Bit Or Bit Element Patents (Class 175/327)
  • Publication number: 20130192902
    Abstract: A drill bit features a head portion and a connecting portion for attachment to a drilling device. The head portion includes at least two insert pockets, which can contain inserts, with cutting edges that extend from an inner position offset radially from the rotational axis of the bit to an outer cutting edge. The cutting edge is formed by the intersection of a top surface and a wear surface of the insert pocket or insert. The top surface is linear, but may be planar or non-planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: DIAMOND INNOVATIONS INC., SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
    Inventors: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, Diamond Innovations Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130180781
    Abstract: A reaming bit designed to operate with low torque fluctuation when driven with a turbine at speeds in the order of 300-600 RPM and above features a profile that is arcuate from the gauge dimension to the nose area or alternatively has a blunt straight taper section but with a ratio of profile length (PL) to bit size (BS) of under 0.75. The blades extend into a concave cone and the cutting structure continues along the blades towards the center. The blades have a step near the gauge section to increase the exposure of the blade cutting structure. An array of protrusions are disposed parallel to and behind the cutting structure to increase high speed stability and adjacent the blade step transition to protect outer casing on run in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Silvino M. Ersan, Anthony Phillips, Maurilio V. Solano, Rudolf C. Pessier, Thorsten Schwefe
  • Patent number: 8485283
    Abstract: A drill bit including a body section. The body section defines a body proximal end and a longitudinally opposed body distal end, and a body passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving a fluid and conveying the fluid through the body section. An annular crown section extends longitudinally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown distal end and a longitudinally opposed crown proximal end, the crown section extending distally from the body section, the crown section defining a crown passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and in fluid communication with the body passageway. A flow directing component cooperates with the crown section to define a fluid flow channel extending through the crown section radially outwardly from the crown passageway, the fluid flow channel being self-modifiable upon the crown section reaching a predetermined wear threshold so as to modify a flow of the fluid through the fluid flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Groupe Fordia Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Baril, Pierre Auger
  • Publication number: 20130168154
    Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling sonde housing has a cavity for receiving a sonde. Signal channels extend from the cavity to an exterior of the housing. A polymer lines at least part of the cavity and fills the signal channels. The drilling tool has a bit body and a drilling body. The two bodies have respective lateral surfaces which engage each other to prevent the transverse movement of the drilling body relative to the bit body during operations. The drill bit has a forward extending drill tooth, which drill tooth is removable from a bore. A spacer is located in the bore between the bottom end of the bore and the tooth. The drilling bit has buttons located on the side in a spiral configuration about a longitudinal axis of the bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Charles T. Webb
  • Publication number: 20130161102
    Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling a wellbore and that can be used for fracturing the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore. Included on the bit body is a packer for sealing against the wellbore wall during fracturing. A chamber in the drill bit houses a valve assembly for selectively diverting fluid between use in drilling and for use in fracturing. The fluid is delivered through a drill string that attaches to an upper end of the bit. The valve assembly can be shuttled between drilling and fracturing configurations by selectively adjusting an amount and/or pressure of the fluid flowing in the drill string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
  • Patent number: 8453761
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling apparatus comprising a drill-bit (1) capable of rotary and high frequency oscillatory loading; and control means for controlling applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading of the drill-bit, the control means having adjustment means for varying the applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading, said adjustment means being responsive to conditions of the material through which the drill is passing. The control means is in use provided on the apparatus in a downhole location and includes sensors for taking downhole measurements of material characteristics, whereby the apparatus is operable downhole under closed loop real-time control. The apparatus can determine appropriate loading parameters for the drill-bit in order to achieve and maintain resonance between the drill-bit and the drilled material in contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: University Court of the University of Aberdeen
    Inventor: Marian Wiercigroch
  • Publication number: 20130112486
    Abstract: A drill bit for subsurface drilling includes a body, a blade extending from the body, and a flex cut behind the front side of the blade to allow at least a portion of the blade to flex. The drill bit may include a void cut disposed behind the front side of the blade and intersecting the flex cut. A void cut is larger in one dimension than is the flex cut in that dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO, L.P.
    Inventor: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
  • Publication number: 20130081880
    Abstract: A method of designing an earth-boring rotary drill bit includes designing a bit body and cutting elements of the drill bit such that features of the drill bit other than cutting elements engage and rub against the subterranean formation being drilled by the drill bit at depths-of-cut beyond, but close to, an intended median depth-of-cut, and such that the amount of rubbing area between such features and the formation increases at a relatively rapid rate as the depth-of-cut increases beyond the intended median depth-of-cut. Such methods may be employed to mitigate the occurrence of the stick-slip phenomenon during drilling. A method of fabricating a drill bit includes configuring a bit body and cutting elements in accordance with such a design. Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body and cutting elements so configured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Baker Hughes Incorporated
  • Patent number: 8383559
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods of supplying a corrosion inhibitor including placing a corrosion inhibitor attached to a nanostructure carrier, placing the nanostructure carrier containing the corrosion inhibitor at a location and the nanostructure carrier is capable of releasing the corrosion inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: Deepthi R. Setlur, Stefan M. Butuc
  • Patent number: 8360169
    Abstract: One aspect of the instant disclosure relates to a subterranean drilling assembly comprising a subterranean drill bit and a sub apparatus coupled to the drill bit. Further, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system configured to cool at least a portion of the drill bit. For example, the sub apparatus may include at least one cooling system comprising a plurality of refrigeration coils or at least one thermoelectric device. In another embodiment a subterranean drill bit may include at least one cooling system positioned at least partially within the subterranean drill bit. Also, a sub apparatus or subterranean drill bit may be configured to cool drilling fluid communicated through at least one bore of a subterranean drill bit and avoiding cooling drilling fluid communicated through at least another bore of the subterranean drill bit. Methods of operating a subterranean drill bit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Scott M. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130014998
    Abstract: A downhole cutting tool includes a base including a first consolidated powder; and at least one cutting feature affixed to the base, the at least one cutting feature including a cutting material suspended in a second consolidated powder, wherein the base and the at least one cutting feature are both consolidated and bonded together simultaneously. Also included is a method of manufacturing a cutting tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gerald D. Lynde
  • Patent number: 8353368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling apparatus comprising a drill-bit (1) capable of rotary and high frequency oscillatory loading; and control means for controlling applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading of the drill-bit, the control means having adjustment means for varying the applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading, said adjustment means being responsive to conditions of the material through which the drill is passing. The control means is in use provided on the apparatus in a downhole location and includes sensors for taking downhole measurements of material characteristics, whereby the apparatus is operable downhole under closed loop real-time control. The apparatus can determine appropriate loading parameters for the drill-bit in order to achieve and maintain resonance between the drill-bit and the drilled material in contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: University Court of the University of Aberdeen
    Inventor: Marian Wiercigroch
  • Patent number: 8355815
    Abstract: Methods include one or more of robotically positioning a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, using a power-driven device to move a cutting element on an earth-boring tool, and robotically applying a bonding material for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool. Robotic systems are used to robotically position a cutting element on an earth-boring tool. Systems for orienting a cutting element relative to a tool body include a power-driven device for moving a cutting element on or adjacent the tool body. Systems for positioning and orienting a cutting element on an earth-boring tool include such a power-driven device and a robot for carrying a cutting element. Systems for attaching a cutting element to an earth-boring tool include a robot carrying a torch for heating at least one of a cutting element, a tool body, and a bonding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David Keith Luce, Sean W. Wirth, Alan J. Massey, Crystal A. Parrott
  • Publication number: 20120298355
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a system, method, and tool for logging while pulling. The disclosed system includes a tool and a bottom hole assembly, and the tool engages with the bottom hole assembly. The tool includes an elongated body, a retarder positioned on the elongated body, and a locking ring positioned on the elongated body. The retarder has at least one point of contact with an interior surface of a drill pipe. The disclosed method includes assembling the tool, providing a landing ring on a bottom hole assembly, free dropping the tool to the bottom hole assembly, and engaging the landing ring of the bottom hole assembly with the locking ring of the tool so that a portion of the tool extends below the bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian John Digby
  • Patent number: 8316967
    Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a body including a face at a leading end thereof and a shank at a trailing end. At least one primary blade may extend radially outward over the face and may comprise a plurality of cutting elements disposed thereon. At least one secondary blade may also extend radially outward over a portion of the face and the at least one secondary blade may comprise a plurality of cutting elements disposed thereon only over at least a portion of an area of greatest work rate per cutting element. Methods of forming earth-boring tools and methods of designing earth-boring tools are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: David Gavia
  • Patent number: 8312941
    Abstract: A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit body includes a blade support piece and at least one blade piece fastened to the blade support piece. A modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit and methods of making modular fixed cutter earth-boring bit bodies and bits also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: TDY Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Prakash K. Mirchandani, Michale E. Waller, Jeffrey L. Weigold, Alfred J. Mosco
  • Publication number: 20120275875
    Abstract: A machine tool bit, such as a tool for drilling, milling, reaming or tapping or the like comprising a work portion (71) and a shank (73) extending from the work portion. The shank (73) is provided with one or more regions of reduced mechanical torque strength. Such regions can be for example, a reduced diameter (74), axial or longitudinal slots (84, 114), reduced cross sectional area (97), bores (94), annular notch or groove (63, 65), or a slot. The shank is preferably constructed with these features such that the transverse stability of the tool bit is greater than a machine tool bit in which an equivalent reduction in mechanical torque strength is achieved by a mere reduction in diameter of the shank. Technically, the Polar moment of inertia (resistance to torsion) of the modified shank is greater than the polar moment of inertia of a shank with a mere reduction in diameter of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Simon Dean Gischus, Ian Lachlan Kilpatrick
  • Publication number: 20120273279
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein drilling apparatus, in particular for use in the field of oil prospecting, comprising: a first tubular member (1, 2, 3); a second tubular member (6, 7, 8, 9) mounted at least partly within the first tubular member so as to be reciprocally free in rotation with respect to the first tubular member about an axis (5); and a drill bit (4) operatively connected to one of the first or second tubular members so as to be rotated in response to the one tubular member being turned in order to effect drilling, characterised in that: the drilling apparatus further comprises a restoring member (18, 36) for applying a forces between the first tubular member and the second tubular member at least in respective first axial directions in response to relative displacement of the first tubular member and the second tubular member in the respective opposite axial directions. Also provided are a tubular assembly and a method of assembling tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Ludovic Delmar, Olivier Mageren, Eric Fannes
  • Publication number: 20120273233
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention include drill string components having a thread extending around a body. The leading end of the thread can have a configuration that resists jamming and cross-threading. In particular, the leading end of the thread can include a planar surface normal to the body. The leading end of the thread can provide an abrupt transition to full thread depth that helps reduce or eliminate cross-threading. The leading end of the thread can be oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the drill string component. When mating male and female threads are similarly structured, the mating threads slide together along an interface at the thread start face and are drawn into a fully thread-coupled condition. The thread starts may have full circumference mating with no jamming positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: LONGYEAR TM, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Drenth, Keith William Littlely
  • Patent number: 8268452
    Abstract: Methods for forming earth-boring tools include providing a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between a first element and a second element and sintering the first element, the second element, and the boding agent to form a bond between the first element and the second element at the interface. The methods may be used, for example, to bond together portions of a body of an earth-boring tool (which may facilitate, for example, the formation of cutting element pockets) or to bond cutting elements to a body of an earth-boring tool (e.g., a bit body of a fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit or a cone of a roller cone earth-boring drill bit). At least partially formed earth-boring tools include a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between two or more elements, at least one of which may comprise a green or brown structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Lyons, Jimmy W. Eason, Redd H. Smith, John H. Stevens
  • Publication number: 20120168177
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling power delivered to a pulsed power system which includes a command charge switch for controlling when power produced by a primary power system is fed into a cable. The command charge switch also controls the power delivered to the pulsed power system in a bottom hole assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SDG, LLC
    Inventor: William M. Moeny
  • Patent number: 8205692
    Abstract: A drill bit for cutting a borehole comprises a bit body. In addition, the drill bit comprises a rolling cone cutter mounted on the bit body and adapted for rotation about a cone axis. Further, the drill bit comprises at least one insert having a base portion secured in the rolling cone cutter and a cutting portion extending therefrom. The cutting portion includes a pair of flanking surfaces that taper towards one another to form an elongate chisel crest including a first crest end, a second crest end, and an apex positioned therebetween. A transverse radius of curvature at the first crest end is less than a transverse radius of curvature at the apex, and a transverse radius of curvature at the second crest end is less than the transverse radius of curvature at the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. McDonough, Brandon M. Moss, James C. Minikus
  • Patent number: 8201648
    Abstract: An earth-boring rotary drill bit includes a bit body configured to carry one or more cutters for engaging a subterranean earth formation, the bit body comprising a particle-matrix composite material having a plurality of hard particles dispersed throughout a matrix material, the matrix material comprising a shape memory alloy. The matrix material comprises a metal alloy configured to undergo a reversible phase transformation between an austenitic phase and a martensitic phase. The matrix material may include an Ni-based alloy, Cu-based alloy, Co-based alloy, Fe-based alloy or Ti-based alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Heeman Choe, John Stevens, Eric Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120138301
    Abstract: A multilateral completions assembly having selectively isolated lateral legs during hardware installation. The assembly includes a variety of isolation sleeves disposed interior of the main bore casing and adjacent corresponding pre-located windows through the casing. Thus, lateral legs may be sequentially created through the formation at each window in a manner that allows for follow-on isolation. As a result, fluid losses from newly formed legs may be avoided during completions operations. That is, as each leg is formed it may also be isolated in advance of forming of the next leg thereby enhancing the efficiency of completions operations as well as follow-on production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anwar Ahmed Maher Assal, Nabil Batita
  • Publication number: 20120138369
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a downhole tool includes machining at least one mill blade integral cage comprising a plurality of mill blades arranged around a central axis and securing the at least one mill blade integral cage on a tool body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: SMITH INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Tracy R. Speer, Dennis Simon, Bruce Nelson, Steven Marek
  • Publication number: 20120128444
    Abstract: An anchor module, in particular for mining and tunneling, is provided. The anchor module comprises a drill bit having a drill section and a connecting section. The anchor module also comprises an anchor rod made of plastic, extending along an anchor axis and having a connecting section for fastening the drill bit in the area of the one axial rod end, such that the outside diameter of the drill bit is larger than the outside diameter of the anchor rod on the connecting section, wherein the outside diameter of the drill bit is at most about 20%, in particular embodiments at most about 10%, and/or at most about 10 millimeters larger than the outside diameter of the anchor rod on the connecting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Podesser, Lothar Schwalbach
  • Patent number: 8172915
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a composite diamond body from powders of diamond particles and powders forming a binder phase comprising cobalt powder having mainly a fcc-structure and a grain size (FSSS) of from about 0.2 to about 2.9 ?m., with a pressing and sintering operation. The present invention also relates to a composite diamond body made according to the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventors: Malin MÃ¥rtensson, Shirishkumar Bhosale, Anand Goswami, Shailesh Prabhune
  • Publication number: 20120043069
    Abstract: A drilling tool having memory to store measured data, a transceiver and an embedded antenna, where a transceiver is lowered into the bore of the drilling tool to receive a radio signal from the drilling tool transceiver to receive the stored measured data. Data may also be transmitted from the lowered transceiver to the drilling tool transceiver. Various methods may be employed to cause the transmitter to transmit the stored measured data while the drilling tool is still in the borehole. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher A. Maranuk, Morris B. Robbins
  • Publication number: 20120031669
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel drill bit system 100 having sealed chambers 330 located on the bit body 300. Batteries 350 and an electrical circuit board 352 are located in the chambers 330, including electronic data storage and sensors 354. An internal network of passages 332 connects the chambers 330. Data from the sensors 354 is stored on the data storage unit 352. A removable compact pulser 500 is locatable inside the bit body 300. The motor 522 of the pulser 500 is connectable to the circuit board 352 and batteries 350 through a portal 532 that passes through a centralizer fin 530 and aligns with an internal portal 334 connecting the interior of the bit body 300 to the interior of a sealed chamber 330. Drill bit 100 may be configured as a conventional drill bit, as a memory logging drill bit, or as an MWD drill bit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: THE GEARHART COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Ricardo Foster
  • Publication number: 20120031672
    Abstract: A drill pipe made according to one embodiment includes a number of serially connected tubulars with a communication device placed between the connecting ends of the tubulars, wherein the communication device provides a direct data communication link between the adjoining tubulars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8112258
    Abstract: A fixed cutter drill bit and a method for designing a fixed cutter drill bit includes simulating the fixed cutter drill bit drilling in an earth formation. A performance characteristic of the simulated fixed cutter drill bit is determined. A side rake angle distribution of the cutters is adjusted at least along a cone region of a blade of the fixed cutter drill bit to change the performance characteristic of the fixed cutter drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bala Durairajan, Peter Thomas Cariveau, Sujian J. Huang
  • Publication number: 20120018221
    Abstract: A joint connecting a pair of members rotatable about a common axis end to end includes a first member having a threaded end portion and a non-circular exterior surface rearwardly of the threaded end portion, a second member having a threaded socket wherein the threaded end portion of the second member can be engaged, and a non-circular exterior surface, a ground engagement sleeve having a non-circular profile on an inner surface thereof whereby the sleeve can be slidably mounted on the non-circular exterior profiles of the first and second members when such profiles are brought into alignment by rotation of one member relative to the other in a manner effective to pass torque from one member to the other by means of the non-circular profiles, a first pair of alignable holes in the sleeve and first member to receive a fastener to secure the sleeve to the first member and a hole in the second member penetrating the threaded socket and positioned to receive a fastener to secure the second member to a third membe
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Earth Tool Company, LLC
    Inventor: Robert F. Crane
  • Publication number: 20110315444
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes a drill bit having a bit body that is susceptible to corrosion when the drill bit is utilized in wellbore, an anode placed at a selected location on the bit body, a cathode associated with the bit body and a power source configured to provide electrical power to the anode to complete an electrical circuit between the anode and the bit body, wherein the supply of the electrical power to the anode arrests corrosion of the bit body when the drill bit is in the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tu Tien Trinh, Eric Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20110253454
    Abstract: A down hole tool including a compression surface, a compression surface axis, and at least one support member configured to attach the compression surface to a well drilling tool assembly, wherein the extendable support member is extendable by an extension force provided to the support member. The down hole tool is rotable relative to an axis of the well drilling tool assembly, and as the well drilling tool assembly rotates, the at least one compression device exerts a lateral force along a sidewall of a wellbore. Also, a method of forming filter cake comprising releasing a drilling fluid and contacting the drilling fluid with a mechanical pressure on the sidewall of the wellbore and the drilling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael A. Freeman
  • Patent number: 8028765
    Abstract: A rotary drag bit for use in subterranean earth boring operations, the drag bit having blades, rows of cutters on the blades, and nozzles disposed within the rows. The nozzles are configured to discharge fluid during drilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Gabriel Dario Carrillo Plazas
  • Patent number: 8016054
    Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond abrasive element, particularly a cutting element, comprises a table of polycrystalline diamond bonded to a substrate, particularly a cemented carbide substrate, along a non-planar interface. The polycrystalline diamond abrasive element is characterised by the nonplanar interface having a cruciform configuration, the polycrystalline diamond having a high wear-resistance, and the polycrystalline diamond having a region adjacent the working surface lean in catalysing material and a region rich in catalysing material. The polycrystalline diamond cutters have improved wear resistance, impact strength and cutter life than prior art cutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Brett Lancaster, Bronwyn Annette Roberts, Imraan Parker, Roy Derrick Achilles
  • Patent number: 8016057
    Abstract: Subterranean drill bits having good erosion resistance, strength, toughness, and thermal stability are disclosed. The drill bits comprise a bit body carrying at least one cutting element and having an infiltrated metal matrix. The infiltrated metal matrix comprises a matrix powder composition bound together by an infiltrant. The matrix powder mixture includes cast tungsten carbide powder having a particle size of ?30 (600 micron) +140 mesh (106 micron), a second component powder consisting of one or more other types of tungsten carbide particles, and a metal powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kennametal Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Deng, Jonathan W. Bitler
  • Publication number: 20110186354
    Abstract: Earth-boring rotary drill bits including a bit body attached to a shank assembly at a joint. In some embodiments, the joint may be configured to carry at least a portion of any tensile longitudinal and rotational load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference at the joint. In additional embodiments, the joint may be configured to carry a selected portion of any tensile longitudinal load applied to the drill bit. Methods for attaching a shank assembly to a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include configuring a joint to carry at least a portion of any tensile longitudinal and rotational load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference. Additional embodiments include configuring a joint to carry a selected portion of any tensile longitudinal load applied to the drill bit by mechanical interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Redd H. Smith, James L. Duggan, Anupam K. Singh
  • Publication number: 20110180325
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a drilling assembly comprises a drill bit comprising a bit body and a cutting surface. A formation engaging element protrudes from the cutting surface and is configured to engage a formation. At least one compliant member is disposed intermediate the bit body and formation engaging element and is configured to provide compliancy in a lateral direction for the formation engaging element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Francis Leany, Scott Woolston, Daniel Manwill
  • Publication number: 20110155471
    Abstract: A chuck assembly, an assembly for an earth-boring drill assembly, and a method of manufacturing a chuck assembly. In the assembly, a first portion of the chuck bore may have a minimum inner diameter greater than the chuck spline maximum inner diameter. A support ring recess may be defined in the bore axially between the chuck splines and the first end. A support ring may be positionable in the support ring recess, and the support ring, when positioned in the support ring recess, may have a support ring inner diameter less than the minimum inner diameter of the first portion of the bore. The drive pin may be positionable circumferentially between one of the chuck splines and an associated one of the bit splines and have an axial end surface at least partially engageable with the support ring to limit axial movement of the drive pin toward the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Dale Richard Wolfer
  • Patent number: 7968184
    Abstract: An erosion resistant surface using a dense array of elastic whiskers to slow the velocity of erosive particles before impacting with the surface. A carbon nanotube forest is grown on the surface to provide the erosion resistance. In the alternative, a carbon nanotube forest is grown on a flexible substrate that is bonded to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Humphreys, Geoff Downton
  • Publication number: 20110079439
    Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: William Banning Vail, III
  • Publication number: 20100319994
    Abstract: The present invention relates to drilling apparatus comprising a drill-bit (1) capable of rotary and high frequency oscillatory loading; and control means for controlling applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading of the drill-bit, the control means having adjustment means for varying the applied rotational and/or oscillatory loading, said adjustment means being responsive to conditions of the material through which the drill is passing. The control means is in use provided on the apparatus in a downhole location and includes sensors for taking downhole measurements of material characteristics, whereby the apparatus is operable downhole under closed loop real-time control. The apparatus can determine appropriate loading parameters for the drill-bit in order to achieve and maintain resonance between the drill-bit and the drilled material in contact therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Marian Wiercigroch
  • Publication number: 20100307835
    Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a bit body and at least one preloaded sensor in the bit body. In one aspect, the sensor may include a sensor element on a sensor body having a first end and a second end and wherein the sensor is preloaded after placing the sensor body in the bit body. In another aspect, the sensor may be preloaded outside the bit body and then placed in the bit body in a manner that enables the sensor to retain the preloading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Glasgow, Sorin Gabriel Teodorescu, Eric Sullivan, Tu Tien Trinh, Daryl Pritchard, Xiaomin Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100270077
    Abstract: Drill bits for subterranean drilling comprising a bit body including at least one blade that includes a blade face comprising a contact zone and a sweep zone are disclosed. In particular, drill bits including at least one blade that extends at least partially over a nose region of the bit body, a shoulder region of the bit body and a gage region of the bit body and that include a sweep zone that rotationally trails the contact zone with respect to a direction of intended bit rotation about a longitudinal axis of the bit body and include a contact zone that defines a range of about 90% to about 30% of the blade face surface area is disclosed. Additionally, drill bits comprising a sweep zone located at least partially within a gage region are disclosed. Also, methods of off-center drilling and methods of manufacturing drill bits are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Trung Q. Huynh, Thorsten Schwefe, Chad J. Beuershausen
  • Publication number: 20100252330
    Abstract: A down-hole hammer comprising a drill bit (10) and a drive collar (11) with an interconnection therebetween for causing rotation of the drill bit upon rotation of the drive collar. The drill bit (10) comprises a drill bit head (13) and a shank (19), the drill bit head (13) defining a cutting face (15) and having a circumferential shoulder section (17) adjacent the cutting face (15). The shank (19) extends from the shoulder section (17) in the direction away from the cutting face (15). The interconnection between the drill bit (10) and the drive collar (11) comprises a spline assembly including at least one spline (43) on the shoulder section (17) for mating engagement with at least one counterpart spline (63) on the drive collar (11) to provide a drive coupling therebetween while also allowing the drill bit (10) to slide axially within the drive collar (11) to perform a percussive action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew S. Gilbert, Barry J. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7779901
    Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: John P. Davis, James S. Trahan, Paul L. Connell
  • Publication number: 20100206637
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cutting component for a tunneling apparatus. The cutting component includes a cutting unit main body having a front cutting side and a rear side. The cutting unit main body includes a hub portion defining a socket providing a torque transfer interface. The socket extends through the hub portion in a rear-to-front orientation and has an open end at least at the rear side of the cutting unit main body. The cutting unit main body defines an axis about which the cutting unit main body is rotated during cutting. The axis extends through a central region of the socket in the rear-to-front orientation. The cutting unit main body also including a plurality of cutting arms connected to the hub portion. The cutting arms project generally radially outwardly from the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Stuart Harrison, Keith Allen Hoelting, Douglas Eugene See, JR.
  • Patent number: 7775287
    Abstract: Earth-boring rotary drill bits including a bit body attached to a shank. In some embodiments, the bit body and the shank may have abutting surfaces concentric to an interface axis offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit. In additional embodiments, the bit body and the shank may have generally frustoconical abutting surfaces. Methods for attaching a shank and a bit body of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include abutting a surface of a shank against a surface of a bit body, and causing the abutting surfaces to be concentric to an axis that is offset or shifted relative to a longitudinal axis of the drill bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James L. Duggan, Redd H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100126775
    Abstract: An insert for an earth boring drill bit, such as a PDC rock bit or a roller cone rock bit, is provided. The insert includes a base integrally joined to a top section, the top section having a first flank that curves in a substantially helical manner about a longitudinal axis of the insert to join a crest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Ulterra Drilling Technology L.P.
    Inventors: Michael Burl Crawford, Pele Jason Nunley, Richard August Flak