Abstract: An electrical insulated threaded connection includes a conductive box with a plurality of internal threads, a conductive pin with a plurality of external threads, and a double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve disposed between the conductive pin and box. The double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve comprises a plurality of external threads that mate with the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and a plurality of internal threads that mate with the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin. In certain embodiments, the double-threaded electrical insulator sleeve fills a full volume between the plurality of internal threads of the conductive box and the plurality of external threads of the conductive pin, and there are no voids or pockets between any of the mating threads.

Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a drill direction continuously during a drill operation comprising the steps of: selecting a desired downhole response value; computing from a preset mathematical relationship a corresponding surface control value; setting the surface control variable to the desired surface control value; measuring the surface control variable continuously downhole and computing at downhole an averaged surface control value; computing a corresponding downhole response value from the averaged measured surface control value; and setting the downhole response variable to the computed downhole response value.

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: A method and system for downhole pulse generation determines an optimal frequency and, in some embodiments, amplitude of axial pressure pulses to maximize the rate of penetration. Specifically, one or more sensors may be disposed on or near an axial oscillation tool that provides near real-time raw sensor data relating to speed, velocity, and acceleration of the tool. With this sensor data, an optimal set of parameters, namely an optimal frequency and, in some embodiments, amplitude may be determined based on the hydraulic conditions and frictional forces of the actual drilling environment. An optimizing control system may directly communicate these parameters to the axial oscillation tool or pass the parameters to an axial oscillation tool control system that controls the operation of the tool. Advantageously, frictional forces may be substantially reduced, the rate of penetration may be substantially enhanced, and power consumption may be intelligently managed.