Patent ID: 8905159
Filing Date: 2014-12-09
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An eccentric steering device for steering a drill string, the eccentric steering device comprising: an eccentric sleeve being eccentric with respect to a center line of the drill string, the eccentric sleeve being mounted exterior to the drill string along a portion of the drill string and permitting the drill string to rotate within the eccentric sleeve, the drill string extending linearly through the eccentric sleeve and being rotatably coupled to the eccentric sleeve via a bearing disposed between the eccentric sleeve and the drill string to enable proper rotation of the drill string within the eccentric sleeve; and a brake actuated in a radial direction, the brake positioned to selectively cause rotation of the eccentric sleeve with the drill string, the brake being a friction brake which may be selectively released and actuated to create friction which inhibits rotation of the eccentric sleeve with respect to the drill string at desired rotational positions of the eccentric sleeve with respect to the drill string.