Abstract: A rolling element assembly includes a rolling element rotatable about a rotational axis when positioned within a cavity defined on a bit body of a drill bit, and a compliant retainer positioned within a retainer slot defined in the bit body. A biasing device is positioned within a device pocket defined within the bit body to bias the compliant retainer against the outer circumferential surface of the rolling element. The compliant retainer secures the rolling element within the cavity while an arcuate portion of the rolling element protrudes from the cavity and exposes a full axial width of the rolling element.

Abstract: A cutting element assembly may include a support structure and a pin having a cylindrical exterior bearing surface. Retention elements may couple opposing ends of the pin to the support structure. The cutting element assembly also includes a rotatable cutting element including a table of polycrystalline hard material having an end cutting surface and a supporting substrate. The rotatable cutting element may have an interior sidewall defining a longitudinally extending through hole. The pin may be positioned within the through hole of the rotatable cutting element and may be supported on the opposing ends thereof by the support structure. Methods include drilling a subterranean formation including engaging a formation with one or more of the rotatable cutting elements.

Abstract: The synthesis of high performance WC-Co cemented carbides which can be efficiently used in the cutting tool industry. WC with different particle sizes and different grain growth inhibitors were consolidated through spark plasma sintering technique and to form a cemented carbide with best combination of mechanical properties. VC and Cr3C2 are included as grain growth inhibitors in different amounts and combination to the WC-Co powder composition. Higher amount of inhibitors results in lower grain sizes and higher hardness values, however adding more than a crucial amount was observed to degrade the mechanical properties.

Abstract: A cutting bit includes an elongate body having a shank portion and a head portion with an axial forward end. The head portion defines a pocket at the axial forward end thereof. The pocket includes a bottom surface and a sidewall extending from the bottom surface, wherein the sidewall of the pocket includes a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the sidewall. The cutting bit also includes a hard cutting tip attachably received in the pocket of the head portion. The plurality of projections are structured and arranged to position the hard cutting tip in the pocket and facilitate formation of a braze joint between the hard cutting tip and the pocket of the head portion.

Abstract: Methods of repairing earth-boring tools may involve providing wear-resistant material over a temporary displacement member to repair a cutting element pocket in a body and a depth-of-cut control feature using the wear-resistant material. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant material may comprise a particle-matrix composite material. For example, a hardfacing material may be built up over a temporary displacement member to form or repair a cutting element pocket and provide a depth-of-cut control feature. Earth-boring tools may include a depth-of-cut control feature comprising a wear-resistant material. The depth-of-cut control feature may be configured to limit a depth-of-cut of a cutting element secured within a cutting element pocket partially defined by at least one surface of the depth-of-cut control feature. Intermediate structures formed during fabrication of earth-boring tools may include a depth-of-cut control feature extending over a temporary displacement member.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit designed for a specific performance, within a finished product tolerance, using components built to a looser manufacturing tolerance. The bit may be assembled by selecting a leg from a plurality of pre-manufactured legs; selecting a bit body from a plurality of pre-manufactured bit bodies, the bit body having a slot for receiving the leg; placing the leg within the slot; and fixing the leg within the slot within the finished product tolerance by placing one or more shims between the leg and the slot. The shims may be used to adjust an axial position, a radial position, and/or a circumferential position of the leg with respect to the slot. The leg and the bit body may be selected, or produced, to ensure the bit will not meet the specification, given the manufacturing tolerance, without the shims.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: For drill bit cutter indexing, a housing is disposed in a drill bit. An indexing cog is in physical communication with a cutter and interlocks with the housing in a first index position of a plurality of index positions in response to a first compressive load applied to the cutter. A motivator disengages the indexing cog from the housing and positions the indexing cog to interlock with the housing at an initial second index position in response to a removal of the compressive load from the cutter.

Abstract: An auger implement for vehicular attachment and moveable support of an auger having a motor and an auger bit driven by the motor, featuring: a vehicular mount; a central articulating section connected to the vehicular mount and providing a range of movement; an auger support and control section connected to the central articulating section and providing an operator handle for guiding the auger within the range of the central articulating section and a hand-operated switch for energizing the motor; wherein the central articulating section comprises a counter balanced double 4 bar linkage.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is provided comprising a bit body, which includes a connecting portion for connection to a conveyance and a drilling portion. The drilling portion includes a plurality of cutting elements each having at least one cutting surface, the drilling portion being operable in at least two different drilling orientations, and the drilling surface being rotatable in one of two opposing directions, being a first direction and an opposing second direction.

Abstract: A drill bit for subsurface drilling includes a body; a blade extending from the body and having a front, a back side, and a formation facing surface between the front side and the back side. The blade is configured to have a plurality of cutting elements mounted to it. In addition the drill bit includes a first flex cut extending into the blade from the formation facing surface and positioned between the front side and the back side of the blade. The first flex cut is configured to allow at least a portion of the blade to flex.

Abstract: A spade-type drilling tool designed for drilling holes within an ice surface for the purposes of ice fishing, comprising a spade end which is welded onto the end of a shaft. The length of the shaft is sufficient to provide an ergonomically comfortable posture for a user while drilling the fishing hole. A first side of the lower end of the spade comprises a straight knife edge, while a second opposite side is provided with a plurality of sharp cutting teeth. A sharp pointed bit, protruding beyond the lower line of the knife edge and the teeth, is located on a vertical centerline along the faces of the spade. The sharp point of the bit is intended to provide a means for punching a starter hole within the ice, and subsequently, to function as a pilot during the progressing drilling operation. The tool is provided with a circular shield, designed to slip over and clamp onto the shaft, thereby preventing water and ice particles from splashing back up onto the user.

Abstract: A drill bit made according to one embodiment includes a first member including one of a magnet and a coil, and a second member that moves relative to the first member, the second member including the other of the magnet and the coil, wherein the relative motion causes the generation of an electrical charge in the coil.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides drill bits and methods of drilling curved boreholes. One aspect of the invention provides a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for drilling a curved borehole. The method includes: providing a drill string including a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths; rotating the drill string; and selectively actuating the one or more blades to a plurality of cut depths; thereby drilling a curved borehole.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods of drilling curved boreholes comprising a drill bit including a bit body and one or more cutting blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for drilling a curved borehole. The method includes: providing a drill string including a drill bit including a bit body and one or more blades positioned within the bit body, the one or more blades individually actuatable to a plurality of cut depths; rotating the drill string; and selectively actuating the one or more blades to a plurality of cut depths; thereby drilling a curved borehole.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit is disclosed. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body, a cutting pocket defined in the bit body, and a cutting element rotatably coupled to the bit body. The cutting element may be positioned at least partially within the cutting pocket. The rotary drill bit may also include a rotation-inducing member adjacent to the cutting element for inducing rotation of the cutting element relative to the cutting pocket. The rotation-inducing member may include a resilient member or a vibrational member. The rotary drill bit may also include protrusions extending from an interior of the cutting pocket adjacent to an outer diameter of the cutting element. A method of drilling a formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit is provided that in one embodiment may include a blade profile having a cone section and one or more cutters on the cone section configured to retract from an extended position when an applied load on the drill bit reaches or exceeds a selected threshold. The drill bit is less aggressive when the cutters are in the retracted position compared to when the cutters are in the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a borehole drilling apparatus with in-line extending wings and driving method thereof. The drilling apparatus comprises a guide device rotating while moving upwardly and downwardly in a casing to fit into a borehole, extending wings for extending the diameter of a drilled hole, and a pilot bit installed at a lower portion of the guide device to strike the bottom of the borehole, wherein spiral projections formed at a lower surface of the guide device slidably engage with guide grooves formed at a side of the extending wings to each other, and a window is formed at a side of the pilot bit for advancing and retracting the extending wings so that they can spread and return linearly from the center of the pilot bit.

Abstract: A secondary cutting structure for sure in a drilling assembly, the secondary cutting structure including a tubular body and a block, extendable from the tubular body, the block including a first arrangement of cutting elements disposed on a first blade and a second arrangement of cutting elements disposed on a second blade, wherein the second arrangement is a modified redundant arrangement. Also, a secondary cutting structure for use in a drilling assembly, the secondary cutting structure including a leading blade disposed on a first block and a trailing blade disposed on the first block adjacent the leading blade. Additionally, the secondary cutting structure includes a unique blade disposed on a second block, wherein a gage portion of at least one of the blades has a length between 30% and 45% of a total blade length.

Abstract: A method for designing a drill bit that involves simulating a drill bit having cutting elements disposed thereon is provided. In particular, the method involves determining at least one drilling performance parameter while simulating drilling in a selected earth formation.

Abstract: The invention is an attachment means for a ground drilling or cutting tool (10) that enables cutting elements (11) to be removably secured to the tool (10). The attachment means include a first surface (13) on the cutting element (11), a second surface (14) on the tool (10) upon which the first surface (11) locates, dowel holes (15) in each of the first and second surfaces, dowels (16) that locate in aligned dowel holes between said surfaces, engagement surfaces (17, 18) on the cutting element and tool that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool and engage to resist side loads applied to the cutting elements (11) and fastening means (19) that secures the cutting elements (11) to the tool (10). The invention provides a means of easily removing the cutting elements (11) from the tool (10) for either replacement or maintenance work.

Abstract: A multi-sectional percussive drill bit assembly for drilling holes in earth formation primarily used in conjunction with a pneumatic percussive device. The drill bit assembly is comprised of an easily removable bit that is rotationally driven by a lug and pocket structure and axially limited in travel by means of retaining members.

Abstract: A device and system for improving efficiency of subterranean cutting elements uses a controlled oscillation super imposed on steady drill bit rotation to maintain a selected rock fracture level. In one aspect, a selected oscillation is applied to the cutting element so that at least some of the stress energy stored in an earthen formation is maintained after fracture of the rock is initiated. Thus, this maintained stress energy can thereafter be used for further crack propagation. In one embodiment, an oscillation device positioned adjacent to the drill bit provides the oscillation. A control unit can be used to operate the oscillation device at a selected oscillation. In one arrangement, the control unit performs a frequency sweep to determine an oscillation that optimizes the cutting action of the drill bit and configures the oscillation device accordingly. One or more sensors connected to the control unit measure parameters used in this determination.

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. The working portion also has an opening to an axial chamber disposed in the body portion of the assembly. The drill bit assembly also has an axial shaft rotationally isolated from the body portion, the shaft being at least partially disposed within the chamber, and partially protruding form the working portion. The shaft is also in communication with an energy adapter disposed within the drill but assembly and is adapted to use relative motion between the body portion and the shaft to provide power to at least one downhole device.

Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.

Abstract: A well stimulation tool includes a well stimulation tool mandrel with an axial bore having an internal diameter large enough to permit a backpressure plug to be run through the mandrel into a tubing mandrel, such as a tubing hanger or a casing mandrel, to which the well stimulation tool mandrel is secured. This permits well stimulation to be performed through a tubing string suspended in the well by the tubing mandrel, without requiring wireline services.

Abstract: A drill bit suitable to be connected to a drill string for drilling a borehole into an earth formation, the drill string having a central longitudinal axis, the drill bit comprising a bit body connectable to the lower end of the drill string, and a cutting member provided with cutting devices at the outer surface thereof, the cutting member being rotatable relative to the bit body about a longitudinal axis of rotation extending eccentrically relative to the central longitudinal axis of the drill string, between a first rotational position[ and a second rotational position, whereby in said second rotational position the cutting devices arranged at a larger radial distance from the central longitudinal axis of the drill string than in said first rotational position.

Abstract: Formation engaging elements are moveably mounted onto a drill bit. Such elements may be used to protect other rigidly mounted formation engaging elements from impacts that occur during use of the drill bit, or they may be used to alter the aggressiveness of the drill bit when used in directional drilling operations.

Abstract: A pilot casing mill for removing unwanted pipe from a well bore, which includes a cylindrical pilot having helical vanes and adapted for mounting on one end of a cylindrical mill body. The mill body is provided with longitudinal slots which receive outwardly-extending blades fitted with multiple cutting elements for engaging and cutting the pipe when the pilot casing mill is mounted on the end of a rotatable drill string and inserted in the well. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the blades are removably secured in the slots by removable wedge blocks and may be longitudinally adjusted in place to align adjacent rows of cutting elements, by operation of multiple adjusting screws seated against an adjusting screw ring mounted in a circumferential slot provided in the mill body.

Abstract: The proposed tool comprises a body (1) designed to interact with a percussion-rotary device and a casing (2) shaped as a sleeve. The casing (2) accommodates rock-crushing elements (5, 6) arranged in a manner allowing axial displacement thereof and in the form of concentric rows relative to a working end of the casing (2), the rock-crushing elements having shanks (7, 8) which interact with the body (1). Each rock-crushing element (6) in a peripheral row comprises a spring biased pin mechanism (16) for fixing the rock-crushing element (6) in the casing (2). The casing includes a threaded joint (9) for its axial displacement relative to the body (1). The length of axial displacement of the casing (2) relative to the body (1) is at least equal to the length (H) of the wearable portion of the rock-crushing elements (5, 6).

Abstract: A steerable earth boring device comprises a compaction auger rotatably mounted to a housing at one end of the auger such that the compaction auger is substantially externally exposed. A steering tip is pivotably disposed at the other end of the compaction auger for providing steering control for the earth boring device. An internally housed steering mechanism is provided for pivoting the steering tip relative to the compaction auger while the auger is rotating. The steering mechanism includes a non-rotatable cam disposed within and pivotably connected to the housing and a follower rotatable with and pivotable relative to the compaction auger. The cam and follower contact at a bearing surface so that pivoting motion of the cam is transmitted to the rotatable follower. A control member is connected between the follower and the steering tip, extending through the compaction auger, to transmit pivoting of the follower to pivoting of the steering tip.

Abstract: A combination bit for both drilling a pilot hole and cutting coke from a coking drum. A manually operable flow divider/diverter valve permits a single workman to quickly and easily change from pilot hold drilling mode to cutting mode without having to change bits.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus includes a fixed holder and an orientable holder. The fixed holder is mounted to a cutting drum, and the orientable holder receives a cutting bit which may either be a forward attack bit or a conical bit. Orientation of the bit is accomplished by alignment of the orientable holder with respect to the fixed holder and by alignment of the bit with respect to the orientable holder. In a preferred embodiment, the fixed holder includes a block and liner, and the liner may assume either of two positions with respect to the block. The orientable holder includes passages and grooves for allowing a spray jet and hose to be received in the orientable holder to spray liquid on the cutting bit. The cutting surface of the bit includes two separate cutting tips, and the bit may be oriented to engage either tip with the material to be cut.

Abstract: A roller cone bit may be used as a rotating drag bit by treating the roller cones as carriers for a plurality of distinguishable types of drag cutters. The roller cones are each coupled to a mechanism which selectively allows rotation of the roller cones. The roller cones are otherwise fixed and as the bit is rotated, the drag cutters are brought into engagement with the rock. However, where the roller cones are selectively allowed to rotate, rotation of the drag bit rotates the roller cones to bring a second set of drag cutters into a configuration for cutting the rock formation. A mechanism then selectively locks the roller cones to prevent further rotation, keeping the second set of drag cutters fixed in place. By selectively permitting and preventing rotation of the roller cones, a plurality of sets of drag cutters can be brought into a configuration for cutting the rock.

Abstract: A rotary cutter assembly comprises a drill head having a plurality of receptacles which releasably receive rolling cutter bit assemblies. The bit assemblies are locked in position by a locking sleeve connecting transverse fluid passageways of the drill head and bit assembly. Radially locking means in the form of pins received in complementary slots parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary cutter assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An elongated upstanding shank is provided including a ground piercing lower end and an upper end including structure for applying rotary torque to the shank. The lower end portion of the shank supports a generally horizontally disposed U-shaped blade therefrom including a pair of generally parallel upper and lower arms joined at one pair of corresponding ends by an integral curved bight portion. The other pair of corresponding ends of the arms are supported from the shank at points spaced therealong. At least the lower arm and the adjacent portion of the bight portion include a sharpened edge facing outwardly of one side of an upstanding plane containing the U-shaped blade and the shank. The blade comprises a thick elongated strap metal member bent into U-shaped configuration and the portions of the blade defining the lower arm and the adjacent portion of the bight portion are disposed with their width extents disposed generally normal to the aforementioned plane.

Abstract: A coal winning machine with a mechanical tool has a tool body provided with one or more projecting flanges helically surrounding the axis of rotation of the tool body. Cutting tools are provided, each having a linear cutting edge, and these are removably mounted on the flange or flanges in such a manner that they can assume at least two alternative positions in each of which the cutting edge of the respective tool defines a different cutting angle.