Patent Description:
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to annular cutter catching devices and, more particularly, to annular catching devices for use with downhole coring tools.

Production of a wellbore may necessitate forming plugs, such as a ball and seat, to isolate portions of the wellbore. The seat may include an annular ring with an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ball to catch the ball. In certain instances, removal of the plugs may be necessary, e.g., to extract resources from another portion of the wellbore or perform another process in the oil and gas industry. An annular cutting device cuts a coupon, or portion, out of the plug to allow movement of resources and/or tools through the previously isolated portion of the wellbore. An example can be found in the document <CIT>.

Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as an admission of any kind.

An annular cutting device cuts a coupon, or portion or remnant, out of a plug or other obstruction to allow movement of resources and/or tools through a previously isolated portion of the wellbore. The coupon may be generally shaped like a cylindrical, disc, moon or other arc shape, or be irregularly shaped or otherwise include chamfers and other features; a coupon that is cylindrically shaped may also be tubular and may include chamfers and other features on an inner surface. After cutting, the coupon may be left downhole in the wellbore. However, the coupon may interfere with production and/or other interventions if left within the wellbore. Additionally, milling may produce debris and/or cuttings that may interfere with production and/or other intervention operations if left within the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an annular cutter catching device may be used to grip and/or retain the coupon after cutting. In particular, in certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device may grip the coupon about an outer surface.

Various refinements of the features noted above may be undertaken in relation to various aspects of the present disclosure.

Certain examples commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the examples set forth below.

Furthermore, the phrase "A based on B" is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "or" is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase "A or B" is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

The oil and gas industry includes a number of sub-industries, such as exploration, drilling, logging, extraction, transportation, refinement, retail, and so forth. During exploration and drilling, wellbores may be drilled into the ground for reasons that may include discovery, observation, and/or extraction of resources. These resources may include oil, gas, water, or any other combination of elements within the ground.

Wellbores, sometimes called boreholes, may be straight or curved holes drilled into the ground from which resources may be discovered, observed, and/or extracted. Moreover, the wellbores may have horizontally drilled sections to increase production and/or efficiency. After the formation of a wellbore, well logging and production may be practiced. Well logging may include making a detailed record of the geological formations penetrated by a wellbore, and may also be practiced during creation (e.g., drilling) of the wellbore. Production may include the extraction of resources from within the wellbore.

Production of a wellbore may necessitate forming plugs, such as a ball and seat, to isolate portions of the wellbore. The seat may include an annular ring with an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ball in order to catch the ball. In certain instances, removal of the plugs may be necessary (e.g., to extract resources from another portion of the wellbore or perform another process in the oil and gas industry). In certain embodiments, an annular cutting device cuts a coupon, or portion, out of the plug to allow movement of resources and/or tools through the previously isolated portion of the wellbore.

After cutting, the coupon may be left downhole in the wellbore. However, the coupon may interfere with production and/or other interventions if left within the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an annular cutter catching device may grip and/or retain the coupon after cutting to retrieve the coupon to the surface. Retrieving the coupon to the surface with the annular cutting device prevents further interference in production and/or other inventions. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device may grip and/or retain multiple coupons during a single trip into the wellbore.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having one or more split rings <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, a pin <NUM>, and one or more split rings <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> may couple the cutter <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing by a threaded connection, welding, or any other suitable connection.

Each of the one or more split rings <NUM> may receive the coupon <NUM> (e.g., an annular coupon) within an inner diameter of the respective split ring <NUM>. Each of the one or more split rings <NUM> may grip and/or retain the coupon <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. For example, split rings 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, split ring 108A may include a tapered surface, which may be formed at one end of the split ring 108A. In certain embodiments, the tapered surface of the split ring 108A may extend from an inner diameter of the split ring 108A to an outer diameter of the split ring 108A. In certain embodiments, a diameter of the split ring 108A at the tapered surface may increase linearly from the inner diameter to the outer diameter.

In certain embodiments, the inner diameter of the split ring 108A may be smaller than an inner diameter of the cutter <NUM>. For example, the inner diameter of the split ring 108A may be five percent smaller, or even less, than an inner diameter of the cutter <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the split ring 108A may include an annular gap <NUM> around a circumference of the split ring 108A, which may axially run generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. The annular gap <NUM> may permit the split ring 108A to expand. For example, the annular gap <NUM> may permit the inner diameter of the split ring 108A to increase when receiving the coupon <NUM>. Additionally, the split ring 108A may be movably disposed in the housing <NUM>. For example, the split ring 108A may not be in contact with the housing <NUM> in an expanded state and may move within the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the annular gap <NUM> may span up to ninety degrees, or up to one quarter, of the circumference of the split ring 108A. The inner diameter of the split ring 108A may be configured to grip and/or retain the coupon <NUM>. For example, the inner diameter of the split ring 108A may exert a compressive force and/or a frictional force on an outer surface <NUM> of the coupon <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the split rings 108B, 108C, 108D may have a similar construction to the split ring 108A. The one or more split rings <NUM> may permit a coupon to pass through to a successive split ring <NUM> of the one or more split rings <NUM> along the longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. For example, the split ring 108A may allow a coupon to pass through to split ring 108B. In certain embodiments, a successive split ring of the one or more split rings <NUM> may have a smaller inner diameter than an inner diameter of a preceding split ring of the one or more split rings <NUM>. For example, the inner diameter of the split ring 108B may be smaller than an inner diameter of the split ring 108A, the inner diameter of the split ring 108C may be smaller than an inner diameter of the split ring 108B, and the inner diameter of the split ring 108D may be smaller than an inner diameter of the split ring 108C. In certain embodiments, an inner diameter of the one or more split rings <NUM> may have a coating disposed thereon. For example, the coating may be a frictional coating, which may increase a frictional force designed to grip and/or retain a coupon.

In certain embodiments, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be replaced with a plurality of stiff wire bristles and/or wire brushes. The stiff wire bristles may be mounted to an inner surface of the housing <NUM>. For example, the stiff wire bristles may be mounted in a direction extending towards the longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device. In certain embodiments, the plurality of stiff wire bristles may be angled relative to a perpendicular direction from the longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device. The plurality of stiff wire bristles may retain and/or grip an outer surface (e.g., outer surface <NUM> of the coupon <NUM> in <FIG>) of the coupon.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having one or more slips <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, a pin <NUM>, and one or more slips <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> may couple the cutter <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> by a threaded connection, welding, or any other suitable connection.

Each of the one or more slips <NUM> may receive a coupon. In certain embodiments, the one or more slips <NUM> may be movable between a first position and a second position. Each of the one or more slips <NUM> may grip and/or retain a coupon in the second position. In certain embodiments, the slip 208A may include an inner ring <NUM> and an outer ring <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inner ring <NUM> may be disposed within the outer ring <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inner ring <NUM> may be formed of an elastomeric material. In certain embodiments, the inner ring <NUM> may have a tapered surface at an outer diameter of the inner ring <NUM>, and the outer ring <NUM> may have a matching tapered surface at an inner diameter of the outer ring <NUM>. A force acting on the inner ring <NUM> in the direction of the cutter <NUM> may move the inner ring <NUM> along the matching tapered surface of the outer ring <NUM>. For example, the inner ring <NUM> may be forced inward towards a longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. The movement of the inner ring <NUM> may increase a force acting on a coupon to grip and/or retain the coupon.

In certain embodiments, the slips 208B, 208C, 208D may have a similar construction to the slip 208A. The one or more slips <NUM> may allow a coupon to pass through to a successive slip of the one or more slips <NUM> along the longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. For example, the slip 208A may allow a coupon to pass through to the slip 208B. A successive slip of the one or more slips <NUM> may have a smaller inner diameter than a preceding slip <NUM> of the one or more slips <NUM>. For example, the inner diameter of the slip 208B may be smaller than an inner diameter of the slip 208A, the inner diameter of the slip 208C may be smaller than an inner diameter of the slip 208B, and the inner diameter of the slip 208D may be smaller than an inner diameter of the slip 208C.

In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include an inner mandrel <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and a stopper <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inner mandrel <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the inner mandrel <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore therethrough. In certain embodiments, a first surface of the inner mandrel <NUM> may abut the last slip <NUM> of the one or more slips <NUM> along the longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. For example, the inner mandrel <NUM> may abut the slip 208D. The spring <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the spring <NUM> may be disposed between the inner mandrel <NUM> and a first portion of the stopper <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the spring <NUM> may act against a second surface of the inner mandrel <NUM>, which may be located at an opposite axial end of the inner mandrel <NUM> from the first surface of the inner mandrel <NUM> that abuts the last slip <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the spring <NUM> may be radially disposed about a second portion of the stopper <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the stopper <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. The spring <NUM> may apply a force to at least one of the one or more slips <NUM> in the direction of the cutter <NUM>. The applied force of the spring <NUM> may move the inner ring <NUM> along the matching tapered surface of the outer ring <NUM> of a slip <NUM>. In response, the inner ring <NUM> of the slip <NUM> may be forced inward towards a longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. The movement of the inner ring <NUM> of the slip <NUM> may increase a force acting on a coupon to grip and/or retain the coupon.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having a cutter <NUM> with an asymmetric surface, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, the cutter <NUM>, and a catch ring <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. The cutter <NUM> may include a cutting surface to cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may have an asymmetric surface opposite of the cutting surface. For example, as illustrated, the cutter <NUM> may have a tapered height. The cutter <NUM> may have a minimum height at a first point <NUM> of the asymmetric surface and a maximum height at a second point <NUM> of the asymmetric surface. In certain embodiments, the height of the cutter <NUM> may decrease linearly about the circumference of the asymmetric surface from the maximum height at the second point <NUM> to the minimum height at the first point <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the catch ring <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the catch ring <NUM> may be disposed adjacent the asymmetric surface of the cutter <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the catch ring <NUM> may be formed of an elastomeric material. Additionally or alternatively, the catch ring <NUM> may be formed of a metal material, a metal material having an elastomeric material on an inner surface, or any other suitable material for retaining and/or gripping the coupon. The catch ring <NUM> may receive a coupon within an inner diameter. For example, the catch ring <NUM> may retain and/or grip the coupon with an inner surface of the catch ring <NUM>. For example, an axial force in the direction of the cutter <NUM> may move the catch ring <NUM> and the retained coupon towards the cutter <NUM>. In response, the catch ring <NUM> may contact the cutter <NUM> at the asymmetric surface. For example, the catch ring <NUM> may contact the cutter <NUM> at the second point <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the asymmetric surface of the cutter <NUM> at the second point <NUM> may restrict motion of the catch ring <NUM>. For example, the catch ring <NUM> may be configured to pivot about the second point <NUM>. The pivoting motion of the catch ring <NUM> may increase a frictional force of the catch ring <NUM> about the retained coupon.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having one or more collet fingers <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, and one or more collet fingers <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. In certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a first portion 402A and a second portion 402B. In certain embodiments, the first portion 402A may include one or more apertures <NUM>. In addition, in certain embodiments, the second portion 402B may include one or more apertures <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the second portion 402B may include one or more flanges 402C, which may include a tapered outer surface. In certain embodiments, the first portion 402A may be movable relative to the second portion 402B. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be coupled to a ring <NUM>. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may include a tapered outer surface at an axial end closest to the cutter <NUM>. The one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be movably disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be movable between a first position (shown in <FIG>) and a second position. In the first position illustrated in <FIG>, each of the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be at least partially radially disposed in a corresponding aperture <NUM> of the one or more apertures <NUM>. In the second position, each of the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be forced at least partially radially inward towards a longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. When in the second position, the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may engage an outer surface (e.g., outer surface <NUM> of the coupon <NUM> in <FIG>) of a coupon. In particular, in the second position, the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may grip and/or retain the coupon.

In certain embodiments, the one or more flanges 402C may engage a corresponding collet finger <NUM> of the one or more collet fingers <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, when the one or more collet fingers <NUM> slide axially relative to the one or more flanges 402C, the one or more flanges 402C may act on the tapered outer surface of the one or more collet fingers <NUM> to move the one or more collet fingers <NUM> from the first position to the second position. In certain embodiments, the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be biased towards the second position. For example, the first portion 402A of the housing <NUM> may be biased towards engagement of the one or more flanges 402C with a corresponding one of the one or more collet fingers <NUM>. In certain embodiments, applying a weight to the cutter <NUM> during cutting may apply an axial force against the one or more collet fingers <NUM> where the cutter <NUM> abuts the one or more collet fingers <NUM>, thereby acting against the biasing force, and moving the one or more collet fingers <NUM> from the second position to the first position. As such, friction against the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be reduced during cutting and wear on the one or more collet fingers <NUM> may be reduced.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having a coupon catcher <NUM> and one or more split rings <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, a pin <NUM>, one or more split rings <NUM>, and a coupon catcher <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>. For example, the pin <NUM> may couple the cutter <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> by a threaded connection, welding, or any other suitable connection.

In certain embodiments, the one or more split rings <NUM> may have a construction similar to the one or more split rings <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more split rings <NUM> may retain and/or grip a coupon as described above with respect to the one or more split rings <NUM>. The coupon catcher <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The one or more split rings <NUM> may be disposed in the bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM> axially between the cutter <NUM> and the coupon catcher <NUM>. In addition, in certain embodiments, the coupon catcher <NUM> may be disposed adjacent one of the one or more split rings <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the coupon catcher <NUM> may include a set of fingers <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the set of fingers <NUM> may be formed of a metal. In certain embodiments, the coupon catcher <NUM> may be movable between a closed position (shown in <FIG>) and an open position. In certain embodiments, the set of fingers <NUM> may be biased towards the closed position. In the open position, the set of fingers <NUM> may be splayed radially outwardly at an axial end opposite the split rings <NUM>. In the open position, the set of fingers <NUM> may permit a coupon to pass through the inner diameter of the coupon catcher <NUM>. Conversely, in the closed position, the set of fingers <NUM> may be biased radially inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the annular cutter catching device <NUM>. In the closed position, the set of fingers <NUM> may prevent coupons that have previously passed through the coupon catcher <NUM> in a first direction away from the cutter <NUM> from moving back through the coupon catcher <NUM> in another direction. As such, the coupon catcher <NUM> may retain coupons that pass through the coupon catcher <NUM>.

<FIG> depict schematic diagrams of various portions of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having a coupon catcher <NUM> and one or more split rings <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, a coupon catcher <NUM>, and one or more split rings <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore <NUM> therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>.

The coupon catcher <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In addition, in certain embodiments, the coupon catcher <NUM> may be disposed adjacent the cutter <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the coupon catcher <NUM> may have a construction similar to the coupon catcher <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The coupon catcher <NUM> may retain coupons as described above with respect to the coupon catcher <NUM>. For example, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The coupon catcher <NUM> may be disposed in the bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM> axially between the cutter <NUM> and the one or more split rings <NUM>. Again, in certain embodiments, the one or more split rings <NUM> may have a similar construction to the one or more split rings <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The one or more split rings <NUM> may retain and/or grip a coupon as described above with respect to the one or more split rings <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

The one or more split rings <NUM> may be coupled to a first mandrel <NUM>. The first mandrel <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore therethrough. In certain embodiments, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be movable relative to the coupon catcher <NUM>. For example, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be movable with the first mandrel <NUM> relative to the coupon catcher <NUM>. In addition, the one or more split rings <NUM> may be movable within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be coupled to a second mandrel <NUM>. For example, in certain embodiments, the housing <NUM> may be coupled to the second mandrel <NUM> by a ring <NUM>. The second mandrel <NUM> may be disposed within an inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the second mandrel <NUM> may be biased axially by a spring <NUM> acting against the second mandrel <NUM>. When a weight is applied to the annular cutter catching device <NUM> to cut a coupon, the force of the weight may be transferred through the housing <NUM> to the second mandrel <NUM>. As such, a force of the weight may compress the spring <NUM>. In response, the coupon catcher <NUM> and the housing <NUM> may move axially relative to the one or more split rings <NUM> and the first mandrel <NUM>. As the cutter <NUM> cuts a coupon, the coupon may be forced into a set of fingers 606A of the coupon catcher <NUM> and into contact with one of the one or more split rings <NUM>, such as split ring 608A. Split ring 608A may retain and/or grip the coupon as described above, with respect to the one or more split rings <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Once the cutter <NUM> finishes cutting the coupon, the weight on the annular cutter catching device <NUM> may be released. As such, the spring <NUM> may bias the second mandrel <NUM> toward a relaxed position, shown in <FIG>. The biasing force of the spring <NUM> may be transferred from the second mandrel <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> and the coupon catcher <NUM> may move axially relative to the one or more split rings <NUM>, the first mandrel <NUM>, and the coupon. The movement of the coupon catcher <NUM> may permit the coupon to move entirely through the coupon catcher <NUM> as the coupon catcher <NUM> moves between the open position to the closed position.

<FIG> depicts a schematic diagram of an annular cutter catching device <NUM> having a spiral grapple <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the annular cutter catching device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a cutter <NUM>, and the spiral grapple <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be a tubular mandrel having an inner bore therethrough. The cutter <NUM> may cut a coupon. In certain embodiments, the cutter <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the spiral grapple <NUM> may be disposed within the inner bore <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the spiral grapple <NUM> may abut a surface opposite of a cutting surface of the cutter <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the spiral grapple <NUM> may be formed from a metal. In certain embodiments, the spiral grapple <NUM> may have an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cutter <NUM>. The spiral grapple <NUM> may receive the coupon in the inner diameter. As the coupon enters the spiral grapple <NUM>, the spiral grapple <NUM> may compress. For example, the coupon may contact the inner diameter of the spiral grapple <NUM> and compress the spiral grapple <NUM>, similar to a spring. The compression of the spiral grapple <NUM> may expand the inner diameter of the spiral grapple <NUM>, decreasing a force on the coupon. The spiral grapple <NUM> may relax to an uncompressed state and grip and/or retain the coupon. A force acting on the spiral grapple <NUM> in the direction of the cutter <NUM> may extend the spiral grapple <NUM>. For example, the tension on the spiral grapple <NUM> may decrease the inner diameter of the spiral grapple <NUM>, increasing a force on the coupon.

While the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. For example, while some embodiments described herein contain specific combinations of coupon catching mechanisms, other combinations may also be possible. Rather, the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following appended claims.

In an embodiment, an annular cutter catching device may comprise a housing having an inner bore therethrough, a cutter configured to cut a coupon, and one or more slips movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least one slip of the one or more slips are configured to grip the coupon within the inner bore of the housing in the second position.

Each of the one or more slips of the annular cutter catching device may comprise a first ring, and a second ring disposed within an inner diameter of the first ring, the second ring formed of an elastomeric material.

The second ring is configured to move along a surface of the first ring.

In a further embodiment, an annular cutter catching device may comprise a housing having an inner bore therethrough, a cutter configured to cut a coupon, wherein the cutter includes a cutting surface and an asymmetric surface, wherein the asymmetric surface is opposite the cutting surface, and a catch ring disposed within the inner bore of the housing, the catch ring configured to engage the asymmetric surface at a first point and to pivot about the first point to grip the coupon within the inner bore of the housing.

In a further alternative embodiment, an annular cutter catching device may comprise a housing having an inner bore therethrough, a cutter configured to cut a coupon, and a spiral grapple disposed within the inner bore of the housing, the spiral grapple configured to grip the coupon within the inner bore of the housing.

The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.

Claim 1:
An annular cutter catching device, comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) having an inner bore (<NUM>) therethrough;
a cutter (<NUM>) configured to cut a coupon (<NUM>); and
a plurality of split rings (<NUM>) disposed within the inner bore (<NUM>) of the housing, wherein at least one split ring (<NUM>) of the a plurality of split rings (<NUM>) is configured to grip an outer surface (<NUM>) of the coupon (<NUM>) within the inner bore (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), and wherein a successive split ring (108B) of the plurality of split rings (<NUM>) comprises a smaller inner diameter than a diameter of a preceding split ring (108A) of the plurality of split rings (<NUM>).