Patent ID: 6263988
Filing Date: 2001-07-24
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A downhole drill system comprising:a) a primary drive shaft, said primary drive shaft including a distal end;b) a drill head, said drill head structured to be coupled to said primary drive shaft at said distal end;c) a drill head de-coupling assembly, said drill head de-coupling assembly comprising:a spacer assembly, said spacer assembly being structured to be disposed between said primary drive shaft and said drill head so as to maintain a gap therebetween subsequent to tightened coupling between said primary drive shaft and said drill head, and subsequent to extended use of said drill head,a retention assembly structured to maintain said spacer assembly between said primary drive shaft and said drill head during the extended use of said drill head,said retention assembly being further structured to selectively release said spacer assembly, andsaid spacer assembly being structured to be removable from between said primary drive shaft and said drill head, upon being released by said retention assembly, so as to leave said gap between said primary drive shaft and said drill head, and thereby facilitate removal of said drill head from said primary drive shaft subsequent to the extended use of the drill head.