US3866988A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bearing system
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
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Filing: 1973-02-26
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A downhole drilling tool containing a liquid bearing means. In one suitable bearing means there is at least one bearing means comprising at least one first seal means and at least one second seal means, the first and second seal means being spaced apart from one another to define an inner chamber so that when said inner chamber is filled with a substantially noncompressible liquid a force can be transmitted between said first and second seal means.
Inventors
- 👤 John H Striegler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:45
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16C; F16C33/00; F16C33/72; F16C33/76; E; E21; E21B; E21B4/00; E21B4/003; E21B4/02; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/002; F16C2352/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S415/00; Y10S415/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
In a well drilling tool whereby a drill bit is rotated in the earth on a downhole motor shaft means to drill a wellbore, a housing carried concentric with said shaft and spaced therefrom thereby providing an annular chamber between said housing and shaft, the improvement comprising at least one liquid thrust bearing means operably connected between said housing and shaft in said annular chamber, said at least one liquid bearing means comprising at least one first seal means, at least one second seal means, said first and second seal means being spaced apart to define an inner chamber therebetween, said first seal means coacting with one of said housing and shaft, said second seal means coacting with whichever of said housing and shaft said first seal means does not coact with, whereby a force can be transmitted between said housing and shaft by way of said first and second seal means and through said inner chamber, and said first and second seal means are adapted to keep a liquid within said inner chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
In a well drilling tool whereby a drill bit is rotated in the earth on a downhole motor shaft means to drill a wellbore, a housing carried concentric with said shaft and spaced therefrom thereby providing an annular chamber between said housing and shaft, the improvement comprising at least one liquid thrust bearing means operably connected between said housing and shaft in said annular chamber, said at least one liquid bearing means comprising at least one first seal means, at least one second seal means, said first and second seal means being spaced apart to define an inner chamber therebetween, said first seal means coacting with one of said housing and shaft, said second seal means coacting with whichever of said housing and shaft said first seal means does not coact with, whereby a force can be transmitted between said housing and shaft by way of said first and second seal means and through said inner chamber, and said first and second seal means are adapted to keep a liquid within said inner chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein there is at least one seal element carried by each of said first and second seal means, said seal elements being adapted to prevent liquid in said inner chamber from passing by said seal means and into the part of said annular chamber which is external to said inner chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A tool according to claim 2 wherein said first and second seal means each carry at least one additional seal element, said additional seal elements being adapted to prevent liquid in said annular chamber but outside said inner chamber from passing by said seal means and into said inner chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tool according to claim 2 wherein said seal elements are unidirectional acting seal elements which are oriented toward said inner chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tool according to claim 3 whereiN said additional seal elements are unidirectional acting seal elements which are oriented away from said inner chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A tool according to claim 4 wherein said seal elements are one of chevron seals, U-cup seals, and lip seals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tool according to claim 5 wherein said additional seal elements are one of chevron seals, U-cup seals, and lip seals.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tool according to claim 2 wherein there are a plurality of first seal means and a plurality of second seal means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein there is at least one mechanical bearing means carried in said inner chamber for transmitting a force between said shaft and housing only after a substantial amount of liquid leaks out of said inner chamber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A tool according to claim 1 wherein sealing surface means is laterally movably carried at the sealing interface of at least one of said first and second seal means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
A tool according to claim 2 wherein sealing surface means is laterally movably carried at the sealing interface of at least one of said first and second seal means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |