| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20140124269 | CENTRALIZER FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole downhole probe supported by a centralizer. The centralizer comprises a tubular member that extends around the downhole probe. A wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe and outward contact points that bear against a bore wall of a section of drill string. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140150544 | AXIALLY-SUPPORTED DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140240141 | DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY - A telemetry system with a plurality of controllers and telemetry systems, where the controllers are configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20150233237 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150233238 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150247403 | MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR - A coupling key for fixedly coupling a driveshaft to a rotating component of a measurement while drilling telemetry apparatus comprises a key body and at least one zero backlash ring. The key body has dimensions selected to fit within a keyhole of a driveshaft and a receptacle of a rotating component, with a gap that is large enough that the key body can be freely inserted into the keyhole and receptacle and small enough that the coupling body can couple the driveshaft to the rotating component in a rotational direction. The least one zero backlash ring extends around the key body and protrudes from surfaces of the key body and into the gap such that an interference fit is established between the coupling key, the keyhole, and the receptacle when the coupling key is coupling the driveshaft and rotating component together. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150267481 | DRILL COLLAR WITH INTEGRATED PROBE CENTRALIZER - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features that are integral with the drill string section. A bore wall of the drill string section is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. A vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material may optionally be provided between the downhole probe and the drill string section. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150275660 | MUD PULSE TELEMETRY APPARATUS WITH A PRESSURE TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150285062 | DOWNHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY APPARATUS - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe having an EM telemetry signal generator and electrical contacts for carrying telemetry signals from the EM telemetry signal generator to first and second parts of a gap sub in a drill string. An outside surface of the probe and an inside surface of the gap sub are covered with layers of electrically-insulating material. Electrical conduction paths internal to the gap sub are removed, thereby increasing efficiency of EM telemetry. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150285067 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a driveshaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150292274 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COAXIALLY JOINING COMPONENTS TO RESIST RELATIVE ROTATIONAL AND LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT - A method and apparatus for joining first and second bodies coaxially together to resist relative axial and rotational movement between the bodies. A male portion of the first body is received in a complementary female portion of the second body, and the male and female portions are aligned axially on a common axis such that respective cooperating grooves in opposing cylindrical or tapered complementary surfaces of the male and female portions are aligned to form a plurality of passageways or a passageway having a plurality of passageway portions, between the opposing cylindrical or tapered complementary surfaces. At least two of the passageways or at least two of the passageway portions are disposed at different angles to the common axis. Solid mechanical coupling elements are loaded into each passageway or into the passageway having the plurality of passageway portions, such that each passageway or the passageway having the plurality of passageway portions is substantially full of the solid mechanical coupling elements. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150292322 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300098 | ROTARY LOCKING SUB FOR ANGULAR ALIGNMENT OF DOWNHOLE SENSORS WITH HIGH SIDE IN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - 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 bent sub and the sensor. The rotatable coupling may be rotated to align the high side with a reference indicium and locked at the set angle. Rows of ceramic balls retained in circumferential channels may be provided to permit rotation while carrying tensile and compressional forces. Calibration of the sensor is facilitated and opportunities for certain measurement errors are eliminated. An embodiment provides a mechanism for locking the rotatable coupling at a desired angle. The embodiment comprises a ring with teeth that engage a downhole portion of the coupling and depressions that engage an uphole portion of the coupling. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300099 | UNIVERSAL DOWNHOLE PROBE SYSTEM - A downhole probe is adapted to be supported in drill string sections having different internal diameters with the use of a set of interchangeable centralizers. Each centralizer is dimensioned to snugly receive the downhole probe and to bear against the bore wall of a drill-string section. Interchangeable axial supports such as spiders may also be provided in a set. The downhole probe may comprise a slick body. As drilling progresses the downhole probe may be adapted to be received in drill string sections of varying diameters. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300160 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308258 | DOWNHOLE PROBES AND SYSTEMS - Disclosed are downhole probes in which electrical interconnections between different modules are achieved without wiring harnesses. Modules may be coupled to one another and/or to bulkheads in the probe my couplings that provide substantially rigid couplings. The couplings may be configured to connect together only in one orientation. Electrical connectors may be fixed relative to components of the couplings so that the electrical connectors are automatically aligned for connection by the couplings. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150315899 | APPARATUS FOR ANGULAR ALIGNMENT OF DOWNHOLE SENSORS WITH HIGH SIDE IN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - 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. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150315900 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - A method for using a downhole probe. The method comprises providing a probe, at least one vertical cross section of the probe having an area of at least pi inches squared. The method further comprises inserting the probe into a bore of a drill collar and passing a drilling fluid through the bore of drill collar at a flow velocity of less than 41 feet per second. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150315905 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-CHANNEL DOWNHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY - An electromagnetic (EM) telemetry method comprises encoding downhole data into a single data stream; separating the single data stream into a plurality of separate data streams; converting each separate data stream into a corresponding separate waveform using a selected digital modulation technique wherein at least one of the frequency and phase of each waveform is assigned a unique value or unique non-overlapping range of values; combining each separate waveform into a combined waveform; and transmitting from a downhole location, an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry carrier wave comprising the combined waveform. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150322731 | CENTRALIZER FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a centralizer. The centralizer comprises a tubular member that extends around the downhole probe. A wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe and outward contact points that bear against a bore wall of a section of drill string. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150322779 | MUD PULSE TELEMETRY APPARATUS WITH A PRESSURE TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330155 | ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY GAP SUB ASSEMBLY WITH INSULATING COLLAR - An insulating collar for a gap sub assembly for electromagnetic (EM) telemetry used in downhole drilling is disclosed. The gap sub assembly comprises a female member comprising a female mating section and a male member comprising a male mating section and a gap section. The male mating section is matingly received within the female mating section and electrically isolated therefrom. The insulating collar is positioned on the gap section. The collar is made up of a framework with a plurality of discrete bodies spaced about the framework and a portion of each of the discrete bodies protrudes above the framework. Either the framework or the discrete bodies are made of an electrical insulator material to electrically isolate one end of the collar from the other end of the collar. The collar therefore electrically isolates the male member from the female member and the male member, female member and insulating collar function as the “gap sub” for EM telemetry. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330207 | AXIALLY-SUPPORTED DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330217 | DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY SIGNAL MODULATION USING PRESSURE PULSES OF MULTIPLE PULSE HEIGHTS - A method for modulating a downhole telemetry signal uses a fluid pressure pulse generator that generates pressure pulses of multiple pulse heights in a drilling fluid. The method comprises: converting measurement data into a bitstream comprising symbols of a selected symbol set; encoding the bitstream into a pressure pulse telemetry signal using a modulation technique that includes amplitude shift keying, wherein each symbol of the selected symbol set is assigned a pressure pulse having a unique amplitude; and generating pressure pulses in the drilling fluid corresponding to the telemetry signal. Alternatively, the method can comprise a modulation technique that includes amplitude shift keying and phase shift keying and wherein each symbol of the selected symbol set is assigned a pressure pulse having a unique combination of amplitude and phase. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150345282 | MOUNTING AND COMPONENT HOLDER APPARATUSES AND ASSEMBLIES FOR HOLDING RIGID COMPONENTS - A component mounting apparatus for holding a rigid component in a downhole bore or a downhole collar based application includes a first body including first and second parallel spaced apart component holders disposed in a first common plane and a first support connecting the component holders together. The first and second parallel spaced apart component holders are operable to receive and grip a rigid component between the first and second parallel spaced apart component holders. Various component mounting assemblies and configurations may be realized using the component mounting apparatus described. The component mounting apparatus and various mounting assemblies may be used to mount a printed circuit board in a cylindrical enclosure or to bular housing, for example. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345286 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a drive-shaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345288 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a driveshaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150361788 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING BATTERIES FOR USE IN A DOWNHOLE DRILLING APPLICATION - The present disclosure is directed at methods, systems, and techniques for managing batteries for use in a downhole drilling application. The system includes a power bus, pairs of battery terminals for connecting to batteries, switching circuitry that connects and disconnects the batteries to the power bus, data collection circuitry that obtains battery parameters obtained during system operation, and a controller that controls the switching circuitry and receives the battery parameters. A control line connects the controller to the switching circuitry and a data line connects the controller to the data collection circuitry, with the control and data lines being distinct such that control and data signals are not multiplexed with each other. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150369035 | DOWNHOLE PROBE CENTRALIZER - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features of a centralizer that is slidably removable from the drill string section. The centralizer may comprise a tubular body having a bore defined through it. A bore wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. The centralizer may optionally comprise and/or be coated with a vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369041 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND PULSER ASSEMBLY HOUSING - A fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a pulser assembly having a pulser assembly housing enclosing a pressure compensation device. The pulser assembly housing includes an interior wall with a plurality of primary apertures therethrough and an exterior wall with a plurality of secondary apertures therethrough, the exterior wall overlying the interior wall. The primary and secondary apertures are in fluid communication with a pressure compensation mechanism in the pressure compensation device such that drilling fluid contacts the pressure compensation mechanism for equalization of pressure of a lubrication liquid contained inside the pulser assembly housing with pressure of the drilling fluid when the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus is positioned downhole. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150377014 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body and cylindrical bore and a rotor having a cylindrical body and cap. The diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than that of the stator central bore such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The cap has a base with a diameter larger than that of the rotor body, forming a protruding lip that covers at least a portion of the annular gap. The stator body and rotor body collectively have at least one fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and at least one fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The rotor can rotate within the stator such that the fluid diverter moves in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377015 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator with a body and cylindrical bore and a generally cylindrical rotor having uphole and downhole ends with different diameters to form an annular fluid barrier at the intersection of the two ends. An annular gap is formed between the rotor uphole end and stator body. The stator body and rotor body collectively have a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The annular fluid barrier is in fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber or the fluid diverter. The rotor can be rotated such that the fluid diverter is movable in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377018 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body with a cylindrical bore and a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a rotor having a cylindrical body rotatably seated within the bore, a rotor head connected to the rotor body, and a fluid diverter comprising a fluid passage through the rotor body and a nozzle in the rotor head. A fluid passage has an opening on an outside surface of the rotor body and an outlet at an end of the rotor body. The nozzle has an inlet end communicable with a drilling fluid and an outlet end in fluid communication with the fluid opening. The flow area of the nozzle increases from the inlet to outlet end such that the velocity of the drilling fluid slows while from inlet to outlet end. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160003007 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING BATTERIES FOR USE IN A DOWNHOLE DRILLING APPLICATION - The present disclosure is directed at methods, systems, and techniques for managing batteries for use in a downhole drilling application. The system includes a power bus, pairs of battery terminals for connecting to batteries, switching circuitry that connects and disconnects the batteries to the power bus, data collection circuitry that obtains battery parameters obtained during system operation, and a controller that controls the switching circuitry and receives the battery parameters. A control line connects the controller to the switching circuitry and a data line connects the controller to the data collection circuitry, with the control and data lines being distinct such that control and data signals are not multiplexed with each other. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160003034 | ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY - An apparatus for transmitting electromagnetic (EM) telemetry data from a downhole location to surface comprising: an EM signal transmitter configured to generate positive and negative polarity EM pulses corresponding to a telemetry signal; and an electronics subassembly communicative with the EM signal transmitter and comprising a processor and a memory having encoded thereon program code executable by the processor to perform a method comprising encoding measurement data into an EM telemetry signal using a modulation scheme comprising mapping a symbol set to at least one positive polarity EM pulse and one negative polarity EM pulse; and sending a control signal to the EM signal transmitter to generate EM pulses corresponding to the EM telemetry signal. The EM signal transmitter can comprise an H-bridge circuit electrically coupled to positive and negative ends of a gap sub such that applying a voltage across a positive pathway of the H-bridge circuit generates the positive polarity EM pulse, and applying a voltage across a negative pathway of the H-bridge circuit generates the negative polarity EM pulse. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160003035 | INTEGRATED DOWNHOLE SYSTEM WITH PLURAL TELEMETRY SUBSYSTEMS - A downhole system has a plurality of telemetry systems and a control system configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system and how the information is to be transmitted on the given telemetry system. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160032660 | PINNED ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY GAP SUB ASSEMBLY - A gap sub comprises a female member comprising a first and second plurality of apertures, and a male member comprising a first and second plurality of cavities. A plurality of non-conductive pins may be inserted through the second plurality of apertures and the second plurality of cavities, thereby locking the relative positions of the female and male members. A plurality of conductive pins may be inserted through the first plurality of apertures and the first plurality of cavities such that there are no electrical connections between the conductive pins and the male member. A dielectric material may be inserted between the male member and the conductive pins. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160047234 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING A DATA FRAME OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY SIGNAL TO OR FROM A DOWNHOLE LOCATION - Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160053610 | ELECTROMAGNETIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A DRILLING OPERATION - A wireless communications system for a downhole drilling operation comprises surface communications equipment and a downhole telemetry tool. The surface communications equipment comprises a surface EM communications module with an EM downlink transmitter configured to transmit an EM downlink transmission at a frequency between 0.01 Hz and 0.1 Hz. The downhole telemetry tool is mountable to a drill string and has a downhole electromagnetic (EM) communications unit with an EM downlink receiver configured to receive the EM downlink transmission. The downhole EM communications unit can further comprise an EM uplink transmitter configured to transmit an EM uplink transmission at a frequency greater than 0.5 Hz, in which case the surface EM communications module further comprises an EM uplink receiver configured to receive the | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160076365 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING A DATA FRAME OF AN ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY SIGNAL TO OR FROM A DOWNHOLE LOCATION - Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame. | 03-17-2016 |
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| 20110154342 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING REMINDERS - A method and computing device for providing task reminder data associated with event data stored in a database is provided. The computing device comprises a processing unit interconnected with a memory device. A list of tasks associated with the event data is received, each respective task in the list of tasks associated with task data. Respective reminder times for each task are determined at the processing unit, such that a display device can be controlled to provide respective representations of the task data, in association with the event data, at respective times substantially similar to each respective reminder time. The list of tasks is stored in the database in association with the event data. Input data is received, indicative that at least one of a start time and an end time of an event associated with the event data has changed to a respective new start time and new end time. For each task in the list of tasks, a given respective reminder time is changed to a new given respective reminder time based on at least one of the new start time and the new end time when the given respective reminder time comprises a time relative to at least one of the start time and the end time. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110202861 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING SAME FOR RENDERING CALENDAR INFORMATION - A method includes rendering a representation of a day in a calendar day view on a display of an electronic device, retrieving calendar event records that satisfy constraints, identifying a first all-day event record and a second all-day event record of the calendar event records, and in response to identifying the first all-day event record and the second all-day event record, maintaining display of an all-day event indicator in the day view during scrolling within the representation of the day by alternately displaying an indicator of the first all-day event record and an indicator of the second all-day event record. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110202999 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EVENT ENTRIES - To address situations wherein details and information stored in an electronic device, for example event entries, are sensitive in nature, a system and method are provided wherein such details and information are protected from inadvertent or malicious access and exposure. A flag or option is provided when creating an event entry that flags or marks the entry as sensitive. The details associated with the entry can be suppressed until a specified time before the event occurs and can be deleted or hidden after the event occurs. Access to the details at other times can be permitted through re-authentication of the user, for example using a password. In addition, data storage recovery can be effected by removing old entries irrespective of the sensitivity of the event or its details. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110213845 | AUTOMATIC DELETION OF ELECTRONIC MESSAGES - A system and method are provided for automatically deleting messages such as e-mail upon consumption by the recipient. Consumption by the recipient may include viewing the message, forwarding or replying to the message, or archiving, saving, copying, or moving the message. An indicator is inserted in the message, for example in the message header or body, indicating that the message is to be deleted upon detection of a triggering consumption action. Upon receipt at the recipient's mail client, the client determines whether the indicator is present, and, upon detection of a triggering consumption action, automatically closes any views of the message displayed by the recipient's mail client and deletes the message. Optionally a warning is provided to the recipient prior to deletion. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110231371 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ARCHIVING DATA - A method, server and mobile electronic device for archiving data are provided. The server determines that an amount of the data managed by the server meets a threshold condition and in response transmits a message to the mobile electronic device associated with the data, the message indicative that the threshold condition has been met. The mobile electronic device responds to the message with a response indicative that the data is to be archived. The response triggers the server to cause at least a portion of the data to be archived, thereby increasing memory available for storing further data. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20120022909 | AUTOMATIC MEETING SCHEDULING AND AVAILABLE TIME DISPLAY - Automatic meeting scheduling may be facilitated without the need to open a calendar application to discuss and discover shared available time. A meeting organizer may send a request to one or more potential meeting participants. Based on responses received from the device of the potential meeting participants, the device of the meeting organizer may determine coincidentally available meeting times. The device may automatically select a candidate meeting time from among the coincidentally available meeting times or may rely on the meeting organizer to select a candidate meeting time from among the coincidentally available meeting times. Typical meeting scheduling may then ensue. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120040646 | DELAYING DELIVERY OF TELECONFERENCE ACCESS INFORMATION - A system and method for delaying delivery of teleconference access information includes at least one processor, at least one computer readable medium in communication with the processor, and at least one program module stored on the medium. The module is operative to create a teleconference notification in response to a request from a requestor device. The module can also assign a date, time, and access information for the teleconference, receive an input from the requestor device to delay delivery of the access information, and deliver the teleconference notification to at least one participant device. The teleconference notification has at least the date and time of the teleconference but not the access information. The module delays delivery of the access information to the at least one participant. For example, delivery of the access information is delayed until a predetermined time period from the assigned date and time of the teleconference. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120066736 | COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MANAGEMENT USING SERVICES PROFILE - A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120110675 | RESTRICTIONS TO DATA TRANSMISSION - Data received at, or created on, a device may be tagged as corporate dependent upon a service over which the data is received or an application in which the data is created. When a user attempts to insert tagged data into a data item that is to be transmitted by the device, the insertion may be prevented. Similarly, the transmission of tagged data may be restricted to only occur on a secure service. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120317498 | ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING ICONS - An electronic communication device includes an input interface for receiving input, a display for displaying output, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the input interface and the display. When the processor determines that a new notification event for an application has occurred, the processor causes an icon for activating the application to be displayed on the display. When the processor determines that the new notification event has not occurred, the processor does not display the icon. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20130029729 | MOBILE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE WITH FIRST AND SECOND ALARM FUNCTION GUI'S AND RELATED METHODS - A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, an input device carried by the portable housing, a display carried by the portable housing, and a processor carried by the portable housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, the input device, and the display. The processor may perform a time alarm function having a time alarm value settable via the input device, and generate an alarm indication upon reaching the time alarm value. The processor also may generate a first time alarm function GUI on the display including a first selectable menu list for the time alarm function, and generate a second time alarm function GUI including a second selectable menu list on the display different from the first selectable menu list when a current time is within a threshold time of the time alarm value. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130183945 | DELAYING DELIVERY OF TELECONFERENCE ACCESS INFORMATION - A system and method for delaying delivery of teleconference access information includes at least one processor, at least one computer readable medium in communication with the processor, and at least one program module stored on the medium. The module is operative to create a teleconference notification in response to a request from a requestor device. The module can also assign a date, time, and access information for the teleconference, receive an input from the requestor device to delay delivery of the access information, and deliver the teleconference notification to at least one participant device. The teleconference notification has at least the date and time of the teleconference but not the access information. The module delays delivery of the access information to the at least one participant. For example, delivery of the access information is delayed until a predetermined time period from the assigned date and time of the teleconference. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20140010120 | COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES MAMAGEMENT USING SERVICES PROFILE - A method of managing communications services begins with a communications platform receiving a request for a communications service to be provided to a communications device by a source other than the communications platform. The communications platform determines an authorization of the communications device to receive the communications service. The authorization comprises a permission of the communications device to receive the communications service during a lifetime of a communications session maintained with the communications device. The communications network authorizes delivery of the communications service to the communications device during the lifetime of the communications session, in accordance with the authorization. | 01-09-2014 |
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| 20100333014 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RENDERING DATA RECORDS - A method of controlling an electronic device includes retrieving records that satisfy a set of constraints, rendering data from the records in a list on a display, and rendering, in the list, further data from a selected one of the records in the list on the display in response to receipt of an input. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110022607 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING DATA RECORDS IN A GIVEN ORDER UPON RECEIVING INPUT DATA FROM A TOUCHSCREEN - A method and computing device for managing calendar data records are provided, the computing device comprising a processor interconnected with a memory enabled to maintain the data records and with a touchscreen controlled to generate a representation of a subset of at least two of the data records within a first portion of the touchscreen. The touchscreen is further controlled to generate a representation of details of a first one of the data records in the subset in a second portion of the touchscreen, different from the first portion, when input data associated with the first portion is detected by the touchscreen. The touchscreen is further controlled to generate a representation of details of a next data record in the subset, in a given order, in the second portion, each time an input event is detected at a portion of the touchscreen associated with providing next data records. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110072372 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE SAME FOR DETERMINATION OF FREE TIME PERIODS - A method of controlling an electronic device includes retrieving, from at least one database comprising a plurality of calendared events, calendared events for a calendar day and for the calendar day, determining free time periods between an earliest of a start time of a working day and an end time of a first calendared event and a latest of the end time of the working day and a start time of a last calendared event, and rendering the calendared events and the determined free time periods in a time-ordered list on a display of the electronic device. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110115716 | TOUCH-SENSITIVE DISPLAY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A method includes detecting a continuous touch on a touch-sensitive display. A position of one or more boundaries is updated when the continuous touch crosses a first boundary of the one or more boundaries. Feedback is provided when the continuous touch crosses the first boundary. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20120182262 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING DATA RECORDS IN A GIVEN ORDER UPON RECEIVING INPUT DATA FROM A TOUCHSCREEN - A method and computing device for managing calendar data records are provided, the computing device comprising a processor interconnected with a memory enabled to maintain the data records and with a touchscreen controlled to generate a representation of a subset of at least two of the data records within a first portion of the touchscreen. The touchscreen is further controlled to generate a representation of details of a first one of the data records in the subset in a second portion of the touchscreen, different from the first portion, when input data associated with the first portion is detected by the touchscreen. The touchscreen is further controlled to generate a representation of details of a next data record in the subset, in a given order, in the second portion, each time an input event is detected at a portion of the touchscreen associated with providing next data records. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20140052723 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR APPLYING CONSTRAINTS TO DATA OBJECT - In one example embodiment, a processor-implemented method is described. The processor implemented method includes: associating a first notebook with one or more predetermined constraints; receiving input associating a data object with a notebook; and when the notebook associated with the data object is the first notebook, applying the one or more predetermined constraints associated with the first notebook to the data object. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140052797 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR GENERATING ACTION ITEM FROM EMAIL - Methods and devices for generating an action item based on an email message are described. In one embodiment, a processor-implemented method is described. The method includes: receiving an email message via a communication subsystem; determining that the received email message includes a follow up flag that indicates that an action is required regarding the email message; and in response to determining that the received email message includes a follow up flag that indicates that an action is required regarding the email message, creating an action item based on the received email message. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20150363602 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING AND UPDATING SECURED DATA - A method is provided for use on an electronic device having a display, a communication component, a memory, and a processor coupled to the display, the communication component, and the memory. The memory stores data in a first sandbox and data in a second sandbox, the first sandbox being a secure sandbox and having a shadow data component, the shadow data component storing a subset of the data stored in the first sandbox. The method comprises, in response to a request, providing the data stored in the first sandbox when the first sandbox is in an unlocked mode and providing the data stored in the shadow data component when the first sandbox is in a locked mode. | 12-17-2015 |
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| 20080253228 | Drill string telemetry methods and apparatus - A method is provided which transmits information using a plurality of data transmission nodes situated along a drill string. In this method, a first node obtains a transmission status of a second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node meets a selected performance threshold, information is sent from the first node to the second node. When the transmission status of the second node indicates that the second node does not meet its performance threshold, then the first node obtains a transmission status of a third node. When the transmission status of the third node indicates that the third node meets a selected performance threshold, information is transmitted from the first node to the third node for relaying along the drill string. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20100043229 | Electrical Isolation Connector For Electromagnetic Gap Sub - A gap sub assembly can be used to form an electrical isolation in a drill string, across which a voltage is applied to generate a carrier signal for an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system. The assembly comprises two conductive generally cylindrical components fashioned with a matching set of male and female rounded coarse threads, held such that a relatively uniform interstitial space is formed in the overlap space between them. The third component is a substantially dielectric electrical isolator component placed into the gap between the threads that effectively electrically isolates the two conductive components. Injecting the dielectric material under high pressure forms a tight bond resistant to the ingress of conductive drilling fluids (liquids, gases or foam), thus forming a high pressure insulating seal. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100157741 | ACOUSTIC ISOLATOR - An acoustic isolator for use with tubular assemblies such as drillpipe or production tubing comprising an acoustic wave transmitter, the acoustic isolator comprising, in series connection, an odd integer λ/4 multiple tuning bar of first acoustic impedance adjacent the acoustic wave transmitter, an odd integer λ/4 multiple reflector tube of second acoustic impedance, and a snubber of third acoustic impedance, wherein there is an acoustic impedance mismatch between the odd integer λ/4 multiple tuning bar and the odd integer λ/4 multiple reflector tube and an acoustic impedance mismatch between the odd integer λ/4 multiple reflector tube and snubber, such that a ‘down’ wave propagated toward the isolator is reflected back substantially in phase with an ‘up’ wave propagated from the acoustic wave source away from the isolator. Furthermore, the acoustic isolator is similarly effective in reflecting ‘up’ propagating waves originating from below the isolator, hence further protecting the acoustic wave source from possible deleterious interference. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20110036557 | Electrical Isolation Connector For Electromagnetic Gap Sub - A gap sub assembly can be used to form an electrical isolation in a drill string, across which a voltage is applied to generate a carrier signal for an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry system. The assembly comprises two conductive generally cylindrical components fashioned with a matching set of male and female rounded coarse threads, held such that a relatively uniform interstitial space is formed in the overlap space between them. The third component is a substantially dielectric electrical isolator component placed into the gap between the threads that effectively electrically isolates the two conductive components. Injecting the dielectric material under high pressure forms a tight bond resistant to the ingress of conductive drilling fluids (liquids, gases or foam), thus forming a high pressure insulating seal. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110227447 | Brush And Brush Housing Arrangement To Mitigate Hydrodynamic Brush Lift In Fluid-Immersed Electric Motors - A brush and brush housing arrangement for use with an electric brushed motor containing viscous fluid. The brush and brush housing arrangement comprises a brush housing and at least one brush. The at least one brush comprising a first end that is in contact with a rotating commutator of the motor when in use and an opposed second end. At least one open-faced channel in a surface of the brush extends from the first end to the second end. The open-faced channel provides an exit for entrained fluid from the brush and brush housing, minimizing or eliminating brush lift caused by fluid being forced between the rotating commutator and the brush. Additional pressure relief channels for allowing escape of entrained fluid may be located in the housing. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110309949 | Electromagnetic Telemetry Assembly With Protected Antenna - Oilfield drilling utilizes downhole data transmitted to surface for formation evaluation and steering of directional wellbores. A leading technology in providing subsurface to surface communication is Electro-Magnetic (EM) Telemetry. This technology is typically employed with a downhole antenna concentric with the bore of an electrically insulating “gap sub” portion of the system. The antenna blocks the bore from further use to conduct other sensors or equipment through. One aspect of the invention is to integrate the antenna into the structure of the gap sub, thereby clearing the bore for conducting other tools through, and also protecting the antenna from the harsh drilling environment, including abrasion, erosion, shock, and vibration. Another aspect of this invention enables the antenna to serve a secondary function as an anti-rotation feature between the two halves of the gap sub. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20130032412 | DRILL BIT ASSEMBLY HAVING ALIGNED FEATURES - A drill bit assembly has a bit head and a pin body. The bit head comprises a cutting end, an opposite connecting end with an engagement section, and a feature facing the connecting end. The pin body comprises a tubular body with an axial bore therethrough, a connecting end with an engagement section and a feature facing the connecting end. The drill bit assembly is manufactured by positioning the pin body connecting end with the bit head connecting end such that the pin body and bit head engagement sections overlap with a gap therebetween, and the pin body and bit head features are aligned; injecting a thermoplastic or other connecting material in liquid form between the bit head and pin body engagement sections and into the gap; and solidifying the thermoplastic or other connecting material such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically coupled together at their connecting ends and their features are securely aligned. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20150101867 | Drill Bit Assembly Having Electrically Isolated Gap Joint for Measurement of Reservoir Properties - A drill bit assembly for measuring reservoir formation properties comprises a bit head and a pin body, and an electrically insulated gap joint between two conductive parts of the drill bit assembly. The electrically insulating gap joint can fill a gap between bit head and pin body engagement sections such that the bit head and pin body are mechanically connected together at connecting ends but electrically separated. Alternatively or additionally, the pin body can have two pieces which are separated by an electrically insulating gap joint. An electrical conductor is electrically connected at a first end to the bit head and is communicable at a second end with an alternating current signal to transmit an alternating current into the bit head, thereby inducing an electric current into a reservoir formation adjacent the bit head. | 04-16-2015 |
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| 20140124269 | CENTRALIZER FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole downhole probe supported by a centralizer. The centralizer comprises a tubular member that extends around the downhole probe. A wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe and outward contact points that bear against a bore wall of a section of drill string. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140150544 | AXIALLY-SUPPORTED DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140240141 | DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY - A telemetry system with a plurality of controllers and telemetry systems, where the controllers are configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20150233237 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150233238 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150247403 | MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR - A coupling key for fixedly coupling a driveshaft to a rotating component of a measurement while drilling telemetry apparatus comprises a key body and at least one zero backlash ring. The key body has dimensions selected to fit within a keyhole of a driveshaft and a receptacle of a rotating component, with a gap that is large enough that the key body can be freely inserted into the keyhole and receptacle and small enough that the coupling body can couple the driveshaft to the rotating component in a rotational direction. The least one zero backlash ring extends around the key body and protrudes from surfaces of the key body and into the gap such that an interference fit is established between the coupling key, the keyhole, and the receptacle when the coupling key is coupling the driveshaft and rotating component together. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150267481 | DRILL COLLAR WITH INTEGRATED PROBE CENTRALIZER - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features that are integral with the drill string section. A bore wall of the drill string section is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. A vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material may optionally be provided between the downhole probe and the drill string section. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150275660 | MUD PULSE TELEMETRY APPARATUS WITH A PRESSURE TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150285062 | DOWNHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY APPARATUS - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe having an EM telemetry signal generator and electrical contacts for carrying telemetry signals from the EM telemetry signal generator to first and second parts of a gap sub in a drill string. An outside surface of the probe and an inside surface of the gap sub are covered with layers of electrically-insulating material. Electrical conduction paths internal to the gap sub are removed, thereby increasing efficiency of EM telemetry. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150285067 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a driveshaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150292274 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COAXIALLY JOINING COMPONENTS TO RESIST RELATIVE ROTATIONAL AND LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT - A method and apparatus for joining first and second bodies coaxially together to resist relative axial and rotational movement between the bodies. A male portion of the first body is received in a complementary female portion of the second body, and the male and female portions are aligned axially on a common axis such that respective cooperating grooves in opposing cylindrical or tapered complementary surfaces of the male and female portions are aligned to form a plurality of passageways or a passageway having a plurality of passageway portions, between the opposing cylindrical or tapered complementary surfaces. At least two of the passageways or at least two of the passageway portions are disposed at different angles to the common axis. Solid mechanical coupling elements are loaded into each passageway or into the passageway having the plurality of passageway portions, such that each passageway or the passageway having the plurality of passageway portions is substantially full of the solid mechanical coupling elements. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150292322 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300098 | ROTARY LOCKING SUB FOR ANGULAR ALIGNMENT OF DOWNHOLE SENSORS WITH HIGH SIDE IN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - 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 bent sub and the sensor. The rotatable coupling may be rotated to align the high side with a reference indicium and locked at the set angle. Rows of ceramic balls retained in circumferential channels may be provided to permit rotation while carrying tensile and compressional forces. Calibration of the sensor is facilitated and opportunities for certain measurement errors are eliminated. An embodiment provides a mechanism for locking the rotatable coupling at a desired angle. The embodiment comprises a ring with teeth that engage a downhole portion of the coupling and depressions that engage an uphole portion of the coupling. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300099 | UNIVERSAL DOWNHOLE PROBE SYSTEM - A downhole probe is adapted to be supported in drill string sections having different internal diameters with the use of a set of interchangeable centralizers. Each centralizer is dimensioned to snugly receive the downhole probe and to bear against the bore wall of a drill-string section. Interchangeable axial supports such as spiders may also be provided in a set. The downhole probe may comprise a slick body. As drilling progresses the downhole probe may be adapted to be received in drill string sections of varying diameters. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150300160 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprising a stator and rotor that can be used in measurement while drilling using mud pulse or pressure pulse telemetry is disclosed. The stator comprises a stator body with a circular opening therethrough and the rotor comprises a circular rotor body rotatably received in the circular opening of the stator body. One of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one fluid opening for flow of fluid therethrough and the other of the stator body or the rotor body comprises one or more than one full flow chamber. The rotor is rotatable between a full flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening align so that fluid flows from the full flow chamber through the fluid opening, and a reduced flow configuration whereby the full flow chamber and the fluid opening are not aligned. The flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the reduced flow configuration is less than the flow of fluid through the fluid opening in the full flow configuration thereby generating a fluid pressure pulse. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308258 | DOWNHOLE PROBES AND SYSTEMS - Disclosed are downhole probes in which electrical interconnections between different modules are achieved without wiring harnesses. Modules may be coupled to one another and/or to bulkheads in the probe my couplings that provide substantially rigid couplings. The couplings may be configured to connect together only in one orientation. Electrical connectors may be fixed relative to components of the couplings so that the electrical connectors are automatically aligned for connection by the couplings. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150315899 | APPARATUS FOR ANGULAR ALIGNMENT OF DOWNHOLE SENSORS WITH HIGH SIDE IN DIRECTIONAL DRILLING - 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. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150315900 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - A method for using a downhole probe. The method comprises providing a probe, at least one vertical cross section of the probe having an area of at least pi inches squared. The method further comprises inserting the probe into a bore of a drill collar and passing a drilling fluid through the bore of drill collar at a flow velocity of less than 41 feet per second. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150322731 | CENTRALIZER FOR DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a centralizer. The centralizer comprises a tubular member that extends around the downhole probe. A wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe and outward contact points that bear against a bore wall of a section of drill string. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150322779 | MUD PULSE TELEMETRY APPARATUS WITH A PRESSURE TRANSDUCER AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150330155 | ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY GAP SUB ASSEMBLY WITH INSULATING COLLAR - An insulating collar for a gap sub assembly for electromagnetic (EM) telemetry used in downhole drilling is disclosed. The gap sub assembly comprises a female member comprising a female mating section and a male member comprising a male mating section and a gap section. The male mating section is matingly received within the female mating section and electrically isolated therefrom. The insulating collar is positioned on the gap section. The collar is made up of a framework with a plurality of discrete bodies spaced about the framework and a portion of each of the discrete bodies protrudes above the framework. Either the framework or the discrete bodies are made of an electrical insulator material to electrically isolate one end of the collar from the other end of the collar. The collar therefore electrically isolates the male member from the female member and the male member, female member and insulating collar function as the “gap sub” for EM telemetry. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150330207 | AXIALLY-SUPPORTED DOWNHOLE PROBES - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported by a locking mechanism with a bore of a drill string section. The probe comprises a first spider and a second spider at the uphole and downhole sections of the probe. The locking mechanism secures the probes in the bore against axial and rotational movement relative the drill string section. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150345282 | MOUNTING AND COMPONENT HOLDER APPARATUSES AND ASSEMBLIES FOR HOLDING RIGID COMPONENTS - A component mounting apparatus for holding a rigid component in a downhole bore or a downhole collar based application includes a first body including first and second parallel spaced apart component holders disposed in a first common plane and a first support connecting the component holders together. The first and second parallel spaced apart component holders are operable to receive and grip a rigid component between the first and second parallel spaced apart component holders. Various component mounting assemblies and configurations may be realized using the component mounting apparatus described. The component mounting apparatus and various mounting assemblies may be used to mount a printed circuit board in a cylindrical enclosure or to bular housing, for example. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345286 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a drive-shaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150345288 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRIMARY SEAL ASSEMBLY, BACK UP SEAL ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - The embodiments described herein generally relate to a fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a primary seal assembly, back up seal assembly and pressure compensation device. The pressure compensation device comprises a membrane support and a longitudinally extending membrane system. The membrane support has a longitudinally extending bore therethrough for receiving a driveshaft of the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus. The longitudinally extending membrane system comprising a longitudinally extending outer membrane sleeve and a longitudinally extending inner membrane sleeve with the inner membrane sleeve positioned inside the outer membrane sleeve. The membrane system is sealed to the membrane support to allow flexing of the membrane system in response to fluid pressure on either an inner longitudinal surface of the membrane system or an outer longitudinal surface of the membrane system and to prevent fluid on the inner longitudinal surface mixing with fluid on the outer longitudinal surface. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150369035 | DOWNHOLE PROBE CENTRALIZER - An assembly for use in subsurface drilling includes a downhole probe supported in a drill string section by centralizing features of a centralizer that is slidably removable from the drill string section. The centralizer may comprise a tubular body having a bore defined through it. A bore wall of the centralizer is fluted to provide inward contact points that support the downhole probe. The downhole probe may be supported for substantially its entire length. The centralizer may optionally comprise and/or be coated with a vibration damping and/or electrically insulating material. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369041 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATING APPARATUS WITH PRESSURE COMPENSATION DEVICE AND PULSER ASSEMBLY HOUSING - A fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus with a pulser assembly having a pulser assembly housing enclosing a pressure compensation device. The pulser assembly housing includes an interior wall with a plurality of primary apertures therethrough and an exterior wall with a plurality of secondary apertures therethrough, the exterior wall overlying the interior wall. The primary and secondary apertures are in fluid communication with a pressure compensation mechanism in the pressure compensation device such that drilling fluid contacts the pressure compensation mechanism for equalization of pressure of a lubrication liquid contained inside the pulser assembly housing with pressure of the drilling fluid when the fluid pressure pulse generating apparatus is positioned downhole. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150377014 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body and cylindrical bore and a rotor having a cylindrical body and cap. The diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than that of the stator central bore such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The cap has a base with a diameter larger than that of the rotor body, forming a protruding lip that covers at least a portion of the annular gap. The stator body and rotor body collectively have at least one fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and at least one fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The rotor can rotate within the stator such that the fluid diverter moves in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377015 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator with a body and cylindrical bore and a generally cylindrical rotor having uphole and downhole ends with different diameters to form an annular fluid barrier at the intersection of the two ends. An annular gap is formed between the rotor uphole end and stator body. The stator body and rotor body collectively have a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The annular fluid barrier is in fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber or the fluid diverter. The rotor can be rotated such that the fluid diverter is movable in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150377018 | FLUID PRESSURE PULSE GENERATOR FOR A DOWNHOLE TELEMETRY TOOL - A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body with a cylindrical bore and a fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a rotor having a cylindrical body rotatably seated within the bore, a rotor head connected to the rotor body, and a fluid diverter comprising a fluid passage through the rotor body and a nozzle in the rotor head. A fluid passage has an opening on an outside surface of the rotor body and an outlet at an end of the rotor body. The nozzle has an inlet end communicable with a drilling fluid and an outlet end in fluid communication with the fluid opening. The flow area of the nozzle increases from the inlet to outlet end such that the velocity of the drilling fluid slows while from inlet to outlet end. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160003035 | INTEGRATED DOWNHOLE SYSTEM WITH PLURAL TELEMETRY SUBSYSTEMS - A downhole system has a plurality of telemetry systems and a control system configured to obtain information from one or more sensors and transmit that information on one or more of the plurality of telemetry systems. The configuration of a controller may be changed so as to change which information is transmitted on a given telemetry system and how the information is to be transmitted on the given telemetry system. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160032660 | PINNED ELECTROMAGNETIC TELEMETRY GAP SUB ASSEMBLY - A gap sub comprises a female member comprising a first and second plurality of apertures, and a male member comprising a first and second plurality of cavities. A plurality of non-conductive pins may be inserted through the second plurality of apertures and the second plurality of cavities, thereby locking the relative positions of the female and male members. A plurality of conductive pins may be inserted through the first plurality of apertures and the first plurality of cavities such that there are no electrical connections between the conductive pins and the male member. A dielectric material may be inserted between the male member and the conductive pins. | 02-04-2016 |
