Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component has at least one end adapted to connect to an adjacent tool sting component and a bore adapted to accommodate a flow of drilling fluid. A turbine is disposed within the bore and an actuating assembly is arranged such that a clutch may mechanically connect and disconnect with the turbine.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a drill bit has a jack element with a distal end extending beyond a working face. A porting mechanism within the bore comprises first and second discs contacting along a flat interface. The first disc is attached to a turbine which is adapted to rotate the first disc with respect to the second disc. The discs comprise a first set of ports adapted to align and misalign with each other as the first disc rotates. The first set of ports is adapted to route a drilling fluid to extend the jack element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention a hammer assembly comprises a substantially coaxial jack element with a distal end extending beyond a working face of a drill bit. A porting mechanism within the bore comprises a first and second disc substantially contacting along a flat interface substantially normal to the axis of rotation. The first disc is attached to a turbine which is adapted to rotate the first disc with respect to the second disc. The first disc comprises a first set of ports adapted to align and misalign with a second and third set of ports in the second disc. As the first disc rotates, the sets of ports are adapted to route a drilling fluid into a piston chamber where the porting mechanism causes the jack element to repeatedly extend further beyond the working surface of the drill bit at a constant frequency.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole tool string component has a first and second threaded end on a mandrel, the first threaded end attached to a first sleeve and the second threaded end attached to a second sleeve. An intermediate sleeve assembly is disposed circumferentially around the mandrel and intermediate the first and second threaded ends, and the intermediate sleeve assembly is primarily isolated from stress of the first or second sleeve.

Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a front portion with an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. The carbide bolster comprises a cavity which is formed in the bolster's base end and which is adapted to interlock with a rear portion of the pick. The rear portion is adapted to be retained within a bore of a holder that is attached to a driving mechanism. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock its first end within the cavity. The locking mechanism comprises a radially extending catch that is formed in the first end of the rear portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud having a central passage and at least one periphery passage. At least two movable segments are peripherally positioned around a bore wall adapted to constrict a diameter of the central passage and are adapted to divert drilling mud into the at least one periphery passage. At least one opening mechanism is adapted to move a portion of the at least two movable segments toward the bore wall.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole assembly has a downhole tool string component with a bore adapted to accommodate drilling mud having a central passage and at least one periphery passage. At least two movable segments are peripherally positioned around a bore wall adapted to constrict a diameter of the central passage and are adapted to divert drilling mud into the at least one periphery passage. At least one opening mechanism is adapted to move a portion of the at least two movable segments toward the bore wall.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole drill string assembly comprises a bore there through to receive drilling fluid. A turbine may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid. At least one flow guide may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid wherein the flow guide acts to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid across the turbine. The flow guide may be adjusted by an actuator. Adjustments to the flow guide may be controlled by a downhole telemetry system, a processing unit, a control loop, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments the turbine may comprise rotatable turbine blades.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole drill string assembly comprises a bore there through to receive drilling fluid. A turbine may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid. At least one flow guide may be disposed within the bore and exposed to the drilling fluid wherein the flow guide acts to redirect the flow of the drilling fluid across the turbine. The flow guide may be adjusted by an actuator. Adjustments to the flow guide may be controlled by a downhole telemetry system, a processing unit, a control loop, or any combination thereof. In various embodiments the turbine may comprise rotatable turbine blades.

Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.

Abstract: A downhole percussive tool is disclosed comprising an interior chamber and a piston element slidably sitting within the interior chamber forming two pressure chambers on either side. The piston element may slide back and forth within the interior chamber as drilling fluid is channeled into either pressure chamber. Input channels supply drilling fluid into the pressure chambers and exit orifices release that fluid from the same. An exhaust orifice allows additional drilling fluid to release from the interior chamber. The amount of pressure maintained in either pressure chamber may be controlled by the size of the exiting orifices and exhaust orifices. In various embodiments, the percussive tool may form a downhole jack hammer or vibrator tool.

Abstract: A retention assembly, comprises a carbide bolster comprising a cavity formed in its base end. A shaft comprises an inserted end disposed within the cavity. The shaft is disposed within a hollow shank which comprises a first end contacting the bolster and a loaded end in mechanical communication with the shaft. Wherein, the inserted end is brazed to an inner surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and second end. The tubular body of the tool string comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. A loading member near the other end of the tubular component is disposed about the outer surface and is adapted for loading the at least one sleeve against a shoulder. The loading member comprises an internal threadform adapted to threadingly engage an external threadform in the outer surface of the tubular body. Either the external threadform or the internal threadform comprises a plurality of threads with a distal thread comprising a first thread height and a proximal thread comprising a second thread height. The first thread height is greater than the second thread height and a plurality of the threads heights between the first and second thread heights accumulatively taper from the first height to the second height.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole power generation assembly has a downhole tool string component comprising a bore. A collar is rotatably supported within the bore and has a centralized fluid passageway and a plurality of turbine blades. The collar is connected to a power generation element such that rotation of the collar moves the power generation element and induces an electrical current.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole power generation assembly has a downhole tool string component comprising a bore. A collar is rotatably supported within the bore and has a centralized fluid passageway and a plurality of turbine blades. The collar is connected to a power generation element such that rotation of the collar moves the power generation element and induces an electrical current.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has a jack element that is substantially coaxial with an axis of rotation of the drill bit and the jack element has an asymmetrical distal end that extends beyond a working face of the drill bit. A turbine is located within a bore formed in the drill bit and a flow valve is actuated by the turbine. The flow valve is adapted to route a drilling fluid in the bore into a porting mechanism adapted to extend the jack element farther beyond the working surface of the drill bit. The turbine is also adapted to rotate the jack element at variable speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus has a downhole tubular body having a bore with a central axis. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of the tubular component, the assembly having a first end, a second end, a first conductor, and a second conductor electrically isolated from the first conductor. At least one end of the assembly has a polished mating surface which has an electrically conductive portion surrounded by a dielectric material. The electrically conductive portion is in electrical communication with the first conductor. The first and second ends of the electrical conductor assembly are substantially aligned to the central axis of the bore by stabilizing elements within the bore.