Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus includes a housing having a first flow bore and a second flow bore, the first flow bore having a drilling fluid flowing therein, a device disposed in the second flow bore to receive a fluid flow, and a diverter disposed between the first and second flow bores, the diverter having a first position preventing the drilling fluid from flowing into the second flow bore and a second position allowing a portion of the drilling fluid to flow into the second flow bore and through the device. Another embodiment includes a variable second position directing the drilling fluid into the second flow bore at a variable flow rate. A further embodiment includes a drill collar as the housing and a power generation assembly as the device to receive the fluid flow. Embodiments of a method of diverting a fluid flow in a downhole tool include diverting a portion of a first fluid flow to a second flow bore, and further varying a flow rate of the fluid to the second flow bore.

Abstract: An embodiment of the apparatus includes a housing having a first flow bore and a second flow bore, the first flow bore having a drilling fluid flowing therein, a device disposed in the second flow bore to receive a fluid flow, and a diverter disposed between the first and second flow bores, the diverter having a first position preventing the drilling fluid from flowing into the second flow bore and a second position allowing a portion of the drilling fluid to flow into the second flow bore and through the device. Another embodiment includes a variable second position directing the drilling fluid into the second flow bore at a variable flow rate. A further embodiment includes a drill collar as the housing and a power generation assembly as the device to receive the fluid flow. Embodiments of a method of diverting a fluid flow in a downhole tool include diverting a portion of a first fluid flow to a second flow bore, and further varying a flow rate of the fluid to the second flow bore.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly for providing an electrical connection between a first component and a second component, wherein the second component is comprised of a tubular member and defines a bore, wherein the first component is received within the bore of the second component, and wherein the first component is comprised of an exterior surface. The electrical connection assembly includes an electrical contact surface associated with one of the exterior surface of the first component and the bore of the second component. Further, a plurality of electrical contact members are associated with the other of the exterior surface of the first component and the bore of the second component, wherein each of the electrical contact members is biased toward the electrical contact surface such that each of the electrical contact members contacts the electrical contact surface.

Abstract: A telemetry system and method for communicating information axially along a drill string comprised of a drive train supported within a housing. The system includes an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string for conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information between a first axial position and a second axial position in the drill string, which axial conducting loop extends between the first and second axial positions. A transmitter transmits information to the axial conducting loop. The drive train includes a downhole end which extends from and is located below the housing. At least one of the first and second axial positions is located in the downhole end. The method includes the step of conducting the axial electrical signal between the first and second axial positions through the axial conducting loop which extends between the first and second axial positions.

Abstract: A telemetry system and method for communicating information axially along a drill string comprised of a drive train supported within a housing. The system includes an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string for conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information between a first axial position and a second axial position in the drill string, which axial conducting loop extends between the first and second axial positions. A transmitter transmits information to the axial conducting loop. The drive train includes a downhole end which extends from and is located below the housing. At least one of the first and second axial positions is located in the downhole end. The method includes the step of conducting the axial electrical signal between the first and second axial positions through the axial conducting loop which extends between the first and second axial positions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thick walled Moineau-style stator entails drawing a thick walled tube through rotatable internal and external dies to form a helical outer profile including crests and through on the tube. The tube initially has one end with a diameter smaller than the others, with the smaller diameter end being inserted between the inner and outer dies, where it is seized and drawn through the dies.

Abstract: A thick walled Moineau-style stator and method of manufacture are disclosed. The outer profile of the stator follows the inner helical profile of the stator. The application of an elastomeric layer to the inner profile of the stator results in a constant thickness for the elastomeric layer and proximity for the walls of the stator. This improves the durability of the motor because of lower heat generation and better heat dissipation. The stator walls also support the elastomeric layer. Further, the thick walls of the preferred stator eliminate the need for additional drill piping or other support provided adjacent the stator. Thus, the cost of additional piping and difficulties placing a stator inside drill pipe or drill string housing are eliminated. Further, the improved strength of thick wall steel when contrasted to a thin wall counterpart allows a higher operating pressure drop for a given stator length, resulting in a higher power output.

Abstract: A thick walled Moineau-style stator and method of manufacture are disclosed. The outer profile of the stator follows the inner helical profile of the stator. The application of an elastomeric layer to the inner profile of the stator results in a constant thickness for the elastomeric layer and proximity for the walls of the stator. This improves the durability of the motor because of lower heat generation and better heat dissipation. The stator walls also support the elastomeric layer. Further, the thick walls of the preferred stator eliminate the need for additional drill piping or other support provided adjacent the stator. Thus, the cost of additional piping and difficulties placing a stator inside drill pipe or drill string housing are eliminated. Further, the improved strength of thick wall steel when contrasted to a thin wall counterpart allows a higher operating pressure drop for a given stator length, resulting in a higher power output.