Flexible joint for well logging instruments
US6484801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B17/028
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A universal joint between adjacent, electrically connected instrument housings for downhole well operations allow the connected housings to bend longitudinally as required to traverse an arced section of a well bore but does not permit relative elongation or twisting about the longitudinal axis of the housings. In one embodiment, a fluid impermeable open passage space at atmospheric pressure surrounds electrical signal carriers linking the instrument circuitry within the two housings. The passage is constructed as a high-pressure flexible bellows or as a braided or spiral wound high-pressure fluid hose. In another embodiment, a fluid impermeable sheath surrounds the signal carriers and encapsulates the signal carriers by a resilient solid. The articulation structure comprises a Cardan-type of universal joint wherein two fingers project longitudinally from the end of each of the housings. The fingers are meshed and pivotally joined to respective spindles projecting radially from the open center of a ring spyder. The protective bellows, hose or resilient compound filled sheath is secured at opposite ends to bore plugs in the respective instrument housings. Between the instrument hous…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.