Articulated universal joint with backlash reduction

A universal joint includes a joint housing and a joint shaft. The joint housing includes a socket having one or more recesses. The joint shaft includes a head positioned in the socket of the joint housing. The head includes one or more lobes corresponding with the recesses of the socket. The universal joint includes a drive key positioned between each lobe drive face and each recess drive face and an anti-backlash key positioned between each lobe back face and each recess back face.

Downhole tool for vertical and directional control

A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades 103 selectively extendable from a housing 101. Each steering blade is extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder 105. Each steering cylinder is coupled to the interior of a mandrel 12 positioned within the housing through an adjustable orifice 109. The adjustable orifice is moved between an open, a partially open and a closed position. The adjustable orifice comprises a manifold orifice (221 fig 6B) of a manifold (217 fig 6B). A valve ring (231 fig 6B) abuts the manifold. The adjustable orifice may generate one or more pressure pulses to transmit data to the surface.

Drilling dynamics data recorder

A drilling dynamics data recorder is positioned within a slot in a downhole tool. The drilling dynamics data recorder may include a sensor package, the sensor package including one or more drilling dynamics sensors and a processor, the processor in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors. The drilling dynamics data recorder may also include a memory module, the memory module in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors and a communication port, the communication port in data communication with the memory module. The drilling dynamics data recorder may further include an electrical energy- source, the electrical energy source in electrical communication with the memory module, the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, and the processor.

Articulated universal joint with backlash reduction

Method and apparatus for generating a low frequency pulse in a wellbore

Downhole tool for vertical and directional control

A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades 103 selectively extendable from a housing 101. Each steering blade 103 is extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder 105. Each steering cylinder 105 is coupled to the interior of a mandrel positioned 12 within the housing 101 through an adjustable orifice 109. The adjustable orifice 109 is be moved between an open and a partially open position. The adjustable orifice 109 is be controlled by a ring valve (215 fig 5A) which is rotatable relative to a manifold (217, fig 5A).

Downhole tool for vertical and directional control

Method and apparatus for generating a low frequency pulse in a wellbore

A pressure pulse tool includes a tool housing, a valve disposed in the housing and having first and second valve components that are each rotatable relative to the housing and that cooperate to open and close a fluid flow path through the valve. The tool may include first and second power section coupled to the first and second valve components, respectively, for rotating the respective valve components. The power sections may each include a turbine rotor and the first and second rotors may have different geometries or may be powered by different amounts of fluid flow therethrough. Flowing fluid through the tool generates a pressure pulse having a desired pressure pulse frequency that may be lower than the first or second turbine rotor would generate alone.

Downhole tool for vertical and directional control

A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades selectively extendable from a housing. Each steering blade may be extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder. Each steering cylinder may be coupled to the interior of a mandrel positioned within the housing through an adjustable orifice. The adjustable orifice may be moved between an open and a partially open position. The adjustable orifice may be solenoid controlled or controlled by a ring valve. The adjustable orifice may generate one or more pressure pulses to transmit data to the surface.

Integrated centerline data recorder

A system includes a sensor carrier and an integrated data recorder. The sensor carrier includes an outer sub body and an inner sub body. The inner sub body is coupled to the outer sub body by a support leg. The inner sub body includes a recess formed therein. The sensor carrier includes a flow path defined as the space between the outer sub body, the inner sub body, and the support leg. The integrated data recorder is positioned within the recess of the inner sub body such that the integrated data recorder is substantially at the centerline of the sensor carrier. The integrated data recorder includes a sensor package including one or more drilling dynamics sensors, a processor, a memory module, and an electrical energy source.

ARTICULATED UNIVERSAL JOINT WITH BACKLASH REDUCTION

A universal joint includes a joint housing and a joint shaft. The joint housing includes a socket having one or more recesses. The joint shaft includes a head positioned in the socket of the joint housing. The head includes one or more lobes corresponding with the recesses of the socket. The universal joint includes a drive key positioned between each lobe drive face and each recess drive face and an anti-backlash key positioned between each lobe back face and each recess back face. 1. A universal joint comprising:a joint housing, the joint housing including a socket, the socket including a recess, the recess including a recess drive face and a recess back face;a joint shaft, the joint shaft including a head, the head positioned in the socket, the head including a lobe corresponding with the recess of the socket, the lobe including a lobe drive face corresponding with the recess drive face and a lobe back face corresponding with the recess back face;a drive key positioned between the lobe drive face and the recess drive face; andan anti-backlash key positioned between the lobe back face and the recess back face.2. The universal joint of claim 1 , wherein the drive key and anti-backlash key are formed from a material that is less wear-resistant than the materials of the recesses of the joint housing and the lobes of the joint shaft.3. The universal joint of claim 2 , wherein the drive key and anti-backlash key are formed from a material that has less material strength or less resilience; has a lower yield strength claim 2 , lower ultimate strength claim 2 , or lower Young's modulus; or is more ductile or malleable than the materials of the lobe and the recess.4. The universal joint of claim 1 , wherein the lobe drive face is engaged to the recess drive face through the drive key and the lobe back face is engaged to the recess back face through the anti-backlash key.5. The universal joint of claim 4 , wherein the anti-backlash key imparts a pre-loading force between ...

Drilling Dynamics Data Recorder

A drilling dynamics data recorder is positioned within a slot in a downhole tool. The drilling dynamics data recorder may include a sensor package, the sensor package including one or more drilling dynamics sensors and a processor, the processor in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors. The drilling dynamics data recorder may also include a memory module, the memory module in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors and a communication port, the communication port in data communication with the memory module. The drilling dynamics data recorder may further include an electrical energy source, the electrical energy source in electrical communication with the memory module, the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, and the processor. 1. A drilling dynamics data recorder positioned within a slot in a downhole tool , the drilling dynamics data recorder comprising:a sensor package, the sensor package comprising one or more drilling dynamics sensors;a processor, the processor in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors;a memory module, the memory module in data communication with the one or more drilling dynamics sensors;a communication port, the communication port in data communication with the memory module; andan electrical energy source, the electrical energy source in electrical communication with the memory module, the one or more drilling dynamics sensors, and the processor.2. The drilling dynamics data recorder of claim 1 , wherein the electrical energy source comprises a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery.3. The drilling dynamics data recorder of claim 2 , wherein the electrical energy source further comprises an energy harvesting device.4. The drilling dynamics data recorder of claim 2 , wherein the drilling dynamics data recorder further comprises:a pressure barrel, wherein the pressure barrel is cylindrical and wherein the sensor package, memory module, processor, and battery ...

COMPOUND ANGLE BEARING ASSEMBLY

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis. 1. A method for forming a bearing assembly comprising:providing an upper housing blank, the upper housing blank having a generally cylindrical outer surface, the longitudinal axis of the upper housing blank defining a bore longitudinal axis;forming a bore through the upper housing blank, the bore defining an upper bearing housing bore, the upper bearing housing bore formed concentrically with the bore longitudinal axis;machining the outer surface of the upper housing blank to form an upper bearing housing outer surface, the upper bearing housing outer surface being generally cylindrical, the longitudinal axis of the upper bearing housing outer surface defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis intersecting the bore longitudinal axis at an angle; andpositioning a driveshaft within the upper bearing housing bore.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising forming a female interface of a threaded interface in the upper housing blank.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising mechanically coupling a lower housing blank to the female interface of the upper housing blank of the threaded interface.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising machining an outer surface of the lower housing blank to form a lower bearing housing outer surface claim 3 , the lower bearing housing outer surface ...

DOWNHOLE TOOL FOR VERTICAL AND DIRECTIONAL CONTROL

A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades selectively extendable from a housing. Each steering blade may be extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder. Each steering cylinder may be coupled to the interior of a mandrel positioned within the housing through an adjustable orifice. The adjustable orifice may be moved between an open and a partially open position. The adjustable orifice may be solenoid controlled or controlled by a ring valve. The adjustable orifice may generate one or more pressure pulses to transmit data to the surface. 1. A downhole tool comprising:a housing rotatably coupled to and positioned about a mandrel;a steering blade positioned on the housing, the steering blade extendable by an extension force to contact a wellbore, the extension force caused by a differential pressure between a steering cylinder and a pressure in a surrounding wellbore, the differential pressure caused by fluid pressure of a fluid within the steering cylinder, the steering cylinder within the housing, the steering blade at least partially positioned within the steering cylinder, the steering cylinder fluidly coupled to a steering port; andan adjustable orifice, the adjustable orifice fluidly coupled between the interior of the mandrel and the steering cylinder, the adjustable orifice adjustable between an open position and at least one of a partially open position and a closed position.2. The downhole tool of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable orifice comprises: two or more input ports, the input ports fluidly coupled to the interior of the mandrel; and', 'two or more output ports fluidly coupled to the steering port, the output ports aligned with the input ports; and, 'a valve cylinder, the valve cylinder includinga piston movable from a partially open position to an open position by a solenoid, the piston including two or more radial grooves, such that when the piston is in the open position, each radial groove fluidly couples an input port ...

COMPOUND ANGLE BEARING ASSEMBLY

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis. 18-. (canceled)9. A bearing assembly for a downhole tool comprising:an upper bearing housing, the upper bearing housing including an upper bearing housing outer surface, the upper bearing housing outer surface being generally cylindrical along a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the upper bearing housing including an upper bearing housing bore formed therein defining an upper bearing housing inner surface, the upper bearing housing bore being generally cylindrical and formed along a bore longitudinal axis, the bore longitudinal axis being formed at an angle to the bearing housing longitudinal axis;a lower bearing housing, the lower bearing housing mechanically coupled to the upper bearing housing, the lower bearing housing including a lower bearing housing bore formed along the bore longitudinal axis defining a lower bearing housing inner surface; anda driveshaft, the driveshaft positioned within and concentric with the upper bearing housing bore and the lower bearing housing bore, such that it extends along the bore longitudinal axis.10. The bearing assembly of claim 9 , further comprising one or more bearings positioned between the driveshaft and one or more of the upper bearing housing inner surface and the lower bearing housing inner surface.11. The bearing assembly of claim 10 , wherein the one or more bearings comprise one or ...

Method and apparatus for generating a low frequency pulse in a wellbore

A pressure pulse tool includes a tool housing, a valve disposed in the housing and having first and second valve components that are each rotatable relative to the housing and that cooperate to open and close a fluid flow path through the valve. The tool may include first and second power section coupled to the first and second valve components, respectively, for rotating the respective valve components. The power sections may each include a turbine rotor and the first and second rotors may have different geometries or may be powered by different amounts of fluid flow therethrough. Flowing fluid through the tool generates a pressure pulse having a desired pressure pulse frequency that may be lower than the first or second turbine rotor would generate alone.

OFFSET SHAFT BEARING ASSEMBLY

An offset shaft bearing assembly includes a drive shaft extending through an outer housing. The drive shaft centerline is at an angle to the centerline of the outer housing. The shaft is coupled to the outer housing by radiused conical bearings which act as thrust and radial bearings. At least one of the radiused conical bearings is offset from the centerline of the outer housing. The radiused conical bearings may include a curved bearing surface, allowing the radiused conical bearings to operate despite angular misalignment. 1. An offset shaft bearing assembly for a downhole tool comprising:an outer housing, the outer housing having a housing centerline;a drive shaft, the drive shaft extending through the outer housing, the drive shaft being generally tubular and having a shaft centerline; andtwo or more radiused conical bearings positioned to couple the drive shaft to the outer housing, at least one radiused conical bearing offset such that the shaft centerline is at an angle to the housing centerline.2. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 1 , wherein the drive shaft comprises a bit coupler to mechanically couple a drill bit to a first end of the drive shaft and a shaft coupler to mechanically couple an output shaft of a mud motor to a second end of the drive shaft.3. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 2 , wherein the shaft coupler comprises a constant velocity joint.4. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 1 , wherein each radiused conical bearing includes a cup portion and a cone portion claim 1 , the cup portion and cone portion contacting at a radiused bearing surface.5. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 4 , wherein the bearing surface is radiused such that the cup portion and cone portion are in contact at the bearing surface.6. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 4 , wherein the cup portion and cone portion further comprise one or more polycrystalline diamond compacts.7. The offset shaft bearing assembly of claim 1 , ...

Articulated universal joint with backlash reduction

A universal joint includes a joint housing and a joint shaft. The joint housing includes a socket having one or more recesses. The joint shaft includes a head positioned in the socket of the joint housing. The head includes one or more lobes corresponding with the recesses of the socket. The universal joint includes a drive key positioned between each lobe drive face and each recess drive face and an anti-backlash key positioned between each lobe back face and each recess back face.

Offset shaft bearing assembly

An offset shaft bearing assembly includes a drive shaft extending through an outer housing. The drive shaft centerline is at an angle to the centerline of the outer housing. The shaft is coupled to the outer housing by radiused conical bearings which act as thrust and radial bearings. At least one of the radiused conical bearings is offset from the centerline of the outer housing. The radiused conical bearings may include a curved bearing surface, allowing the radiused conical bearings to operate despite angular misalignment.

Downhole tool for vertical and directional control

A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades selectively extendable from a housing. Each steering blade may be extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder. Each steering cylinder may be coupled to the interior of a mandrel positioned within the housing through an adjustable orifice. The adjustable orifice may be moved between an open and a partially open position. The adjustable orifice may be solenoid controlled or controlled by a ring valve. The adjustable orifice may generate one or more pressure pulses to transmit data to the surface.

Offset shaft bearing assembly

Compound angle bearing assembly

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Compound angle bearing assembly

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Offset shaft bearing assembly

An offset shaft bearing assembly includes a drive shaft extending through an outer housing. The drive shaft centerline is at an angle to the centerline of the outer housing. The shaft is coupled to the outer housing by radiused conical bearings which act as thrust and radial bearings. At least one of the radiused conical bearings is offset from the centerline of the outer housing. The radiused conical bearings may include a curved bearing surface, allowing the radiused conical bearings to operate despite angular misalignment.

Compound angle bearing assembly

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Compound angle bearing assembly

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forrning the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Downhole vibration tool

A downhole vibration tool includes a body, a mandrel, a spring, and a balance piston. The body may be generally tubular and may have one or more helical slots formed on an inner surface thereof. The mandrel may be generally tubular, may have a bore, and may be positioned at least partially within the body. The mandrel may have one or more helical splines formed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the helical splines engaging the helical slots of the body such that the mandrel is translatable axially relative to the body. The spring may be positioned in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body defined as a spring chamber. The balance piston may be in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body, wherein the balance piston separates an oil-filled chamber from an internal pressure chamber.

Compound angle bearing assembly

A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Offset shaft bearing assembly

Compound angle bearing assembly

Downhole vibration tool

A downhole vibration tool includes a body, a mandrel, a spring, and a balance piston. The body may be generally tubular and may have one or more helical slots formed on an inner surface thereof. The mandrel may be generally tubular, may have a bore, and may be positioned at least partially within the body. The mandrel may have one or more helical splines formed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the helical splines engaging the helical slots of the body such that the mandrel is translatable axially relative to the body. The spring may be positioned in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body defined as a spring chamber. The balance piston may be in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body, wherein the balance piston separates an oil-filled chamber from an internal pressure chamber.

Downhole vibration tool

A downhole vibration tool includes a body, a mandrel, a spring, and a balance piston. The body may be generally tubular and may have one or more helical slots formed on an inner surface thereof. The mandrel may be generally tubular, may have a bore, and may be positioned at least partially within the body. The mandrel may have one or more helical splines formed on an outer surface of the mandrel, the helical splines engaging the helical slots of the body such that the mandrel is translatable axially relative to the body. The spring may be positioned in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body defined as a spring chamber. The balance piston may be in an annular space formed between the mandrel and the body, wherein the balance piston separates an oil-filled chamber from an internal pressure chamber.

Rotor catch for bottomhole assembly

A rotor catch assembly includes a rotor catch housing and a rotor catch stem. The rotor catch housing is tubular and includes a landing ring formed on an inner surface thereof. The rotor catch stem is tubular and includes an annular landing flange about the rotor catch stem. The landing flange is positioned within the bore of the rotor catch housing above the landing ring. The interior of the rotor catch stem defines a rotor catch stem bore, which is coupled to the bore of the rotor catch housing below the landing ring by a rotor catch nozzle. The rotor catch stem includes a piston assembly, burst disk assembly, or nozzle assembly positioned to reduce or stop flow through the rotor catch stem bore through the rotor catch nozzle until the landing flange of the rotor catch stem lands on the landing ring of the rotor catch housing.

Rotor catch for bottomhole assembly

A rotor catch assembly includes a rotor catch housing and a rotor catch stem. The rotor catch housing is tubular and includes a landing ring formed on an inner surface thereof. The rotor catch stem is tubular and includes an annular landing flange about the rotor catch stem. The landing flange is positioned within the bore of the rotor catch housing above the landing ring. The interior of the rotor catch stem defines a rotor catch stem bore, which is coupled to the bore of the rotor catch housing below the landing ring by a rotor catch nozzle. The rotor catch stem includes a piston assembly, burst disk assembly, or nozzle assembly positioned to reduce or stop flow through the rotor catch stem bore through the rotor catch nozzle until the landing flange of the rotor catch stem lands on the landing ring of the rotor catch housing.