Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole electrical connection system comprises first and second tubular bodies adapted for threaded connection to each other, each tubular body comprising an inner and an outer diameter. First and second electrical conductor assemblies are disposed within the inner diameters of the tubular bodies and are substantially coaxial with the tubular bodies and generally extend the length of the tubular bodies. The first electrical conductor assembly comprises a first electrical contact adapted to abut a second electrical contact of the second electrical conductor assembly when the first and second tubular bodies are coupled together. The first electrical contact is disposed within an elastically deformable wiper, and the elastically deformable wiper is adapted to expose the first electrical contact as it is engaged by the second electrical contact under an axially compressive load.

Abstract: In one aspect, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud. A fluid barrier is disposed within the bore and has a cylindrical portion substantially aligned with the bore. A drive shaft is sealed within and substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion and has a first magnet disposed on its outer surface. A turbine assembly is disposed around the cylindrical portion of the fluid barrier and has an inner diameter and outer surface. The outer surface of the turbine assembly has a plurality of turbine blades. The inner diameter of the turbine assembly has a second magnet disposed within a region defined by the turbine blades and is in magnetic communication with the first magnet of the drive shaft, wherein when the drilling mud engages the turbine blades the first and second magnets rotate the drive shaft with the turbine assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tensioning element adapted to connect a first object to a second object. The tensioning element comprising a breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry on a first end, a thread form on a second end, and a breakaway torque bearing feature affixed to the first end.

Abstract: In one aspect, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud. A fluid barrier is disposed within the bore and has a cylindrical portion substantially aligned with the bore. A drive shaft is sealed within and substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion and has a first magnet disposed on its outer surface. A turbine assembly is disposed around the cylindrical portion of the fluid barrier and has an inner diameter and outer surface. The outer surface of the turbine assembly has a plurality of turbine blades. The inner diameter of the turbine assembly has a second magnet disposed within a region defined by the turbine blades and is in magnetic communication with the first magnet of the drive shaft, wherein when the drilling mud engages the turbine blades the first and second magnets rotate the drive shaft with the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A retention assembly has a carbide bolster with a first and second segment brazed together, each segment forming at least part of a cavity formed of the bolster. A shaft has an inserted end is interlocked within the cavity.

Abstract: A retention assembly, comprises a carbide bolster comprising a cavity formed in its base end. A shaft comprises an inserted end disposed within the cavity. The shaft is disposed within a hollow shank which comprises a first end contacting the bolster and a loaded end in mechanical communication with the shaft. The inserted end is interlocked to an inner surface of the cavity through a casting.

Abstract: A downhole receiver for gathering seismic and sonic data from inside a borehole includes a substantially tubular housing adapted for axial connection to a tool string, and one or more sensors. A damping element is provided to flexibly couple each sensor to the tubular housing. An actuator extends the one or more sensors substantially radially with respect to the tubular housing to clamp the sensors against the wall of the borehole. In selected embodiments, the sensors may be one or multiple component geophones, accelerometers, hydrophones, vibrometers, or the like.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole electrical connection system comprises first and second tubular bodies adapted for threaded connection to each other, each tubular body comprising an inner and an outer diameter. First and second electrical conductor assemblies are disposed within the inner diameters of the tubular bodies and are substantially coaxial with the tubular bodies and generally extend the length of the tubular bodies. The first electrical conductor assembly comprises a first electrical contact adapted to abut a second electrical contact of the second electrical conductor assembly when the first and second tubular bodies are coupled together. The first electrical contact is disposed within an elastically deformable wiper, and the elastically deformable wiper is adapted to expose the first electrical contact as it is engaged by the second electrical contact under an axially compressive load.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant excavation pick having a super hard material is bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide frustum. A tapered bore is formed in the base end of the carbide frustum opposite the front end and a steel shank with a tapered interface is fitted into the tapered bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly comprises a working portion opposite a shank of the bit. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements. The drill bit assembly also has a central axis eccentric to its axis of rotation. A jack element protrudes from an opening formed in the working portion and has a distal end that is adapted to contact a formation at the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole drill string component has a shaft being axially fixed at a first location to an inner surface of an opening in a tubular body. A mechanism is axially fixed to the inner surface of the opening at a second location and is in mechanical communication with the shaft. The mechanism is adapted to elastically change a length of the shaft and is in communication with a power source. When the mechanism is energized, the length is elastically changed.

Abstract: A method for making a downhole electrical transmission system, having the steps of providing an electrically conductive assembly disposed within a first downhole tool string component, the assembly having a first end and being anchored to the first tool string component at a first predetermined distance from a primary shoulder of the first end of the component; stretching the assembly by pulling on a second end of the assembly with a stretching tool such that the second end of the assembly is held; enlarging the diameter of the second end of the assembly to a diameter larger than an original diameter of the assembly by flaring the second end of the assembly with a flaring tool; and anchoring the second end of the assembly to the first tool string component at a second predetermined distance from a primary shoulder of the second end of the component.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component, having a tubular body with an inner and outer diameter. A pocket is formed in the outer diameter and is adapted to receive downhole instrumentation. A covering is attached to the outer diameter of the component and is adapted to seal the pocket from outside debris, the pocket having a bottom floor and a plurality of side walls. An open cavity is formed in at least one of the side walls.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion, the working portion having at least one cutting element. A shaft is supported by the body portion and extends beyond the working portion. The shaft also has a distal end that is rotationally isolated from the body portion. In another aspect of the invention, a method for steering a downhole tool string has the following steps: providing a drill bit assembly attached to an end of the tool string disposed within a bore hole; providing a shaft extending beyond a working portion of the assembly; engaging a subterranean formation with a distal end of the shaft; and angling the drill bit assembly with the shaft along a desired drilling trajectory.