Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for drilling. The method includes receiving a drilling model of a drilling system including a drill string, selecting a frequency and amplitude for axial vibration of the drill string based on the drilling model, and generating the axial vibration substantially at the frequency and the amplitude selected by modulating a hookload or axial movement at a surface of the drill string.

Abstract: A downhole drilling assembly may comprise a sub secured between a drill string and a drill bit. The sub may comprise a cavity with a chassis housed therein. The drill bit may also comprise a cavity with an extender housed therein. This extender may provide access for various types of communication to reach into the drill bit's cavity. Several pairs of interfacing exchange surfaces may allow for communication (e.g. passing electrical, hydraulic, optical or electromagnetic signals) between these various elements. One pair of interfacing exchange surfaces, between the drill string and the chassis, may allow for communication regardless of relative rotational orientation. Two other pairs of interfacing exchange surfaces, one between the chassis and the extender and another between the extender and the drill bit, may require a specific rotational orientation for communication.

Abstract: Earth-boring tools may have a body, a cutting element attached to the body at a first location, and a formation-engaging structure attached to the body at a second location. The formation-engaging structure may be movable during a drilling operation between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the formation-engaging structure may be located rotationally behind the cutting element at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the body at which the cutting element will at least initially shield the formation-engaging structure from engaging a formation. In the second position, the formation-engaging structure may be located at a different second radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the body at which the formation-engaging structure will engage a formation.

Abstract: A self-adjusting earth-boring tool includes a body carrying cutting elements and an actuation device disposed at least partially within the body. The actuation device may include a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, a first reciprocating member, and a second reciprocating member. The first and second reciprocating members may divide portions of the first fluid chamber from portions of the second fluid chamber. A connection member may be attached to both of the first and second reciprocating members and may have a drilling element removably coupled thereto. A first fluid flow path may extend from the second fluid chamber to the first fluid chamber. A second fluid flow path may extend from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber.

Abstract: A protective device for a blow out preventer stack (B.O.P.), and a sidetracking method using same during an oil-field milling or drilling operation requiring a window to be formed in casing to access a formation, the device having a sleeve assembly and a running tool releasably attached to the sleeve assembly, wherein the running tool comprises a running tool housing connected to the sleeve assembly and a separable running tool body connectable within the length of a work string having a BHA with a mill or bit, the running tool housing being shear pinned to the running tool body for running in hole, wherein the running tool housing is configured to shear from the running tool body during deployment into a cased wellbore to sealingly seat the sleeve assembly within a B.O.P. and form a barrier to ingress of swarf into the B.O.P.

Abstract: A post hole digger couples to the power take-off (PTO) shaft of a tractor and uses rotation from the PTO shaft to rotate an auger. A top support arm rotatably coupled to the top pin of the tractor's three point hitch supports the gearbox that translates rotation to the auger. A support frame extends upwardly from the right and left lift arms of the three point hitch and inwardly to support the top support arm from beneath. The support frame is shaped generally as an inverted “U,” with space created between the right and left lift arms to prevent interference with the rotating shaft that translates rotation from the PTO shaft to the gearbox. A shield coupled to the gearbox covers the moving parts of the joint between the rotating shaft and the gearbox and protects users during use of the auger.

Abstract: A bit body is configured at its upper extent for connection into a drillstring. At least one fixed blade extends downwardly from the bit body, and has a radially outermost gage surface. A plurality of fixed cutting elements is secured to the fixed blade, preferably in a row at its rotationally leading edge. At least one bit leg is secured to the bit body and a rolling cutter is mounted for rotation on the bit leg. At least one stabilizer pad is disposed between the bit leg and the fixed blade, the stabilizer pad extending radially outward to substantially the gage surface. The radially outermost gage surface of each blade can extend axially downward parallel to the bit axis or angled (non-parallel), spirally or helically, relative to the bit axis.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a multilateral wellbore includes a guide member on one end that selectively projects into a designated wellbore, where the designated wellbore can be a motherbore or a lateral wellbore. Pistons are set radially in a body of the tool that selectively push against an end of the guide member to pivot it into a designated orientation to guide the tool into the designated wellbore. The pistons are hydraulically actuated when probes that are on sides of the tool body extend outward into contact with a lateral wellbore. The probes block hydraulic flow when retracted, but when deployed outward they allow fluid communication to push the pistons against the guide member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for replacing a disk cutter (1) mounted with preload in a casing (2) attached to the cutting head of a tunnel boring machine, operated using a disk cutter (1) bearing, firmly attached thereto, an element (4) for locking into the housing (2) and preloading means (5), the method involving the steps of: a) removing a worn disk cutter (1) from said housing (2): • clamping a disk cutter (1) handling device (3) onto the housing (2); • taking hold of the disk cutter, • releasing the preload, • unlocking, • extracting the disk cutter (1), • unclamping the device (3), b) fitting a replacement disk cutter (1) in reverse order.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ripper tool for a tunnel boring machine includes a tool body and a plurality of cutting element inserts. The tool body has a plurality of socket cavities. A tool body blank can be heat treated to increase the hardness of the tool body blank. The socket cavities can be machined in the tool body blank after the tool body blank is heat treated. The cutting element inserts are mounted to the tool body. The cutting element inserts are respectively press fit in the socket cavities. The ripper tool can be pivotably mounted to a cutter head of the TBM.

Abstract: For drill bit cutter indexing, a housing is disposed in a drill bit. An indexing cog is in physical communication with a cutter and interlocks with the housing in a first index position of a plurality of index positions in response to a first compressive load applied to the cutter. A motivator disengages the indexing cog from the housing and positions the indexing cog to interlock with the housing at an initial second index position in response to a removal of the compressive load from the cutter.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is provided comprising a bit body, which includes a connecting portion for connection to a conveyance and a drilling portion. The drilling portion includes a plurality of cutting elements each having at least one cutting surface, the drilling portion being operable in at least two different drilling orientations, and the drilling surface being rotatable in one of two opposing directions, being a first direction and an opposing second direction.

Abstract: Drill bits are provided. The drill bits are of the fixed-cutter, rotary-type. The drill bits have a plurality of blades having cutting elements disposed therealong. Junk slots are formed between the respective blades. A knife opening is formed in at least two of the junk slots. Preferably, the knife openings are disposed substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. The drill bit also has one or more ribbon cutters. The ribbon cutters cyclically protrude through knife openings in the junk slots in order to facilitate the fragmentation of cuttings ribbons moving through the junk slots during a drilling operation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for reaming a borehole incorporates two sets of cutting structures into two integral blade stabilizers, one oriented downhole and the other oriented uphole. The cutting structures comprise polycrystalline diamond cutters that are brazed into a wedge of steel that is inserted into the body of the reamers in an axial direction and retained by a stop block and retention cover that is bolted into the reamer. The two integral blade stabilizers have a combination left hand/right hand blade wrapping to provide 360° support around the circumference of the reamer. Between the two stabilizers, an impeller and a flow accelerator agitate cuttings on the low side of the borehole to mix the cuttings in with the drilling mud.

Abstract: A drill bit is provided that in one embodiment may include a blade profile having a cone section and one or more cutters on the cone section configured to retract from an extended position when an applied load on the drill bit reaches or exceeds a selected threshold. The drill bit is less aggressive when the cutters are in the retracted position compared to when the cutters are in the extended position.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit comprising a bit body having a longitudinal axis along a path of the bit, a first plurality of cutters mounted to the body, and a second plurality of cutters rotatably mounted to the body, wherein a longitudinal axial relationship between the first plurality of cutters and the second plurality of cutters is adjustable. The first and/or second plurality of cutters may be mounted to the body in such a manner as to allow them to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axial relationship may be adjusted to exchange the first plurality of cutters and the secondary plurality of cutters between a primary cutting position and a secondary cutting position. The bit may include a sensor to provide an indication of a formation type being excavated by the bit and a processor to control the longitudinal axial relationship based on the indication.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit comprising a bit body having a longitudinal axis along a path of the bit, a first plurality of cutters mounted to the body, and a second plurality of cutters rotatably mounted to the body, wherein a longitudinal axial relationship between the first plurality of cutters and the second plurality of cutters is adjustable. The first and/or second plurality of cutters may be mounted to the body in such a manner as to allow them to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axial relationship may be adjusted to exchange the first plurality of cutters and the secondary plurality of cutters between a primary cutting position and a secondary cutting position. The bit may include a sensor to provide an indication of a formation type being excavated by the bit and a processor to control the longitudinal axial relationship based on the indication.

Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a tool string comprises a jack element substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation. The jack element is housed within a bore of the tool string and has a distal end extending beyond a working face of the tool string. A rotary valve is disposed within the bore of the tool string. The rotary valve has a first disc attached to a driving mechanism and a second disc axially aligned with and contacting the first disc along a flat surface. As the discs rotate relative to one another at least one port formed in the first disc aligns with another port in the second disc. Fluid passed through the ports is adapted to displace an element in mechanical communication with the jack element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element and the body portion has at least a portion of a jackleg apparatus. The jackleg apparatus has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a chamber; the shaft has a distal end. The jackleg apparatus has a hydraulic compartment adapted to displace the distal end of the shaft relative to the working portion. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly. The hydraulic compartment may be part of a hydraulic circuit which has a pump. The pump may have a first section with is rotationally fixed to the body portion and a second section rotationally isolated from the body portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly comprises a working portion opposite a shank of the bit. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements. The drill bit assembly also has a central axis eccentric to its axis of rotation. A jack element protrudes from an opening formed in the working portion and has a distal end that is adapted to contact a formation at the axis of rotation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly comprises a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element. The body portion has at least a portion of a reactive jackleg apparatus which has a chamber at least partially disposed within the body portion and a shaft movably disposed within the chamber, the shaft having at least a proximal end and a distal end. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has a recess with a side wall which is substantially coaxial with the shank portion. At least one cutting element is attached to the side wall and an indenting member is disposed within the closed end. In another aspect of the invention a method includes providing a drill bit assembly with a recess formed in a working portion of the assembly. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements and the recess has at least one cutting element. The method further has steps of cutting a formation with the plurality of cutting elements and also of penetrating a conical profile of the formation which is formed by the recess.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has a recess with a side wall which is substantially coaxial with the shank portion. At least one cutting element is attached to the side wall and an indenting member is disposed within the closed end. In another aspect of the invention a method includes providing a drill bit assembly with a recess formed in a working portion of the assembly. The working portion has a plurality of cutting elements and the recess has at least one cutting element. The method further has steps of cutting a formation with the plurality of cutting elements and also of penetrating a conical profile of the formation which is formed by the recess.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion. The working portion has at least one cutting element and the body portion has at least a portion of a jackleg apparatus. The jackleg apparatus has at least a portion of a shaft disposed within a chamber; the shaft has a distal end. The jackleg apparatus has a hydraulic compartment adapted to displace the distal end of the shaft relative to the working portion. The chamber also has an opening proximate the working portion of the assembly. The hydraulic compartment may be part of a hydraulic circuit which has a pump. The pump may have a first section with is rotationally fixed to the body portion and a second section rotationally isolated from the body portion.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for drilling with casing. In one aspect, a method of drilling a wellbore with casing is provided, including placing a string of casing with a drill bit at the lower end thereof into a previously formed wellbore and urging the string of casing axially downward to form a new section of wellbore. The method further includes pumping fluid through the string of casing into an annulus formed between the casing string and the new section of wellbore. The method also includes diverting a portion of the fluid into an upper annulus in the previously formed wellbore. In another aspect, a method of drilling with casing to form a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, an apparatus for forming a wellbore is provided. In still another aspect, a method of casing a wellbore while drilling the wellbore is provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for running tubing into a lateral bore of a multilateral well, including a bottom hole assembly having at least one remotely activatable, radially deflectable toe, and preferably method and apparatus to laterally sweep the toe, signal when the toe fully kicks out and follow the toe into a lateral bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling subterranean formations with a rotary-type drill bit are disclosed in which oscillation is produced in the drill string, drill bit or cutting element, in an axial and/or torsional direction, to produce formation chips that have both thin portions and thick portions. More specifically, the oscillations cause a cutting element of the drill bit to engage the formation to various degrees, resulting in a chip that has varying thicknesses which facilitate fracture of the chip along its thinner portions, thereby reducing the likelihood of adherence of the formation chips to the drill bit or cutting element.

Abstract: A drilling tool, especially for the rotary percussion drilling of preferably rock, has a drilling body equipped toward the drilling side preferably with cutting bits, and with an axially arranged bore for receiving an exchangeable centering drill. In order to achieve axial movability and a reliable rotational takeup of the centering drill in the drilling tool, the drilling tool has a transverse bore which is arranged centrally relative to its drill longitudinal axis and into which can be inserted a bar-shaped or tubular holding means which centrally penetrates a corresponding recess on the shank of the centering drill so that the centering drill can be moved in the axial direction.

Abstract: Formation engaging elements are moveably mounted onto a drill bit. Such elements may be used to protect other rigidly mounted formation engaging elements from impacts that occur during use of the drill bit, or they may be used to alter the aggressiveness of the drill bit when used in directional drilling operations.

Abstract: A drilling tool, in particular for rotary percussion drilling preferably of rock, is proposed, with a drill body preferably equipped with cutting tips toward the drilling side and with an axially arranged bore for receiving an exchangeable center drill. In order to carry out easy mounting and demounting of the center drill, the drilling tool is designed in two parts, the center drill being capable of being introduced into the drilling tool on the clamping side.

Abstract: A drilling tool for rotary percussion drilling including: a drilling body defining: a longitudinal centerline axis extending in a drilling direction; a bore extending in a direction of the centerline axis and having a bore bottom; and a recess extending in a direction transverse to the centerline axis and eccentrically with respect thereto. A centering drill is adapted to move in the drilling direction and has a centering drill end, a centering drill shank and a chucking portion having a flattened clearance on one side thereof, the centering drill shank having an end side cylinder section for limiting an axial path of the centering drill during its movement in the drilling direction, the centering drill extending in the bore of the drilling body and the bore bottom being effective as an exclusive stop for the centering drill end when the centering drill is being subjected to percussion stress.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a rotatable tool having a drill head and a method for regulating the penetration of the apparatus in rock or soil are disclosed. In particular, the apparatus and method of the invention are designed to prevent damage to drill bits mounted on the drill head when any one of the drill bits encounters an excessive opposing force as, for example, would result if the drill bits impacted a rock when drilling in soil. The apparatus includes mechanism for detecting the excessive force acting on one or more drill bits and automatically restricts the driving force which moves the tool forward.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical device for underground drilling for use with a drilling rig comprises a container having a combustion chamber, an ignition system, inlets for introducing a fuel, an oxidizer, a liquid into the combustion chamber, a nozzle for discharging combustion products, a piston slidably mounted in the container and a reamer connected to the piston. The ignition system provides electro-discharges in the fuel, oxidizer, liquid mixture. Each electro-discharge has an explosive nature and produces combustion products having a high pressure. Combustion products are ejected through the circular nozzle surrounding the container to provide a thermal drilling action. The movable piston is pushed downwardly by the products of electro-discharge and causes the reamer to penetrate rocks or a frozen ground to provide a percussion drilling action. By the use of combined effect of thermo-percussion drilling, holes of significant depth can be drilled and rocks or frozen ground of high hardness can be pierced.

Abstract: Oil drilling apparatus for drilling deep boreholes. The apparatus includes a high frequency, high voltage, AC generator at the surface of the ground which is connected to an electromagnetic hammer drill bit located at the bottom of the borehole. Electric current is conducted along a special drill string to the electromagnetic hammer drill located at the bottom of the borehole. The drill string is electrically conductive to form a current flow path to the downhole electromagnetic hammer drill, while at the same time, drilling fluid flows along an axial flow path to the vibrating bit located at the bottom of the borehole. The electrically conductive drill pipe, the electromagnetic hamemr drill bit, and the pulse transformer, each form a subcombination of the present invention; and, jointly comprise a new method and apparatus for forming boreholes.

Abstract: The proposed tool comprises a body (1) designed to interact with a percussion-rotary device and a casing (2) shaped as a sleeve. The casing (2) accommodates rock-crushing elements (5, 6) arranged in a manner allowing axial displacement thereof and in the form of concentric rows relative to a working end of the casing (2), the rock-crushing elements having shanks (7, 8) which interact with the body (1). Each rock-crushing element (6) in a peripheral row comprises a spring biased pin mechanism (16) for fixing the rock-crushing element (6) in the casing (2). The casing includes a threaded joint (9) for its axial displacement relative to the body (1). The length of axial displacement of the casing (2) relative to the body (1) is at least equal to the length (H) of the wearable portion of the rock-crushing elements (5, 6).

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling a subterranean bore hole which includes a housing having a cap plate adapted for connection to a drill pipe and a base block axially aligned with and spaced from the cap plate by guide members. A plurality of elongated drill rod impact members are carried by a drill rod holder plate disposed between the cap plate and base block for movement longitudinally of the housing. The free ends of the drill rods extend through guide bores in the base block to define exposed working ends for chipping and crushing the formation upon rotation of the drill bit and the introduction of drilling fluid into the housing in a manner to effect a hammer-like action of the drill rods and progressively move them longitudinally outwardly from the base block as they undergo wear.

Abstract: Abrasion cutting elements of a rotary drill bit are operatively connected to the bit body structure by means for yieldably supporting the abrasion cutting elements and for forcing them into a continuous drag mode of cutting contact with the earth formation. The drill bit may also employ compression or indentor cutting elements operatively attached in fixed operative positions. The yieldably supporting and force applying means may be hydraulically controlled by drilling fluid pressure and the cutting force applied on the abrasion cutting elements can be established independently of the axial cutting force transferred from the drill string and drill bit to the indentor cutting elements. Optimum performance of both the abrasion and indentor types of cutting elements is secured. The abrasion cutting elements are preferably retained for contacting and cutting the gage corner material.

Abstract: A reciprocating rotary drill bit is disclosed to include a coupling member for coupling the drill bit to a source of drill bit drive power and a cutter member for drilling into a workpiece. The coupling member and the cutter member are slidably associated and include overlapping protruding portions which delimit the upward and downward travel of the cutter member with respect to the coupling member. The slidable association permits reciprocation of the cutter member with respect to the coupling member as the drill bit is rotated into the workpiece. The coupling member also includes protrusions which extend into grooves defined in the cutter member to rotationally secure the two members whereby the cutter member rotates when the coupling member rotates.

Abstract: A bolt-setting and rock-drilling apparatus has a rail which can be swung about and axis and axially displaced therealong to position a drilling carriage and a bolt-setting carriage alternately with respect to a rock wall in which the bolt is to be lodged. The carriages are slidable on opposite sides of the rail and, in the upper end thereof, in alignment with the drill holder, is an opening drill through which the main drill passes. The opening drill, which is of a configuration enabling it to form a conical mouth to the hole bored, by the main drill, is displaceable parallel to the main drill when its holder engages a clutch member carrying the opening drill. The conical mouth facilitates subsequent insertion of the bolt.

Abstract: A hole reamer according to the invention includes a main body or support with roller cutters rigidly connected to a drill stem, and an additional support with roller cutters arranged co-axially with the main body or support. A additional support device can move along the axis of the main body and is provided with a means to effect this longitudinal movement. The main body and additional support device are adapted to drill holes of one diameter with consequent reaming thereof.

Abstract: A uniquely integrated arrangement of concentric tubes in combination with concentric pistons and special interconnecting fluid pressure passages therein, said component members cooperating in a manner as to permit extreme compound extension or retraction, while special cross-section configuration allows efficient transmission of axial torque energy without slippage between collinear members, so that when driven as a Kelly drive for earth drilling the torque is transmitted to a drilling auger.