Alignable Connector

Abstract

Connections between drill pipe sections and drill bits used for boring into the earth may comprise two elements threadably attachable one to another. A first element may comprise a rotor rotatable with respect to a stator. A second element may thread to the stator. As it does so, the second element may rotationally fix itself to the rotor allowing for connecting elements on the second element and the rotor to align. These connecting elements may remain aligned while the second element and rotor rotate with respect to the stator. Such alignment may allow for a connection to be kept clean and free from contamination in otherwise wet and dirty environments.

1 . An alignable connector, comprising:
 a first element comprising a rotor rotatable with respect to a stator; and   a second element threadably attachable to the stator and rotationally fixable with the rotor.   
     
     
         2 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second element comprises a threaded pin, the stator comprises a threaded box, and the rotor is rotationally fixable by the threaded pin through the threaded box. 
     
     
         3 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second element comprises an elongate member with a channel capable of passing drilling fluid therethrough. 
     
     
         4 . The alignable connector of  claim 3 , wherein the rotor comprises a passage therethrough alignable with the channel in the second element. 
     
     
         5 . The alignable connector of  claim 3 , wherein the stator comprises a drill bit working face opposite an attachment end. 
     
     
         6 . The alignable connector of  claim 5 , wherein the stator further comprises a sensor disposed thereon connected to a rotatable connection formed between the stator and the rotor. 
     
     
         7 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is rotationally fixable with the rotor by a protrusion receivable within a slot, mateable crenellations, or a mule shoe connection. 
     
     
         8 . The alignable connector of  claim 7 , further comprising a spring disposed on the second element or rotor to absorb some force between the second element and rotor while they are becoming rotationally fixed. 
     
     
         9 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is axially translatable relative to the rotor while rotationally fixed. 
     
     
         10 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a connection formed between the second element and the rotor capable of passing electrical signals, optical signals or fluid while rotationally fixed. 
     
     
         11 . The alignable connector of  claim 10 , wherein the connection comprises a male connector disposed on either the second element or the rotor mateable with a female connector disposed on the other of the second element or the rotor. 
     
     
         12 . The alignable connector of  claim 11 , wherein the male connector is shorter than a protrusion, crenellation, or mule shoe rotationally fixing the second element with the rotor. 
     
     
         13 . The alignable connector of  claim 10 , wherein the connection is parallel with a rotational axis of the rotor. 
     
     
         14 . The alignable connector of  claim 10 , wherein the connection comprises an electrical stab connection comprising a wiper capable of cleaning the stab connection upon stabbing. 
     
     
         15 . The alignable connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a rotatable connection formed between the rotor and the stator capable of passing electrical signals, optical signals or fluid while the rotor is rotating with respect to the stator. 
     
     
         16 . The alignable connector of  claim 15 , wherein the rotor comprises a conductive ring or an inductive ring capable of passing electrical signals to a conductive ring or an inductive ring of the stator. 
     
     
         17 . The alignable connector of  claim 16 , wherein the rotor comprises at least three conductive rings or inductive rings each capable of passing a unique signal. 
     
     
         18 . The alignable connector of  claim 15 , wherein the rotatable connection comprises a reflective surface disposed on either the rotor or the stator capable of directing an optical signal. 
     
     
         19 . The alignable connector of  claim 15 , wherein the rotor comprises a groove capable of passing fluid to another groove of the stator. 
     
     
         20 . The alignable connector of  claim 15 , wherein the rotatable connection is disposed within a pressure vessel.