Abstract: A hardmetal composition comprises tungsten carbide in an amount greater than 50 weight percent of the hardmetal composition. In addition, the hardmetal composition comprises a binder material consisting of at least 90 weight percent nickel, a binder flux between 3.5 to 10.0 weight percent chosen from the group consisting of boron and silicon, and less than 1.0 weight percent other components.

Abstract: A hardmetal composition comprises tungsten carbide in an amount greater than 50 weight percent of the hardmetal composition. In addition, the hardmetal composition comprises a binder material consisting of at least 90 weight percent nickel, a binder flux between 3.5 to 10.0 weight percent chosen from the group consisting of boron and silicon, and less than 1.0 weight percent other components.

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: The invention includes, in its various aspects and embodiments, a method and apparatus for multiplexing data on-bit in a drilling operation. The apparatus comprises a bit; a plurality of transducers situated on the bit; and an analog multiplexer situated on the on the bit and capable of receiving the output of the transducers, multiplexing the received outputs, and transmitting the multiplexed outputs. The method comprises taking a plurality of measurements of at least one down-hole drilling condition at a bit of a drill string; generating a plurality of analog signals representative of the measurements; and multiplexing the analog signals at the bit.

Abstract: A radial lip seal for use with roller cone drill bits is at least partially collapsed and held in place when the drill bit is subjected to hydrostatic pressure in the well bore when performing drilling operations. The drill bit and seal cooperate to form at least one void intentionally established between the outer surface of a seal recess in the bit and the outer surface of the lip seal. The drill bit has a spindle and a rolling cutter positioned around the spindle. The seal recess is formed in the rolling cutter and has an outer surface to carry the lip seal.

Abstract: An expandable eccentric reamer for placement in a drill string up-hole of a conventional drill bit. The reamer blade is actuated by drilling fluid pressure to radially extend to a drill out diameter greater than a pass-through diameter. The reamer body is shaped to have an eccentric outer surface configuration to accommodate the reamer blade therein. The reamer blade acts as a piston arm in response to drilling fluid pressure and moves along a shaft anchored in a hump region that forms an eccentricity in the outer surface configuration of the body. The reamer blade has an outer edge configuration that positions the cutters thereon to prevent them from engaging a casing of a well borehole upon deployment.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tool for obtaining downhole measurements and methods of using such a tool. In one illustrative embodiment the tool comprises a body, at least one strain gauge cavity in the body, the strain gauge cavity having a strain gauge mounting surface that is located at a position such that a region of approximately zero strain due to at least one downhole operating condition exists on the mounting surface when the tool is subjected to downhole operating conditions, and a strain gauge operatively coupled to the mounting face above the region of approximately zero strain.