Claims
- 1. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: positioning the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and axially displacing the expansion member relative to the tubular member by pulling the expansion member through the tubular member.
- 2. The method of claim 1; wherein the tubular member comprises: an annular member, comprising: a wall thickness that varies less than about 8%; a hoop yield strength that varies less than about 10%; imperfections of less than about 8% of the wall thickness; no failure for radial expansions of up to about 30%; and no necking of the walls of the annular member for radial expansions of up to about 25%.
- 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises a plurality of tubular members having threaded portions that are coupled to one another by the process of: coating the threaded portions of the tubular members with a sealant; coupling the threaded portions of the tubular members; and curing the sealant.
- 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises: a pair of rings for engaging the preexisting structure; and a sealing element positioned between the rings for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.
- 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises: a first preexpanded portion; an intermediate portion coupled to the first preexpanded portion comprising a sealing element; and a second preexpanded portion coupled to the intermediate portion.
- 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising axially displacing the expansion member relative to the tubular member by pulling the expansion member through the tubular member by applying an axial force to the expansion member; wherein the axial force comprises: a substantially constant axial force; and an increased axial force.
- 7. The method of claim 1, wherein anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure comprises heating a portion of the tubular member.
- 8. The method of claim 1, wherein anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure comprises explosively anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure.
- 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising lubricating the interface between the expansion member and the tubular member by injecting a lubricating fluid into the trailing edge of the interface between the expansion member and the tubular member.
- 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising lubricating the interface between the expansion member and the tubular member by coating the interior surface of the tubular member with a lubricant.
- 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising coating the interior surface of the tubular member with a first part of a lubricant; and applying a second part of the lubricant to the interior surface of the tubular member.
- 12. The method of claim 1, further comprising injecting a lubricating fluid into the preexisting structure; wherein the lubricating fluid comprises BARO-LUB GOLD-SEAL™ brand drilling mud lubricant.
- 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises a first tubular member; a second tubular member; and a pin and box threaded connection for coupling the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the threaded connection comprising one or more sealing members for sealing the interface between the first and second tubular members.
- 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the tubular member comprises one or more slots provided at a preexpanded portion of the tubular member.
- 15. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: fixing the position of an expansion member within the preexisting structure; driving the tubular member onto the expansion member in a first direction; and axially displacing the expansion member in a second direction relative to the tubular member; wherein the first and second directions are different.
- 16. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: placing the tubular member, an expansion member, and an anchor into the preexisting structure; anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and axially displacing the expansion member.
- 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure by: pivoting one or more engagement elements.
- 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising placing a quantity of a fluidic material onto the tubular member to anchor the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and axially displacing the expansion member.
- 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising placing the expandable tubular, an expansion member, and a resilient anchor within the preexisting structure; releasing the resilient anchor; and axially displacing the expansion member within the tubular member.
- 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure by injecting a quantity of a hardenable fluidic material into the preexisting structure; and at least partially curing the hardenable fluidic sealing material.
- 21. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: placing the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; and applying an axial force to the tubular member in a downward direction.
- 22. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: placing the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; injecting a quantity of a first fluidic material having a first density into the region of the preexisting structure outside of the tubular member; and injecting a quantity of a second fluidic material having a second density into a portion of the tubular member below the expansion member; wherein the second density is greater than the first density.
- 23. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: a tubular member; an anchoring device adapted to couple the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and an expansion member movably coupled to the tubular member and adapted to radially expand the tubular member.
- 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the expansion member comprises: a housing comprising a tapered first end and a second end; one or more grooves formed in the outer surface of the tapered first end; and one or more axial flow passages fluidicly coupled to the grooves.
- 25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the tubular member comprises: an annular member, having: a wall thickness that varies less than about 8%; a hoop yield strength that varies less than about 10%; imperfections of less than about 8% of the wall thickness; no failure for radial expansions of up to about 30%; and no necking of the walls of the annular member for radial expansions of up to about 25%.
- 26. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the tubular member comprises a layer of a lubricant coupled to the interior surface of the tubular member.
- 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the tubular member comprises: a pair of tubular members having threaded portions coupled to one another; and a quantity of a sealant within the threaded portions of the tubular members.
- 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the tubular member comprises: a pair of rings for engaging the preexisting structure; and a sealing element positioned between the rings for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.
- 29. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the tubular member comprises: a first preexpanded portion; an intermediate portion coupled to the first preexpanded portion comprising a sealing element; and a second preexpanded portion coupled to the intermediate portion.
- 30. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a valveable fluid passage coupled to the anchoring device.
- 31. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising an explosive anchoring device coupled to the second support member adapted to couple the tubular member to the preexisting structure.
- 32. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a resilient anchoring device coupled to the tubular member adapted to couple the tubular member to the preexisting structure.
- 33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the anchoring device comprises one or more spikes pivotally coupled to the tubular member for engaging the preexisting structure.
- 34. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the anchoring device comprises one or more petal baskets pivotally coupled to the tubular member.
- 35. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: a support member; an expansion member coupled to the support member; a tubular member coupled to the expansion member comprising one or more shape memory metal inserts; and a heater coupled to the support member in opposing relation to the shape memory metal inserts.
- 36. A tubular member, comprising: a tubular member body; one or more resilient panels coupled to the expandable tubular body; and a release member releasably coupled to the resilient panels adapted to controllably release the resilient panels.
- 37. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: a support member; an expansion member; a tubular member coupled to the expansion member; a coupling device coupled to the support member and an end portion of the tubular member; and a mass coupled to the end portion of the tubular member; wherein the weight of the mass is greater than about 50 to 100% of the yield strength of the tubular member.
- 38. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: a support member comprising a fluid passage; an expansion member coupled to the support member; a tubular member coupled to the expansion member; a slip joint coupled to the expansion member; an end plate coupled to the slip joint; a fluid chamber coupled to the fluid passage, the fluid chamber defined by the interior portion of the tubular member between the expansion member and the end plate.
- 39. A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: positioning the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; axially displacing the expansion member; removing the expansion member; and applying direct radial pressure to the tubular member.
- 40. An apparatus, comprising: a tubular member coupled to a preexisting structure; wherein the tubular member is coupled to the preexisting structure by the process of: positioning the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; axially displacing the expansion member; removing the expansion member; and applying direct radial pressure to the tubular member.
- 41. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for positioning the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and means for axially displacing the expansion member relative to the tubular member by pulling the expansion member through the tubular member.
- 42. The system of claim 41, wherein the tubular member comprises: an annular member, comprising: a wall thickness that varies less than about 8%; a hoop yield strength that varies less than about 10%; imperfections of less than about 8% of the wall thickness; no failure for radial expansions of up to about 30%; and no necking of the walls of the annular member for radial expansions of up to about 25%.
- 43. The system of claim 41, wherein the tubular member comprises a plurality of tubular members having threaded portions that are coupled to one another by the process of: coating the threaded portions of the tubular members with a sealant; coupling the threaded portions of the tubular members; and curing the sealant.
- 44. The system of claim 41, wherein the tubular member comprises: a pair of rings for engaging the preexisting structure; and a sealing element positioned between the rings for sealing the interface between the tubular member and the preexisting structure.
- 45. The system of claim 41, wherein the tubular member comprises: a first preexpanded portion; an intermediate portion coupled to the first preexpanded portion comprising a sealing element; and a second preexpanded portion coupled to the intermediate portion.
- 46. The system of claim 41, further comprising means for axially displacing the expansion member relative to the tubular member by pulling the expansion member through the tubular member by applying an axial force to the expansion member; wherein the axial force comprises: a substantially constant axial force; and an increased axial force.
- 47. The system of claim 41, further comprising means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure by heating a portion of the tubular member.
- 48. The system of claim 41, further comprising means for explosively anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure.
- 49. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for fixing the position of an expansion member within the preexisting structure; means for driving the tubular member onto the expansion member in a first direction; and means for axially displacing the expansion member in a second direction relative to the tubular member; wherein the first and second directions are different.
- 50. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for placing the expandable tubular and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; and means for axially displacing the expansion member within the tubular member.
- 51. The system of claim 50, further comprising resilient means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and means for releasing the resilient anchor.
- 52. The system of claim 50, further comprising means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure that comprises means for pivoting one or more engagement elements.
- 53. The system of claim 50, further comprising means for placing a quantity of a fluidic material onto the tubular member to anchor the tubular member to the preexisting structure.
- 54. The system of claim 50, further comprising means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure by injecting a quantity of a hardenable fluidic material into the preexisting structure; and means for at least partially curing the hardenable fluidic sealing material.
- 55. The system of claim 50, further comprising:
means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and means for injecting a lubricating fluid into the trailing edge of the interface between the expansion member and the tubular member.
- 56. The system of claim 50, further comprising:
means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and means for coating the interior surface of the tubular member with a lubricant.
- 57. The system of claim 50, further comprising:
means for anchoring the tubular member to the preexisting structure; wherein the tubular member comprises:
a first tubular member; a second tubular member; and a pin and box threaded connection for coupling the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the threaded connection comprising:
one or more sealing members adapted to seal the interface between the first and second tubular members when the tubular member is radially expanded.
- 58. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for placing the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; and means for applying an axial force to the tubular member in a downward direction.
- 59. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for placing the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; means for injecting a quantity of a first fluidic material having a first density into the region of the preexisting structure outside of the tubular member; and means for injecting a quantity of a second fluidic material having a second density into a portion of the tubular member below the expansion member; wherein the second density is greater than the first density.
- 60. A system for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising: means for positioning the tubular member and an expansion member within the preexisting structure; means for axially displacing the expansion member; means for removing the expansion member; and means for applying direct radial pressure to the tubular member.
- 61. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising:
a tubular member;
an anchoring device adapted to couple the tubular member to the preexisting structure; and an expansion member movably coupled to the tubular member and adapted to radially expand the tubular member; wherein the tubular member comprises:
a first tubular member; a second tubular member; and
a pin and box threaded connection for coupling the first tubular member to the second tubular member, the threaded connection comprising:
one or more sealing members adapted to seal the interface between the first and second tubular members when the tubular member is radially expanded.
- 62. An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure, comprising:
a support member; an expandable expansion member coupled to the support member; and a tubular member coupled to the expandable expansion member; wherein the tubular member comprises one or more anchoring devices and a slotted end portion.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Phase of the International Application No. PCT/US01/19014, attorney docket number 25791.38.02 which is based on U.S. Application Serial No. 60/212,359, filed on Jun. 19, 2000, attorney docket number 25791.38, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of the following co-pending patent applications: (1) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/852,026, attorney docket no. 25791.56, filed on May 9, 2001, which was a division of Ser. No. 09/454,139, attorney docket no. 25791.3.02, filed on Dec. 3, 1999, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/111,293, attorney docket no. 25791.3, filed on Dec. 7, 1998; (2) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/510,913, attorney docket no. 25791.7.02, filed on Feb. 23, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/121,702, filed on Feb. 25, 1999; (3) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/502,350, attorney docket no. 25791.8.02, filed on Feb. 10, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/119,611, attorney docket no. 25791.8; (4) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/969,922, attorney docket no. 25791.69, filed on Oct. 3, 2001, which was a continuation of U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/440,338, attorney docket no. 25791.9.02, filed on Nov. 15, 1999, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/108,558, attorney docket no. 25791.9, filed on Nov. 16, 1998; (5) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/169,434, attorney docket no. 25791.10.04, filed on Jul. 1, 2002, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/183,546, filed on Feb. 18, 2000; (6) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/523,460, attorney docket no. 25791.11.02, filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/124,042, filed on Mar. 11, 1999; (7) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/512,895, attorney docket no. 25791.12.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. provisional application No. 60/121,841, attorney docket no. 25791.12, filed on Feb. 26, 1999 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/154,047, attorney docket no. 25791.29, filed on Sep. 16, 1999; (8) U.S. utility application Ser. No. 09/511,941, attorney docket no. 25791.16.02, filed on Feb. 24, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional serial No. 60/121,907, attorney docket no. 25791.16, filed on Feb. 26, 1999; (9) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/588,946, attorney docket no. 25791.17.02, filed on Jun. 7, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/137,998, attorney docket no. 25791.17, filed on Jun. 7, 1999; and (10) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/559,122, attorney docket no. 25791.23.02, filed on Apr. 26, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/131,106, attorney docket no. 25791.23, filed on Apr. 26, 1999. Applicants incorporate by reference the disclosures of these applications.
[0003] This application is related to the following co-pending patent applications: (11) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/030,593, attorney docket no. 25791.25.08, filed on Jan. 8, 2002, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/146,203, attorney docket no. 25791.25, filed on Jul. 29, 1999 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/143,039, attorney docket no. 25791.26, filed on Jul. 9, 1999; (12) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/111,982, attorney docket no. 25791.27.08, filed on Apr. 30, 2002, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 60/162,671, attorney docket no. 25791.27, filed on Nov. 1, 1999; (13) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 10/089,419, attorney docket no. 25791.36.03, filed on Mar. 27, 2002, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional application No. 60/159,039, attorney docket no. 25791.36, filed on Oct. 12, 1999 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/165,228, attorney docket no. 25791.39, filed on Nov. 12, 1999; (14) U.S. utility patent application Ser. No. 09/679,906, attorney docket no. 25791.37.02, filed on Oct. 5, 2000, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/159,033, attorney docket no. 25791.37, filed on Oct. 12, 1999. Applicants incorporate by reference the disclosures of these applications.
Provisional Applications (11)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
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60212359 |
Jun 2000 |
US |
|
60111293 |
Dec 1998 |
US |
|
60121702 |
Feb 1999 |
US |
|
60119611 |
Feb 1999 |
US |
|
60108558 |
Nov 1998 |
US |
|
60124042 |
Mar 1999 |
US |
|
60121841 |
Feb 1999 |
US |
|
60154047 |
Sep 1999 |
US |
|
60121907 |
Feb 1999 |
US |
|
60137998 |
Jun 1999 |
US |
|
60131106 |
Apr 1999 |
US |
Divisions (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09454139 |
Dec 1999 |
US |
Child |
09852026 |
May 2001 |
US |
Continuations (2)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
PCT/US01/19014 |
Jun 2001 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09440338 |
Nov 1999 |
US |
Child |
09969922 |
Oct 2001 |
US |
Continuation in Parts (10)
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09852026 |
May 2001 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09510913 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09502350 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09969922 |
Oct 2001 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
10169434 |
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US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09523460 |
Mar 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09512895 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09511941 |
Feb 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09588946 |
Jun 2000 |
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Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |
Parent |
09559122 |
Apr 2000 |
US |
Child |
10303992 |
Nov 2002 |
US |