Abstract: A battery, a battery container, and a battery pack, for use downhole in MWD operations, one or more of which incorporates lateral vibration damping. In a preferred embodiment each comprise specialized lateral vibration damping in the form of a plurality of longitudinally-extending resiliently-deformable ridges extending substantially a length of each and circumferentially spaced about an outer periphery. The resiliently-deformable ridges on the battery may be integrally formed and extend radially outwardly from a hollow resiliently-deformable sleeve, and formed of the same resiliently-deformable material of which the sleeve is comprised. The resiliently-deformable ridges on the battery container may extend radially inwardly or outwardly from a periphery thereof. Advantageously, the battery container can thus be free of potting material and thus be reusable when the batteries thereof need be replaced.

Abstract: An elongate battery pack for use in MWD drilling apparatus having torsion damping means at one or both ends thereof to reduce or eliminate “high g” rotational accelerations and decelerations being transmitted from the drill string to the battery pack within the MWD apparatus. In one embodiment the torsion damping means comprises torsion limiting means in the form of an electrical connector which allows electrical communication between the battery pack and remaining components of the MWD apparatus, but which allows relative rotational movement between (i) the MWD apparatus and its associated electrical leads connected to the battery pack, and (ii) the electrical leads in the battery pack connected to the battery therein.

Abstract: A battery, a battery container, and a battery pack, for use downhole in MWD operations, one or more of which incorporates lateral vibration damping. In a preferred embodiment each comprise specialized lateral vibration damping in the form of a plurality of longitudinally-extending resiliently-deformable ridges extending substantially a length of each and circumferentially spaced about an outer periphery. The resiliently-deformable ridges on the battery may be integrally formed and extend radially outwardly from a hollow resiliently-deformable sleeve, and formed of the same resiliently-deformable material of which the sleeve is comprised. The resiliently-deformable ridges on the battery container may extend radially inwardly or outwardly from a periphery thereof. Advantageously, the battery container can thus be free of potting material and thus be reusable when the batteries thereof need be replaced.

Abstract: An elongate battery pack for use in MWD drilling apparatus having torsion damping means at one or both ends thereof to reduce or eliminate “high g” rotational accelerations and decelerations being transmitted from the drill string to the battery pack within the MWD apparatus. In one embodiment the torsion damping means comprises torsion limiting means in the form of an electrical connector which allows electrical communication between the battery pack and remaining components of the MWD apparatus, but which allows relative rotational movement between (i) the MWD apparatus and its associated electrical leads connected to the battery pack, and (ii) the electrical leads in the battery pack connected to the battery therein.

Abstract: A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling servo-actuator for use in mud-pulse telemetry, which determines linear position of a poppet valve therein without counting revolutions of a stepper motor which positions said poppet valve. A sensor senses a magnetic field intensity value, or an inductance value, which is proportional to the position of the poppet valve relative to the sensor. A look-up table of reference outputs corresponding to known position of the poppet valve is used to determine the position of the poppet valve. A method of determining a position of a poppet valve in a mud pulser is further disclosed.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling servo-actuator for use in mud-pulse telemetry, which determines linear position of a poppet valve therein without counting revolutions of a stepper motor which positions said poppet valve. A sensor senses a magnetic field intensity value, or an inductance value, which is proportional to the position of the poppet valve relative to the sensor. A look-up table of reference outputs corresponding to known position of the poppet valve is used to determine the position of the poppet valve. A method of determining a position of a poppet valve in a mud pulser is further disclosed.

Abstract: A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.

Abstract: A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.

Abstract: A mule shoe assembly for use in directional drilling which advantageously has releasable locking means to free the directional orienting tool from engagement with the outer mule shoe in situations where the drill bit may become stuck. The releasable locking means comprises a moveable pin which engages an aperture. A first configuration utilizes detent means and spring biasing of the pin. In a second configuration, the pin is adapted for locking engagement by pressurized downhole drilling mud, and may be disengaged from the aperture when pressure from drilling mud ceases. In a preferred embodiment the pin both has detent means and is spring biased, and also relies on drilling mud pressure to remain in locking engagement. The pin may be disengaged upon removal of drilling mud pressure and application of a positive separation force between the directional measurement tool and associated inner tool member, and outer mule shoe member.