Abstract: A bore hole sleeve reaming apparatus which is characterized by one or more subterranean bore clearing devices or sleeves for use with one or more clearing or bursting heads attached to a pull rod or cable and a pulling apparatus. One or more tapered sleeves are attached in spaced-apart relationship to a string of tandem-mounted plastic pipe when the clearing or bursting head or heads are attached to the pipe string to be pulled through the bore hole. The tapered sleeves are designed to straighten bore irregularities and clean, smooth and free the bore hole from collapsing earth, roots and/or rock and broken pipe and facilitate pulling the pipe string through the bore hole with minimum friction on the pipe string.

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 force balanced asymmetric drilling reamer comprising a plurality of blades, each blade having at least one cutter section and a gage section. The cutter section is designed to have a plurality of cutting devices for cutting through swelling formations and cutting free sloughing formations. The gage section has a full bore diameter with gage elements flushly coupled to gage section's outer surface. The blades may be curve/concave shaped or boomerang/chevron shaped, which thereby agitate the cutting beds. At least a portion of the drilling reamer's diameter is incrementally force balanced, starting from the outermost diameter, so that the net radial force is less than 10% of weight on bit with respect to the center of rotation. This balancing allows a greater cutter longevity and provides for a better wellbore condition. Optionally, at least a portion of the drilling reamer's surface may be treated by nitriding for repelling the cuttings.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible drilling assembly having field-replaceable cutter or stabilizer blades (214) and method of using and installing new stabilizer blades while at a job location. The drilling assembly is deployed upon a distal end of a drillstring, expanded to a gauge size, and used as an underreamer or alternatively a stabilizer. The drilling assembly operates between retracted and extended positions through the increase in pressure of drilling fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one moveable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.

Abstract: Provided is a drilling tool that includes a tubular body defining a longitudinal axial cavity extending therethrough. The tubular body also defines at least one radial guidance channel extending radially from the axial cavity through the tubular body. A cutter element is disposed in the at least one radial guidance channel and includes an internal surface inclined at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The drilling tool also includes a wedge element having an external surface configured to engage the internal surface of the cutter element and to direct the cutter element from a retracted position to an extended position as the wedge element moves from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An underreaming tool may include a tubular body, a drive tube, at least one blade element (“the blade element”), at least one wedge element (“the wedge element”), and a stop mechanism. The drive tube may include at least one longitudinal groove (“the longitudinal groove”) axially disposed along a length of the drive tube. The wedge element may include a first side having at least one lateral projection (“the lateral projection”) configured to axially slide into the longitudinal groove to couple the wedge element to the drive tube. The stop mechanism comprises a threaded sleeve configured to screw onto the drive tube to lock the wedge element in the longitudinal groove once the lateral projection is slid into the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: A reamer for underground boring is provided. The reamer includes at least: (a) a center mandrel, wherein the center mandrel defines a mandrel axis; (b) a plurality of radial members extending radially from the center mandrel; (c) a plurality of cutting heads, wherein each of the cutting heads: (i) is supported by at least one of the radial members; (ii) is arcuately spaced-apart around the center mandrel from the other cutting heads; (iii) has a rounded surface; and (d) a plurality of cutting teeth on the rounded surface of each of the cutting heads. A method of horizontal drilling with the reamer is also provided.

Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.

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 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 bottom hole assembly includes a drill bit, a stabilized underreamer assembly located behind the drill bit, and a drilling assembly. A method to drill a formation includes positioning a stabilized underreamer assembly behind a drill bit, positioning a drilling assembly behind the stabilized underreamer assembly, and rotating the drill bit and stabilized underreamer assembly with the drilling assembly. A stabilized underreamer located between a directional drilling assembly and a drill bit includes at least one arm assembly extending from the stabilized underreamer assembly, wherein the arm assembly includes a stabilizer portion and an underreamer cutting structure.

Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade. An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one blade and at least one gage protection element is disposed on a gage surface of the at least one blade. The plurality of cutting elements are arranged so as to enable the expandable reaming tool to backream a formation in a wellbore.

Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade. An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one blade is formed on the at least two reamer pads. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one blade and at least one gage protection element is disposed on a gage surface of the at least one blade. The plurality of cutting elements are arranged so as to enable the expandable reaming tool to backream a formation in a wellbore.

Abstract: A drilling assembly supports a liner for making a wellbore. The BHA comprises a pilot bit and a reamer above it that is larger in diameter than the suspended liner. If the BHA needs to be pulled out, the reamer is brought into contact with the liner and a latch mechanism between the two engages as another latch that had held the reamer bit to the BHA is released. The reamer bit stays with the liner as the BHA is pulled and later reinserted. On the way in the BHA latches to the reamer bit which then unlatches from the liner bottom. Preferably, splines and a shoulder on the BHA are used to drive the reamer bit as opposed to any power being transmitted through the latch between the BHA and the reamer bit. However, the latch mechanism between the BHA and the reamer bit could also provide torque and weight on bit for drilling operations. The process may be repeated.

Abstract: A cutting element for a downhole cutting tool including a support element, a shearing element disposed on said support, wherein the shearing element is disposed proximal to a leading edge of the downhole cutting tool, and a retaining element overlaying at least a portion of said shearing element is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a reamed hole below the surface are disclosed. The reaming apparatus is arranged to be connected to one or more boring stems and has an interior section and an exterior section. The interior section is rotatable independently of the exterior section. Reamed holes of various cross-sections can be produced by appropriate selection of the cross-section of the exterior section.

Abstract: The present invention provides drilling assembles and methods that are especially useful for a bottom hole drilling assembly for drilling/reaming/or other operations related to drilling a borehole through an earth formation. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly utilizes standard drill collars which are modified to accept force transfer sections. In another embodiment, the drilling assembly comprises a tension inducing sub which creates a force that may be used to place the bottom hole assembly or portions thereof in tension. In another embodiment, a reaming assembly is held in tension to provide a stiffer reaming assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible drilling assembly having field-replaceable cutter or stabilizer blades (214) and method of using and installing new stabilizer blades while at a job location. The drilling assembly is deployed upon a distal end of a drillstring, expanded to a gauge size, and used as an underreamer or alternatively a stabilizer. The drilling assembly operates between retracted and extended positions through the increase in pressure of drilling fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to well reamer for borehole reaming within a specified interval. The well reamer has a housing with inclined slots, radial holes and a central straight-through channel, in which a spring-loaded rod with holes in the upper and lower parts is located. The upper holes of the rod are covered when the operating elements are extended into an operating position. A plurality of legs, including cutters rotatably supported on the legs, are moved by pistons between an operating position and a transport position along the inclined slots. Free-ends of the pistons may be connected to the rod by sliders, which are movable radially into openings in the rod to connect the rod to the pistons to move the rod with the legs.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly has a drill bit and an under-reamer on the up-hole side of the drill bit. In one aspect, the assembly further has a compliant element linking the drill bit to the under-reamer, the compliant element allowing displacement of the drill bit relative to the under-reamer in the axial direction of the assembly. In another aspect, the assembly further has a sensor element which is arranged to measure the weight-on-bit and/or the applied torque of the drill bit, and a transmitter for transmitting the weight-on-bit and/or applied torque measurements to the surface.

Abstract: A reaming tool including a body adapted to couple to a drill string at both axial ends thereof, the body including a plurality of reaming blades affixed at azimuthally spaced apart locations around the circumference of the body, wherein selected ones of the plurality of reaming blades including at least one cutter attached at a selected position and orientation. Additionally, a pilot hole conditioning section including a plurality of azimuthally spaced apart pilot blades affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the reaming blades. Furthermore, at least one of the reaming blades formed as a single structure with an azimuthally corresponding pilot blade.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a body having slots communicating the outside of the body with the body through-bore. A sleeve actuator and mandrel are selectively axially slidable. The actuator has flanges extending into the slots. The flanges have ribs on their sides that are inclined at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the tool. Hollow bars are slidable in the slots and they have channels inside corresponding with, and engaged in, the ribs of the flanges. The sleeve actuator slides in the body between a tool actuated position and a tool deactuated position. The mandrel is selectively axially slidable between a tool actuated position, an interlock position and a sleeve-lock position. A lock ball locks the sleeve actuator with respect to the body in the tool deactuated position and while the mandrel is between the interlock and sleeve-lock positions. The lock ball also locks the sleeve actuator with respect to the mandrel while the mandrel is between said interlock and tool actuated positions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drill bit with non-cutting erosion resistant inserts. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a matrix drill bit body comprising a plurality of blades, a plurality of cutting elements positioned on each of the blades, the cutting elements defining a plurality of web regions, and a plurality of spaced apart, non-cutting erosion resistant inserts positioned along a face of at least one of the blades, at least a portion of each of the non-cutting erosion resistant inserts being positioned in front of one of the web regions.

Abstract: A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one moveable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.

Abstract: A system is provided (1) for increasing the diameter of at least a portion of a well bore, the system being intended to be attached to a drill pipe (3), the system having a support element (10) bearing cutting arms (13, 14) which is movably mounted with respect to a body (4) and wherein the arms and the chamber (6) of the body (4) are designed so as to cooperated. A method is also provided for increasing the diameter of at least a portion of a well bore by drilling.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity within a well bore includes a fluid motor having a first body and a second body arranged about a longitudinal axis. The first body is adapted to rotate about the longitudinal axis in relation to the second body when fluid is passed between the first and second bodies. The fluid motor further defines a longitudinal tubing passage adapted to allow passage of the fluid motor over a tubing string. At least one cutting arm is coupled to rotate with the first body, and radially extendable into engagement with an interior of the well bore to form the cavity.

Abstract: A modular back reamer to be used in subterranean drilling includes a drive stem, a reamer body having a plurality of receptacles, wherein the receptacles are configured to retain a cutting leg assembly, and a plurality of shims engaged within the receptacles to secure the cutting leg assemblies at a specified height.

Abstract: A reaming tool that includes a body having reaming blades affixed thereto. The reaming blades each have at least one cutter attached thereto at a selected position and orientation. The plurality of reaming blades includes at least one radially most extensive reaming blade. The reaming tool further includes a pilot blade azimuthally spaced apart from the at least one radially most extensive reaming blade. The pilot blade is affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the at least one radially most extensive reaming blade.

Abstract: A back reaming tool is disclosed which includes a tool body adapted to be coupled to a drill string, and at least cutting structure mounted to a leg and having cutting elements disposed thereon. The leg is removably coupled to the tool body.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer apparatus for a ground boring machine that is capable of restricting increase in drawing resistance when performing drawing of a buried pipe by using a reamer and of efficiently performing drawing operations of the buried pipe without degrading properties such as flexibility and rotatability. The reamer apparatus includes a reamer main body of substantially hollow conical shape that reduces in diameter towards a drawing side, and a rod connecting portion that provided at a narrow diameter end portion of the reamer main body and connected with a rod. The reamer main body is connected to a buried pipe through a coupling structure disposed on an opposite side to the rod connecting portion. The coupling structure has a Swivel joint that allows rotation of the reamer main body with respect to the buried pipe, wherein a main portion of the Swivel joint is substantially accumulated in the reamer main body.

Abstract: A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The at least two blades and the cutting elements are arranged to increase a diameter of a previously drilled wellbore. A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The hole opener includes a pilot hole conditioning section. The pilot hole conditioning section includes at least two pilot blades formed on the tool body in a position axially ahead of the blades.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reamer (100) having at least one journal body (110) and at least one toroidal cutter body (116). The toroidal cutter body (116) has a maximum diameter (MD), an outer perimeter (OP) and a plurality of cutting elements (112, 145, 149) on the cutting surface (118). The toroidal cutter body is rotatably attached to the journal (110). When in the installed position, the axis of rotation (RA) of the at least one toroidal cutter body (116) intersects the longitudinal axis of the drill string at an acute angle.

Abstract: A drilling assembly, a reamer, and an adjustable diameter stabilizer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The apparatus provides for stabilizing the drilling assembly so that the reamer may be used in back reaming the hole. Retainer means, such as shear pins or spring-biased reciprocating latch members, are provided to prevent premature extension of the adjustable diameter stabilizer's moveable members, including blades and pistons. The shear pins are preferably accessible from the outer surface of the reamer housing so as to expedite field replacement of the shear pins without requiring disassembly of the reamer. The spring-biased latching members repeatedly latch and unlatch so that field replacement is not required, and so that the movable members may be extended and contracted multiple times while the reamer is downhole.

Abstract: A downhole tool that functions as an underreamer or as a stabilizer in an underreamed borehole. The tool includes one or more moveable arms disposed within a body having a flowbore therethrough in fluid communication with the wellbore annulus. The tool alternates between collapsed and expanded positions in response to differential fluid pressure between the flowbore and the wellbore annulus. In one embodiment, the tool moves automatically in response to differential pressure. In a second embodiment, the tool must be selectively actuated before it is moveable. The tool may include borehole engaging pads that comprise cutting structures or wear structures or both, depending upon the function of the tool.

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 blockless reamer drilling tool comprising an elongated tool body and a reamer unit. The reamer unit includes, a shaft having a first end and a second end and a cutter mounted on the shaft between the first and second ends. A pocket on the exterior surface of the tool body is sized to accept the reamer unit with a portion of the reamer unit recessed in the pocket. A plurality of pins engage the tool body and secure the reamer unit within the pocket. The plurality of pins includes a first pin engaging the tool body and passing through the shaft at the first end and a second pin engaging the tool body and passing through the shaft at the second end.

Abstract: A drill bit stabilizing system comprising a body member having an axis and at least one recess formed in the body member housing at least one stabilizing member when in a first retracted position. The stabilizing member is positionable along a diagonal angle with the axis to a second extended operating position which extends downward and outward relative to the main body to selectively engage the surface of a pilot bore hole wall during a drilling operation so as to stabilize an under gauge drill bit used in association with the stabilizing system. The body member further comprises at least one fixed stabilizing surface positioned in an axially spaced relationship to the at least one movable stabilizing member. The body member further comprises a gauge cutter positioned above the moveable stabilizing member and below the fixed stabilizing surface to expand the pilot hole to the final gauge.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for earth boring operations is of the type having cutter blades mounted on a support body at the lower end of a drill string and includes a novel arrangement of fluid bore sections for delivering fluid under pressure into fluid discharge passages in each of the blades and a bifurcated pivotal mounting portion on the body which enables the bore sections to supply fluid to the cutter blades through a ball joint on the pivotal axis. Modified forms of invention are specifically designed for cutter blades which are intended to perform reaming operations but include the fluid delivery system as well as an extended delivery system for delivering fluid under pressure to other tools in the drill string.

Abstract: A device for enlarging a bore includes an elongate body having a forward end, a rear end and an axis of rotation. The body of the device is adapted to be moved through the bore while being rotated about its axis. The device also includes a cutting blade which is attached to the body at or near its forward end, and a plurality of mixing wings. Each of the mixing wings has a unique shape, and each is attached to the body behind the cutting blade so that the axis of rotation of the body is within the plane spanned by the mixing wing.

Abstract: An enhanced reaming apparatus and method are disclosed. A reaming assembly may have a motor and a pump that provide linear force, torsional force, and pressurized drilling fluid to a reamer to cause the reamer to enlarge the bore of a pilot hole. The reamer may have a body and a plurality of blade assemblies that cooperate to define two substantially symmetrical, oppositely oriented reaming sections. Each blade assembly may have an inner blade attached to the body and an outer blade extending outward from the body. Hard cutting elements may be used in place of the outer blade. The blade assemblies may be field-replaced, or the orientation of the reamer may be reversed to enhance the life of the reamer. The reamer has jets and circulation openings that release the drilling fluid into the bore to facilitate penetration and remove cuttings.

Abstract: A drilling assembly and an eccentric, adjustable diameter reamer are disclosed. The reamer includes cutter elements mounted on at least a first fixed blade for reaming a previously-formed borehole or for forming a borehole of increased diameter beneath an existing cased borehole. The method and apparatus provide for stabilizing the drilling assembly so that the reamer may be used in back reaming the hole. Retainer means, such as shear pins or spring-biased reciprocating latch members, are provided to prevent premature extension of the reamer's moveable members, including blades and pistons. The shear pins are preferably accessible from the outer surface of the reamer housing so as to expedite field replacement of the shear pins without requiring disassembly of the reamer. The spring-biased latching members repeatedly latch and unlatch so that field replacement is not required, and so that the movable members may be extended and contracted multiple times while the reamer is downhole.

Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade. An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one blade is formed on the at least two reamer pads. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one blade and at least one gage protection element is disposed on a gage surface of the at least one blade. The plurality of cutting elements are arranged so as to enable the expandable reaming tool to backream a formation in a wellbore.

Abstract: A hole opener including a tool body having upper and lower ends. The upper and lower ends may be coupled to adjacent drilling tools. At least two blades are formed on the tool body and are arranged so that the hole opener is positioned concentric with a wellbore, and cutting elements are located on the blades. The at least two blades and the cutting elements are arranged to increase a diameter of a previously drilled wellbore.

Abstract: A reaming tool is disclosed which includes a body having reaming blades affixed thereto at azimuthally spaced apart locations around a circumference of the body. The reaming blades each have at least one cutter attached thereto at selected positions and orientations on each of the blades to minimize a net lateral force developed by the reaming tool. The tool includes a pilot hole conditioning section comprising a plurality of azimuthally spaced apart pilot blades affixed to the body longitudinally ahead of the reaming blades.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade.

Abstract: An expandable reaming tool including at least two reamer pads connected to a tool body. The reamer pads are adapted to be displaced between a retracted position and an expanded position. At least one spiral blade is formed on at least one reamer pad. A plurality of cutting elements are disposed on the at least one spiral blade.

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: The present invention generally relates to a cutting insert for use with wellbore milling tools. The cutting insert forms an angle between a milling surface of the insert and a surface of the tool that the insert is attached to in order to provide the proper cutting incline, and substantially perpendicular sides of the insert relative to the milling surface of the insert provide continuous support for the milling surface. In addition, the inserts can comprise spacers and legs that evenly distribute bonds formed between inserts and bonds formed between the inserts and the surface of the tool, respectively. Selecting the dimensions of the spacers and legs alters the strength of the bonds.