Abstract: A technique utilizes a monolithic wellbore propagation system to facilitate the drilling of deviated wellbores. A steerable drilling assembly is formed with a monolithic structure having both a bit body section and a steering body section. The steering body section comprises a cavity sized to receive a control system within the monolithic structure. Addition of the control system enables operational control over the steerable drilling assembly to facilitate formation of a desired, deviated wellbore section.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more compliantly coupled gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: A drilling system comprising a rotatable drill pipe 12 connected to a tractor unit 10, and a steerable drilling system 18, 20, 22, connected to and movable by the tractor unit 10.

Abstract: The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and a first plurality of gauge pads. The chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The first plurality of gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the first plurality of gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method, system and apparatus, wherein said method, system and apparatus comprises a gauge pad for a rotary component received within a borehole, the gauge pad comprising an exterior surface dimensioned for rotation in close proximity to the borehole, a pocket extending through the exterior surface, the pocket in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source, and wherein the exterior surface is dimensioned such that when a pressurized fluid is discharged through the pocket, the velocity of the fluid through a gap between the exterior surface and borehole creates a pressure drop sufficient to pull the rotary component toward the gauge pad.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method, system and apparatus for steering a drill string, wherein an eccentric steering device is recited. The eccentric steering device may comprise an eccentric sleeve configured for mounting exterior to a portion of the drill string and permitting the drill string to rotate within the eccentric sleeve and a brake positioned to selectively cause rotation of the eccentric sleeve with the drill string. In one embodiment, the eccentric steering device may further comprise one or more bearings positioned between the eccentric sleeve and the drill string.

Abstract: The present invention recites a method and apparatus, wherein said methods and apparatus comprises an actuator comprising a first plate, a pocket extending through the first plate, the pocket in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source and a second plate coupled to a component that is to be actuated, wherein the first plate, the second plate, and the pocket are dimensioned such that when a pressurized fluid is discharged through the pocket, the velocity of the fluid through a gap between the first plate and the second plate creates a pressure drop sufficient to pull the second plate toward the first plate.

Abstract: A directional drilling system, a drilling hammer and a fluid flow telemetry modulator use a plurality of magnets arranged to convert rotational motion into reciprocating linear motion. Various types of motor can provide rotational motion to a part of the magnets and various linkages and other devices can cause steering or operation of a modulator valve. A torsional drilling hammer uses a plurality of magnets arranged to convert reciprocating linear motion into reciprocating rotational motion. A motor and linkage drives the linearly moving part of the magnets, and the rotating part provides torsional impact be striking the linearly moving part of the magnets.

Abstract: The disclosure has application for use in conjunction with an operation of drilling an earth borehole using: a drilling rig, a drill string having its generally upper end mechanically coupleable with and suspendable from the drilling rig, and a bottom hole assembly adjacent the lower end the drill string, the bottom hole assembly including a drill bit at its lower end.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide valves, bottom hole assemblies, and methods of selectively actuating a motor. One aspect of the invention provides a valve including: a barrel having an interior having a circular cross-section, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a by-pass port; a first disc rotatably received within the barrel; and a second disc rotatably received within the barrel and pressed against the first disc to selectively form a seal. The first disc and the second each have an orifice.

Abstract: A steerable drilling system comprising a bottom hole assembly (18) including an upper section (22) and a steering section (24), a swivel (26) permitting adjustment of the orientation of an axis of the steering section (24) relative to that of the upper section (22), a downhole motor operative to drive the steering section (24) for rotation relative to the upper section (22), and a plurality of actuators (34) operable to control the orientation of the axis of the steering section (24) relative to that of the upper section (22), the (actuators 34) being mounted upon one of the steering section (24) and the upper section (22,) a high speed sliding contact being formed between the actuators (34) and the other of the steering section (24) and the upper section (22).

Abstract: The present invention recites a drill bit comprising a main body having an axis about which it is rotated in use, a cutting face, a connecting means for attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion, a gauge region intermediate said cutting face and the connecting means. Additionally the gauge region comprises at least one member movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position. In accordance with the present invention, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and a first plurality of gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The first plurality of gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the first plurality of gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and one or more gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be coupled with chassis. The one or more gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the one or more gauge pads may be movably coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and a first plurality of gauge pads. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be movably coupled with chassis. The first plurality of gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the first plurality of gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: A drill bit system for a drilling assembly is disclosed. The drill bit system may include a chassis, a head, and a first plurality of gauge pads. The chassis may be configured to be operably coupled with a first rotational motion source. The head may include a first plurality of cutters coupled with an end of the head, and the head may be rotatably coupled with chassis. The head may be configured to be operably coupled with a second rotational motion source. The first plurality of gauge pads may include a second plurality of cutters, and the first plurality of gauge pads may be fixedly coupled with the chassis.

Abstract: A drill bit 10 comprising a main body 22 having an axis about which it is rotated in use; a cutting face 12, connecting means 16 for, in use, attaching the bit to a source of rotary motion; a gauge region 18 intermediate said cutting face 12 and said connecting means 16, said gauge region 18 comprising at least one member 20, 32 movable between a first position in which the gauge region is bounded by an imaginary tubular surface of constant cross-section co-axial to the axis of rotation; and a second position in which a portion of the member is located radially inwards, with respect to the axis of rotation, of its position when said member is in said first position, the gauge region whilst said member is in said second position being bound by an imaginary three dimensional conical sectional surface; and at least one actuator 24, 36.

Abstract: The invention provides a gyroscope employing a sensitive element rotated by a hysteresis motor and which has an improved bias repeatability, the bias arising from vibration of the sensitive element imparted thereto by the hysteresis motor. An identifiable point associated with the sensitive element (9) is sensed by first sensor means (37, 38, 67, 71) and a pole vector associated with the hysteresis motor (6) is sensed directly or indirectly by second sensor means (64), the outputs of these sensor means being applied to comparator means (73) which is operable to compare the phase of the pole vector (V.sub.p) with respect to the identifiable point. Control means (76, 79) are also provided which are responsive to the output of the comparator means (73) and operable to adjust the phase of the pole vector (V.sub.p) with respect to the identifiable point to a required relationship, the gyroscope further comprising means (73), for maintaining that required relationship once established.