Patent ID: 8810428
Filing Date: 2014-08-19
Classification: E21B,G01V,H01F

Abstract:
1. A rotary coupler for transferring electrical power and or data between members, the coupler comprising: a first member having an internal surface defining a flow path configured to route a flow of fluid through the first member, the first member having an upstream fluid end through which the fluid enters and a downstream fluid end; a first inductor positioned on the internal surface of the first member; a second member having at least one conduit through a portion of the second member, the at least one conduit situated within the flow path of the first member between the upstream fluid end and the downstream fluid end such that at least a portion of the flow of fluid in the first member also flows through the at least one conduit of the second member; and a second inductor on a portion of the second member, the second inductor positioned internal of the first inductor and spaced apart from the first inductor by a gap, wherein one of the inductors rotates relative to the other inductor; and an arrangement configured to divert fluid flow away from the gap wherein the arrangement includes a sealing element, the sealing element being positioned in the gap between the first inductor and the second inductor forming a barrier that prevents the flow of fluid from entering the gap, while the at least one conduit is configured to direct at least a portion of the flow of fluid through the second member to bypass the gap.