Abstract: An adjustable bent housing (10) includes a first tubular body (12) and a second tubular body (14). The second tubular body (14) telescopically extends into the first tubular body (12) and is maintained in relative axial position by a threaded engagement (30 & 22). A locking sleeve (44) is provided to maintain the relative rotational position of the first tubular body (12) and the second tubular body (14). The locking sleeve (44) is non-rotatably coupled with and slidably movable the second tubular body (14) between a locking position and an adjusting position. A locking nut (48) is movable on the external surface (24) of the second tubular body (14) selectively clamps the locking sleeve (44) in the locking position. This adjustable bent housing (10) accommodates larger diameter drive shafts, while allowing adjustment to take place without changing the overall length of the housing.

Abstract: A method of adjusting backlash in a down hole bearing assembly involves providing in side by side relation on an outer surface of an inner mandrel a circumferential first threaded seat adapted to accommodate a first nut which engages the first threaded seat by rotation in a first rotational direction and becomes disengaged by rotation in a second rotational direction and a circumferential second threaded seat adapted to accommodate a second nut which engages the second threaded seat by rotation in the second rotational direction and becomes disengaged by rotation in the first rotational direction. The first nut is threaded onto the first threaded seat to place the inner mandrel in tension with a first stop and a second stop engaging a thrust bearing. The second nut is coupled to the first nut to resisting any rotational movement of the first nut in the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A rotary cutter assembly constructed in accordance with this method of securing a rotary cutter to a body has a cutter pocket with a first shoulder and a truncated second shoulder. A receptacle extends into the first shoulder. A first retainer retains a first axle end of the rotary cutter and engages the first shoulder to prevent axial movement in a first direction. A projection on the first retainer engages the receptacle to prevent removal of the first retainer radially from the cutter pocket. A second retainer retains a second axle end of the rotary cutter. The second retainer has a step down portion engaging the truncated second shoulder of the cutter pocket to prevent axial movement in a second direction. A locking ring overlies the truncated second shoulder and the step down portion of the second retainer to prevent removal of the second retainer radially from the cutter pocket.

Abstract: A stabilizer comprised of a tubular body which has an exterior surface with selectively positioned indentations. A sleeve is positioned over the tubular body. The sleeve has an interior surface in contact with the exterior surface and a plurality of radial longitudinally oriented vanes. A plurality of radial apertures extend through the sleeve. The sleeve is secured to the body against rotation or axial movement by set screws. Each of the set screws extend through one of the apertures of the sleeve to engage on to the indentation in the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: A down hole drilling motor includes a stator housing having an exterior surface, an upper end, a lower end, an upper vane mounting region at the upper end and lower vane mounting region at the lower end. An upper mounting sleeve engages the upper vane mounting region, such that rotation during use brings the upper mounting sleeve into contact with an upper contact shoulder. A lower mounting sleeve engages the lower vane mounting region, such that rotation during use brings the lower mounting sleeve into contact with a lower contact shoulder. A plurality of vanes are secured to each of the upper mounting sleeve and the lower mounting sleeve.

Abstract: A drive line for a down hole mud motor has a plurality of elongate keys extending radially from an exterior surface of a central shaft for the purpose of transmitting torque. A plurality of circumferentially spaced axial keyways are provided in an interior surface of each end housing, which are adapted to receive the keys. Each of the keys has opposed sides, opposed ends and a front face. The front face is radiused both in a first direction between the opposed ends and in a second direction between the opposed sides, thereby accommodating the omni-directional pivotal movement of the shaft relative to the housing. The use of keys for torque transmission increases available contact area, with a corresponding increase in torque load capacity.

Abstract: A drilling on gauge sub including a tubular housing having a first end, a second end and an exterior surface. Coupling means are positioned at both the first end and the second end of the tubular housing to couple the tubular housing to other components of a drill string. At least three cavities are provided in the exterior surface of the tubular housing. Each of the cavities having a first end and a second end. Reamer cutters are secured within each of the at least three cavities. The reamer cutters including cutters mounted on rotatably mounted rollers.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a downhole drilling motor. A first step involves securing a plurality of vanes to an exterior surface of a stator housing of the drilling motor. A second step involves passing a flow of drilling fluids past the exterior surface of the stator housing between the vanes to create an area of pressure differential and using such pressure differential to protect the stator housing from becoming differentially stuck while drilling.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a downhole motor consisting of a plurality of notches in one of an exterior surface of an inner mandrel and an interior surface of a housing. The notches are upwardly inclined from a base. A plurality of pins are disposed between the exterior surface of the inner mandrel and the interior surface of the housing. The pins contact the notches such that the pins travel up the incline on the notches upon relative rotation of the housing and the inner mandrel in a first direction and travel down the incline on the notches upon relative rotation of the housing and the inner mandrel in a second direction. The pins become wedged into locking engagement with the notches thereby preventing relative rotation of the inner mandrel and the housing as the inner mandrel rotates in one of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A Sealed Downhole Motor Drive Shaft Universal Joint Assembly consisting of a housing with an interior and an exterior surface. The interior has an end wall and side walls. The end wall has an elongate projection with a concave terminus. The side walls have a plurality of slots. A shaft is provided having an exterior surface and opposed ends. Each of the ends has a central cavity with a substantially concave end wall. The exterior surface of the drive shaft has a plurality of annularly spaced pockets adjacent each end. The pockets are in substantial alignment with the end wall of the central cavity. Each end of the drive shaft is telescopically received within one of the housings. A thrust ball is positioned between the concave terminus of the elongate projection of the housing and the concave end wall of the central cavity of the shaft thereby transmitting thrust loads between the housing and the shaft while permitting omni-directional relative movement of the housing and the shaft.

Abstract: An adjustable bent housing consisting of an inner housing telescopically received within an outer housing. A sleeve is provided having an angularly offset clutch face. Spline non-rotatably couple an interior surface of the sleeve with an exterior surface of the inner housing. The sleeve is axially slidable along the exterior surface of the inner housing between an inoperative position wherein the sleeve is spaced from the outer housing and an operating position. In the operative position the angularly offset clutch face of the sleeve engages an angularly offset clutch face on the outer housing thereby non-rotatably coupling the inner housing and the outer housing in a bent position the magnitude of which is dependent upon the relative rotational positioning of the outer housing and the inner housing.