Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved non-stabilizer guidance positioning members for directional drilling assemblies and for drill strings. It also relates to an improved method for analyzing the fit and engagement of a directional drilling assembly in curved and straight wellbores in order to produce improved guidance positioning members. It also relates to a method of designing guidance positioning members for directional drilling. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: A system for monitoring installation of a utility product pipe within an underground borehole and detecting any issues with the installation process. The system utilizes one or more sensors to measure a parameter concerning the product pipe as the product pipe is pulled into the borehole, and one or more sensors to measure a parameter concerning the drill string as the drill string is pulled out of the borehole. The measured parameters are compared and analyzed to determine if any damage is likely to occur to the product pipe if the installation operation is not stopped and any issues remedied prior to continuing operation.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a sub-section of a pulse power drilling assembly including a transformer encircling a center flow tube through which a drilling mud is to flow for drilling a borehole into a subsurface formation based on periodic pulses of electrical discharges from the pulse power drilling assembly. The transformer comprises at least one primary winding that encircles the center flow tube; a core that encircles the at least one primary winding, wherein the core comprises an electrically non-conductive material; and at least one secondary winding that encircles the core.

Abstract: A rotary percussive hydraulic drill comprises a body; a shank having female coupling splines and male coupling splines; a striking piston configured to strike the shank; a rotation drive device configured to drive the shank in rotation; a front abutment surface against which the shank is configured to come into abutment. The shank has an annular bearing flange which is provided on an outer surface of the shank and which has an annular bearing surface configured to come into abutment against the front abutment surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a drill bit and a plasma inducing apparatus coupled to the drill bit. The plasma inducing apparatus is configured to generate plasma.

Abstract: A bias subsystem for a steerable bottom hole assembly (BHA) includes a housing having a rotational axis; a plurality of flow conduits in the housing to convey drilling fluid received at an upstream end of the housing towards a downstream end of the housing; a plurality of hydraulic thrust structures each extending from within the housing to the periphery of the housing; and a plurality of valve conduits in the housing to each convey drilling fluid to a respective one of the hydraulic thrust structures, wherein the flow conduits are not intermediate the hydraulic thrust structures and the rotational axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a drill string configured for use in a subterranean formation includes a drive shaft coupled to a drill bit, the drill bit configured to continuously rotate and penetrate within the subterranean formation, a drill string housing that houses the drive shaft, the drive shaft continuously rotating within the drill string housing relative to the drill string housing, and a bearing assembly configured bear the drive shaft within the drill string housing, the bearing assembly comprising a first bearing surface having a first curvature.

Abstract: An extendable member diagnostic assembly determines performance of one or more components of a rotary steerable system. Based on the determined performance, an operation can be altered, such as a drilling operation. Performance may be based on measurements received from one or more sensors associated with components of the extendable member diagnostic assembly. For example, performance may be based on the time to transition a valve between states where the valve controls actuation of an extendable member, downhole temperature, downhole pressure or any other factors that affect performance of components that are used to perform the drilling operation. A controller receives the measurements from the one or more sensors and updates baseline parameters to determine an accurate performance. Using real time data to determine performance increases efficiency of an operation by eliminating unnecessary replacement of components and indicating that a downhole tool should be retrieved prior to failure.

Abstract: A downhole steering system includes a substantially tubular housing, a shaft positioned within the substantially tubular housing, a first bearing and a second bearing, the first and second bearings being configured to support rotation of the shaft relative to the housing. The first bearing, the second bearing, the shaft, and the housing at least partially define a chamber therebetween. The system also includes at least one structure positioned axially between the first and second bearing and being configured to extend from an exterior of the housing in response to pressure communicated to the chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a wellbore leg, a multilateral junction, and well system. The wellbore leg, in one aspect, includes a tubular having a fluid passageway extending there through, and an articulating structures located within the fluid passageway. In at least one aspect, the articulating structures includes a first portion, and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to one another and operable to rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: A drill string steering system includes a motor and a rotary valve body disposed in a tool body. The motor includes a motor shaft coupled to the motor and extending within a central bore of the tool body. The motor shaft has a downhole engagement portion that includes a first splined surface. The rotary valve body includes a disk-shaped component and a valve shaft coupled to the disk-shaped component and extending uphole of the disk-shaped component. The valve shaft includes a second splined surface engageable with the first splined surface for rotation of the motor shaft to be imparted to the rotary valve body.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a power section for a bottom hole assembly for use in a wellbore. The power section may include a stator, the stator including a housing, a stator insert, a payload housing and a bent sub having a bend direction. The payload housing may be positioned on an outer surface of the housing, and the payload housing may include a payload pocket. The power section may include a rotor, the rotor rotatable eccentrically within the stator. The payload housing may positioned on the stator housing so as to be always aligned with the bend direction.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit for use with a horizontal directional drill string. A coupler at a proximal axial end is configured to attach the rotary drill bit to a drill head at a distal end of the drill string. A cutting portion at a distal axial end is provided with a plurality of vanes with respective cutters that operate to cut a hole in earth when the rotary drill bit is rotated about a central axis. The plurality of vanes project radially outwardly from a surface of the cutting portion such that the surface forms respective troughs circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of vanes. A plurality of engagement features is positioned axially within the cutting portion and radially inward of an outer cutting diameter to facilitate attachment of a product pullback device between the plurality of vanes without removing the rotary drill bit, or any portion thereof, from the drill head.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a drill string configured for use in a subterranean formation includes a drive shaft coupled to a drill bit, the drill bit configured to continuously rotate and penetrate within the subterranean formation, a drill string housing that houses the drive shaft, the drive shaft continuously rotating within the drill string housing relative to the drill string housing, and a bearing assembly configured bear the drive shaft within the drill string housing, the bearing assembly comprising a first bearing surface having a first curvature.

Abstract: Boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes are formed at least in part by accelerating projectiles toward geologic material. Interaction between a projectile and the geologic material may generate debris or other material. The temperature of this generated material may be used to determine the potential for generation of geothermal energy using the borehole. Based on the temperature of the material, a fluid having a different temperature than that of the material is provided into the borehole for generation of power using geothermal energy.

Abstract: A method, device, and system is described herein for pushing a rotary drill bit. Pushing the rotary drill bit can include receiving a target direction in a formation to push the rotary drill bit while drilling a wellbore in a formation. Pushing the rotary drill bit can also include opening, at a first rotational position of a rotary bit pushing device disposed proximate to the rotary drill bit within the wellbore, a first inlet port of a first flow regulator. Pushing the rotary drill bit can further include closing, after the first rotational position of the rotary bit pushing device, the first inlet port. Pushing the rotary drill bit can also include sending, to a second flow regulator of the rotary bit pushing device, a second quantity of drilling fluid.

Abstract: A downhole motor includes a driveshaft assembly including a driveshaft housing and a driveshaft rotatably disposed within the driveshaft housing, and a bearing assembly including a bearing housing and a bearing mandrel rotatably disposed within the bearing housing, wherein the bearing mandrel is configured to couple with a drill bit, wherein the bearing assembly is configured to provide a first flowpath extending into a central passage of the bearing mandrel from an annulus formed between the bearing mandrel and the bearing housing and a second flowpath separate from the first flowpath, that extends through a bearing of the bearing assembly that is disposed radially between the bearing mandrel and the bearing housing, wherein a plurality of rotary seals are positioned radially between the bearing mandrel and the bearing housing to form an sealed chamber that is spaced from the bearing of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A cam system for use with a rotary steerable system, the cam system includes a housing, a cam positioned at least partially within the housing, and a solid cam shaft engaged with the cam and positioned at least partially within the housing, wherein the cam is operable to adjust an azimuthal orientation of the solid cam shaft.

Abstract: The systems and techniques described herein may allow for optimized boring through a variety of geologies. A plurality of different boring techniques may be utilized for boring through a geological formation, in order to suit the characteristics of various portions of the geological formation. The systems and techniques described herein includes determining geological features and adjusting operation of boring based on the geological features. In certain such embodiments, boring systems may include a bore head that includes a plurality of boring elements. Such boring elements may be contact and/or non-contact boring elements.

Abstract: A rotary valve can include a seat and a rotary actuator, each with a surface, the rotary actuator rotatably mounted to a housing. The surfaces can form a seal due to their engagement with an engagement force used to maintain the engagement. One biasing device can elevate pressure in a sealed volume in the valve at a constant level above an external pressure. The elevated pressure can produce a pressure differential across the rotary actuator, thereby producing at least a portion of the engagement force. Another biasing device can act between a splined hub and a mated splined shaft, thereby applying at least a portion of the engagement force through the shaft to the rotary actuator. Fluid flowing through a screen can create a pressure drop, thereby causing a pressure differential across the rotary actuator and applying at least a portion of the engagement force to the surfaces.

Abstract: A method of transitioning from rotary to slide drilling while maintaining a bit of a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) on a wellbore bottom includes (a) recording a first toolface value of the BHA that is coupled to a drill string; (b) identifying a correlation between the first toolface value and a first quill position of a quill coupled to the drill string; (c) identifying a breakover torque for the drill string; (d) performing rotary drilling; (e) recording a second toolface value while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom; (f) receiving, while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom, a target toolface value; (g) calculating, while the bit remains on the wellbore bottom, an unwind amount to unwind the drill string; and (h) unwinding the drill string by the unwind amount to bring the second toolface value closer to the target toolface value while the bit remains on the bottom.

Abstract: A method for isolating a horizontal tie-in pipeline of an inactive hydrocarbon-producing well from a main pipeline to prevent flow of hydrocarbons into the tie-in pipeline includes the steps of: identifying a location of a junction of the tie-in pipeline and the main pipeline and cleaning the tie-in pipeline by deploying a locating and cleaning assembly into the tie-in pipeline, withdrawing the locating and cleaning assembly, deploying a plug device having a longitudinally extending forward probe and a sealing element to the location of the junction, and remotely actuating the sealing element. The locating and cleaning device includes a pipeline junction sensing element longitudinally extending from a forward end of the locating and cleaning device. The sensing element is connected to a valve which, when open, relieves pressure in the locating and cleaning assembly as an indicator of the location of the junction.

Abstract: A method of mitigating whirl on a rotating device includes detecting force on a outer surface of the rotating device and switching the rotating device between a rotating mode and a non-rotating mode. In the rotating mode, the outer surface may rotate with an inner sleeve. In the non-rotating mode, the outer surface may be rotationally isolated from the inner sleeve. The rotating device may include a stabilizer with an active or passive system for switching modes. The stabilizer can include an outer collar, an inner sleeve, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is changeable between a first mode in which the outer collar is rotationally fixed to the inner sleeve and a second mode in which the outer collar is rotationally isolated relative to the inner sleeve. An example passive device may include a magnetic clutch where the detected force overcomes magnetic forces to change mode.

Abstract: A directional drilling system includes a housing and a motor positioned within the housing and operably coupled to a drill bit to rotate the drill bit. The system further includes a primary pad assembly comprising a primary pad and a primary actuator coupled to the primary pad to selectively extend from an exterior of the housing, and a backup pad assembly to back up the primary pad assembly, the backup pad assembly comprising a backup pad and a backup actuator coupled to the backup pad to selectively extend from the exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A system and method of directionally steering a bottom hole assembly (“BHA”) from a drilling rig to a target location including by receiving data indicative of a directional trend of the BHA and a projection to bit depth; determining a location of the BHA based on a directional trend and the projection; identifying an amount of deviation from a drilling path; automatically creating a modified drilling path that intersects the planned drilling path based on the amount of deviation exceeding a first threshold amount of deviation and being less than a second threshold amount of deviation, automatically creating a modified drilling path that does not intersect the planned drilling path in response to the amount of deviation exceeding the second threshold amount of deviation, and determining a curve profile of the modified drilling path having the smallest rate of curvature to avoid drilling overshoot; and steering the BHA.

Abstract: A directional drilling system that includes a drill bit capable of drilling a bore through rock. A shaft couples to the drill bit. The shaft transfers rotational power from a motor to the drill bit. A steering system controls a drilling direction of the drill bit. The steering system includes a sleeve coupled to the shaft. A steering pad couples to the sleeve. The steering pad forms a steering angle with the drill bit. Axial movement of the steering pad with respect to the drill bit changes the drilling direction by changing the steering angle.

Abstract: A rotary steerable tool for directional drilling includes a tool body including an outer surface and a flowbore therethrough, a pad movably coupled to the tool body and alternately movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a piston engageable with the pad to move the pad. The tool further includes a pressurized fluid supply flow path to provide fluid pressure to the piston for the piston to controllably move the pad to the extended position, and a dump valve in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply flow path to selectively vent fluid pressure to allow the pad to move from the extended position toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A hybrid Rotary Steerable System (RSS) includes both exterior steering pads as in a push-the-bit system and, internal shaft pistons as in a point-the-bit system. The steering pads and the shaft pistons may cooperate to permit the RSS to achieve tighter turning radii. The steering pads and the shaft pistons may be independently or collectively controllable by diverting a portion of drilling fluid flowing through the RSS. In some embodiments, the steering pads and shaft pistons may extend in opposite directions to steer the drill bit, and on other embodiments, the steering pads and shaft pistons may extend in the same direction.

Abstract: A drill string steering system includes a flow manifold and a rotary valve. An actuation flow channel and a backflow channel are rotatable with respect to piston flow channels of the flow manifold. The actuation flow channel is rotatable relative to the flow manifold to increase or decrease flow toward the piston for controlling actuation of the piston. The backflow channel is rotatable relative to the flow manifold to increase or decrease flow away from the piston to the annulus for controlling retraction of the piston.

Abstract: An executing mechanism for a rotary guide device includes a driving valve core, a driven valve core, a first cavity, a second cavity and a high-pressure slurry driving channel. The first cavity includes a first low-pressure port communicating with a low-pressure slurry; and a first high-pressure port communicating with a high-pressure slurry. The driving valve core adjusts a pressure in the first cavity; and the driven valve core moves in response to a pressure difference between the first cavity and the second cavity. The high-pressure slurry driving channel switches between an open state and a close state in response to movement of the driven valve core. A rotary guide device includes a rotary main shaft, a drill bit, a push mechanism, and the executing mechanism. The push mechanism includes a push block and a push plunger piston, the high-pressure slurry driving channel communicates with one end, distal from the push block, of the push plunger piston.

Abstract: A drill collar having at least one pocket for receiving at least one component. The at least one pocket includes a rectangular portion that extends from a first end to a second end. The rectangular portion also includes a base surface. Each of the first and the second ends includes a transition surface extending from the base surface to a pair of shoulder surfaces and a channel. The pair of shoulder surfaces and a surface of the channel are parallel to the base surface. The channel extends to an end pocket that can be in communication with an aperture.

Abstract: A rotary steering tool includes a steering member configured to move between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The rotary steering tool also includes a pump configured to pump a fluid, a power source independent of the downhole motor, the power source configured to power the pump, and a piston in fluid communication with the pump. The piston is configured to apply a force to the steering member to move the steering member from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration when the pump pumps the fluid at an operating system pressure. The rotary steering tool includes a controller to operate the pump at a range of operating system pressures, and a variable pressure control valve. The variable pressure control valve adjusts the operating system pressure between the range of operating system pressures to adjust the force applied to the steering member.

Abstract: A golf club head with a high spring rate face assembly, particularly one designed for driver-type heads, including a body with a ball striking face and rearwardly extending depending sole and crown walls and a hosel, with a high spring rate annular spring seated against the rear surface of the face with a short spring height, where the spring has a high face force to deflection ratio, and is preloaded against the face.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and methods for steering a rotary drilling tool used in subterranean drilling operations. The methods of the present disclosure may be suitable for steering a drilling tool comprising rotating a drill string coupled to a drill bit about its axis to form a wellbore; controlling a rotary motor disposed within the drill string to selectively open and close one or more of a plurality of gate valves to hydraulically actuate a corresponding one or more plurality of steering pads by, in an open position, allowing pressurized fluid to contact corresponding interior surfaces of the corresponding one or more plurality of steering pads to push the one or more plurality of steering pads into contact with a portion of the wellbore to deflect the drill bit away from the portion of the wellbore. The movable steering pads may be selectively extended so as to contact the portion of the wellbore at the same relative rotational position as the tool rotates.

Abstract: A drilling assembly includes a power section with a housing that rotates in a first direction at a drill string rotation rate. An output rotates a drill bit through a transmission shaft in the first direction at a rotor rotation rate relative to the housing. A bent housing between the power section and the drill bit rotates in a second direction at a variable rotation rate relative to the power housing. The transmission shaft extends through the bent housing. A mechanical brake system adjusts the bent housing's variable rotation rate. The bent housing rotates relative to the wellbore in a rotary mode, but not in a sliding mode. The sliding mode maintains the drill bit's direction and inclination while the drill string rotates. In all modes, the drill bit's rotation rate is the sum of the drill string rate and the rotor rate relative to the power housing.

Abstract: A downhole assembly and method are provided for selective activation of a motor in a drilling string. The downhole assembly includes a stator and a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly comprises a rotor body having a fluid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, the fluid passage extending through at least part of the length of the rotor; and a ball catch component comprising a receiving end and an interior seat for receiving and retaining a blocking implement, and a fluid passage. When no blocking implement is retained in the rotor assembly, the fluid passage permits flow of drilling fluid entering the receiving end to the fluid passage of the rotor body. The fluid thereby bypasses the motor, which is not activated. When a blocking implement is in place, drilling fluid flows around the ball catch component and into the motor to thereby activate the motor.

Abstract: A downhole well pump assembly includes a pump and a motor. The motor has a motor housing with a motor head adapter on one end, the motor head adapter having a threaded connector. A seal section seals around a shaft of the motor, the seal section having a seal section adapter connected to the motor head adapter with the threaded connector. The motor head adapter and the motor housing have cylindrical exterior surfaces and end faces that face each other, defining a joint between the end faces. A first strip of metal foil is welded around the exterior surfaces of the motor head adapter and the motor housing at the joint, sealing the entry of well fluids into the joint.

Abstract: An improved leading end assembly for a HDD percussion boring system comprises a sonde housing, a percussion hammer and a tilted-face slant bit. The sonde housing body comprises a bent engagement feature and a shoe aspect that creates an asymmetrical cross section of the sonde housing. The percussion hammer is connected to the sonde housing via the bent engagement feature which is configured to position the percussion hammer on an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the sonde housing. The tilted-face slant bit comprises a front face facet that defines a plane that is tilted relative to a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bit shaft. Advantageously, embodiments of the solution do not include a bent sub component. Rather, the shoe aspect, the bent engagement feature and the front face facet collectively form an effective bend angle (as opposed to a single, abrupt bend angle imposed by a bent sub in prior art solutions).

Abstract: An example apparatus for controlling the direction of drilling a borehole includes a housing and a radially offsetable drive shaft at least partially within the housing. The apparatus may further include one or more pusher extendable from the housing. The one or more pusher may be extendable in response to a radial offset in the offsetable drive shaft with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A bearing housing for a bottomhole assembly of a downhole tool includes an upper bearing housing, lower bearing housing, and a driveshaft. The upper bearing housing and lower bearing housing include a bore defining a bore longitudinal axis. The outer surface of the upper bearing housing defining a bearing housing longitudinal axis, the bearing housing longitudinal axis formed at an angle to the bore longitudinal axis. The upper bearing housing may be formed by forming a bore through an upper bearing housing blank and subsequently forming the outer surface of the upper bearing housing concentric with the bearing housing longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A downhole steering tool includes one or more steering blades selectively extendable from a housing. Each steering blade may be extended by fluid pressure within a steering cylinder. Each steering cylinder may be coupled to the interior of a mandrel positioned within the housing through an adjustable orifice. The adjustable orifice may be moved between an open and a partially open position. The adjustable orifice may be controlled by a ring valve.

Abstract: Cable pulling systems and methods of use are provided suitable for trenchless cable pulling applications, including bursting head applications for laying down replacement pipe underground. A chassis is provided that accommodates laterally disposed piston assemblies, both single cylinder and dual cylinder closed path piston assemblies. Also provided are quick release manifolds for cable holding grippers and cable pulling grippers for use with both single cylinder and dual cylinder piston assemblies. A chassis and cable pulling system also are provided for trenchless pipe extraction applications and which accommodate closed path piston assemblies. Small and large pipe diameter bursting head devices also are provided with integrated cable gripping and release assemblies. Also provided are methods for sealing cable ends.

Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the hit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the hit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.

Abstract: Multi-functional fluid-driven power generation units, modular power generation units, and drilling systems with a power generation unit are presented herein. A power generation unit for powering one or more downhole tools in a drill string is disclosed. The power generation unit includes a housing that is configured to couple to a downhole portion of the drill string and receive at least a portion of fluid flowing through the drill string. The power generation unit also includes a fluid-driven motor assembly with a drive shaft configured to output rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly. An electrical generator is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into electrical power. In addition, a hydraulic pump is operatively coupled to the drive shaft and configured to convert the rotational drive forces generated by the motor assembly into hydraulic power.

Abstract: Adjustment of the angle of a bent sub or other steering feature in a drill string relative to a reference angle of a downhole sensor is facilitated by a rotatable coupling between the bend sub and the sensor. The rotatable coupling may be rotated to align the high side with a reference indicia and locked at the set angle. Calibration of the sensor is facilitated and opportunities for certain measurement errors are eliminated. An embodiment provides a locking mechanism comprising tapered locking fingers which are clamped against a surface by a tapered collar. Rows of ceramic balls retained in circumferential channels may be provided to permit rotation while carrying tensile and compressional forces.

Abstract: A method for steering a well comprises disposing a first orienting assembly and a second orienting assembly spaced apart along a circular inner peripheral surface of a housing. An orienting sleeve is rotatably supported between the first orienting assembly and the second orienting assembly, The orienting sleeve has an angled bore therethrough, wherein a first longitudinal axis of the angled bore is inclined by a predetermined angle to a second longitudinal axis referenced to a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the orienting sleeve. A rotatable steering shaft is rotatably supported along the angled bore to control rotatable steering shaft bending. The rotation of the first orienting assembly, the second orienting assembly, and the orienting sleeve is controllably adjusted to control the steering direction of the rotatable steering shaft.

Abstract: A positioning device is adapted for positioning a tool at a setpoint position on a flat substrate in an X-Y plane, the tool exerting a process force in its axial direction perpendicularly onto the substrate. The tool includes a multicomponent force sensor to measure unwanted process-force components in the lateral direction. The setpoint position of the tool is correctable by the positioning device such that the lateral process-force components are minimized.

Abstract: A steering head for use with a casing, the steering head having a body with a first body end with a lead edge, a second body end with a rear edge, and a body surface extending from the lead edge to the rear edge, an outer tube with an internal side generally facing the body surface, the outer tube extending from the first body end to the second body end, and a steering flap disposed on an external side of the outer tube having a first flap face facing radially inwardly and a second flap face facing radially outwardly. A fluid dispenser is disposed in a void defined between the outer tube and the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigation of torsional noise effects on borehole measurements. The apparatus may include a conveyance device; a sleeve having a sensor section, the sleeve rotatably disposed on the conveyance device; a sensor having at least one component disposed on the sensor section; and a driver coupled to the conveyance device and configured to rotate at least the sleeve sensor section. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section independent of the conveyance device. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section at a preset substantially constant rotational speed. The sleeve may include at least one arm configured to selectively lock the sleeve to a surface in the borehole. The driver may rotate the sleeve sensor section during measurement by the sensor. The driver may selectively couple the sleeve.

Abstract: A rotary steerable tool has an inner mandrel having a longitudinal axis and an outer housing positioned along the inner mandrel. The outer housing rotates independently of the inner mandrel. The outer housing has an engagement member that moves axially relative to the outer housing and the inner mandrel between an extended position and a retracted position, and a transition surface having a slope relative to an outer surface of the outer housing. The engagement member moves along the transition surface between the extended position and the retracted position. In the engaged position, the engagement member extends outward from the outer housing to engage an inner surface of a well being drilled. An actuator selectively moves the engagement member along the transition surface from the retracted position to the extended position.