Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head defining a longitudinal axis, an adjustable cutter blade having a cutting element, and a blade ramp extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis and arranged to radially adjust the adjustable cutter blade when the adjustable cutter blade moves axially along a side of the bit head. The drill bit further includes a gauge pad coupled to the adjustable cutter blade and a gauge pad ramp extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis and arranged to radially adjust the gauge pad when the gauge pad moves axially along the side of the bit head.

Abstract: Drill bit designs can allow a well operator to modify drill bit characteristics downhole in real time to facilitate monobore drilling. An exemplary drill bit can include a bit head, an adjustable cutter blade on a side of the bit head, and a gauge pad on the side of the bit head. The adjustable cutter and the gauge pad can be connected, such that, when the adjustable cutter blade and the gauge pad move in a same axial direction, the adjustable cutter and the gauge pad move in opposite radial directions. The relative radial positions of the adjustable cutter blade and the gauge pad can be adjusted to shift between increased steerability and increased stability of the drill bit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a downhole component within a borehole, the system including a transfer assembly coupled between a rotatable component and the downhole component, the transfer assembly including a swash plate assembly configured to control the downhole component and a member configured to engage the swash plate assembly. The member is configured to move radially based upon a rotational speed of the rotatable component to selectively engage the swash plate assembly.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling tool and a method according to which a universal joint is sealed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the collar, the shaft, the universal joint, and first and second shoulders between which the universal joint is positioned; providing first and second self-energizing seals between the collar and the shaft on opposite sides of the universal joint; rotating the collar and the shaft; seating the first self-energizing seal against the first shoulder; and seating a second self-energizing seal against the second shoulder. In one embodiment, the universal joint includes a convex surface formed on the shaft; a first concave surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a first axial load; and a spacer ring defining a second concave surface adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a second axial load.

Abstract: A system for controlling a downhole component within a borehole, the system including a transfer assembly coupled between a rotatable component and the downhole component, the transfer assembly including a swash plate assembly configured to control the downhole component and a member configured to engage the swash plate assembly. The member is configured to move radially based upon a rotational speed of the rotatable component to selectively engage the swash plate assembly.

Abstract: A rotary steerable drilling tool and a method according to which a universal joint is sealed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the collar, the shaft, the universal joint, and first and second shoulders between which the universal joint is positioned; providing first and second self-energizing seals between the collar and the shaft on opposite sides of the universal joint; rotating the collar and the shaft; seating the first self-energizing seal against the first shoulder; and seating a second self-energizing seal against the second shoulder. In one embodiment, the universal joint includes a convex surface formed on the shaft; a first concave surface extending circumferentially about the shaft and adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a first axial load; and a spacer ring defining a second concave surface adapted to mate with the convex surface to carry a second axial load.