Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole electrical connection system comprises first and second tubular bodies adapted for threaded connection to each other, each tubular body comprising an inner and an outer diameter. First and second electrical conductor assemblies are disposed within the inner diameters of the tubular bodies and are substantially coaxial with the tubular bodies and generally extend the length of the tubular bodies. The first electrical conductor assembly comprises a first electrical contact adapted to abut a second electrical contact of the second electrical conductor assembly when the first and second tubular bodies are coupled together. The first electrical contact is disposed within an elastically deformable wiper, and the elastically deformable wiper is adapted to expose the first electrical contact as it is engaged by the second electrical contact under an axially compressive load.

Abstract: A downhole electrical transmission system having first and second tubular bodies coupled together by mating threads, each tubular body having a bore. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of each tubular body. At least one end of each assembly has an electrical contact surrounded by a dielectric material, the electrical contact and dielectric material forming a polished, planar mating surface. The mating surfaces span an entire cross section of the end and are perpendicular to a central axis of the tubular bodies. The mating surfaces of each electrical conductor assembly are substantially engaged at a compressive load when the tubular bodies are fully mated.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool has a working portion with a 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: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit comprises an axis of rotation a body and a working face. The body comprises a fluid passageway with a first seat and houses a jack element substantially coaxial with the axis. A stop element is disposed within the passageway and has a first near-sealing surface. The jack element has a shaft intermediate an indenting end and a valve portion. The valve portion has a second near-sealing surface disposed adjacent the first near-sealing surface and a second seat disposed adjacent the first seat. As a formation strongly resists the jack element, the distance between the sealing surfaces narrows. This causes an increase in fluid pressure within the passageway and forces the indenting end down into the formation. This movement of the jack element relieves the pressure build up such that the formation pushes the jack element back, thereby oscillating the jack element.

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 drill bit comprises an axis of rotation a body and a working face. The body comprises a fluid passageway with a first seat and houses a jack element substantially coaxial with the axis. A stop element is disposed within the passageway and has a first near-sealing surface. The jack element has a shaft intermediate an indenting end and a valve portion. The valve portion has a second near-sealing surface disposed adjacent the first near-sealing surface and a second seat disposed adjacent the first seat. As a formation strongly resists the jack element, the distance between the sealing surfaces narrows. This causes an increase in fluid pressure within the passageway and forces the indenting end down into the formation. This movement of the jack element relieves the pressure build up such that the formation pushes the jack element back, thereby oscillating the jack element.

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: 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: A tool comprising a super hard material is bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. A cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is secured against an outer surface of a drum through a press fit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed as having a downhole string component having first and second ends. The first end has first and second signal couplers, and the second end has third and fourth signal couplers. An electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the first, second, third, and fourth signal couplers. The first and third signal couplers have a first band pass filter with a first resonant frequency and the second and fourth signal couplers have a second band pass filter with a second resonant frequency.

Abstract: A tool comprising a super hard material is bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. A cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. The carbide bolster is secured against an outer surface of a drum through a press fit.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a tool comprises a head and a shank assembly. The shank assembly has a tensioned element axially disposed within a bore of a structural element and a distal end of the tensioned element is secured within or below the bore. The head has a cavity formed in its base end and is adapted to receive a proximal end of the tensioned element. The tensioned element has a radially extending catch adapted to interlock within the cavity of the head. The head is harder than the tensioned element.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a front portion with an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. The carbide bolster comprises a cavity which is formed in the bolster's base end and which is adapted to interlock with a rear portion of the pick. The rear portion is adapted to be retained within a bore of a holder that is attached to a driving mechanism. The rear portion comprises a locking mechanism adapted to lock its first end within the cavity. The locking mechanism comprises a radially extending catch that is formed in the first end of the rear portion.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole drill string component has a shaft being axially fixed at a first location to an inner surface of an opening in a tubular body. A mechanism is axially fixed to the inner surface of the opening at a second location and is in mechanical communication with the shaft. The mechanism is adapted to elastically change a length of the shaft and is in communication with a power source. When the mechanism is energized, the length is elastically changed.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a drill bit assembly has a body portion intermediate a shank portion and a working portion, the working portion having at least one cutting element. A shaft is supported by the body portion and extends beyond the working portion. The shaft also has a distal end that is rotationally isolated from the body portion. In another aspect of the invention, a method for steering a downhole tool string has the following steps: providing a drill bit assembly attached to an end of the tool string disposed within a bore hole; providing a shaft extending beyond a working portion of the assembly; engaging a subterranean formation with a distal end of the shaft; and angling the drill bit assembly with the shaft along a desired drilling trajectory.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydraulic cartridge and unitary frame connection for a high pressure high temperature press apparatus with the hydraulic cartridge having a cylindrical base and truncated hollow conical section The truncated section has an external threadform with a taper between about 2.650 and 5.650 inches per foot. The unitary frame having an opening with an internal threadform extending axially substantially between an outer surface and an inner reaction chamber defined by the unitary frame and the internal threadform being threadedly mated with the external threadform of the hydraulic cartridge such that a load is substantially equally distributed across the external threadform.

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 downhole electric power generator is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including an inlet channel formed in a bore of a downhole tool string component for conveying a moving downhole fluid and a turbine coupled to the inlet channel to receive the downhole fluid. The turbine converts the energy of the moving downhole fluid into rotational energy where it is stored using a flywheel. The flywheel may then be coupled to an electrical generator to convert the rotational energy to electrical energy. In certain embodiments, a continuously variable transmission may be inserted between the turbine and the flywheel. The entire generator may, in certain embodiments, be designed small enough to reside in the wall of a downhole tool.

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.