SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING A HOUSINGLESS TUBING ANCHOR CATCHER

Abstract

A housingless tubing anchor catcher (TAC) is described herein. While the TAC can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a mandrel that defines an internal channel and a first cone and a second opposing cone that are each threadingly coupled to the mandrel such that movement of the mandrel in a first direction with respect to the cones causes the cones to move closer together. In some cases, a slip is disposed between the first and second cone such that when the cones move closer together, the slip is forced lateral from the TAC to engage an inner wall of the casing. In some cases, the TAC lacks a cylindrical outer housing that extends around a circumference of the first and second cones. Instead, the first and second cones are coupled together via a cone coupler. Other implementations are also described.

Claims

1. A tubing anchor catcher comprising: a mandrel that defines an internal channel; a first cone; a second cone; a cone coupler that extends between the first cone and the second cone and that is configured to lock a rotational movement of the first cone to a rotational movement of the second cone; and a slip that is at least partially disposed between the first cone and the second cone; wherein the first cone and the second cone are coupled to the mandrel such that when the mandrel is rotated in a first direction with respect to at least one of the first cone and the second cone, the at least one of the first cone and the second cone is configured to move to reduce a distance between the first cone and the second cone to force the slip to move laterally from the tubing anchor catcher, and wherein the tubing anchor catcher lacks a cylindrical outer housing that extends around a circumference of, and that receives, the first cone and the second cone.

2. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, wherein the first cone comprises a first slip protector that is coupled to and that extends laterally from the first cone.

3. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, wherein the second cone comprises a second slip protector that is coupled to and extends laterally from the second cone.

4. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, wherein the cone coupler comprises a first end that is fixedly coupled to either of the first cone and the second cone and a second end that is slidably coupled to the other of the first cone and the second cone.

5. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 4, wherein the cone coupler comprises an elongated plate having an arched end profile.

6. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 5, wherein an outer surface of the first cone defines a first recess receives the first end of the cone coupler, and wherein an outer surface of the second cone defines a second recess that slidingly receives the second end of the cone coupler.

7. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, wherein the cone coupler comprises a first catch that is configured to catch a portion of the slip to prevent the slip from overextending laterally from the tubing anchor catcher.

8. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, further comprising a slip retention mechanism that is configured to limit a proximal movement and a distal movement of the slip with respect to the mandrel where the tubing anchor catcher lacks the cylindrical outer housing.

9. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 8, wherein the slip retention mechanism comprises a protrusion that extends from the mandrel and that is received by a recess defined in a medial portion of the slip, and wherein a tension spring biases the slip medially towards a longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

10. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, further comprising a body nut that is disposed on the mandrel, adjacent to the first cone, wherein the body nut is configured to limit a rotation of the mandrel with respect to the first cone.

11. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 1, wherein the mandrel comprises a full-bore mandrel.

12. A tubing anchor catcher comprising: a mandrel that defines an internal channel; a first cone; a second cone; a cone coupler that extends between the first cone and the second cone and that locks a rotational movement of the first cone to a rotational movement of the second cone; and a slip that is at least partially disposed between the first cone and the second cone; wherein the first cone and the second cone are coupled to the mandrel such that when the mandrel is rotated in a first direction with respect to at least one of the first cone and the second cone, the at least one of the first cone and the second cone moves to reduce a distance between the first cone and the second cone to force the slip to move laterally from the tubing anchor catcher, and wherein the first cone comprises a first slip protector that is coupled to and that extends laterally from the first cone.

13. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 12, wherein the tubing anchor catcher lacks a cylindrical outer housing that extends around a circumference of the first cone and a circumference of the second cone and that receives the first cone and the second cone.

14. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 12, wherein a first end of the cone coupler is fixedly coupled to the first cone and a second end of the cone coupler is slidably received in a recess defined in the second cone.

15. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 14, wherein the second cone comprises a catch that extends over a lateral face of the cone coupler to keep the cone coupler in the recess.

16. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 12, wherein the mandrel comprises a raised ring that extends laterally from an outer surface of the mandrel and that is received by a recess defined in a medial portion of the slip, and wherein a tension spring biases the slip medially towards a longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

17. A tubing anchor catcher comprising: a mandrel that defines an internal channel; a first cone; a second cone; a cone coupler that extends between the first cone and the second cone and that is configured to lock a rotational movement of the first cone to a rotational movement of the second cone; and a first slip, second slip, and a third slip that are each at least partially disposed between the first cone and the second cone; wherein the first cone and the second cone are coupled to the mandrel such that when the mandrel is rotated in a first direction with respect to at least one of the first cone and the second cone, the at least one of the first cone and the second cone moves to reduce a distance between the first cone and the second cone to force the first, second, and third slip to move laterally from the tubing anchor catcher, wherein the mandrel comprises a protrusion that extends from an outer surface of the mandrel and that is received by a first recess defined in a medial portion of the first slip, a second recess defined in a medial portion of the second slip, and a third recess defined in a medial portion of the third slip, and wherein a first tension spring couples the first slip to the second slip, wherein a second tension spring couples the second slip to the third slip, wherein a third tension spring couples the third slip to the second slip, and wherein the first tension spring, the second tension spring, and the third tension spring bias the first slip, the second slip, and the third slip medially towards a longitudinal axis of the mandrel.

18. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 17, wherein the tubing anchor catcher lacks a cylindrical outer housing that is configured to: extend around a circumference of the first cone and the second cone, and receive the first cone and the second cone, from a proximal end of the first cone to a distal end of the second cone, where the distal end of the second cone is configured to be disposed further from a well head when the tubing anchor catcher is introduced into the well head and disposed below the well head.

19. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 17, wherein the first cone comprises a first slip protector that is coupled to and that extends laterally from the first cone.

20. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 19, wherein the second cone comprises a second slip protector that is coupled to and that extends laterally from the second cone.

21. The tubing anchor catcher of claim 17, wherein a first end of the cone coupler is fixedly coupled to the first cone, wherein an outer surface of the second cone defines a recess that slidingly receives a second end of the cone coupler, wherein the second cone further comprises a catch that extends over a portion of a lateral face of the cone coupler to retain the second end of the cone coupler in the recess, and wherein the first cone comprises a first set of slip protectors that are coupled to and that extend laterally from the first cone.

22. The tubing anchor of claim 17, wherein a first end of the cone coupler is disposed in a recess defined in the first cone, wherein the cone coupler comprises an arched-shaped end profile, and wherein the first end of the cone coupler is fixedly coupled to the first cone by a fastener.

23. A method for extracting a tubing anchor catcher from a well casing, the method comprising: cutting a slip protector of a first cone of a tubing anchor catcher, and cutting a slip from the tubing anchor catcher to release the tubing anchor catcher from the well casing, wherein the tubing anchor catcher comprises: a mandrel that defines an internal channel; the first cone, with the slip protector being coupled to and extending laterally from the first cone; a second cone; a cone coupler that extends between the first cone and the second cone and that locks a rotational movement of the first cone to a rotational movement of the second cone; and the slip, with the slip being at least partially disposed between the first cone and the second cone, wherein the first cone and the second cone are coupled to the mandrel such that when the mandrel is rotated in a first direction with respect to at least one of the first cone and the second cone, the at least one of the first cone and the second cone is configured to move to reduce a distance between the first cone and the second cone to thereby force the slip to move laterally from the tubing anchor catcher, and wherein the tubing anchor catcher lacks a cylindrical outer housing that extends around a circumference of the first cone and the second cone and that receives the first cone and the second cone.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The objects and features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting in scope, the systems and methods will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an elevation view of a tubing anchor catcher, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the disclosed systems and methods;

[0033] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the tubing anchor catcher, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 3A shows an elevation view of a mandrel, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the mandrel of FIG. 3A, taken along line 3B-3B, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a first cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 4B shows a first side elevation view of the first cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 4C shows a second side elevation view of the first cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 4D shows a plan view of the first cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 4E shows a cross-sectional view of the first cone taken along line 4E-4E of FIG. 4C, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 5B shows a first side elevation view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 5C shows a second side elevation view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 5D shows a plan view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of the second cone, taken along line 5E-5E of FIG. 5C, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 5F shows a cross-sectional view of the second cone, taken along line 5F-5F of FIG. 5B, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 5G shows a cross-sectional view of the second cone, taken along line 5G-5G of FIG. 5B, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 5H shows a perspective view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 5I shows a first side elevation view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 5J shows a cross section view of the second cone, taken along line 5J-5J of FIG. 5I, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 5K shows a plan view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 5L shows a plan view of a detailed portion of the portion labeled as 5L of the second cone of FIG. 5K, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 5M shows an elevation view of the second cone, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 5N shows a cross-sectional view of the second cone, taken at line 5N-5N of FIG. 5M, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 5O shows a cross-sectional view of the second cone, taken at line 5O-5O of FIG. 5M, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a cone sleeve, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 6B shows a first elevation view of the cone sleeve, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 6C shows a second elevation view of the cone sleeve, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 6D shows a cross-sectional view of the cone sleeve, taken along line 6D-6D of FIG. 6B, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 6E shows a cross-sectional view of the cone sleeve, taken along line 6E-6E of FIG. 6C;

[0061] FIG. 6F shows a cross-sectional view of the cone sleeve, taken along line 6F-6F of FIG. 6C;

[0062] FIG. 7A shows an elevation view of a slip, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the slip, taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 7A, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 7C shows a plan view of the slip, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 7D shows a cross-sectional view of the slip, taken along line 7D-7D of FIG. 7A;

[0066] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of a cone coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0067] FIG. 8B shows an elevation view of the cone coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0068] FIG. 8C shows a plan view of the cone coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 9A-9C shows various views of a drag spring, in accordance with some representative embodiments;

[0070] FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of a body nut, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0071] FIG. 10B shows a first plan view of the body nut, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0072] FIG. 10C shows a cross-sectional view of the body nut, taken along line 10C-10C of FIG. 10B, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0073] FIG. 10D shows a second plan view of the body nut, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0074] FIG. 10E shows a detailed, cross-sectional view of a portion of the body nut labeled as 10E in FIG. 10D, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0075] FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a first coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0076] FIG. 11B shows a plan view of the first coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0077] FIG. 11C shows an elevation view of the first coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0078] FIG. 11D shows a cross-section view of the first coupler, taken along line 11D-11D of FIG. 11C, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0079] FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a second coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0080] FIG. 12B shows a plan view of the second coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment;

[0081] FIG. 12C shows an elevation view of the second coupler, in accordance with a representative embodiment; and

[0082] FIG. 12D shows a cross-section view of the second coupler, taken along line 12D-12D of

[0083] FIG. 12C, in accordance with a representative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of downhole wells, and more particularly to systems and methods for anchoring tubing within a well casing. In some cases, the described systems and methods include a housingless tubing anchor catcher (TAC). While the described TAC can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a mandrel that defines an internal channel, and a first cone and a second opposing cone that are each threadingly coupled to the mandrel such that movement of the mandrel in a first direction with respect to the cones causes the cones to move closer together. In some cases, one or more slips are disposed between the first cone and the second cone such that when the cones move closer together, the slips are forced laterally from the TAC (e.g., to engage an inner wall of a casing). In some cases, the TAC lacks a cylindrical outer housing that receives and extends around a circumference of the first and second cones. Instead, the first and second cones are coupled together via one or more cone couplers that extend between the first and second cones to lock the rotation of the two cones together while allowing the mandrel to twist with respect to the two cones. In some cases, slip protectors extend directly from one or both of the cones to protect the slips as the TAC is moved in the casing. Additionally, in some cases, the TAC includes a slip retention mechanism that limits proximal and distal movement of the slips with respect to the mandrel. While such a mechanism can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a ring on the mandrel that fits into a recess in a medial side of each slip, with one or more tension springs biasing the slips medially toward a center of the TAC.

[0085] A description of embodiments will now be given with reference to the drawings. It is expected that the present systems and methods may take many other forms and shapes, hence the following disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims.

[0086] Some competing well anchors have two opposing cones that are configured to move together to move one or more slips laterally out of a well anchor to lock the anchor in place within a casing. In most, if not all, such well anchors, the two opposing cones are disposed within an elongated sleeve, cage, or other cylindrical housing. Indeed, in some cases, a proximal end of a housing (or the end of the housing that is to be disposed closer to a well head when the well anchor is in a well) comprises an end cap. In some such cases, a proximal end of the first (or proximal) cone and a distal end of the second (or distal) cone are both disposed within (either mostly or completely) the housing (e.g., between the end cap and a distal end of the housing).

[0087] In this regard, such a housing can perform a variety of purposes, such as: holding all of the components of the well anchor together; allowing the two cones to have their rotation be locked with respect to the housing such that rotation of a mandrel to which the cones are threadingly coupled causes both of the cones to translate on a mandrel (e.g., either closer together or further apart, depending on the direction the mandrel is twisted); allowing the slips to be withdrawn into the housing to prevent the slips from rubbing against the inner walls of a casing and being dulled as the well anchor is lowered into, or retracted from, the casing; having windows for the slips, with the windows acting as limiters that prevent the slips from moving too far proximally (e.g., towards a well head) and distally (e.g., away from the well head); retaining the slips next to the mandrel if the slip springs (or other biases) are compromised; and a variety of other important functions.

[0088] While such housings form a critical part of some well anchors, such housings can also have one or more characteristics that can make the corresponding well anchors' use challenging. For instance, while it can be desirable to maximize an inner diameter of a mandrel (e.g., to maximize fluid flow through the mandrel) and to maximize an annual space between an outer surface of the well anchor and an inner surface of a casing in which the anchor is disposed (e.g., to maximize annular flow), some housings can be relatively thick and thereby cause at least one of an annular flow around the well anchor and an internal flow through the mandrel to be smaller than would be the case if the housing were eliminated. To avoid the problems with housings and to maximize internal flow through a mandrel and annular flow around the described TAC, some embodiments of the described TAC lack a cylindrical sleeve or housing that extends around a circumference of, and that receives, a full length (or at least most) of a first cone and a second cone. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when the described TAC is disposed in a casing, there is no cylindrical housing between the first and second cones and the casing.

[0089] While the described TAC can have any suitable component that allows it to: anchor tubing in place, catch tubing that becomes disconnected from the tubing string (hence allowing it to function as a tubing catcher), provide internal fluid flow through its mandrel, provide annular flow around the TAC when it is disposed in a casing, or to perform any other suitable function, FIGS. 1-12D (and in particular, FIGS. 1-2) show that, in some embodiments, the TAC 20 comprises one or more mandrels 25, first cones 30, second cones 35, cone sleeves 40, slips 45, slip retention mechanisms 50, cone couplers 55, drag springs 60, body nuts 65, first couplers 70, second couplers 75, or any other suitable components.

[0090] While the described TAC 20 can function in any suitable manner, in some such embodiments (as mentioned earlier), the first 30 and second 35 cones are threadingly and movably coupled to the mandrel 25, with one or more cone couplers 55 locking the rotation of the first cone with that of the second cone such that the mandrel is able to twist in a first direction with respect to the first and second cones to cause the cones to translate along the mandrel so as to move towards each other, or to twist in a second direction with respect to the cones to cause the cones to translate along the mandrel so as to move away from each other. Indeed, in some such embodiments, one or both of the cones comprise drag springs that are configured to help create fiction between the TAC and an inner wall of a casing such that when the TAC is in the casing and the mandrel is twisted (e.g., as the tubing coupled to the mandrel via the first coupling 70 is twisted) in one direction, the mandrel is turned within the cones, while the cones are prevented by the drag springs from twisting, or at least from twisting as much as the mandrel. In some such embodiments, as one or more slips are disposed between the first and second cones, such slips are forced out laterally from the TAC so as to force the slips into contact with the casing and to lock the TAC in place when the first and second cones are forced close enough together (e.g., by twisting the mandrel in a first direction). In contrast, in some such embodiments, when the first and second cones are moved sufficiently far apart from each other (e.g., as the mandrel is twisted in a second direction), the slips are allowed to be pulled medially back towards a longitudinal axis of the TAC to release the TAC from the casing. To further describe the TAC, its aforementioned components are described below:

[0091] With respect to the mandrel 25, the mandrel can comprise any suitable feature that allows fluid to flow through it, that allows it to be coupled to a tubing string, or that allows it to be coupled to one or more cones (e.g., the first cone 30 or the second cone 35) such that one or more of the cones can translate along a length of the mandrel to force one or more slips 45 to move laterally to selectively lock the TAC 20 within a casing. In some embodiments, the casing has any diameter that allows it to perform its function of housing tubing string and allowing tubing string to be secured by the TAC 20. In some embodiments, the casing has an inner diameter of between about 5 cm and about 35 cm, or within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the casing has an inner diameter of between about 7.3 cm and about 27.3 cm or between about 10 cm and about 15 cm. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 3A-3B show some embodiments in which the mandrel 25 defines an internal channel 80, cone threads 85 for coupling with one or more cones (e.g., 30 or 35), or coupler threads 90 for coupling with one or more couplers (e.g., first couplers 70 or second couplers 75), tubing strings, pumps, seat nipples, or any other suitable components that can be coupled to the TAC.

[0092] With respect to the internal channel 80, the internal channel can have any suitable inner diameter that allows the TAC 20 to function as intended. Indeed, in some embodiments, the internal channel has an inner diameter of between about 2 cm and about 16 cm, or within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the mandrel 25 is between about 2 cm and about 10.2 cm or between about 2.5 cm and about 6.3 cm. Thus, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the mandrel in the described TAC can be as large as, or even larger than, the internal diameters of some mandrels in well anchors that have an outer cylindrical housing.

[0093] With respect to the cone threads 85, some embodiments of the mandrel 25 comprise a single set of cone threads to allow one cone (e.g., the first cone 30 or the second cone 35) to translate (e.g., as the mandrel is twisted with respect to the cone) along a portion of a length of the mandrel, with the other cone being fixed in position along a length of the mandrel (e.g., with the other cone being fixed at a particular position along the length of the mandrel, but not necessarily being rotationally fixed to the mandrel). In such embodiments, the cone threads can be disposed in any suitable location along a length of the mandrel, including at a proximal portion (or top end) or a distal portion (or bottom end) of the mandrel. Thus, in some such embodiments, when one cone is forced closer to the other cone, one or more of the slips 45 that are disposed between the cones are forced laterally from the TAC 20. In contrast, when one cone moves away from the other in such embodiments, the slips are allowed to move back into the TAC (or medially towards a longitudinal axis 83 of the mandrel or TAC, shown in FIG. 3A).

[0094] In some embodiments, however, instead of only comprising a single set of cone threads 85, the mandrel 25 comprises a set of cone threads for the first cone 30 (e.g., at a first end of the mandrel) and a second set of cone threads for the second cone 35 (e.g., at a second end of the mandrel). In some such embodiments (as shown in FIG. 3A), the first set of cone threads 86 runs in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the second set of cone threads 87, such that when the mandrel 25 is twisted in a first direction with respect to the first and second cones (e.g., the mandrel twists but the cones do not), the first and second cones are forced to translate along the mandrel to move closer together (e.g., to force the slips 45 out), and when the mandrel is twisted in a second direction with respect to the first and second cones, the first and second cones are forced to translate along the mandrel such that the cones move further from each other (e.g., to allow the slips to move medially back into the TAC 20).

[0095] The cone threads 85 can have any suitable shape, profile, gender, pitch, handedness, number of starts, thread length, thread angle, thread shape, root shape, depth, flank, crest configuration, geometric parameters, or other configuration that allows them to function as intended. Indeed, although some embodiments of each set of cone threads comprises a single thread, in some other embodiments, one or both sets of cone threads each comprise multi-start threading (or have two, three, four, five, or more threads that are intertwined, that run parallel to each other, and that have their starts equidistantly offset from each other). Thus, in some embodiments in which one or both of the cone threads comprise multi-start threading, the slips 45 can be engaged with, or disengaged from, the casing with significantly less twisting of the mandrel than do some embodiments in which the cone threads only comprise a single start.

[0096] Regarding the coupler threads 90, the coupler threads can comprise any suitable shape, profile, gender, pitch, handedness, number of starts, thread length, thread angle, thread shape, root shape, depth, flank, crest configuration, geometric parameters, or other configuration that allows them to couple the mandrel to one or more couplers (e.g., the first 70 or second 75 couplers), tubing strings, pumps, seat nipples, or any other suitable components that can be coupled to the TAC 20. Indeed, in some embodiments, the coupler threads comprise standard threading that allows them to couple with one or more standard couplers.

[0097] With respect to the first cone 30 and the second cone 35, each of the cones can be disposed in any suitable location on the mandrel 25. Indeed, in some embodiments, the first cone is disposed at a distal end of the mandrel while the second cone is disposed at the proximal end of the mandrel. Nevertheless, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the first cone 30 is disposed at the proximal end P of the mandrel 25 while the second cone 35 is disposed at the distal end D of the mandrel 25.

[0098] The first 30 and second 35 two cones can have any suitable characteristics that allows one or both of them to help push one or more slips 45 (or portions of one or more slips) laterally from the TAC 20 as the mandrel 25 is twisted in a first direction or to allow the slips to move medially as the mandrel is twisted in a second direction. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 4A-5O show several features that are optionally included with one or both of the cones. Indeed, FIGS. 4A, 4E, 5A, and 5E show that some embodiments of the first 30 and second cones 35 comprise one or more internal cone threads 95 that are configured to threadingly engage with corresponding cone threads 85 on the mandrel 25 to allow the cones to translate along the mandrel as it is twisted.

[0099] Additionally, the ends of the first 30 and second 35 cones that flank the slips 45 (e.g., distal end of the first cone 30 and the proximal end of the second cone 35) can be any suitable shape that allows one or both of the cones to contact the slips 45 to move the slips laterally or to allow the slips to move medially (depending on the direction the mandrel is twisted). Indeed, in some embodiments, the adjacent ends of the cones are squared, flat, ramped, sloped, tapered, chamfered, rounded, wedge-shaped, or otherwise shaped to engage a medial portion of a slip 45 to help actuate the slip (e.g., to move the slip laterally or to allow it to move medially, depending on the rotation of the mandrel). By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 4B shows that, in some embodiments, a distal end 100 of the first cone 30 is wedge-shaped. Similarly, FIG. 5B shows that, in some embodiments, a proximal end of the second cone 35 is also wedge-shaped.

[0100] As another example of a suitable characteristic of the first 30 and second 35 cones, some embodiments of one or both of the cones include one or more slip protectors that are coupled to, that extend laterally from a side of one or both of the cones, and that are configured to extend further from a lateral side of the cones than do the slips 45 when the slips are retracted (e.g., when the cones are moved apart from each other). Thus, in some embodiments, as the described TAC 20 is moved within a casing, the slip protectors (and not the slips themselves) are prone to contact the casing to thereby protect the slips from being dulled or scratching the casing.

[0101] Where the first 30 and second 35 cones comprise one or more slip protectors, the slip protectors can extend any distance laterally away from a lateral wall of the cones. Indeed, in some embodiments, the slip protectors extend to a lateral distance (LD), as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5C of between about 1 mm and about 12 cm, or within any subrange thereof. For instance, some embodiments of the slip protectors extend laterally between about 3 mm and about 8 cm more than another external lateral surface of the corresponding cone.

[0102] Where one or both of the cones (e.g., the first cone 30 and the second cone 35) comprise one or more slip protectors 110, such slip protectors can be disposed in any suitable location on one or both cones that allows the protectors to perform their intended function. Indeed, while the slip protectors can be offset (e.g., partially or completely) around a circumference of the TAC 20 with respect to one or more slips, FIG. 1 shows that, in some embodiments, each of the slip protectors 110 are aligned around the circumference of the TAC with a corresponding slip 45. Moreover, FIG. one shows that, in some embodiments, the first cone 30 comprises one or more slip protectors 110 that are disposed proximal to a slip 45, while the second cone 35 comprises one or more slip protectors 110 that are disposed distal to the same slip 45.

[0103] Where one or more of the cones (e.g., the first cone 30 or the second cone 35) comprise one or more slip protectors 110, the slip protectors can be coupled to the cones in any suitable manner, including by being formed with the cones via a computer numerical computer machine, being created with the cones via additive manufacturing, being welded to the cones, being bolted to the cones, being coupled to the cones via one or more fasteners, or in any other suitable manner. Indeed, FIGS. 4A-5O show some embodiments in which slip protectors 110 and the first cones 30 and slip protectors 110 and the second 35 cones (or at least portions of the cones) are each formed as monolithic objects.

[0104] In some embodiments, one or more of the slip protectors 110 are optionally configured to limit the proximal or distal movement of one or more slips 45. In this regard, the slip protectors can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to limit a movement of a corresponding slip, including by having one or more contact surfaces, catches, mechanical mechanisms, or other features that are adapted to limit a movement of a slip. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of the slip protectors can perform one or more functions of a conventional outer housing.

[0105] As yet another example of a suitable characteristic of the cones (e.g., the first cone 30 or the second cone 35), in some embodiments, one or both of the first 30 and second 35 cones define one or more recesses that are configured to receive one or more cone couplers 55 (discussed below). By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5B show that some embodiments of the first 30 and second 35 cones define one or more cone coupler recesses 120 to allow a lateral surface of the cone coupler (not shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5B) to be flush or substantially flush with a surrounding surface (e.g., an outer diameter) of the corresponding cone (e.g., to provide improved annular flow around the TAC 20).

[0106] Where one or both of the cones (e.g., the first 30 or second 35 cones) define one or more cone coupler recess 120, such recesses can have any suitable component or characteristic that allows the recesses to receive one or more portions of a corresponding cone coupler 55. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more of the cone coupler recesses comprise a flat or planar surface, an arc-shaped surface, a surface that is configured to mate with a medial surface of a corresponding cone coupler, or any other suitably shaped surface. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B show that, in some embodiments, the cone coupler recesses 120 comprise arc-shaped surfaces to correspond with a medial face 125 of a corresponding cone coupler 55 (as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B). Thus, in some embodiments, the TAC 20 has a relatively consistent outer diameter around a portion of one or both of the cones (e.g., excluding slip protectors 110, fasteners 135, cone coupler catches 130, slips 45, drag springs 60, raised edges 140, or other raised components of the TAC) when the cone couplers are disposed in corresponding recesses.

[0107] As another example of a suitable characteristic of the cones (e.g., the first 30 or second 35 cones), the cones can have any suitable outer diameter (e.g., excluding slip protectors 110, fasteners 135, cone coupler catches 130, slips 45, drag springs 60, raised edges 140, or other raised components of the TAC 20) to provide the TAC with a desired annular flow. Indeed, in some embodiments, the first or second cones have (e.g., when the cone couplers 55 are in place) an outer diameter of between about 4 cm and about 35 cm, or within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the first or second cones have an outer diameter of between about 5 cm and about 25 cm or between about 5 cm and about 20 cm (e.g., between about 7 cm and about 12cm). Thus, in some embodiments, the TAC and its cones have a substantially smaller outer diameter than do some competing well anchors that have a cylindrical outer housing.

[0108] As even an additional example of a suitable characteristic of the cones (e.g., the first 30 or second 35 cones), in some embodiments, one or both of the cones comprise one or more catches that are configured to hold a medial face 125 of a cone coupler 55 adjacent to or against one or both of the cones (e.g., against a surface of a cone coupler recess 120). In this regard, each cone can comprise any suitable type of catch that can hold a cone coupler against the cone (e.g., fixedly or slidingly). Indeed, in some embodiments, one or both of the cones comprise a dovetailed process that is configured to extend into dovetailed groove in a cone coupler, a dovetailed recess that is configured to receive a dovetailed process from a cone coupler, a loop or arch that extends across a cone coupler recess and that is configured to receive a portion of a cone coupler, an arm that is configured to extend over a portion of a lateral face of a cone coupler (and a corresponding cone coupler recess), a fastener that is configured to fixedly secure a cone coupler to the cone, a fastener that is configured to pass through an elongated channel in a cone coupler where the fastener has a head that is larger in width than a width of the channel, or any other suitable component or feature that is configured to hold a cone coupler against the first cone or the second cone. By way of non-limiting, FIGS. 5H, 5I, 5K, 5L, and 5M show some embodiments in which the second cone 35 comprises multiple cone coupler catches 130 (e.g., arms, extensions, protrusions, arches, etc.) that are configured to extend over (e.g., completely or partially across) a lateral surface of a cone coupler (not shown in FIGS. 5H, 5I, 5K, 5L, and 5M) or a cone coupler recess 120 to slidingly receive the cone coupler so as to keep an end of the cone coupler next to the second cone as the mandrel 25 is twisted and as the first and second cones move respect to each other.

[0109] In some embodiments, one or both of the first 30 and second 35 cones (or any other suitable portion of the TAC 20) comprise one or more drag springs 45 to help center the TAC within a casing, to hold the cones in place with respect to the casing so as to help prevent the cones from twisting at the same speed as is the mandrel when the mandrel is twisted to actuate the slips 45, or to perform any other suitable purpose. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1 and 2 show some embodiments in which the second cone 35 comprises one, two, three, four, or more (e.g., three) drag springs 60 that are actually coupled to the second cone (e.g., via one or more screws, bolts, nuts, rivets, pins, welds, or other fasteners 135. In such embodiments, the drag springs can have any suitable shape, including being arched shaped, undulated, angled, V shaped, U shaped, or having any other suitable shape. For instance, 9A and 9C show some embodiments in which the drag springs 60 comprise an arched portion.

[0110] In some embodiments, one or both of the first 30 and second 35 cones comprise one or more guides, slides, protectors, recesses, fasteners, raised edges, protuberances, catches, mechanical engagements, or other features that are configured to keep the drag springs in place, to help the drag springs slide in a desired path, to keep the drag slides from twisting or bending, or to perform any other suitable function. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 5A and 5B show some embodiments in which a proximal portion of the second cone 30 comprises raised edges 140 and a depression 142 to help keep a first end of a drag spring 60 in place. Moreover, FIGS. 5A and 5B show that, in some embodiments, a distal portion of the second cone 35 comprises a slide 144 and raised edges 140 to allow a portion of the drag spring to slide distally and proximally on the second cone, while not being locked within the raised edges, so as to keep the spring from bending radially around the second cone.

[0111] In some embodiments, the first 30 and second 35 cones each comprise a single monolithic object. For instance, in some embodiments, the first cone, the slip protectors 110 (e.g. as discussed above), the internal cone threads, the cone couplers 55, or any combination thereof comprise a monolithic object. In some embodiments, however, one or both of the cones comprise multiple components that are coupled together. In such embodiments, the cones can comprise any suitable components and such components can be coupled together in any suitable manner. For instance, in some embodiments, the internal cone threads 95 of one or both of the first cone and the second cone are provided by one or more sleeves that are coupled to a corresponding cone. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 1, 2, and 6A-6F show that, in some embodiments, the internal cone threads 95 of the second cone 35 are provided by a cone sleeve 40 that, in turn, couples to the second cone 35.

[0112] Where one or both of the cones (e.g., the second cone 35) comprise a cone sleeve 40 that provides the internal cone threads 95, the sleeve can be coupled to the cone (or cones) in any suitable manner, including through the use of one or more fasteners 135, pins, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, welds, adhesives, shear screws, or in any other suitable manner. In some embodiments, however, the cone sleeve is coupled to the second cone via one or more fasteners that are configured to shear (e.g., shear pins 136, as shown in FIG. 1) when enough tension is applied to the fasteners. For instance, in some embodiments in which the TAC 20 is undesirably stuck in a casing, the TAC can be pulled upward in the casing until the shear pins break and the second cone is released from the cone sleeve such that the second cone moves away from the first cone and the slips 45 are allowed to move medially (e.g., when biased by one or more springs, elastic materials, or any other suitable biasing mechanisms) to release the TAC from the casing.

[0113] With reference now to the slips 45, the slips can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to be moved out laterally from the TAC 20 to selectively lock the TAC in a casing and to then be moved medially to release the TAC from the casing (e.g., as the first 30 and second 35 cones translate along the mandrel 25). Indeed, in some embodiments, a lateral surface of the slips comprises on or more ridges, protuberances, teeth (e.g., carbide steel, carbide alloy, diamond, or any other suitable teeth), inserts, knurled surfaces, projections, or any other suitable feature that allows the slips to be selectively locked to a casing. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 7A-7D show some embodiments in which the slips 45 define one or more indentations 145 that are configured to receive one or more inserts (e.g., carbide dowels, not shown).

[0114] In some embodiments, the slips 45 are configured to articulate with one or both of the first 30 and second 35 cones to cause each slip (or a portion thereof) to move laterally when a space between the cones reduces and to move medially when a space between the cones increases. In this regard, the slips can have any suitable characteristic that allows them to function in such a manner. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 7B shows an embodiment in which a medial surface of the slips 45 comprises one or more sloped portions 150 (e.g., at a proximal end and a distal end) that are configured to articulate with the wedge-shaped surfaces of one or both cones (e.g., the first 30 or second 35 cones) to actuate the slips 45.

[0115] In some embodiments, the slips 45 are configured to have their lateral extension from the TAC 20 be limited. In this regard, the slips and any other suitable component of the TAC 20 can have any suitable characteristic that allows the lateral extension of the slips to be limited. Indeed, in some embodiments, the slips comprise one or more projections, couplers, cables, catches, chains, latches, guides, slides, protectors, recesses, fasteners, raised edges, protuberances, mechanical engagements, springs, or any other suitable features that prevent the slips from overextending. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 7A, 7C, and 7D show some embodiments in which one or more projections or feet 155 extend from one or more sides of the slips 45 so as to be captured by a portion of the TAC (e.g., a slip catch 160 of one or more cone couplers 55, shown in FIGS. 8A-8C).

[0116] With reference now to the slip retention mechanism 50, the TAC 20 can comprise any suitable feature that allows the TAC to limit a proximal or distal movement of one or more slips 45. For instance, the TAC can use one or more slip protectors 110 (e.g., as discussed above), projections on the mandrel 25, recesses in the mandrel, tensioners, springs, belly springs, tension springs, recesses in the slip, catches, or any other suitable features to limit proximal or distal movement of the slips. Indeed, in some embodiments, one end of one or more of the slips is pivotally coupled to the mandrel (e.g., to a projection that extends from the mandrel or to any other suitable portion of the mandrel) or to a cone such that when another cone presses against the other end of the slip, the slip is configured to pivot laterally (e.g., to lock the TAC in place). In some embodiments, however, the mandrel comprises one or more projections (e.g., rings 165) that are configured to be received by one or more voids 170 in a medial side 148 of one or more slips (e.g., as shown between FIGS. 2, 3A, and 7B). In some such embodiments, the slip retention mechanism further comprises one or more tension springs 175 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) or any other suitable components that are configured to bias the slips medially.

[0117] With reference now to the cone couplers 55, the cone couplers can comprise any suitable characteristics that allows them to: lock rotation of the first 30 and second 35 cones together; prevent the slips 45 from overextending (e.g., falling out of) the TAC 20, retain the slips in a situation in which the slip tension springs (or other biasing mechanisms) are damaged or otherwise compromised; and allow the TAC to function without a housing (e.g., to prevent the cones from twisting with the mandrel 25, keep the slips properly coupled to the TAC, etc.). Indeed, in some embodiments, each of the cones define a plurality of holes and the cone couplers comprise rods that are sliding received in one or more of the holes to allow the rotation of the cones to be locked to each other and to allow one or both of the cones to translate on the mandrel.

[0118] In some embodiments, however, one or more of the cone couplers 55 each comprise an elongated plate (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C) that is configured to have a first end couple to the first cone 30 and a second end couple to the second cone 35. In such embodiments, the various portions of the cone couplers can couple to the various cones in any suitable manner, including by being: fixedly coupled to, welded to, slidingly coupled to, coupled to with one or more fasteners, or other otherwise coupled to the cones in any suitable manner. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIG. 2 shows that, in some embodiments, a proximal end one or more cone couplers 55 are fixedly coupled to the first cone 30 (e.g., via one or more fasteners 135). Additionally, FIG. 5H shows an embodiment in which a distal end of the one or more couplers 55 (not shown in FIG. 5H) can be slidingly coupled to the second cone 35 via one or more cone coupler catches 130 (e.g., arms, extensions, protrusions, etc.) that extend over a lateral surface of such cone couplers (e.g., over the cone coupler recesses 120). Of course, these configurations could be reversed, with the proximal end of one or more cone couplers being slidingly coupled to the first cone and with the distal end of such couplers being fixed in position with respect to the second cone.

[0119] Where the cone couplers 55 comprise elongated plates (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8A), the plates can comprise any suitable feature that allows them to function as intended. For instance, while some embodiments of the cone couplers comprise flat or planar plates (or plates that have one or more flat or planar portions), some embodiments of the plates are (or comprise portions that are) bowed, arched, arced, angled, undulated, or otherwise have any suitable shape that allows them to function as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 8A and 8C show that, in some embodiments, when viewed from its distal D or proximal P ends, the cone coupler 55 has an arched or arced shape (e.g., to increase a strength of the cone coupler).

[0120] As another example of a suitable characteristic of the cone couplers 55, some embodiments of the cone couplers are configured to help keep the slips 45 from overextending from the TAC 20. While this can be done in any suitable manner, FIGS. 8A-8C show that in some embodiments (as discussed above), the cone couplers 55 comprise one or more slip catches 160 that are configured to catch one or more feet 155 of the slips to keep the slips from overextending laterally from the TAC.

[0121] With reference now to the body nuts 65, some embodiments of the TAC 20 comprise one or more body nuts that are configured to limit rotation of the mandrel 25 with respect to one or both of the first 30 and second 35 cones. In this regard, the body nut can prevent over rotation of the mandrel in any suitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, when the mandrel is twisted too far, the body nut (which is coupled to the mandrel) contacts the first cone (or another component of the TAC) such that the mandrel cannot be twisted further. In some embodiments, however, FIG. 2 shows that the body nut comprises a first catch 180 and the first cone 30 comprises a second catch 185, with the two catches being configured to contact each other to prevent over rotation of the mandrel.

[0122] Where the TAC 20 comprises one or more body nuts 65, the body nuts can couple to the TAC in any suitable manner, including via one or more threads in the nut that receive one or more threads of the mandrel 25, one or more fasteners 135, one or more threaded recesses, or in any other suitable manner. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 10C-10E show some embodiments in which the body nut defines an opening 138 that is configured to receive a threaded fastener (not shown in FIGS. 10C-10E).

[0123] With reference now to the first coupler 70 and the second coupler 75, such couplers can comprise any suitable components or characteristics that allow them to be used to couple the TAC 20 to one or more pumps, pieces of tubing, seat nipples, or to any other suitable objects. By way of non-limiting illustration, FIGS. 11A-12D show that in some embodiments, the first 70 or second coupler 75 comprise one or more coupler threads 90. Additionally, the first and second couplers can have any suitable shape (e.g., having one or more outer portions that are cylindrical, conical, flared, trumpeted, tapered, fluted, chamfered, ramped, rounded, or having any other suitable shape. Indeed, in some embodiments, the first or second coupler has a cylindrical outer shape (or a cylindrical outer shape having an end comprising a truncated cone (e.g., as shown with the first coupler 70 in FIG. 11C). In some other embodiments, however, the first or second cones comprise a first cylindrical portion having a first diameter that tapers to a second cylindrical portion have a second diameter that is smaller than the first (e.g., as shown with the second coupler 75 in FIG. 12C).

[0124] The shapes of the first 70 and second 75 couplers can perform any suitable function. Indeed, in some embodiments, such couplers are configured to help reduce turbulence of fluid passing over the TAC 20, direct fluid around the TAC, reduce eddies around the TAC, serve as a fairing or flow deflector to improve the hydrodynamics of the TAC, direct sand or debris around the TAC, prevent debris accumulation or bridging on the TAC, or to perform any other suitable function.

[0125] The described TAC 20 can be modified in any suitable manner. For instance, although some embodiments of the TAC completely lack an outer housing, some embodiments do comprise an outer housing that varies from those that are currently available. Indeed, in some embodiments, the TAC comprises a tubular outer housing that has a very thin wall (e.g., a wall that is less than about 1 cm thick). In some embodiments, the TAC comprises a shorted outer housing that leaves a portion of the first 30 cone or the second cone exposed out past a proximal end or a distal end of the housing.

[0126] The described systems and methods can be made in any suitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, when the TAC 20 is moved to a desired location in a casing, the mandrel 25 is twisted in a first direction to lock the TAC in place. In some such embodiments, the mandrel is then twisted in a second direction to release the TAC from the casing.

[0127] In some embodiments, if the TAC 20 becomes stuck in place such that it cannot be withdrawn for any reason, one or more of the slip protectors 110 can be cut directly (or at least partially removed) from the proximal most cone (e.g., the first cone 30) to allow the slips 45 to be cut (or at least partially removed) to thereby release the TAC from the casing. In this regard, while the slip protectors and slips can be cut in any suitable manner, in some embodiments, they are cut with a saw blade that forms a cylindrical kerf (e.g., with a coring drill bit, a mill shoe, a wash-over pipe, or any other suitable cutover apparatus). Thus, in some embodiments, the TAC can be removed relatively quickly by cutting off small parts of the TAC (e.g., the slip protectors and slips), as opposed to some competing well anchors that would require significant portions of their housings to be cut off to expose the slips so that the slips could then be cut away.

[0128] In addition to the aforementioned features, the described TAC 20 can have any other suitable feature. Indeed, in some embodiments, the TAC comprises a full-bore TAC. For example, some embodiments of the mandrel 25 comprise a full-bore mandrel or a mandrel that has an inner diameter that is equal in size or substantially equal in size (e.g., being less than 15% larger or smaller than, or within any subrange thereof of) to an inner diameter of a tubing string that is coupled to the TAC. In some embodiments, a full-bore mandrel (e.g., mandrel 25) has an inner diameter of between about 1 cm to about 16 cm, or within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the full-bore mandrel is between about 2 cm and about 10.2 cm or between about 2.5 cm and about 6.3 cm. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the described TAC does not act as a constriction point in the inner diameter of the tubing string. Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer diameter of the described TAC (e.g., the outer diameter of the first 30 and second 35 cones) is smaller than the outer diameter of the housing of some competing full-bore well anchors. Indeed, in some embodiments, the described TAC has an outer diameter that is equivalent or substantially equivalent to (e.g., being less than 15% larger or smaller than, or within any subrange thereof of) an outer diameter of some conventional slimline well anchors (or well anchors that have a mandrel with a reduced inner diameter to accommodate a housing having a reduced outer diameter). In one or more embodiments, a full-bore well anchor such as TAC 20 has an outer diameter of between about 4 cm and about 35 cm, or within any subrange thereof. Indeed, in some embodiments, the TAC 20 has an outer diameter of between about 4 cm and about 30 cm, between about 5 cm and about 25 cm, or between about 5 cm and about 20 cm (e.g., between about 7 cm and about 12 cm). Accordingly, some embodiments of the described TAC provide many, if not all, of the beneficial features of conventional slimline well anchors, while still providing for more flow than can some slimline well anchors. Moreover, some embodiments of the described TAC can have a full bore, while also setting and releasing like a traditional well anchor. Additionally, in some embodiments, the described TAC can be used with relatively large pumps and can provide significantly more well output than can some competing well anchors. Accordingly, some embodiments of the described TAC can provide features that cannot be found on some conventional well anchors that include an outer housing.

[0129] Thus, the present disclosure relates generally to the field of downhole wells, and more particularly to systems and methods for anchoring tubing within a well casing. In some cases, the described systems and methods include a housingless TAC. While the described TAC can have any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a mandrel that defines an internal channel, and a first cone and a second opposing cone that are each threadingly coupled to the mandrel such that movement of the mandrel in a first direction with respect to the cones causes the cones to move closer together. In some cases, one or more slips are disposed between the first cone and the second cone such that when the cones move closer together, the slips are forced laterally from the TAC (e.g., to engage an inner wall of a casing). In some cases, the TAC lacks a cylindrical outer housing that receives and extends around a circumference of the first and second cones. Instead, the first and second cones are coupled together via one or more cone couplers that extend between the first and second cones to lock the rotation of the two cones together while allowing the mandrel to twist with respect to the two cones. In some cases, slip protectors extend directly from one or both of the cones to protect the slips as the TAC is moved in the casing. Additionally, in some cases, the TAC includes a slip retention mechanism that limits proximal and distal movement of the slips with respect to the mandrel. While such a mechanism can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a ring on the mandrel that fits into a recess in a medial side of one or more slips, with one or more tension springs biasing the one or more slips medially toward a center of the TAC.

[0130] Any and all of the components in the drawings, embodiments, implementations, instances, cases, methods, applications, iterations, and other parts of this disclosure can be combined, mixed, or otherwise be used with each other in any suitable manner. Additionally, any component can be removed, separated from other components, modified with or without modification of like components, or otherwise altered together or separately from anything else disclosed herein.

[0131] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, the and other singular references include plural referents, and plural references include the singular, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a gene includes reference to one or more genes, and reference to organisms includes reference to one or more organisms. In addition, where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, and c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, or a combination of all of the listed elements. Moreover, the term or by itself is not exclusive (and therefore may be interpreted to mean and/or) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the term and by itself is not exclusive (and therefore may be interpreted to mean and/or) unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms including, having, such as, for example, e.g. , and any similar terms are not intended to limit the disclosure, and may be interpreted as being followed by the words without limitation.

[0132] In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or otherwise coupled to another objectregardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., distal, proximal, medial, front, back, on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, right-side, left-side, base, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation.

[0133] The described systems and methods may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the described systems and methods is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.