Abstract: An annular isolation device for managed pressure drilling includes a first housing portion coupled to a second housing portion; a packing element at least partially disposed in the first housing portion; a penetrator coupled to the first housing portion; and a carrier coupled to the second housing portion, wherein the carrier is configured to receive a portion of the penetrator.

Abstract: An annular isolation device for managed pressure drilling includes a first housing portion coupled to a second housing portion; a packing element at least partially disposed in the first housing portion; a penetrator coupled to the first housing portion; and a carrier coupled to the second housing portion, wherein the carrier is configured to receive a portion of the penetrator.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a roller cone drill bit that includes planar reference surfaces for gauging and inspection In one illustrative embodiment, a method of manufacturing a drill bit is disclosed which includes forming a planar reference surface in a ball race of a component of the drill bit, the planar reference surface being substantially perpendicular to a centerline of the component, and using the planar reference surface as a reference point in positioning the component in a manufacturing tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a low differential pressure relief valve made up of a valve body and an elastic membrane for downhole tools, especially rolling cutter drill bits. An aperture is formed in the membrane and a valve body with protruding end stops is mounted in the aperture. The thickness and shape of the valve body are such that the aperture is stretched when assembled. The amount the membrane is stretched and the geometry of the protruding end stop, control the differential relief pressure. The valve body and each end stop can be designed so that the pressure relief setting will be different, depending upon which side of the membrane has the higher pressure. The relief device may be adapted to be integral with existing elastic membrane type lubricant pressure compensation devices for downhole tools.