Directional drilling sub with improved multi-slot locking arrangement

摘要

A directional drilling apparatus includes a two part tubular body including an upper section and a lower section adapted to rotate with respect to one another, the upper section including threads for attaching the apparatus to a drill string, the upper section including at its lower end portion a slot including a straight portion which is generally aligned with the axis of the upper section and an offset portion which is spaced laterally from an spaced radially from the vertical section, connecting teeth for forming a connection which rigidly affixes each of the upper and lower section with respect to each other so that they are prevented from rotating with respect to one another, and a sleeve carried by the lower section and slidably movable with respect to the upper section, the sleeve including a locking pin which extends into the slot, the pin being adapted to move longitudinally and laterally within at least a portion of the slot and into either the vertical or laterally offset a section thereof.