Abstract: A method of removing lining from a tubing in a well includes: reaming at least a portion of the lining material; cutting at least a segment of the lining along a spiral path; engaging the lining for applying a pulling force to the lining; and applying a pulling force to lift the engaged lining out of the tubing. Individual aspects of this also form parts of the present invention, such as a lining reamer, a method of excavating material of a lining in tubing in a well, a spiral-cut cutting tool, a method of spiral cutting lining in a tubing in a well, various inner engagement members to navigate through a bent lining segment in a lining in tubing in a well, a lining removal tool in which the components are rotationally fixed so that all rotate together, a lining removal tool in which an inner engagement member (such as a flat cutting blade or a plurality of resilient but stiff wires) is connected to an inner surface of the outer engagement member, and lining removal methods.

Abstract: A well pipe extraction apparatus for removing a groundwater monitoring well consisting of PVC pipe from the ground. The well pipe extraction apparatus includes a wire rope, a soft eye formed at an upper end of the wire rope and knurled brass rod attached to the opposite end of the wire rope. The knurled brass rod is lowered to the bottom end of the well casing. An operator pours sand particles down the well casing. The sand particles wedge in-between groves within the brass rod and the interior surface of the well casing locking brass rod to the well casing which allows the operator to extract the PVC pipe from the ground.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a safety sub mountable to the drill string outer end to retain the combination of an overshot assembly and an overshot adaptor extending within the drill string outer end during a drilling operation and preventing the drilling tool moving out of the drill string until the sub is removed. The overshot assembly has a fluid seal between the overshot tube and the drill string and a fluid bypass channel with/a valve for blocking axial outward flow through the channel when the overshot adaptor is separated from the overshot assembly and when connected thereto, retaining the valve in an open condition. When the overshot adaptor is removed from the overshot assembly, the overshot assembly is fluidly propellable to the bit end. A disconnect tool facilitates the removal of the adaptor from the sub.

Abstract: The retrieval tool includes a cylindrical member having a body, an inner passage, a guide cylinder and an engaging member. The engaging member may slide within the cylindrical member in order to engage a whipstock against an inner surface of the guide cylinder, facilitating removal of the whipstock from a borehole. A actuating member, piston, retainer and swivel sub may be used to connect the engaging member to the retrieval tool and enhance the mobility of the engaging member within the cylindrical member. A spring may also facilitate locking engagement of the engaging member and whipstock. Contact between the retrieval tool and the whipstock may lead to an increase of pressure within the inner passage, such pressure increasing the engagement between the engaging member and whipstock.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

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: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety switching system for a clamping device, provided with clamping wedges and operable by a flowing medium for holding and/or lowering or raising a pipe string, with which a borehole is lined in order to support the rock and create a transport line, characterized in that there is attached to a clamping wedge holder of the clamping device a trip cam for a safety switching valve which is mounted at the basic body of the clamping device and is actively connected to the trip cam when the clamping wedges assume their prescribed clamping position on the pipe string.

Abstract: A one-trip system for removing casing from a wellhead is described. The string includes a cutting device spaced at the required depth and a grappling device above it at the appropriate location. A swivel tool, such as a marine swivel, is used in conjunction with a seal-pulling assembly so that after cutting the casing, the seal assembly can be pulled without an additional trip into the well. The grappling device or spear can be hydraulically actuated to grab the casing for removal from the wellbore. The spear features a drop-in restrictor which allows sufficient flow during cutting operations with a mechanical cutter without actuating the spear, while at the same time allowing actuation of the spear by circulation after dropping in the restrictor after the casing section has been cut.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packer releasing tool for releasing a packer from a wellbore where the packer is coupled to a tubing string and has a releasing profile with a packer uphole shoulder and a packer downhole shoulder. The packer releasing tool preferably comprises a toplock assembly removably coupled to a downlock assembly. It also includes a toplock key that is movably coupled to the toplock assembly and that has a toplock key profile engageable against the packer releasing profile. Also present is a downlock lug that is movably coupled to the downlock assembly and that has a downlock lug profile engageable against the packer releasing profile. In one embodiment, the packer releasing tool has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the tubing string. This unique configuration allows the packer to be pulled without the need of first removing the production string.

Abstract: The invention provides a back spin swivelling device for a downhole rod pump, for backing off drive strings which may be under torque. The device of the invention is particularly suited for use with progressive cavity pumps (PCP), and for the release of torque in a drive string through “back spin”. The device comprises a housing having an opening at a bottom end adapted to receive a rotatable shaft and having means for attachment to an external support at a top end; said rotatable shaft being partially housed within the housing and projecting from the bottom end of the housing, the shaft having at its bottom end means for attachment to a drive string; and means for mounting the shaft rotatably within the housing. The shaft and the means for attachment to the drive string are substantially symmetrical about their common axis of rotation, and provide no point of articulation between the shaft and the drive string.

Abstract: A retrieval tool provides enhanced functionality for retrieving an item of equipment from within a tubular string in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a retrieval tool includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device releasably secures the retrieval tool in the tubular string relative to the item of equipment to be retrieved. An actuator of the retrieval tool may then displace a latching mechanism relative to the anchoring device, thereby displacing the item of equipment relative to the tubular string. The latching device may latchingly engage the item of equipment in response to displacement of the latching mechanism by the actuator.

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling objects from a well is described. The apparatus may comprise an elongated housing having an internal chamber. The housing will be connected to a work string such as wireline or coiled tubing. A skirt is attached to the housing, with the skirt having an inner portion. The skirt will contain a first window and a second window, with the first window having a first load shoulder and the second window having a second load shoulder. The apparatus further contains a mandrel disposed within the inner portion of the skirt, and two dog members disposed about the mandrel. The dog member have a first surface that cooperates with the first load shoulder and a second surface that cooperates with the second load shoulder. The dog members distributes a pull force which is exerted on the apparatus to the first and second load shoulder so that the effective tensional strength of the skirt is enhanced. The mandrel will have a second end containing an angled shoulder.

Abstract: A wellhead retrieval tool is disclosed which is adaptable to a variety of configurations of wellheads. The tool comprises a spear through which a rotary cutter can operate. The tool can be adjustably supported off the top of the wellhead so that the grappling mechanism can be located at the proper distance for a grip on an inward upset or restriction within the wellhead. The clutching mechanism is located outside of the wellhead so as not to contaminate it with cuttings returned with the circulating fluid. The seal bore in the wellhead is protected by the tool to avoid damage. The dogs which engage the internal inward upset or restriction further have wickers or serrations on them to enhance the grip and to resist applied torque.

Abstract: A spear head assembly (10) comprises a main body portion (14) with axially opposite first and second ends (16 and 18) respectively. The first end (16) is adapted for threaded connection with a down hole tool (12). The tool, which does not form part of the invention, is provided with an internal fluid flow path (13). Passage (20) is formed in the main body portion (14) and extends between first and second spaced apart openings O.sub.1 and O.sub.2 which are coincident with the first end and the second end (16 and 18) respectively of the main body portion (14). Spear point (22) is coupled to the main body portion (14) at, and extends from, the second end (18). In use, when the spear head assembly (10) is coupled to tool (12), to facilitate connection of the tool to a wireline and overshot via the spear point (22), the passage (20) is in fluid communication with the path (13). Therefore, fluid such as drilling mud can go through the path (13) in a substantially unimpeded manner.

Abstract: An improved tubing exit whipstock and tools for installing and retrieving the whipstock are provided for directing movement of well tools from a first wellbore to a second wellbore extending therefrom. The tubing exit whipstock may include a generally cylindrical deflector body with a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough. The deflector body may also include a tapered surface for deflecting well tools from the first wellbore to the second wellbore. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical connector may be provided for attaching the deflector body to an orienting and locking device to releasably install the whipstock at a selected downhole location. In another embodiment, a first fishing neck profile may be provided within the longitudinal passageway to provide means for releasably coupling the deflector body with a running tool for installing the tubing exit whipstock at a selected downhole location within the first wellbore.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump housing is secured to the lower end of a string of tubing. A motor is secured to the progressive cavity housing. An electrical power cable is strapped to the motor alongside the tubing. The pump has a pump rotor located within a stator. The pump rotor has a driven shaft extending downward from its lower end which mates with a drive shaft extending upward from the motor. When the pump reaches the motor, the driven shaft will stab into the drive shaft. The upper end of the pump rotor extends above the stator and is configured to engage an overshot retrieval tool. To retrieve the rotor, the operator lowers an overshot retrieval tool through the production tubing and latches it to the upper end of the pump rotor. The operator pulls the rotor out of the pump, thereby disengaging the rotor from the drive shaft of the motor, and leaving the remainder of the pump and the motor in place.

Abstract: An apparatus as method for identifying, locating, and retrieving a downhole tool from a borehole. A controller is lowered into the borehole and is capable of detecting a signal from the tool. The signal can be broadcast from the tool, can be generated in response to a signal from the controller, or can be reflected from a controller signal. The controller processes the signal to identify the location and heading of the controller from the tool, and to guide the controller toward the tool. When the controller is moved proximate to the tool, a catch mechanism can be activated to connect the tool and controller housing. The tool is then dislodged for further operation, or is retrieved to the borehole surface.

Abstract: A device for latching onto a down hole object located within a well bore is claimed. The device will include a mandrel connected to a work string and with an end adapted to engage the object. The device also includes a biasing member disposed about the mandrel; and, a collet member operatively disposed about the mandrel. The collet member will have a first end adapted to cooperate with the biasing member and a second end that contains an engaging member, operatively associated with the second end of the mandrel, for engaging the object. The mandrel and the collet member cooperate to form a chamber. The device will also include a locking member, contained within the chamber, for locking the mandrel and collet member together so that the mandrel and collet member act as one member.

Abstract: An overshot for engaging and retrieving a collapsed coiled tubing in a wellbore, has been invented. In one aspect the overshot has a body member with a top, a bottom, and a body channel therethrough from top to bottom, the body member having a slip chamber, at least one slip movably disposed in the slip chamber of the body member, and movable on at least one inclined rail in the slip chamber so that, upon contacting the collapsed coiled tubing, upward movement of the body member results in downward movement of the at least one slip which also moves the at least one slip inwardly in the body member thereby increasing gripping force of the at least one slip on the collapsed coiled tubing. Methods have also been invented for using such overshots.

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

Abstract: An improved coiled tubing pulling tool and methods of using the pulling tool for pulling a well tool from a well bore, relocating a well tool in the well bore and performing other similar operations.

Abstract: There are disclosed two embodiments of a tool for use in retrieving a cylindrical object which is stuck within a well bore, or, in the event the object cannot be retrieved, releasing therefrom to permit recovery of the tool.

Abstract: An accumulator insertable into a well fishing string for delivering upward forces to stuck objects in a well having a cased portion. The accumulator has a housing with a top and a bottom, the top and bottom being attachable to a fishing string. A slippage member is positioned on the housing for engaging the cased portion of the well so that when so engaged, the accumulator is supportively connected to the cased portion against downward movement but the accumulator can move upwardly in the well. An activator connected to the slippage member is provided for engaging the slippage member against the wellbore.

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

Abstract: An oil field retrieval tool for retrieving a specially designed and retrievable slotted face wellbore deviation apparatus incorporating a special whipstock attached to a hydraulic or mechanical anchor packer is disclosed. The apparatus utilizes a slot cut in the face of the whipstock portion of the deviation apparatus for guiding the retrieval tool into place within a retrieving slot set in the face of the whipstock. In addition, the retrieval tool uses drilling fluid to wash the retrieval slot and guide slot clear of cuttings and has an engagement signaling means.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of an assembly for latching over and sealing about a casing joint having an enlarged diameter upper end so as to install a cementing head or other heavy equipment on the joint. The assembly includes a housing on which the equipment may be mounted and having a bore for lowering over the upper end of the casing joint to connect a bore in the equipment with the casing string. A latch ring is received in a recess in the bore for expansion to permit the upper end of the joint to be moved through and above it, and contraction beneath the lower side of the upper end, and a seal package is mounted in the recess above the ring to seal between the upper end of the casing joint and the recess.

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: In wireline operations, it is known to retrieve objects stuck in a well bore by means of a retrieving force applied to the object through the wireline and a wireline pulling tool attached to the wireline and engaged with the object. The present invention provides a wireline retrieving tool which is adapted to apply a large retrieving force on a pulling tool engaged with an object in the well bore without having that force transmitted directly through the wireline. The retrieving tool is adapted to be lowered into the well bore on the wireline to a position where the pulling tool engages the stuck object. Anchoring apparatus in the tool then anchor the tool against the tubular casing or tubing of the well bore and a controlled retrieving force generated in the tool is applied between the casing or tubing and the pulling tool to dislodge the object. A wireline power generating apparatus is provided to provide a controlled force in the interior of a well casing in a well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing fish from a well, said apparatus including a top sub with upper and lower ends, the upper end adapted to be connected to a drill string, a grapple sleeve connected to the lower end of the top sub and a grapple, which in the preferred embodiment incorporates grapple fingers so as to externally engage and grasp a fish in a well slidably mounted within the grapple sleeve. The grapple is mounted to the top sub and extends out of and into the grapple sleeve such that once the fish is engaged the grapple may be withdrawn into the grapple sleeve, which in turn allows for the maintaining of a constant force on the grapple and fish engaged therein. The method of the present invention includes running into the well a drill string having a grappling tool attached thereto, locating the fish by making contact with the grappling tool, engaging the fish with the grapple, and removing the fish from the well.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically extracting a grout injection pipe through which grout is injected into fragile ground for improving the same. An extractor for an injection pipe has an extracting main body including a chucking element for chucking the periphery of the injection pipe through a chucking member, a piston cylinder having a rod to which the chucking element is secured, and a rod position detector opposite to the rod of the piston cylinder for detecting movement of the rod. A control device is included for providing an injection pipe chucking and releasing signal to the chucking actuating valve and for providing rod ascending and descending signals to a rod ascending and descending valve. The extracting main body and the control are separately located.

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.

Abstract: An adjustable mandrel hanger assembly will maintain tension in a section of casing extending from a subsea location to a surface wellhead. The assembly has a mandrel that secures to the upper end of the casing. The mandrel has grooves on its exterior. A collet slides over the mandrel and has grooves on its interior for mating with the grooves on the mandrel. The collet has inclined load flanks on its exterior. A load ring lands on a load shoulder provided in the surface wellhead housing. The load ring has load flanks on its interior that engage the load flanks of the collet. A retaining ring locks the load ring in the wellhead housing. A running tool pushes downward on the load ring while tension is maintained on the mandrel. The collet ratchets over the mandrel grooves.

Abstract: A fluid operated overshot with an outer metal mandrel internally supports a resilient internal sleeve. The sleeve telescopes over a fish to grip the fish on expanding radially inwardly. This expansion is fluid powered by applying a force to the inner sleeve to expand inwardly from a piston which compresses the sleeve, or form surrounding the inner sleeve in a concentric fluid receiving cavity.

Abstract: In wireline operations, it is known to retrieve objects stuck in a well bore by application of a retrieving force applied to the object through the wireline and a wireline pulling tool attached to the wireline and engaged with the object. The present invention provides a wireline retrieving tool which is adapted to apply a large retrieving force on a pulling tool engaged with an object in the well bore without having that force transmitted directly through the wireline. The retrieving tool is adapted to be lowered into the well bore on the wireline to a position where the pulling tool engages the stuck object. Slips carried on in the tool then anchor the tool against the tubular casing or tubing of the well bore and a controlled retrieving force generated in the tool by an electric motor and hydraulic pump is applied between the casing or tubing and the pulling tool to dislodge the object.

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.

Abstract: A tool and method for use with a drill string or the like in capturing an object in a cavity, such as subterranean borehole, include a mandrel, object engaging apparatus for latching the mandrel to the object as the tool is moved into the borehole, and string engaging apparatus for keeping the mandrel latched to the drill string as the mandrel is moved into the borehole and for unlatching the mandrel from the drill string when the drill string is rotated in a first direction with the mandrel latched to the object. A washover pipe and mill, which are connected to the drill string, may be moved into contact with the object after the mandrel is unlatched from the drill string for milling through the object. A ratchet allows the mill to move toward the object relative to the mandrel and prevents the mill from moving away from the object relative to the mandrel. The ratchet allows the mill to move away from the object when the drill string is rotated in the first direction and lifted relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: A hydraulic well tool for running into a flow conduit of a well on a handling string, such as reeled tubing or jointed pipe, for generating and applying an axial force to an object in the well, the well tool including an anchoring mechanism actuatable by fluid pressure in the handling string for anchoring the well tool in the flow conduit, this well tool further including a piston/cylinder arrangement also actuatable by fluid pressure in the flow conduit for moving the aforementioned object. The object may be a well tool, a sliding sleeve, a fish, or other well tool. The hydraulic well tool may be provided with a suitable device to permit increasing the pressure in the handling string for actuation of the anchoring mechanism and the piston/cylinder arrangement. Devices suitable for such purpose include a flow restrictor, ball and seat, velocity check valves, plugs, or the like devices.

Abstract: A pulling tool and method for pulling an operating tool from a downhole location in a wellbore in which an elongated tubular housing assembly is connectable to a section of reeled tubing and defines a longitudinal bore through which fluid passes from said reeled tubing. A passage extends through the housing assembly and communicates with the longitudinal bore of the housing assembly for discharging the fluid against the wall of the wellbore and the fishing neck of the operating tool to clean same. A latching assembly is disposed on the housing assembly for latching to the fishing neck of the operating tool as the housing assembly is inserted into the fishing neck to enable the fishing neck and the operating tool to be pulled from the wellbore.

Abstract: A tool for use in an oil or gas well to retrieve a drilling or production string from the well, said tool comprising an assembly which can be mounted on a supporting string, a driven member carried by the assembly and responsive to vertical movement of the assembly, to be driven in a predetermined rotational direction, said driven member being provided with or supporting a self-tapping thread provided at the lowermost end of the assembly, the self-tapping thread having the same sense as said predetermined direction of rotation.

Abstract: A pipe and pump retrieval tool 10 is described for removing a disconnected or "lost" pipe and pump assembly 20 from the bottom 16 of a well 12. The retrieval tool 10 includes elongated body 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 6 and 8 extending from a lower end 42 to an upper end 44. A shoulder engaging means 50 is associated with the upper end for receiving and engaging a pipe section and a pipe coupling 28. A retrieval cable 60 connects to the lower end 44 and is threaded through a cable stabilizing means 64 to naturally orient the elongated body 40 at an incline angle with the upper end 44 and lower end 42 sliding along opposite sides of the interior of the well wall 14. A safety cable connecting means 68 is provided to enable the retrieval tool 10 to be removed from the well and disconnected from the pipe and pump assembly 20 should the assembly 20 be stuck at the bottom of the well.

Abstract: A latching tool for retrieving downhole well instruments and devices is adapted to be connected to the lower end of a tubing string for movement for movement to engage a fishing head connected to the instrument or device to be retrieved from the wellbore. The latching tool includes a body made up of separable members and having a through bore formed therein, plural radially movable spring biased latching dogs, and an elongated sleeve disposed for sliding movement in said bore for holding said latching dogs in a retracted position and permitting said latching dogs to move to an extended and latching position in response to movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: A mechanical tubing cutter for severing and retrieving fish from wells comprises a slip body for clamping the upper end of the fish, and cam-actuated cutter knives for severing the fish below the slip body. The clamping and cutting operations occur in an automatic and predictable sequence as upward force is progressively applied to the tool. The tool may be used as a releasing overshot merely by substituting a slip body setting sleeve for the cutter knives.

Abstract: A manually operated spear apparatus for engaging and washing over objects such as pipe lodged in a well bore, which spear apparatus includes a landing joint or sleeve as a carrying vessel that is adapted for attachment to one or more strings of wash-over pipe and a spear apparatus fitted with a set of lugs and a set of slips and located inside the landing joint, wherein the spear apparatus is adapted to engage the jammed pipe and selectively allow the landing joint and wash-over pipe to slide past the spear apparatus by operation of the lugs during the wash-over operation and engage the wash-over pipe by operation of the slips, to lift the stuck pipe from the well bore in the retrieval operation.

Abstract: A motor operated fishing and setting tool for wellbore instruments and apparatus includes a tubular body member, a lower guide member having a conical surface formed therein and an inner sleeve with an elongated bore for receiving a fishing head. The fishing head includes an annular groove for receiving plural ball keys which are retained in openings formed in the inner sleeve member. The ball keys are controlled by an outer sleeve member movable between a position for forcibly holding the ball keys in registration with the groove in the fishing head and a retracted and radially outwardly displaced position to permit uncoupling of the fishing head from the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in energy exploration is disclosed which is used where a radially expanding device is required, for example in a stabilizer, retriever or an underreamer. The apparatus comprises a support tubular member for connection to a drilling string, the member supporting a movable member which is axially movable along the member. A further member which may either be fixedly secured or also axially movable along the member is axially spaced from the movable member. The movable member and, optionally, the further member have tapered outer surfaces which cooperate with a taper on a radially movable member. The arrangement is such that movement of the movable member in the axial direction is such that the cooperating tapers cause the radially movable member to expand or contact in the radial direction. Various means for securing and performing radial movement are disclosed.

Abstract: A retrievable gravel packer and retrieving tool therefor. The gravel packer includes an inner mandrel assembly attached to an operating tool by a left-hand threaded connection. The packer is set without rotation by the operating tool to move a pusher sleeve downwardly with respect to the mandrel, compressing a packer element and setting slips into engagement with a well bore. A ratchet prevents the pusher sleeve assembly from moving upwardly with respect to the mandrel. The packer may be retrieved by the retrieving tool which has a lower collet engagable with a releasing mandrel in the packer. After releasing collets held by the releasing mandrel, the inner mandrel of the packer is released so that the packer element and slips engaged by the mandrel are disengaged from the well bore. An upper collet in the retrieving tool engages the left-hand thread in the packer mandrel so that the packer and retrieving tool may be raised out of the well bore.

Abstract: A latch and retrieving assembly is shown for use with a well tool having an axial bore which includes an external landing shoulder and an annular latch recess which is spaced below the landing shoulder. The assembly includes a mandrel which is inserted in to the bore of the well tool. The mandrel has a lower abutment and a collet member carried about the mandrel above the abutment. The collet member includes a carrier ring which is seatable on the shoulder and a plurality of fingers which depend from the carrier ring and which terminate in radially enlarged tips which are disposed in registration with the recess when the carrier ring is seated on the landing shoulder. The tips cooperate with the lower abutment to latch into and to be released from the recess respectively in response to downward movement of the mandrel. A special profile formed on the mandrel lower abutment provides latching engagement and subsequent release of the assembly upon downward movement of the mandrel relative to the collet.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging a tubular member with a tension type spear in which the spear is locked to the tubular member so that it is not released when compressive or other non-tension loads are applied to it. The present invention locks the spear to the tubular member through abutment of a transfer assembly connected to the spear supporting mandrel after the spear has been set within the tubular member. The abutment of the transfer assembly and the tubular member lock the spear within the tubular member under tension so that compressive or other non-tension loads on the supporting pipe string will not affect the grip of the spear.