Advanced drill string inground isolator housing in an MWD system and associated method
First Claim
1. An apparatus for use in combination with a drill string that is electrically conductive and extends from an inground distal end, that includes an inground tool, to a drill rig, said apparatus comprising:
- a group of electrical isolators; and
a housing that defines a through passage along a length thereof and said housing is configured to support the electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in the drill string such that, responsive to the drill rig pushing on the drill string and responsive to the drill rig pulling on the drill string, each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force and the housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A housing defines a through passage along its length and is configured to support a group of electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in a drill string such that each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force responsive to extension and retraction of the drill string. The housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and is configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. A housing lid can cooperate with a main housing body to define elongated slots for purposes of enhancing the emanation of a locating signal. A housing arrangement can support electrical connections from an electronics package to bridge an electrically isolating gap.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use in combination with a drill string that is electrically conductive and extends from an inground distal end, that includes an inground tool, to a drill rig, said apparatus comprising:
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a group of electrical isolators; and a housing that defines a through passage along a length thereof and said housing is configured to support the electrical isolators surrounding the through passage to form an electrically isolating break in the drill string such that, responsive to the drill rig pushing on the drill string and responsive to the drill rig pulling on the drill string, each isolator of the group of isolators is subject to no more than a compressive force and the housing defines a housing cavity to receive an electronics package having a signal port and configured for electrical connection of the signal port across the electrically isolating break. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification