Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved non-stabilizer guidance positioning members for directional drilling assemblies and for drill strings. It also relates to an improved method for analyzing the fit and engagement of a directional drilling assembly in curved and straight wellbores in order to produce improved guidance positioning members. It also relates to a method of designing guidance positioning members for directional drilling. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved positioning elements for directional drilling assemblies. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved non-stabilizer guidance positioning members for directional drilling assemblies and for drill strings. It also relates to an improved method for analyzing the fit and engagement of a directional drilling assembly in curved and straight wellbores in order to produce improved guidance positioning members. It also relates to a method of designing guidance positioning members for directional drilling. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved non-stabilizer guidance positioning members for directional drilling assemblies and for drill strings. It also relates to an improved method for analyzing the fit and engagement of a directional drilling assembly in curved and straight wellbores in order to produce improved guidance positioning members. It also relates to a method of designing guidance positioning members for directional drilling. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: A downhole assembly for a directional drilling apparatus is provided. The downhole assembly includes at least one positioning element. The positioning element has a first radial extension when the downhole assembly is drilling a wellbore. When the downhole assembly inclination is greater than a predetermined amount, such as when the downhole assembly is horizontal, the positioning element has a second radial extension that is less than the first radial extension.

Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved positioning elements for directional drilling assemblies. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: Directional drilling is an extremely important area of technology for the extraction of oil and gas from earthen formations. The technology of the present application relates to improved non-stabilizer guidance positioning members for directional drilling assemblies and for drill strings. It also relates to an improved method for analyzing the fit and engagement of a directional drilling assembly in curved and straight wellbores in order to produce improved guidance positioning members. It also relates to a method of designing guidance positioning members for directional drilling. It also relates to drilling directional wellbores using the guidance positioning members of the present technology.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, bearing components and related methods are provided for heavy load applications. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a first bearing apparatus having a base member and a first plurality of polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) on a first surface of the base member, the first plurality of PDCs defining a first collective bearing surface. A second bearing apparatus is configured to engage and slide over the first collective bearing surface. the second bearing apparatus may include a second plurality of PDCs defining a second collective bearing surface. The collective bearing surfaces may be configured to be substantially planar or substantially arcuate. Such bearing assemblies may be implemented in, for example, bridges, roadways, buildings, railways and other structures and machines that may require heavy load bearing support.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, bearing components and related methods are provided for heavy load applications. In one embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a first bearing apparatus having a base member and a first plurality of polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) on a first surface of the base member, the first plurality of PDCs defining a first collective bearing surface. A second bearing apparatus is configured to engage and slide over the first collective bearing surface. the second bearing apparatus may include a second plurality of PDCs defining a second collective bearing surface. The collective bearing surfaces may be configured to be substantially planar or substantially arcuate. Such bearing assemblies may be implemented in, for example, bridges, roadways, buildings, railways and other structures and machines that may require heavy load bearing support.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly for use on a rotary drill bit for forming a borehole in a subterranean formation. A cutting element includes a substrate having a base member affixed to a back surface of the substrate is disclosed, wherein the base member includes a recess configured to secure the base member to a rotary drill bit. An inner member may be positioned within the recess of the base member. Also, a structural element may be coupled to the inner member or to the base member. A rotary drill bit may include a cutting element assembly. In addition, a method of securing a cutting element to a rotary drill bit may include providing a base member affixed to a cutting element and positioning the base member within a recess of the rotary drill bit.

Abstract: A new drill insert product and the method of making the same are provided. This invention makes use of a multi-metal region bonded to the top (cutting) surface of a superabrasive layer to improve drill life, decrease the propensity for delamination and to avoid crack initiation sites in the drill insert product. This invention makes use of an inner can top composed essentially of niobium, which, under the compression pressure of an ultra high pressure press, bonds to a molybdenum disk, thereby providing improved tensile strength, abrasion resistance, bonding strength, as well as improved control over the cutting surface flatness. By using the inner can top, this invention improves process efficiency, while reducing manufacturing complexity and waste.

Abstract: A method or process for making polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline CBN cutting tools (Superabrasives), which have integral chip-breaking features is disclosed. This method involves pressing a die or other like rigid component against either the outer can cover or the diamond or CBN region directly. This invention provides economical manufacture of diamond chip-breaker tools, while avoiding unnecessary EDM EDG, grinding, or laser processes. This process forms the chip-breaker on the upper surface of the diamond region, during or prior to sintering. This invention permits a wide variety of chip-breaker or other diamond surface features, while minimizing cost and processing steps. Disclosed embodiments include: pressing through the can assembly; pressing within the assembly by introducing a rigid component in the can; and pressing two cans together with an intervening rigid component imposing the desired diamond surface features.

Abstract: A method or process for making polycrystalline diamond or polycrystalline CBN cutting tools (Superabrasives), which have integral chip-breaking features is disclosed. This method involves pressing a die or other like rigid component against either the outer can cover or the diamond or CBN region directly. This invention provides economical manufacture of diamond chip-breaker tools, while avoiding unnecessary EDM EDG, grinding, or laser processes. This process forms the chip-breaker on the upper surface of the diamond region, during or prior to sintering. This invention permits a wide variety of chip-breaker or other diamond surface features, while minimizing cost and processing steps. Disclosed embodiments include: pressing through the can assembly; pressing within the assembly by introducing a rigid component in the can; and pressing two cans together with an intervening rigid component imposing the desired diamond surface features.