Abstract: There is provided a wellbore measuring apparatus according to one aspect. The wellbore measuring apparatus includes an outer body that is tubular with spaced-apart ends threaded for connection in line with a drill string. The outer body has a plurality of recesses extending around the outer surface thereof in one or more helical patterns. The wellbore measuring apparatus includes a plurality of sensors operatively coupled to and each positioned within a respective said recess of the outer body. Each sensor is arranged to measure at least one characteristic of a wellbore. The wellbore measuring apparatus may include at least one rib coupled to and extending radially outwards from the outer surface of the outer body. The at least one rib is helical in shape and with the plurality of sensors extending along and being adjacent to the at least one rib.

Abstract: A universal joint, having a first joint member with longitudinally extending arms, each arm having one or more contact surfaces and a second joint member with longitudinally extending arms, where each arm includes one or more contact surfaces. The universal joint also includes one or more independent contact objects disposed between a contact surface of the first joint member and a contact surface of the second joint member. The universal joint also includes a load rod disposed in an axial channel between the first joint member and the second joint member.

Abstract: A safety catch assembly design to prevent loss of drilling components during downhole operation is disclosed. The safety catch assembly can include a lower inner radial bearing comprising a catch ring retention zone. The safety catch assembly can also include one or more catch rings removably disposed in the catch ring retention zone, including a first catch ring having one or more ridges about its inner diameter and a second catch ring having one or more ridges about its inner diameter. In a locked position, the catch rings can retain the drilling components during a failure event.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the profile of a wellbore includes a cylindrical body having first and second ends threaded for connection in line with a drill string. A passage extends through the body between the first and second ends. A plurality of arms are pivotally coupled on an outer surface of the cylindrical body. Each of the arms is biased to pivot so as to move a free end of the arm to move radially away from the outer surface of the body. The plurality of arms are angularly spaced apart around the cylindrical body and arranged in a plurality of tiers. Each of the tiers comprises three or more of the arms. The tiers are spaced apart axially from one another along the cylindrical body. Sensors are operable to directly or indirectly measure radial extension of each of the arms from the cylindrical body. A holding mechanism is operable to hold the arms in a retracted configuration and to selectively release the arms to pivot away from the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A safety catch assembly design to prevent loss of drilling components during downhole operation is disclosed. The safety catch assembly can include a lower inner radial bearing comprising a catch ring retention zone. The safety catch assembly can also include one or more catch rings removably disposed in the catch ring retention zone, including a first catch ring having one or more ridges about its inner diameter and a second catch ring having one or more ridges about its inner diameter. In a locked position, the catch rings can retain the drilling components during a failure event.

Abstract: A universal joint, having a first joint member with longitudinally extending arms, each arm having one or more contact surfaces and a second joint member with longitudinally extending arms, where each arm includes one or more contact surfaces. The universal joint also includes one or more independent contact objects disposed between a contact surface of the first joint member and a contact surface of the second joint member. The universal joint also includes a load rod disposed in an axial channel between the first joint member and the second joint member.