Abstract: The present system and method comprises an expandable device for use in wellbores. In one embodiment, the present device comprises a plurality of slots disposed within the device. The slots define expansion compensation portions, wherein the compensation portions facilitate radial expansion of the device while concurrently maintaining essentially constant the axial length of the device. The present technique also comprises a method of forming the device in accordance therewith.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a system and method for orienting perforating guns inside of slanted or deviated wellbores. The invention involves adding a weight inside of the guns to gravitate the gun to a specified orientation. The weight is situated on the outer circumference of the gun tube and within the inner diameter of the gun body. The invention is capable of orienting the gun in any radial position without affecting the shot performance of any of the shaped charges.

Abstract: A detonation transfer subassembly for coupling two detonation activated tools in a work sting such that the work string may be severed between the two detonation activated tools without risk of a detonation. The detonation transfer subassembly comprises first and second explosive carrying members having a detonation transfer member disposed therebetween. The detonation transfer member defines a longitudinal passageway therein. A firing pin is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The firing pin has a first position proximate the first explosive carrying member and a second position proximate the second explosive carrying member. The firing pin is propellable from the first position to the second position following a detonation within the first explosive carrying member such that the firing pin impacts an explosive disposed within the second explosive carrying member, thereby transferring detonation from the first explosive carrying member to the second explosive carrying member.

Abstract: The shear ram assembly 10 for shearing an oil well tubular T includes a first ram 16 axially moveable along the first axis 66 for moving an upper blade 17, and an opposing second ram 18 axially moveable along the second ram axis 68 for moving a lower blade 19. An upper planar surface 40 of the lower blade passes closely adjacent a lower planar surface 42 of the upper blade as the blades move towards each other to shear the tubular. The sealing system 24 is positioned within a recess 26 in the upper surface of the lower blade, and includes an elastomeric seal 28 for sealing engagement with the lower planar surface of the upper blade and a rigid actuator 30 moveable relative to the lower blade to energize the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A charge tube assembly for a perforating gun includes a tubular body having opposed ends. Integrally formed engagement members are positioned at each of the opposed ends. Detachable end plates are secured to each of the opposed ends. Each of the end plates has openings engagable with the engagement members.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for replacing a BOP with a gate valve to thereby save space, initial costs, and maintenance costs that is especially beneficial for use in offshore subsea riser packages. The method provides a gate valve capable of reliably cutting tubing utilizing a cutting edge with an inclined surface that wedges the cut portion of the tubing out of the gave valve body. A method and apparatus is provided for determining the actuator force needed to cut the particular size tubing.

Abstract: A tool string for use in a well includes a filter sub (or trapped pressure regulator sub) that is used with other components to reduce trapped pressure. The filter sub filters out debris that may occur from various types of downhole operations, such as perforating operations. By filtering out larger debris, only gases, liquids, and smaller particles are allowed to enter various components of the tool string. Without the presence of larger solid debris inside certain components of the tool string, the likelihood of plugs being formed is reduced so that gases and liquids can more readily pass out of the tool string as the tool string is retrieved to the surface of the well and the well hydrostatic pressure decreases.

Abstract: A shaped charge tubing cutter includes a minimal contact suspension to isolate the cutter explosive from the housing and sub structure. A charge detonation booster main-cavity is located on the juncture of the charge truncation planes. Explosive in the booster main-cavity is detonated by a shielded primer path. Explosive density in the primer path is less than the main-cavity density. A dense, powdered metal SC liner and an abruptly stepped jet window in the tubing cutter housing improve performance. The axial span of the jet window is preferably aligned with the axial span between the liner bases. A testing apparatus and procedure inexpensively verifies downhole performance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forming a window of optimum dimensions in casing wall. A window of maximum width is cut when the center line of the mill tool is located inside of the inner diameter of the casing where a maximum amount of casing is drilled away by the mill tool. A whipstock is described which deviates the mill tool outwardly so that the center line of the mill tool is in approximately this position. The whipstock then maintains the mill tool at this approximate location until a window of desired length is cut having a substantially maximum width. The whipstock then deviates the mill tool such that the centerline is outside of the casing to drill a rathole into the formation.

Abstract: A fluid cutting tool and method for perforating or severing tubular members from inside. The tool is especially suited for use with a rotational drive system, such as a downhole motor, to separate downhole structures, such as stuck production tubing. The cutting tool preferably takes the form of an elongate metal body with an open first end connectable to the end of a downhole motor. The downhole end of the tool may be conical. A fluid conduit within the body of the tool communicates with the fluid channel in the downhole motor. Ports in the sides of the tool body direct jets of cutting fluid out the side of the tool. The tool attached to the motor is fed downhole until the tool is at the desired location in the well. Then the motor is operated to rotate the tool while cutting fluid is pumped through it. This causes the jets of fluid to be directed at the inner surface of the production tubing (or other tubular structure). This process is continued until the tubing is perforated or severed, as needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a window in a downhole structure, such as a casing or a liner, includes a mandrel that supports milling elements arranged in a predetermined pattern. In one example, the milling elements are arranged in one or more continuous channels each having a generally helical pattern. The milling elements are able to cut the window in the downhole structure substantially continuously to the desired size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a transient underbalance condition is provided. Transient underbalance can be enhanced by using a porous material, such as a porous solid, around the explosive device. The porous material contains a volume to receive wellbore fluids in response to activation of the explosive device. This causes a local drop in pressure, which enhances the transient underbalance effect. In another application, it is desired to reduce the transient underbalance effect. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure drop generated as a result of explosive detonation. In one arrangement, the shot density is reduced by using solid masses.

Abstract: A perforator apparatus for repeated punching of holes at a multiple of selected locations in tubing of a well bore. The apparatus is activated for repeated punching operations by a fluid control valve mechanism that controls opposed directional movement of a piston connected to a punch of the perforator apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for cutting an opening through the wall of a conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the conduit to a desired level. The body is formed by a cylindrical wall defining an elongated chamber having a combustible charge receiving portion and an ignition means portion located close to the combustible charge receiving portion. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are formed through the wall defining a given pattern which may be at least one elongated row of apertures generally parallel with the axis of the cylindrical wall or a line which encloses a given configuration on one side of the axis.

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: locating a process tool at a required depth in the well, placing a reader device in the well proximate to the process tool, and then transporting an identification device through the well past the reader device to actuate the reader device and control the tool. The reader device includes a transmitter configured to transmit rf signals to the identification device, a receiver configured to receive a unique rf code signal from the identification device, and a control circuit configured to control the tool responsive to reception of the unique rf code signal. In a first embodiment the tool comprises a casing conveyed perforating tool and a perforating process is performed. In a second embodiment the tool comprises a tubing conveyed packer setting tool and a packer setting process is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which is adapted to be located in a conduit to be severed. The apparatus includes an upper ignition device, combustible material and a lower nozzle with a diverter. In operation the ignition device is actuated to ignite the combustible material to form a flame of hot gases for passage through apertures of the nozzle to the diverter which directs the hot gases radially outward and against the conduit to be severed. A uniform mixing cavity is provided above the nozzle in the flow path of the flame to the nozzle for mixing the hot gases prior to passages through the nozzle. A lower cavity is provided for the hot gases flowing out of the nozzle for pressurizing the hot gases at the outlet of the apparatus.

Abstract: A charge tube assembly for a perforating gun includes a tubular body having opposed ends. Integrally formed engagement members are positioned at each of the opposed ends. Detachable end plates are secured to each of the opposed ends. Each of the end plates has openings engagable with the engagement members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to provide structural support for explosives (e.g., shaped charges) in a tool (e.g., a perforating gun). An encapsulant surrounds at least portions of the explosives to provide structural support for the explosives. The encapsulant contains a porous material, such as porous cement or polymer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for replacing a BOP with a gate valve to thereby save space, initial costs, and maintenance costs that is especially beneficial for use in offshore subsea riser packages. The method provides a gate valve capable of reliably cutting tubing utilizing a cutting edge with an inclined surface that wedges the cut portion of the tubing out of the gave valve body. A method and apparatus is provided for determining the actuator force needed to cut the particular size tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. An apparatus is first provided, comprising a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. In one aspect, the apparatus is disposed at the end of a telescopic arm, with the components being remotely operated by personnel using a control panel. The apparatus can be positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus can drill a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus can then severe the casing into manageable lengths to facilitate disposal, such as during a plugging and abandonment procedure.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in perforating multiple intervals of at least one subterranean formation intersected by a cased wellbore and in treating the multiple intervals using a diversion agent, such as ball sealers. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a perforating assembly having a plurality of select-fire perforating devices interconnected by connector subs, with each of the perforating devices having multiple perforating charges. The apparatus also includes at least one decentralizer, attached to at least one of the perforating devices, which is adapted to eccentrically position the perforating assembly within the cased wellbore so as to create sufficient ball sealer clearance between the perforating assembly and the inner wall of the cased wellbore to permit passage of at least one ball sealer.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and removing packer assemblies from a subterranean well. A packer assembly has a stop that prevents the seal assembly from relaxing. The stop is cut axially by use of a chemically reactive cutter device lowered into the well and activated by use of conventional wire line equipment. Once cut, the seal assembly on the packer is allowed to relax and can be removed intact from the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a section of casing in an upward direction, utilizing a downhole hydraulic thrusting mechanism for pulling a section mill upwardly. A downhole motor and torque anchor can be used to rotate the section mill, or the mill can be rotated by a work string. A stabilizer above the section mill can be used to stabilize the mill relative to the casing being milled. A spiral auger below the section mill can be used to move the cuttings downwardly.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for forming a pilot hole in a formation. In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a starter mill connected to a bearing mill by a body joint. The apparatus may further comprise a lead bearing connected to a starter mill by a lead joint. Preferably, an outer diameter of the bearing mill is about the same as an inner diameter of a wellbore. As the lead bearing travels along the concave, the apparatus will bend between the bearing mill and the lead bearing. The bend urges the starter mill into contact with the wellbore wall. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a pilot hole in a wellbore includes running a tool into the wellbore, the tool comprising a starter mill disposed between a first bearing and a second bearing. While running the tool along a concave of a whipstock, the tool bends between the first and second bearing and urges the starter mill to form the pilot hole.

Abstract: A downhole tool (10) comprises a body (12) defining a fluid chamber (14), a fluid outlet (16) for directing fluid outwardly of the chamber (14), and an arrangement for producing a rapid reduction in the volume of the chamber, such that fluid in the chamber is displaced rapidly through the outlet. The fluid may be utilised to deform or perforate a surrounding tubular (46).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing the mandrel of an anchor device such as a packer to release the packer and remove it from a well. A cutter locator profile above the packer assembly and a cutter locator element on the cutting tool are located so as to precisely position the cutting element at a desired location on the packer mandrel. Once the mandrel is severed, the packer assembly can elongate to release the expansion mechanism. Then, the packer assembly can be pulled upwardly to release the packer, and to remove it from the well. A cutting tool can be lowered through production tubing to sever the mandrel, followed by pulling the packer with the production tubing. Alternatively, a cutting tool can be lowered on a workstring and latched to the upper end of the packer assembly, followed by severing the mandrel and pulling the packer with the workstring.

Abstract: A device for expanding a pipe comprising a bi-conical sleeve having a first section and a second section, which sections are provided with at least two longitudinal guide channels, first wedges, wherein each first wedge tapers into the direction in which the first section widens and is provided with a support element that co-operates with the corresponding longitudinal guide channel of the first section, second wedges, wherein each second wedge tapers into the direction in which the second section widens and is provided with a support element that co-operates with the corresponding longitudinal guide channel of the second section, and means for moving the wedges into each other.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) for perforating a subterranean well is disclosed. The shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) comprises a support member (62) having a plurality of shaped charge mounting locations each having shaped charge (56) positioned therein. Each of the shaped charges (56) has an initiation end and a discharge end. The initiation end of each shaped charge (56) is coupled to a detonator cord (70). The shaped charges (56) are enclosed in a carrier (52) having a plurality of recesses (54) spaced on an exterior surface thereof and having contoured bottom surfaces (80). Each of the recesses (54) is longitudinally and radially aligned with the discharge end of one of the shaped charges (56).

Abstract: A system and method for setting an anchor and/or whipstock attached to a downhole motor having a cutting tool attached to a tubular member, such as coiled tubing. In one aspect, the motor allows flow therethrough sufficient to actuate an upstream MWD or other position measuring tool, and an orienter if so equipped, and retain the orientation of the motor with the attached whipstock. An increased flow rate or pressure actuates the motor once the whipstock is set and rotation of the cutting tool or other equipment can begin.

Abstract: A drag type casing mill/drill bit for down hole milling of a casing window and lateral drilling of a bore hole in an earth formation comprises a bit body adapted to be rotated in a defined direction. The bit body includes an operating end face having a plurality of radially extending blades formed as a part of the operating end face of the bit body. A plurality of primary cutting elements are individually mounted in pockets in one of the plurality of blades. In addition, a plurality of secondary ridge structures are mounted to each of the plurality of blades interspersed with the plurality of primary cutting elements in a pattern such that as the bit body rotates the secondary ridge structures contact the casing or the earth formation thereby protecting the primary cutting elements and allowing continuous substantially smooth casing milling and earth formation drilling.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a tube outwardly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the tube, the shoe having an inlet, an outlet perpendicular to the shoe longitudinal axis and a passageway connecting the inlet and outlet, a torsional load transmitting element having no torsional flexibility in relation to its bending flexibility, having a longitudinal axis and being disposed in the passageway, the torsional load transmitting element being movable relative to itself with no resistance about first and second perpendicular axes both of which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsional load transmitting element, a hole saw connected to one end of the torsional load transmitting element and a motor rotatably connected to the other end of the torsional load transmitting element.

Abstract: For an apparatus and method to shut down pipelines, an apparatus frame is supported by the pipe to be shut down, and includes a pointed drill and a drill cylinder to drill a hole, essentially similar in diameter size with the plug cylinder or, when in the same temperature, essentially smaller in diameter size than the plug cylinder, through the pipe to be shut down. The apparatus includes a plug cylinder and equipment for installing the plug cylinder in the drill hole. There is a channel inside the drill cylinder and/or plug cylinder and/or shaft to feed a coolant, a flowing substance, preferably hydrogen, carbonic acid, or other such substance, cooling and at the same time reducing the size of the plug cylinder until it is inserted in the drilled hole. After the plug cylinder has been inserted, the flow of the coolant stops. As a result, the temperature of the plug cylinder increases, and the size of the plug cylinder increases as well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mill is provided for grinding and cutting objects in various wells, such as oil wells, which will typically have a cement plug or a metallic item of debris which must be ground into small enough particles to be circulated out of the hole by circulation fluid pumped through the mill. Helical watercourses have been added to the body of the mill that improves the ability of the circulation fluid to move milled particles beyond the mill. Reverse ports are also provided which divert a portion of the pressurized circulation fluid from the mill interior to the annulus adjacent the mill. The reverse ports are threaded to be closable by a corresponding set screw. An optimized configuration of carbide cutting inserts, attached as part of the mill's grinding tips, is also provided.

Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the full diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.

Abstract: A tool containing a solid combustible material is used to provide a pipe-cutting flame and to direct a pipe-cutting flame against a casing or tubular. The nozzles can be configured in any desired array and intensity. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular window is burned away completely if the nozzles are sufficiently intense or the window is formed in segments if other distributions are used. The device can be anchored by a packer or anchor and can be run in the wellbore on tubing, wireline or electric line. The window can be produced in a single trip. The tool can be removed and a kick-off diverter installed adjacent the window for milling the lateral.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a guide, a first charge unit, a second charge unit and a linkage. The first and second charge units are coupled to the guide. The second charge unit is capable of being in a collapsed position for passing the second charge unit through a tubing and is capable of being in an expanded position for detonating the second charge unit. The linkage is connected to the second charge unit to communicate an applied force to cause the second charge unit to move the second charge unit along the guide toward the first charge unit when the second charge unit is at least partially in the expanded position.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for perforating a casing in a hydrocarbon well so as to avoid perforating in a direction where a cable resides. A mass of metallic material is clamped to the casing at a predetermined offset angle with respect to the cable. The angular position of the metallic mass is detected using a detector placed inside the casing. Then, a perforating gun is oriented based on the detected angular position of the metallic mass and the predetermined offset angle. Finally, the casing is perforated so as to avoid damage to the cable. The cable comprises a number of electrical conductors and is used to communicate with permanent sensors located on the cable in the vicinity of the casing to be perforated.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system and method for stiffening a cutting tool assembly used in cutting laterally relative to a wellbore axis to reduce stresses and cyclical bending of the cutting tool assembly during cutting. The system includes a cutting tool attached to a shaft such as an output shaft of a motor or a drill string. A sleeve is disposed in an annular space, known as a box relief, defined between the shaft and a peripheral wall of the cutting tool. The sleeve is preferably fixed in the annular space by a sleeve ring surrounding a recess in the shaft, but can be coupled to the peripheral wall and/or shaft by, for example, a threaded engagement.

Abstract: A shaped charge is provided which includes features enhancing its manufacturability. In a described embodiment, an oilwell perforator is provided which includes a case and a liner, at least one of which is a molding. The molding has a metal loaded polymer matrix.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.

Abstract: Apparatus for boring a hole from an inside of a casing outwardly at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the casing comprises a drill shoe having a longitudinal axis and being positionable in the casing, the shoe having first and second passageways which converge into a third passageway exiting the shoe, a torsional load transmitting element and a cutting element connecting to one end of the torsional load transmitting element, the torsional load transmitting element and cutting element being positioned in the first passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use, and a fluid conduit and a nozzle connected to one end of the fluid conduit, the fluid conduit and nozzle being positioned in the second passageway during non-use and in the third passageway during use.

Abstract: A variable orientation downhole actuation tool is made up of a first part which is adapted to be fixed with respect to the end of a down hole tube, and a second part which is adjustable with respect to the first part. The first and second parts are adjustable with respect to each other in any two of the three Euler angles possible angles, that is, the included angle or bend of a respective reference axis, the plane of included angle, or direction, and the rotation of the first body about its reference axis. It may also include a third part such that the third part is adjusted by at least one of the possible angles with respect to the second part, and the second part is adjusted by a further of the possible angles with respect to the first part. A passageway is provided between the first and second parts for the conveyance of material, gas, liquid, solid or some combination.

Abstract: A disconnect tool includes a housing that has a first segment and a second segment. A first collet is coupled to the first segment and has a first plurality of fingers, each of the first plurality of fingers is bendable between a first position in which the fingers engage the first segment and prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments, and a second position in which the fingers do not engage the first segment and do not prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments. A first piston is positioned in the housing and has a third position wherein the piston engages and prevents the fingers from bending from the first position, and a fourth position wherein the piston does not engage and prevent the fingers from bending from the first position. The disconnect tool includes means for selectively retaining the first piston in the third position and means for moving the first piston from the third position to the fourth position.