserted. The hollow auger is inserted from the top and is provided with an upward facing handle which has a transverse grip at the top. Between the hollow auger and the driven hollow shaft-drill spindle there is an anti-turn locking device, for example of the bayonet type. The quick and convenient way of removing the auger from the apparatus for manual transfer of the cut-out turf core form the hollow auger into the previous (old) hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Finn H. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5529126
    Abstract: After the drilling of an oil well bore there is normally carried out testing using a test tool string. Following completion of the test, the test tools must be shut down, and the test string removed. It is an advantage if the string incorporate some means of isolating the upper portion of the its tubing, and of subsequently providing a communication route between this tubing and the annulus, so that tubing-contained well liquid above the test string can be circulated out of the tubing before it is raised to the surface. Previous apparatus suggested for this purpose performs quite satisfactorily, but commonly is a "one-off" system; once activated, the several operations resulting therefrom are irreversible, and the tool cannot easily be put back into the initial state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Expro North Sea limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5518073
    Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve can be closed upon demand. The forces which accomplish opening of the ball valve act across a power piston, but the forces which close the valve act across an actuating piston. The tester valve can be run into a well with an operating element of the tester valve in a first position, such as a closed position. Upon reaching the desired depth within the well and setting of an associated packer system, well annulus pressure is then increased to a first level above hydrostatic pressure to move the power piston and thus move the tester valve to an open position. During a normal mode of operation, well annulus pressure can be cycled between hydrostatic pressure and the first level to open and close the tester valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Manke, Paul Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 5483987
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for actuating equipment from a distance through a flow variation of a fluid in a pipe. The device and method of this invention are suited for incorporation into a drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Institut Francais Du Petrole
    Inventors: Benoit Amaudric du Chaffaut, Jean Boulet
  • Patent number: 5472055
    Abstract: A self-contained, telescoping liner hanger setting tool is adapted to set a hanger and attached liner within a wellbore; release the liner hanger by unthreading a running nut securing the tool to the hanger and rotating the liner, after the tool is released from the hanger, during a cementing process, the liner is rotated through a clutch means adjacent the lower end of the tool and the upper end of the hanger, the liner hanger setting tool being fully retrievable from the borehole after the cementing process is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Simson, John M. Yokley
  • Patent number: 5337827
    Abstract: In the present invention a testing tool having an axial flow passage is arranged to be connected in a pipe string and placed in a well bore. Communication through the flow passage is controlled by a valve member which is cooperatively arranged in the body to be moved back and forth for selectively opening and closing communication through the flow passage. The testing tool further includes upper and lower mandrels that are selectively coupled together by a unique clutch mechanism that enables the valve member to be successively opened and closed as the well bore pressure is increased and decreased a predetermined number of times in a testing cycle. The clutch mechanism is thereafter operable for temporarily uncoupling the mandrels to enable the valve member to be retained in its open position as the well bore pressure is increased and decreased in a subsequent operating cycle of the test valve before resuming the testing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joe C. Hromas, Dinesh R. Patel
  • Patent number: 5327975
    Abstract: A cased wellbore extends downhole to a pay zone which is produced by a rod actuated downhole pump that lifts fluid from the bottom of the wellbore up through a tubing string to a wellhead. The pump is seated in a pump cavity, and the tubing string is tensioned and is rotated. The upper end of the tubing string is attached to a fluid conveying swivel and a tubing rotator. A combination tubing anchor having a fluid conveying rotatable mandrel is attached adjacent to and forms part of the lower end of the tubing string by which the lower end of the tubing string is rotatably and releasably affixed to the casing in proximity to the lower end of the wellbore. A plurality of radially active slips are actuated in response to manipulation of the tubing string to extend the slips into engagement with the casing wall and to retract the slips in order to remove the tubing string from the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Rotating Production Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Land
  • Patent number: 5325917
    Abstract: A short stroke casing valve with positioning and jetting tools therefor. The casing valve has a sliding sleeve within a housing. The housing defines a housing communication port therethrough, and a seal is disposed on longitudinally opposite sides of the housing communication port. The sleeve has a selective latch profile therein adapted for engagement by the positioning tool. The positioning tool has outwardly biased positioner blocks which automatically engage the sliding sleeve. The positioner blocks have a selective latch profile thereon which is adapted for engagement with the latch profile in the sliding sleeve. This latch profile in the positioner tool prevents undesirable engagement of the positioner blocks with any other portion of the casing string except the latch profile in the casing valve. In one embodiment, a non-rotational jetting tool includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced jetting orifices therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: David D. Szarka
  • Patent number: 5311939
    Abstract: A well packer for engaging and sealing against the inside of a conduit having a mandrel, friction blocks, slips, and a packer seal. The friction blocks are supported by the mandrel and positioned parallel to the slips providing a short inexpensive packer. The packer can be quickly and easily converted to be either a mechanical set bi-directional packer, a compression set well packer, or a tension set packer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald E. Pringle, Arthur J. Morris
  • Patent number: 5310001
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving downhole devices is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a retrieving device that can be run on non-conventional workstrings such as coiled tubing, wireline, or electric line. The apparatus comprises a power mandrel, an inner sleeve mandrel slidably disposed within the power mandrel, and an overshot means. Means are provided to translate longitudinal movement of the power mandrel into rotational movement of the inner mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Timothy D. Burns, Sr., Kenneth D. Caskey
  • Patent number: 5285850
    Abstract: A well completion system and method in which reeled tubing is connected in the completion string which includes a safety valve and a sliding sleeve valve. A straddle assembly is provided within the sliding sleeve valve for sealing against axial flow of fluid and isolating a lateral fluid flow path. A stinger assembly is provided which is insertable within the straddle assembly and connectable to the reeled tubing to lock the reeled tubing relative to the straddle assembly and the sleeve valve. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control the lateral flow of production fluid into the production string for upward flow through the safety valve and the reeled tubing to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Russell I. Bayh, III
  • Patent number: 5224547
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving downhole devices is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention includes a retrieving device that can be run on non-conventional workstrings such as coiled tubing, wireline, or electric line. The apparatus comprises a power mandrel, an inner sleeve mandrel slidably disposed within the power mandrel, and an overshot means. Means are provided to translate longitudinal movement of the power mandrel into rotational movement of the inner mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Timothy D. Burns, Sr., Kenneth D. Caskey
  • Patent number: 5195586
    Abstract: A downhole connection is provided which allows downhole releasable coupling between a workstring and a wellbore tool. The downhole connection includes a pin connector affixed to the upper end of the wellbore tool, and a box connector which is part of a retrieving head affixed to the lower end of the workstring. The pin connector has a generally cylindrical exterior surface with two lugs which are laterally disposed and extend radially therefrom. The box connector has an interior cylindrical surface with two continuous combinations of grooves disposed therein to form a track, or pathway, for the two lugs disposed on the exterior surface of the pin connector to matingly engage within to couple the workstring to the wellbore tool. When the box connector and the pin connector are matingly engaged, both torque and axial force may be transmitted from the workstring to the wellbore tool for conveyance and manipulation of the wellbore tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Louis M. Gambertoglio
  • Patent number: 5180007
    Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive well tool includes a selectively actuatable hydraulic bypass for bypassing a pressure differential across a power piston of the tool so that an operating element associated with the power piston will remain in a chosen position during a subsequent change in well annulus pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Kevin R. Manke, Paul D. Ringgenberg, Roger L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5139090
    Abstract: A cased wellbore extends downhole to a pay zone which is produced by a rod actuated downhole pump that lifts fluid from the bottom of the wellbore up through a tubing string to a wellhead. The pump is seated in a pump cavity. The tubing string is tensioned and is rotated. The upper end of the tubing string is attached to a fluid conveying swivel means and a tubing rotator. A combination tubing anchor and fluid conveying swivel is attached adjacent the lower end of the tubing string by which the lower end of the tubing string is rotatably and releasably affixed to the casing in proximity to the lower end of the wellbore. The lower swivel is located adjacent the anchor and enables the tubing string to rotate respective to the anchor while conveying fluid through the rotating tensioned production tubing string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: John L. Land
  • Patent number: 5133404
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: William W. Dollison
  • Patent number: 5117685
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of testing a well, comprising the steps of:providing a pipe string with a tester valve assembly adapted to allow or prevent fluid flow from an isolated lower interval of the well into the pipe string, said tester valve assembly comprising a valve element movable between a closing and an opening position, said valve element being in a predetermined initial position;suspending from a cable inside the pipe string a measurement assembly including sensor means, and lowering said measurement assembly into engagement with valve actuating means of the tester valve assembly, the arrangement being such that said sensor means is exposed to the fluid of said interval as a result of said engagement, irrespective of the position of the valve element;exerting a succession of tensions and releases on the cable to operate said valve actuating means, said succession effecting successive changes in the position of the valve element, while measuring by said sensor means the modifications of flui
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Pierre Goldschild
  • Patent number: 5103902
    Abstract: A retrievable packer includes a selectively releasable anti-rotation coupling lug for preventing premature setting of the packer. The lower wedge and packer mandrel are coupled together by the anti-rotation lug during running and setting operations. The anti-rotation lug is slidably received within an L-slot formed in the packer mandrel, and is selectively releasable to permit rotation of the service tool relative to the packer mandrel during retrieving operations. During run-in and retrieving operations, the anti-rotation lug is confined within a circumferentially extending portion of the L-slot, thereby limiting longitudinal travel of the packer mandrel relative to the lower wedge. The service tool can then set down on the packer for pushing the lower wedge out from under the anchor slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Colby M. Ross, Ralph H. Echols, III
  • Patent number: 5095979
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for operating a downhole tool, such as setting and unsetting a hook wall packer run into the production tubing of an oil or gas well on coiled tubing. The apparatus employs a pin moving in a groove to allow a packer to be run into the production tubing, set, and released by the longitudinal movement of the coiled tubing only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Petro-Tech Tools Incorporated
    Inventor: James M. Perricone