OFFSET JOINT FOR DOWNHOLE TOOLS
First Claim
1. A variable offset joint for downhole tools, including:
- a first downhole member;
a second downhole member;
a plurality of intermediate elements each pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member; and
a coupler member extending between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements and adapted to selectively maintain a lateral offset between the first and second downhole members, the coupler member further including a zone of weakness adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A variable offset joint is provided for downhole tools, including a first downhole member, a second downhole member, and at least one intermediate element pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member. The variable offset joint further includes a coupler member adapted to maintain a predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members. The coupler member further includes a zone of weakness adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold. In one example, a plurality of intermediate elements are each pivotally coupled to the first and second downhole members. In another example, the coupler member extends between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements. In another example, adjusting a length of the coupler member selectively adjusts the predetermined lateral offset.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A variable offset joint for downhole tools, including:
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a first downhole member; a second downhole member; a plurality of intermediate elements each pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member; and a coupler member extending between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements and adapted to selectively maintain a lateral offset between the first and second downhole members, the coupler member further including a zone of weakness adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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11. A variable offset joint for downhole tools, including:
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a first downhole member; a second downhole member; a plurality of intermediate elements each pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member; and a coupler member extending between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements and adapted to maintain each of the first and second downhole members at a predetermined angle relative to at least one of the plurality of intermediate elements, the coupler member being further adapted to fracture when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (10, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A variable offset joint for downhole tools, including:
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a first downhole member; a second downhole member; at least one intermediate element pivotally coupled at a first end to the first downhole member and at a second end to the second downhole member; and a coupler member adapted to maintain a predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members such that adjusting a length of the coupler member selectively adjusts the predetermined lateral offset, the coupler member being further adapted to irreversibly reduce the lateral offset between the first and second downhole members when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold.
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17. The variable offset tool of 16, wherein the coupler member includes a frangible neck sized to fracture when mechanical stress applied thereto exceeds a predetermined threshold that is based upon a tensile force of about 2,500 to about 8,000 pounds.
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18. The variable offset tool of 16, wherein the at least one intermediate element includes a plurality of intermediate elements adapted to maintain the first downhole member generally parallel with the second downhole member, the coupler member extending between at least two of the plurality of intermediate elements to maintain the predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members.
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19. The variable offset tool of 16, wherein the coupler member extends between the at least one intermediate element and at least one of the first and second downhole members to maintain the predetermined lateral offset between the first and second downhole members.
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20. The variable offset tool of 16, wherein the length of the coupler member is selectively adjusted by replacing the coupler member with a different coupler member having a different length, the different coupler member being adapted to irreversibly reduce the lateral offset between the first and second downhole members when a tensile force applied thereto exceeds another predetermined threshold.
Specification