Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: A method for conducting nondestructive internal inspection of a rotary drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations comprises communicating ultrasonic waves into a drill bit and detecting ultrasonic waves that are reflected by at least a portion of the drill bit. In some embodiments, the waves may be directed into the drill bit from within a longitudinal bore thereof. Reflected waves also may be detected from within the bore. The methods may be used to develop threshold acceptance criteria for classifying drill bits as acceptable or unacceptable to prevent catastrophic failures of drill bits during use. Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for conducting nondestructive ultrasonic inspection of a drill bit used for drilling subterranean formations. The systems and apparatuses may comprise an ultrasonic probe configured for insertion within an internal longitudinal bore of a drill bit. Drill bits are disclosed that are configured to facilitate nondestructive ultrasonic inspection thereof.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has sliding engaging surfaces between a cone assembly and a bearing pin. Micropores are formed in at least one of the engaging surfaces. Each of the micropores has a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion is at a more gradual slope than the trailing portion. The micropores are located in a pattern of a greater density in a region of the engaging surfaces that operate at higher pressures than in other regions.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit, and a method of increasing the durability of the same, which includes the step providing a pliable sheet of a hardfacing matrix material. The pliable sheet of hardfacing material has a nickel and chromium matrix combined with a first element. The first element is selected from a group consisting of spherical sintered tungsten carbide, spherical cast tungsten carbide, and metallic glass. The hardfacing matrix material sheet is placed on a preselected surface of the drill bit. The hardfacing matrix material sheet is then fusion bonded to the drill bit.

Abstract: A roller cone bit has a ball retention system to secure the cones to the head. A radial ball race includes a ball way with a ball plug to keep the balls in the ball race. The ball plug is secured to the head by welding. Any residual stress in the weld region is alleviated by one of several solutions. Material may be selectively removed from the weld, the heat-affected zone, and/or the surrounding area to promote relaxation of residual stress. Alternatively, deflection is imposed and/or heat or vibration is applied to promote relaxation.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods for sampling sensor data associated with the state of a drill bit are disclosed. A drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation comprises a bit body and a shank. The shank further includes a central bore formed through an inside diameter of the shank and configured for receiving a data analysis module. The data analysis module comprises a plurality of sensors, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured for executing computer instructions to collect the sensor data by sampling the plurality of sensors, analyze the sensor data to develop a severity index, compare the sensor data to at least one adaptive threshold, and modify a data sampling mode responsive to the comparison. A method comprises collecting sensor data by sampling a plurality of physical parameters associated with a drill bit state while in various sampling modes and transitioning between those sampling modes.

Abstract: A shank configuration for rotary drill bits, is disclosed for positioning of the shank in relation to the bit body. A tapered surface or feature of the shank may be configured and sized to matingly engage a complementarily shaped surface or feature of the drill bit body and thereby become centered or positioned in relation thereto. A deformable element may be disposed between the shank and bit body. Also, the shank may comprise a material having a carbon equivalent of less than about 0.35%. A multi-pass weld procedure may be employed to affix the shank and bit body to one another wherein welds may be formed so that one weld originates at a circumferential position that differs from the origination circumferential position of its immediately preceding weld by at least about 90°. Further, a stress state may be developed within the multi-pass weld. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has sliding engaging surfaces between a cone assembly and a bearing pin. Micropores are formed in at least one of the engaging surfaces. Each of the micropores has a leading portion and a trailing portion. The leading portion is at a more gradual slope than the trailing portion. The micropores are located in a pattern of a greater density in a region of the engaging surfaces that operate at higher pressures than in other regions.

Abstract: A casing bit, which may comprise a composite structure, for drilling a casing section into a subterranean formation, and which may include a portion configured to be drilled therethrough, is disclosed. Cutting elements and methods of use are disclosed. Adhesive, solder, electrically disbonding material, and braze affixation of a cutting element are disclosed. Differing abrasive material amount, characteristics, and size of cutting elements are disclosed. Telescoping casing sections and bits are disclosed. Aspects and embodiments are disclosed including: at least one gage section extending from the nose portion, at least one rotationally trailing groove formed in at least one of the plurality of blades, a movable blade, a leading face comprising superabrasive material, at least one of a drilling fluid nozzle and a sleeve, grooves for preferential failure, at least one rolling cone affixed to the nose portion, at least one sensor, discrete cutting element retention structures, and percussion inserts.

Abstract: An improved device for placing and removing ceiling displays. The device includes an installation head with one or more seats that house ferromagnetic metal snap rings or a ferromagnetic material insert capable of attaching to magnetic mounting elements able to support a ceiling display from the metal components of an acoustical ceiling or the like. Furthermore, in conjunction with a handle extending from the head, multiple magnetic elements can be suspended from an elevated ceiling. Multiple seats allow receipt of a ceiling display of substantial width with multiple magnetic mounting elements. Consequently, the system allows for convenient and efficient placement and removal of ceiling displays in an efficient, safe, and convenient manner.