US 7,002,445 B2 · Loaded transducer for downhole drilling components

Abstract

A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.

Claims15

Dependent claims

An apparatus for transmitting data between downhole tools, the apparatus comprising:

an annular housing having an angled surface interacting with a recess in one of the downhole tools and exerting a spring force to load the annular housing;
at least one substantially U-shaped element disposed within the loaded annular housing, wherein the U-shaped element is magnetically conductive and electrically insulating;
and
at least one electrical conductor disposed within the at least one U-shaped element.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Loaded transducer for downhole drilling components

Life of this patent

Loaded transducer for downhole drilling components

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15