Abstract: A creep-resistant optical fiber attachment includes an optical fiber 10, having a cladding 12 and a core 14, having a variation region 16 (expanded or recessed) of an outer dimension on of the cladding and a structure, such as a ferrule 30, disposed against least a portion of the variation region 16. The fiber 10 is held in tension against the ferrule and the ferrule 30 has a size and shape that mechanically locks the ferrule 30 to the variation 16, thereby holding the fiber 10 in tension against the ferrule 30 with minimal relative movement (or creep) in at least one axail direction between the fiber 10 and the ferrule 30. The ferrule 30 may be attached to or part of a larger structure, such as a housing. The variation 16 and the ferrule 30 may have various different shapes and sizes. There may also be a buffer layer 18 between the cladding 12 and the ferrule 30 to protect the fiber 10 and/or to help secure the ferrule 30 to the fiber 10 to minimize creep.

Abstract: A near bit offset stabilizer for use with a bent sub or bent motor housing is presented wherein a mechanism is provided to correctly orient and lock the stabilizer in a desired position in alignment with the bend angle in the bent sub or bent motor housing. This alignment and locking mechanism comprises a ring nut having a series of radial slots on its lower end; and the provision of a series of corresponding radial slots on the upper end of the stabilizer. The corresponding slots permit mutual interlocking between the ring nut and stabilizer for locking the stabilizer in any one of a plurality of radial positions. A scribe line or other indicia on the stabilizer permits visual alignment with the bend in the bent sub or bent motor housing in the drill string above. Finally, a second nut locks the stabilizer in the selected radial position.

Abstract: An insulating and electrode structure for a drill string is presented. The drill string includes a drill string segment having a recess along an axial length thereof. The recess has a band of elastomeric nonconductive material therein which receives electrodes comprised of rings of conductive elastomeric material.

Abstract: A flexible electrical connector for borehole telemetry apparatus is presented wherein the electrical connector includes an elongated metal tube having an intermediate section coiled around the exhaust shroud of a mud turbine. Electrical conductors are housed within the metal tube, and the tube is internally pressurized with oil, the pressure of the oil being maintained equal to the drilling mud pressure by a bellows exposed to the drilling mud.