Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a superhard insert has a carbide substrate bonded to ceramic layer at an interface. The substrate has a generally frusto-conical end at the interface with a tapered portion leading to a flat portion. The central section of the ceramic layer may have a first thickness immediately over the flat portion of the substrate. The peripheral section of the ceramic layer has a second thickness being less than the first thickness covering the tapered portion of the substrate. The ceramic layer may be formed using HPHT technology.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism and also a hard tip attached to an interfacial surface of the base. The tip has a first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to a superhard material at a non-planar interface. The tip has a height between 4 and 10 mm and also has a curved working surface opposite the interfacial surface. A volume of the superhard material is about 75% to 150% of a volume of the first cemented metal carbide segment.

Abstract: A percussive drill bit has a working face opposite a shank end. The working face has a central jack insert and a plurality of peripheral inserts extending from the working face. The ends of the plurality of the peripheral inserts form an impacting plane. The central jack insert is disposed within a recessed portion of the working face and has an end extending between the working face and the impacting plane.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism and also a hard tip attached to an interfacial surface of the base. The tip has a first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to a superhard material at a non-planar interface. The tip has a height between 4 and 10 mm and also has a curved working surface opposite the interfacial surface. A volume of the superhard material is about 75% to 150% of a volume of the first cemented metal carbide segment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism and also a hard tip attached to an interfacial surface of the base. The tip has a first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to a superhard material at a non-planar interface. The tip has a height between 4 and 10 mm and also has a curved working surface opposite the interfacial surface. A volume of the superhard material is about 75% to 150% of a volume of the first cemented metal carbide segment.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a carbide bolster disposed intermediate an impact tip and a shank assembly. The impact tip comprises a superhard material bonded to a carbide substrate, and the tip is bonded to the bolster opposing a base of the bolster. The shank assembly comprises a central axis, a first end that protrudes into a cavity formed in the base of the bolster, and also an inducible attachment mechanism disposed proximate the first end. The inducible attachment mechanism is adapted to attach the shank assembly to the carbide bolster and restrict movement of the shank assembly with respect to the carbide bolster. The attachment mechanism may restrict movement of the shank assembly in a direction parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for directional degradation of a surface comprises an attachment assembly connected to a motorized vehicle comprising at least one degradation tool. The at least one degradation tool comprises a substantially cylindrical rotary degradation element having a substantially cylindrical working surface formed about a rotational axis. A plurality of cutting inserts is embedded within the substantially cylindrical working surface and is adapted to degrade a surface in a direction substantially normal to the rotational axis. At least one of the plurality of cutting inserts comprises a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material comprises a substantially pointed geometry with an apex comprising a 0.050 to 0.160 inch radius and a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface.

Abstract: A formation breaking apparatus with increased wear-resistance is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the apparatus has an assembly attached to an end of an articulated arm. The assembly has an actuator in mechanical communication with an axially guided penetrator. The penetrator may have a body intermediate a proximate end and a distal end; the proximate end being adapted to communicate with the actuator, and the distal end comprising a hard material with a hardness of at least 63 HRc.

Abstract: An improved assembly for HPHT processing having a can with an opening and a mixture disposed within the opening. A sealant barrier is positioned atop the mixture. First and second lids are positioned atop the mixture.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The bore of the holder comprises an inner surface comprising a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear-resistant base has a shank. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the base and the shank has a wear-resistant surface. The wear-resistant surface has a hardness greater than 60 HRc and/or is work hardened.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder which is secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein the retainer sleeve has an inner surface with a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The bore of the holder comprises an inner surface comprising a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation pick comprises a bolster disposed intermediate a shank and an impact tip. The shank comprises an outer diameter and first and second ends. The shank is coupled to the bolster through the first end and the second end is adapted for insertion into a central bore of a holder attached to a driving mechanism. The shank comprises a hollow portion disposed within the outer diameter and between the first and second ends. The hollow portion may comprise an opening that is disposed in the second end. In some embodiments the hollow portion may comprise a length that is at least as great as the outer diameter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear-resistant base has a shank and a metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment and the shank has a wear-resistant surface. The wear-resistant surface has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool has a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism A first end of a generally frustoconical first cemented metal carbide segment bonded to the base. A second metal carbide segment is bonded to a second end of the first carbide segment at an interface opposite the base. The first end has a cross sectional thickness of about 0.250 to 0.750 inches and the second end has a cross sectional thickness of about 1 to 1.50 inches. The first cemented metal carbide segment also has a volume of 0.250 cubic inches to 0.600 cubic inches.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.