US 12,215,586 B2
Apparatus for capturing axial force on an inner drive member
Max A. Metcalf, Stillwater, OK (US)
Assigned to The Charles Machine Works, Inc., Perry, OK (US)
Filed by The Charles Machine Works, Inc., Perry, OK (US)
Filed on Jun. 26, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/341,366.
Application 18/341,366 is a continuation of application No. 17/542,018, filed on Dec. 3, 2021, granted, now 11,708,724.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/123,168, filed on Dec. 9, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0332469 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. E21B 7/00 (2006.01); E21B 3/02 (2006.01); E21B 7/04 (2006.01); E21B 17/00 (2006.01); F16D 3/06 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 7/002 (2013.01) [E21B 3/02 (2013.01); E21B 7/046 (2013.01); E21B 17/00 (2013.01); F16D 3/06 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for connecting to a dual-member drill string, comprising:
an inner assembly including a drive shaft and a hollow sleeve, the hollow sleeve being configured for axial movement relative to the drive shaft;
an outer assembly disposed about the inner assembly, wherein the outer assembly includes a structure extending into the interior space of the outer assembly, the structure configured to engage with the hollow sleeve upon its axial movement and transfer axial force from the inner assembly to the outer assembly; and
a spring disposed between the drive shaft and the hollow sleeve, the spring biasing the hollow sleeve to a position away from the drive shaft.