Abstract: A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element partially disposed within a support and a retention mechanism disposed between the cutting element and the support, both the axial and radial dimensions of the retention mechanism being deformable.

Abstract: A fixed bladed drill bit has a working face that includes a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working face and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, each blade having a leading face and a trailing face, and at least one row of cutting elements disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades proximate to the leading face of the blade, where the row of cutting elements includes at least one pointed cutting element having a cutting end with a rounded apex and at least one shearing cutter. The at least one shearing cutter includes a first shearing cutter positioned proximate to a periphery of the working face.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation element includes a substrate bonded to a sintered polycrystalline ceramic. The sintered polycrystalline ceramic has a tapering shape and a rounded apex. The rounded apex has a curvature with a 0.050 to 0.150 inch radius when viewed from a direction normal to a central axis of the degradation element that intersects the curvature. The rounded apex includes the characteristic of when the rounded apex is loaded against a rock formation, the rounded apex fails the rock formation forming a crushed barrier ahead of the rounded apex that shields the rounded apex from a virgin portion of the rock formation while still allowing the rounded apex to penetrate below a surface of the rock formation.

Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face having at least one cutting insert. A bore is formed in the working face co-axial within an axis of rotation of the drill bit. A jack element is retained within the bore by a retaining element that intrudes a diameter of the bore.

Abstract: A fixed bladed drill bit has a working face that includes a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working face and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, each blade having a leading face and a trailing face, and at least one row of cutting elements disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades proximate to the leading face of the blade, where the row of cutting elements includes at least one pointed cutting element having a cutting end with a rounded apex and at least one shearing cutter. The at least one shearing cutter includes a first shearing cutter positioned proximate to a periphery of the working face.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly includes a cutting element partially disposed within a support and a retention mechanism disposed between the cutting element and the support, both the axial and radial dimensions of the retention mechanism being deformable.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a fixed bladed drill bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit. Each blade comprises a plurality of pointed cutting elements and another plurality of shearing cutters. The plurality of shearing cutters comprises a first shearing cutter. The first shearing cutter on each blade tracks the first shearing cutter on other blades along a common circular cutting path.

Abstract: A downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least one blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive take angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: A pocket restitution assembly comprises a pocket formed in a surface that includes a central axis, an anchor seated in the pocket and aligned with the central axis, a tool attachment comprising an end for connection to the anchor, and a hollow bit slidably and rotatably sitting on the tool attachment. The hollow bit may fit within the pocket. Weld material may be deposited within the pocket to form an interior of the pocket. The weld material may be shaped by the hollow bit to accept a cutting element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: A downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit assembly for downhole drilling comprises an outer bit comprising a central axis and an outer cutting area and an inner bit disposed within the outer bit and comprising an inner cutting area. The outer bit comprises a first plurality of cutting elements and the inner bit comprises a second plurality of cutting elements wherein an average distance of each cutting element in the first plurality to the central axis forms a first moment arm and an average distance of each cutting element in the second plurality to the central axis forms a second moment arm. A ratio of the inner cutting area to the outer cutting area is substantially equal to a ratio of the outer moment arm to the inner moment arm.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for degrading natural and man-made formations includes a pick with an axially spring loaded pick comprising a central axis and being attached to a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The pick comprising a steel body with an axial shank disposed within a bore of the holder.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.

Abstract: What is claimed is a downhole lubrication system comprising a drill string component comprising an outer diameter and an inner bore. A reservoir may be disposed intermediate the outer diameter and inner bore. A piston may be disposed at least partially within the reservoir. At least one channel may extend from the reservoir to a bearing surface. As drilling fluid is passed through the inner bore, the piston may be pressurized, urging lubricant toward the bearing surface via the at least one channel.