Abstract: Connectors and connection systems for connecting two tubing sections together are provided. The connectors can include: a first end having an outer surface and adapted for insertion into an end of the tubing section and a second end adapted for connection to a second connector. The connector can have an attachment block in one aspect with a first threaded aperture and a second threaded aperture passing through it so that axial screws and radial screws can secure the connector to the end of a tubing section before it is connected to another connector. In another aspect, the connector can have an attachment slot provided in an outer surface of the first end of the connector sized to fit a retaining clips so that axial screws can secure the connector to an end of a tubing section before the connector is connected to another connector.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a probe retention member at a desired location within a tubular interior such as in a drill string collar. The assembly may use one or more securing members external to the retention member. In some embodiments most of the stresses from the probe retention structures of the retention member are isolated.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: Arrangements for retaining coiled battery internals in a coiled orientation within a cell casing, in which end caps and/or sleeves are provided with at least one inward-facing protuberance for engaging and securing the coiled battery internals, and means for securing and aligning pouch cell batteries within a sleeve.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: Arrangements for retaining coiled battery internals in a coiled orientation within a cell casing, in which end caps and/or sleeves are provided with at least one inward-facing protuberance for engaging and securing the coiled battery internals, and means for securing and aligning pouch cell batteries within a sleeve.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining a sacrificial wear sleeve on the exterior of an in-pipe device such as an electronics package or probe. In one embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises a ring having a protuberance or lip extending parallel to and against the end of the sleeve, thus pressing the end of the sleeve against the external surface of the device. This has the advantage, in situations where fluids are flowing through the pipe and around the device, of reducing the risk of fluids moving beneath the sleeve and damaging it and/or the underlying device external surface. In another embodiment, the retention mechanism is of unitary construction with the device itself and comprises a protuberance or lip extending parallel to and against the end of the sleeve, thus pressing the end of the sleeve against the external surface of the device.

Abstract: A wireless communications system for a downhole drilling operation comprises a drill string, surface communications equipment, and a downhole telemetry tool. The surface communications equipment comprises a surface EM communications module with an EM downlink transmitter configured to transmit through at least a portion of the drill string an EM downlink transmission at a frequency between 0.5 Hz and 180 kHz. The downhole telemetry tool is mountable to a drill string and has a downhole electromagnetic (EM) communications unit with an EM downlink receiver configured to receive the EM downlink transmission. The downhole EM communications unit can further comprise an EM uplink transmitter configured to transmit an EM uplink transmission at a frequency GO between 0.5 Hz and 180 kHz, in which case the surface EM communications module further comprises an EM uplink receiver configured to receive the EM uplink transmission.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transmitting data to or from a downhole tool while the tool is at or near the surface using a wireless data link. A downhole tool comprising a gap sub having a tubular section with first and second longitudinally spaced-apart electrically-conducting parts that are electrically isolated from each other. An electromagnetic telemetry transmitter is connected to apply a potential difference between the first and second electrically conductive parts. A single-wire bus provides a data connection between one of the first and second electrically conductive parts and a data processor.

Abstract: A downhole system provides a data interface to a first downhole tool such as a steerable rotary tool. The data interface uses a close proximity data connection such as a connection between inductive loops or coils or a direct wired or optical connection. The interface provides data to a second downhole tool in a drill string section adjacent to the first downhole tool. In some embodiments data is passed to a third downhole tool that includes a telemetry transmitter. The third downhole tool may comprise a MWD (measurement while drilling) tool.

Abstract: A method for sealing a gap sub wherein injected material is used to secure a seal member in a gap. The seal member is positioned in the gap, and the material is then injected into the gap and against the seal member, seating the seal member and securing it in place once the material solidifies. The injected material is preferably electrically non-conductive.

Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: A measurement-while-drilling system is integrated into a mud motor. The measurement-while-drilling system includes sensors which may include inclination and tool face sensors, for example, located near to the drill bit. Data from the near bit sensors is transmitted by way of telemetry, for example, EM telemetry. The mud motor may include a rotating electrical coupling which provides good electrical productivity between an uphole coupling of the mud motor and the rotating mandrel. The EM telemetry transmitter may include an electrically-insulating gap integrated with the mandrel of the mud motor.

Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.

Abstract: An assembly for securing a probe retention member at a desired location within a tubular interior such as in a drill string collar, using one or more securing members external to the retention member or isolating most of the stresses from the probe retention structures of the retention member.

Abstract: A gap joint for use with a gap sub for electromagnetic telemetry. The gap joint has a replaceable uphole shoulder on the male gap joint component, which may be composed of a sacrificial material, to extend gap joint useful life where there is electrolysis of the component outside diameter. The gap joint also has a thicker outside diameter seal to reduce the risk of underlying O-ring extrusion and failure, again extending gap joint useful life. The thicker seal may also be able to withstand higher pressures before collapsing or experiencing punctures in unsupported areas. The replaceable shoulder and outside diameter seal can be used separately or together in a gap joint.

Abstract: A sealing member or gasket for sealing a space between two adjacent surfaces, the sealing member having at least one non-helical circumferential extension or ridge configured for size-on-size or press fit engagement with a corresponding recess in at least one of the surfaces being sealed. The sealing member can be formed by molding followed by insertion between the two adjacent surfaces, or by positioning the surfaces adjacent one another and then injecting or pouring the sealing member material into the space and allowing it to solidify in place.

Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.

Abstract: Connectors and connection systems for connecting two tubing sections together are provided. The connectors can include: a first end having an outer surface and adapted for insertion into an end of the tubing section and a second end adapted for connection to a second connector. The connector can have an attachment block in one aspect with a first threaded aperture and a second threaded aperture passing through it so that axial screws and radial screws can secure the connector to the end of a tubing section before it is connected to another connector. In another aspect, the connector can have an attachment slot provided in an outer surface of the first end of the connector sized to fit a retaining clips so that axial screws can secure the connector to an end of a tubing section before the connector is connected to another connector.