Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes at least one of a weight sensor and a torque sensor configured to provide signals representative of the weight and torque on the drill bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into a formation. A circuit may be configured to process signals from the weight and torque sensors to provide an estimate of the weight and torque on the bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into the formation.

Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a bit body and at least one preloaded sensor in the bit body. In one aspect, the sensor may include a sensor element on a sensor body having a first end and a second end and wherein the sensor is preloaded after placing the sensor body in the bit body. In another aspect, the sensor may be preloaded outside the bit body and then placed in the bit body in a manner that enables the sensor to retain the preloading.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a drill bit, a tip on a bit body configured to contact a formation when the drill bit is utilized to cut into the formation, and a spring coupled to the tip. The apparatus also includes a sensor coupled to the spring and configured to provide signals corresponding to the displacement of the tip when the tip is in contact with the formation.

Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a bit body and at least one preloaded sensor in the bit body. In one aspect, the sensor may include a sensor element on a sensor body having a first end and a second end and wherein the sensor is preloaded after placing the sensor body in the bit body. In another aspect, the sensor may be preloaded outside the bit body and then placed in the bit body in a manner that enables the sensor to retain the preloading.

Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes at least one of a weight sensor and a torque sensor configured to provide signals representative of the weight and torque on the drill bit when the drill bit is used for cutting into a formation. A circuit may be configured to process signals from the weight and torque sensors to provide an estimate the weight and torque on the bit when the drill bit used for cutting into the formation.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus made according to the disclosure includes a drill bit that includes a tip on a bit body configured to contact a formation when the drill bit is utilized to cut into the formation and a sensor coupled to the tip to provide signals responsive to the displacement of the tip when the tip is in contact with the formation.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole are disclosed, including at least one laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The at least one movable blade, held inwardly by at least one blade-biasing element, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith or by at least one intermediate piston element. For example, an actuation sleeve may allow communication of drilling fluid with the at least one movable blade in response to an actuation device being deployed within the drilling fluid. Alternatively, a chamber in communication with an intermediate piston element in structural communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump.