Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a first tubular member supporting a first transmitter antenna and a steering assembly located beneath the first tubular member. The drilling assembly also includes an earth boring device comprising a drill bit. The drill bit has a body member, a bottommost surface and a gage surface at a stabilizing section of the drill bit. The earth boring device is supported beneath the steering assembly. The earth boring device includes a second transmitter/receiver antenna supported in spaced relation to the first transmitter antenna and within 36 inches of the bottommost surface of the drill bit, and at least one electrode generally at an outer surface of the stabilizing section of the drill bit.

Abstract: A method and system for scheduling a device or a system of devices to perform specific functions. The system comprises of a graphical user interface (GUI) to configure the schedule data, a communication protocol to send the data to an end-device or to multicast the data to multiple end-devices, and the end-device that is able to receive the schedule data, process the data, and send electrical signals to trigger specific functions of the device based on the schedule data. The present invention reduces the complexity and effort in scheduling complex system that involves unusual scheduling requirements that include but are not limited to unbounded durations, nested functions, and asynchronous functions.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a first tubular member supporting a first transmitter antenna and a steering assembly located beneath the first tubular member. The drilling assembly also includes an earth boring device comprising a drill bit. The drill bit has a body member, a bottommost surface and a gage surface at a stabilizing section of the drill bit. The earth boring device is supported beneath the steering assembly. The earth boring device includes a second transmitter/receiver antenna supported in spaced relation to the first transmitter antenna and within 36 inches of the bottommost surface of the drill bit, and at least one electrode generally at an outer surface of the stabilizing section of the drill bit.

Abstract: An improved gap sub assembly that can withstand the rigors of directional drilling, while still being cost effective and easy to deploy at the drill site. Embodiments can be assembled by sliding a mandrel into a housing without any threading or clocking, filling the gap between the housing and mandrel with an electrically isolating material, and curing the electrically isolating material to mechanically couple the housing and mandrel. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the mandrel comprise a plurality of complimentary axial sections having staggered diameters so that a constant dielectric gap is maintained. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the mandrel comprise non-overlapping right- and/or left-handed helical grooves that, when filled with a cured electrically insulating material, forms a complex 3D shear resistance mechanism optimized to resist torsion or twisting.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly.

Abstract: An improved gap sub assembly that can withstand the rigors of directional drilling, while still being cost effective and easy to deploy at the drill site. Embodiments can be assembled by sliding a mandrel into a housing without any threading or clocking, filling the gap between the housing and mandrel with an electrically isolating material, and curing the electrically isolating material to mechanically couple the housing and mandrel. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the mandrel comprise a plurality of complimentary axial sections having staggered diameters so that a constant dielectric gap is maintained. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the housing and the outer surface of the mandrel comprise non-overlapping right- and/or left-handed helical grooves that, when filled with a cured electrically insulating material, forms a complex 3D shear resistance mechanism optimized to resist torsion or twisting.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly.

Abstract: A tool and associated methods for transmitting electromagnetic data telemetry from a downhole sensor during drilling operations. The tool may include a pressure housing, the pressure housing including an EM transmitter, receiver, or transceiver. A conductive element electrically coupled to the EM transmitter, receiver, or transceiver is positioned between an upper and a lower signal conductor positioned coaxially around the conductive element. The upper and lower signal conductors support the pressure housing and conductive element within the inner diameter of a drill collar and provide electrical connection between the conductive element and a section of the drill collar on either side of an insulated gap. In some embodiments, the conductive element is tensioned between the upper and lower signal conductors.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a resistivity of a formation comprising an instrumented bit assembly coupled to a bottom end of the apparatus. At least one first electromagnetic wave antenna transmits an electromagnetic wave signal into the formation. At least one second electromagnetic wave antenna located on the instrumented bit assembly and longitudinally spaced apart from the at least one first electromagnetic wave antenna receives the electromagnetic wave signal transmitted through the formation. Electronic circuitry is operably coupled to the at least one second electromagnetic wave antenna to process the received signal to determine a resistivity of the formation proximate the instrumented bit assembly.