US3705603A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drive train for logging-while-drilling tool
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1971-06-16
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Granted: 1972-12-12
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Expires: 1991-06-16
Abstract
Abstract An improved drive train for coupling a motor to a signal generating, rotary type valve in a logging-while-drilling tool. The drive train includes a double planetary, speed reducing transmission, the input shaft of which is coupled to the motor by an automatically releasable clutch to prevent damage in the event the valve becomes jammed. The output shaft of the transmission is coupled to the rotor of the valve by means of a flexible coupling which reduces the reversing peak torque loads created by operation of the valve.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel E Hawk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 04:57
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/12; E21B47/14; E21B47/18; E21B47/20; E21B47/24; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86389; Y10T137/86405; Y10T137/86413
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
A logging-while-drilling tool comprising: a housing adapted to be positioned in a drill string of an earth drilling apparatus wherein a drilling fluid which is circulated through the drill string will flow around said housing; a rotary valve positioned on said housing so that at least a portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the drill string will flow through said valve, said valve having a shaft journaled in said housing; a motor in said housing having a drive shaft and an operating characteristic determined by a downhole condition measured by said tool; and a drive train connecting said drive shaft of said motor to said shaft of said rotary valve, said drive train comprising: a transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft; first means connecting said drive shaft of said motor to said input shaft of said transmission; and second means connecting said output shaft of said transmission to said shaft of said valve, said second means having means for reducing the reversing, opposed torque loads developed by operation of said rotary valve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
A logging-while-drilling tool comprising: a housing adapted to be positioned in a drill string of an earth drilling apparatus wherein a drilling fluid which is circulated through the drill string will flow around said housing; a rotary valve positioned on said housing so that at least a portion of the drilling fluid flowing through the drill string will flow through said valve, said valve having a shaft journaled in said housing; a motor in said housing having a drive shaft and an operating characteristic determined by a downhole condition measured by said tool; and a drive train connecting said drive shaft of said motor to said shaft of said rotary valve, said drive train comprising: a transmission having an input shaft and an output shaft; first means connecting said drive shaft of said motor to said input shaft of said transmission; and second means connecting said output shaft of said transmission to said shaft of said valve, said second means having means for reducing the reversing, opposed torque loads developed by operation of said rotary valve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 1 wherein: said second means comprises a flexible coupling.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 1 wherein said first means comprises: a clutch means which is engaged under normal operating conditions to form a positive driving connection between said drive shaft of said motor and said input shaft of said transmission but is automatically disengaged when rotation of one of said shafts is impaired to allow relative rotation between said shafts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 3 wherein: said second means is a flexible coupling.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 4 wherein said flexible coupling comprises: a first hub member affixed to said output shaft of said transmission; a second hub member affixed to said shaft of said rotary valve; and helically wound spring means connecting said first and second hub members together.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 5 wherein: said clutch means comprises a nonfriction, positive-cog clutch.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
123 words
The logging-while-drilling tool of claim 6 wherein said transmission comprises: a transmission housing; said input shaft journaled in said housing; a first sun gear on said input shaft; a first planet carrier having a first plurality of planetary gears journaled thereon, said first planetary gears being driven by said first sun gear; an output shaft on said first planet carrier; a second sun gear on saId first planet carrier output shaft; a second planet carrier having a second plurality of planetary gears journaled thereon, said second planetary gears being driven by said second sun gear; said output shaft of said transmission on said second planet carrier; and ring gear means in said transmission housing for mating with said first and second planetary gears.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-12-12 | 1976-06-12 | 1976-12-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-12 | 1980-06-12 | 1980-12-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-12 | 1984-06-12 | 1984-12-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |