Abstract: A down-the-hole assembly includes a housing having a central axis and a mechanical gear box positioned within the housing. The mechanical gear box is coupled to the housing such that rotation of the housing at a first rotational rate provides a rotary input to the mechanical gear box. A rotary cutting bit is coupled to the mechanical gear box. The mechanical gear box is configured to rotate said rotary cutting bit at a second rotational rate in response to that rotary input from the housing. The second rotational rate is greater than the first rotational rate. The mechanical gear box is also further configured to cause the rotary cutting bit to orbit about the central axis of the housing.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include impregnated drill bits having a plurality of relatively large abrasive cutting media, such as polycrystalline diamonds, embedded therein. According to some implementations of the present invention, the relatively large abrasive cutting media can be dispersed in an unorganized arrangement throughout at least a portion of the crown. Additionally, one or more implementations can include a second plurality of relatively small abrasive cutting media. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including impregnated drill bits having a plurality of relatively large abrasive cutting media embedded therein, methods of using such impregnated drill bits, and methods of forming such impregnated drill bits.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a crown defining a central axis. The crown includes at least one segment. The segment includes a planar portion and a plurality of surface features continuous with and extending away from the planar portion. The surface features are discontinuous within the segment with respect to a first arced path defined at a first radial distance from the central axis.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways that can increase flushing and bit life, while also decreasing clogging. According to some implementations of the present invention, the waterways can be radially tapered in addition to being axially tapered. The axially-tapered waterways can include notches extending into the cutting face of the drilling tools and/or slots enclosed within the crown of the drilling tools. Implementations of the present invention also include drilling systems including drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways, and methods of forming drilling tools having axially-tapered waterways.