The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 17, 1998
Filed:
Jul. 16, 1997
Borislav J Tchakarov, Houston, TX (US);
Computalog Limited, Calgary, CA;
Abstract
A downhole measurement tool is lowered into a well through a drill pipe. The tool has at least two modules which are joined by a flexible linkage. The linkage has two subs, each of which has an electrical connector for the modules. Each sub has a hub that is threaded. A threaded retainer nut retains each connector. Each nut has a hub that is threaded and is smaller in diameter than the sub hub. A coiled inner spring threadingly engages each nut hub. A coiled outer spring surrounds and threadingly engages each sub hub. The outer spring surrounds the inner spring and is wound in an opposite direction of the inner spring. The springs are embedded within an elastomeric member. The inner spring is dimensioned such that, for a selected lateral bend prior to installation with the outer spring, the inner spring will twist a selected angle in a first twist direction. Similarly, the outer spring is dimensioned such that for the selected lateral bend, prior to installation with the inner spring, the outer spring will twist substantially the same as the selected angle, but in a direction opposite to the first twist direction so as to cancel any twist between the subs once installed and subjected to a lateral bend. When the tool encounters a curved portion of the well, the inner spring, outer spring and elastomeric member flex to improve the navigability of the tool through the curved portion.