Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from a nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling subterranean formations comprising a drill bit body including a group of primary cutting elements comprising a first primary cutting element and a second primary cutting element radially spaced apart from each other along a first radial axis. The drill bit body further including a group of backup cutting elements comprising a first backup cutting element in a secondary cutting position relative to the first primary cutting element and a second backup cutting element in secondary cutting positions relative to the second primary cutting element, wherein the first and second backup cutting elements are radially spaced apart from each other along a second radial axis different than the first radial axis and comprise a difference in cutting characteristic relative to each other of one of a backrake angle and a siderake angle.

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 laterally 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 laterally 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 at least one laterally movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

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: A method and apparatus for running a whipstock into a well bore attached to a combination mill and drill bit, releasing the mill/bit from the whipstock, milling a window in the casing, and drilling a lateral well bore, all in one trip. The mill/bit is provided with a primary cutting structure better suited for milling through the casing, and a secondary cutting structure, better suited for drilling through the earth formation. The secondary cutting structure is initially smaller in diameter than the primary cutting structure. The whipstock can be attached to the mill/bit with a shear bolt supported by a boss on the whipstock, with the boss designed to arrest axial motion of the mill/bit after shearing of the bolt.

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: 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 an 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: A flexible pouch is provided which has panels (3, 5). A transparent strip (13) is provided on one of the panels and a translucent filter (13a) on the other. The panels are heat sealed together to close the pouch and the integrity of the heat seal is determined by shining ultraviolet light through the clear strip and inspecting the translucent filter (13a) so that imperfections in the seal can be identified. Pouches are packaged into containers (25) which include slots (50) and the full containers are stacked for transport through the plant for further processing in a retort, cooler or the like. This enables a large number of pouches to be easily transported through the plant for further processing after they have been filled and heat sealed. The heat sealing line may include a vision system, or the vision system may be a stand-alone item for inspecting the seal to determine the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running a whipstock into a well bore attached to a combination mill and drill bit, releasing the mill/bit from the whipstock, milling a window in the casing, and drilling a lateral well bore, all in one trip. The mill/bit is provided with a primary cutting structure better suited for milling through the casing, and a secondary cutting structure, better suited for drilling through the earth formation. The secondary cutting structure is initially smaller in diameter than the primary cutting structure. The whipstock can be attached to the mill/bit with a shear bolt supported by a boss on the whipstock, with the boss designed to arrest axial motion of the mill/bit after shearing of the bolt.

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 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 an 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: Enhanced stabilization is provided for an eccentric reaming tool when a pilot borehole is undersized with respect to a following pilot stabilization pad (PSP). Alternatively, offset of a rotational axis of at least a portion of the assembly including the reaming tool is employed to accomplish stabilization of the reaming tool. In either case, a reamed diameter larger than a physical diameter of the reaming tool may be drilled. More specifically, an enlarged PSP relative to pilot bit diameter or PSP offset or even pilot bit offset is employed in order to engage a PSP with the wall of a pilot borehole of greater diameter than a physical diameter of the pilot bit. The PSP or pilot drill bit, or both, may be laterally offset, angularly offset, or a combination thereof in order to effect substantially continuous PSP contact with the pilot borehole wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming or enlarging a borehole with the ability to drill cement, cement float equipment, and debris out of a casing without substantial damage to the casing interior or the reaming apparatus. The reaming apparatus also provides enhanced protection from contact with the casing wall for selected structural features and elements thereof.

Abstract: Enhanced stabilization is provided for an eccentric reaming tool when a pilot borehole is undersized with respect to a following pilot stabilization pad (PSP). Alternatively, offset of a rotational axis of at least a portion of the assembly including the reaming tool is employed to accomplish stabilization of the reaming tool. In either case, a reamed diameter larger than a physical diameter of the reaming tool may be drilled. More specifically, an enlarged PSP relative to pilot bit diameter or PSP offset or even pilot bit offset is employed in order to engage a PSP with the wall of a pilot borehole of greater diameter than a physical diameter of the pilot bit. The PSP or pilot drill bit, or both, may be laterally offset, angularly offset, or a combination thereof in order to effect substantially continuous PSP contact with the pilot borehole wall.