Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a high impact resistant tool having a superhard bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The superhard material has a substantially pointed geometry with a sharp apex having 0.050 to 0.125 inch radius. The superhard material also has a 0.100 to 0.500 inch thickness from the apex to the non-planar interface.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to a frame of a high temperature, high pressure press, having an anvil at a front end of a cylindrical body of the cartridge and a hydraulic chamber within the body adapted to apply axial pressure to the anvil. A radial compression element is disposed around an outer diameter of the body and is adapted to limit radial expansion of the body proximate the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to a frame of a high temperature, high pressure press, having an anvil at a front end of a cylindrical body of the cartridge and a hydraulic chamber within the body adapted to apply axial pressure to the anvil. A radial compression element is disposed around an outer diameter of the body and is adapted to limit radial expansion of the body proximate the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a working portion with at least one impact tip brazed to a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end and is adapted to interlock with a shank assembly of the cutting element assembly. The shank assembly has a locking mechanism adapted to interlock a first end of the shank assembly within the cavity. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch formed in the first end of the shank assembly. The shank assembly has an outer surface at a second end of the shank assembly adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism. The outer surface of the shank assembly has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 110 percent or more than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material of the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A downhole component of a tool string, having a first and a second end intermediate a tubular body. First and second collars are mounted to the inner surface of the component at the first and second ends respectively. Each collar has an electrical conductor secured to the collar. The first collar has a bearing surface adapted to slide with respect to the inner surface of the component and the second collar is rotationally fixed to the inner surface of the component.

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.