Abstract: An improved drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore comprising a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter, a lubrication system for a rolling cone cutter, at least one lubrication sensor for monitoring at least one condition of said lubricant during drilling operations, and an electronics member in the bit body for recording data obtained form said lubrication sensor.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.

Abstract: An improved drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore comprising a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter, a coupling member formed at an upper shank portion of said bit body, at least one sensor for monitoring at least one condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations, and an electronics bay portion defined in-part by said upper shank portion of said bit body for housing at least one monitoring circuit.

Abstract: An improved drill bit is provided with a sensor for monitoring an operating condition during drilling. A fastener system is provided for securing an erodible ball in a fixed position relative to a flow pathway until a predetermined operating condition is detected by the sensor, and for releasing the erodible ball into the flow pathway to obstruct the flow through at least one bit nozzle.

Abstract: An improved drill bit includes a bit body, a coupling member formed at an upper shank portion. It further includes at least one sensor for monitoring at least one condition of the bit during drilling operations. In one embodiment the at least one sensor is a capacitor disposed in a lubrication pathway. An electronics bay is defined in-part by the upper shank portion. It houses at least one monitoring circuit. A battery cavity is disposed in at least one of the bit legs. A battery cavity cap is provided. A seal is provided to seal the battery cavity cap at the bit leg to define a fluid tight battery cavity.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of the bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of the improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in the bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating the at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to the bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.

Abstract: An improved drill bit is provided with a sensor for monitoring an operating condition during drilling. A fastener system is provided for securing an erodible ball in a fixed position relative to a flow pathway until a predetermined operating condition is detected by the sensor, and for releasing the erodible ball into the flow pathway to obstruct the flow through at least one bit nozzle.

Abstract: An improved drill bit includes a condition sensor and a semiconductor memory. The condition sensor includes an electrical sensor which has an attribute which changes in response to changes in the bit condition. Monitoring and sampling circuits are utilized to record this data into the semiconductor memory. A communication system may be provided which includes a signal flow path and a selectively-actuable flow control device for controlling the signal flow path until a predetermined operating condition is detected; upon actuation, a detectable pressure change is developed in the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling operations in a wellbore, the drill bit having a bit body including a plurality of bit legs, each supporting a rolling cone cutter; a coupling member formed at an upper portion of said bit body; at least one temperature sensor for monitoring at least one temperature condition of said improved drill bit during drilling operations; and at least one temperature sensor cavity formed in said bit body and adapted for receiving, carrying, and locating said at least one temperature sensor in a particular position relative to said bit body which is empirically determined to optimize temperature sensor discrimination.