Patent ID: 7190280

Claim:
A system for transceiving data between downhole tools located on a drill string, said system comprising: a drill string comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a length; a first cable substantially retained by a central bore of said drill string to transmit a signal carrying first information between said proximal end and said distal end over a first portion of said length, said first portion of said length comprising a plurality of downhole tools, wherein said plurality of downhole tools are not configured to convey said signal along their lengths; a first transmission element coupled to said first cable to convert said signal to a magnetic field; a second transmission element proximate said first transmission element to receive said magnetic field and convert said magnetic field into a second signal carrying said first information; a second cable coupled to said second transmission element and substantially retained by a central bore of said drill string to transmit said second signal between said proximal end and said distal end over a second portion of said length, said second portion of said length comprising a plurality of downhole tools, wherein said plurality of downhole tools are not configured to convey said signal along their lengths; each of said first and said second transmission elements comprises: a housing comprising a ring having a substantially U-shaped trough; said ring further comprising circumferential ridges integrated into an outer surface of said ring to enhance connection of said ring into one of the downhole tools; a magnetically conductive trough disposed within said housing; an electrically conductive coil disposed within said trough; and a connector coupled to said cable and to at least one of said conductive element and said housing.