Downhole tool deployment safety system and methods

An apparatus for controlling an initiation device for a downhole tool, the initiation device activating the downhole tool upon receiving an initiation signal via a signal conveyance medium, comprising:

• (a) a first device operably connected to the signal conveyance medium, said first device configured to permit signal pass-through upon reaching a pre-determined depth below the earth's surface;
• and
• (b) a second device positioned at the predetermined depth below the earth's surface, said second device adapted to positively engage said first device to provide a positive indication that the predetermined depth has been reached.

An apparatus for controlling an initiation device for a downhole tool, the initiation device activating the downhole tool by generating an energy train that is transmitted via an energy conveyance conduit, comprising:

• (a) a first device operably connected to the energy conveyance conduit, said first device configured to permit selective energy train pass-through upon reaching a pre-determined depth below the earth's surface;
• and
• (b) a second device positioned at the predetermined depth below the earth's surface, said second device adapted to positively engage said first device to provide a positive indication that the predetermined depth has been reached.

A method for controlling an initiation device for a downhole tool, the initiation device activating the downhole tool upon receiving an initiation signal via a signal conveyance medium, the method comprising:

• (a) establishing a relatively stationary location at a predetermined depth below the earth's surface below which the initiation device is allowed to activate the downhole tool;
• (b) preventing the initiation signal to pass to the initiation device while the initiation device is above the relatively stationary location;
• (c) allowing the initiation signal to pass to the initiation device after the initiation device is below the relatively stationary location.

The method of claim 24 further comprising connecting a first device to the energy conveyance conduit;

• configuring the first device to selectively transmit the energy train to the downhole tool;
• positioning a second device at the relatively stationary location;
• and configuring the second device to positively engage the first device to permit energy train transmission to the downhole tool.