| 摘要 |
An apparatus for drilling curved sections of well holes is described which includes a first tubular member having a bulbous first end, a second end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior bore. A plurality of pockets form a first annular ring in the exterior surface at the bulbous first end of the first tubular member. A second tubular member is provided having a first end, a second end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior bore. A socket is formed to accommodate the bulbous first end of the first tubular member at the second end of the second tubular member. The first end of the first tubular member extends into the interior bore of the second tubular member until the bulbous first end engages the socket. The bulbous first end of the first tubular member is capable of omnidirectional pivotal movement within the socket. A plurality of pockets disposed within the socket form a second annular ring in the interior surface at the second end of the second tubular member. The second annular ring has the same number of pockets as the first annular ring. A ball is disposed in each of the pockets of the first annular ring. Each ball extends from the pocket of the first annular ring into one of the pockets of the second annular ring thereby coupling the first tubular member and the second tubular member in rotation.
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