Abstract: A drill bit has cutting elements with multiple cutting surface geometries that are positioned so that their cutting profiles overlap, but do not completely contain or engulf one another. The different cutting surface geometries and the specific overlap create a zone of high density in the middle regions of the cutting profiles and low density in the periphery, resulting in a cutting profile that becomes sharper with increasing wear. Such an arrangement is more effective and stable as the drill bit encounters hard and abrasive formation materials. Moreover, cutting elements with larger axial volumes may be combined with cutting elements having smaller axial volumes, resulting in an even more effective drill bit in terms of durability and ability to drill efficiently in hard and abrasive formations.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a shaft supporting a rotary element comprises a sealing ring having an inner radial surface in contact with a seal surface of the shaft. The sealing ring comprising a disc shaped integral radial lip normal to the inner radial surface. A disc shaped seal shield is assembled in sealing contact with a first surface of the integral disc shaped radial lip and also in sealing contact with a first radial surface of an annular seal groove. An energizer positioned in the annular seal groove is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove and a second radial surface of the groove. The energizer exerts a radial force on the outer radial surface of the sealing ring and a lateral force on the integral radial lip of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A drilling tool having an expandable bladder and a method for using the same are provided. The drilling tool includes a tool body having an interior cavity, a plurality of extendable arms coupled with the tool body, and an expandable bladder at least partially disposed within the interior cavity of the tool body. The expandable is operable to deploy the extendable arms from a retracted position relative to the exterior surface of the tool body to an extended position relative to the exterior surface of the tool body.

Abstract: A cutting element for a drag-type drill bit comprises a cutter body having a generally cylindrical base section adapted for snug-fitting engagement in a socket of a drill bit body. The cutter body is secured to the bit body by brazing or other conventional attachment techniques. The cutter body further has a generally cylindrical cutting section integral with the base section. The cutting section has at least one inclined surface extending from a top surface of the cutting section partially along the length of the generally cylindrical cutting section. The cutter body may comprise a sintered tungsten carbide and the top surface may comprise a layer of super hard material.

Abstract: A drill bit is assembled to the makeup end of a drill string by means of a breakable washer comprising a ring-shaped body having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A radially extending first surface of the ring-shaped body is planar and substantially perpendicular to a centerline axis through the body. A second radially extending surface has an angle with reference to the first surface that results in a radially diverging configuration.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a shaft supporting a rotary element comprises a sealing ring having an inner radial surface in contact with a seal surface of the shaft. The sealing ring comprising a disc shaped integral radial lip normal to the inner radial surface. A disc shaped seal shield is assembled in sealing contact with a first surface of the integral disc shaped radial lip and also in sealing contact with a first radial surface of an annular seal groove. An energizer positioned in the annular seal groove is in contact with the bottom surface of the groove and a second radial surface of the groove. The energizer exerts a radial force on the outer radial surface of the sealing ring and a lateral force on the integral radial lip of the sealing ring.

Abstract: A drag-type drill bit for bore hole drilling in earth formation comprises a bit body having a threaded pin on one end for coupling to a drill string. A substantially dome-shaped cutter head is formed integral with the bit body opposite from the threaded pin. Formed integral with and extending from the cutter head is a plurality of circumferentially spaced fixed and/or variable pitch spiral blades having a succession of curved segments. The variable pitch pattern curves from substantially the center of and around the cutter head to the gage area. A plurality of generally cylindrical cutting elements, such as PDC elements, are fixed to each of the spiral blades and a plurality of nozzles are positioned around the cutter head to direct drilling fluid passing through the bit body against the blades to the annulus surrounding the bit body and the bore hole.