Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a tool body configured to rotate in a wellbore and carrying at least one extendable element. The at least one extendable element is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position projecting radially beyond the tool body. The at least one extendable element has a mating surface. The earth-boring tool includes a support structure located in the tool body and having a support surface that is located and configured to face the mating surface of the at least one extendable element when the at least one extendable element is in the extended position. The support surface of the support structure is configured to bear at least a portion of the tangential forces acting on the extendable element during rotation of the earth-boring tool in the wellbore when the at least one extendable element is in the extended position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a drilling operation, the methods and systems include obtaining, at a control system, a first drilling characteristic associated with a first drilling operation device that is part of a drilling system on a drill string; obtaining, at the control system, a second drilling characteristic associated with a second drilling operation device located apart from the first drilling operation device along the drill string; and controlling, with the control system, at least one adjustable element of the first drilling operation device in response to at least one of the obtained first drilling characteristic and the second drilling characteristic, wherein adjustment of the at least one adjustable element causes a change in at least one of the first drilling characteristic and the second drilling characteristic.

Abstract: Downhole assemblies comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter relating to a downhole condition. The downhole assembly further includes a communications assembly having at least one device for controlling a characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to selectively alter the characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly with the at least one device in response to data received from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole includes a borehole string section having at least one pocket is formed and a mount associated with the at least one pocket. The mount may include a housing, a lid, a biasing member, and a securing member. The housing receives the electronics module and is seated on a seating surface, which may be formed on the at least one pocket or the mount. The lid encloses the housing within the at least one pocket. The biasing member is in operative contact with the housing. The securing member secures the lid within the at least one pocket and compresses the lid, the housing and the biasing member in the pocket. The biasing member responsively urges the housing against the seating surface and the housing hermetically seals the electronic module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a drilling operation, the methods and systems include obtaining, at a control system, a first drilling characteristic associated with a first drilling operation device that is part of a drilling system on a drill string; obtaining, at the control system, a second drilling characteristic associated with a second drilling operation device located apart from the first drilling operation device along the drill string; and controlling, with the control system, at least one adjustable element of the first drilling operation device in response to at least one of the obtained first drilling characteristic and the second drilling characteristic, wherein adjustment of the at least one adjustable element causes a change in at least one of the first drilling characteristic and the second drilling characteristic.

Abstract: Downhole assemblies comprise at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter relating to a downhole condition. The downhole assembly further includes a communications assembly having at least one device for controlling a characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly and a processor in communication with the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to selectively alter the characteristic of fluid flow through the downhole assembly with the at least one device in response to data received from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a tool body configured to rotate in a wellbore and carrying at least one extendable element. The at least one extendable element is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position projecting radially beyond the tool body. The at least one extendable element has a mating surface. The earth-boring tool includes a support structure located in the tool body and having a support surface that is located and configured to face the mating surface of the at least one extendable element when the at least one extendable element is in the extended position. The support surface of the support structure is configured to bear at least a portion of the tangential forces acting on the extendable element during rotation of the earth-boring tool in the wellbore when the at least one extendable element is in the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole includes a borehole string section having at least one pocket is formed and a mount associated with the at least one pocket. The mount may include a housing, a lid, a biasing member, and a securing member. The housing receives the electronics module and is seated on a seating surface, which may be formed on the at least one pocket or the mount. The lid encloses the housing within the at least one pocket. The biasing member is in operative contact with the housing. The securing member secures the lid within the at least one pocket and compresses the lid, the housing and the biasing member in the pocket. The biasing member responsively urges the housing against the seating surface and the housing hermetically seals the electronic module.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole includes a borehole string section having an outer circumferential surface on which at least one pocket is formed, a mount associated with the at least one pocket, and a sleeve surrounding the section of the borehole string. The mount includes a housing, a lid, and a biasing member. The housing receives the electronics module and is seated on a seating surface of the at least one pocket. The lid encloses the housing within the at least one pocket. The biasing member is positioned between the lid and the housing. The sleeve presses the lid against the biasing member and the biasing member may responsively urge the housing against the seating surface. Related methods include protecting the electronics module with the mount.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an electronics module used in a borehole includes a borehole string section having an outer circumferential surface on which at least one pocket is formed, a mount associated with the at least one pocket, and a sleeve surrounding the section of the borehole string. The mount includes a housing, a lid, and a biasing member. The housing receives the electronics module and is seated on a seating surface of the at least one pocket. The lid encloses the housing within the at least one pocket. The biasing member is positioned between the lid and the housing. The sleeve presses the lid against the biasing member and the biasing member may responsively urge the housing against the seating surface. Related methods include protecting the electronics module with the mount.

Abstract: A drilling assembly is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bi-directional wireless data transfer device between a rotating and a non-rotating member of the drilling assembly. Power may be supplied to the rotating member via any suitable method, including an inductive device and direct electrical connections.

Abstract: A drilling assembly is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a bi-directional wireless data transfer device between a rotating and a non-rotating member of the drilling assembly. Power may be supplied to the rotating member via any suitable method, including an inductive device and direct electrical connections.