Patent ID: 8109329

Claim:
A set of annular couplers for transmitting data across a tool joint formed by the box end of one downhole tool and the pin end of a second downhole tool, the set of annular couplers comprising: a first annular coupler having a circumference and being disposed in an annular recess in a shoulder of the box end; wherein the first annular coupler includes: a first coupler segment spanning a first portion of the circumference of the first annular coupler; and a second coupler segment electrically insulated from the first coupler segment of the first annular coupler and spanning a second portion of the circumference of the first annular coupler; a second annular coupler having a circumference and being disposed in an annular recess in a shoulder of the pin end; wherein the second annular coupler includes: a first coupler segment spanning a first portion of the circumference of the second annular coupler; and a second coupler segment electrically insulated from the second coupler segment of the second annular coupler and spanning a second portion of the circumference of the second annular coupler; wherein the first annular coupler is biased into engagement with the second annular coupler.