Patent ID: 7735581
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A locking clutch to selectively transmit torque from a stator of a downhole tool to a rotor of the downhole tool, the clutch comprising: at least one locking pawl disposed upon the rotor, wherein the at least one locking pawl comprises a load path, a pivot axis, and a mass center; wherein the at least one locking pawl is biased into an engaged position by a biasing mechanism; wherein the at least one locking pawl transmits force from the stator to the rotor along the load path when in the engaged position; wherein centrifugal force urges the at least one locking pawl into a disengaged position when the rotor is rotated above a disengagement speed; and wherein the pivot axis is disposed radially outward of a recess in an outer periphery of the rotor and configured such that at least a portion of the at least one locking pawl rotates substantially outward from the recess in the disengaged position.