Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved downhole motor designs. In one illustrative embodiment, primary and secondary thrust bearings that are maintained in position by other structural components of the motor without compressive loading of the entire bearing assembly are positioned inside the motor housing for protection from cuttings and debris in the drilling fluid. In some illustrative embodiments, a drive train that features at least one multi-part sectional flex joint may allow for a shortened flex shaft while sufficiently converting eccentric forces from the power source to rotation of the mandrel.

Abstract: Downhole vibratory tools that use fluid flow to reciprocate a rotor in a vibration chamber and associated methods and processes. In a first illustrative embodiment, an elongated external housing allows connection to a drillstring, behind a downhole drill. From a top sub, fluid flows through a first flow plate and spiral flow chamber to enter a central vibration chamber in a spiral direction and exits the vibration chamber through a counterpart second flow plate and spiral flow chamber. A rotor is disposed in the vibration chamber. The spiral flow through the vibration chamber causes the rotor to reciprocate around the vibration chamber, thereby creating vibrations that are transmitted to the drillstring. Methods of use include deploying the vibration tool to improve rates of penetration and enhances reach by creating resonance vibrations against the wall of a wellbore to effectively break static friction.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to improved downhole motor designs. In one illustrative embodiment, primary and secondary thrust bearings that are maintained in position by other structural components of the motor without compressive loading of the entire bearing assembly are positioned inside the motor housing for protection from cuttings and debris in the drilling fluid. In some illustrative embodiments, a drive train that features at least one multi-part sectional flex joint may allow for a shortened flex shaft while sufficiently converting eccentric forces from the power source to rotation of the mandrel.

Abstract: Downhole vibratory tools that use fluid flow to reciprocate a rotor in a vibration chamber and associated methods and processes. In a first illustrative embodiment, an elongated external housing allows connection to a drillstring, behind a downhole drill. From a top sub, fluid flows through a first flow plate and spiral flow chamber to enter a central vibration chamber in a spiral direction and exits the vibration chamber through a counterpart second flow plate and spiral flow chamber. A rotor is disposed in the vibration chamber. The spiral flow through the vibration chamber causes the rotor to reciprocate around the vibration chamber, thereby creating vibrations that are transmitted to the drillstring. Methods of use include deploying the vibration tool to improve rates of penetration and enhances reach by creating resonance vibrations against the wall of a wellbore to effectively break static friction.