Abstract: Variably configurable anti-rotation device (252) in a rotary steerable subterranean drill (20). The rotary steerable subterranean drill (20) includes a housing (46) with which the anti-rotation device (252) is associated. Wellbore engaging portions of the anti-rotation device (252) are positioned at an exterior (52) of the housing (46) and have a plurality of differently configurable, radially deployable drag members (254) that are peripherally spaced about the exterior (52) of the housing (46). The drag member (254) has a plurality of settable operational configurations wherein, within each configuration, the drag member (254) is deployable across a borehole engaging range of motion spanning from a start position to a maximally extended, borehole engaging position. Additionally, for at least two of the plurality of settable operational configurations, the start position of the borehole engaging range of motion is different.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in an apparatus having a housing and a shaft which is rotatably connected with the housing. A shaft extension extends from the interior of the housing at a first housing end. The shaft extension defines a first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly includes a first thrust bearing for transferring a first axial load between the shaft and the housing. The first thrust bearing is located axially between the first housing end and the first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly also includes a radial bearing for transferring a radial load between the shaft and the housing. The radial bearing is located within the interior of the housing.

Abstract: Rotational locking mechanisms for drill string assemblies, bottom hole assemblies, and drilling motors are presented herein. A fluid-driven motor assembly is disclosed for use in a drill string to drill a borehole in an earth formation. The drill string includes a drill pipe and a drill bit. The motor assembly includes a housing that is configured to operatively connect to the drill pipe of the drill string to receive drilling fluid therefrom. A stator, which is disposed within the housing, is configured to rotate at a stator speed. A rotor is disposed within the stator and coupled to the drill bit. The rotor is configured to rotate at a rotor speed. The motor assembly also includes a rotational locking assembly operatively coupled to the rotor and the housing. The rotational locking assembly is configured to prevent the stator speed of the stator from exceeding the rotor speed of the rotor.

Abstract: In an apparatus having a housing, a housing bore, and a shaft rotatably extending through the housing bore, a rotary seal assembly which includes a seal carrier retainer connected with the housing and defining a cavity surrounding the shaft, a seal carrier positioned within the cavity of the seal carrier retainer, wherein the seal carrier is capable of an amount of radial deflection and tilting both relative to the seal carrier retainer and wherein the seal carrier is retained by the seal carrier retainer so that rotation of the seal carrier relative to the seal carrier retainer is prevented, a rotary shaft seal carried by the seal carrier between the seal carrier and the shaft, and a seal carrier seal interposed between the seal carrier and the seal carrier retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing, a shaft rotatably extending through the housing, and a bearing assembly for supporting the shaft within the housing, wherein the bearing assembly includes a focal bearing assembly for accommodating tilting of the shaft within the housing and a thrust bearing assembly for transferring thrust loads between the housing and the shaft, and wherein the thrust bearing assembly includes at least two thrust bearings arranged in a load sharing configuration and complementary oblique thrust surfaces for transferring thrust loads through the thrust bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing, a shaft rotatably extending through the housing, and a rotary seal assembly contained within the housing for providing a seal between the housing and the shaft. The shaft is capable of an amount of tilting within the housing about a tilting focal point which is axially located along the housing at an axial focal point position. The rotary seal assembly is axially located along the housing at an axial rotary seal position. The axial rotary seal position is substantially axially coincident with the axial focal point position.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in an apparatus having a housing and a shaft which is rotatably connected with the housing. A shaft extension extends from the interior of the housing at a first housing end. The shaft extension defines a first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly includes a first thrust bearing for transferring a first axial load between the shaft and the housing. The first thrust bearing is located axially between the first housing end and the first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly also includes a radial bearing for transferring a radial load between the shaft and the housing. The radial bearing is located within the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in an apparatus having a housing and a shaft which is rotatably connected with the housing. A shaft extension extends from the interior of the housing at a first housing end. The shaft extension defines a first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly includes a first thrust bearing for transferring a first axial load between the shaft and the housing. The first thrust bearing is located axially between the first housing end and the first bearing shaft surface.

Abstract: Wellbore component life monitoring system. A life of a component in a wellbore can be monitored by periodically receiving a load value of a load while the load is being applied to a component in a wellbore. While the load is being applied to the component in the wellbore, a fatigue on the component caused by the load can be periodically determined based, at least in part, on the periodically received load value.

Abstract: Rotational locking mechanisms for drill string assemblies, bottom hole assemblies, and drilling motors are presented herein. A fluid-driven motor assembly is disclosed for use in a drill string to drill a borehole in an earth formation. The drill string includes a drill pipe and a drill bit. The motor assembly includes a housing that is configured to operatively connect to the drill pipe of the drill string to receive drilling fluid therefrom. A stator, which is disposed within the housing, is configured to rotate at a stator speed. A rotor is disposed within the stator and coupled to the drill bit. The rotor is configured to rotate at a rotor speed. The motor assembly also includes a rotational locking assembly operatively coupled to the rotor and the housing. The rotational locking assembly is configured to prevent the stator speed of the stator from exceeding the rotor speed of the rotor.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in an apparatus having a housing and a shaft which is rotatably connected with the housing. A shaft extension extends from the interior of the housing at a first housing end. The shaft extension defines a first bearing shaft surface. The bearing assembly includes a first thrust bearing for transferring a first axial load between the shaft and the housing. The first thrust bearing is located axially between the first housing end and the first bearing shaft surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a multiple motor and/or pump array module for a drilling tool comprises a plurality of motors and/or pumps extending axially along generally parallel axes wherein the pumps are positioned along the axes next to each other in a parallel manner in generally the same axial location.