Patent ID: 8316703
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A flexible coupling for well logging instruments joined end to end, comprising: a first well logging instrument housing coupled at one longitudinal end to one end of a second well logging instrument housing, each of the first and second well logging instrument housings defining a sealed, open interior chamber maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure, the first and second instrument housings coupled to enable angular deflection between respective longitudinal axes thereof; and a first conduit extending between the first well logging instrument housing and the second well logging instrument housing, the first conduit sealingly engaged to each well logging instrument housing, the first conduit maintained substantially at atmospheric pressure therein, the sealing engagement configured such that longitudinal ends of the first conduit are substantially positionally fixed with respect to each well logging instrument housing, the first conduit formed from material and having dimensions selected to withstand at least a same hydrostatic pressure as each of the first and second well logging instrument housings, the first conduit including a bending strain distribution feature configured such that at a maximum angular deflection between the first instrument housing and the second instrument housing a bending strain in the first conduit is at most equal to an elastic limit of the first conduit, the first instrument housing rotationally fixed with respect to the second instrument housing about respective longitudinal axes thereof.