Patent ID: 7156676

Claim:
A threaded connection for transmitting data through a string of tubulars, the threaded connection comprising: a pin member comprising, a pin thread having a pin thread crest and a pin thread root, wherein the pin thread crest and pin thread root each have a substantially planar portion that is substantially parallel to a central axis of the threaded connection, a first contactor formed from a first conductive material and embedded in a first electrically insulating material in a first slot formed in the pin thread, and a first wire in communication with the first contactor; and a box member comprising, a box thread having a box thread crest and a box thread root, wherein the box thread crest and box thread root each have a substantially planar portion that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the threaded connection, a second contactor formed from a second conductive material and embedded in a second electrically insulating material in a second slot formed in the box thread, and a second wire in communication with the second contactor, wherein upon selected make-up of the pin member with the box member the first contactor and the second contactor are in contact such that an electrical signal can be transmitted from the box member to the pin member, wherein the first contactor and the second contactor are isolated by at least one sealing arrangement selected from the group consisting of a thread seal, an electrical connector seal, and at least two seals on opposing sides of the first contactor and the second contactor.