Patent ID: 7967083
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A drill string for positioning within a bore of a well, the drill string comprising: a drill bit, the drill bit having a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face, the working face comprising at least one cutting element, the drill bit being configured to rotate with respect to the bore of the well; a jack element, the jack element being positioned within the bit body and substantially protruding from the working face; the jack element being configured to be rotated with respect to the bit body by a driving mechanism disposed within a bore of the drill string; a generator, the generator including a rotor incorporated into a torque transmitting mechanism linking the driving mechanism to the jack element, the generator being configured to generate and supply a waveform signal reflective of a rotational position of the jack element upon rotation of the jack element with respect to the bit body; and an electronic processing device, the electronic processing device being in electrical communication with the generator, the electronic processing device being configured to receive and process the waveform signal to determine the rotational position of the jack element with respect to the bit body.