Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drill bit has an axis of rotation and drill bit body intermediate a threaded end and a working face. The drill bit body houses a jack element protruding from the drill bit body and the jack element has a plurality of inserts disposed on the indenting end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

Abstract: A high impact resistant tool includes a superhard material 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 a radius of curvature of 0.050 to 0.125 inches. The superhard material also has a thickness of 0.100 to 0.500 inches from the apex to a central region of the cemented metal carbide substrate. The diamond material comprises a 1 to 5 percent concentration of binding agents by weight.

Abstract: A rigid composite structure includes a tubular body made from a metallic material and having a first bore formed therein along a longitudinal axis, and one or more segments formed from a super hard material disposed within the first bore. Each segment has a hole formed in the center thereof, and the segments may be positioned end-to-end and adjacent to one another to align the center holes about the longitudinal axis and form a second bore. The segments can be held under compression within the first bore of the tubular body. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline 10 diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly comprises a bit body intermediate a shank and a working face. The shank is adapted for connection to a drill string. The drill string comprising a fluid passage at least partially disposed within the body. A hammer assembly is movably disposed within the fluid passage along it central axis, the hammer assembly comprises a proximal end stabilized by a centralized upper bearing and a distal end stabilized by centralized a lower bearing. The distal end protrudes out of the working face and the hammer assembly comprises a carrier between the upper and lower bearings. Wherein, under normal drilling operations the carrier is adapted to resist a fluid pressure within the fluid passageway such that the fluid pressure will further extend the distal end of the hammer assembly from the working face by pushing on the carrier.

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: A rigid composite structure includes a tubular body made from a metallic material and having a first bore formed therein along a longitudinal axis, and one or more segments formed from a super hard material disposed within the first bore. Each segment has a hole formed in the center thereof, and the segments may be positioned end-to-end and adjacent to one another to align the center holes about the longitudinal axis and form a second bore. The segments can be held under compression within the first bore of the tubular body. The segments may be made of super hard materials such as natural diamond, synthetic diamond, polycrystalline diamond, single crystalline 10 diamond, cubic boron nitrate or other superhard composite materials which exhibit low thermal expansion rates and are generally chemically inert. The resultant rigid composite structure may possess higher tolerances to high pressures and high temperatures within the second bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant excavation pick having a super hard material is 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 frustum. A tapered bore is formed in the base end of the carbide frustum opposite the front end and a steel shank with a tapered interface is fitted into the tapered bore.

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: A degradation assembly for use with a driving mechanism includes a working portion coupled to a shank assembly. The working portion has an impact tip brazed to a working end of a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end that is adapted to engage with a shank and a locking mechanism of the shank assembly. The shank has an outer surface proximate a first end which is receivable within the cavity of the carbide extension. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch configured to engage with the cavity and couple the shank assembly to the working portion. The shank has an outer surface proximate a second end which is adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a tubular body with an inner and outer diameter. A pocket is formed in the outer diameter and is adapted to receive downhole instrumentation. A covering is attached to the outer diameter of the component and is adapted to seal the pocket from outside debris, the pocket having a bottom floor and a plurality of side walls. A stress relief is formed in the pocket.

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 degradation assembly for attachment to a driving mechanism used for degrading a formation. The degradation assembly includes both a cutting structure and a tensioning element adapted to connect the cutting structure to the driving mechanism. The tensioning element includes a body having a engaging structure adapted to engage with the cutting structure on a first end, a thread adapted to engage with the driving mechanism proximate a second end, a necked region between the engaging structure and the thread which is operable to break when acted upon by a predetermined tensile force, and a torque member extending from the engaging structure that engages with the cutting structure to transfer torque between the cutting structure and the body, and which torque member is operable to break when acted upon by a predetermined torque.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high-pressure, high-temperature press comprises a front end comprising a back-up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston, the anvil comprising a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end that forms part of a pressurized chamber within the frame, the back-up comprising a proximal end comprising a first diameter proximate an interface with a distal end of the piston, and a distal end comprising a second diameter proximate an interface with the proximal end of the anvil, the back-up comprising one or more circumferential reliefs disposed on the first diameter.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a swivel for use in a drilling operation comprises a body with a central bore adapted for threaded connection to a tool string component. At least one electrically conductive medium is rotationally supported within the bore and adapted to rotate with respect to an electrically conductive receiver that is rotationally fixed to and disposed within the body. The electrically conductive medium and the receiver are in electrical communication through an electrically conductive arm that is rotationally fixed to the electrically conductive medium and at least partially disposed within an electrically conductive fluid disposed within a reservoir. The reservoir comprises a rigid shape that is partially filled by the conductive fluid. At least one rotary seal is disposed intermediate the reservoir and the electrically conductive medium. The rigid shape of the reservoir is adapted to prevent the conductive fluid from accumulating around the rotary seal.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a machine for degrading a natural and/or man-made formation has picks connected to a drum of the machine and at least one accelerometer mounted to the machine adapted to measure forces acting on the machine. Electronic equipment is in communication with the at least one accelerometer and the electronic equipment has a processor adapted to determine a change in the formation based off of input from the at least one accelerometer. The electronic equipment also is in communication with a mechanism adapted to control, at least in part, a location of the drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a shank with a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end being adapted for attachment to a driving mechanism, with a shield rotatably attached to the forward end of the shank. The shield comprises an underside adapted for rotatable attachment to the shank and an impact tip disposed on an end opposing the underside. A seal is disposed intermediate the shield and the shank.

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 downhole tool has a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular body of the tool, a reciprocating sleeve located within the bore, the sleeve has a segmented seat with a fluid by-pass; at least one seat segment is positioned by an outer diameter of the sleeve to complete the seat, and a relief formed in a wall adjacent the outer diameter of the sleeve; wherein when the seat is occupied by an obstruction only a portion of the fluid path is obstructed and fluid impinging the obstruction causes the sleeve to move in the direction of flow until the at least one segment is relieved by the relief and releases the obstruction.