Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly is provided, including a thrust ring defining a thrust face and an opposing thrust ring defining an opposing thrust face. At least one polycrystalline diamond element is coupled with the thrust face and defines an engagement surface. The opposing thrust ring includes a diamond reactive material. In operation, the engagement surface is in contact with the opposing thrust face. Also provided are methods of making, assembling, and using the same, as well as to systems and apparatus including the same.

Abstract: A radial bearing assembly is provided. The radial bearing assembly includes polycrystalline diamond elements, each having an engagement surface in sliding engagement with an opposing engagement surface. The opposing engagement surface includes a diamond reactive material. The radial bearing assembly may be deployed in a variety of components and applications, including in rotor and stator assemblies. Also provided are methods of use of the radial bearing assembly, as well as methods of designing the radial bearing assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a force breaker assembly. The assembly includes a housing having a first channel, a body within the housing and including an engagement surface. A second channel is formed in the body. A spring is positioned adjacent the body. A snap ring is positioned within the housing and about the body. When a load is applied to the engagement surface that is below a preset limit, the ring remains engaged within the first and second channel, retaining the body in an extended position. When a load is applied to the engagement surface that is at or above the preset limit, the ring is expanded out of the second channel and into the first channel or is compressed out of the first channel and into the second channel, such that the body is forced into a depressed position.

Abstract: A claw tooth rotary bit having teeth that are constructed from a hard material that is combined with a softer material so that the teeth wear unevenly as the bit is used to bore through an earth formation. Adjacent teeth may be provided with complementary patterns of hard and soft material shapes. Two adjacent teeth form a set that wear in a complementary pattern such that the high points of one tooth register with the low points of the adjacent tooth. As the bit rotates, the formation is randomly engaged by the high and low areas on the teeth to increase cutting effectiveness. The alternating layers of hard and soft material provide a self-sharpening configuration as the teeth wear unevenly. The presence of the hard material in the tooth structure improves tooth rigidity. In a preferred form, the hard material is a polycrystalline diamond while the softer material is steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the completion of non-vertical, including horizontally disposed, portions of a deviated well bore traversing a production formation. To facilitate the insertion of a gravel packing tool string through the curved portion of the well bore, stabilizer elements are maintained in a radially retracted position and then operated to engage the well bore after the tool string is run-in. An anti-rotation tool may be incorporated for connecting the work string to the left hand threads conventionally provided on a conventional packer in order to permit rotation of the entire tool string to facilitate passage through the curved portion of the well bore. Two gravel packing modifications are disclosed, the one employing a single packer and a cross-over tool located at the top end of a plurality of serially connected screens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use on a subterranean well gravel packing conduit. The apparatus incorporates a cylindrically shaped inner tubular member having an interior wall and an exterior wall. A fluid flow passageway is defined within the interior wall of the tubular member and fluid flow passage means extends from the interior of the tubular member through the exterior wall and communicates with the fluid flow passageway. In a preferred embodiment, an outer fluid-porous means, or particulate restricting means is carried around the exterior wall of the tubular member having its interior facing the tubular member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the completion of non-vertical, including horizontally disposed, portions of a deviated well bore traversing a production formation. To facilitate the insertion of a gravel packing tool string through the curved portion of the well bore, stabilizer elements are maintained in a radially retracted position and then operated to engage the well bore after the tool string is run-in. An anti-rotation tool may be incorporated for connecting the work string to the left hand threads conventionally provided on a conventional packer in order to permit rotation of the entire tool string to facilitate passage through the curved portion of the well bore. Two gravel packing modifications are disclosed, the one employing a single packer and a cross-over tool located at the top end of a plurality of serially connected screens.