Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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OVERSHOT ASSEMBLY
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the
filing date of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/085,572, filed September 30, 2020, and
of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/235,951, filed August 23, 2021. The
entirety of each
of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosed invention relates to an overshot assembly
for retrieving an inner
tube head assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] During conventional drilling, after an inner tube of a
head assembly is full of a
sample (i.e., a core sample), an overshot assembly is lowered (or pumped)
toward the bottom
of a drill hole to retrieve the head assembly. Conventional overshot
assemblies include
heavy-duty lifting dogs that are configured to securely grab a spearhead
(spearpoint) that is
coupled to the proximal end of the head assembly. After engagement between the
lifting
dogs and the spearhead, the overshot is retrieved from the drill hole, and the
sample is
extracted from the inner tube. There is a need for an overshot that can be
deployed and
retrieved more quickly to increase the efficiency of the drilling process.
SUMMARY
[0004] Described herein, in one aspect, is an overshot assembly
having a longitudinal
axis can comprise a distal body portion defining a central bore. A proximal
body portion can
be coupled to the distal body portion. A spindle can be disposed within the
central bore of
the distal body portion. The spindle can be slidable relative to the distal
body portion along
the longitudinal axis. A latching assembly can be operatively coupled to the
distal body
portion and configured for movement about and between a retracted position and
a deployed
position. A sleeve can be rotatably coupled to the distal body portion about
the longitudinal
axis. At least one blocking element can be radially movable within the sleeve
toward and
away from the longitudinal axis. When the sleeve is in a first rotational
position, the latching
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assembly can be retained in the deployed position and the at least one
blocking element can
be held radially outward of a radially-outermost surface of the sleeve. When
the sleeve is in a
second rotational position, the latching assembly can be movable between the
retracted
position and the deployed position, and the at least one blocking element can
be not held
radially outward of the radially-outermost surface of the sleeve.
100051 In another aspect, an overshot assembly having a longitudinal axis can
comprise a
distal body portion defining a central bore. A proximal body portion can be
coupled to the
distal body portion. A sleeve that is rotatably coupled to the distal body
portion about the
longitudinal axis. At least one blocking element can be radially movable
within the sleeve
toward and away from the longitudinal axis. When the sleeve is in a first
rotational position,
the at least one blocking element is held radially outward of a radially-
outermost surface of
the sleeve. When the sleeve is in a second rotational position, the at least
one blocking
element is not held radially outward of the radially-outermost surface of the
sleeve. When
the sleeve is in the first rotational position, the at least one blocking
element can extend
sufficiently radially outward of the sleeve to inhibit insertion of the
overshot assembly into a
drill string.
100061 In another aspect, an overshot assembly having a longitudinal axis can
comprise a
distal body portion defining a central bore. A proximal body portion can be
coupled to the
distal body portion. A sleeve can be rotatably coupled to the distal body
portion about the
longitudinal axis. When the sleeve is in a first rotational position, the
latching assembly can
be retained in the deployed position. When the sleeve is in a second
rotational position, the
latching assembly can be movable between the retracted position and the
deployed position.
100071 A method of using the overshot assemblies as disclosed
herein can comprise
inserting the distal end of the overshot assembly into a proximal end of a
head assembly and
rotating the sleeve until the sleeve is in the first rotational position.
100081 An overshot assembly can include a distal body portion.
The distal body portion
can have a central axis, a length along the central axis, and an outer
surface. An outer surface
of the distal body portion can define, along at least a portion of the length,
at least one drill
string engagement portion having a first radial distance from the central axis
of the distal
body portion. The drill string engagement portion(s) can be configured to bias
against and
slide along an inner surface of a drill string. At least one recessed portion
can be inwardly
spaced from said radial distance from the central axis. The recessed
portion(s) can each be
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configured to cooperate with the inner surface of the drill string to define a
respective flow
path along the length of the distal body portion. A plane that is
perpendicular to the central
axis of the distal body portion can extend through each drill string
engagement portion of the
at least one drill string engagement portion and each portion of the at least
one recessed
portion.
[0009] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth
in part in the description
that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be
learned by practice
of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by means of
the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be
understood that both the foregoing general description and the following
detailed description
are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention,
as claimed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features of the preferred embodiments of
the invention will
become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to
the appended
drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of an overshot assembly in
accordance with embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross section of a distal end of the overshot
assembly, showing a
latching assembly in an unlatched position. FIG. 2B is a cross section of the
distal end of the
overshot assembly, showing the latching assembly in a latched position.
[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the overshot assembly
in an unlocked
configuration, taken in the plane shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is across-sectional
view of the
overshot assembly as in FIG. 1 in a locked configuration. FIG. 3C is a
perspective view of a
rotatable sleeve of the overshot assembly as in FIG. 1. FIG. 3D is a cross-
sectional view of
the rotatable sleeve as in FIG. 3C.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a distal body portion of
the overshot assembly as
in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary overshot
assembly positioned
within a drill string.
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[0016] FIG. 6A is a side view of the overshot assembly of FIG. 1
before engaging a core
tube assembly. FIG. 6B is a side view of the overshot assembly of FIG. 1
before after
engaging core tube assembly.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a step of rotating the sleeve
to lock the overshot
assembly to the core tube assembly.
100181 FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a step of using a
locking pin to lock to
retain the core tube to the overshot assembly.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a step of
attaching a release guard and
removing the locking pin.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a step in
releasing the core tube by
twisting the locking sleeve.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a step of
releasing the core tube by
impacting the release guard against the drill string.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a configuration
for inserting the overshot
assembly into the drill string.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view showing a step of
rotating the locking sleeve
to lock the core tube to the overshot assembly.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view showing a step of
using a locking pin to lock
to retain the core tube to the overshot assembly.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a view into a drill string of a distal end of
an overshot assembly as
disclosed herein.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a distal body portion of
an overshot assembly
omitting a twist sleeve.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of an overshot
assembly as disclosed herein,
showing a swivel joint and a pivot joint.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a partial cross sectional view of the overshot
assembly of FIG. 17.
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[0029] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of a portion of a head
assembly having an adapter for
use with the overshot assembly as disclosed herein.
100301 FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a portion of an overshot
assembly as disclosed
herein having a plurality of removable segments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the
invention are
shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and
should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these
embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.
Like numbers refer
to like elements throughout It is to be understood that this invention is not
limited to the
particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also
to be understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments
only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0032] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will
come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having
the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings.
Therefore, it is
to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed
and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of
the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are
used in a generic
and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[0033] As used herein the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term -a
blocking
element" can refer to one or more of such blocking elements, and so forth.
[0034] All technical and scientific terms used herein have the
same meaning as
commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs
unless clearly indicated otherwise.
[0035] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value, and/or to
"about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
aspect includes
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from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are
expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the
particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each
of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the
other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by
use of the
antecedent "about," it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to
10%, up to 5%, or
up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included
within the scope of
those aspects. Similarly, in some optional aspects, when values are
approximated by use of
the terms "approximately,- "substantially," or "generally," it is contemplated
that values
within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the
particular value
can be included within the scope of those aspects. When used with respect to
an identified
property or circumstance, "substantially" or -generally" can refer to a degree
of deviation that
is sufficiently small so as to not measurably detract from the identified
property or
circumstance, and the exact degree of deviation allowable may in some cases
depend on the
specific context.
[0036] As used herein, the term "proximal- refers to a direction
toward a drill rig or drill
operator (and away from a formation or borehole), while the term "distal"
refers to a direction
away from the drill rig or drill operator (and into a formation or borehole).
[0037] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description
includes
instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does
not.
100381 As used herein, the term "at least one of' is intended to
be synonymous with -one
or more of" For example, "at least one of A, B and C" explicitly includes only
A, only B,
only C, and combinations of each.
[0039] The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a
particular list and also
includes any combination of members of that list.
[0040] It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly
stated, it is in no way
intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed
in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually
recite an order to be
followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims
or descriptions that
the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that
an order be
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inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for
interpretation,
including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain
meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number
or type of
aspects described in the specification.
[0041] The following description supplies specific details in
order to provide a thorough
understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the
apparatus, system,
and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used
without
employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and
associated methods can
be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and
associated
methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques
conventionally used in the industry.
[0042] U. S . Patent No. 10,626,692, granted April 21, 2020, to
Drenth et al., which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses an overshot
assembly that
provides certain advantages over conventional overshot assemblies. The
overshot assembly
comprises a distal portion that is receivable into a proximal end of the head
assembly.
Optionally, the head assembly can comprise a spearpoint and an adapter that
can couple at a
first end to the spearhead and define the proximal end into which the overshot
assembly is
receivable. The distal portion of the overshot assembly comprises latch
members that engage
the head assembly to releasably couple the head assembly to the overshot
assembly. The
overshot assembly can optionally comprise a spindle and a distal body portion
that is
pivotable with respect to the spindle, wherein when the distal body portion is
in a first
rotational position with respect to the spindle, the latch members are locked
in a deployed
(latching) position and in a second rotational position, the latch members are
movable about
and between the deployed position and a retracted (release) position.
[0043] In some situations, the overshot assembly can be lowered
to the bottom of the drill
hole with the latch members inadvertently locked in the deployed (latching)
position,
preventing the overshot assembly from coupling to the head assembly, and
requiring retrieval
and re-lowering of the overshot assembly with the latch members. Further, the
body of the
overshot can cause significant drag through the drilling fluid in the drill
string, thereby
slowing the overshot's travel through the drill string. Accordingly, an
overshot that can be
deployed more quickly is desirable.
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[0044] Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to
FIGS. 1-3B, is an
overshot assembly 100 having a longitudinal axis 102. The overshot assembly
100 can
comprise a distal body portion 104 and a proximal body portion 106 that is
coupled to the
distal body portion 104. Optionally, the distal body portion 104 can comprise
a proximal
component 104a and a distal component 104b that is coupled to (optionally,
threadedly
coupled to) the proximal component. The distal body portion 104 can define a
central bore
108. A spindle 110 can be disposed within the central bore 108 of the distal
body portion 104
and can be slidable relative to the distal body portion 104 along the
longitudinal axis 102. A
latching assembly 112 can be operatively coupled to the distal body portion
104 and
configured for movement about and between a retracted position (FIG. 2A) and a
deployed
position (FIG. 2B).
[0045] In these aspects, proximal axial advancement of the distal body portion
104 relative to
the spindle 110 can be configured to effect movement of the latching assembly
112 from its
deployed position toward its retracted position. More particularly, as the
distal body portion
104 move in a proximal direction relative to the spindle 110, the distal body
portion 104
drives movement of the latching assembly 112 in a proximal direction until the
latching
assembly is positioned at an axial position where the spindle 110 is shaped to
accommodate
the latching assembly within the central bore of the distal body portion.
[0046] The latching assembly 112 can optionally comprise at least one latch
member 114
(optionally, a plurality of latch members 114). It is contemplated that each
latch member 114
of the at least one latch member can be at least one of a ball, a roller, a
cylinder, a cam-
shaped element, and the like. As one of skill in the art will appreciate,
unlike conventional
latching mechanisms for drilling applications in which axial movement of a
spindle
positioned within a body is tied to axial movement of the body (i.e., axial
movement of the
body results in a corresponding axial movement of the spindle), the disclosed
overshot
assembly permits independent axial movement of the spindle 110 and the distal
body portion
104.
[0047] The distal body portion 104 can have a wall 32 that can define at least
one distal
radial opening 42 extending from an outer surface 36 of the wall 32 to the
central bore 108 of
the distal body portion. In these aspects, the at least one distal radial
opening 42 can be
configured to at least partially receive the at least one latch member 114
when the latching
assembly 112 is in the deployed position. Thus, in use, when the distal body
portion 104 is
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axially advanced in a proximal direction relative to the spindle 110, the
surfaces of the distal
body portion 104 that define the at least one distal radial opening 42 can
contact the at least
one latch member 114 and apply an axial force to the at least one latch member
until the at
least one latch member is positioned at an axial location in which it can be
received within
the central bore 108 of the distal body portion 104.
[0048] In one aspect, a distal portion 76 of the spindle 110 can have a wedge
portion 82. In
this aspect, the wedge portion 82 of the distal portion 76 of the spindle 110
can define a first
driving surface 84. In operation, the latching assembly 112 can be positioned
in engagement
with the first driving surface 84 when the latching assembly 112 is in the
deployed position
(FIG. 2B), and upon axial advancement of the distal body portion 104 relative
to the
longitudinal axis 12, a proximal portion of the first driving surface 84 can
define a recess that
is configured to receive the latching assembly and permit radial movement of
the latching
assembly toward the retracted position (FIG. 2A). Optionally, it is
contemplated that the
wedge portion 82 can be tapered inwardly moving in a proximal direction such
that the
latching assembly 112 is gradually and progressively received within the
central bore of the
distal body portion as the distal body portion and the latching assembly are
axially advanced
in a proximal direction.
[0049] In additional aspects, when the at least one latch member 114 of the
overshot is
positioned in the retracted position, it is contemplated that the at least one
latch member and
the outer surface of the wall of the distal body portion 104 can define an
outer diameter of the
distal body portion of the overshot assembly 100 that is less than the inner
diameter of the
head assembly. In further aspects, and as further disclosed herein, it is
contemplated that the
at least one latch member 114 can be biased toward the deployed position. In
exemplary
aspects, the at least one latch member 114 can be spring-loaded toward the
deployed position.
In these aspects, it is contemplated that the spindle 110 can be spring-loaded
toward an axial
position in which the at least one latch member 114 is urged toward the
deployed position (by
wedge portion 82). Upon entry of the distal body portion 104 of the overshot
100 into the
opening and central bore of the head assembly, it is contemplated that the
inner surface of the
retracting case and/or the proximal end of the head assembly can be configured
to force the at
least one latch member 114 into the retracted position (from the deployed
position) to
accommodate the distal body portion of the overshot within the head assembly.
In further
exemplary aspects, the at least one groove can be configured to securely
receive the at least
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one latch member 114 of the overshot 100 when the at least one latch member is
positioned
in the deployed position. In still further exemplary aspects, it is
contemplated that the
proximal end of the head assembly can be configured to abut a portion of the
overshot 100 when the at least one latch member 114 is received within the at
least one
groove of the retracting case.
[0050] Upon movement of the distal body portion in a proximal direction and
parallel or
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 102 (such that the first
driving surface 84 of the
wedge portion 82 is disengaged from the at least one latch member 114), the at
least one latch
member 114 can be retracted relative to the inner surface of the head assembly
such that the
at least one latch member disengages the inner surface of the head assembly.
[0051] It is contemplated that the latching members 114 can be sized to
protrude beyond the
wall 32 of the distal body portion 104 and securely engage the inner surface
of the head
assembly while maintaining secure engagement with the distal body portion of
the overshot
assembly 100. Thus, it is contemplated that, upon engagement between the
latching
members 114 and the inner surface of the head assembly, the latching members
(and the head
assembly) can be configured to support loads applied by the overshot assembly
100. In
operation, it is contemplated that a recessed portion 78 and the wedge portion
82 can be sized
and shaped to accommodate radial and axial movement of the latching members
114 as
described herein.
[0052] The overshot assembly 100 can further comprise a distal spring 172
positioned within
the central bore 108 of the distal body portion 104 in substantial alignment
with the common
longitudinal axis 102. In these aspects, the distal spring 172 can be
positioned between and in
engagement with a distal wall 174 of the distal body portion 30 and the distal
portion 76 of
the spindle 110. In addition or alternatively, and with reference to FIG. 3A,
a proximal
spring 173 can be positioned between the spindle 110 and the distal body
portion 104 to bias
the spindle proximately.
[0053] Optionally, in exemplary aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
wall 32 of
the distal body portion 104 and the spindle 110 can define respective
transverse
bores 39, 79 that can be aligned when the latch assembly is in the deployed
position to
cooperatively define a through bore 81 (FIG. 6A). In these aspects, it is
contemplated that
when the latch assembly is in the deployed position, a locking pin 184 (FIG.
8) can be
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inserted through the aligned transverse bores 39, 79 of the distal body
portion 30 and the
spindle 110 to restrict axial movement of the distal body portion relative to
the spindle and
thereby retaining the latch assembly in the deployed position. It is further
contemplated that
the head assembly 300 can define its own transverse bores 304 (e.g., two
transverse bores on
opposing sides of the head assembly) that are positioned to align with the
transverse bores of
the distal body portion 104 and the spindle 110 when the latch assembly is
positioned in
engagement with the head assembly 300 (FIG. 6A) as further disclosed herein
(e.g., when the
latch assembly engages a groove within the head assembly). In use, it is
contemplated that
the locking pin 184 can pass through the aligned transverse bores of the
distal body
portion 104, the spindle 110, and the head assembly to lock the relative axial
positions of
these components. It is further contemplated that the locking pin can function
as a safety
feature during handling of the overshot and mated head assembly (including an
inner tube)
outside of the drilled hole. During manual or automated handling outside of
the hole, the
locking pin can be configured to prevent the accidental release of the head
assembly in
response to sufficient inertia, bumping, or impact.
[0054] Locking Sleeve
[0055] It is contemplated that the overshot assembly 100 can
advantageously be coupled
to the head assembly in order to lift the head assembly for positioning the
head assembly in
the drill string and removing the head assembly from the drill string.
Accordingly, it can be
desirable to retain the latching assembly in the deployed position in order to
inhibit release
from the head assembly. As further disclosed herein, a locking sleeve can be
rotated to
selectively retain the latching assembly in the deployed position.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1- 2B, a sleeve 120 can be rotatably
coupled to the distal body
portion 104 about the longitudinal axis 102. The sleeve 120 can be configured
to selectively
lock the spindle 110 to retain the latching assembly 114 in the deployed
position and release
the spindle to allow the latching assembly to move between the deployed
position and the
retracted position. For example, referring also to FIG. 3C and 3D, according
to some aspects,
the spindle 110 can comprise at least one projection 122 (e.g., optionally,
three equally
circumferentially spaced projections 122) that extends radially outwardly,
through a slot 123
in the distal body portion 104 and is received within internal grooving 124 of
the sleeve 120.
In some aspects, the internal grooving 124 can comprise a circumferential
groove 125 and,
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for each projection 122, a respective axially extending groove 128 that
intersects the
circumferential groove 125.
100571 The circumferential groove 125 of the internal grooving
124 can define a stop
surface 126 that engages each projection 122 to inhibit movement of the
spindle 110 when
the sleeve 120 is in a first rotational position (FIG. 3B). Rotation of the
sleeve to a second
rotational position (FIG. 3A) can position each projection 122 out of
alignment with the stop
surface 126 and in alignment with the respective axially extending grooves 128
that permit
longitudinal travel of the projections 122 therein. Accordingly, when the
sleeve 120 is in a
first rotational position, the spindle 110 can be inhibited from longitudinal
movement relative
to the distal body portion 104. Thus, when the sleeve 120 is in the first
rotational position,
the latching assembly 112 can be retained in the deployed position. When the
sleeve 120 is
in the second rotational position, the spindle 110 can be permitted to move
longitudinally
relative to the distal body portion 104, thereby allowing the latching
assembly 112 to be
movable about and between the deployed position and the retracted position.
[0058] In some optional aspects, the spindle 110 can comprise a
main body portion 111
and at least one set screw 130 threadedly coupled thereto, wherein the set
screw(s) 130
defines the projection(s) 122.
[0059] In some aspects, one or more detent plunger assemblies 186
(or other detent
structures) can extend from the sleeve 120 to engage the distal body portion
104. The detent
plunger assemblies 186 can comprise a housing that is received within the
sleeve 120, a ball,
and a spring that biases the ball axially into the distal body portion 104.
The distal body
portion 104 can define recesses 188 that can align with the detent plunger
assemblies to retain
the sleeve in a fixed rotational position. For example, the distal body
portion 104 can define
recesses 188a that receive the balls of the detent plunger assemblies when in
the sleeve 120 is
in the first rotational position and recesses 188b that receive the balls of
the detent plunger
assemblies when the sleeve 120 is in the second rotational position. In some
aspects, the
overshot assembly 100 can comprise a plurality of detent plunger assemblies
186 (e.g., three
equally circumferentially spaced detent plunger assemblies spaced 120 degrees
apart).
Optionally, some or all of the detent plunger assemblies can be removable to
decrease the
resistance to rotation of the sleeve.
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[0060] As further stated herein, during head assembly retrieval,
if the locking sleeve 120
is in the first rotational position, the latching assembly 112 can be
inhibited from engaging
the head assembly, requiring removal, adjustment of the locking sleeve 120,
and re-
deployment. Accordingly, to avoid such an inadvertent occurrence, the locking
sleeve can
comprise a blocking assembly 131 that is configured to inhibit insertion of
the overshot
assembly when the locking sleeve 120 is in the (locking) first rotational
position.
100611 According to some aspects, the sleeve 120 can have an
inner surface 142 and an
outer surface 144 and can define one or more radial openings 146 that extend
between the
inner surface and outer surface. The radial openings 146 can be configured to
at least
partially receive respective blocking elements. At least one blocking element
140 can be
radially movable within the sleeved toward and away from the longitudinal axis
102. For
example, the blocking elements 140 can be radially movable within the openings
146. The
one or more blocking elements 140 can be pins, balls, rollers, cylinders, cam-
shaped
elements, and the like.
[0062] The sleeve 120 can have a radially outermost surface 148
that is defined by the
portion of the outer surface 144 that is farthest from the longitudinal axis
102. When the
sleeve 120 is in the first rotational position and retaining the latching
assembly in the
deployed position, the at least one blocking element can be held radially
outward of the
radially-outermost surface 148 of the sleeve.
[0063] The at least one blocking element can extend sufficiently
from the longitudinal
axis of the overshot assembly to inhibit insertion of the overshot assembly
into a drill string.
The distance from the longitudinal axis can be selected based on the
dimensions of the drill
string and overshot assembly. It is contemplated that the blocking elements
can increase the
operative diameter of the overshot assembly so that the operative diameter of
the overshot
assembly is greater than the inner diameter of the drill string. For example,
the operative
diameter can be greater the inner diameter of the drill string by at least
1/32 inch.
[0064] Refen-ing also to FIG. 4, the distal body portion 104 can
have an outer surface 150
that engages the blocking elements 140 to bias the blocking elements radially
outwardly.
When the sleeve is in the first rotational position with respect to the distal
body portion, the
outer surface 150 of the distal body portion that engages the blocking
elements 140 can be at
a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis 102. When the sleeve is in
the second
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rotational position with respect to the distal body portion, the outer surface
150 of the distal
body portion that engages the blocking elements 140 can be at a second radial
distance from
the longitudinal axis 102 that is shorter than the first radial distance. For
example, the distal
body portion 104 can define flats 151 (or grooves or other radially recessed
features) that are
rotationally aligned with the blocking elements 140 when the sleeve 120 is in
the second
rotational position to enable the blocking elements to be recessed (radially
inward) within the
openings 146 relative to their respective radial positions when the sleeve 120
is in the first
rotational position.
[0065] The outer surface 144 of the sleeve 120 can define, in
cross sections in planes
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102, respective outer traces. For
example, the outer
surface 144 of the sleeve 120 of the illustrated embodiment can have outer
traces that are
generally triangular with rounded corners and are consistent or generally
consistent along the
length of the sleeve. Likewise, the outer surface of the distal body portion
104 can have, in
cross sections in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102,
respective outer traces. It
is contemplated that the outer surface 144 of the sleeve 120 can define a
trace that is the same
or substantially the same as an outer trace of a cross section of the distal
body portion.
Accordingly, when the sleeve 120 is in the second rotational position, the
respective outer
surfaces 144, 150 of the sleeve 120 and the distal body portion 104 can
cooperate to define a
generally continuous surface profile (See FIG. 12). When the sleeve 120 is in
the first
rotational position, the respective outer surfaces 144, 150 can be
rotationally offset to provide
a discontinuous surface profile (See FIG. 14). In this way, the sleeve 120 and
distal body
portion 104 can cooperatively provide a visual indication of whether the
sleeve 120 is in the
first rotational position or the second rotational position.
[0066] It is further contemplated that the overshot assembly can
comprise an indicator
that indicates when the overshot assembly is in the first rotational position.
For example, as
can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, the distal body portion 104 can define a first
marking 152 (e.g.,
an arrow), and the sleeve 120 can define a second marking 154 (e.g., an icon
of a locked
padlock). Rotational alignment of the first marking 152 and the second marking
154 can
indicate that the sleeve is in the first rotational position. In exemplary
aspects, when the
sleeve 120 and distal body portion 104 have outer surfaces 144, 150 with
generally triangular
profiles having comer surfaces joining the three planar faces that define the
generally
triangular profiles, it is contemplated that the second marking 154 can be
provided on one or
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more (optionally, each) of the corner surfaces. The sleeve can further define
a third marking
156 (e.g., and icon of an unlocked padlock) that, when aligned with the first
marking 152, can
indicate that the sleeve 120 is in the second rotational position. In
exemplary aspects, when
the sleeve 120 and distal body portion 104 have outer surfaces 144, 150 with
generally
triangular profiles having corner surfaces joining the three planar faces that
define the
generally triangular profiles, it is contemplated that the third marking 156
can be provided on
one or more (optionally, each) of the planar faces.
[0067] Bypass Flow Paths
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in some aspects, it is
contemplated that the overshot
assembly 100 can have a length and an outer surface 160 that extends along the
length. At
least a portion of the outer surface 144 of the sleeve 120 and the outer
surface 150 of the
distal body portion 104 can define respective portions of the outer surface
160 of the overshot
assembly 100. The outer surface 160 of the overshot assembly 100 can comprise
at least one
surface 162 that cooperates with the inner surface 164 of the drill string 10
to define at least
one bypass flow path 166 therebetween. For example, the outer surface 144 of
the sleeve 120
and the outer surface 150 of the distal body portion 104 can define one or
more respective
planar surfaces 168, 170 (e.g., three respective planar surfaces) to
collectively define the at
least one inner surface 162 that cooperate with the inner surface 164 of the
drill string to
provide the bypass flow paths 166. In this way, the bypass flow paths 166 can
increase the
rate of tripping the overshot assembly, thereby improving both overshot
deployment and head
assembly retrieval efficiency. It is contemplated that the generally
triangular cross section
can maintain the overshot assembly in an axially centralized position within
the drill string.
[0069] Referring also to FIGS. 15 and 16, the overshot assembly
100 can omit the sleeve
120. The distal body portion 104 of the overshot assembly 100 can have a
central axis 200
and a length along the central axis. The outer surface of the distal body
portion can define,
along at least a portion of the length, one or more (e.g., three) drill string
engagement
portions 202 (e.g., comprising or corresponding to respective engagement
surfaces)
positioned at a first radial distance from the central axis of the distal body
portion. The one
or more drill string engagement portions 202 can be configured to bias against
and slide
along the inner surface 164 of the drill string 10. Thus, it is contemplated
that the first radial
distance can be about the same as the radius of the distal body portion.
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[0070] The distal body portion 104 of the overshot assembly 100
can further define one
or more recessed portions 204 that are inwardly spaced from said first radial
distance from
the central axis. A plane 208 that is perpendicular to the central axis 200 of
the distal body
portion extends through each drill string engagement portion 202 of the at
least one drill
string engagement portion and each recessed portion 204 of the at least one
recessed portion.
[0071] Accordingly, the one or more recessed portions 204 can
cooperate with the inner
surface 164 of the drill string 10 to define a respective bypass flow path 166
therebetween.
Thus, the one or more recessed portions 202 can define the at least one
surface 162 of the
outer surface 160 of the overshot assembly 100 that cooperates with the inner
surface 164 of
the drill string 10 to define at least one bypass flow path 166 therebetween.
It is
contemplated that the flow paths 166 disclosed herein can greatly increase
tripping rates. For
example, during distal (toward the drill bit) tripping downhole (or otherwise
moving away
from the drill head or drill rig), tripping can often be through fluid within
the borehole, and
the flow of said fluid through said flow paths 166 can decrease fluid
resistance to thereby
increase tripping rate (e.g., under the weight of the overshot assembly). It
is contemplated
that proximal tripping (out of the borehole or otherwise towards the drill
head or drill rig) can
likewise be increased, as the load on the wireline can be reduced by reducing
fluid resistance
with the flow paths 166.
[0072] In some aspects, the drill string engagement portion(s)
202 can define a portion of
a cylindrical surface. Optionally, the drill string engagement portion(s) 202
can comprise
two or at least two drill string engagement portions 202. In further aspects,
and as shown, the
drill string engagement portion(s) 202 can comprise three engagement portions.
In some
optional aspects, the drill string engagement portions 202 can be equally
circumferentially
spaced around the distal body. For example, as shown, when three drill string
engagement
portions 202 are used, the drill string engagement portions can be spaced at
120 degree
intervals about the central axis 200 of the distal body portion.
[0073] In some aspects, the recessed portions 204 of the outer
surface of the distal body
portion 104 can be defined by a planar or generally planar surface. In further
aspects, the
recessed portions 204 can be defined by radially outwardly concave surfaces or
radially
outwardly convex surfaces.
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[0074] Optionally, at least a portion of each recessed portion
204 of the one or more
recessed portions can be inwardly spaced from said first radial distance from
the central axis
by at least 20% of said first radial distance. That is, in some aspects, at
least a portion of each
recessed portion 204 can be spaced radially outwardly from the central axis of
the distal body
portion 104 by 80% or less (for example, about 60% to about 75%) of the first
radial distance
(between the central axis and the at least one drill string engagement portion
202). Tn some
exemplary aspects, the first radial distance can range from about 1.05 inches
to about 1.20
inches or from about 1.40 inches to about 1.60 inches, and the recessed
portions 204 can be
spaced radially outwardly from the central axis by about 0.70 inches to about
0.90 inches or
from about 0.90 inches to about 1.10 inches.
[0075] In some aspects, in the plane 208, the outer surface of
the distal body portion can
define a first area. The first area can be less than 95%, or less than 90%, or
less than 85%, or
less than 80%, or less than 75% of an area of a circle 210 in the plane 208
that circumscribes
the drill string engagement portions 202. In exemplary aspects, the area of
the circle 210 can
range from about 4 square inches to about 7 square inches, and the area
occupied by the distal
body portion can be about 2.75 square inches to about 4.75 square inches. As
can be
understood, in the plane 208, the bypass flow paths 166 can collectively
define an area that is
equal to, or substantially equal to, the area of the circle that circumscribes
the drill string
engagement portions 202 less the first area.
[0076] Tunable Length and Weight
[0077] Referring to FIG. 20, it is contemplated that the proximal
body portion 106 can
comprise a plurality of segments 270 that can be added or removed to adjust
the length and,
correspondingly, the weight of the overshot assembly 100. It is contemplated
that the bypass
flow paths 166 can increase tripping speed, and the weight of the overshot
assembly 100 can
be tuned to prevent excessive speed. Still further, it is contemplated that a
shorter overshot
assembly can be desirable, and the length can be selected accordingly. For
example, it is
contemplated that a dry hole can require a lower weight for pressing on the
overshot release
mechanism (e.g., pushing the spindle distally to release the head assembly).
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[0078] Pivotal Movement of Distal Body Portion Relative to
Proximal Body Portion
[0079] Referring to FIG. 17 and 18, in some aspects, a proximal
portion 178 of the
spindle 110 can be pivotally coupled to the proximal body portion 106, e.g.,
via a ball joint or
other pivot joint 180.
[0080] In some aspects, the proximal body portion 106 can
comprise a first portion 212
and a second portion 214 that is coupled to the first portion by a swivel
joint 215 so that the
first portion can swivel relative to the second portion about the longitudinal
axis 102 of the
overshot assembly 100. The second portion 214 can define a socket 216. The
distal body
portion 104 can couple to a pivot element 220. The pivot element 220 can be
received within
the socket 216 so that the pivot element can pivot relative to the second
portion 214 of the
proximal body portion 106. For example, in some aspects, the pivot element 220
can
comprise a ball 222 (or other shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape) that is
complementary to the
socket 216 and configured to pivot within the socket) and a stem 224.
Accordingly, the pivot
element 220 and the socket 216 can cooperate to define the pivot joint 180
(optionally, a ball
joint).
[0081] In some aspects, the socket 216 can define at least one
slot 218 that is configured
to receive the stem 224 to enable the pivot element 220 (and, thus, the distal
body portion
104) to pivot at least 85 degrees, at least 90 degrees, greater than 90
degrees, or about 90
degrees relative to the proximal body portion 106. Optionally, the socket 216
can define at
least two of said slots 218. For example, the socket 216 can define two slots
218 on opposing
sides of the second portion 214. Accordingly, in some aspects, the socket 216
can enable
about 180 or at least 180 degrees of pivotal movement of the pivot element 220
(and, thus,
the distal body portion 104) relative to the proximal body portion. In this
way, the pivot joint
180 in combination with the swivel joint 215 between the first and second
portions 212, 214
of the proximal portion of the overshot assembly 100 can enable the distal
body portion 104
to pivot relative to the proximal body portion 106 within a hemispherical (one-
half sphere)
range (e.g., a pivotal range having a solid angle of about 2 PI steradians or
at least 2 PI
steradians).
[0082] In some aspects, the swivel joint 215 can comprise a
bearing 240 (e.g., a thrust
bearing) that is captured between a bushing 242 and a lock nut 244. A swivel
element 246
can extend through the bushing 242, through the bearing 240, and threadedly
couple to the
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lock nut 244. In this way, the swivel element 246 can swivel relative to the
bushing 242.
The second portion 214 of the proximal body portion 106 can threadedly couple
to the swivel
element 246.
[0083] In some aspects, the pivot element 220 can define a recess
230 that receives a
retainer element 232 (e.g., a ball) that is biased (e.g., via a spring 234)
into the recess when
the distal body portion 104 is oriented parallel to, or generally parallel to,
the proximal body
portion 106. In this way, during tripping, the distal and proximal body
portions 104, 106 of
the overshot assembly can be axially aligned (e.g., parallel or generally
parallel) with each
other.
[0084] Head Assembly Adapter
[0085] Refen-ing to FIG 19, it is contemplated that the head
assembly 300 can comprise
an adapter 308 that is configured to couple to a corresponding overshot. The
adapter 308 can
be secured to the rest of the head assembly 300 (e.g., a main body 312 of the
head assembly)
via a fastener, such as, for example, a locking pin 310 (e.g., a spring pin).
In exemplary
aspects, the adapter 308 is received within a portion of the main body 312,
and a locking pin
310 extends through aligned openings (through-bores) of the main body 312 and
the adapter
308.
[0086] Methods of Use
[0087] In some aspects, the overshot assembly can be configured
for manipulating the
head assembly (e.g., positioning the head assembly in the drill string or
removing the head
assembly from the drill string). For example, it is contemplated that the
overshot assembly
can be coupled to a vvireline for lifting the head assembly (after coupling
between the
overshot assembly and the head assembly as disclosed herein). In use, it is
contemplated that
the overshot assembly can permit positioning and/or removal of the head
assembly with
minimal physical interaction between the drill rig operators and the overshot
assembly (and
other components of the drill string and/or drill rig).
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 6A and 6B, the distal body portion
104 can be inserted
into the end of the head assembly 300 until the latching assembly 112 engages
the head
assembly. For example, the distal body portion can define a shoulder 182 that
can meet a
proximal rim 302 of the head assembly. The head assembly can define an inner
groove, lip,
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ridge, or the like, that is configured to receive the latching members 114 of
the latching
assembly 112 to inhibit removal of the distal body portion 104 without a
threshold
longitudinal pulling force between the head assembly and the distal body
portion.
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and 8, the locking sleeve 120 can
be rotated from the
second rotational position (FIG. 7) to the first rotational position (FIG. 8),
thereby inhibiting
the movement of the latching assembly to release the head assembly 300. The
head assembly
300 can further define through holes 304 that can be aligned with the
respective transverse
bores 39, 79 (FIG. 2B) of the distal body portion and the spindle, and a
locking pin 184 can
be received through the aligned holes 304 and bores 39,79 to further inhibit
release of the
head assembly 300 from the overshot assembly 100.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, the overshot assembly can be
used to lift the head
assembly 300 into the drill string. Optionally, a release guard 400 can be
inserted between
the head assembly 300 and the overshot assembly. The release guard 400 can
comprise a
generally flat plate 402 (e.g., metal or durable polymer) that defines a slot
404 that can be
received below the shoulder 182 of the distal portion 104 of the overshot
assembly. The slot
can have a width that is slightly larger than the end of the distal portion
104 that is distal of
the shoulder 182. The release guard 400 can further define an opening 406 for
receiving an
operator's hand to pull the release guard out from between the head assembly
and the
overshot assembly.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, once the head assembly 300
is positioned in the
drill string, the release sleeve can be rotated from the first rotational
position to the second
rotational position, and the locking pin 184 can be removed.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 11, if the weight of the head assembly
alone is not enough to
cause the latching assembly 112 to release the head assembly from the overshot
assembly, the
overshot assembly can be lowered until the release guard 400 impacts the drill
string, thereby
creating an impact force that dislodges the head assembly from the overshot
assembly.
[0093] Referring to FIG. 12, with the sleeve 120 in the second
rotational position, the
overshot assembly 100 can be deployed within the drill string to retrieve the
head assembly.
Once engaged, the overshot assembly 100 can be retrieved via wireline.
Referring to FIGS.
13 and 14, once returned to the proximal end of the drill string, the sleeve
120 can be rotated
to the first rotational position, and the locking pin 184 can be inserted
through the aligned
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holes 304 and bores 39,79 (FIG. 2B). The overshot assembly 100 can then be
used to lift and
transport the head assembly from the drill string.
100941 Referring also to FIG. 1, to decouple the overshot
assembly 100 from the head
assembly 300, the sleeve 120 can be rotated to the second position. An
operator can then
move the proximal body portion 106 (and, thus, the spindle 110) distally
relative to the distal
body portion 104 to release the latching assembly 112 and decouple the head
assembly 300
from the overshot assembly 100.
EXEMPLARY ASPECTS
[0095] In view of the described products, systems, and methods
and variations thereof,
herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the
invention.
These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have
any limiting
effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings
described
herein, or that the "particular" aspects are somehow limited in some way other
than the
inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.
[0096] Aspect 1: An overshot assembly having a longitudinal axis,
the overshot
assembly comprising: a distal body portion defining a central bore; a proximal
body portion
that is coupled to the distal body portion; a spindle disposed within the
central bore of the
distal body portion, wherein the spindle is slidable relative to the distal
body portion along
the longitudinal axis; a latching assembly operatively coupled to the distal
body portion and
configured for movement about and between a retracted position and a deployed
position; a
sleeve that is rotatably coupled to the distal body portion about the
longitudinal axis; and at
least one blocking element that is radially movable within the sleeve toward
and away from
the longitudinal axis, wherein, when the sleeve is in a first rotational
position, the latching
assembly is retained in the deployed position and the at least one blocking
element is held
radially outward to a first radial position, and wherein, when the sleeve is
in a second
rotational position, the latching assembly is movable between the retracted
position and the
deployed position and the at least one blocking element is permitted to move
radially
inwardly from the first radial position.
[0097] Aspect 2: The overshot assembly of aspect 1, wherein, when
the sleeve is in the
first rotational position, the spindle is inhibited from longitudinal movement
relative to the
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distal body portion, and, wherein, when the sleeve is in the second rotational
position, the
spindle is permitted to move longitudinally relative to the distal body
portion.
[0098] Aspect 3: The overshot assembly of aspect 2, wherein the
spindle comprises a
projection extending radially outwardly, wherein the sleeve defines internal
grooving that
cooperates with the projection of the spindle, so that when the sleeve is in
the first rotational
position, the spindle is inhibited from longitudinal movement relative to the
distal body
portion, and, wherein, when the sleeve is in the second rotational position,
the spindle is
permitted to move longitudinally relative to the distal body portion.
[0099] Aspect 4: The overshot assembly of aspect 3, wherein the
spindle comprises a
main body portion and a spring-biased detent coupled thereto, wherein the
spring-biased
detent defines the projection.
[00100] Aspect 5: The overshot assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,
wherein,
when the sleeve is in the first rotational position, the at least one blocking
element extends
sufficiently radially from the longitudinal axis of the overshot assembly to
inhibit insertion of
the overshot assembly into a drill string.
[00101] Aspect 6: The overshot assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,
wherein the
spindle defines at least one recessed portion that at least partially receives
the at least one
blocking element when the sleeve is in the second rotational position.
[00102] Aspect 7: The overshot assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,
wherein the
latching assembly comprises at least one latch member.
[00103] Aspect 8: The overshot assembly of aspect 7, wherein the wall of the
distal body
portion defines at least one distal radial opening extending from the outer
surface of the wall
to the central bore of the distal body portion, wherein the at least one
distal radial opening is
configured to at least partially receive the at least one latch member when
the latching
assembly is in the deployed position.
[00104] Aspect 9: The overshot assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,
wherein at
least a portion of the distal body portion has a cross section that defines an
outer trace that is
substantially the same as an outer trace of a cross section of the sleeve.
[00105] Aspect 10: The overshot assembly of any one of the preceding aspects,
wherein
the overshot assembly has a length along the longitudinal axis, wherein the
overshot
assembly defines at least one surface that is configured to cooperate with an
inner surface of a
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drill string to define a flow path that extends across the entire length of
the overshot
assembly.
[00106] Aspect 11: The overshot assembly as in aspect 10, wherein the at least
one surface
comprises at least one planar surface.
[00107] Aspect 12: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the overshot assembly defines three planar surfaces that are parallel to the
longitudinal axis of
the overshot assembly and equally spaced about a circumference of the overshot
assembly.
[00108] Aspect 13: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, further
comprising an indicator that indicates when the sleeve is in the first
rotational position.
[00109] Aspect 14: The overshot assembly of aspect 10, wherein the indicator
comprises a
first marking on the distal body portion and a second marking on the sleeve,
wherein
alignment between the first marking and the second marking corresponds to the
sleeve being
in the first rotational position.
[00110] Aspect 15: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the sleeve has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the sleeve
defines at least one
radial opening extending between the outer surface and the inner surface of
the sleeve,
wherein the at least one radial opening is configured to at least partially
receive a respective
blocking element of the at least one blocking element.
[00111] Aspect 16: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the distal portion of the spindle defines a first driving surface, wherein the
latching assembly
is positioned in engagement with the first driving surface when the latching
assembly is in the
deployed position, and wherein upon axial advancement of the distal body
portion in a
proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis, the first driving
surface is configured to
permit movement of the latching assembly toward the retracted position.
[00112] Aspect 17: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, further
comprising a distal spring positioned within the central bore of the distal
body portion in
substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the distal body portion,
wherein the distal
spring is positioned between and in engagement with the wall of the distal
body portion and
the spindle.
[00113] Aspect 18: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects, wherein
the at least one blocking element comprises at least one ball.
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[00114] Aspect 19: The overshot assembly as in any one of the preceding
aspects,
wherein, when the sleeve is in the first rotational position, the at least one
blocking element is
held radially outward of a radially-outermost surface of the sleeve, wherein
when the sleeve
is in the second rotational position, the deployed position, and the at least
one blocking
element is not held radially outward of the radially-outermost surface of the
sleeve.
[00115] Aspect 20: A method of using the overshot assembly as in any one of
the
preceding aspects, comprising: inserting the distal end of the overshot
assembly into a
proximal end of a head assembly; and rotating the sleeve until the sleeve is
in the first
rotational position.
[00116] Aspect 21: The method of aspect 20, further comprising: inserting at
least a
portion of the head assembly into a drill string; rotating the sleeve until
the sleeve is in the
second rotational position; and releasing the head assembly from the overshot
assembly.
1001171 Aspect 22: The method of aspect 21, wherein releasing the head
assembly from
the overshot assembly comprises: inserting a release guard between the
overshot assembly
and the head assembly; and lowering the head assembly until the release guard
impacts a
proximal end of the drill string.
[00118] Aspect 23: A method of using the overshot assembly as in any one of
aspects 1-
19, comprising inserting the overshot assembly into a drill string when the
sleeve is in the
second rotational position.
[00119] Aspect 24: A system comprising: a drill string; a head assembly that
is configured
for insertion into the drill string; and an overshot assembly as in any one of
aspects 1-19.
1001201 Aspect 25: An overshot assembly having a longitudinal axis, the
overshot
assembly comprising: a distal body portion defining a central bore; a proximal
body portion
that is coupled to the distal body portion; a sleeve that is rotatably coupled
to the distal body
portion about the longitudinal axis; and at least one blocking element that is
radially movable
within the sleeve toward and away from the longitudinal axis, wherein, when
the sleeve is in
a first rotational position, the at least one blocking element is held
radially outward of a
radially-outermost surface of the sleeve, wherein, when the sleeve is in a
second rotational
position, the at least one blocking element is not held radially outward of
the radially-
outermost surface of the sleeve, and wherein, when the sleeve is in the first
rotational
position, the at least one blocking element extends sufficiently radially
outward of the sleeve
to inhibit insertion of the overshot assembly into a drill string.
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[00121] Aspect 26: An overshot assembly having a longitudinal axis, the
overshot
assembly comprising: a distal body portion defining a central bore; a proximal
body portion
that is coupled to the distal body portion; a sleeve that is rotatably coupled
to the distal body
portion about the longitudinal axis; and wherein, when the sleeve is in a
first rotational
position, the latching assembly is retained in the deployed position, and
wherein, when the
sleeve is in a second rotational position, the latching assembly is movable
between the
retracted position and the deployed position.
[00122] Aspect 27: An overshot assembly having a longitudinal
axis, the overshot
assembly comprising: a distal body portion having a central axis, a length
along the central
axis, and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the distal body
portion defines, along
at least a portion of the length: at least one drill string engagement portion
positioned a first
radial distance from the central axis of the distal body portion, wherein the
at least one drill
string engagement portion is configured to bias against and slide along an
inner surface of a
drill string; at least one recessed portion that is radially inwardly spaced
from said first radial
distance from the central axis, wherein said at least one recessed portion is
configured to
cooperate with the inner surface of the drill string to define a respective
flow path along the
length of the distal body portion, wherein a plane that is perpendicular to
the central axis of
the distal body portion extends through each drill string engagement portion
of the at least
one drill string engagement portion and each recessed portion of the at least
one recessed
portion.
[00123] Aspect 28: The overshot assembly of aspect 27, wherein
each drill string
engagement portion of the at least one drill string engagement portion is a
portion of a
cylindrical surface.
[00124] Aspect 29: The overshot assembly of aspect 27 or aspect
28, wherein the at
least one drill string engagement portion comprises at least two drill string
engagement
portions.
[00125] Aspect 30: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
27-29, wherein the at
least one drill string engagement portion comprises three drill string
engagement portions.
[00126] Aspect 31: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
27-30, wherein the
drill string engagement portions are equally circumferentially spaced around
an inner surface
of the distal body portion.
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[00127] Aspect 32: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
27-31, wherein each
recessed portion of the at least one recessed portion comprises a planar or
generally planar
surface.
[00128] Aspect 33: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
27-32, wherein at
least a portion of the at least one recessed portion is inwardly spaced from
said first radial
distance from the central axis by at least 20% of said first radial distance.
1001291 Aspect 34: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
27-33, further
comprising: a proximal body portion that is coupled to the distal body
portion, wherein the
proximal body portion comprises: a first portion; and a second portion that is
coupled to the
first portion by a swivel joint so that the first portion can swivel relative
to the second portion
about the longitudinal axis of the overshot assembly, wherein the second
portion defines a
socket, wherein the distal body portion comprises a pivot element that is
received within the
socket so that the pivot element is pivotable about an axis that is transverse
to the longitudinal
axis of the overshot assembly by at least 85 degrees.
[00130] Aspect 35: A system comprising: an overshot assembly as
in any one of
aspects 27-34, wherein the overshot assembly defines a through bore; a head
assembly
defining at least one hole that is axially aligned with the through bore of
the overshot
assembly; and a locking pin that extends through the through bore of the
overshot assembly
and the at least one hole of the head assembly to axially retain the head
assembly relative to
the overshot assembly.
[00131] Aspect 36: A system comprising: an overshot assembly as
in any one of
aspects 27-34; and a head assembly comprising: a main body; an adapter that is
configured to
receive a portion of the overshot assembly, wherein the adapter is at least
partly received
within the main body; and a fastener that secures the adapter to the main
body.
[00132] Aspect 37: An overshot assembly haying a longitudinal
axis, the overshot
assembly comprising: a distal body portion having a central axis, a length
along the central
axis, and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the distal body
portion defines, along
at least a portion of the length: at least one drill string engagement portion
positioned a first
radial distance from the central axis of the distal body portion, wherein the
at least one drill
string engagement portion is configured to bias against and slide along an
inner surface of a
drill string, at least one recessed portion that is radially inwardly spaced
from said first radial
distance from the central axis, wherein said at least one recessed portion is
configured to
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cooperate with the inner surface of the drill string to define a respective
flow path along the
length of the distal body portion, wherein a plane that is perpendicular to
the central axis of
the distal body portion extends through each drill string engagement portion
of the at least
one drill string engagement portion and each recessed portion of the at least
one recessed
portion.
[00133] Aspect 38: The overshot assembly of aspect 37, wherein
each drill string
engagement portion of the at least one drill string engagement portion is a
portion of a
cylindrical surface.
[00134] Aspect 39: The overshot assembly of aspect 37 or aspect
38, wherein the at
least one drill string engagement portion comprises at least two drill string
engagement
portions.
[00135] Aspect 40: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
37-39, wherein the at
least one drill string engagement portion comprises three drill string
engagement portions.
[00136] Aspect 41: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
37-40, wherein the
drill string engagement portions are equally circumferentially spaced around
an inner surface
of the distal body portion.
[00137] Aspect 42: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
37-41, wherein each
recessed portion of the at least one recessed portion comprises a planar or
generally planar
surface.
[00138] Aspect 43: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
37-42, wherein at
least a portion of the at least one recessed portion is inwardly spaced from
said first radial
distance from the central axis by at least 20% of said first radial distance.
[00139] Aspect 44: The overshot assembly of any one of aspects
37-43, further
comprising: a proximal body portion that is coupled to the distal body
portion, wherein the
proximal body portion comprises: a first portion; and a second portion that is
coupled to the
first portion by a swivel joint so that the first portion can swivel relative
to the second portion
about the longitudinal axis of the overshot assembly, wherein the second
portion defines a
socket, wherein the distal body portion comprises a pivot element that is
received within the
socket so that the pivot element is pivotable about an axis that is transverse
to the longitudinal
axis of the overshot assembly by at least 85 degrees.
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[00140] Aspect 45: A system comprising: an overshot assembly as
in any one of
aspects 37-44, wherein the overshot assembly defines a through bore; a head
assembly
defining at least one hole that is axially aligned with the through bore of
the overshot
assembly; and a locking pin that extends through the through bore of the
overshot assembly
and the at least one hole of the head assembly to axially retain the head
assembly relative to
the overshot assembly.
[00141] Aspect 46: A system comprising: an overshot assembly as
in any one of
aspects 37-44; a head assembly comprising: a main body; an adapter that is
configured to
receive a portion of the overshot assembly, wherein the adapter is at least
partly received
within the main body; and a fastener that secures the adapter to the main
body.
[00142] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by
way of
illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain
changes and
modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
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