Patent ID: 7913774

Claim:
An apparatus, comprising: a modular apparatus configured for conveyance on a drill string in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and comprising: a first module comprising a first collar at least partially defining an exterior of a modular tool for use in the subterranean formation, wherein the first collar comprises a first engagement mechanism at a first end of the first collar, a second engagement mechanism at a second end of the first collar, and a first fluid passageway configured to pass drilling fluid therethrough; a second module comprising a second collar at least partially defining an exterior of the tool, wherein the second collar comprises a third engagement mechanism at a first end of the second collar, a fourth engagement mechanism at a second end of the second collar, and a second fluid passageway configured to pass drilling fluid therethrough, wherein the third engagement mechanism is configured to engage the second end of the first collar; at least one connector configured to connect the first and second modules, including: connecting a first auxiliary fluid line of the first module and a second auxiliary fluid line of the second module; and connecting a first wire of the first module and a second wire of the second module to transmit power and/or data between the first module and the second module; and means for coupling a drill bit to the end of the modular apparatus, wherein the drill bit coupling means is configured to receive drilling fluid through the first and second fluid passageways; wherein the engagement mechanisms of the first and the second modules comprise opposing threaded portions, and wherein the first module is a probe module comprising an assembly configured to isolate a portion of a wall of the wellbore.