Abstract: A device may include a needle having a taper surface toward a distal end and a proximal portion opposite the distal end in an axial direction, wherein a surface of the needle includes polycrystalline diamond. A device may include a base including a non-diamond material positioned around the proximal portion, wherein the base is joined to the proximal portion of the needle by a compression fit.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for a PCD insert includes an expansion bolt inserted through a mounting element into a bore of the PCD insert. The bore of the PCD insert has an opening diameter that is greater than a terminal diameter at a terminal end of the bore. The expansion anchor is expanded in the bore, and an interference of the expanded expansion bolt with the body of the PCD insert secures the PCD insert to the mounting element.

Abstract: A needle for a choke valve assembly includes a base portion formed from a first non-superhard material and a tip portion formed from a superhard material. The needle also includes a brazed connection coupling the tip portion to the base portion. The brazed connection includes an insert formed from a second non-superhard material, in which the second non-superhard material is harder than the first non-superhard material and softer than the superhard material. In addition, the brazed connection includes a shim disposed between the insert and the base portion, a first layer of brazing material disposed between the base portion and the shim, and a second layer of brazing material disposed between the shim and the insert.

Abstract: A needle for a choke valve assembly includes a base portion formed from a first non-superhard material and a tip portion formed from a superhard material. The needle also includes a brazed connection coupling the tip portion to the base portion. The brazed connection includes an insert formed from a second non-superhard material, in which the second non-superhard material is harder than the first non-superhard material and softer than the superhard material. In addition, the brazed connection includes a shim disposed between the insert and the base portion, a first layer of brazing material disposed between the base portion and the shim, and a second layer of brazing material disposed between the shim and the insert.

Abstract: A needle for a choke valve assembly includes a base portion formed from a first non-superhard material and a tip portion formed from a superhard material. The needle also includes a brazed connection coupling the tip portion to the base portion. The brazed connection includes an insert formed from a second non-superhard material, in which the second non-superhard material is harder than the first non-superhard material and softer than the superhard material. In addition, the brazed connection includes a shim disposed between the insert and the base portion, a first layer of brazing material disposed between the base portion and the shim, and a second layer of brazing material disposed between the shim and the insert.

Abstract: A retention mechanism for a PCD insert includes an expansion bolt inserted through a mounting element into a bore of the PCD insert. The bore of the PCD insert has an opening diameter that is greater than a terminal diameter at a terminal end of the bore. The expansion anchor is expanded in the bore, and an interference of the expanded expansion bolt with the body of the PCD insert secures the PCD insert to the mounting element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system has a data acquisition device for acquiring data from a component. The component has an identification transmitter. The data acquisition device has an image acquisition mechanism to capture an image of the component and a receiver to receive a signal from the identification transmitter. The data acquisition device also has a processor to process data from the image acquisition mechanism and the receiver.

Abstract: A degradation assembly, comprising a platform comprising a surface. A plurality of picks each comprising a hard tip and a shank may be mounted on the surface. A plurality of sensors may also be disposed within the platform such that they can measure impacts on at least one of the picks. The sensors may be in communication with a processor. The degradation assembly may be capable of detecting and determining the location of a selected pick measuring impacts on at least one pick with at least one sensor, detecting a variation on the at least one pick with the at least one sensor, and determining a location of the at least one pick with more than one of the sensors.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle comprises a vehicle frame with a forward and rearward end. A rotary degradation drum is connected to an underside of the frame. A moldboard is disposed rearward to the rotary degradation drum and forms part of a milling chamber. The moldboard comprises an end disposed opposite the underside. A plurality of nozzles are disposed proximate the end of the moldboard and are configured to direct a fluid into the milling chamber. A heating mechanism is configured to heat the fluid.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a system has a data acquisition device for acquiring data from a component. The component has an identification transmitter. The data acquisition device has an image acquisition mechanism to capture an image of the component and a receiver to receive a signal from the identification transmitter. The data acquisition device also has a processor to process data from the image acquisition mechanism and the receiver.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an abrasion resistant nozzle has at least two sintered diamond bodies having flat, mating, exterior surfaces and a thickness, the surfaces being held against each other under compression. An enclosure is formed between the mating surfaces, at least one surface having a groove forming a portion of the enclosure and the other surface forming a remaining portion of the enclosure. The enclosure connects an entry and an exit formed in at least one side of at least one of the bodies.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a tool string steerable system has a drill bit body with a working face. An indenter protrudes from the working face and the indenter is rotational fixed to a tool string component above the drill bit body. The indenter is rotationally isolated from the drill bit body.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a system for exchanging a milling chamber comprises a vehicle comprising a milling chamber supported by the underside of the vehicle. The underside comprises a track that interfaces with a guide of the milling chamber. The track and guide are configured to accommodate lateral movement of the milling chamber with respect to a length of the vehicle.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a voltage regulator circuit comprises at least one coil disposed around a rotor coupled to a first rectifier. The coil comprises an electric tap connected to a second rectifier. The first rectifier and second rectifier are coupled to each other with at least one switch. The second rectifier is connected to a common load and the first rectifier is connected to the load via the at least one switch.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.