Abstract: A submersible pump assembly suspended on a string of tubing in a well has a valve that drains the tubing above the pump when the pump shuts down. The valve includes a valve housing installed with the tubing string above the submersible pump assembly. The valve housing has an interior in communication with fluid in the string of tubing above the valve housing, and a shunt port communicating the interior of the valve housing with an annulus surrounding the string of tubing. A valve cage is slidably received within the valve housing for movement between upper and lower positions. The valve cage blocks communication through the shunt port while in the upper position, and while in the lower position, opens the shunt port. A valve seat is located in the valve cage, and a valve member moves between a lower position, sealingly engaging the valve seat, and an upper position, allowing flow through the valve seat from the pump to the tubing string.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: A system usable with a subterranean well includes a tubing and a lubricator. The tubing is adapted to receive a drill string in a passageway of the tubing, and the lubricator is located downhole and is connected to the tubing. The lubricator is adapted to be remotely operable from a surface of the well to control fluid communication between the passageway located above the lubricator and a formation located beneath the lubricator. The lubricator may include a sleeve and controller. The controller selectively moves the sleeve into a passageway of a valve of the lubricator to protect the valve from a downhole fluid.

Abstract: A well string for use in a wellbore having plural fluid regions includes a flow conduit having an inner bore defining one of the fluid regions and an actuating assembly including an operator mechanism, an activation port in communication with the operator mechanism, and a member adapted to block the activation port. The member is moveable by an applied pressure in a first fluid region to expose the activation port to a second fluid region. The operator mechanism includes a piston assembly. The first fluid region may include the annulus region outside the flow conduit, and the second fluid region may include the flow conduit inner bore.

Abstract: A downhole ball-valve (20) comprises a body (22) defining a bore (32), a valve ball (34) defining a through passage (36) such that the ball (34) may be positioned to permit flow through the body bore (32) or to close the bore, and a sealing assembly (44) located to one side of the ball and defining a valve seat (50, 53) for forming a sealing contact with the ball (34) and a seal between the body and the assembly. A fluid pressure force applied at one side of the ball (34) tends to urge the valve seat (50, 53) towards the ball (34) and a fluid pressure force applied at the other side of the ball tends to urge the ball towards the valve seat. The sealing assembly forms part of a ball carriage which is axially movable in the bore, axial movement of the carriage inducing rotation of the ball between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

Abstract: A vibration-generating device for a pipe string includes a hydraulic cylinder barrel, a hydraulic piston, changeover valves, and a double tubular piston rod. Each of the changeover valves is automatically shiftable. Fluid flows through the piston rod, changeover valves, and cylinder barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus including a releasable lock is provided. In a described embodiment, a valve assembly includes a ball valve, a piston, and a releasable lock. The releasable lock prevents operation of the ball valve until a predetermined fluid pressure is applied to the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for use in a downhole string of tools adapted to be retrieved from a well under pressure is disclosed. The valve has a housing and a piston slidably disposed within an axial bore of the housing. The housing has upper and lower ends configured for attachment to upper and lower portions, respectively, of the tool string. The valve defines an internal passage for hydraulic communication between the upper and lower tool string portions. The piston is arranged to, in first and second positions, permit and block, respectively, hydraulic communication along the internal passage. The housing has an outer surface defining upper and lower outer surface regions for engagement by two spaced apart seals of a retrieval head (such as a BOP). The housing also defines an outer port disposed between the upper and lower outer surface regions and arranged for hydraulic communication between the piston and the outer housing surface.

Abstract: Inflow regulation device for a production pipe for production of oil or gas from an oil- and/or gas reservoir (9), where the production pipe comprises a lower drainage pipe with drainage pipe sections (5) with one or more drainage pipe elements (2; 2a, 2b) having opening(s) (3; 3a, 3b) for inflow of oil and/or gas to an inner space (8) of the drainage pipe section. The inflow may be regulated by a movable sleeve (1) that abuts one adjacent side surface of the drainage pipe section (2; 2a, 2b) and where the sleeve is provided with a portion(s) (6) being able to cover/uncover the opening(s) in the drainage pipe element. The sleeve further comprises helical spurs/recesses (14, 15) that in conjunction with one adjacent abutting surface (18, 21) of the drainage pipe element (2; 2a, 2b) forms channels (16, 17) that may connect the reservoir (9) with the inner space (8) of the drainage pipe. The helical spurs/recesses (14, 15) may be constituted by one or more pair(s) of left- and/or right-oriented spurs/recesses.

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.

Abstract: A circulation valve is disclosed for use in a tubing-conveyed tool string. The valve is adapted to be open as the tool string is run into the well, enabling circulation flow from the tubing into the well bore. To close the valve, the circulation flow rate is increased. The valve has a housing with an inner bore and defining both a passage in hydraulic communication with the tubing and a side port for hydraulic communication between the passage and the well. A piston disposed within the inner bore of the housing is adapted to be moved along the inner bore of the housing by elevated tubing pressure to block the side port of the housing. A set of shear pins retain the piston in its initial position until broken by the elevated tubing pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to bypass valves for use in wellbores, particularly but not exclusively to bypass valves used during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers. The invention provides a bypass valve for selectively isolating the interior of a down-hole assembly from the exterior thereof, the bypass valve comprising guide pin in received slot being adapted to permit movement of a piston (30) from a first position to a second position in response to a predetermined pressure differential between a bore (58) of the piston (30) and the exterior of a body (4) but normally preventing movement of the piston (30) to a third position in which the bore (58) of the piston (30) is substantially isolated from the exterior of the body (4), and an extension of the guide slot for overriding the guide pins in the slot, so as to permit movement of the piston (30) to the third position.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which reliably and conveniently controls fluid flow through a sidewall of a tubular string. In a described embodiment, an auto-fill sub includes a check valve disposed in a housing. The check valve includes a generally tubular flexible member for sealingly engaging a sidewall of the housing to prevent fluid flow through an opening formed through the sidewall. A flow deflector may be provided to prevent abrasive wear, flow cutting and extrusion of the flexible member. Other features may include a lockout sleeve and a piston for displacing the lockout sleeve relative to the housing.

Abstract: A reduced travel operating mechanism for downhole tools is provided. The reduced travel operating mechanism (57) includes a load ratio system (59) which may include compression ring (102) disposed within circumferential guide pocket (123) and a linkage system (61) disposed within mechanism pocket (125). The linkage system (61) may include first link (112), master link (114), and second link (116) coupled between compression ring (102) and connecting member (118). A loading system (63), which may include a hydraulic piston (100), acts on compression ring (102) to move compression ring (102) a first distance. Connecting member (118) moves a second distance in response to the movement of compression ring (102) a first distance. The linkage system (61) may operate such that the second distance is greater than the first distance or operate such that the first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: Apparatus for the remote deployment of one or more valves (1), comprising channel means (2) through which the valve (1) will be deployed, channel location means (3) in which the valve (1) will sit, seal means (4) to seal between the valve (1) and the channel means (2), valve location means to seat the valve (1) onto the channel location means (3), and valve means (6) to control the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus for interconnection with a wellbore tubing string for particular use in drilling deviated wellbores, such as with coiled tubing. The circulation apparatus has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending eccentrically therethrough and threads for interconnection with a tubing string. A fluid communication port extends through a sidewall of the tubular body member, and a shiftable sleeve is placed thereacross for selectively permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid communication port. The valve is biased in a normally closed position by way of a spring and/or hydraulic fluid. Fluid control means, such as a hydraulic fluid source conveyed from a downhole Hydraulic Power Unit to an internal piston, opens or closes the valve in response to electrical signals sent to the Hydraulic Power Unit from the earth's surface.

Abstract: A downhole cut-off valve used for cementing a casing string, comprising: an outer hollow body, having a top end connected at the lower end of the casing string, an inner hole, an inner surface and a projecting shoulder forming on the inner surface and extending inwardly; an inner hollow body, arranged slidably in said outer hollow body and having an inner hole, a wall with a plurality of through holes and a projection forming on the wall and below the through holes and extending outwardly, the projection being adapted to fit with the projecting shoulder of said outer body to define a preliminary position of said inner body with respect to said outer body; the longitudinal positions of the through holes and the projection being arranged in such a manner that the projecting shoulder of said outer body is located therebetween when said inner body is placed in said outer body and will at least partially cover the through holes in response to the movement of said inner body; a relief member, blocking the upper end

Abstract: A device and method for selectively controlling the flow of production fluid through a tubing string in an oil and gas well according to which a housing is connected to a tubing string for insertion into the well, and well fluid is passed from the ground surface into the housing. The housing is provided with a plug to establish well fluid pressure in the housing to actuate a packer and/or other ancillary devices. The plug can be removed from the hosing by increasing the pressure of the well fluid in the housing above a predetermined value, thus permitting the flow of production fluid from the formation zone, through the housing and the tubing string, and to the ground surface.

Abstract: A linear indexing tool is operably supportable on a tubing string in a subterranean wellbore and has a tubular housing structure within which a tubular mandrel is coaxially and slidably disposed. An indexing structure is operable by tubing pressure to sequentially drive the mandrel through a plurality of axial travel increments in response to a corresponding successive plurality of tubing pressure forces exerted on the indexing structure. Pressure diversion apparatus is operative to permit flow of pressurized fluid from within the housing structure to an external, pressure-actuatable device, such as a packer, only after the mandrel has been driven through at least two of its axial travel increments. Accordingly, the internal tubing pressure may be elevated to a test level thereof, thereby driving the mandrel through its first axial travel increment, without actuating the external device.

Abstract: A bypass valve, particularly useful for allowing a tubing string to fill or drain during tripping in and tripping out, is disclosed. The bypass valve can be used in conjunction with a downhole motor operated through a tubing string. The bypass valve features a movable tapered valve member which has a smaller taper than the valve seat to prevent dragging the sealing element across sharp edges as the valve closes. Ports are provided through the valve to conduct upstream pressure in the valve behind the sealing element so that upon contact of the sealing element on the valve member with the seat, a boost force is applied to help retain the seal.

Abstract: A valve for use downhole in a wellbore can be repeatedly opened and closed any number of times in response to a pressure signal transmitted down the annulus of the wellbore. The valve is set and changes from a first position to a second position in response to a first pressure signal transmitted down the annulus, a pressure value of the first pressure signal transmitted down the annulus being greater than a pressure value of a pressure existing in an inside annular space of the valve by an amount at least equal to a predetermined value. The valve resets itself and changes back from the second position to the first position in response to a second pressure signal transmitted down the annulus, the pressure value of the pressure existing in the inside annular space of the valve being greater than a pressure value of the second pressure signal transmitted down the annulus by an amount at least equal to the predetermined value.

Abstract: A fill-up valve is provided for a riser having a longitudinal axis that is connected at one end to a subsea wellhead and at the other end to a platform of an offshore oil or gas well. The fill-up valve is formed from a gate valve that mounts to an exterior of the riser and occupies a position extending less than the entire transverse periphery of the riser. The gate valve has a transverse profile projecting outward from the exterior of the riser that allows passage of the riser and fill-up valve through confined areas, such as through a rotary table of the well. A flow passage of the gate valve communicates with the interior of the riser to allow water to flow into the interior of the riser.

Abstract: A valve adapted to be disposed in a wellbore for use during a drill stem test includes one or more rupture discs which, when ruptured by one or more annulus pressures or a tubing pressure, moves a mandrel in either of two different longitudinal directions. When the mandrel is moved, one of four possible events could occur. First, a pair of flapper valves will close, and, after the pair of flapper valves close, a reversing port will open. Second, a ball valve will successively close and open and, simultaneously, a reversing port will successively open and close. Third, a port will move into congruence with a one-way check valve allowing a fluid to flow from within an internal area within the valve to an external area around the valve. Fourth, a port will move out of congruence with a one-way check valve thereby preventing a fluid from flowing from the external area around the valve to an internal area within the valve.

Abstract: A primarily electronically set permanent or retrievable downhole tool having a hydraulic contingency arrangement to activate the downhole tool in the conventional way in the event electronic communication fails.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: A running tool particularly useful for running liners on coiled tubing is disclosed. A torque-transmitting outer sleeve is employed which initially traps the collets. The collets are engaged to the liner by relative mechanical movement and thereafter lock in a secured position to the liner, regardless of whether the liner is placed in tension or compression by the running tool. Release is accomplished by letting down weight on the running tool, coupled with hydraulic pressure to shear a pin securing the collet mechanism. Upon such a hydraulic release with the pin sheared, the outer torque sleeve shifts downwardly to prevent relatching. Torque is transmitted through the outer torque sleeved and not through the latching collets. A snap ring can optionally be inserted to further ensure that the tool will not relatch after release. If, for any reason, the tool does not release in the normal manner, a twist off release feature is provided.

Abstract: A formation testing system provides the ability to reliably and repeatedly perform tests, such as drawdown tests, on closely spaced apart formations intersected by subterranean wellbores without relying on absolute fluid pressure for actuation thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a formation testing system is alternately configured for normal drilling operations or for fluid sampling operations by applying preselected differential pressures to the system. In a representatively illustrated preferred embodiment, a formation testing system has opposing pistons which cooperate with uniquely configured ratchet mechanisms to change the system's configuration in response to changes in differential pressure applied thereto.

Abstract: A shifting tool is provided which is preferably hydraulically actuated. A built-up hydraulic force overcomes a retaining piston, which, in turn, frees up a pivoting linkage whose movements are opposed by a coil spring. The coil spring urges the pivoting linkage outwardly where contact can be made with the internal groove on a shifting sleeve. The shifting tool can be run in with the linkage in the expanded position since the parts are configured to allow the linkage to retract to clear any internal obstructions before reaching the shifting grooves in the shifting sleeve. The pivoting action of the grip on the groove in the shifting sleeve increases the gripping force when jarring occurs. The parts are configured so that there is a minimum of movement of shifting parts which have seals to further reduce potential wear on pressure seals. A compact design is provided which can be useful on sleeves with a range of internal bores.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus and associated method of gravel packing a subterranean well prevents screen collapse without requiring sealing engagement of a washpipe with an external seal, without requiring reliance solely on differential pressure, and without utilizing a reciprocating valve. In a preferred embodiment, a gravel packing apparatus has a tubular mandrel, a tubular housing attached to the mandrel and defining an annular space between the mandrel and housing, a sleeve slidably disposed on the mandrel and extending into the annular space, first and second seals disposed on the sleeve, and a screen slidably disposed on the mandrel and attached to the sleeve for sliding displacement therewith.

Abstract: A downhole valve 10 opens or closes a bypass (12,13) in response to the pressure of the fluid in the valve. The valve housing body 14 is adapted for fluid communication with a tubular within a well bore. The valve bypass may be repeatedly cycled from open to closed position by selectively raising and lowering the fluid pressure. A replaceable flow restriction 18 in the valve is sized to produce a desired flow-induced pressure drop across the valve to cycle the valve with fluid flow. Differential sealing areas (11c and 15,16) are provided to cycle the valve by varying the static fluid pressure in the valve. According to the method, a flowing fluid pressure drop induced by fluid flow through the valve is used to change the state of the valve, and a subsequent change in hydrostatic fluid pressure or fluid pressure is used to return the valve to its original state.

Abstract: A drill stem diverter tool for removing gelled drilling fluid and filter cake from the side of a well bore. The apparatus comprises a housing adapted to be connected into a drill string. The housing includes a plurality of diverter ports which communicate a central opening of the housing with a well annulus. A valve means which can be moved from a first position which blocks the diverter ports to a second position which opens the diverter ports is disposed in the central opening. The diverter ports are angled and offset from the center line of the housing so that the fluid exiting the ports creates a turbulent circular motion. A stop is provided to limit the movement of the valve means. The valve means may also be moved from its second position back to its first position to block communication to the well annulus through the diverter ports.

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 annul us 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.

Abstract: A running tool particularly useful for running liners on coiled tubing is disclosed. A torque-transmitting outer sleeve is employed which initially traps the collets. The collets are engaged to the liner by relative mechanical movement and thereafter lock in a secured position to the liner, regardless of whether the liner is placed in tension or compression by the running tool. Release is accomplished by letting down weight on the running tool, coupled with hydraulic pressure to shear a pin securing the collet mechanism. Upon such a hydraulic release with the pin sheared, the outer torque sleeve shifts downwardly to prevent relatching. Torque is transmitted through the outer torque sleeved and not through the latching collets.

Abstract: An oilfield piston sleeve valve for signaling positive engagement of a drill string with a downhole tool during fishing operations is disclosed. The piston sleeve valve is attached to the bottom of a drill string and to a retrieving tool allows drilling fluid to circulate freely through the drill string as long as there is no load on the fishing tool. As soon as the fishing tool engages and when the drill string is lifted upwards the piston sleeve valve cuts or reduces the circulation creating a pressure pulse at the surface. The device is designed to be used for wireline retrieval or in conjunction with retrievable wellbore deviation apparatus.

Abstract: Remotely controllable fluid flow control valves are disposed in the main wellbore and branch wellbores of a multiple well. Each flow control valve has a radio frequency range receiver, a controller and an actuator for moving a closure member to a selected position to control fluid flow in the wellbore in which the valve is disposed. A signal transmitter may be conveyed into the main wellbore by an E-line or coilable tubing and radio frequency range electromagnetic wave energy signals may be transmitted to the selected valve to effect fluid flow control within each wellbore of the multiple well. The remotely controllable valves eliminate expensive and difficult procedures associated with reentering branch wells extending from a central or main wellbore.

Abstract: A stage cementer with integral inflation packer. The apparatus comprises a mandrel with an external closing sleeve and an operating sleeve interlocked therewith. Below the operating sleeve is an opening sleeve. The opening sleeve is mechanically actuated by a pump-down plug to actuate the opening sleeve and thereby to allow inflation of a packer portion disposed around said mandrel. An anchor ring is disposed in said mandrel and engaged therewith by a retainer ring. The anchor ring limits movement of the opening sleeve, and a shallow portion of a groove prevents radially inward movement of the retainer ring so that the anchor ring remains lockingly engaged with the mandrel. A back check valve prevents the packer from deflating. When the packer portion is inflated, a packer shoe slidably moves about an outer surface of the closure sleeve. After the packer portion is inflated, additional pressure is applied which ruptures a rupture disc to open a port to the well annulus above the packer portion.

Abstract: A remotely operated actuator for a drill string internal blowout preventer is disclosed. It includes an annular cylinder for mounting on the preventer housing to rotate with the housing and the kelly. An annular piston in the cylinder moves a link pivotally connected to the piston and a crank arm to open and close the preventer.

Abstract: A packer set safety valve assembly for controlling annular and tubing flows within a subterranean wellbore is disclosed. The packer set safety valve assembly controls the annular and tubing flows through dual flow paths. The assembly includes a means, that is remotely actuatable, to secure the assembly within the wellbore, a means, also remotely actuatable, the allows selective control of fluid flow in the dual flow paths, and a means, remotely actuatable as well, to unsecure the assembly from within the wellbore. The packer set safety valve assembly is a "fail closed" design which prevents flows through the dual flow paths when the fluid flow control means is not actuated to allow flow.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a downhole tool in a well are disclosed wherein pressure change signals are introduced into a column of fluid standing in the well. The command signal includes at least one high level pressure change applied to the column of fluid. The high level pressure change includes a change from a first value to a second value, with the second value being at least about 1,000 psi above hydrostatic pressure of the column of fluid in the well, and with pressure being maintained at the second value for an interval of time corresponding to information stored in a control system of the downhole valve. A number of suitable command signal formats are disclosed, particularly including pressure drop signals.

Abstract: A coiled tubing completion system is provided with a plurality of completion apparatus, all of which is designed flush with the diameter of the coiled tubing outside diameter for avoiding upsets and are flexible, spoolable on a coiled tubing reel and having through bores large enough to pass wireline tools for performing other operations. The spoolable coiled tubing system may use standard coiled tubing well control equipment and can be used in live wells. The flush, flexible, spoolable and through bore completion equipment may include a tubing retrievable safety valve, an annular control valve, concentric gas lift valves, a zone packer, a landing nipple, a sliding sleeve, and may include at the end a non-flexible but flush and open bore production packer and pump out plug. The completion system may be retrieved through a retrieval system.

Abstract: A fluid circulation apparatus for interconnection with a wellbore tubing string for particular use in drilling deviated wellbores, such as with coiled tubing. The circulation apparatus has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough and threads for interconnection with a tubing string. A fluid communication port extends through a sidewall of the tubular body member, and a valve is placed thereacross for selectively permitting and preventing fluid flow through the fluid communication port. The valve is biased in a normally closed position by way of a spring. Fluid control means, such as a hydraulic fluid source conveyed through the tubing string, operates the valve in response to electrical signals sent to the fluid control means from the earth's surface.

Abstract: A pressure valve assembly for use in gas-lift producing oil-wells includes a cylindrical body, a first pressure chamber including bellows located in the body, a second pressure chamber in the body having a first port for communication with gas pressure in a lining or casing, a second port for communicating the second chamber with a pipe in the lining, a valve stem connected to the bellows for movement in the second chamber and a gate valve assembly connected to the stem in the second chamber for controlling the gas flow between the first and second ports.

Abstract: A swab is movably mounted within a well casing and automatically removes fluid from the well upon accumulated pressure at the bottom of the casing reaching a predetermined amount to raise the swab within the casing. The swab has a hollow body with an inner cylindrical bore. A control rod is slidably mounted within the bore and has a cross-sectional configuration whereby only a plurality of sliding contact lines occur between the rod and bore wall to reduce rod hangup and provide increased flow area between the rod and bore wall. A fluid inlet port is formed by an open bottom end of the swab body and is open and closed by a valve member located external of the swab body. The valve member has a generally pointed nose to reduce drag when the swab is descending into the casing, and upon contact of the nose with a stop at the bottom of the well casing, will automatically move to a closed position with the fluid inlet port.

Abstract: The claimed apparatus is a bottom hole choke device for regulating the flow within gas and oil producing wells. The apparatus includes a screen for preventing sand from entering the production string, a flow-restricting choke, and a check valve for preventing back flow into the well.

Abstract: A stage valve with particular use in cementing a well bore annulus where the stage valve has pressure operated valve member for opening a flow passage in the stage valve and the valve member has differential pressure areas which maintain the valve member open while a fluid moves through the flow passage in one direction and which can be closed by fluid moving in an opposite direction. The flow passage has a choke to develop a pressure differential from the flow of fluid. Spring members can be used with the valve member to close the flow passage when the pressure differential of the fluid flow in one direction is insufficient to maintain the valve member in an open position.

Abstract: A packer apparatus with a circulating port. A housing of the packer has inflation passages, circulating passages, treating fluid passages, and equalizing passages defined therein. In a straddle packer embodiment, upper and lower packers are mounted on the housing on opposite sides of an outlet of the treating fluid passage. A circulation valve with a sliding differential pressure actuated valve sleeve is disposed below the packers. An inner mandrel is slidably received in the central opening of the housing. The mandrel has a mandrel bore and has upper inflation and circulating ports, lower inflation ports, upper and lower equalizing ports, a treating port and lower circulating ports, all of which communicate with the mandrel bore. The valve sleeve has a valve port. A lug and endless J-slot is operably associated with the housing and mandrel for controlling a telescoping position of the mandrel relative to the housing in response to reciprocation without rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A completion test tool for location in a tubular string comprises: a body for mounting on the string and having a wall defining a longitudinal bore and a port for fluid communication between the bore and the exterior of the tool. A valve member in the form of a sleeve is mounted on the body, in a first configuration the valve member being configured to allow fluid to flow through the port and in a second configuration the valve member being configured to close the port. The valve member is movable from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to a positive pressure differential between the bore and the tool exterior.

Abstract: Methods of controlling a downhole tool in a well are disclosed wherein pressure change signals are introduced into a column of fluid standing in the well. The command signal includes at least one high level pressure change applied to the column of fluid. The high level pressure change includes a change from a first value to a second value, with the second value being at least about 1,000 psi above hydrostatic pressure of the column of fluid in the well, and with pressure being maintained at the second value for an interval of time corresponding to information stored in a control system of the downhole valve. A number of suitable command signal formats are disclosed, particularly including pressure drop signals.

Abstract: A travelling disc valve assembly, comprising a length of tubing lowered down a cased wellbore; a crossover tool secured to the lower end of the length of tubing; a length of wash pipe secured to the lower end of the crossover tool; a disc valve assembly secured to the wash pipe and positioned to a lower circulation position in the well bore; a disc valve secured in a bore of the assembly; in the upper, portion of the assembly for shearing off the connection between the wash pipe and the disc valve assembly, when the disc valve assembly is in an upper position, providing to prevent fluid from flowing into the formation below the disc valve and to prevent production flow to the surface; and a to rupture the disc valve at a predetermined time so that the production within the formation is allowed to flow through the assembly bore to the surface.