Abstract: A radial bearing assembly is provided. The radial bearing assembly includes polycrystalline diamond elements, each having an engagement surface in sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface. The opposing engagement surface includes a diamond reactive material. The radial bearing assembly may be deployed in a variety of components and applications, including in rotor and stator assemblies. Also provided are methods of use of the radial bearing assembly, as well as methods of designing the radial bearing assembly.

Abstract: Power transmission systems are provided that include polycrystalline diamond power transmission surfaces that are engaged with diamond solvent-catalyst power transmission surfaces. The power transmission systems may be or include gears, universal joints, or other power transmission systems or components.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rotating segment having a first radial surface, a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface, a housing disposed around the first and second radial surfaces, and one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment. The non-rotating element may be a second rotating element that rotates at a different rotational rate than the rotating element. Each rolling element moves 360 degrees along a circular path relative to the first radial surface and the second radial surface. The first or second radial surface has a tapered section.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a diamond bearing surface positioned in sliding engagement with an opposing bearing surface of a diamond reactive material. The opposing bearing surface is hardened via a material treatment.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a valve assembly and a shock absorbing assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve spring operatively connected to a valve body. The shock absorbing assembly includes a spring operatively connected to a shock absorbing body having a fluid passage therethrough. The valve body is configured to selectively engage the shock absorbing body to create a fluid tight seal over the fluid passage in a first position, and to allow a fluid flow through the fluid passage in a second position. The repeated movement cycle of the selective engagement between the valve body and the shock absorbing body generates a pressure pulse or a varying pressure differential across the downhole tool. The repeated movement cycle is powered by a fluid flow. The tool may be selectively activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A drilling machine for a wellbore is provided. The drilling machine may include one or more dynamic lateral pads (or simply “pads”) that are movable between an extended and retracted position. Generally, the pad(s) are deployed on the bend side of the drilling machine proximal to the drill bit and distal of the bend of the housing. While drilling, the drill bit may experience a deviation force that causes the drill bit to become misaligned with its original course. By extending the pad(s), however, the drilling machine can counteract the deviation force. Deployment of the pad(s) can produce a restorative force in opposition to the deviation force, thereby reducing or eliminating the directional tendency resulting from the deviation force.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore. The workstring is connected to a bit member. The apparatus includes a mandrel operatively connected to a downhole motor mechanism, an anvil member operatively formed on the bit member, the anvil member being operatively connected to the mandrel, a radial bearing housing unit operatively connected to the workstring, with the radial bearing housing unit being disposed about the mandrel, and a hammer member slidably attached to the radial bearing housing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rotating segment having a first radial surface, a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface, a housing disposed around the first and second radial surfaces, and one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment. The non-rotating element may be a second rotating element that rotates at a different rotational rate than the rotating element. Each rolling element moves 360 degrees along a circular path relative to the first radial surface and the second radial surface. The first or second radial surface has a tapered section.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore. The workstring is connected to a bit member. The apparatus includes a mandrel operatively connected to a downhole motor mechanism, an anvil member operatively formed on the bit member, the anvil member being operatively connected to the mandrel, a radial bearing housing unit operatively connected to the workstring, with the radial bearing housing unit being disposed about the mandrel, and a hammer member slidably attached to the radial bearing housing unit.

Abstract: A boring apparatus includes an upper member and a bit body configured to rotate relative to a pilot bit. A first end of the upper member is connected to a workstring. An inner cavity of the upper member includes a first radial cam surface. A first end of the bit body is connected to a second end of the upper member such that the bit body rotates with the upper member. A second end of the bit body includes a working face. The pilot bit includes a first end disposed within the inner cavity of the upper member, and includes a second radial cam surface configured to cooperate with the first radial cam surface to deliver a hammering force. The pilot bit extends through a central bore of the bit body, and includes an engaging surface on its second end configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rotating segment having a first radial surface, a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface, a housing disposed around the first and second radial surfaces, and one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment. The non-rotating element may be a second rotating element that rotates at a different rotational rate than the rotating element. Each rolling element moves 360 degrees along a circular path relative to the first radial surface and the second radial surface. The first or second radial surface has a tapered section.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a valve assembly and a shock absorbing assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve spring operatively connected to a valve body. The shock absorbing assembly includes a spring operatively connected to a shock absorbing body having a fluid passage therethrough. The valve body is configured to selectively engage the shock absorbing body to create a fluid tight seal over the fluid passage in a first position, and to allow a fluid flow through the fluid passage in a second position. The repeated movement cycle of the selective engagement between the valve body and the shock absorbing body generates a pressure pulse or a varying pressure differential across the downhole tool. The repeated movement cycle is powered by a fluid flow. The tool may be selectively activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus connected to a workstring within a wellbore. The workstring is connected to a bit member. The apparatus includes a mandrel operatively connected to a downhole motor mechanism, an anvil member operatively formed on the bit member, the anvil member being operatively connected to the mandrel, a radial bearing housing unit operatively connected to the workstring, with the radial bearing housing unit being disposed about the mandrel, and a hammer member slidably attached to the radial bearing housing unit.

Abstract: A boring apparatus includes an upper member and a bit body configured to rotate relative to a pilot bit. A first end of the upper member is connected to a workstring. An inner cavity of the upper member includes a first radial cam surface. A first end of the bit body is connected to a second end of the upper member such that the bit body rotates with the upper member. A second end of the bit body includes a working face. The pilot bit includes a first end disposed within the inner cavity of the upper member, and includes a second radial cam surface configured to cooperate with the first radial cam surface to deliver a hammering force. The pilot bit extends through a central bore of the bit body, and includes an engaging surface on its second end configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rotating segment having a first radial surface, a non-rotating segment having a second radial surface, a housing disposed around the first and second radial surfaces, and one or more rolling elements disposed between and in contact with the first and second radial surfaces for transferring the non-rotating segment in an axial direction upon rotation of the rotating segment. The non-rotating element may be a second rotating element that rotates at a different rotational rate than the rotating element. Each rolling element moves 360 degrees along a circular path relative to the first radial surface and the second radial surface. The first or second radial surface has a tapered section.

Abstract: An apparatus for boring a wellbore, including a bit body having a first end, an inner cavity, and a second end. The first end is connected to a workstring that is configured to deliver a rotational force to the bit body. The inner cavity contains a profile having a first radial cam surface. The second end includes a working face containing a cutting member. The apparatus also includes a pilot bit rotatively connected within the inner cavity. A second radial cam surface is contained on a first end of the pilot bit. The first and second radial cam surfaces are operatively configured to deliver a hammering force. A second end of the pilot bit may include an engaging surface configured to engage a formation surrounding the wellbore. The bit body rotates relative to the pilot bit.