Abstract: Telemetry of data from a Remote Data Source (RDS) in a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) for subterranean drilling. The BHA has a Bottom Mounted Mud Pulser (BMMP), a Main Processing Unit (MPU) and an acoustic sensor uphole from the BMMP, a shock absorbing tool downhole from the BMMP, and the RDS downhole from the shock absorbing tool. A first encoded RDS data signal is translated into an acoustic data signal, which follows an acoustic pathway to the acoustic sensor. An acoustic contact assembly sleeve preferably deployed uphole from the shock absorbing tool allows the acoustic data signal to bypass the shock absorbing tool. The acoustic sensor translates the acoustic data signal into a second encoded RDS data signal. The MPU decodes the second encoded RDS data signal into RDS data. The BMMP telemeters the RDS data received from the MPU in at least an uphole direction.

Abstract: A datalink tool comprising an MWD-connected assembly disposed to move relative to an LWD-connected assembly. A hardwired electrical connection is provided between the MWD-connected and LWD-connected assemblies. An oil space is provided such that at least part of the hardwired electrical connection is configured to be immersed in a nonconductive oil contained inside the oil space. A compensator sleeve contributes at least in part to isolation of nonconductive oil in the oil space from drilling fluid residing outside the space. In some deployments, the drilling fluid may be conductive. The compensator sleeve is disposed to expand and relax in response to pressure variations in the drilling fluid, thereby attenuating a corresponding effect of the pressure variations in the nonconductive oil inside the oil space.

Abstract: A datalink tool comprising an MWD-connected assembly disposed to move relative to an LWD-connected assembly. A hardwired electrical connection is provided between the MWD-connected and LWD-connected assemblies. An oil space is provided such that at least part of the hardwired electrical connection is configured to be immersed in a nonconductive oil contained inside the oil space. A compensator sleeve contributes at least in part to isolation of nonconductive oil in the oil space from drilling fluid residing outside the space. In some deployments, the drilling fluid may be conductive. The compensator sleeve is disposed to expand and relax in response to pressure variations in the drilling fluid, thereby attenuating a corresponding effect of the pressure variations in the nonconductive oil inside the oil space.

Abstract: A method for telemetering data from a Remote Data Source (RDS) in a Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) for subterranean drilling. The BHA has a Bottom Mounted Mud Pulser (BMMP), a Main Processing Unit (MPU) and an acoustic sensor uphole from the BMMP, and an RDS downhole from the BMMP. The method includes encoding RDS data into a first encoded data signal; translating the first encoded data signal into an acoustic data signal; causing the acoustic data signal to follow an acoustic pathway at least partially uphole to the acoustic sensor; causing the acoustic sensor to translate the acoustic data signal into a second encoded data signal; causing the MPU to decode the second encoded data signal into RDS data and send said decoded RDS data to the BMMP; and causing the BMMP to telemeter RDS data received from the MPU in at least an uphole direction.

Abstract: A pressure compensator assembly is deployed in a servo-driven mud pulser. The assembly includes a generally tubular compensator sleeve that expands and contracts in a radial direction in order to compensate for pressure differentials across the compensator sleeve. A thrust bearing arrangement is also deployed in a servo-driven mud pulser, the thrust bearing arrangement designed to protect the servo motor from reactive energy caused by servo motor stalls as the motor changes direction of rotation. A torsion bar is deployed in a drill string to protect fragile components and electronics in the drill string by absorbing and smoothing out torsion spikes in the drill string arising from stick-slip events.

Abstract: A pressure compensator assembly is deployed in a servo-driven mud pulser. The assembly includes a generally tubular compensator sleeve that expands and contracts in a radial direction in order to compensate for pressure differentials across the compensator sleeve. A thrust bearing arrangement is also deployed in a servo-driven mud pulser, the thrust bearing arrangement designed to protect the servo motor from reactive energy caused by servo motor stalls as the motor changes direction of rotation. A torsion bar is deployed in a drill string to protect fragile components and electronics in the drill string by absorbing and smoothing out torsion spikes in the drill string arising from stick-slip events.

Abstract: A shock sleeve is positioned above a UBHO sleeve, and both are received inside a substantially tubular sub collar. The shock sleeve is free to reciprocate with respect to the UBHO sleeve and sub collar. A mud pulse transmitter valve is received into the shock sleeve. The shock sleeve is interposed between upper and lower shock springs, which provide compensating compression spring bias to dampen the transmitter valve (as received in the shock sleeve) from vibration or shock forces experienced by the sub collar. At least one shock absorbing compression ring interposed between mating portions of the shock sleeve and transmitter valve also dampens the transmitter valve against vibration or shock. An optional mud filter received over the shock sleeve removes particulate matter from drilling fluid before it encounters the shock sleeve.

Abstract: A shock sleeve is positioned above a UBHO sleeve, and both are received inside a substantially tubular sub collar. The shock sleeve is free to reciprocate with respect to the UBHO sleeve and sub collar. A mud pulse transmitter valve is received into the shock sleeve. The shock sleeve is interposed between upper and lower shock springs, which provide compensating compression spring bias to dampen the transmitter valve (as received in the shock sleeve) from vibration or shock forces experienced by the sub collar. At least one shock absorbing compression ring interposed between mating portions of the shock sleeve and transmitter valve also dampens the transmitter valve against vibration or shock. An optional mud filter received over the shock sleeve removes particulate matter from drilling fluid before it encounters the shock sleeve.

Abstract: A filter assembly including a primary flow passageway having at least one filter deployed therein and a secondary flow passageway having a bypass filter deployed therein is provided. The filter assembly further includes a bypass valve assembly configured to selectively open and close the secondary flow passageway when a fluid pressure is respectively above and below an adjustable, predetermined threshold value. Exemplary embodiments of this invention may be coupled to a drill string and advantageously utilized to filter drilling fluid downhole. Such embodiments tend to advantageously improve the filtering efficiency and safety of drilling operations.

Abstract: An improved servo-driven pulser is disclosed, for use in measurement while drilling applications. In the pulser, a battery powered on-board DC electric motor is used to operate a servo-valve, which in turn adjusts internal tool fluid pressures to cause operation of a main valve to substantially reduce mud flow to a drill bit, thereby creating a positive pressure pulse detectable at the surface. De-energizing the motor driving the pilot valve results in re-adjustment of internal fluid pressures, causing the main valve to reopen, thereby terminating the pressure pulse.