Abstract: A nozzle for a drill bit such as may be used to drill for oil or natural gas. The nozzle includes a generally-cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end for insertion into a drill bit body, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal bore through the nozzle along the longitudinal axis. The nozzle further includes one or more lobes extending radially from the nozzle body near the distal end. Each of the lobes is displaced axially from the distal end such that a cylindrical portion of the nozzle body is disposed between the distal end and the lobe. The nozzle further includes a fitting in the distal end configured to engage a tool for imparting rotational torque to the nozzle about the longitudinal axis. Such a nozzle is preferably insertable into a drill bit body from outside the body.

Abstract: A nozzle for a drill bit such as may be used to drill for oil or natural gas. The nozzle includes a generally-cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end for insertion into a drill bit body, and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The nozzle body defines a longitudinal bore through the nozzle along the longitudinal axis. The nozzle further includes one or more lobes extending radially from the nozzle body near the distal end. Each of the lobes is displaced axially from the distal end such that a cylindrical portion of the nozzle body is disposed between the distal end and the lobe. The nozzle further includes a fitting in the distal end configured to engage a tool for imparting rotational torque to the nozzle about the longitudinal axis. Such a nozzle is preferably insertable into a drill bit body from outside the body.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque between two components where rotation of the components may not be completely aligned. The universal joint includes upper and lower longitudinal members each connected to opposite sides of a bearing element. The elements are connected to the bearing element at spaced radial positions. As the joint rotates the bearing element flexes between the connections to accommodate misalignment of the elements. Axial force can be transferred through the bearing element as well as torque.

Abstract: A rotating bit with cutters used in drilling operations to advance a borehole in the earth. The bit includes column cutters in the bit body in a recessed central area. The column cutters contact a column of borehole material that is formed during operation. The column cutters are oriented to fracture the column, producing larger cuttings or chips, and to exert a force on the column to limit lateral movement of the bit during operation.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in a downhole drill string includes a planetary gear to convert eccentric rotation in the drill string to axial rotation.

Abstract: A rotary impact tool assembled in a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components. The rotary impact tool includes an anvil and a hammer axially aligned with engaging faces. At a threshold torque, the hammer disengages from the anvil and rotates freely until a biasing element displaces the hammer to reengage the anvil. Kinetic energy stored in the hammer is transferred to the anvil when the faces of the hammer and anvil reengage. This provides an impact to the anvil and any attached component. The tool can accommodate misalignment of the attached components.

Abstract: Cutters mounted on bits for advancing boreholes are subject to extreme forces that can separate the cutter from the bit. A cutter backing element with a rearward extending lug and forward face can provide support to the cutter. The backing element is attached to the back face of the cutter and the lug of the backing element is received in a recess of the bit. The backing element can be brazed to the bit and the cutter. The lug is offset from a longitudinal axis of the backing element. Forces applied to the front of the cutter during drilling operations are transferred through the cutter to the backing element and to the bit through the offset lug.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components along a longitudinal axis where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes axially spaced members joined by transversely spaced links. As the joint rotates the links move to accommodate misalignment between the drill string components and the connected members.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled in a drill string transfers torque between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes two members each with pin connections on one end and axially extending arms on the other end. The axially extending arms intermesh when the members are assembled defining a closed cavity between the arms. The cavity retains a ball bearing held between two seats. The universal joint when assembled to portions of the drill string at the pins on each end transfer torque by intermeshing of the teeth. Axial force is transferred through the seats holding the ball bearing.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled in a drill string transfers torque between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes two members each with pin connections on one end and axially extending arms on the other end. The axially extending arms intermesh when the members are assembled defining a closed cavity between the arms. The cavity retains a ball bearing held between two seats. The universal joint when assembled to portions of the drill string at the pins on each end transfer torque by intermeshing of the teeth. Axial force is transferred through the seats holding the ball bearing.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled in a drill string transfers torque between two components where rotation of the components may not be completely aligned. The universal joint includes upper and lower members with radial teeth connected by a serpentine retainer. As the joint rotates the members can pivot within the confines of the serpentine retainer to accommodate misalignment of the components. Axial force can be transferred through a bearing member between the members.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components along a longitudinal axis where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes axially spaced members joined by transversely spaced links. As the joint rotates the links move to accommodate misalignment between the drill string components and the connected members.

Abstract: A rotary impact tool assembled in a drill string transfers torque and axial force between two components. The rotary impact tool includes an anvil and a hammer axially aligned with engaging faces. At a threshold torque, the hammer disengages from the anvil and rotates freely until a biasing element displaces the hammer to reengage the anvil. Kinetic energy stored in the hammer is transferred to the anvil when the faces of the hammer and anvil reengage. This provides an impact to the anvil and any attached component. The tool can accommodate misalignment of the attached components.

Abstract: A universal joint for use in a downhole drill string includes a planetary gear to convert eccentric rotation in the drill string to axial rotation.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled to a drill string transfers torque between two components where rotation of the components may not be completely aligned. The universal joint includes upper and lower longitudinal members each connected to opposite sides of a bearing element. The elements are connected to the bearing element at spaced radial positions. As the joint rotates the bearing element flexes between the connections to accommodate misalignment of the elements. Axial force can be transferred through the bearing element as well as torque.

Abstract: A universal joint assembled in a drill string transfers torque between two components where the shafts of the components are not completely aligned. The universal joint includes two members each with pin connections on one end and axially extending arms on the other end. The axially extending arms intermesh when the members are assembled defining a closed cavity between the arms. The cavity retains a ball bearing held between two seats. The universal joint when assembled to portions of the drill string at the pins on each end transfer torque by intermeshing of the teeth. Axial force is transferred through the seats holding the ball bearing.

Abstract: A rotating bit with cutters used in drilling operations to advance a borehole in the earth. The bit includes column cutters in the bit body in a recessed central area. The column cutters contact a column of borehole material that is formed during operation. The column cutters are oriented to fracture the column, producing larger cuttings or chips, and to exert a force on the column to limit lateral movement of the bit during operation.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit has one or more fixed composite cutting structures formed from a plurality of discrete prefabricated cutters that abut each other along complementary side surfaces, the composite cutting structure being placed and oriented on the cutting face of the rotating body so that the composite cutting structure presents a cutting profile that does not expose any portion of the cutting face that is between or behind the composite cutting structure, with respect to the direction of travel of the composite cutting structure during boring, to the uncut earth formation as the body is rotated during boring.

Abstract: Cutters mounted on bits for advancing boreholes are subject to extreme forces that can separate the cutter from the bit. A cutter backing element with a rearward extending lug and forward face can provide support to the cutter. The backing element is attached to the back face of the cutter and the lug of the backing element is received in a recess of the bit. The backing element can be brazed to the bit and the cutter. The lug is offset from a longitudinal axis of the backing element. Forces applied to the front of the cutter during drilling operations are transferred through the cutter to the backing element and to the bit through the offset lug.

Abstract: A rotary drag bit has one or more fixed composite cutting structures formed from a plurality of discrete prefabricated cutters that abut each other along complementary side surfaces, the composite cutting structure being placed and oriented on the cutting face of the rotating body so that the composite cutting structure presents a cutting profile that does not expose any portion of the cutting face that is between or behind the composite cutting structure, with respect to the direction of travel of the composite cutting structure during boring, to the uncut earth formation as the body is rotated during boring.