Patent Description:
For at least a half century, the oil and gas industry has sought to develop downhole telemetry systems that enable high-definition formation evaluation and borehole navigation while drilling in real time. The ability to transmit large amounts of sub-surface data to the surface has the potential to significantly decrease drilling costs by enabling operators to more accurately direct the drill string to hydrocarbon deposits. Such information may also improve safety and reduce the environmental impacts of drilling. This technology may also be desirable to take advantage of numerous
advances in the design of tools and techniques for oil and gas exploration, and may be used to provide real-time access to data such as temperature, pressure, inclination, salinity, and the like, while drilling.

In order to transmit data at high speeds along a drill string, various approaches have been attempted or suggested. One approach that is currently being implemented and achieving commercial success is to incorporate data transmission lines, or wires, into drill string components to bi-directionally transmit data along the drill string. For example, drill string components may be modified to include high-speed, high-strength data cable running through the central bores of these components. In certain cases, this approach may require placing repeaters or amplifiers at selected intervals along the drill string to amplify or boost the signal as it travels along the transmission lines.

In order to implement a "wired" drill string, apparatus and methods are needed to route transmission lines or wires, such as coaxial cable, along or through the central bore of drill string components. Ideally, such apparatus and methods would be able to hold the transmission lines under tension to minimize movement of the transmission line within the central bore as well as minimize interference with tools or debris moving therethrough. Further needed are apparatus and method to seal and isolate the transmission line from drilling fluids traveling through the central bore of the drill string. Yet further needed are apparatus and methods to quickly install the transmission lines in drill string components, while minimizing the need for expensive equipment or highly trained personnel. <CIT> discloses an apparatus for communicating a signal downhole includes a downhole pipe configured to be coupled to another downhole pipe and a protection tube secured to the downhole pipe. A transmission line is disposed in the protection tube and configured to communicate the signal. A communication device is disposed in the downhole pipe and configured to communicate the signal to another downhole pipe. An end of the transmission line is configured to be axially movable with respect to the downhole pipe in order to have the end of the transmission line extending from the protection tube to establish a connection between the transmission line and the communication device. <CIT> discloses a tubular component for a drill stem that can be cabled includes a first end zone, a second end zone, a sheath, the sheath extends between the first end zone and the second end zone, and a liner fixed in a bore of the first end zone. The liner includes at least one take-up chamber for a cable disposed in the sheath.

The invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparatus and methods. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention have been developed to more effectively retain transmission lines within drill string components. The features and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

Consistent with the foregoing, an apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component is disclosed. In one embodiment, such an apparatus includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. A sleeve is inserted into the internal diameter to keep the transmission line within the slot.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a system includes a drill string that comprises a drill string component. The drill string component has a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. A sleeve is inserted into the internal diameter to keep the transmission line within the slot.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. The first feature comprises a first angled surface configured to contact and engage a corresponding second angled surface of the second feature. The first and second angled surfaces are oriented such to keep the transmission line retained within the slot when tension is placed on the transmission line.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string comprising a drill string component. The drill string component has a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A first feature within the slot is configured to engage a corresponding second feature on the transmission line and thereby retain an end of the transmission line. The first feature comprises a first angled surface configured to contact and engage a corresponding second angled surface of the second feature. The first and second angled surfaces are oriented such to keep the transmission line retained within the slot when tension is placed on the transmission line.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string component comprising a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A shoulder within the slot is configured to engage a tension anchor attached to the transmission line. The tension anchor is configured to hold tension in the transmission line. The tension anchor includes a first component that is attached to the transmission line, and a second component that is threaded onto the first component. In certain embodiments, the second component contains a connector configured to enable connection to the transmission line.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for retaining a transmission line within a drill string component includes a drill string comprising a drill string component. The drill string component has a bore having an internal diameter. A slot is formed in the internal diameter to receive a transmission line. A shoulder within the slot is configured to engage a tension anchor attached to the transmission line. The tension anchor is configured to hold tension in the transmission line. The tension anchor includes a first component that is attached to the transmission line, and a second component that is threaded onto the first component. In certain embodiments, the second component contains a connector configured to enable connection to the transmission line.

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:.

It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of embodiments of apparatus and methods of the present invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various selected embodiments of the invention.

The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate that various modifications to the apparatus and methods described herein may be easily made without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention, as described in connection with the Figures. Thus, the following description of the Figures is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments consistent with the invention as claimed herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a drill string component <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, the drill string component <NUM> includes a pin end <NUM> and box end <NUM>. Between the pin end <NUM> and box end <NUM> is the body <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>. A typical length for a drill string component <NUM> is between twenty and ninety feet. Multiple drill string components <NUM> may be assembled into a drill string that can extend as long as <NUM>,<NUM> feet, which means that many hundreds of drill string components <NUM> (e.g., sections of drill pipe and downhole tools) may be assembled into a drill string. A drill string component <NUM> may include any number of downhole tools, including but not limited to heavyweight drill pipe, drill collar, crossovers, mud motors, directional drilling equipment, stabilizers, hole openers, subassemblies, under-reamers,
drilling jars, drilling shock absorbers, and other specialized devices, which are all well known in the drilling industry.

Various different designs may be used for the pin end <NUM> and box end <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>. Embodiments of the invention are useful for pin and box end designs that have a uniform or upset internal diameter <NUM> with the rest of the drill string component <NUM>. As shown, slots 110a, 110b may be incorporated into the pin end <NUM> and box end <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM> to receive a transmission line. The transmission line may communicate signals between the pin end <NUM> and box end <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>, thereby enabling data to be transmitted along the drill string. In certain embodiments, the slots 110a, 110b may be open to the internal diameter <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM> to facilitate installation of the transmission line. As further shown, features 112a, 112b (e.g., shoulders, etc.) may be incorporated into the slots 110a, 110b to aid in retaining ends of the transmission line. These features 112a, 112b may be implemented in various different ways as will be discussed in more detail hereafter.

<FIG> shows the drill string component <NUM> of <FIG> with the transmission line <NUM> installed. As shown, the transmission line <NUM> is routed through the internal diameter <NUM> along the length of the drill string component <NUM>. One end of the transmission line <NUM> is retained at or near the pin end <NUM> and the other end of the transmission line <NUM> is retained at or near the box end <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the transmission line <NUM> is an armored transmission line <NUM>, meaning that metal tubing or another robust material may surround the transmission line <NUM> and be used to protect internal wiring and/or insulation of the transmission line <NUM>. Inside the armor, the transmission line <NUM> may include coaxial cable, electrical wires, optical fibers, or other conductors or cables capable of transmitting a signal.

One potential problem with routing a transmission line <NUM> through a drill string component <NUM> is that the transmission line <NUM> may interfere with tools, fluids, or debris moving through the central bore <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>. These tools, fluids, or debris have the potential to sever or damage the transmission line <NUM>, thereby terminating or interrupting signals transmitted along the drill string. Thus, apparatus and methods are needed to route transmission lines <NUM> through drill string components <NUM> in a safe and reliable manner. Ideally, such apparatus and methods would be able to maintain tension in the transmission line <NUM> to minimize movement within the central bore <NUM> and minimize interference with tools or other debris moving therethrough. Ideally, such apparatus and methods will enable quick and inexpensive installation of transmission lines <NUM> in drill string components <NUM> without the need for expensive equipment or highly trained personnel.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a pin end <NUM> of a drill string component <NUM>. As shown, the pin end <NUM> may include a transmission element <NUM> installed in a groove or recess in a leading face <NUM> of the pin end <NUM> to transmit data and signals across the tool joint. A corresponding transmission element <NUM> may be installed in the box end <NUM>. The transmission element <NUM> may communicate using any known method. For example, in certain embodiments, the transmission element <NUM> may use direct electrical contacts or inductive coupling to transmit data signals across the tool joint.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the pin end <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM> with the transmission element <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> removed. In this embodiment, the slot 110a and corresponding feature 112a are more clearly visible. In this embodiment, the feature 112a is a shoulder incorporated into the slot 110a that causes the slot 110a to get wider as it approaches the pin end <NUM>. This shoulder may engage a corresponding feature <NUM> (e.g., a tension anchor <NUM> as shown in <FIG>) coupled to or incorporated into an end of the transmission line <NUM>. The shape, configuration, and location of the features 112a, <NUM> are provided by way of example and not limitation. Other shapes, configurations, and locations for the features 112a, <NUM> are possible and within the scope of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, a high-level block diagram showing various design choices for installing a transmission line <NUM> in a drill string component <NUM> is illustrated. As shown, at a highest level, a design methodology <NUM> may designate where a transmission line <NUM> is anchored within the drill string component <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the transmission line <NUM> is anchored underneath a press ring at or near the leading face <NUM> of the pin end <NUM>, as will be discussed in association with <FIG>. In such embodiments, a tension anchor <NUM>, used to place tension on the transmission line <NUM>, may be attached to the transmission line <NUM> using, for example, a flare, threads, a crimp and sleeve, a crimp and threads, and/or the like. These different types of tension anchors <NUM> will be discussed in association with <FIG>.

In other embodiments, the transmission line <NUM> is anchored deeper within the drill string component <NUM>, as will be discussed in association with <FIG>. In such embodiments, a tension anchor <NUM> may be attached to the transmission line <NUM> using, for example, a flare, threads, a crimp and sleeve, a crimp and threads, and/or the like, as shown in <FIG>. Various different configurations/techniques may be used to hold tension on the transmission line <NUM>. For example, a tension anchor <NUM> may be pulled onto a flat surface to place tension on the transmission line <NUM>, as will be discussed in association with <FIG>. Alternatively, a tension anchor <NUM> may be pulled onto an angled surface to place tension on the transmission line <NUM>, as will be discussed in association with <FIG>. In yet other embodiments, a threaded tensioner may be used to place tension on the transmission line <NUM>, as will be discussed in association with <FIG> and <FIG>. The design choices shown in <FIG> are provided by way of example and not limitation. Other design choices are possible and within the scope of the invention.

Referring to <FIG>, one embodiment of a tension anchor <NUM> is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is attached to a transmission line <NUM> using a flare. As shown, the transmission line <NUM> includes an outer armor <NUM> (e.g., metal tubing) that protects internal wiring <NUM> such as coaxial cable. An end <NUM> of the outer armor600 may be machined and flared with a tool to retain a sleeve <NUM> on the end of the transmission line <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> may be slipped over the transmission line <NUM> prior to flaring the end <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> may rest against a shoulder <NUM> within the slot 110a to hold tension in the transmission line <NUM>. A connector <NUM> (e.g., a mill-max connector <NUM>) may be inserted into the flared end <NUM> of the outer armor <NUM> to connect to the internal wiring <NUM> of the transmission line <NUM>. A cone element <NUM>, such as a ceramic cone element <NUM>, may be inserted into the flared end <NUM> to prevent the flared portion of the outer armor <NUM> from collapsing and pulling through the sleeve <NUM>. This cone element <NUM> may have an internal bore to enable a conductive dagger element (not shown) of a transmission element <NUM> to pass through the internal bore to contact and connect to the connector <NUM>, and thereby connect to the internal wiring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a tension anchor <NUM> is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is threaded onto the transmission line <NUM>. More specifically, the outer armor <NUM> of the transmission line <NUM> includes external threads that mate with corresponding internal threads of a sleeve <NUM>. A connector <NUM>, <NUM>, such as an insulated boot connector <NUM>, <NUM>, may enable a conductive dagger element (not shown) of a transmission element <NUM> to connect to the internal wiring <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> includes a shoulder <NUM> that mates with a corresponding shoulder <NUM> in the slot 110a in order to hold tension in the transmission line <NUM>. This embodiment of the tension anchor <NUM> is designed for anchoring under a press ring, although the tension anchor <NUM> may also be designed for deeper anchoring within the drill string component <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a tension anchor <NUM> is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is crimped onto the transmission line <NUM>. An outer sleeve <NUM> is initially slipped over the transmission line <NUM>. An inner sleeve <NUM> is then slipped over the transmission line <NUM> and crimped onto the outer diameter of the transmission line <NUM>. The outer sleeve <NUM> may then be slid toward the end of the transmission line <NUM> until it comes into contact with the inner sleeve <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a spacer <NUM> may be inserted between the outer sleeve <NUM> and the inner sleeve <NUM> to adjust the placement of the outer sleeve <NUM> relative to the transmission line <NUM>. The length of the spacer may be adjusted to modify the placement. A connector <NUM>, <NUM>, such as an insulated boot connector <NUM>, <NUM>, may enable a conductive dagger element (not shown) of a transmission element <NUM> to connect to the internal wiring <NUM> of the transmission line <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of a tension anchor <NUM> is illustrated. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is crimped and threaded onto the transmission line <NUM>. A sleeve <NUM> is initially slipped over the transmission line <NUM> and crimped onto the transmission line <NUM>. This sleeve <NUM> is externally threaded on the end <NUM>. An internally threaded second sleeve <NUM> is then screwed onto the sleeve <NUM>. This second sleeve <NUM> may be used to cover and protect a connector <NUM>, <NUM>, such as an insulated boot connector <NUM>, <NUM>. The connector <NUM>, <NUM> may enable a conductive dagger element (not shown) of a transmission element <NUM> to connect to the internal wiring <NUM> of the transmission line <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view showing one embodiment of a transmission line retention system in accordance with the invention. The exploded view shown in <FIG> is presented to show one example of a retention system in accordance with the invention and is not intended to be limiting.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retention system is anchored deep (i.e., below the press ring <NUM>) in the drill string component <NUM>. The illustrated embodiment also uses a crimped and threaded tension anchor <NUM> as discussed in association with <FIG>. In addition, the tension anchor <NUM> utilizes a pair of angled surfaces that are oriented to keep the transmission line <NUM> retained within the slot 110a when tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>. Such an embodiment will be discussed in more detail in association with <FIG>.

<FIG> further shows a press ring <NUM> for insertion into the internal diameter <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>, and a transmission element <NUM> for transmitting signals across the tool joint. A conductive dagger element <NUM> extends from the transmission element <NUM> to the connector <NUM>, <NUM>. An insulated sheath <NUM> may surround the dagger element <NUM>, and an outer protective sheath <NUM> (e.g., metal tubing) may surround the insulated sheath <NUM>. Further shown are the sleeves <NUM>, <NUM> as described in association with <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, in certain embodiments, an end <NUM> of the sleeve <NUM> may be angled to contact a corresponding angle of an insert <NUM>. This angled insert <NUM> may be placed within the slot 110a as will be explained in more detail in association with <FIG>. The orientation of the angled surfaces may keep the transmission line <NUM> retained within the slot 110a when tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the retention system of <FIG> assembled in the drill string component <NUM>. Each of the components shown in <FIG> are shown in <FIG> with the same numbering. Notably, <FIG> shows the angled insert <NUM> within the slot 110a. As shown in <FIG>, the angled insert <NUM> is retained within the slot 110a by overhanging material <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as an "overhang <NUM>") over the angled insert <NUM>. The angled insert <NUM> may be slid into the slot 110a beneath the overhang <NUM>. The overhang <NUM> may be sized such that it allows the smaller diameter transmission line <NUM> to fit into the slot 110a while preventing the larger diameter angled insert <NUM> from exiting the slot 110a. A slot may be provided in the angled insert <NUM> to enable the transmission line <NUM> to be placed into the angled insert <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As further shown in <FIG>, the orientation of the angles <NUM> of the insert <NUM> and sleeve <NUM> keep the transmission line <NUM> firmly retained within the slot 110a when tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>.

<FIG> show one embodiment of a transmission line retention system within a drill string component <NUM>, and a method for installing the transmission line <NUM> in the drill string component <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transmission line <NUM> is "anchored deep" and the transmission line retention system utilizes the crimped and threaded tension anchor <NUM> discussed in association with <FIG>. As shown, a slot 110a is provided in the internal diameter <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>. This slot 110a includes an overhang <NUM> to retain the tension anchor <NUM> within the slot 110a.

As can be observed in <FIG> is a perspective view of <FIG>), the transmission line <NUM> and tension anchor <NUM> are initially provided in a relaxed state. In this state, the tension anchor <NUM> is not able to pass over the overhang <NUM> and slide into the slot 110a (assuming a tension anchor <NUM> at the other end of the transmission line <NUM> is already installed into the slot 110b).

In order to move the tension anchor <NUM> past the overhang <NUM>, the transmission line <NUM> may be stretched (i.e., placed under tension). This stretching may be performed without breaking or permanently deforming the transmission line <NUM>. For example, a thirty-four foot transmission line <NUM> (with metal outer armor <NUM>) may be stretched on the order of an inch without breaking or permanently deforming the transmission line <NUM>.

As can be observed in <FIG>, the transmission line <NUM> and tension anchor <NUM> may be stretched so that the rear portion <NUM> of the tension anchor <NUM> moves beyond the overhang <NUM>. In certain embodiments, a tool may be attached to an end <NUM> of the tension anchor <NUM>, such as by screwing the tool into the internal threads <NUM> of the tension anchor <NUM>, to stretch and place tension on the transmission line <NUM>.

As can be observed in <FIG>, once past the overhang <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> may be inserted into the slot 110a. Once in the slot 110a, the tension anchor <NUM> may be released. The tension in the transmission line <NUM> may then pull the tension anchor <NUM> into the void between the overhang <NUM> and the slot 110a, as shown in <FIG>. Because the tension anchor <NUM> is trapped below the overhang <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> cannot leave the slot 110a, thereby securing the end of the transmission line <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the mating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> between the tension anchor <NUM> and the slot 110a are roughly perpendicular to the transmission line <NUM>. This configuration is anchored deep and "pulled onto [a] flat," as set forth in <FIG>, since the tension anchor <NUM> is pulled onto a "flat" (i.e., perpendicular) surface. Because of the overhang <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> is retained within the slot 110a until tension is released in the transmission line <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a transmission line retention system within a drill string component <NUM>, and a method for installing the transmission line <NUM> in the drill string component <NUM>. In this embodiment, the transmission line <NUM> is anchored deep and "pulled onto [an] angle" as set forth in <FIG> of the patent application.

For example, referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, an angled insert <NUM> may be placed into the slot 110a under the overhang <NUM>. Because the angled insert <NUM> is placed under the overhang <NUM>, the angled insert <NUM> may be retained in the slot 110a. Alternatively, the angled insert <NUM> may be permanently attached to the internal diameter <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM> or a shape similar to the angled insert <NUM> may be milled into the internal diameter <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the angled surface <NUM> may be oriented such as to keep the transmission line <NUM> retained within the slot 110a when tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in order to anchor a transmission line <NUM> to the end of the drill string component <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> of a transmission line <NUM> may be initially brought into proximity of the angled insert <NUM>. Tension may then be placed on the tension anchor <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> to move an end <NUM> the tension anchor <NUM> past the angled insert <NUM> (i.e., towards the end of the drill string component <NUM>), as shown in <FIG>.

When the tension anchor <NUM> is past the angled insert <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> may be moved into the slot 110a and the tension in the transmission line <NUM> may be released. This may enable the angled surface <NUM> of the tension anchor <NUM> to come into contact with the angled surface <NUM> of the insert <NUM>. Due to the orientation of the angled surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, the tension anchor <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> are pulled into the slot 110a (i.e., toward the wall of the drill string component <NUM>) as tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>. In other words, the tension anchor <NUM> will be urged in the direction of the wall <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>, thereby keeping the tension anchor <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> within the slot 110a.

<FIG> and <FIG> show another embodiment of a transmission line retention system within a drill string component <NUM>, and a method for installing the transmission line <NUM> in the drill string component <NUM>. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is anchored deep and "pulled onto a flat" as discussed in association with <FIG> of the disclosure. After being pulled onto the flat, the tension anchor <NUM> is then adjusted to increase tension in the transmission line <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, a tension anchor <NUM> attached to a transmission line <NUM> may initially be inserted into the slot 110a. In this example, the slot 110a includes an overhang <NUM> and the mating surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are perpendicular to the transmission line <NUM>. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> includes two components 1800a, 1800b that are threaded together. After placing the transmission line <NUM> and tension anchor <NUM> into the slot 110a, the first component 1800a of the tension anchor <NUM> may be rotated relative to the second component 1800b using a tool. Due to the threaded connection, this may cause the first component 1800a (which is attached to the end of the transmission line <NUM>) to move towards the pin end <NUM> of the drill string component <NUM>, thereby adding tension to the transmission line <NUM>. This rotation may continue until a desired amount of tension is placed on the transmission line <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. To release tension in the transmission line <NUM>, the first component 1800a may be rotated in the opposite direction relative to the second component 1800b.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a transmission line retention system within a drill string component <NUM>, and a method for installing the transmission line <NUM> in the drill string component <NUM>. In this embodiment, the tension anchor <NUM> is anchored beneath a press ring <NUM> installed in the end of the drill string component <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as shown, in certain embodiments, a shoulder <NUM> may be incorporated into a slot 110a in the drill string component <NUM>. In certain embodiments, this shoulder <NUM> may be located at or near the end of the drill string component <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a tension anchor <NUM> and associated transmission line <NUM> may then be placed in the slot 110a. A shoulder <NUM> on the tension anchor <NUM><NUM> may be aligned with the corresponding shoulder <NUM> in the slot 110a. In certain embodiments, tension may be placed on the tension anchor <NUM> and transmission line <NUM> in order to align the shoulders <NUM>, <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for retaining a transmission line (<NUM>) within a drill string component (<NUM>), the apparatus comprising:
the drill string component (<NUM>) comprising a bore (<NUM>) having an internal surface and an end portion opening to the bore (<NUM>);
a slot (110a) formed in the internal surface and configured to receive the transmission line (<NUM>);
a first feature defining a first angled surface within the slot (110a); and
a second feature defining a second angled surface, the second feature configured to be coupled to the transmission line (<NUM>),
wherein the first angled surface (<NUM>) is configured to contact and engage the second angled surface (<NUM>) in an installed position of the second feature within the slot (110a), and
wherein the first and second angled surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) are orientated so as to slope away from the end portion in a direction radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the drill string component (<NUM>).