Abstract: A rotor bearing system configured to operatively couple a progressing cavity machine to an external device can comprise a housing including an inner surface defining a first bore extending through the housing along a central axis, a first bearing arranged on the inner surface, and a shaft member including an outer surface extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the shaft member and a second bearing arranged on the outer surface, the second bearing the second bearing configured to contact the first bearing to limit eccentric motion of the driveshaft of the external device and the rotor head of the progressing cavity machine relative to a stator of the progressing cavity machine during rotation of the rotor head, the shaft member, and the driveshaft.

Abstract: A fluid operated drilling device for drilling a hole said device having a hammer, a rotation device and a drill rod. The hammer includes a tubular main body, a back head, a cylindrical piston housing, a reciprocating piston, a space, a valve unit and a fluid pressure supply unit. A hollow portion of the piston is open to lead pressurized operating fluid directly to the hollow portion from the fluid pressure supply passage. The hammer includes an axial exhaust passage formed between the main body and the piston housing. The valve unit includes a valve exhaust passage and the piston has a lower part and an upper part detachably connected to each other. The invention also relates to a method for drilling a hole using the fluid operated drilling device.

Abstract: An auto-adjustable directional drilling apparatus comprises: a drive-shaft housing; a drill collar coupled to the drive-shaft housing; a drive shaft passing through the drive-shaft housing and the drill collar; an active stabilizer fixed to the drive-shaft housing and movably coupled to the drill collar; a sliding assembly comprising a base support fixed to the drill collar and a sliding base coupled to the drive-shaft housing, wherein the base support defines a slide way and the sliding base is slidably disposed in the slide way; and an actuating module coupled to the sliding base to drive the sliding base to slide along the slide way. An auto-adjustable directional drilling method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a drilling speed increasing device driven by a downhole motor for generating shock vibration. The device uses the rotational energy of a screw motor as power to drive a lower vibration starter to rotate. Vibration starting steel balls have the function of reducing friction in the interior. During axial reciprocating motion of the upper vibration starter, a spring matched with the upper vibration starter is periodically compressed to generate spring energy. The spring energy reacts on the lower vibration starter and a main shaft connected with a drill bit, so as to periodically provide drilling pressure for the drill bit. Periodic motion of the upper vibration starter and the spring produces periodic axial vibration on the tool.

Abstract: A percussion device that includes: —an input side; —an output side; —at least one drive transmitter; —a drive transmitter pathway; —a percussion impactor; and —a percussion anvil; where: the drive transmitter pathway is a circumferential pathway around a longitudinal axis of the percussion device; —the drive transmitter pathway includes at least one tooth section including a lift section and a lead section; —the at least one tooth section is essentially one wavelength of a sawtooth wave; —the lift section is inclined away from a base of the drive transmitter pathway; —the lead section is a section of the tooth section which abruptly returns to the base of the drive transmitter pathway; —the input side is rotationally isolated from the percussion impactor; —the percussion anvil is attached to, or forms part of, the output side; —the percussion impactor includes an impact end and a force input end which are longitudinally opposite terminal ends of the percussion impactor; and —the impact end faces the percussio

Abstract: A driveshaft transmission assembly may include a coupling mechanism for coupling a radial bearing assembly to a driveshaft. The coupling mechanism may include a bearing cap for creating an interference fit with a downhole portion of the radial bearing assembly. The coupling mechanism may include locking pins and a retention sleeve to retain the locking pins in grooves of the driveshaft and openings in the radial bearing sleeve. The radial bearing assembly may include a catch mechanism for preventing the loss of certain driveshaft transmission assembly components downhole in the event of a failure of the driveshaft transmission. The coupling mechanism may prevent the loss of the driveshaft downhole subsequent to separation of certain driveshaft transmission assembly components.

Abstract: Systems and methods of down-hole power generation are disclosed, which provide for the generation of electrical power in a down-hole environment for use by down-hole tools such as logging tools, telemetry, and electric control circuit. The electrical generator is operably coupled to a turbine shaft of a hydraulic turbine, and operates at a first rotational speed in response to a rotation of the turbine shaft. The turbine shaft is also coupled to a down-hole actuator such as a rotary drill bit such that the actuator operates at a second rotational speed in response to the rotation of the turbine shaft. A gearbox is operably coupled between the actuator and the turbine shaft to permit operation of the generator and actuator at different rotational speeds by the rotation of the turbines shaft.

Abstract: A longer-lasting, lower cost, more powerful, all metal, mud motor than the presently available progressing cavity type mud motors for drilling boreholes into the earth. A mud motor apparatus possessing one single drive shaft that turns a rotary drill bit, which apparatus is attached to a drill pipe which provides high pressure mud to the mud motor, wherein the drive shaft receives at least a first portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a first hydraulic chamber within the apparatus, and receives at least a second portion of its rotational torque from any high pressure mud flowing through a second hydraulic chamber within the apparatus. A typical mud motor apparatus possesses two or more hydraulic chambers, each having its own power stroke, and return stroke, which act together in a controlled fashion to provide continuous power to a rotary drill bit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating an azimuth of at least part of a bottomhole assembly (BHA) in a borehole intersecting an earth formation, the BHA comprising magnetic material. Methods include conveying the BHA into the borehole; using a first sensor disposed on the BHA to produce a first measurement of a component of a magnetic field at a first borehole depth; estimating the axial component at the first borehole depth in dependence upon the first measurement; estimating an azimuth of at least a part of the BHA at the first borehole depth using the axial component; and controlling drilling operations with the BHA in dependence upon the azimuth. The magnetic field includes an axial component and a plurality of non-axial components unaligned with the axial component. The magnetic field is affected by the magnetic material and the first measurement is representative of at least one non-axial component of the plurality.

Abstract: A downhole tool string comprising a motor unit (3) having a rotational shaft rotating with a rotational motor speed; a gear section; an operational tool having a tool shaft rotated by the gear section (5) at a lower rotational speed than that of the rotational shaft; and a pump unit (8) having a rotor shaft rotated by the motor unit (3) for providing fluid around or past an operational tool (6). The pump unit (8) is arranged between the gear section (5) and the operational tool (6).

Abstract: A universal joint for use in a downhole drill string includes a planetary gear to convert eccentric rotation in the drill string to axial rotation.

Abstract: A wellbore assembly is provided that can include a first motor housing assembly member and a second motor housing assembly member that can bend relative to the first motor housing assembly at a bend location. The assembly can also include a first inclinometer positioned on assembly side of the bend location to determine a first inclination and a second inclinometer positioned on a second side of the bend location to determine a second inclination. Based on the first and second inclinations, the amount of bend or bend direction of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member can be determined.

Abstract: A drill string comprising a bit portion, a distal extension portion, a proximal extension portion, and a connecting portion. The bit portion is operatively connected to the distal extension portion and the connecting portion operatively connects the distal extension portion to the proximal extension portion to define supply path and a return path. The supply path extends through the distal proximal extension portion, the connecting portion, the distal extension portion, and the bit portion to a cutter region associated with the bit portion. The return path extends from the cutter region through the bit portion, the distal extension portion, the connector portion, and the proximal extension portion.

Abstract: A directional drilling sub comprises a housing, a coupling mechanism arranged within the housing, and a tilt drive shaft extending within the housing and has a first end coupled to the coupling mechanism and a second end coupled to a drill bit. The sub further comprises an upper eccentric assembly arranged within the housing to support the tilt drive shaft at the first end which includes an upper inner eccentric ring nested within an upper outer eccentric ring and a lower eccentric assembly arranged within the housing to support the tilt drive shaft at the second end which includes a lower inner eccentric ring nested within a lower outer eccentric ring, wherein rotational movement of at least one of the upper and lower inner or outer eccentric rings tilts the tilt drive shaft within the housing and thereby alters an azimuthal tool face orientation of the drill bit.

Abstract: A gearbox for a roller in a spinner wrench is provided. In some embodiments, the gearbox can be disposed internally to the roller and can include a sun and planet type epicyclical gear-reduction assembly. In further embodiments, the gearbox can include a second sun and planet type epicyclical gear-reduction assembly to provide for a second, or final, stage reduction. Some embodiments can provide for reduction-ratios close to 3:1 and can be driven by a relatively small motor. The planet gears can be used to drive an annular gear which can spin the roller. In some embodiments, the gearbox can use high-capacity bearings.

Abstract: A milling device is disclosed. The milling device may have a shaft. The shaft may have a shaft axis (A). The milling device may also have a spindle drum rotatably mounted relative to the shaft axis (A) and rotatable about a spindle drum axis (B) coaxial to the shaft axis (A). Further, the milling device may have a plurality of tool spindles rotatably mounted in the spindle drum and rotatable about tool spindle axes (D). Each tool spindle axis (D) may be parallely arranged and spaced apart from the shaft axis (A) and may have a same distance to the shaft axis (A). The milling machine may also have a plurality of machining tools carried by the tool spindles. At least two of the plurality of machining tools may be positioned displaced from one another in a direction of the shaft axis (A).

Abstract: A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore. The workstring is connected to a bit member. The apparatus includes a mandrel operatively connected to a downhole motor mechanism, an anvil member operatively formed on the bit member, the anvil member being operatively connected to the mandrel, a radial bearing housing unit operatively connected to the workstring, with the radial bearing housing unit being disposed about the mandrel, and a hammer member slidably attached to the radial bearing housing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rotating segment having a first radial surface, a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface, a housing disposed around the first and second radial surfaces, and one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment. The non-rotating element may be a second rotating element that rotates at a different rotational rate than the rotating element. Each rolling element moves 360 degrees along a circular path relative to the first radial surface and the second radial surface. The first or second radial surface has a tapered section.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a downhole tool comprising a central element/member and a sleeve that is rotatably and orbitally disposed around the central element/member. The sleeve rotates and orbits around the central element/member responsive to fluid flowing through the downhole too. The disclosure is also related to a method of advancing the downhole tool in a well by flowing fluid through the tool.

Abstract: Rotational locking mechanisms for drill string assemblies, bottom hole assemblies, and drilling motors are presented herein. A fluid-driven motor assembly is disclosed for use in a drill string to drill a borehole in an earth formation. The drill string includes a drill pipe and a drill bit. The motor assembly includes a housing that is configured to operatively connect to the drill pipe of the drill string to receive drilling fluid therefrom. A stator, which is disposed within the housing, is configured to rotate at a stator speed. A rotor is disposed within the stator and coupled to the drill bit. The rotor is configured to rotate at a rotor speed. The motor assembly also includes a rotational locking assembly operatively coupled to the rotor and the housing. The rotational locking assembly is configured to prevent the stator speed of the stator from exceeding the rotor speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A piston assembly may comprise a housing with a wall, and at least one chamber formed in the wall. A piston may be disposed within the chamber and at least one passageway may pass through the piston. At least one pin may be disposed within the passageway and attached to the chamber, and the piston may be free to translate relative to the pin.

Abstract: A down-hole hammer includes a two-piece drill bit retained in a casing having an interior surface with a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed therein. The bit shank and the casing are rotationally connected by a number of pins received in the grooves. A symmetrical free piston divides the casing into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston slides on an air control assembly including a ported tube extending axially from said air supply to an axial bore in the shank of the bit to guide exhaust air through discharge ports at the cutting face of the bit, the bit reciprocating on the end of the tube. The upper and lower check valves in the air control assembly and openable by supply pressure against a spring bias in response to working fluid supply pressure.

Abstract: A disclosed example embodiment of a constant velocity device positionable in a well bore includes a continuously-variable transmission, including an input race coupled to a rotational power input shaft, an output race, and a plurality of transmission elements disposed between the input race and the output race in a planetary formation. The transmission elements are configured to transmit rotational power from the input race to the output race. The constant velocity device also includes a weighted rotor assembly coupled at a first end to the output race. The weighted rotor assembly includes at least two weighted lever arms rotatable about a central axis of a power output shaft coupled to a second end of the weighted lever arms.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a tool string positionable in a wellbore that includes a spur gear driven by a source of input rotation, a planetary gearbox having an attachment structure to connect to the spur gear. The gearbox includes a central sun gear, a collection of planet gears disposed in a planet gear carrier disposed around the central sun gear, and a ring gear disposed around the planet gears and planet gear carrier. The attachment structure drives a hydraulic pump or electrical generator at a rotational speed different than a rotational speed of the source of input rotation.

Abstract: Drill string assemblies, bottom hole assemblies (BHAs), and powertrains for a BHA in a drill string are presented herein. A BHA for use in a drill string to drill boreholes in an earth formation is disclosed. The BHA includes a housing, a drill bit rotatably coupled to the housing, and a fluidly driven motor assembly, such as a positive displacement motor (PDM). The PDM assembly includes a drive shaft to output rotational drive forces generated by the PDM. Also included is a differential gear set with a first gear member coupled to the drive shaft, a second gear member intermeshing the first gear member with the housing, and a third gear member couple to the drill bit. The differential gear set transmits the rotational drive forces from the drive shaft to the drill bit and rotates the drill bit at a speed greater than the speed of the PDM assembly.

Abstract: A control system for use in a subterranean well comprises at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well and at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well. The at least one control line connects each power generation device to surface and is adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates the electrical power to be supplied to the at least one apparatus.

Abstract: A system to harvest mechanical energy in a wellbore, wherein the mechanical energy comes from motion. The system uses mechanical energy coming from at least one of: motion of a drill bit, motion of a drill string, motion of flowing air or drilling mud down the drill string to the drill bit and up an annulus between the drill string and the wellbore, motion of a bottom hole assembly connected to the drill string. The system can include a plurality of piezoelectric stand bundles, wherein each individual piezoelectric strand can vibrate as the pressure housing moves in the wellbore, thereby producing electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the weight on a drill bit and axial forces along a drill string drilling though an earthen formation. The apparatus comprising an LVDT incorporated into a torsional bearing of a magneto-rheological damping system such that the LVDT senses the relative displacement and accelerations between a bearing mandrel portion and a bearing casing portion of the torsional damper. The LVDT is calibrated with respect to a spring in the damping system that resists relative motion between the bearing mandrel and bearing casing such that the output of the LVDT can be transformed into the force associated with the weight on the drill bit, and the same LVDT accelerations combined with the mass distribution along the drill string to determine axial stresses.

Abstract: A downhole tool for positioning in a wellbore comprises a tool main body, an electric motor disposed within the tool main body, the motor comprising a rotor rotatably attached to a stator, and a linear actuator assembly disposed within the motor for transforming a rotary output of the motor into a linear displacement.

Abstract: A downhole tractor assembly that is configured for open-hole applications and of a self-aligning nature. The self-aligning nature of the assembly is effectuated through a tractor portion which is rotable about an axis of an elongated body of the assembly independent of a separate centralizing portion of the assembly. That is, the tractor portion, configured for interfacing an open-hole well wall of potentially irregular morphology, is independently rotable so as to maintain a position of substantially optimized driving friction at the interface during tractoring. Maintenance of optimized driving friction in this manner may occur irrespective of the orientation of the centralizing portion of the assembly.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components disclosed herein provide propagation of light signals from an external source to a borehole mining mole which includes an optical/electric transducer configured to provide propulsive power for the borehole mining mole and its associated mineral prospecting tools. Some embodiments include one or more umbilicals connected from a remote source location to an onboard reel incorporated with the borehole mining mole. The umbilicals are spooled outwardly or inwardly from the onboard reel during traverse of the borehole mining mole along a path in an earthen environment.

Abstract: A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a pad configured to extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, a motor, a linearly movable member coupled to the motor, a hydraulic unit configured to apply force on the pad, and wherein motion of the motor in a first direction causes the linearly movable member in a first direction to cause the hydraulic unit to exert a force on the pad to extend the pad.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a drill bit that is driven by a downhole turbine. The turbine speed is reduced by cycloidal gearing that requires no temperature sensitive seals when operating temperatures in some applications exceed 350 degrees F. The output shaft of the cycloidal gear reducer goes through a bearing before connection to the drill bit or associated reamer. The motive fluid can be the drilling mud. The bit can be driven at desired speeds such as 50-300 RPM while the speed reduction ratio can be in the order of 10 to 1 or more. This drive assembly can replace Moineau type downhole motor drivers that have temperature limitations due to use of rubber in the stators.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus having a drillstring and operable to rotate the drillstring and operable to provide vibration axially to the drill head. Relies upon vibrational apparatus positioned to provide the vibration reliant upon interactive magnetic arrays, as a consequence of the relative rotation caused by a mechanical input to at least one array or set of arrays of the vibrational apparatus. One of the arrays or sets of arrays moves synchronously, in rotation, with the drillstring when the drillstring is rotated.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is described for moving/controlling objects/mechanisms/systems coupled with a drillstring and/or pipe. The drive mechanism may be axially arranged on a drillstring or pipe, compact, capable of fine control and delivering high torque or the like and may be electrically and/or hydraulically powered. The drive mechanism may comprising a driving member comprising a plurality of drivers linearly translatable with respect to the driving member, each driving member having at their ends a male engaging portion and an associated driven member, comprising a plurality of female receiving portions adapted to receive a male engaging portion, the arrangement being such that linear translation of a driver causes its engaging portion to engage with a female receiving portion and the action of the engaging portion produces a reaction in the receiving portion causing displacement of the driven member in a direction other than that of the translatable driver.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has at least one end adapted to connect to an adjacent tool sting component and a bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. A turbine is disposed within the bore and an actuating assembly is arranged such that a clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect with the turbine.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining stretch or compression of a drill string is disclosed. Sensors are positioned along the drill string for collecting data for determining the stretch or compression. The stretch or the compression of the drill string may be used to calculate depths at which measurements are obtained by tools associated with the drill string.

Abstract: A steerable ground piercing tool includes an elongated outer housing having a lengthwise extending bore and an inner assembly at least in part disposed within the outer housing. The inner assembly includes a rotatable chisel having a longitudinally extending shaft at least in part disposed within the housing bore. The chisel has a first end defining an asymmetric tip and a second end defining a first impact surface for receiving a reciprocating action impact to drive the tool through the ground. The inner assembly further includes a conversion mechanism to selectively convert upon activation thereof at least a first portion of the reciprocating action imparted to the first impact surface into combined reciprocation and rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A wireline tractor includes a displacement mechanism and at least one driving wheel positioned on the displacement mechanism so that the driving wheel is held in a biasing manner against a well wall. The displacement mechanism is rotatable or movable between a first position at which the driving wheel bears against the well wall on one side of the wireline tractor, and a second position at which the driving wheel bears against the well wall on the opposite side of the wireline tractor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ram boring device for creating horizontal boreholes, having an impact piston which moves in an oscillatory manner within a casing of the ram boring device and of which the impact frequency or impact intensity can be varied by displacing the center position of the impact piston inside the casing.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly is run into the wellbore on slickline with a tractor to assist in movement of the bottom hole assembly through a deviation in either direction. The tractor can have retractable drive components and can be responsive to tension in the slickline to turn it on and to avoid overrunning the slickline if driving out.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has an axis of rotation and drill bit body intermediate a threaded end and a working face. The drill bit body houses a jack element protruding from the drill bit body and the jack element has a plurality of inserts disposed on the indenting end.

Abstract: A down hole drilling motor shaft security apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a general body housing threadedly attached to a lower radial bearing housing and an output shaft extending from the lower radial bearing housing. Within the general body housing is a thrust bearing assembly that secures a portion of the output shaft within the general body housing and the lower radial bearing housing. An intermediate sleeve having a capture groove of an elongated predetermined width is threadedly attached to the output shaft. An interference structure that is secured to the general housing extends radially into the capture groove in a manner that prevents axial loads from being transmitted to the intermediate sleeve from the interference structure while the bearing assembly is intact.

Abstract: A device for boring a well. The device is attached to a motor that has a power shaft for imparting rotational movement. The device includes a driver operatively connected to the power shaft, with the driver containing a cylindrical body, a first bit having a first end connected to the driver so that rotational movement of the driver is imparted to the first bit, and a sleeve disposed about the power shaft. The device further includes a housing disposed about the driver, and a second bit attached to the housing. Through engagement of cogs and pinions, rotation of the first bit in a first direction using the driver causes counter rotation of the second bit in an opposite direction, significantly reducing or eliminating reactive torque produced during drilling.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is described for moving/controlling objects/mechanisms/systems coupled with a drillstring and/or pipe. The drive mechanism may be axially arranged on a drillstring or pipe, compact, capable of fine control and delivering high torque or the like and may be electrically and/or hydraulically powered. The drive mechanism may comprising a driving member comprising a plurality of drivers linearly translatable with respect to the driving member, each driving member having at their ends a male engaging portion and an associated driven member, comprising a plurality of female receiving portions adapted to receive a male engaging portion, the arrangement being such that linear translation of a driver causes its engaging portion to engage with a female receiving portion and the action of the engaging portion produces a reaction in the receiving portion causing displacement of the driven member in a direction other than that of the translatable driver.

Abstract: Drilling apparatus having a drillstring and operable to rotate the drillstring and operable to provide vibration axially to the drill head. Relies upon vibrational apparatus positioned to provide the vibration reliant upon interactive magnetic arrays, as a consequence of the relative rotation caused by a mechanical input to at least one array or set of arrays of the vibrational apparatus. One of the arrays or sets of arrays moves synchronously, in rotation, with the drillstring when the drillstring is rotated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component has at least one end adapted to connect to an adjacent tool sting component and a bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. A turbine is disposed within the bore and an actuating assembly is arranged such that a clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect with the turbine.

Abstract: An interference structure is provided in a drilling motor to engage the motor drive shaft assembly if the thrust bearings fail and the drive shaft moves axially a preselected amount. The interference structure is protected from wear common to drilling motor use. The structure assures the recovery of all drilling motor parts if all thrust bearings fail.

Abstract: A piston assembly may comprise a housing with a wall, and at least one chamber formed in the wall. A piston may be disposed within the chamber and at least one passageway may pass through the piston. At least one pin may be disposed within the passageway and attached to the chamber, and the piston may be free to translate relative to the pin.