Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a body having a plurality of blades. Each blade of the plurality of blades extends axially and radially relative to a center longitudinal axis of the body. The earth-boring tool further includes a plurality of cutting elements secured within the plurality of blades and at least one protrusion trailing at least one cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements in a direction of intended rotation of the earth-boring tool and extending along a lateral side of a blade of the plurality of blades in which the at least one cutting element is secured. The earth-boring tool may further include a pocket extending into the at least one blade from a rotationally leading face of the at least one blade in at least a shoulder region of the at least one blade.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a body having a plurality of blades. Each blade of the plurality of blades extends axially and radially relative to a center longitudinal axis of the body. The earth-boring tool further includes a plurality of cutting elements secured within the plurality of blades and at least one protrusion trailing at least one cutting element of the plurality of cutting elements in a direction of intended rotation of the earth-boring tool and extending along a lateral side of a blade of the plurality of blades in which the at least one cutting element is secured. The earth-boring tool may further include a pocket extending into the at least one blade from a rotationally leading face of the at least one blade in at least a shoulder region of the at least one blade.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool for drilling a subterranean formation includes a bit body having a central axis and a cavity extending into the bit body from an outer surface thereof. A bearing element assembly may be mounted within the cavity. The bearing element assembly comprises a lower retaining member, an upper retaining member mounted over to the lower retaining member, the upper retaining member comprising an aperture formed therethrough, and a spherical bearing element disposed over the lower retaining member and extending through the aperture formed through the upper retaining member. The spherical bearing element is rotatable about three axes of rotation within the lower retaining member and the upper retaining member.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool for drilling a subterranean formation includes a bit body having a central axis and a cavity extending into the bit body from an outer surface thereof. A bearing element assembly may be mounted within the cavity. The bearing element assembly comprises a lower retaining member, an upper retaining member mounted over to the lower retaining member, the upper retaining member comprising an aperture formed therethrough, and a spherical bearing element disposed over the lower retaining member and extending through the aperture formed through the upper retaining member. The spherical bearing element is rotatable about three axes of rotation within the lower retaining member and the upper retaining member.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit or other drilling tool for drilling or reaming through subterranean formation and comprising a body comprising a distal end and gage areas near a proximal end thereof and comprising longitudinally upward extensions of a plurality of blades or legs. A longitudinally trailing, radially inwardly extending surface is associated with at least some gage pads or legs at the longitudinally trailing ends thereof. Protective structures in the form of superabrasive elements comprising a plurality of thermally stable polycrystalline diamonds, or so-called “TSPs” (thermally stable products) are secured to a trailing surface of at least one gage pad. PDC elements may be employed in combination with the TSPs. Non-diamond structures may also be employed, in lieu of or in conjunction with diamond structures, particularly if drilling of ferrous metal casing components is contemplated.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit or other drilling tool for drilling or reaming through subterranean formation and comprising a body comprising a distal end and gage areas near a proximal end thereof and comprising longitudinally upward extensions of a plurality of blades or legs. A longitudinally trailing, radially inwardly extending surface is associated with at least some gage pads or legs at the longitudinally trailing ends thereof. Protective structures in the form of superabrasive elements comprising a plurality of thermally stable polycrystalline diamonds, or so-called “TSPs” (thermally stable products) are secured to a trailing surface of at least one gage pad. PDC elements may be employed in combination with the TSPs. Non-diamond structures may also be employed, in lieu of or in conjunction with diamond structures, particularly if drilling of ferrous metal casing components is contemplated.