Patents by Inventor Mark J. Clarkson

Mark J. Clarkson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Slip ring apparatus for a rotary steerable tool
    Patent number: 8157002
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a slip ring assembly deployed radially between a shaft and a housing. The slip ring assembly may be configured as a stand-alone assembly and is further configured to provide a plurality of distinct electrical communication channels between the shaft and housing. These communication channels are suitable for transmitting electrical power and/or electronic data. Electrical connection is made between the housing and the slip ring assembly via a connector block that is fastened to a plurality of stator rings in the slip ring assembly. The connector block extends radially outward from the stator rings and physically engages an opening in the housing thereby rotationally coupling the stator rings to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Clarkson, Pralay Das, Al Jerabek, Hector R. Guzman
  • SLIP RING APPARATUS FOR A ROTARY STEERABLE TOOL
    Publication number: 20110017473
    Abstract: A downhole tool includes a slip ring assembly deployed radially between a shaft and a housing. The slip ring assembly may be configured as a stand-alone assembly and is further configured to provide a plurality of distinct electrical communication channels between the shaft and housing. These communication channels are suitable for transmitting electrical power and/or electronic data. Electrical connection is made between the housing and the slip ring assembly via a connector block that is fastened to a plurality of stator rings in the slip ring assembly. The connector block extends radially outward from the stator rings and physically engages an opening in the housing thereby rotationally coupling the stator rings to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark J. Clarkson, Pralay Das, Al Jerabek, Hector R. Guzman