Abstract: A multi-functional jetting tool can be installed within a tubular work string, or attached to the distal or leading end of the tubular work string, in order to facilitate improved cleaning of downhole and/or subsea equipment—and particularly equipment with internal recesses, cavities or crevasses. A bull nose cap member, which can be constructed of plastic or other non-abrasive material, can be attached when the jetting tool is run on the distal end of a tubular work string. Fluid jetting ports can be selectively equipped with standard-sized or adjustable nozzles, thereby permitting customized fluid jet flow pattern from the jetting tool along the tool body in multiple directions for desired applications.

Abstract: A reverse circulation debris cleanup tool has a pressure control valve that closes up a passage through the body based on a sensed well condition to help pressure control the well when rams close around the tool to isolate the surrounding annulus. The sensor can hold the valve open for a predetermined time to allow debris removal operations and then close. The debris chamber below an eductor in a VACS tool can be thousands of feet long and the valve can provide protection during running in or removal of the tool from well pressure events so as to avoid using shear rams and losing the bottom hole assembly in the borehole and a fishing operation to get it out.

Abstract: A system for monitoring coring operations has a sensor 80 for detecting one or more drilling parameters relating to a down-the-hole coring operation. An indicative signal from the sensor is communicated to a signal transmitter (30) for transmitting the indicative signal to the surface. The signal transmitter is located in or adjacent the coring assembly. The signal transmitter can be a mud pulser (30) housed above a core barrel (14). Communication of the indicative signal to the signal transmitter can be wireless, hard wired or conducted through the material of an outer barrel (12) of a drilling assembly. The core barrel can include a core limit recognition/detection device (34). An adapter/sub (90) incorporates a check valve (92) to relieve excess fluid pressure if there is sufficient hydraulic lock immediately above a core sample within the core barrel as the core sample enters the core barrel.

Abstract: A method of translating a member through a bore involving moving fluid through a tubular member such as a drill string, and generating impulses on the member by varying the passage of fluid through the member using a valve which opens at a first rate and closes at a different second rate to urge the member to advance in a selected direction. The valve may close quickly and open slowly, or may close slowly and open quickly.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automatically identifying a version of a file that is expected to be present on a computer system and for automatically replacing a potentially corrupted copy of the file with a clean (or undamaged) copy of the expected version. Upon identifying a file on the computer system as being potentially corrupted, a clean file agent may perform an analysis based on the identity of the file and one or more other properties of the system to determine the version of the file that is expected to be present on the system. Once the expected version is identified, a clean replacement copy of the file may be obtained from a clean file repository by submitting a version identifier of the expected version. The version identifier may be a hash value, which may additionally be used to verify integrity of the clean copy.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill string has a rotary valve disposed within its bore. The valve has a first disc attached to a driving mechanism and a second disc axially aligned with and contacting the first disc along a flat surface. Each disc has a port adapted to align with each other periodically when the discs rotate relative to one another. The aligned ports are adapted to direct fluid to at least one nozzle disposed in a working face of a drill bit of the drill string.

Abstract: A method for drilling a borehole includes; providing a drill string of drill pipe including a center bore, a distal end, a bit assembly at the distal end; hanging a liner from the drill string, thereby forming an annular space between the drill string and the liner and with the bit assembly extending from a lower end of the liner; positioning the drill string with the liner attached thereto in a borehole such that a second annular space is formed between the liner and the borehole wall; operating the bit assembly to proceed with drilling the borehole; and circulating drilling fluid down through the center bore of the drill string out through the bit assembly and down through the second annular space between the liner and the borehole wall, the drilling fluid returning up through the annular space between the drill string and the liner.

Abstract: A valve assembly connects into a drill string for opening and closing a passage within the drill string. The valve assembly has an inner valve member for opening and closing an inner passage of the drill string. The valve member moves between the open and closed positions in response to axial movement of the drill string. Lifting the drill string causes the upper portion to move upward relative to the lower portion, bringing along with it the valve member, while the valve sleeve remains stationary with the lower portion, opening the valve. The valve assembly can include an annular valve assembly for opening and closing an annular passage located around the inner passage. The annular valve assembly is opened and closed by increasing the pressure in the annular passage above the annular valve assembly.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a wire line core barrel inner tube assembly movable to a drill string bit end to have its landing ring seat on the drill string landing shoulder and its latches latchingly retain the assembly adjacent the bit end.

Abstract: A simple and economical device is placed in a drill string to provide a pulsating flow of the pressurized drilling fluid to the jets of the drill bit to enhance chip removal and provide a vibrating action in the drill bit itself thereby to provide a more efficient and effective drilling operation. Operation of the device is such that a pronounced negative pulse precedes the positive pulse. Between pulses there is a short time delay and this feature will further enhance drilling rates. Device automatically bypasses all fluid if it is disabled.

Abstract: The drilling apparatus includes a wire line core barrel having a head assembly and a drilling tool connected to the head assembly. The head assembly includes a latch body with a landing shoulder seatable on the drill string landing ring, latches seatable in a drill string latch seat and a fluid bypass channel for bypassing from one axial side of the landing shoulder to the other, a bushing in the bypass channel, a valve member movable in the channel from an axial outer bypass channel open position and an axial inner second position extending into the bushing for one of blocking axial inward fluid flow through the bushing and restricting inward flow through the bushing. A spring is provided in the bore inwardly of the bushing for abutting against the valve member in its second position to urge the valve member axially outwardly.

Abstract: A core drilling latch assembly for use in terrestrial core drilling operations. The latch assembly incorporates features and elements which affect the flow of drilling fluids past the latch assembly and toward the drill bit, depending upon whether the latch assembly has contacted the landing ring in the drill string and whether the latch assembly has locked in place within the string. Accordingly, the latch assembly signals the drilling crew by pressure fluctuations when the latch assembly is in proper position within the drill string, and whether it is locked in position.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in a drill string 10 to prevent separation of a lower tubular member 16 from an upper tubular member 15 by a rotational force applied from a down-hole motor 22. The down-hole motor 22 is rotated by drilling fluid pumped from the surface, through a passage formed within the drill string 10, and into the down-hole motor 22. A valve 36 is positioned in the passage in the drill string 10 and has a first operating position adapted for passing the drilling fluid to the down-hole motor 22, and a second operating position adapted for substantially blocking the drilling fluid from being delivered through the down-hole motor 22. The value is of a two piece construction, having a first body 44 connected to an upper tubular section 14 and a second body 46 connected to the down-hole motor 22.

Abstract: A tool actuator which comprises a casing containing a pipe, which is movable from a locking position to an unlocking position, under the action of a fluid pumped through the casing. When the pipe is in the locking position it locks a mandrel in an activating or deactivating position. When the pipe is in the unlocking position it does not contact the mandrel which is therefore free to move between the activating and a deactivating positions. The fluid pressure will be different for each of the positions of the pipe and mandrel and consequently their position can be monitored by monitoring the pressure of the fluid, for a given fluid flow rate.

Abstract: A sand pump for an oil well includes a tail pipe connected to a barrel. A swab on a mandrel is reciprocatingly operated within the barrel to draw fluid upward from the bottom of the tail pipe. A flap valve at the bottom of the tail pipe and a ball check valve at the top of the tail pipe and below the barrel prevent debris and fluid caught within the pump from running backward through the tail pipe or the barrel. A traveling ball check valve is located immediately above the swab within a knocker on the mandrel to force the fluid upward. A double action swab is used on the mandrel to wipe the barrel bore clean to reduce problems with the sand which is within the liquid being pumped. Also, square shoulders on working parts are used to prevent guiding sand into areas having close tolerance. The fluid openings on the barrel bore are small and restricted so that the velocity of the movement of the mandrel is restricted.

Abstract: A wire line core barrel inner tube assembly has a latch body with a miximum diameter portion providing a shoulder seatable on a drill string landing ring and a fluid bypass channel extending through the maximum diameter portion and a valving assembly. The valving assembly includes a resilient valve seat in the bypass channel and a ball seatable on the valve seat to block fluid flow in a downward direction through the channel, movable upwardly off the valve seat from the seated position to permit fluid flow through the seat in the opposite direction and movable through the seat to a channel open condition after a preselected fluid pressure has been exerted on the ball in a direction to move the ball from the ball seated position and through the valve seat.

Abstract: A drilling device for drilling a borehole and comprising a drilling tool, a drill pipe extending into the borehole for conducting a flow of liquid thereinto for generating an oscillating percussion force applied to the drilling tool, a longitudinally movable impulse tube located below a lower end of the drill tube, a throttle located between a lower mouth of the drill tube and an upper mouth of the impulse tube for controlling a ration of flow portion of the liquid outside and inside the impulse tube in accordance with longitudinal position thereof, and a spring-loaded thrust valve for controlling the flow of liquid inside the tube.

Abstract: A manually operated downhole for an underground earth boring apparatus having a pneumatically operated earth boring tool. A drill pipe is connected to the tool and to a source of pneumatic fluid. A valve is positioned in the drill pipe substantially adjacent to the tool between the tool and the source of pneumatic fluid. This downhole valve controls the flow of pneumatic fluid to the tool. The valve is operable in response to pushing or pulling on the drill pipe.

Abstract: A downhole tool for removing sand from a well bore has an elongated tubular member with four sections. A one-way valve is located between the upper first and second sections. A second one-way valve is located between the third and fourth sections, while a third one-way valve is in the fourth lower section. The second and third sections are formed into a piston assembly which when reciprocated moves fluid in the well bore from the fourth section to the first section in an incremental fashion. Each piston stroke traps portions of fluid at different locations along the tubular member because of the one-way construction of the valves, and moves that trapped portion incrementally upwardly within the device. Sand is accumulated in the second and fourth sections of the member, and the sand in the fourth section is prevented from backflowing into the piston section to foul the pump.

Abstract: An annulus access valve system having a plurality of valves installed in, and forming a part of, a drill string in a well bore whereby fluid may be pumped into the annulus through the valves individually or in combination as desired. Each valve has a valve body connected to the drill string in which defines a longitudinal opening therethrough and a transverse port therein interconnecting the longitudinal opening with the annulus. A longitudinally slidable valve seats on a replaceable valve seat defining a closed position of the transverse port in the valve. The valve sleeve is biased in the closed position by a spring. An actuator, uniquely sized for a specific valve in the drill string, is utilized to engage the valve sleeve and move it to an open position by hydraulic pressure applied thereabove so that fluids may be pumped down the drill string through the transverse port into the annulus. A flow control valve is positioned in the actuator so that some fluid may be directed therebelow as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well clean out tool comprising an elongated body having first and second ends and being adapted to be received within a well borehole. The elongated body is comprised of a plurality of subs including a first sub at a lower portion of the body having a one way valve for permitting only upward flow of fluid. A second sub is arranged above the first sub for receiving and retaining fluid and debris passing through the first sub while a third sub is arranged above the second sub. The third sub includes a second valve for permitting flow only upwardly through the third sub. A fourth or pumping sub is arranged above the third sub with the fourth sub including an outlet for returning fluid to the borehole. The pump sub includes an elongated hollow piston reciprocatingly driven within a casing of the fourth sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a core at in situ pressure of sedimentary deposits at the bottom of a well bore or body of water. The core barrel has a pressure chamber that is closed and opened by a ball valve actuated from the surface. When in position above the sedimentary deposits to be cored, a sample tube is extended from the pressure chamber into the sedimentary deposits to obtain a core. The sample tube is retracted into the pressure chamber and the valve closed to trap ambient pressure in the chamber. The sample tube and valve are operated from the surface.

Abstract: A cable tool (10) includes a tool bit (12), a drill stem (14) and an adapter (16). Openings (32) are formed in a cutting face (18) of the tool bit (12) and inclined bores (34) extend upwardly within the tool bit (12) to an upwardly extending bit passageway (36). A retention chamber (46) is formed in the drill stem (14) communicating with the bit passageway (36) for storing rock and earth particles. An adapter passageway (52) communicates with the retention chamber (46) and includes a liquid drain (24) to drain water from the adapter passageway (52) and the retention chamber (46). Optionally, a flapper valve (64) may be mounted within the retention chamber (46) adjacent the bit passageway (36).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for determining the precise position of the drill bit on the bottom of a long drill string in a deep borehole in the earth, during a drilling operation. The method comprises placing a plurality of geophones in a three-dimensional array near the surface of the earth, above the expected position of the drill bit in the earth, causing at least a low energy seismic source to be initiated near the drill bit in the earth, repeating the source a number of times, and determining at the surface of the earth the times of initiation of each of the seismic waves. Responsive to the known times of initiation, stacking each of the repeated geophone signals from each of the geophones, for each of the repetitions of the source, whereby each of the stacked signals will be in-phase with those that resulted from earlier and later repetitions of the source. Several embodiments of an improved downhole seismic source are described, and an improved type of three-dimensional array.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tool which is connectible as part of a drill string and which is adapted, upon lifting of the drill string, to permit drilling fluid therein to by-pass a motor in the lower end of the string below the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed wherein a tubular body connectible in a drill string and having a float valve arranged therein to normally close the string, as the string is lowered into a well bore, is provided with a plurality of ports connecting its bore above the float valve with its exterior, and valve means for movement from a position normally closing to a position opening the ports when the exterior fluid pressure exceeds the fluid pressure in the bore above the float valve by a predetermined amount.