Breakaway coupling device
First Claim
1. An apparatus for working in a wellbore, comprising:
- at least one downhole tool for operation in a wellbore;
a cable for lowering and raising said tool in the wellbore, said cable including signal conductors for transmitting signals between said tool and the earth'"'"'s surface;
a coupling device connecting one end of said cable to said tool, said coupling device comprising an outer sleeve for connecting to one end of said cable and having an axial bore therein, an inner sleeve for connecting to said tool and having an axial bore therein generally aligned with said axial bore of said outer sleeve, said inner sleeve slidably disposed within said outer sleeve wherein said outer sleeve and said inner sleeve are relatively moveable, a frangible means having a predetermined tensile strength connecting said outer and inner sleeves through said axial bores, and a passage means extending through said outer and inner sleeves from said cable to said tool, said passage means located longitudinally adjacent to said axial bores, wherein said coupling device allows disconnection between the cable and the tool when tension applied to the coupling device exceeds the predetermined tensile strength of the frangible means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a non-complex, simple to use and economical coupling device or connecting two elements, which provides for disconnection of the two elements when the tension applied to the coupling device exceeds a predetermined load. The coupling device includes an outer and an inner sleeve each having an axial bore. The lower end of the inner sleeve is slidably disposed within the upper end of the outer sleeve and the sleeves are relatively moveable. A frangible elongated member with a predetermined tensile strength connects the outer and inner sleeves through the axial bores. The frangible member breaks under a predetermined amount of stress thereby allowing the outer and inner sleeves of the coupling device to separate and disconnecting the attached elements. One or more internal longitudinal passages through the outer and inner sleeves adjacent to the axial bores allow passage of wire cables, gases, fluids or mechanical linkages through the coupler. A plurality of o-ring seals may be positioned between the lower end of the inner sleeve and the upper end of the outer sleeve whereby the internal passages of the coupler are pressure sealed from moisture and external contaminates.
42 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for working in a wellbore, comprising:
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at least one downhole tool for operation in a wellbore; a cable for lowering and raising said tool in the wellbore, said cable including signal conductors for transmitting signals between said tool and the earth'"'"'s surface; a coupling device connecting one end of said cable to said tool, said coupling device comprising an outer sleeve for connecting to one end of said cable and having an axial bore therein, an inner sleeve for connecting to said tool and having an axial bore therein generally aligned with said axial bore of said outer sleeve, said inner sleeve slidably disposed within said outer sleeve wherein said outer sleeve and said inner sleeve are relatively moveable, a frangible means having a predetermined tensile strength connecting said outer and inner sleeves through said axial bores, and a passage means extending through said outer and inner sleeves from said cable to said tool, said passage means located longitudinally adjacent to said axial bores, wherein said coupling device allows disconnection between the cable and the tool when tension applied to the coupling device exceeds the predetermined tensile strength of the frangible means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification