Abstract: A tubular string having a box end and pin end coupled to one another with a threaded attachment and a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes an annular outer thrust ring having an axial end abutting a shoulder on a terminal end of the box end. Included with the coupling assembly is an inner thrust ring, which is also annular, and which has an end that axially abuts a shoulder formed along an outer surface of the pin end. An alternate type of the inner thrust ring is made up of two separate semi-circular members that circumscribe the pin end when positioned in the recess so their arcuate ends adjoin. The inner thrust ring inserts into the outer thrust ring, and has a radial surface on its outer circumference that lands on a shoulder formed along an inner circumference of the outer thrust ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods to cover sensitive areas of downhole tools including a downhole tool having an outer surface including a first position and a second position on the outer surface of the downhole tool, the outer surface having a sensitive area, a downhole sensitive element positioned along the outer surface of the downhole tool at the sensitive area, a movable cover operatively connected to the downhole tool and movable relative to the sensitive area, a control unit configured to generate an activation signal, and an activation mechanism operable in response to the activation signal, the activation mechanism configured to move the movable cover relative to the sensitive area from the first position to the second position, wherein the movement of the movable cover from the first position to the second position one of increases or decreases a portion of the sensitive area covered by the movable cover.

Abstract: A tubular string having a box end and pin end coupled to one another with a threaded attachment and a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes an annular outer thrust ring having an axial end abutting a shoulder on a terminal end of the box end. Included with the coupling assembly is an inner thrust ring, which is also annular, and which has an end that axially abuts a shoulder formed along an outer surface of the pin end. An alternate type of the inner thrust ring is made up of two separate semi-circular members that circumscribe the pin end when positioned in the recess so their arcuate ends adjoin. The inner thrust ring inserts into the outer thrust ring, and has a radial surface on its outer circumference that lands on a shoulder formed along an inner circumference of the outer thrust ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods to cover sensitive areas of downhole tools including a downhole tool having an outer surface including a first position and a second position on the outer surface of the downhole tool, the outer surface having a sensitive area, a downhole sensitive element positioned along the outer surface of the downhole tool at the sensitive area, a movable cover operatively connected to the downhole tool and movable relative to the sensitive area, a control unit configured to generate an activation signal, and an activation mechanism operable in response to the activation signal, the activation mechanism configured to move the movable cover relative to the sensitive area from the first position to the second position, wherein the movement of the movable cover from the first position to the second position one of increases or decreases a portion of the sensitive area covered by the movable cover.