Biased insert for installing data transmission components in downhole drilling pipe

1. An apparatus for retrofitting a section of drill pipe with a transmission line, the apparatus comprising:

an insert for insertion into at least one of the box end and the pin end of a section of drill pipe, wherein the insert comprises a mount portion and a slide portion;

a transmission element mounted in the slide portion; and

a plurality of biasing elements for effecting a bias between the mount portion and the slide portion;

wherein the insert is inserted into the inside diameter of a section of drill pipe and narrows a central bore of the drill pipe;

wherein the plurality of biasing elements are located between the slide and mounting portions and are diametrically opposed from one another.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a channel traveling through at least one of the slide portion and the mount portion to accommodate a transmission line.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a transmission line routed through the channel, wherein the transmission line is configured to flex when the slide portion slides with respect to the mount portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of biasing elements is selected from the group consisting of an elastomeric material, a spring, and compressed gas.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein: the slide portion is substantially cylindrical in shape; and the slide portion is characterized by an annular mating surface configured to contact a corresponding annular mating surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein: the transmission element is substantially annular; and the transmission element is mounted in the annular mating surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a stop mechanism adapted to prevent the slide portion from sliding more than a specified distance with respect to the mount portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the insert is smoothed.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a flange adapted to sit against a shoulder of the drill pipe.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the insert is radially expandable.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the insert comprises a tapered end that includes one of more gaps to allow for expansion.

12. An apparatus for retrofitting a section of drill pipe with a transmission line, the apparatus comprising:

a pin end insert comprising a first transmission element, wherein the pin end insert is insertable into an inner diameter of the pin end of a section of drill pipe and narrows a central bore of the drill pipe; and

a box end insert comprising a second transmission element,

wherein the box end insert is insertable into a shoulder of the box end of a section of drill pipe;

at least one of the pin end insert and the box end insert further comprises a mount portion and a slide portion wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of biasing elements diametrically opposed from one another between the slide and mounting portions.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of biasing elements effect a bias between the mount portion and the slide portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein at least one of the first and second transmission elements is mounted to the slide portion.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a channel traveling through at least one of the slide portion and the mount portion to accommodate a transmission line.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a transmission line routed through the channel, wherein the transmission line is configured to flex when the slide portion slides with respect to the mount portion.