Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing friction in a radial drilling application. The method involves coating the interior of a deflector shoe with a lubricant. Lubrication of the deflector show can be accomplished by applying a wet lubricant to the interior of the deflector shoe or spraying a dry lubricant on the interior of the deflector shoe. The method can further include coating a hose and/or a jet nozzle, passing the hose and/or jet nozzle through the coated interior of the deflector shoe. The method can further include coating components of a milling cutter, and passing the components of the milling cutter through the coated interior of the deflector shoe. An apparatus for reducing friction in a radial drilling application is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a shaft-less energy storage flywheel system. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a solid cylindrical flywheel having permanent motor magnets mounted about the flywheel. The shaft-less energy storage flywheel system also includes a motor stator having motor windings carrying electrical currents. The motor windings of the motor stator are aligned with the permanent motor magnets of the flywheel such that rotation of the flywheel is induced through interaction of the motor winding currents and the magnetic field of the permanent motor magnets. The flywheel provides a magnetic flux path for the permanent motor magnets. In certain embodiments, the shaft-less energy storage flywheel system includes a magnetic bearing assembly disposed directly adjacent an axial face of the flywheel. The magnetic bearing assembly controls positioning and alignment of the flywheel without physically contacting the flywheel during normal operation.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing for supporting a spinning shaft in the radial direction and/or the axial direction includes a rotor formed on the shaft and a stator positioned around the rotor. Poles in the stator creates a magnetic field that supports the rotor. The number of poles is at least sufficient to produce a selected control force if there is an at least partial loss of current to one or more of the poles. The bearing also includes a set of permanent magnetic elements associated with the poles that create a homopolar, bias magnetic field. A controller connected to the poles is programmed with instructions to change the current to each pole in response to at least a partial loss of current to one or more of the poles and can include a current distribution matrix for determining a current value for each pole in such instances.

Abstract: A magnetic bearing for supporting a spinning shaft in the radial direction and/or the axial direction includes a rotor formed on the shaft and a stator positioned around the rotor. Poles in the stator creates a magnetic field that supports the rotor. The number of poles is at least sufficient to produce a selected control force if there is an at least partial loss of current to one or more of the poles. The bearing also includes a set of permanent magnetic elements associated with the poles that create a homopolar, bias magnetic field. A controller connected to the poles is programmed with instructions to change the current to each pole in response to at least a partial loss of current to one or more of the poles and can include a current distribution matrix for determining a current value for each pole in such instances.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of a rotating member suspended using a magnetic field includes at least one sensor that is operable to detect the position of the rotating member, the sensor further being operable to generate a position reference signal in response to the detected position. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and being operable to generate an actuator control signal in response to receiving the position reference signal. The controller is operable to introduce a phase lead in the actuator control signal in response to a rotational speed of the rotating member. The system further includes at least one actuator in communication with the controller that is operable to adjust the position of the rotating member in response to the actuator control signal by modifying characteristics of the magnetic field.