Abstract: A parameter of a magnetic bearing supporting a rotor in operation within a stator of the downhole-type rotating machine is measured. A speed of the rotor is controlled based on the measured parameter.

Abstract: A shaft in an electrical submersible pumping system is prevented from rotation in a backspin direction, which is in a direction opposite from its typical forward rotation during normal operation. Backspin rotation is prevented with a device that includes teeth coupled to the shaft and a stationary pawl disposed in a rotational path of the teeth. Each tooth has a forward surface that contacts the pawl during forward rotation of the shaft, the forward surfaces are each configured with a profile to slide along and past the pawl without impeding shaft rotation. Rotation in the backspin direction engages the pawl with rearward surfaces of the teeth, which are configured to impede shaft rotation when engaged. Fluid being handled by the pumping system flows through a passage in the device and absorbs friction generated thermal energy from the device.

Abstract: An umbrella pole adapter to convert boat dining table leg mounts into temporary umbrella stands is presented. The umbrella adapter is a tubular oval design shape member consisting of an upper end and a bottom end with a center opening running thru the length. The unique tubular oval design shape and the rubber material for the center opening, enables the umbrella anchor pole to be inserted and secured inside the adaptor without the need for any other parts. The same unique tubular oval design shape and rubber material for the exterior wall, enables the adapter to be inserted and secured inside the boat hollow dining table leg mount, without the need for any other parts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method comprise a hydrodynamic bearing disposed about a shaft and within a bore of a wall with at least one periphery arced wall radially extending from and arranged about the circumference of an outer wall of a conduit shaft housing, which is disposed about at least one inner wall that is adjacent to at least one associated hydrodynamic profiled wall. The associated hydrodynamic profiled wall is rotatable by or about said shaft to displace fluid axially along said at least one inner wall, which is anchored by combined frictional engagements within the bore to force fluid between at least two of said walls and the rotating shaft to form a pressurized cushion. In use, this pressurized cushion lubricates and dampens rotational shocks and vibrations with the shearing of said frictional engagements when bearing said rotating shaft within said subterranean bore.

Abstract: A steering column assembly shroud includes a first member having an end portion which is received within a second member having at least one slit through its wall extending partially along its length. A guide bush is located between the first member and the second member and fixed relative to one of the members. The guide bush provides a surface over which the other member can slide to alter the overall length of the shroud. A clamp mechanism squeezes the second member onto the guide bush which is, in turn, squeezed onto the first member. The cross section of the guide bush varies along its length to vary the resistance it provides to crushing by the action of the clamp mechanism when the shroud is at its greatest length and the resistance it provides when the shroud is clamped at its shortest length.

Abstract: To recover the axial forces transmitted by a rotating shaft, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of distributed bearing units. Each bearing unit comprises: a stationary base; a resilient member having a stationary portion and a portion that is completely movable in a main direction of the forces to be supported; and a bearing surface that defines, together with the shaft, a water film. The bearing surface is connected to the movable portion. The minimum radius of the bearing surface is between 1 m and 3 m. The resilient member and the base define at least one water chamber. A plurality of ducts are arranged so as to connect the chambers together, thereby defining a closed circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaft bearing support assembly for waterborne equipment, including: at least one bearing; at least one tapered forcing ring; a housing; and at least one adjusting device. The outer circumference of each of the at least one bearing is surrounded by one tapered forcing ring which is arranged inside the housing. The at least one adjusting device communicates with each of the at least one tapered forcing ring. A force generated by the at least one adjusting device is transmitted to the at least one tapered forcing ring to longitudinally move the at least one tapered forcing ring, causing the at least one bearing to constrict radially and to adapt to a desired clearance over a diameter of a shaft.

Abstract: Enhancements to a drill motor include a bearing pack assembly, a balancing piston, a recording transducer package (RTP), and a latch rod assembly for a drill motor to improve performance and reliability of a drill motor. The bearing pack assembly includes a bearing housing coupled to an end cap and a drive shaft extending into the end cap and the bearing housing. The bearing pack assembly also includes a thrust bearing disposed within the bearing housing, wherein the thrust bearing separates the drive shaft and the bearing housing, and a bearing sleeve disposed within the bearing housing, wherein a radial bearing is placed between the bearing sleeve and the drive shaft. The balancing piston includes a first and second hydrodynamic seal. The recording transducer package is self powered and gathers data from a plurality of sensors in the downhole tool.

Abstract: In a mud-lubricated bearing assembly for a downhole motor, a mechanical seal is provided between the mandrel and the lower end of the bearing housing to prevent discharge of drilling fluid (mud) from the bearing assembly into the wellbore annulus. The mechanical seal is effected by mating wear-resistant annular contact surfaces provided on the mandrel and the bearing housing, with biasing means preferably being provided to keep the contact surfaces in sealing engagement during both on-bottom and off-bottom operational modes. The diverted drilling fluid passing through the bearings is redirected into the bore of the mandrel via ports through the mandrel wall to rejoin the main flow to the drill bit, such that substantially all of the drilling fluid flows through the bit.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and bearing packages, incorporating said bearing assemblies, utilize opposing polycrystalline diamond compact bearing surfaces which can be immersed in a process fluid such as a wellbore fluid. The bearing assemblies are mounted to support the shaft for both axial and radial loading of the shaft. A static bearing surface is mounted in a static bearing housing. A rotating bearing surface, which opposes the static bearing surface, is mounted in a rotating bearing housing which supports the rotating shaft and co-rotates with the shaft. The rotating bearing surface opposes the static bearing surface and is rotatably supported thereon.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing apparatus includes a first bearing assembly including a first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface, and a second bearing assembly including a second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface defining an annular surface. The second substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface generally opposes the first substantially continuous polycrystalline diamond bearing surface.

Abstract: A downhole drilling assembly which includes a drill bit assembly, and a mud motor, and a bearing assembly disposed between the drill bit assembly and the mud motor, wherein the bearing assembly includes an offset portion.

Abstract: A sleeve is retained to a shaft without the use of a keyway through at least one end connection that has a preferably flat face with one or more projections from the flat face. Rounded projections are preferred. The projections go into shape matching depressions on the sleeve. Alternatively the sleeve can have the projections and the end retainer can have the depressions. The end retainer is spring loaded for axial deflection in the event of an over-torque. If that happens there is planned for slippage until the condition is alleviated at which point the spring bias is able to again match a projection to a depression for continuing tandem driving of the shaft and the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably carbide and resides in a carbide bushing.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) bearing pads having first and second bearing pad portions that exhibit different wear rates, and bearing assemblies and apparatuses (e.g., thrust-bearing apparatuses and radial bearing apparatuses) that utilize such PCD bearing pads. In an embodiment, a PCD bearing pad for use in a bearing assembly of a subterranean drilling system includes a PCD bearing pad body including a plurality of directly-bonded together diamond grains. The PCD bearing pad body further includes a first bearing pad portion exhibiting a first wear resistance, and a second bearing pad portion exhibiting a second wear resistance greater than the first wear resistance.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In an embodiment of the present invention, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing element includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of gaps. Each gap is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed bearing assemblies.

Abstract: To recover the axial forces transmitted by a rotating shaft, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of distributed bearing units. Each bearing unit comprises: a stationary base; a resilient member having a stationary portion and a portion that is completely movable in a main direction of the forces to be supported; and a bearing surface that defines, together with the shaft, a water film. The bearing surface is connected to the movable portion. The minimum radius of the bearing surface is between 1 m and 3 m. The resilient member and the base define at least one water chamber. A plurality of ducts are arranged so as to connect the chambers together, thereby defining a closed circuit.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for a mud motor has a mandrel rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, with a rolling-element thrust bearing disposed within an oil-sealed annular chamber between the mandrel and the housing, for resisting on-bottom axial thrust loads. Off-bottom axial thrust loads are resisted by a mud-lubricated thrust bearing assembly located above the oil-sealed chamber. The lower end of a drive shaft adapter coupled to the mandrel is used to provide an upper load-transferring shoulder for the off-bottom thrust bearing, with a lower load-transferring shoulder being provided in association with the housing. The upper and lower shoulders come into mating contact under off-bottom thrust loading, with the upper shoulder rotatable (with the mandrel) relative to the lower shoulder.

Abstract: A rotating flow diverter has a lubricated sealed bearing assembly for isolating bearing elements from wellbore fluids under pressure. The sealed bearing assembly is supported between an outer bearing housing and an axially rotatable quill. The bearing assembly further has bearing elements with a bearing lubricant under pressure and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has at least one sealing element which comprises a body, the body having an outer peripheral wall, an inner sealing surface having a plurality of sealing lips and an annular cavity, and a loading ring for compressionally fitting within the annular cavity to urge the sealing surface radially inwardly for sealing engagement with tubulars.

Abstract: A vibration dampening system for a motor shaft in an electric submersible pump ESP uses axially extending arms in one or opposed directions from a fixed portion of a motor shaft bearing. The weights can have their location adjusted to tune the device to the natural frequencies of the rotating shaft and to add an ability to address vibration in more than one plane. Openings are provided in the support for the arms that hold the weight so that arm vibration can create turbulence and improve heat dissipation in the oil for improved bearing life. Bearing cost can be reduced using more economical materials without sacrificing bearing life.

Abstract: An improved sliding bearing apparatus and method utilize a snap-in polymer bearing insert having one or more identically shaped locking lugs, each of which are configured for locking engagement with a corresponding depression in a bearing housing, to thereby lock the bearing insert in place against relative movement either radially or axially with respect to the bearing housing. In a free-standing state, the insert may have a variety of shapes including cylindrical, non-cylindrical, or be flat and planar. An insert for a closed bearing is configured such that it may be trimmed to form an insert for an open bearing.

Abstract: In a downhole motor bearing section having a cylindrical mandrel rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a bi-directional thrust bearing is disposed within a four-shouldered annular containment chamber formed partially into the inner cylindrical wall of the housing and partially into the outer cylindrical wall of the mandrel. Under on-bottom loading conditions, thrust loads are transferred through the thrust bearing by the upper shoulder of the housing and the lower shoulder of the mandrel. The radial widths of these two shoulders are both symmetrical about the centerline of the thrust bearing such that on-bottom thrust loads are transferred non-eccentrically to the thrust bearing, thereby avoiding twisting loads on the thrust bearing races, increasing the effective on-bottom load capacity of the thrust bearing and extending its service life.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing elements defines a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing elements of the plurality of bearing elements. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A bearing assembly has an outer housing, and an inner mandrel extending into outer housing. Radial bearing sleeves are positioned between the inner mandrel and the outer housing at both of ends of the outer housing. A thrust bearing assembly is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer housing, and includes a fixed bearing carrier fixed to the inner mandrel, first and second floating bearings carriers, and first and second pressure responsive fillers. Floating bearing carriers support hard face bearings that engage hard face bearings on the fixed bearing carrier to withstand axial loads. Pressure responsive fillers permit the floating bearing carriers limited angular adjustment in relation to the fixed bearing carrier to maintain their respective at least one hard face bearing in face to face relation notwithstanding deflections within required radial bearing tolerance.

Abstract: A sleeve is retained to a shaft without the use of a keyway through at least one end connection that has a preferably flat face with one or more projections from the flat face. Rounded projections are preferred. The projections go into shape matching depressions on the sleeve. Alternatively the sleeve can have the projections and the end retainer can have the depressions. The end retainer is spring loaded for axial deflection in the event of an over-torque. If that happens there is planned for slippage until the condition is alleviated at which point the spring bias is able to again match a projection to a depression for continuing tandem driving of the shaft and the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably carbide and resides in a carbide bushing.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly comprising a bearing runner and a bearing carrier, the carrier defining thrust pad sites annularly around the carrier, with a thrust pad disposed at a site and with the carrier limiting movement of the thrust pad in a direction generally radial to the longitudinal axis of the runner while allowing the thrust pad to move in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The pads can tilt under load to form a hydrodynamic wedge. A runner may have a wear resistant face. In one implementation, at each site, a deflection element (e.g., Belleville washer) is at least partially disposed within a cavity and a pad is disposed over the deflection element. The wear resistant face contacts the pad. Another embodiment rigidly connects pads disposed on opposite sides of a stationary bearing carrier. Another embodiment attaches pads to a bearing carrier using pad holder assemblies.

Abstract: A rotating flow diverter has a lubricated sealed bearing assembly for isolating bearing elements from wellbore fluids under pressure. The sealed bearing assembly is supported between an outer bearing housing and an axially rotatable quill. The bearing assembly further has bearing elements with a bearing lubricant under pressure and a seal assembly. The seal assembly has at least one sealing element which comprises a body, the body having an outer peripheral wall, an inner sealing surface having a plurality of sealing lips and an annular cavity, and a loading ring for compressionally fitting within the annular cavity to urge the sealing surface radially inwardly for sealing engagement with tubulars.

Abstract: A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing.

Abstract: A vibration dampening system for a motor shaft in an ESP uses axially extending arms in one or opposed directions from a fixed portion of a motor shaft bearing. The weights can have their location adjusted to tune the device to the natural frequencies of the rotating shaft and to add an ability to address vibration in more than one plane. Openings are provided in the support for the arms that hold the weight so that arm vibration can create turbulence and improve heat dissipation in the oil for improved bearing life. Bearing cost can be reduced using more economical materials without sacrificing bearing life.

Abstract: A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing segments define a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing segments of the plurality of bearing segments. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.

Abstract: A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement comprises a first component 10 and a second component 12, bearings 14, 16 being provided to support one of the first and second components 10, 12 for rotation relative to the other of the first and second components 10, 12, a radial clearance 24 being provided between cylindrical surfaces of the first and second components 10, 12, fluid being supplied through the radial clearance 24 to lubricate the bearings 14, 16, wherein the cylindrical surface of at least one of the first and second components 10, 12 is shaped to define at least one pocket 30.

Abstract: Radial bearing designs for electrical submersible pump components and assemblies reduces scale build up on the bearing components. Scale resistant and abrasive resistant sleeves and bushings may be used. The axial lengths of the sleeves are kept within the axial length of the AR bushings, or vice versa, with regard to the axial stroke of one component relative to the other. In addition, sharp corners may be formed on the sleeve or bushing axial faces at their respective interfacing diameters. As the shaft moves axially, the sharp corner on one component scrapes off the scale on the other component. This design discards the scale rather than force it into the clearance between the sleeve and bushing. Small spacer sleeves also may be used adjacent the sleeves so that scale build up on the spacer sleeves is farther away from the bearing to reduce scale-related problems.

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: Thrust-bearing assemblies, and thrust-bearing apparatuses and downhole motors incorporating such thrust-bearing assemblies are disclosed. In one aspect of the present invention, a thrust-bearing assembly is disclosed. The thrust-bearing assembly comprises a seat including a generally spherical surface at least partially defining a recess. A bearing support is positioned within the recess. The bearing support includes a generally spherical surface configured so that the bearing support is capable of movement with the recess of the seat. At least one bearing element may be mounted to the bearing support. The thrust-bearing assembly further includes a motion-limiting structure configured to limit relative movement between the bearing support and the seat. The motion-limiting structure does not extend between the generally spherical surface of the seat and the generally spherical surface of the bearing support.

Abstract: A downhole drilling motor beating assembly includes a tubular mandrel adapted to connect to a rotational power output of downhole motor. The bearing assembly includes a mandrel having: an upper end proximal to the downhole motor, a lower end with a pin connection distal from the motor, and a longitudinal passage through the mandrel from the upper end to the lower end. The assembly further includes at least one circumferential ring projecting radially outward from an other surface of the tubular mandrel. The ring has and upper shoulder and a lower shoulder and a radial surface. A circumferential upper thrust bushing contacts the upper shoulder of the ring and a circumferential lower thrust bushing contacts the lower shoulder of the ring. An upper thrust beating contacts the upper thrust bushing and a lower thrust bearing contacts the lower thrust bushing. A tubular bearing housing includes a longitudinal passage from an upper end of the housing to a lower end of the housing.

Abstract: A pod propulsion system comprises a housing defining a fluid duct and an annular drum rotatably mounted to the housing within the fluid duct. The annular drum has a drum interior and a cylindrical outer surface. The system further comprises a rotor mounted to the drum for rotation therewith, the rotor and the drum having a common axis of rotation. A bearing assembly mounted to the housing comprises a first bearing comprising a first plurality of bearing pads disposed circumferentially around the drum. Each pad has a pad bearing surface adapted to contact a first drum portion in a predetermined manner and is pivotably mounted to the housing so as to maintain contact of the pad bearing surface with the first drum portion in the predetermined manner when an orientation of the drum portion relative to the housing changes.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use with a mud motor includes a two-piece mandrel and a housing. Two radial bearings and a triple stack axial thrust on-bottom bearing are disposed between the mandrel and housing.

Abstract: A device that when fitted to a motor vessel's existing propulsion gear improves the performance and reduces potential damage and wear of underwater propeller shaft bearings, commonly referred to as “cutlass bearings” that are used on boats, ships, etc. Designed with radially mounted impeller blades around the periphery of the propeller shaft, the device creates a forced flow of water by centrifugal pumping action, which creates suction along the shaft abaft the cutlass bearing, thereby increasing the flow of water through the cutlass bearing. The device also greatly diminishes the probability that fouling around a propeller shaft will severely restrict water flow through the cutlass bearing.

Abstract: A propeller shaft bearing includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a structure including an inner layer and an outer layer that surrounds the inner layer. The inner layer is made of a bearing material that includes a thermosetting resin. The outer layer is made of a material that includes a thermosetting resin and has a lower swelling characteristic than the bearing material.

Abstract: A thrust bearing configuration for rotary applications includes a shaft (12) having an external surface (14) and a housing (16) having an internal surface (18). The housing and the shaft are adapted for relative rotational movement. Inner bearing support members (22) extend radially outwardly from the external surface of the shaft in axially spaced relation. Outer bearing support members (26) extend radially inwardly from the internal surface of the housing. A bearing pad (24, 28) is disposed between each one of the inner bearing support members and an adjacent one of the outer bearing support members. With the described configuration an axial force exerted upon the shaft is transmitted from the shaft through each of the inner bearing support members and bearing pads to the outer bearing support members and the housing. This thrust bearing acts like a bearing stack. It is possible to stack any number of these bearing pads to withstand anticipated axial loads.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved hydrodynamic bearing assembly for use in a motor assembly. The motor assembly typically includes a shaft with an axially oriented fluid channel and at least one radial shaft port extending through the wall of the shaft. The bearing assembly includes a bearing sleeve and a bearing collar. Preferably, the radial thickness of the bearing sleeve is at least the radial thickness of the bearing collar. It is also preferred that the bearing sleeve includes at least one bearing port that can be aligned with the shaft port to provide a path of fluid travel from inside the axially oriented fluid channel through the bearing sleeve.

Abstract: A sleeve bearing for use in water, the sleeve bearing having a shaft and a sleeve is disclosed. The sleeve or the shaft is made of a synthetic resin composition obtained by uniformly dispersing fine powder of RBC or CRBC in a resin. The synthetic resin composition may have blended with it inorganic fibers and/or organic fibers. The sleeve bearing has low coefficient of friction in water.

Abstract: A sleeve bearing for use in water, the sleeve bearing having a shaft and a sleeve. The sleeve or the shaft is made of a synthetic resin composition obtained by uniformly dispersing fine powder of RBC or CRBC in a resin. The sleeve bearing having a low coefficient of friction in water.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed for use with a mud motor. The bearing assembly includes at least three radial bearings to protect the flow restrictor of the bearing assembly against harmful sideways and lateral loading. The bearing assembly also includes a compression nut to eliminate cracks on the mandrel at the split ring.

Abstract: A downhole oil-sealed bearing pack assembly is provided for protecting bearing elements and seals. The bearing pack assembly includes a non-contact flow restrictor for reducing large differential pressures across sealing elements. The non-contact flow restrictor includes an inner restrictive element attached to a rotatable drive shaft and an outer restrictive element secured to a stationary bearing housing. The inner restrictive element can include an outwardly extending ring adjacent to a first land and the outer restrictive element can include an inwardly extending ring adjacent to a second land. During rotation of the drive shaft the inwardly and outwardly extending rings remain a distance from the second and first lands, respectively, thus permitting a fluid to traverse the rings and lands. The invention also provides a wear sleeve for increasing seal and shaft life. The wear sleeve includes a groove cut into a hollow sleeve which is secured to the rotatable driveshaft.

Abstract: A drilling head used to seal around a drill pipe while drilling is employed in a subsea location. The drilling head has an inner body located within an outer body. At least one bearing is located between the outer body and the inner body for facilitating the rotation of the inner body relative to the outer body. A seal mounted to a lower portion of the inner body seals around the outer surface of the drill pipe. While lowering the drilling head to the wellhead, a support attached to the drill pipe is inserted into a skirt which surrounds a portion of the seal. The skirt and support are releasably connected using a J-slot mechanism. An inner annulus and an outer annulus are located between the inner and outer bodies, the annuluses containing a lubricating fluid. Helical vanes are located within the inner annulus and affixed to the inner body. The vanes rotate with the inner body for circulating the fluid through the inner and outer annuluses.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a drive shaft includes a cylindrical housing, and a plurality of elastomeric bearing sections disposed within the housing. The bearing sections are bonded to the housing by first applying a pattern of alternating parallel lines of adhesive to the inner diameter of the housing, installing the bearing sections, and inflating an airbag within the housing to thereby apply a uniform radial pressure to the inside of the housing while the adhesive cures.

Abstract: A propeller assembly that includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a cantilever spring for securing a propeller to a propeller shaft is described. In the exemplary embodiment, the propeller assembly includes a thrust bearing which tightly fits to an inclined surface of the propeller shaft. The thrust bearing includes an annular slot which forms a tight fit with one end of a hub of the propeller and one end of the spring. The propeller hub has a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of blades extend from an outer surface of the hub. A bore extends through the propeller hub, and the spring extends into the hub bore. The assembly further includes a washer and a nut which engages to a threaded end of the propeller shaft.

Abstract: An improved lubricant cooling system for a sealed bearing section used in drilling with downhole motors comprises a radial bearing or bearings which preferably contain internal and external spiral grooves such that rotation of the central hollow shaft which supports the drillbit forces lubricant up the external grooves toward the upper seal and then back down in the internal grooves along the cooled hollow shaft which has drilling mud flowing through it. Similarly, the rotation of the hollow shaft forces lubricant through an internal spiral in a lower radial bearing or bearings until it reaches the lower seal at which time it is forced into the external spirals past the thrust bearings in the bearing section. This axial circulation effect allows the removal of heat efficiently from the lubricant by virtue of circulating drilling mud in the hollow shaft and in the outer annulus returning to the surface.