Deployment tool and method

Abstract

A tool for installation in a drill string for delivering, retrieving, activating and/or deactivating one or more downhole tools for performing one or more down-hole functions with a drill string, the tool comprising: an outer body, a control shaft with at least one fluid path from the inside to the outside of the control shaft, a wireline coupling for connection to a wireline, and a lodgement assembly that is deployable to secure the tool within the drill string and/or bottom hole assembly and allow fluid flow in the fluid path when the tool has reached an installed position, the lodgement assembly comprising: a latch that is free to deploy when the tool reaches the installed position, and a valve with a valve actuator with movement interdependent on and/or constrained by the latch, wherein during installation: if the tool reaches the installed position, the latch is free to deploy and the valve actuator is free to move into an operational position that permits fluid flow in the fluid path, if the tool does not reach the installed position, the latch is not free to deploy and constrains the tethered valve actuator in a closed position that prevents fluid flow in the fluid path.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.