Abstract: A constant-velocity joint can have three pieces: a yoke, a first adaptor, and a second adaptor. Grooves on opposite sides of the yoke can receive forks of the adaptors and be perpendicular to one another. The yoke can have a guide surface within each groove so that a matching following surface on the fork of the adaptor can engage the guide surface to guide the movement of the fork within the groove. The adaptors may pivot within the grooves such that surfaces of flanks of the forks remain engaged or provide a consistent amount of surface contact with flanks of the groove throughout the pivot of the forks. Torque can be transferred through the engaged flanks as the joint is used to convert eccentric rotation to concentric rotation.

Abstract: Device for allowing downhole drilling tubing to withstand greater torques. There is provided a tube segment that can experience a higher torque without the need for increasing the tube or thread size. Certain examples provide for a roller or sprag configuration positioned with respect to the tube segment that allows the tube segment to withstand higher torques.

Abstract: A rheological lock apparatus includes a fluid chamber formed within a housing between a pair of seals. The fluid chamber contains a rheological fluid. An inner surface of the housing has a first plurality of splines projecting into the fluid chamber and extending longitudinally along a longitudinal dimension of the chamber. A driveshaft extends axially through the chamber such that the pair of seals are sealed against the driveshaft. The driveshaft includes a second plurality of splines. A field generator is coupled to one of the driveshaft or the housing to generate a field through the rheological fluid during times when the housing is substantially immobile in a borehole.

Abstract: A tubular string comprises a plurality of torque connectors connecting a plurality of tubular members. At least one torque connector of the plurality of torque connectors comprises a pin component threadably connected to the box component. The pin comprises a three torque shoulders corresponding to three surfaces of the box component. In at least one embodiment, a sacrificial material is deposited between one of the torque shoulders and one of the surfaces to provide additional torque capacity to the torque connector. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to bearing assembly for drilling a subterranean formation and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of drilling a subterranean formation. The method includes flowing a drilling fluid through a drill string disposed in the subterranean formation, with the drill string including a bottom hole assembly including a bearing assembly including a low flow bearing. The method includes flowing a first part of the drilling fluid into contact with the low flow bearing, while simultaneously flowing a second part of the drilling fluid through a bypass channel around the low flow bearing. The method also includes discharging the first and second part of the drilling fluid between the bottom hole assembly and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A rotationally selectable lock apparatus includes an outer element having a plurality of locking pins that are radially spring loaded to extend and retract through the outer element. An inner element is substantially encircled by the outer element and coupleable to a driveshaft. The inner element is configured to cause the plurality of locking pins to retract through the outer element in response to the driveshaft rotating in a first direction and extend through the outer element to engage a housing in response to the driveshaft rotating in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to bearing assembly for drilling a subterranean formation and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of drilling a subterranean formation. The method includes flowing a drilling fluid through a drill string disposed in the subterranean formation, with the drill string including a bottom hole assembly including a bearing assembly including a low flow bearing. The method includes flowing a first part of the drilling fluid into contact with the low flow bearing, while simultaneously flowing a second part of the drilling fluid through a bypass channel around the low flow bearing. The method also includes discharging the first and second part of the drilling fluid between the bottom hole assembly and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A rotationally selectable lock apparatus includes an outer element having a plurality of locking pins that are radially spring loaded to extend and retract through the outer element. An inner element is substantially encircled by the outer element and coupleable to a driveshaft. The inner element is configured to cause the plurality of locking pins to retract through the outer element in response to the driveshaft rotating in a first direction and extend through the outer element to engage a housing in response to the driveshaft rotating in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A axial retention connection for a downhole tool is disclosed. The connection includes a drill string component including a socket having a plurality of walls and a top surface. The connection additionally includes a downhole tool coupled to the socket, the downhole tool including a male-type connector having an outer perimeter and a top surface. The connection further includes a seal between the drill string component and the downhole tool. The connection further includes a chamber formed by the plurality of walls and the top surface of the socket and the top surface of the male-type connector; and a fluid filling the chamber.

Abstract: A rheological lock apparatus includes a fluid chamber formed within a housing between a pair of seals. The fluid chamber contains a rheological fluid. An inner surface of the housing has a first plurality of splines projecting into the fluid chamber and extending longitudinally along a longitudinal dimension of the chamber. A driveshaft extends axially through the chamber such that the pair of seals are sealed against the driveshaft. The driveshaft includes a second plurality of splines. A field generator is coupled to one of the driveshaft or the housing to generate a field through the rheological fluid during times when the housing is substantially immobile in a borehole.

Abstract: A constant-velocity joint can have three pieces: a yoke, a first adaptor, and a second adaptor. Grooves on opposite sides of the yoke can receive forks of the adaptors and be perpendicular to one another. The yoke can have a guide surface within each groove so that a matching following surface on the fork of the adaptor can engage the guide surface to guide the movement of the fork within the groove. The adaptors may pivot within the grooves such that surfaces of flanks of the forks remain engaged or provide a consistent amount of surface contact with flanks of the groove throughout the pivot of the forks. Torque can be transferred through the engaged flanks as the joint is used to convert eccentric rotation to concentric rotation.

Abstract: A axial retention connection for a downhole tool is disclosed. The connection includes a drill string component including a socket having a plurality of walls and a top surface. The connection additionally includes a downhole tool coupled to the socket, the downhole tool including a male-type connector having an outer perimeter and a top surface. The connection further includes a seal between the drill string component and the downhole tool. The connection further includes a chamber formed by the plurality of walls and the top surface of the socket and the top surface of the male-type connector; and a fluid filling the chamber.

Abstract: A tubular string comprises a plurality of torque connectors connecting a plurality of tubular members. At least one torque connector of the plurality of torque connectors comprises a pin component threadably connected to the box component. The pin comprises a three torque shoulders corresponding to three surfaces of the box component. In at least one embodiment, a sacrificial material is deposited between one of the torque shoulders and one of the surfaces to provide additional torque capacity to the torque connector. Additional apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Certain aspects and examples of the disclosure herein are directed to a device for allowing downhole drilling tubing to withstand greater torques. Certain examples may allow a tube segment to experience a higher torque without the need for increasing the tube or thread size. Certain examples provide for a roller or sprag configuration positioned with respect to a tube segment that allows the tube segment to withstand higher torques.