Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a wire access line drum assembly that includes a tubular drum and an insert positionable therein to accommodate wire access lines of varying diameter. The tubular drum has a first and a second end and an inner and outer surface. The insert is positionable adjacent the first end of the tubular drum and has a curved channel formed therein extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular drum. The insert has a ramp substantially coinciding with the outer surface of the drum at a first end portion and extending above the outer surface of the drum at a second end portion adjacent the curved channel. The height of the ramp at the second end portion is selected to be substantially similar to the diameter of the wire access line to be stored on the drum assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a wire access line drum assembly that includes a tubular drum and an insert positionable therein to accommodate wire access lines of varying diameter. The tubular drum has a first and a second end and an inner and outer surface. The insert is positionable adjacent the first end of the tubular drum and has a curved channel formed therein extending between the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular drum. The insert has a ramp substantially coinciding with the outer surface of the drum at a first end portion and extending above the outer surface of the drum at a second end portion adjacent the curved channel. The height of the ramp at the second end portion is selected to be substantially similar to the diameter of the wire access line to be stored on the drum assembly.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a directional drilling instrument that comprises a chassis, a first sensor and a second sensor. The chassis has a longitudinal axis, and the first sensor is coupled to the chassis and oriented at a first angle (w1) relative to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. The second sensor is coupled to the chassis and oriented at a second angle (w2) relative to the longitudinal axis of the chassis. The first and second angles are non-identical and non-orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a wire access line drum assembly, comprising a tubular drum, first and second end portions, and a shaft. The tubular drum includes a first end, a second end, and an inner diameter of a first preselected size. The first and second end portions are coupled to the first and second ends of the tubular drum, and the shaft extends at least partially within the tubular drum. The shaft has an outer diameter of a second preselected size substantially similar to the first preselected size. Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a drum storage system. The drum storage system is comprised of a plurality of wire access line drums and a rack. The plurality of wire access line drums each have a wire access line pre-spooled thereon, and the rack is designed to receive the plurality of wire access line drums in a configuration to permit one or more of the wire access lines to be retrieved from the rack and transported to a job site.

Abstract: A drill string is comprised of a tubular element and an elastomeric element. The tubular element has an interior surface and a longitudinal axis. The elastomeric element is positioned on the interior surface of the tubular element, and includes one or more ribs extending from the interior surface of the tubular element and arranged in a configuration that diverges from the longitudinal axis of the tubular element. The ribs form an opening within the tubular element having a diameter of a preselected size substantially similar to a diameter of a tool to be positioned therein.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a wire access line drum assembly, comprising a tubular drum, first and second end portions, and a shaft. The tubular drum includes a first end, a second end, and an inner diameter of a first preselected size. The first and second end portions are coupled to the first and second ends of the tubular drum, and the shaft extends at least partially within the tubular drum. The shaft has an outer diameter of a second preselected size substantially similar to the first preselected size. Another aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a drum storage system. The drum storage system is comprised of a plurality of wire access line drums and a rack. The plurality of wire access line drums each have a wire access line pre-spooled thereon, and the rack is designed to receive the plurality of wire access line drums in a configuration to permit one or more of the wire access lines to be retrieved from the rack and transported to a job site.