Patent ID: 8210282

Claim:
A system for preventing slippage and rotation of components installed on a rotatable tubular shaft of a drill string during drilling operations, the system comprising: a tubular shaft comprising an exterior surface, an upper end configured for attachment to a mud motor, a lower end configured for attachment to a drill bit, and a shoulder disposed proximate to the lower end, wherein the tubular shaft is adapted to rotate during drilling operations; an adjustable member secured to the tubular shaft proximate to the upper end; at least one rotating component comprising a thrust bearing, a radial bearing, or combinations thereof, installed on the tubular shaft between the shoulder and the adjustable member, wherein said at least one rotating component covers a first portion of the exterior surface while leaving a second portion of the exterior surface uncovered; and at least one spacing member disposed between the shoulder and the adjustable member, wherein said at least one spacing member covers substantially all of the second portion of the exterior surface, and wherein the adjustable member is tightened such that the adjustable member and the shoulder apply a compressive axial load to said at least one rotating component and said at least one spacing member, wherein the compressive axial load creates frictional forces between said at least one rotating component and said at least one spacing member greater than a maximum torque expected to act on the tubular shaft, such that said at least one rotating component remains stationary with respect to the tubular shaft during drilling operations, and such that said at least one rotating component rotates concurrent with the rotation of the tubular shaft during drilling operations, thereby reducing wear on the tubular shaft, said at least one rotating component, said at least one spacing member, or combinations thereof.