Abstract: A downhole tool includes a pressure activated flow switch for selectively actuating and deactuating a device, such as a reaming block. The flow switch is deployed external to the flow bore and includes a flow piston configured to reciprocate between axially opposed open and closed positions such that the device is actuated when the flow piston is in the open position and deactuated when the flow piston is in the closed position. The flow piston is configured to translate from the closed position to the open position when a differential pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The flow piston may be further configured to remain in the open position at differential pressures less than the threshold.

Abstract: Expandable reamer assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. An outer tubular body of the activation module is rigidly coupled to a tubular body of the expandable reamer module, and an activation member of the activation module is coupled to a sleeve of the expandable reamer module, the sleeve coupled to at least one blade and configured to move the at least one blade into an extended position. The sleeve moves axially responsive to axial movement of the activation member. Bottom-hole assemblies include an expandable reamer module and an activation module. The activation module is coupled to the expandable reamer module and configured to provide a motive force to the sleeve to move the sleeve opposite a direction of flow of drilling fluid. Methods of using expandable reamer modules include pairing two substantially identical expandable reamer modules and two respective different activation modules.

Abstract: A drill bit having a body with a stationary cutter and a rotatable cutter such that in a first position the rotatable cutter does not radially extend beyond a periphery of the stationary cutter and in a second position the rotatable cutter radially extends beyond the periphery of the stationary cutter.

Abstract: A production casing ripper comprising a swedge; spring housing; coupling; main housing; end piece; blade; and means for connecting the blade to the plunger; wherein the blade is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a plunger is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a primary spring is situated inside of the spring housing; wherein a primary pull rod is connected to the primary spring at one end and to the plunger at the other end; wherein when hydraulic pressure is introduced through the swedge, the plunger moves downward inside of the main housing and causes the blade to extend through an aperture in the main housing; and wherein when the hydraulic pressure is released, the primary spring causes the plunger to return to its original position, thereby causing the blade to retract.

Abstract: A rock head for use with an auger borer to bore a passageway through a body of soil and rock and simultaneously laying a pipe in that bored passageway. The rock head has a base connectable to the leading end of the auger. A plurality of movable mounts are provided on the base and a roller cone is secured to each movable mount. A spring is disposed between the movable mount and the base. The spring is compressed as the movable mount pivots the roller cones inwardly toward a central region of the base. This reduces the diameter of the rock head so that it can travel through the bore. Each movable mount is provided with at least one wheel so that it can ride smoothly through the bore. When the rock head exits the pipe, the springs automatically pivots each roller cone outwardly so that at least a portion thereof is disposed beyond the outermost edge of the base. In this second position, the rock head has a greater diameter than the pipe bore and therefore it cannot travel therethrough.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for actuating a downhole tool by utilizing a pressure differential created by fluid flowing through a conduit. The conduit is in communication with a pressure sensing line that is selectively exposable to areas of the conduit having different pressures. By exposing the pressure sensing line to a portion of the conduit having a predetermined pressure therein, the pressure sensing line cause actuation of a hydraulic tool therebelow.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for actuating a downhole tool by utilizing a pressure differential created by fluid flowing through a conduit. The conduit is in communication with a pressure sensing line that is selectively exposable to areas of the conduit having different pressures. By exposing the pressure sensing line to a portion of the conduit having a predetermined pressure therein, the pressure sensing line causes actuation of a hydraulic tool therebelow.

Abstract: A torque limiting device that allows a drill string to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit when a predetermined torque is applied between the cutting structure of the drill bit and the drill string. The torque limiting device utilizes a retaining member which restricts rotational movement of a first component of the torque limiting device relative to a second component. When a sufficient torque load is placed on the cutting structure of the drill bit, the retaining member allows rotational movement of the first component relative to the second component and allows the drill string to continue to rotate relative to the cutting structure of the bit until the torque is sufficiently reduced. The torque limiting device may be an integral part of a drill bit, may be a separate device attached between the drill string and the drill bit or between the drill string and a downhole motor, or may be part of a near-bit sub or incorporated in a downhole motor.

Abstract: A motion compensator for drilling from a floater provides isolation of a cutting device in a well from motion of a tubular string thereabove. In a described embodiment, a motion compensator includes an anchoring device and an axial advancement device. The motion compensator is positioned in the tubular string above the cutting device. The anchoring device anchors the motion compensator in the well, while the advancement device axially advances the cutting device.

Abstract: A fluid flow control and mechanical actuation system for controlling fluid flow in and mechanically actuating a tool includes an upwardly biased and vertically movable actuating assembly for actuating a tool upon downward movement. Two passages extend through the actuating assembly. A vertically and rotationally movable valve having a radially offset bore extending therethrough is also provided. The valve controls fluid flow to the two passages in the actuating assembly upon successive downward strokes of the valve so that when the bore in the valve is aligned with one of the passages in the actuating assembly, a pressure build-up occurs which is sufficient to cause the actuating assembly to move downwardly for actuating a tool. On the other hand, when the bore in the valve is aligned with the other passage in the actuating assembly, the build-up of pressure does not occur and the downward movement of the actuating assembly is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring device which rigidly supports many kinds of standing objects in public works or in the construction industry and provides resistance to pulling loads exerted on the device, and also to a method for settling the device in the bottom of a deep shaft bored into the ground.