Abstract: A wireline protector for protecting an electrical wireline used in a downhole drilling operation. During the operation of adding additional drill string members to the drill string, the electrical wireline is encased by the wireline protector thereby guarding it against damage by any slippage of the slip members. The wireline protector includes an elongated section that is arranged to extend through the opening in the rotary table through which the drill string passes in such a manner so as not to interfere with the drill string and a second section substantially perpendicular to the elongated section. The elongated section has an elongated opening into which the portion of the wireline passing through the rotary table can be inserted so that it is substantially surrounded and guarded by the elongated section. The second section is arranged in engagement with the rotary table so as to maintain the wireline protector in place.

Abstract: A downhole drilling system utilizes a non-rotating kelly bushing for locking in the torque created in the drill string by the downhole drilling motor. The kelly bushing prevents rotational movement of the kelly secured to the drill string on which the downhole motor is attached. The kelly bushing includes a torque mechanism for enabling the kelly and the attached drill string to move in a forward direction into the hole being drilled while prohibiting any rotational movement. The torque mechanism includes a pair of rollers which are adapted to non-rotatably receive and vertically guide the kelly therebetween. The spacing between the rollers is adjustable to accommodate different sized kellys. A guide mechanism is provided in the kelly bushing for enabling an electrical wire to be attached to either the downhole motor or a sensing mechanism located in the area of the downhole motor for feeding back to the surface appropriate electrical signals indicative of certain drilling operations.