Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating fluid pulses in a fluid column, such as within a downhole well, are disclosed. A described example fluid pulse generator utilizes a moveable flow conduit through which at least a portion of a downwardly flowing fluid column will pass. The moveable flow conduit can be moved, such as by pivoting, in and out of registry with other components defining the fluid flow path to provide resistance to flow of a selected duration and pattern, and thereby to generate pressure pulses within the fluid column detectable at the surface. In some examples, magnetic actuators will be used to perform the described pivoting of the moveable flow conduit.

Abstract: In one example, a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter to power wellbore drilling includes a fluid-mechanical device and a rotation transfer device, each positionable in a wellbore drill string. The fluid-mechanical device includes a stator including an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage and a longitudinal guide positioned in the longitudinal passage, which, with the stator, defines an annulus. A rotor cylinder is positioned in the annulus. The rotor cylinder includes a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. The rotor cylinder rotates within the stator along the longitudinal guide in response to the wellbore drilling fluid flow through the annulus. The rotation transfer device transfers at least a portion of a rotation of the rotor cylinder to a wellbore drill bit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating fluid pulses in a fluid column, such as within a downhole well, are disclosed. A described example fluid pulse generator utilizes a moveable flow conduit through which at least a portion of a downwardly flowing fluid column will pass. The moveable flow conduit can be moved, such as by pivoting, in and out of registry with other components defining the fluid flow path to provide resistance to flow of a selected duration and pattern, and thereby to generate pressure pulses within the fluid column detectable at the surface. In some examples, magnetic actuators will be used to perform the described pivoting of the moveable flow conduit.

Abstract: In one example, a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter to power wellbore drilling includes a fluid-mechanical device and a rotation transfer device, each positionable in a wellbore drill string. The fluid-mechanical device includes a stator including an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage and a longitudinal guide positioned in the longitudinal passage, which, with the stator, defines an annulus. A rotor cylinder is positioned in the annulus. The rotor cylinder includes a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. The rotor cylinder rotates within the stator along the longitudinal guide in response to the wellbore drilling fluid flow through the annulus. The rotation transfer device transfers at least a portion of a rotation of the rotor cylinder to a wellbore drill bit.

Abstract: One example of a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage 101 and an inner guide cylinder disposed longitudinally within the outer cylinder. The inner guide cylinder and outer cylinder are concentric and define an annulus for fluid flow. A longitudinal guide is attached to an outer surface of the inner guide cylinder and extending outwardly toward an inner surface of the outer cylinder. The rotor is positioned in the annulus to be eccentric relative to the outer cylinder. The rotor has a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. Fluid flowing through the annulus imparts a torque on the rotor causing the rotor to nutate within the annulus. The nutational motion of the rotor can be converted into a rotational motion using a suitable rotary output device.

Abstract: One example of a nutating fluid-mechanical energy converter includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes an outer cylinder having a longitudinal passage 101 and an inner guide cylinder disposed longitudinally within the outer cylinder. The inner guide cylinder and outer cylinder are concentric and define an annulus for fluid flow. A longitudinal guide is attached to an outer surface of the inner guide cylinder and extending outwardly toward an inner surface of the outer cylinder. The rotor is positioned in the annulus to be eccentric relative to the outer cylinder. The rotor has a sidewall with a guide opening to receive the longitudinal guide. Fluid flowing through the annulus imparts a torque on the rotor causing the rotor to nutate within the annulus. The nutational motion of the rotor can be converted into a rotational motion using a suitable rotary output device.