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: The lamp has a borosilicate lens bonded to a gas tight envelope containing a protective gas. The envelope contains a high gloss reflective coating on an inner surface and has a bulb mounted on a pair of support posts. The bulb contains a coiled tungsten filament within a halogen gas tight envelope. The filament is axially connected on each side to a tungsten wire, a molybdenum foil and a protruding lead wire. Each lead wire penetrates the gas tight bulb envelope to an integral tulip shaped end portion of the bulb, each end portion enclosed by a brass end cap. A bore in the end cap permits an electrical conductor to be soldered to the protruding lead wire.

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.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a bit body and at least one cutter rotatably secured to the bit body. The cutter has a cutter shell surface including a gage surface and a heel surface. A plurality of cutting elements inserts are arranged in generally circumferential rows on the cutter. At least one scraper cutting element is secured at least partially to the heel surface of the cutter. The scraper cutting element includes an outermost surface, generally aligned with the gage surface of the cutter, that defines a plow edge or point for shearing engagement with the sidewall of the borehole while redirecting cuttings up the borehole.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring discs between disc manufacturing machinery or processes comprises a series of storage cassettes having discs stored therein. Each stored disc is retrieved from the cassette and placed into a shuttle which carries the disc while it is processed. The processed disc is retrieved from the shuttle subsequent to the disc manufacturing process and placed into a second storage cassette. The apparatus transfers the discs by gripping them between a stationary member which engages the edge of the disc and a selectably moveable member which engages the disc hole such that the disc is pinched between the two gripping members. The gripping and transferring functions are controlled by a computer.