Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product manages a set of software modules in a software runtime environment, where the set of software modules has one or more dynamic dependencies and one or more static dependencies. Each software module having a static dependency on another software module in a set of software modules is identified. Each subset of the set of software modules that is interdependent with another subset due to static dependencies between subsets is identified. In response to a change in state of a module in an identified subset, the change in state is applied to all modules in the identified subset.

Abstract: A method, system, and/or computer program product manages a set of software modules in a software runtime environment, where the set of software modules has one or more dynamic dependencies and one or more static dependencies. Each software module having a static dependency on another software module in a set of software modules is identified. Each subset of the set of software modules that is interdependent with another subset due to static dependencies between subsets is identified. In response to a change in state of a module in an identified subset, the change in state is applied to all modules in the identified subset.

Abstract: A computer receives a transaction request that includes information identifying computer resource requirements for the transaction, a resource policy, and a transaction failure policy. The computer determines if sufficient computer resources are available to complete the transaction request based on the received information identifying resource requirements for the transaction. If there are not sufficient computer resources available to complete the transaction request, the computer applies the resource policy to the transaction request and processes the transaction request. If the processed transaction request fails to complete successfully, the computer applies the transaction failure policy to the processed transaction request.

Abstract: A raise boring reamer assembly includes a saddle, and a journal assembly carried by the saddle. The journal assembly includes nose and gage shanks, and a cutter is carried by the journal assembly. Nose and gage wiper rings are positioned proximate to the nose and gage shanks, respectively. The nose and gage wiper rings move debris in opposed directions in response to the rotation of the cutter.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a cutter rotatably mounted to a journal. The journal is fastened to a downhole tool frame with a fastener. The fastener is engaged by an insert and retainer so it is restricted from rotating. The insert extends over a head of the fastener, and the retainer extends over the insert.

Abstract: A raise boring reamer assembly includes a saddle, and a journal assembly carried by the saddle. The journal assembly includes nose and gage shanks, and a cutter is carried by the journal assembly. Nose and gage wiper rings are positioned proximate to the nose and gage shanks, respectively. The nose and gage wiper rings move debris in opposed directions in response to the rotation of the cutter.

Abstract: An earth bit includes an earth bit body and a lug and cutting cone carried by the earth bit body, wherein the cutting cone is rotatably mounted to the lug. A plurality of cutters are carried by the earth bit body, wherein the cutters include a cutter body and a plurality of curved teeth extending between opposed ends of the cutter body. The curved teeth are positioned so that one end of a tooth overlaps an opposed end of an adjacent tooth. The curved teeth of a first cutter extend in a direction around its corresponding cutter body and the curved teeth of a second cutter extend in an opposed direction around its corresponding cutter body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for signalling the surface operator about downhole conditions. Sensors located downhole collect data while drilling and the data is processed to determine bit failure, for example. When the sensor data indicates a failure, the pressure of drilling mud is varied using a valve on the downhole unit, and this pressure variance is indicated by a pressure gauge visible to the operator. This pressure change tells the operator a failure has been indicated.

Abstract: A wiper may be supported on at least one of a radially inwardly or radially outwardly facing dynamic interface surfaces of a pair surfaces on respective cutter journal and cutter shell. The wiper may be in the form of a low profile lug having a leading edge generally diagonally oriented relative to an axis of rotation of the cutter shell on the cutter journal. Thus, the leading edge of the wiper will move formation particles axially out from between the cutter journal and the cutter shell and away from a bearing seal. The wiper may have a height less than a regular clearance between the journal and the shell. A plurality of wipers may be supported on the dynamic interface surface of either the shell or the journal and may extend into close proximity to the oppositely facing dynamic interface surface of the other of the shell or the journal.

Abstract: A roller-cone drill bit in which a large groove is machined into the backface of each cone, near the crack where the cone meets the arm assembly. By making the outer lip of this crack more exposed to the open volume of turbulent flow, turbulence near the crack is increased, deposit of sediments near the crack is reduced, and infiltration of sediments through the crack is also reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Sensors are located on a sub assembly (which is separate from the drill bit itself but located above it on the drill string). Strain measurements are taken from the sensors to detect changes in induced bending and axial stresses which are related to a roller cone bearing failure. As a cone begins to fail, the average share of the total load on the bit that the failing cone can support changes, which causes a change in the bending strain induced by the eccentric loading of the cone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Sensors are located on a sub assembly (which is removable from the drill bit) and send data to neural net or other adaptive filter. The neural net uses past sensor readings to predict future sensor readings. The value predicted for the sensors is subtracted from the actual value to produce a prediction error. Increases in prediction error are used to indicate bit failure. The results of this are transmitted to the operator by varying the pressure in the drilling mud flow.

Abstract: A drill string is equipped with a down hole sub assembly which contains sensors to detect equipment condition during drilling. The sub assembly has no electrical communication with the drill bit itself, and the sensors detect drill bit condition from vibrations or strain or other detectable phenomena. Sensors in the bit itself are not needed.

Abstract: A drill string is equipped with a downhole assembly having an instrumented sub and a drill bit. The instrumented sub has a power source that requires no electrical chemical batter. A mass-spring system is used, which during drilling causes a magnet to oscillate past a coil. This induces current which is used to power downhole instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Sensors are located on a sub assembly (which is separate from the drill bit itself but located above it on the drill string). Data from the sensors (preferably accelerometers) are collected in blocks, then analyzed in the frequency domain. The frequency domain is divided into multiple bands, and the signal power in each band is compared to that of another band to produce a ratio of powers. When a bit is operating at normal condition, most of the spectral energy of the bit vibration is found in the lowest frequency band. As a bearing starts to fail, it produces a greater level of vibration in the higher frequency bands. This change in ratios is used to determine probable bit failure. Bit failure can be indicated by a given ratio surpassing a given threshold, or by monitoring the standard deviation of the frequency ratios. When the standard deviation exceeds a certain value, a failure is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Individual sensors are placed on a sub which is separate from the drill bit itself, and are powered by a vibration driven power system. The sensor readings are used to compute values which represent the ratios of sensor readings on one sensor in relation to the readings of one or more other sensors. This creates a self-calibrating sensor system that accounts for changes in downhole conditions which might cause sensor readings to fluctuate, but which do not indicate failure.

Abstract: A roller-cone drill bit in which a large groove is machined into the backface of each cone, near the crack where the cone meets the arm assembly. By making the outer lip of this crack more exposed to the open volume of turbulent flow, turbulence near the crack is increased, deposit of sediments near the crack is reduced, and infiltration of sediments through the crack is also reduced. Drill bit lifetime has been shown to be greatly extended by this change.

Abstract: A drill string is equipped with a downhole assembly having an instrumented sub and a drill bit. The instrumented sub has a power source that requires no electrical chemical batter. A mass-spring system is used, which during drilling causes a magnet to oscillate past a coil. This induces current which is used to power downhole instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus and accompanying method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Individual sensors are placed on a sub which is separate from the drill bit itself, and are powered by a vibration driven power system. The sensor readings are used to compute values which represent the ratios of sensor readings on one sensor in relation to the readings of one or more other sensors. This creates a self-calibrating sensor system that accounts for changes in downhole conditions which might cause sensor readings to fluctuate, but which do not indicate failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and reporting downhole bit failure. Sensors are located on a sub assembly (which is removable from the drill bit) and send data to neural net or other adaptive filter. The neural net uses past sensor readings to predict future sensor readings. The value predicted for the sensors is subtracted from the actual value to produce a prediction error. Increases in prediction error are used to indicate bit failure. The results of this are transmitted to the operator by varying the pressure in the drilling mud flow.