Patent ID: 7617875
Filing Date: 2009-11-17
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A shifting apparatus for opening a downhole valve, the valve being concentrically positioned within a well, and wherein the valve contains a movable inner member, the apparatus comprising: an outer housing forming an annulus with the well, wherein the outer housing comprises: a cylindrical top sub, a cylindrical top housing removably connected to the cylindrical top sub, a cylindrical upper housing removably connected to the cylindrical top housing, a cylindrical upper intermediate housing removably connected to the cylindrical upper housing, a cylindrical lower intermediate housing comprising a first radial shoulder, the cylindrical lower intermediate housing is removably connected to the cylindrical upper intermediate housing, a cylindrical lower housing comprising a fourth radial shoulder and a second end shoulder, the cylindrical lower housing is removably connected to the cylindrical lower intermediate housing, and the cylindrical lower housing is removably connected to a cylindrical adapter; wherein the cylindrical adapter is removably connected to a sliding sleeve; a power piston disposed within the outer housing, wherein the power piston comprises: a second shoulder forming an annular chamber with the first radial shoulder, and a third radial shoulder forming a tubular chamber with the fourth radial shoulder relative to the outer housing; and further, the power piston has a first end shoulder configured to form an atmospheric chamber relative to the outer housing with the second end shoulder; wherein the atmospheric chamber is sealed at an atmospheric pressure level; wherein internal tubing pressure can be applied to the tubular chamber; a collect sleeve abutting the power piston prevents upward movement of the power piston relative to the outer housing, until the internal tubing pressure applied to the tubular chamber exceeds an annulus pressure in the annular chamber, wherein the collet sleeve is movable upwardly; a snap ring disposed on the power piston prevents downward movement of the power piston relative to the outer housing, wherein the snap ring is disengagable from a shear ring insert disposed within the cylindrical upper housing when the power piston moves the collet sleeve upwardly; and wherein movement of the power piston shifts an inner support member disposed within the cylindrical upper housing from a closed position to an open position, after the collet sleeve is moved upwardly.