Abstract: A drill bit may include a bit body including at least one blade extending at least partially over a cone region of the bit body. Additionally, the drill bit may include a plurality of cutting structures mounted to the at least one blade and a rubbing zone within the cone region of the at least one blade, wherein cutting structures within the rubbing zone have a reduced average exposure. Additionally, a method of directional drilling may include positioning a depth-of-cut controlling feature of a drill bit away from a formation to prevent substantial contact between the depth-of-cut controlling feature and rotating the drill bit off-center to form a substantially straight borehole segment. The method may also include positioning the depth-of-cut controlling feature of the drill bit into contact with the formation to control the depth-of-cut and rotating the drill bit on-center to form a substantially nonlinear borehole segment.

Abstract: Methods of drilling subterranean formations include coupling at least one bearing block having an initial thickness to a drill bit, engaging a formation with the drill bit within an initial depth of cut range, and reducing the initial thickness of the bearing block by contacting the formation to cause the initial depth of cut range to be at least partially increased. Methods of forming drill bits for drilling subterranean formations include forming at least one rubbing surface of at least one bearing block from at least one material exhibiting a reduced coefficient of friction and coupling the at least one bearing block to the drill bit. Drill bit assemblies include at least one bearing block having a distal portion configured to provide an initial depth of cut range and a base portion configured to provide an increased depth of cut range greater than the initial depth of cut range.

Abstract: Drill bits for subterranean drilling comprising a bit body including at least one blade that includes a blade face comprising a contact zone and a sweep zone are disclosed. In particular, drill bits including at least one blade that extends at least partially over a nose region of the bit body, a shoulder region of the bit body and a gage region of the bit body and that include a sweep zone that rotationally trails the contact zone with respect to a direction of intended bit rotation about a longitudinal axis of the bit body and include a contact zone that defines a range of about 90% to about 30% of the blade face surface area is disclosed. Additionally, drill bits comprising a sweep zone located at least partially within a gage region are disclosed. Also, methods of off-center drilling and methods of manufacturing drill bits are disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing block is provided that may be used with a drag bit body or frame to limit depth of cut of cutters on a bit. The bearing block is designed so that it may be interchangeably replaced or repaired without necessitating alteration to a standardized bit frame. The interchangeable bearing block may be used to provide a target depth of cut (TDOC) and/or a selected contact or rubbing area to support weight on bit and limit depth of cut (DOC) for improving drilling performance of a bit. The interchangeable bearing block brings manufacturing selectability by providing a customizable product in terms of depth of cut selection and cutter penetration control for different formations, which is suitable for use with a common bit frame. A rotary drill bit assembly, a unitary cone insert bearing block for a drill bit, and a bit frame are also provided.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one aspect includes a cutting device on a selected section of the drill bit, which cutting device is configured to cut formation on the high side of a wellbore during drilling of the wellbore. In one aspect, the cutting device comprises a cutting element disposed on a substantially non-rotating member placed around the selected section. In another aspect, the selected section may be a gage section of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one aspect may include a bit body having a plurality of blade profiles thereon, a first plurality of cutting elements disposed on each blade such that at least one cutting element on a first section of each blade profile is offset relative to at least one cutting element on a second section of each blade profile so as to increase lateral stability of the drill relative to the drill bit without an offset.

Abstract: An improved drill bit comprises a bit body, a plurality of blades disposed on the bit body, a first plurality of cutting elements disposed on the blades, such that the first plurality of cutting elements define a first cutter profile, and a second plurality of cutting elements disposed on the blades, such that the second plurality of cutting elements define a second cutter profile offset from the first cutter profile. The first plurality of cutting elements may, or may not, be greater in number than the second plurality of cutting elements. The cutting elements of the first plurality may, or may not, be greater in size than the cutting elements of the second plurality. The second cutter profile may be offset inwardly or outwardly from the first cutter profile. The second cutter profile may run along a cone section, a nose section, and/or a shoulder section of the bit.

Abstract: A drill bit is disclosed that in one configuration may include at least one cutter on a face section of the bit and at least one opening proximate the at least one cutter configured to discharge fluid under pressure onto the formation to create a fluid cushion between the drill bit and the formation during a drilling operation. An actuation device associated with the drill bit may be utilized to provide fluid under pressure to the at least one opening.

Abstract: A drill bit configured having eight blades thereon with secondary cutters on four blades using opposed kerfing for the secondary cutters located on four of the blades.

Abstract: Cutter inserts for rotary drill bits include a cutter insert body having a cutter recess configured to receive a backup cutter therein. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation include at least one such cutter insert affixed to a blade rotationally behind a cutter pocket for a primary cutter. Methods of manufacturing such drill bits include providing a bit body having a plurality of blades. A cutter insert is provided and secured within a cutter insert recess formed in the face of a blade. A backup cutter is secured within a cutter recess of the cutter insert.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a bit body comprising a face and a plurality of blades extending radially outward over the face and forming gage regions. A shank is coupled to the bit body and includes a threaded portion for connecting to a drill string. A sleeve structure is positioned adjacent to the bit body and surrounds a portion of the shank, the sleeve structure extending from adjacent the bit body to proximate the threaded portion of the shank. An outer surface of the sleeve structure comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced gage pads extending thereover and may comprise a plurality of breaker flats.

Abstract: A bearing block is provided that may be used with a drag bit body or frame to limit depth of cut of cutters on a bit. The bearing block is designed so that it may be interchangeably replaced or repaired without necessitating alteration to a standardized bit frame. The interchangeable bearing block may be used to provide a target depth of cut (TDOC) and/or a selected contact or rubbing area to support weight on bit and limit depth of cut (DOC) for improving drilling performance of a bit. The interchangeable bearing block brings manufacturing selectability by providing a customizable product in terms of depth of cut selection and cutter penetration control for different formations, which is suitable for use with a common bit frame. A rotary drill bit assembly, a unitary cone insert bearing block for a drill bit, and a bit frame are also provided.

Abstract: Cutter inserts for rotary drill bits include a cutter insert body having a cutter recess configured to receive a backup cutter therein. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation include at least one such cutter insert affixed to a blade rotationally behind a cutter pocket for a primary cutter. Methods of manufacturing such drill bits include providing a bit body having a plurality of blades. A cutter insert is provided and secured within a cutter insert recess formed in the face of a blade. A backup cutter is secured within a cutter recess of the cutter insert.