Abstract: An orientation sensing apparatus includes a rotatable first member, an orientation sensor device fixed with the first member for generating orientation data relating to an orientation sensor device orientation, and a rotation sensor device for generating rotation data relating to rotation of the first member. A method for determining an orientation includes assembling a set of sensor data including the orientation data and rotation data and processing the set of sensor data to generate a set of corrected orientation data. The set of corrected orientation data includes the orientation data which has been corrected using the rotation data to reduce the effects of rotation of the first member and misalignment of the gravity sensor device. One or more sets of corrected orientation data may be processed to determine an inclination orientation of the first member or a toolface orientation of a second member which is connected with the first member.

Abstract: An orientation sensing apparatus includes a rotatable first member, an orientation sensor device fixed with the first member for generating orientation data relating to an orientation sensor device orientation, and a rotation sensor device for generating rotation data relating to rotation of the first member. A method for determining an orientation includes assembling a set of sensor data including the orientation data and rotation data and processing the set of sensor data to generate a set of corrected orientation data. The set of corrected orientation data includes the orientation data which has been corrected using the rotation data to reduce the effects of rotation of the first member and misalignment of the gravity sensor device. One or more sets of corrected orientation data may be processed to determine an inclination orientation of the first member or a toolface orientation of a second member which is connected with the first member.

Abstract: A telemetry system and method for communicating information axially along a drill string comprised of a drive train supported within a housing. The system includes an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string for conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information between a first axial position and a second axial position in the drill string, which axial conducting loop extends between the first and second axial positions. A transmitter transmits information to the axial conducting loop. The drive train includes a downhole end which extends from and is located below the housing. At least one of the first and second axial positions is located in the downhole end. The method includes the step of conducting the axial electrical signal between the first and second axial positions through the axial conducting loop which extends between the first and second axial positions.

Abstract: A drilling shaft deflection assembly for a drilling direction control device of the type comprising a rotatable drilling shaft and a housing for supporting a length of the drilling shaft for rotation therein. The deflection assembly is contained within the housing and is axially located between a first support location and a second support location for bending the drilling shaft between the first support location and the second support location. The deflection assembly includes a deflection mechanism for imparting lateral movement to the drilling shaft to bend the drilling shaft, a deflection actuator for actuating the deflection mechanism in response to longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator, and a deflection linkage mechanism between the deflection mechanism and the deflection actuator for converting longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator to lateral movement of the drilling shaft.

Abstract: A telemetry system and method for communicating information axially along a drill string comprised of a drive train supported within a housing. The system includes an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string for conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information between a first axial position and a second axial position in the drill string, which axial conducting loop extends between the first and second axial positions. A transmitter transmits information to the axial conducting loop. The drive train includes a downhole end which extends from and is located below the housing. At least one of the first and second axial positions is located in the downhole end. The method includes the step of conducting the axial electrical signal between the first and second axial positions through the axial conducting loop which extends between the first and second axial positions.

Abstract: A drilling shaft deflection assembly for a drilling direction control device of the type comprising a rotatable drilling shaft and a housing for supporting a length of the drilling shaft for rotation therein. The deflection assembly is contained within the housing and is axially located between a first support location and a second support location for bending the drilling shaft between the first support location and the second support location. The deflection assembly includes a deflection mechanism for imparting lateral movement to the drilling shaft to bend the drilling shaft, a deflection actuator for actuating the deflection mechanism in response to longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator, and a deflection linkage mechanism between the deflection mechanism and the deflection actuator for converting longitudinal movement of the deflection actuator to lateral movement of the drilling shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data transmission or telemetry system and a method for communicating information axially along a drill string. The method includes the step of conducting an axial electrical signal embodying the information between a first axial position in the drill string and a second axial position in the drill string through an axial conducting loop formed by the drill string, which axial conducting loop extends between the first and second axial positions. The system includes the axial conducting loop for conducting the axial electrical signal embodying the information between the first and second axial positions and a transmitter for transmitting the information to the axial conducting loop. The system further preferably includes a receiver for receiving the information from the axial conducting loop. Finally, the portion of the drill string forming the axial conducting loop is preferably comprised of a downhole motor drilling assembly.