Retrievable subsurface well tools

Claim 2

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing such movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structUre and normally retracted means for preventing movement of said body structure relative so said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 3

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for locking said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 4

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for locking said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 5

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 6

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 7

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; a clutch member slidably relatively longitudinally on said body structure and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for locking said normally retracted means in its outward expanded condition.

Claim 8

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; a clutch member slidably relatively longitudinally on said body structure and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for locking said normally retracted means in its outward expanded condition.

Claim 9

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally on said body structure and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing such longitudinal movement of such body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 10

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally on said body structure and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing such longitudinal movement of such body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into clutching engagement with said body structure for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 11

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracTed means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for locking said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 12

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracTed means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for locking said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 13

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 14

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 15

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with the first threaded portion to prevent said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 16

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly and including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with the first threaded portion to prevent said normally retracted means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 17

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 18

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to longitudinal movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion for preventing such longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent longitudinal movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 19

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing such downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 20

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; first releasable means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing such downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted means for preventing upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 21

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 22

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 23

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion to prevent downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 24

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted means on said body structure; means responsive to downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means for expanding said normally retracted means outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted means in expanded condition; said body structure having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said normally retracted means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion to prevent downward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent upward movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted means to lock said normally retracted means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 25

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to longitudiNal movement of said body in one direction for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for preventing said body from effecting expansion of said slip means and packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for locking said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 26

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to longitudiNal movement of said body in one direction for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for preventing said body from effecting expansion of said slip means and packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for locking said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 27

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body means and slip means to prevent said body from effecting expansion of said slip means and packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for locking said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 28

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body means and slip means to prevent said body from effecting expansion of said slip means and packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body and slip means for locking said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 29

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; said body having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said slip means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing said packing means and slip means from being expanded outwardly; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing upward movement of said body relative to said slip means to lock said slip means and packing means in their outward expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 30

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; said body having first and second threaded portions; a clutch member slidable relatively longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said slip means; a first threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and being meshable with said first threaded portion for preventing said packing means and slip means from being expanded outwardly; a second threaded clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member into threaded mesh with said second portion for preventing upward movement of said body relative to said slip means to lock said slip means and packing means in their outward expanded condition; the threads of said first portion and first element being of opposite hand from the threads of said second portion and second element.

Claim 31

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; said body having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said slip means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion to prevent downward movement of said body relative to said slip means and packing means to prevent said slip means and packing means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent upward movement of said body relative to said slip means and packing means to lock said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 32

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; normally retracted slip means on said body; means responsive to downward movement of said body for expanding said packing means and slip means laterally outwardly, said expanding means including chamber means containing a gas under pressure exerting a constant force tending to retain said packing means and slip means in expanded condition; said body having first and second buttress thread portions of opposite hand; a clutch member slidable longitudinally along said threaded portions and operatively connected to said slip means; a first clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread meshing with said first threaded portion to prevent downward movement of said body relative to said slip means and packing means to prevent said slip means and packing means from being expanded outwardly; and a second clutch element movable laterally on said clutch member and having a buttress thread adapted to mesh with said second threaded portion to prevent upward movement of said body relative to said slip means and packing means to lock said slip means and packing means in their outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 33

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; means for expanding said packing means laterally outwardly, comprising abutmEnt means for exerting an expanding force on said packing means; and chamber means surrounding said body and containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said abutment means to hold said packing means expanded outwardly.

Claim 34

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; means for expanding said packing means laterally outwardly, comprising abutmEnt means for exerting an expanding force on said packing means; and chamber means surrounding said body and containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said abutment means to hold said packing means expanded outwardly.

Claim 35

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; an upper abutment engaging said packing means; a lower abutment engaging said packing means; means for relatively shifting said abutments toward each other to expand said packing means laterally outwardly; chamber means surrounding said body and operatively connected to one of said abutments; said chamber means containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said chamber means and said one abutment to urge said one abutment toward the other abutment.

Claim 36

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted packing means on said body; an upper abutment engaging said packing means; a lower abutment engaging said packing means; means for relatively shifting said abutments toward each other to expand said packing means laterally outwardly; chamber means surrounding said body and operatively connected to one of said abutments; said chamber means containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said chamber means and said one abutment to urge said one abutment toward the other abutment.

Claim 37

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; means for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly; packing means above said expander means adapted to seal against the wall of the well bore; means providing a downwardly facing transverse surface on said expander means subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore above said packing means; and means providing a resultant upwardly facing transverse surface on said expander means subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means, whereby a greater well bore pressure below said packing means and above said packing means forces said expander means downwardly within said slip means to retain said slip means expanded outwardly.

Claim 38

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; means for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly; packing means above said expander means adapted to seal against the wall of the well bore; means providing a downwardly facing transverse surface on said expander means subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore above said packing means; and means providing a resultant upwardly facing transverse surface on said expander means subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means, whereby a greater well bore pressure below said packing means and above said packing means forces said expander means downwardly within said slip means to retain said slip means expanded outwardly.

Claim 39

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted packing means on said body structure; means responsive to movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted packing means for expanding said normally retracted packing means outwardly, said expanding means including spring-like means exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted packing means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing such movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted packing means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted packing means in its expanded condition.

Claim 40

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted packing means on said body structure; means responsive to movement of said body structure in one direction relative to said normally retracted packing means for expanding said normally retracted packing means outwardly, said expanding means including spring-like means exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted packing means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing such movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted packing means; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing movement of said body structure relative to said normally retracted packing means in the opposite direction to lock said normally retracted packing means in its expanded condition.

Claim 41

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted packing means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted packing means outwardly and including spring-like means exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted packing means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing said normally retracted packing means from being expanded outwardly; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for locking said normally retracted packing means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 42

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body structure; normally retracted packing means on said body structure; means for expanding said normally retracted packing means outwardly and including spring-like means exerting a constant force tending to retain said normally retracted packing means in expanded condition; first releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for preventing said normally retracted packing means from being expanded outwardly; and second releasable clutch means acting between said body structure and normally retracted packing means for locking said normally retracted packing means in its outwardly expanded condition.

Claim 43

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body; means for expanding said normally retracted means laterallly outwardly, comprising abutment means for exerting an expanding force on said normally retracted means; and chamber means surrounding said body and containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said abutment means to holD said normally retracted means expanded outwardly.

Claim 44

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body; means for expanding said normally retracted means laterallly outwardly, comprising abutment means for exerting an expanding force on said normally retracted means; and chamber means surrounding said body and containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said abutment means to holD said normally retracted means expanded outwardly.

Claim 45

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body; an upper abutment engaging said normally retracted means; a lower abutment engaging said normally retracted means; means for relatively shifting said abutments toward each other to expand said normally retracted means laterally outwardly; chamber means surrounding said body and operatively connected to one of said abutments; said chamber means containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said chamber means and said one abutment to urge said one abutment toward the other abutment.

Claim 46

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted means on said body; an upper abutment engaging said normally retracted means; a lower abutment engaging said normally retracted means; means for relatively shifting said abutments toward each other to expand said normally retracted means laterally outwardly; chamber means surrounding said body and operatively connected to one of said abutments; said chamber means containing a gas under pressure charged into said chamber means at the top of the well bore for exerting a continuous spring-like force on said chamber means and said one abutment to urge said one abutment toward the other abutment.

Claim 47

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore as defined in claim 19; said downwardly facing transverse surface being disposed below said packing means, passage means extending within said packing means for conducting said pressure of the fluid in the well bore from above said packing means to said downwardly facing transverse surface; said upwardly facing transverse surface being adjacent to the lower end of said packing means; said upwardly facing transverse surface being greater in area than said downwardly facing transverse surface.

Claim 48

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; packing means above and engageable with said expander means and adapted to seal against the wall of the well bore; upper abutment means engaging the upper portion of said packing means; said expander means including lower abutment means engaging the lower portion of said packing means and having a cylinder portion extending downwardly of said lower abutment means, said lower abutment means having a portion extending laterally inwardly of the inner wall of said cylinder portion; means providing a first slidable seal between the inner wall of said cylinder portion and said body to prevent the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing from acting upwardly on said lower abutment means portion; means providing a second seal between said lower abutment means portion and said body; said first and second seals providing a resultant downwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment means of less area than an upwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment means; said upwardly facing surface being subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means to force said expander means downwardly within said slip means; means for conducting the pressure of fluid in the well bore above said packing means to said downwardly facing surface of said lower abutment means; and means including means acting through said upper abutment means, packing means, and lower abutment means for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly.

Claim 49

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; packing means above and engageable with said expander means and adapted to seal against the wall of the well bore; upper abutment means engaging the upper portion of said packing means; said expander means including lower abutment means engaging the lower portion of said packing means and having a cylinder portion extending downwardly of said lower abutment means, said lower abutment means having a portion extending laterally inwardly of the inner wall of said cylinder portion; means providing a first slidable seal between the inner wall of said cylinder portion and said body to prevent the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing from acting upwardly on said lower abutment means portion; means providing a second seal between said lower abutment means portion and said body; said first and second seals providing a resultant downwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment means of less area than an upwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment means; said upwardly facing surface being subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means to force said expander means downwardly within said slip means; means for conducting the pressure of fluid in the well bore above said packing means to said downwardly facing surface of said lower abutment means; and means including means acting through said upper abutment means, packing means, and lower abutment means for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly.

Claim 50

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore as defined in claim 25; said packing means being initially retracted and being expanded laterally outwardly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well bore upon downward movement of said expander means within said slip means.

Claim 51

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; normally retracted packing means above and engageable with said expander means and adapted to be expanded into sealing engagement against the wall of the well bore; an upper abutment engaging the upper portion of said packing means; a sleeve secured to said upper abutment and extending downwardly through said packing means and around said body; said expander means including a lower abutment surrounding said sleeve and engaging the lower portion of said packing means; said expandeR means also including a cylindrical portion laterally spaced from said sleeve and secured to and depending from said lower abutment; means providing a first slidable seal between the inner wall of said cylinder portion and said body to prevent pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing from acting upwardly on said lower abutment; means providing a second seal between said lower abutment and said sleeve; said first and second seals providing a resultant downwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment of less area than an upwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment, said upwardly facing surface being subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means to force said expander means downwardly within said slip means; means for conducting the pressure of fluid in the well bore from above said packing means through the space between said sleeve and body to said downwardly facing surface of said lower abutment; and means including means acting through said upper abutment, packing means, and lower abutment for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly and to expand said normally retracted means outwardly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well bore.

Claim 52

In a well tool adapted to be set in a well bore: a body; normally retracted slip means disposed around said body; expander means around said body above and engaging said slip means; normally retracted packing means above and engageable with said expander means and adapted to be expanded into sealing engagement against the wall of the well bore; an upper abutment engaging the upper portion of said packing means; a sleeve secured to said upper abutment and extending downwardly through said packing means and around said body; said expander means including a lower abutment surrounding said sleeve and engaging the lower portion of said packing means; said expandeR means also including a cylindrical portion laterally spaced from said sleeve and secured to and depending from said lower abutment; means providing a first slidable seal between the inner wall of said cylinder portion and said body to prevent pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing from acting upwardly on said lower abutment; means providing a second seal between said lower abutment and said sleeve; said first and second seals providing a resultant downwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment of less area than an upwardly facing transverse surface on said lower abutment, said upwardly facing surface being subject to the pressure of fluid in the well bore below said packing means to force said expander means downwardly within said slip means; means for conducting the pressure of fluid in the well bore from above said packing means through the space between said sleeve and body to said downwardly facing surface of said lower abutment; and means including means acting through said upper abutment, packing means, and lower abutment for relatively moving said expander means downwardly of said slip means to expand said slip means relatively outwardly and to expand said normally retracted means outwardly into sealing engagement with the wall of the well bore.