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 first and second of the plurality of intermediate elements, with a first end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the first intermediate element and a second end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the second intermediate element, 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.
10 Citations
15 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 first and second of the plurality of intermediate elements, with a first end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the first intermediate element and a second end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the second intermediate element, 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, 10)
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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 first and second of the plurality of intermediate elements, with a first end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the first intermediate element and a second end of the coupler member being pivotally attached directly to the second intermediate element, 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 predeteunined threshold. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification