Abstract: A torque transfer system includes a drive shaft threaded into a housing. The drive shaft includes shaft splines. The housing includes housing splines. A sleeve includes inner splines and outer splines. The inner splines are configured to interlock with the shaft splines and the outer splines are configured to interlock with the housing splines.

Abstract: A torque transfer system includes a drive shaft threaded into a housing. The drive shaft includes shaft splines. The housing includes housing splines. A sleeve includes inner splines and outer splines. The inner splines are configured to interlock with the shaft splines and the outer splines are configured to interlock with the housing splines.

Abstract: It is desirable to secure a lower end of a down hole assembly in the event of a down hole failure, such as a fractured drive shaft, enabling recovery of the bottom hole assembly and drill bit. To secure the lower end of the down hole assembly, a catch apparatus according to embodiments herein may be used, the catch apparatus including a rotating bearing having a distal end threadably coupled to a distal portion of a drive shaft. The apparatus may also include a stationary bearing having a proximal end threadably coupled to a distal end of an outer housing. A catch ring may be threadably coupled to a proximal end of the rotating bearing, the catch ring having a shoulder radially overlapping a shoulder of the stationary bearing.

Abstract: It is desirable to secure a lower end of a down hole assembly in the event of a down hole failure, such as a fractured drive shaft, enabling recovery of the bottom hole assembly and drill bit. To secure the lower end of the down hole assembly, a catch apparatus according to embodiments herein may be used, the catch apparatus including a rotating bearing having a distal end threadably coupled to a distal portion of a drive shaft. The apparatus may also include a stationary bearing having a proximal end threadably coupled to a distal end of an outer housing. A catch ring may be threadably coupled to a proximal end of the rotating bearing, the catch ring having a shoulder radially overlapping a shoulder of the stationary bearing.

Abstract: Apparatuses, tools, assemblies, and methods are disclosed for reducing vibration. A shock absorption apparatus may include a stator and a rotor inside the stator. A first piston section may be included and define a first piston chamber having a first piston therein. The first piston chamber may be fluidly coupled to a first end portion of an annulus defined in a region between the stator and the rotor. A second piston section may also be defined and may include a second piston chamber with a second piston therein. The second piston chamber may be fluidly coupled to a second end portion of the annulus.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided, such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting a portion of the drilling fluid that flows into a drilling assembly comprise diverting the drilling fluid into the annulus of a deviated wellbore at a flow rate corresponding to a velocity that is sufficient to transport cuttings to the surface while drilling progresses. The diverted drilling fluid is directed into the annulus at an angle to prevent erosion of the wellbore wall. The flow rate of the diverted drilling fluid is controlled to establish a fixed flow rate, or alternatively, a variable flow rate. Pressure is dissipated and fluid velocity is reduced as the diverted drilling fluid flows between a high fluid pressure within the drilling assembly to a lower pressure in the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: A drilling assembly, a reamer, and an adjustable diameter stabilizer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The apparatus provides for stabilizing the drilling assembly so that the reamer may be used in back reaming the hole. Retainer means, such as shear pins or spring-biased reciprocating latch members, are provided to prevent premature extension of the adjustable diameter stabilizer's moveable members, including blades and pistons. The shear pins are preferably accessible from the outer surface of the reamer housing so as to expedite field replacement of the shear pins without requiring disassembly of the reamer. The spring-biased latching members repeatedly latch and unlatch so that field replacement is not required, and so that the movable members may be extended and contracted multiple times while the reamer is downhole.

Abstract: An assembly for drilling a deviated borehole includes a bottom hole assembly connected to a string of coiled tubing and includes a bit driven by a downhole motor powered by drilling fluids. A surface pump pumps the drilling fluids downhole through a cross valve to provide a first path directing drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flowbore and a second path directing drilling fluids down the annulus. The bottom hole assembly has a downhole valve allowing flow between the flowbore and the annulus. A first flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flow bore and then up the annulus and a second flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the annulus and the up the flowbore. The bottom hole assembly includes a subsurface pump capable of pumping drilling fluids from the second fluid passageway to the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes an electric motor to rotate the subsurface pump and the motor is provided with power conduits embedded in a wall of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: The drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite coiled tubing having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors may be embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. It may or may not include a propulsion system. The drilling system may be a gravity based drilling system that does include a propulsion system. Various motive means may be provided such as gravity, to apply weight on the bit.

Abstract: A drilling assembly and an eccentric, adjustable diameter reamer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The method and apparatus provide for stabilizing the drilling assembly so that the reamer may be used in back reaming the hole. Retainer means, such as shear pins or spring-biased reciprocating latch members, are provided to prevent premature extension of the reamer's moveable members, including blades and pistons. The shear pins are preferably accessible from the outer surface of the reamer housing so as to expedite field replacement of the shear pins without requiring disassembly of the reamer. The spring-biased latching members repeatedly latch and unlatch so that field replacement is not required, and so that the movable members may be extended and contracted multiple times while the reamer is downhole.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for drilling a deviated borehole includes a bottom hole assembly connected to a string of coiled tubing and includes a bit driven by a downhole motor powered by drilling fluids. A surface pump pumps the drilling fluids downhole through a cross valve to provide a first path directing drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flowbore and a second path directing drilling fluids down the annulus. The bottom hole assembly has a downhole valve allowing flow between the flowbore and the annulus. A first flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the coiled tubing flow bore and then up the annulus and a second flow passageway directs drilling fluids down the annulus and the up the flowbore. The bottom hole assembly includes a subsurface pump capable of pumping drilling fluids from the second fluid passageway to the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes an electric motor to rotate the subsurface pump and the motor is provided with power conduits embedded in a wall of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for diverting a portion of the drilling fluid that flows into a drilling assembly comprise diverting the drilling fluid into the annulus of a deviated wellbore at a flow rate corresponding to a velocity that is sufficient to transport cuttings to the surface while drilling progresses. The diverted drilling fluid is directed into the annulus at an angle to prevent erosion of the wellbore wall. The flow rate of the diverted drilling fluid is controlled to establish a fixed flow rate, or alternatively, a variable flow rate. Pressure is dissipated and fluid velocity is reduced as the diverted drilling fluid flows between a high fluid pressure within the drilling assembly to a lower pressure in the wellbore annulus.

Abstract: A thrust absorber is interposed between a thruster and an anchor that cooperate to axially displace another member. The thrust absorber includes an enclosure fixed to the anchor and a retainer connected to the thruster. A biasing member is operably associated with the retainer. During an overthrust condition, the thruster imparts a thrust force to the member, but the member is not substantially axially displaced. In such a condition, the biasing member absorbs the thrust that the thruster would otherwise impart to the member. A dampener is also included to dampen the movement of the thruster and anchor when the anchor is no longer anchoring the thruster.

Abstract: An actuator assembly is a valveless, high pressure, positive displacement, axial drive system including a hydraulic fluid reservoir and a hydraulic enclosure in an actuator housing with a bi-directional pump assembly driven by an electric motor and a piston assembly disposed within the hydraulic enclosure. The bi-directional pump accurately displacing the piston a given distance to exert a large drive or actuation force and to maximize that actuation force given a limited electrical current transmitted to the motor. Because the pump is bi-directional, the piston can be repositioned after actuation by reversing the direction of flow through the pump without using valves to direct the hydraulic fluid flow. The actuator assembly may also include a piston repositioning assembly connected to the hydraulic enclosure.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: A steering assembly includes upper and lower tubular housings connected by a universal joint. An angle cam is disposed on the end of the lower housing and projects into the upper housing. A plurality of wedge members extend axially from the upper housing and into engagement with the angle cam. Drive trains are connected to the wedge members to move the wedge members toward and away from the angle cam so as to pivot the lower housing at the universal joint and change the angle and azimuth of the lower housing with respect to the upper housing. The lower housing is connected to a bearing pack supporting a drill bit such that upon changing the angle and azimuth of the lower housing, the direction of the drilling of the drill bit is also changed. The steering assembly being connected to composite tubing having conductors in the wall thereof for conducting data and commands between the steering assembly and a processor at the surface and for providing power to the steering assembly.

Abstract: A thrust absorber is interposed between a thrusting means and an anchoring means that cooperate to axially displace another member. The thrust absorber includes an enclosure fixed to the anchor means and a retainer connected to the thrusting means. A biasing member is operably associated with the retainer. During an overthrust condition, the thrusting means imparts a thrust force to the member, but the member is not substantially axially displaced. In such a condition, the biasing means absorbs the thrust that the thrusting means would otherwise impart to the member. A dampener is also included to dampen the movement of the thrusting means and anchoring means when the anchoring means is no longer anchoring the thrusting means.