Patent ID: 8689891
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A wellbore drop member launcher comprising: a launcher body defining a central bore having an axis, the launcher body having a lower end configured to attach to a string of pipe extending into a wellbore; a cartridge housed within the launcher body so that the cartridge can selectively move perpendicular to the axis from a first position to a second position within the launcher body, the cartridge defining a drop member bore extending axially through the cartridge and having a generally constant diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the central bore; a drop member positioned within the cartridge so that the drop member will be in a sidewall of the launcher body while the cartridge is in the first position, and will be in axial alignment with the central bore while the cartridge is in the second position; and an actuator assembly coupled to, and extending radially outward from, the launcher body, the actuator assembly having an actuation rod coupled to the cartridge so that the actuator assembly is operable to move the cartridge from the first position to the second position.