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: 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: A method and apparatus for obtaining a resistivity measurement of an earth formation surrounding a borehole in an MWD device uses an electrode for injecting current into the earth formation and an electrode for obtaining a responsive signal from the borehole. The electrodes are located on the drill bit arm or blade. Measured resistivity values are obtained at the location of the drill bit. Measurements can be taken in both oil-based mud and water-based mud environments. Maximum or minimum resistivity can be used to best represent the resistivity of the surrounding formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a resistivity measurement of an earth formation surrounding a borehole in an MWD device uses an electrode for injecting current into the earth formation and an electrode for obtaining a responsive signal from the borehole. The electrodes are located on the drill bit arm or blade. Measured resistivity values are obtained at the location of the drill bit. Measurements can be taken in both oil-based mud and water-based mud environments. Maximum or minimum resistivity can be used to best represent the resistivity of the surrounding formation.

Abstract: A drag-type drill bit for boring an earth formation having a plurality of cutting elements formed thereon. Each cutting element includes a cutting surface having a cutting edge formed thereon. During boring, the cutting edge is embedded into an earth formation so that the formation is received against a portion of the cutting surface. As the cutting surface advances against the formation, a chip forms. The chip has a first surface directed generally toward the cutting surface and a second surface directed generally in the direction of cutting element travel. A number of different embodiments are disclosed which include means formed on and in the cutting surface for communicating drilling fluid pressure via slots or discontinuities to a location on the cutting surface relatively close to the cutting edge.