Office Action 1: Ex Parte Quayle Action (2025-06-10)

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

What is claimed is.

1\. A mounting system to secure a component in a tubular housing comprising:an outer collar having a longitudinal axis and an inner surface;
a tubular housing, at least partially inside the outer collar, includes at least one of a pocket and a finger at an axial end of the tubular housing along the longitudinal axis;
a component in the tubular housing, the component includes an axial end along the longitudinal axis;
a stop element, at least partially in the tubular housing and at least partially in the outer collar, the stop element fastened to the tubular housing by a first fastening means, an axial end of the stop element abuts the axial end of the component, the stop element includes a conical surface on an outer surface along the longitudinal axis;
a compression element between the stop element and the outer collar, the compression element includes at least one of a finger and a pocket on a first axial end and includes a first shoulder on a second axial end along the longitudinal axis and opposite the first axial end;
a thrust ring surrounding the stop element and fastened to the stop element by a second fastening means, the thrust ring includes a second shoulder, the second shoulder abutting the first shoulder on the compression element;

wherein the compression element applies a coupling force onto the inner surface of the outer collar and (i) the finger on the compression element reaches into the pocket on the tubular housing or (ii) the finger on the tubular housing reaches into the pocket on the compression element, and securing the component axially and rotationally in the outer collar.
2\. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the stop element includes an outer diameter, the outer diameter varies along the conical surface and along the longitudinal axis, the conical surface includes a first axial end and a second axial end, and wherein the outer diameter at the first axial end is larger than at the second axial end, and the first axial end is closer to the component than the second axial end.
3\. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the compression element includes a conical surface on an inner surface along the longitudinal axis, and the conical surface on the compression element corresponds with the conical surface on the stop element.4 The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the first fastening means includes first threads on an inner surface of the tubular housing, and second threads on an outer surface of the stop element.
5\. The mounting system of claim 4, wherein the second fastening means includes third threads on an outer surface of the stop element and fourth threads on an inner surface of the thrust ring.

6\. The mounting system of claim 1, further including an inner ring surrounding the thrust ring, the inner ring is surrounded by the compression element, the inner ring is fastened to the thrust ring by a third fastening means.
7\. The mounting system of claim 6, wherein the inner ring includes a third shoulder,
and the compression element includes a lip, wherein the lip is between the second shoulder and the third shoulder.
8\. The mounting system of claim 7, wherein the lip includes an axial extension along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the axial extension of the lip is smaller than the axial distance between the second shoulder and the third shoulder.
9\. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the compression element includes one of (i) a compression element surrounding the thrust ring and includes slots extending axially along a portion of the compression element along the longitudinal axis, and (ii) a plurality of separate compression segments located around the thrust ring and wherein each of the plurality of compression segments includes the conical surface.
10\. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the coupling force exceeds forces from high frequency torsional oscillations that are imparted onto the outer collar.
11\. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the stop element includes a central bore with an inner diameter.
12\. A method of coupling a component within a tubular housing comprising:

obtaining a stop element comprising a conically profiled outer surface, a portion coupled with the component, the component surrounded by a tubular housing with at least one of a pocket and finger extending along a longitudinal axis of the tubular housing;
the stop element coupled with the tubular housing,
obtaining a compression element having at least one of a finger and pocket extending along a longitudinal axis of the compression element;
disposing the stop element, the tubular housing, and the component inside an outer collar,
the outer collar having an inner surface;
sliding the compression element into an annular space between the conically profiled outer surface of the stop element and the inner surface of the outer collar, so that the compression element is radially compressed between the stop element and the outer collar and creates a force that axially and rotationally couples the stop element, the tubular housing and the component to the outer collar; and
aligning the at least one of the pocket and finger on the tubular housing with the at least one of the finger and pocket on the compression element so that the finger inserts into the pocket as the compression element slides into the annular space.

13\. The method of Claim 12, wherein a conical profile is formed on an inner surface of the compression element that is complementary to and in selective sliding engagement with the conically profiled outer surface on the stop element.

14\. The method of Claim 12, wherein slots are formed axially along a length of the compression element, the slots expanding when the compression element slides over the conically profiled outer surface of the stop element.

15\. The method of Claim 12, further comprising obtaining a thrust ring having threads on an inner surface, and engaging the threads on the inner surface with threads on an outer surface of the stop element to create a force for sliding the compression element along the stop element.

16\. The method of Claim 15, further comprising rotating the compression element about the stop element to orient the at least one of the finger and pocket on the compression element with the at least one of the pocket and finger on the tubular housing.

17\. The method of Claim 12, wherein the outer collar comprises a section of a drill string and the force that axially and rotationally couples the stop element to the outer collar exceeds forces from high frequency torsional oscillations that are imparted onto the drill string during drilling.

18\. The method of Claim 12, further including coupling a thrust ring to the stop element and using the thrust ring to sliding the compression element into the annular space between the conically profiled outer surface of the stop element and the inner surface of the outer collar.

19\. The method of Claim 18, further including coupling an inner ring to the thrust ring, wherein at least a portion of the compression element is located between the inner ring and the thrust ring and using the inner ring when removing the compression element from the stop element during uncoupling the component and the tubular housing.

20\. The method of Claim 12, wherein the component is a mud motor or a turbine.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) because reference characters 9 and 23 have both been used to designate a rearward end.  Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-20 are considered to be ready for allowance at this time, as the mounting system and the related method for coupling a component within a tubular housing assembly are not disclosed, taught or suggested by the prior art.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
This application is in condition for allowance except for the following formal matters:
Note the objection to the drawing figures, above.
Prosecution on the merits is closed in accordance with the practice under Ex parte Quayle, 25 USPQ 74, 453 O.G. 213, (Comm’r Pat. 1935).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this action is set to expire TWO (2) MONTHS from the mailing date of this letter. Extensions of time may be granted under  37 CFR 1.136 but in no case can any extension carry the date for reply to this Office action beyond the maximum period of SIX MONTHS set by statute (35 U.S.C. 133).

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTSA
Remarks The action is an Ex Parte Quayle action, and in the action the drawings are objected to as failing to comply with 37 CFR 1.84(p)(4) because reference characters "9" and "23" have both been used to designate a rearward end. Clarifying amendments are requested to Claim 9 changing compression element to sidewall, support for this amendment is in paragraph [0018] of the application as filed. Claim 1-20 have been found allowable over prior art.B
Response 1. Drawings With this paper are amendments to paragraph(s) [0016] and [0021] of the Specification clarifying that reference numeral 9 identifies a string component rearward end and reference numeral 23 identifies a component housing rearward end. These amendments add no new matter.As these amendments address all objections in the action, and all claims are considered to be ready for allowance, the applicant respectfully urges that this application is in condition for allowance.The applicant thanks the Examiner for the examination and asks for early allowance.2. Cited References References were made of record that were not otherwise referenced in the body of the action. These references do not add information to issues already raised and discussed, and as such do not affect the patentability of the claims of the subject application.CONCLUSIONIt is believed that the foregoing response is full, complete, and timely filed. Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration of the instant application in light of the foregoing response and amendments. Applicant reserves the right to respond to any objection or rejection issued in this application, and that any objection or rejection is not addressed does not constitute a waiver of that right. The correctness of any rejection or objection is not acknowledged with this paper, and the right is reserved to address the patentability of any claim or claimed feature. Should the Examiner have any questions, comments or suggestions in furtherance of the prosecution of the application, the Examiner is invited to contact the Applicant's representative by telephone or fax.Respectfully submitted, Date: July 29, 2025

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
A statement of the examiner’s reasons for allowance can be found in a previous Office action.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US12320211B1: Claims:
An orienting tool for connecting and orienting a first set of interconnected tools of a tool string with and relative to a second set of interconnected tools of the tool string prior to deployment of the tool string in a borehole, the orienting tool comprising: a main body connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second tool sets; a collar connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second tool sets, wherein, in each particular use of the orienting tool, the collar is configured to be connected to whichever tool set the main body is not connected to, further wherein the main body and collar are interconnected so that, in a setup configuration of the orienting tool, at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, are rotatable relative to the other; and a locking ring associated with at least one among the main body and collar and configured, in the setup configuration, to allow at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, to be rotated relative to the other, and wherein the locking ring, in an operating configuration of the orienting tool, is configured to allow the main body and tool set connected thereto to be rotationally locked relative to the collar and tool set connected thereto, wherein the main body has an uphole end and a downhole end, the collar is configured to be slidably engageable over the main body from the uphole end thereof and the locking ring is slidably engageable over the main body uphole of the collar and configured to be rotationally lockable to the main body, further wherein the locking ring is unthreaded and configured to slide over the main body until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the main body to rotationally lock the locking ring to the main body.
a main body connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second tool sets;
a collar connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second tool sets, wherein, in each particular use of the orienting tool, the collar is configured to be connected to whichever tool set the main body is not connected to, further wherein the main body and collar are interconnected so that, in a setup configuration of the orienting tool, at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, are rotatable relative to the other; and
a locking ring associated with at least one among the main body and collar and configured, in the setup configuration, to allow at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, to be rotated relative to the other, and wherein the locking ring, in an operating configuration of the orienting tool, is configured to allow the main body and tool set connected thereto to be rotationally locked relative to the collar and tool set connected thereto,
wherein the main body has an uphole end and a downhole end, the collar is configured to be slidably engageable over the main body from the uphole end thereof and the locking ring is slidably engageable over the main body uphole of the collar and configured to be rotationally lockable to the main body, further wherein the locking ring is unthreaded and configured to slide over the main body until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the main body to rotationally lock the locking ring to the main body.
The orienting tool of claim 1 wherein the locking ring is configured to be gripped and rotated in order to rotate one among the main body and collar relative to the other.
The orienting tool of claim 1 wherein the tool string has an outer diameter extending along its length, further wherein in the operating configuration, the locking ring is rigidly sandwiched between a tool of the first or second tool sets and one among the main body and collar.
The orienting tool of claim 1 wherein the first tool set includes at least a first eccentric weight bar and the second tool set includes at least a first perforating gun having multiple shape charges, further wherein, in the setup configuration, the main body, collar and locking ring are configured to allow the shape charges of the first perforating gun to be oriented relative to the first eccentric weight bar as desired and, in the operating configuration, the main body, collar and locking ring are configured to lock that desired orientation prior to deployment of the tool string in the borehole.
The orienting tool of claim 1 wherein the main body has at least a first protrusion extending outwardly therefrom closer to the downhole end than the uphole end thereof and the collar is configured to be slidably engageable over the main body until at least a first protrusion of the collar abuts the first protrusion of the main body.
The orienting tool of claim 1 further including at least one gripper extendable through the collar and being selectively engageable with the main body.
The orienting tool of claim 1 wherein the main body, collar and locking ring are separate and distinct from each other.
A method of connecting and orienting a first set of interconnected tools of a tool string with and relative to a second set of interconnected tools of the tool string prior to deployment of the tool string in a borehole with the use of an orienting tool, the orienting tool including a main body having uphole and downhole ends and collar each connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second sets of tools and a locking ring associated with at least one among the main body and collar, the method comprising: slidably engaging the collar over the main body from the uphole end thereof until at least a first protrusion of the collar abuts at least a first protrusion of the main body; sliding the locking ring over the main body uphole of the collar until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the main body to rotationally lock the locking ring and main body; partially connecting either the main body or collar to the first tool set and fully connecting the other among the main body and collar to the second tool set; rotating at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, relative to the other among the main body and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto; and without rotating either tool set relative to the other tool set, fully connecting whichever among the main body or collar was partially connected to one of the tool sets to that tool set to rotationally lock the first and second tools sets together.
slidably engaging the collar over the main body from the uphole end thereof until at least a first protrusion of the collar abuts at least a first protrusion of the main body;
sliding the locking ring over the main body uphole of the collar until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the main body to rotationally lock the locking ring and main body;
partially connecting either the main body or collar to the first tool set and fully connecting the other among the main body and collar to the second tool set;
rotating at least one among the main body and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, relative to the other among the main body and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto; and
without rotating either tool set relative to the other tool set, fully connecting whichever among the main body or collar was partially connected to one of the tool sets to that tool set to rotationally lock the first and second tools sets together.
The method of claim 8 further including engaging a locking ring with at least one among the main body or collar.
The method of claim 9 wherein the locking ring is not threadably engaged with the main body or collar.
The method of claim 9 further including gripping and rotating the locking ring to rotate one among the main body or collar to connect it to the first or second tool set.
The method of claim 8 wherein the main body is initially partially connected to the first tool set and fully connecting the main body to the first tool set draws the collar and locking ring axially toward the first tool set until the locking ring is rigidly sandwiched between the collar and first tool set.
The method of claim 12 wherein fully connecting the main body to the first tool set prevents relative linear movement between the main body, locking ring, collar and first and second tools sets.
The method of claim 8 wherein the collar includes a bore, further including the collar providing a space in the bore thereof between the main body and an adjacent tool of first or second tool set.
The method of claim 8 further including forming the main body, collar and locking ring to be separate and distinct from each other.
An orienting tool for connecting and orienting a first set of interconnected tools of a tool string with and relative to a second set of interconnected tools of the tool string prior to deployment of the tool string in a borehole, the tool string having an outer diameter extending along its length, the orienting tool comprising: a mandrel having an uphole end and a downhole end and being connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second sets of tools; a collar connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second sets of tools, wherein, in each particular use of the orienting tool, the collar is configured to be connected to whichever set of tools the mandrel is not connected to, further wherein the mandrel and collar are interconnected so that, in a setup configuration of the orienting tool, at least one among the mandrel and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, are rotatable relative to the other among the mandrel and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto; and an unthreaded locking ring having first and second ends and being engageable and rotatable with the mandrel or collar, the locking ring being configured to be rotated in order to connect whichever among the mandrel and collar is engaged therewith to the corresponding tool set thereof, wherein the collar is configured to be slidably engageable over the mandrel from the uphole end thereof and the locking ring is slidably engageable over the mandrel uphole of the collar and configured to be rotationally lockable to the mandrel, further wherein the locking ring is configured to slide over the mandrel until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the mandrel to rotationally lock the locking ring to the mandrel, wherein when the orienting tool is in a setup configuration, the locking ring is rotatable to rotate at least one among the mandrel and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, relative to the other among the mandrel and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto, and when the orienting tool is in an operating configuration, the first end of the locking ring abuts the mandrel or collar and the second end of the locking ring abuts a tool from the first or second tool sets so that the second set of tools and the mandrel and tool set connected thereto are rotationally locked relative to the collar and tool set connected thereto.
a mandrel having an uphole end and a downhole end and being connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second sets of tools;
a collar connectable to and disconnectable from at least one among the first and second sets of tools, wherein, in each particular use of the orienting tool, the collar is configured to be connected to whichever set of tools the mandrel is not connected to, further wherein the mandrel and collar are interconnected so that, in a setup configuration of the orienting tool, at least one among the mandrel and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, are rotatable relative to the other among the mandrel and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto; and
an unthreaded locking ring having first and second ends and being engageable and rotatable with the mandrel or collar, the locking ring being configured to be rotated in order to connect whichever among the mandrel and collar is engaged therewith to the corresponding tool set thereof, wherein the collar is configured to be slidably engageable over the mandrel from the uphole end thereof and the locking ring is slidably engageable over the mandrel uphole of the collar and configured to be rotationally lockable to the mandrel, further wherein the locking ring is configured to slide over the mandrel until at least one flat of the locking ring aligns over at least one flat of the mandrel to rotationally lock the locking ring to the mandrel, wherein when the orienting tool is in a setup configuration, the locking ring is rotatable to rotate at least one among the mandrel and collar, along with the respective tool set connected thereto, relative to the other among the mandrel and collar along with the respective tool set connected thereto, and when the orienting tool is in an operating configuration, the first end of the locking ring abuts the mandrel or collar and the second end of the locking ring abuts a tool from the first or second tool sets so that the second set of tools and the mandrel and tool set connected thereto are rotationally locked relative to the collar and tool set connected thereto.
The orienting tool of claim 16 wherein the mandrel and collar are elongated, and the mandrel, collar and locking ring are distinct and separate from each other.
Ref US20140050522A1: Claims:
A torque-transmitting assembly for use with a rotational drive used in a horizontal directional drilling operation, the assembly comprising: a saver sub rotationally attached to the rotational drive, the saver sub comprising a seat and a threaded portion; and a drive, chuck comprising: an engagement point to engage the seat; and a connection member for attachment to the drill string; wherein drive chuck and saver sub are rotationally locked.
a saver sub rotationally attached to the rotational drive, the saver sub comprising a seat and a threaded portion; and
a drive, chuck comprising: an engagement point to engage the seat; and a connection member for attachment to the drill string;
an engagement point to engage the seat; and
a connection member for attachment to the drill string;
wherein drive chuck and saver sub are rotationally locked.
The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a collar disposed about an outer surface of the drive chuck, the collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder such that the internal shoulder contacts the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
The assembly of claim 2 wherein the drive chuck comprises a shoulder to contact the internal shoulder of the collar when the collar is threaded to the saver sub.
The assembly of claim 2 further comprising: a plurality of depressions formed in the drive chuck proximate the engagement point; a plurality of castellations formed in the seat; and a plurality of dowel pins located within the depressions such that the engagement point engages the seat through the dowel pins.
a plurality of depressions formed in the drive chuck proximate the engagement point;
a plurality of castellations formed in the seat; and
a plurality of dowel pins located within the depressions such that the engagement point engages the seat through the dowel pins.
The assembly of claim 4 wherein the engagement point and the seat engage only through the dowel pins.
The assembly of claim 4 wherein the assembly comprises six dowel pins.
The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a depression formed in the drive chuck proximate the engagement point, a castellation formed in the seat, and a dowel pin located within the depression such that the engagement point engages the seat through the dowel pin.
The assembly of claim 7 further comprising a collar disposed about an outer surface of the drive chuck, the collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder such that the internal shoulder contacts the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat and engagement point each comprise a plurality of complementary castellations.
The assembly of claim 9 further comprising a collar disposed about an outer surface of the drive chuck, the collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder such that the internal shoulder contacts the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the seat and engagement point each comprise complementary threads.
The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a collar disposed about an outer surface of the drive chuck, the collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder such that the internal shoulder contacts the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
A torque-transmitting assembly for use with a rotational drive used in a horizontal directional drilling operation, the assembly comprising: a saver sub rotationally attached to the rotational drive, the saver sub comprising a seat and a threaded portion; a drive chuck comprising: a shoulder; an engagement point to engage the seat; and a connection member for attachment to the drill string; and a collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder; wherein the internal shoulder contacts the shoulder of the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
a saver sub rotationally attached to the rotational drive, the saver sub comprising a seat and a threaded portion;
a drive chuck comprising: a shoulder; an engagement point to engage the seat; and a connection member for attachment to the drill string; and
a connection member for attachment to the drill string; and
a collar comprising a threaded portion and an internal shoulder;
wherein the internal shoulder contacts the shoulder of the drive chuck such that threading the collar onto the saver sub rotationally locks the saver sub to the drive chuck.
The assembly of claim 13 wherein the seat and the engagement point comprise complementary castellations.
The assembly of claim 13 wherein the seat and the engagement point comprise complementary threads.
The assembly of claim 13 further comprising: a plurality of depressions formed in the drive chuck proximate the engagement point; a plurality of castellations formed in the seat; and a plurality of dowel pins located within the depressions such that the engagement point engages the seat through the dowel pins.
The assembly of claim 16 wherein the engagement point and the seat engage only through the dowel pins.
The assembly of claim 13 wherein the threaded portion of the collar comprises a plurality of bolts.
The assembly of claim 13 wherein the threaded portion of the collar is located on an inside surface of the collar.
The assembly of claim 13 wherein the collar comprises a polygonal outer surface.
A spindle assembly for rotating a drill string, the spindle assembly comprising: a saver sub; a drive chuck engaged with the saver sub in non-threaded torque transmitting engagement; and a collar disposed about both, an outer surface of the saver sub and an outer surface of the drive chuck to secure the saver sub to the drive chuck; wherein the collar is threaded on the saver sub.
a drive chuck engaged with the saver sub in non-threa
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