Braking devices and methods for use in drilling operations

A braking device for drilling operations in a borehole, comprising:

• a first member configured to be coupled to a drill string;
• a brake retainer coupled to the first member, the brake retainer including a plurality of brake connector openings defined therein;
• a second member operatively associated with the brake retainer, the second member having a conically tapered surface in communication with the brake connector openings, the conically tapered surface having a first diameter positioned toward the first member and a second diameter opposite the first member, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter;
• and
• a plurality of brake elements positioned in a plurality of the brake connector openings between the brake retainer and in contact with the contact surface, wherein relative movement of the second member relative to the brake retainer moves the brake elements between engagement with the first diameter of the conically tapered surface and the second diameter of the conically tapered surface.

A method of braking a drilling tool in a borehole, comprising:

• providing a drilling tool;
• connecting the tool to a braking device containing a brake element that is situated adjacent an inner member with an outer surface, and wherein the diameter of that outer surface increases in a first direction;
• and
• inserting the tool into a borehole so that first direction is oriented towards the mouth of the borehole.

A drilling tool containing a brake device, the brake device comprising:

• a first portion for connection to a drilling tool;
• an upper portion for connection to a retrieval mechanism;
• and
• a middle portion containing an inner member with an outer surface that increases in the distal direction towards the bottom of the borehole and a brake element for limiting motion of the drilling tool in the borehole by compression between the inner member and an inside surface of the borehole or a still string situated in the borehole.