Abstract: A reamer for drill string pullback of a horizontal directional drill includes a shaft portion defining a central axis and a first end configured for attachment with a drill string of the horizontal directional drill. A plurality of vanes extend radially from an outer periphery of the shaft, each of the plurality of vanes defining an outer peripheral tooth base surface. On each of the plurality of vanes, a plurality of cutter teeth are individually and removably secured along the outer peripheral tooth base surface thereof, each one of the plurality of cutter teeth including a body and a PDC insert manufactured separately from the body and joined therewith. Each cutter tooth of the plurality is coupled to the respective one of the plurality of vanes by a removable fastener extending at least partially through the cutter tooth and at least partially through the one of the plurality of vanes.

Abstract: A frangibility device for creating a preferred breakage plane or weakness within cured columns such as rigid inclusions (RIs) and/or vibratory concrete columns (VCCs) comprises a cutting disc, an elongate strut attached to the center of the disc, and a detachable handle for turning. The disc comprises a thin geometric plate slit from center to periphery, so that a slicing wing can be bent downward at a shallow angle from the slit. The slicing wing advances the cutting disc through the cementious material of the uncured column. When the disc reaches the desired depth, the handle is removed and both disc and strut are left in place during curing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for oscillating a string within a subterranean well include a motor assembly having an output shaft extending along a central axis. A translation coupling is in mechanical communication with the output shaft. An inertia sleeve is in mechanical communication with the translation coupling. The translation coupling is operable to translate a rotation of the output shaft to an oscillating movement of the inertia sleeve. A spring assembly is in mechanical communication with the inertia sleeve. The spring assembly is positioned along the central axis.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body providing one or more blades and defining a cone section extending from a centerline of the bit body a first distance, a nose section extending from the cone section a second distance, a shoulder section extending from the nose section a third distance, and a gauge section extending from the shoulder section a fourth distance. The drill but further includes one or more cutting elements mounted to the one or more blades outside of the cone section such that the cone section is void of cutting elements, and a plurality of milling elements secured to the bit body within the cone section.

Abstract: A tool includes a base with a crown extending from the base. The crown is additively manufactured on the base, forming a bond between the crown and the base. At least one protrusion may extend from the base surface into a recess in the crown, such that the crown encompasses the protrusion. The protrusion may mechanically interlock the base and the crown to improve torque transfer between the crown and base. The bond at the contact between the base and crown may include impregnating at least a portion of the crown with the material of the base, or at least a portion of base with the material of the crown, which may improve a connection between the crown and base.

Abstract: A hole opener configured for use with a directional drilling rig, the hole opener includes a shaft and a plurality of flutes that extend outwardly from the shaft. Each of the flutes includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a top side that extends from the first side to the second side. Each of the plurality of flutes includes a plurality of recesses in the top side that are spaced apart along the top side of the flute in a direction from the first end of the shaft toward the second end of the shaft. The hole opener further includes a plurality of cutter blocks, each of the plurality of cutter blocks includes a base and a cutter attached to the base. The base is received in one of the plurality of recesses to removably coupled the cutter block to the flute.

Abstract: An accessory is coupled to a body using a connection member inserted into a plurality of lateral recesses of a bore. The accessory includes a complementary connection mechanism to the connection member and is tightened in the bore with a torque. An example accessory is a nozzle for use with a drill bit. The nozzle includes threads and the drill bit includes a nozzle bore with lateral recesses. Partial thread segments are inserted into the lateral recesses, and the nozzle is threaded to the partial thread segments.

Abstract: A rotatable or non-rotatable bit for road milling, mining, and trenching equipment that includes a substantially solid body and a substantially solid, generally cylindrical shank depending from a bottom of the body. The bit also includes a forward portion integrally formed at a forward end of the body. The forward portion includes a bore adapted to receive a bit tip insert. Additionally, the bit can also include an insert or transition member disposed within the bore of the forward portion, the insert including a bore adapted to receive the bit tip insert.

Abstract: An instrument for removing debris from an eye during the treatment of an ocular disorder has a swab and a rigid member. The swab includes a tip portion sized to provide access to the debris on an eyelid of the eye. The rigid member has a distal end portion affixed to the swab and a proximal end portion with a cross-sectional member profile. The cross-sectional member profile is non-circular and has a first groove. The first groove extends longitudinally along the proximal end portion for cooperating with a chuck such that rotation of the proximal end portion within the chuck is inhibited.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to cutting tool assemblies, cutting tool mounting assemblies, material-removing machines that include cutting tool assemblies and/or cutting tool mounting assemblies, and methods of use and operation thereof. In some embodiments, the various assemblies described herein may be used in material-removing machines that may remove target material.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for removing road material. In an embodiment, the system may include a milling drum and at least one pick mounted on the milling drum. Furthermore, the pick may include polycrystalline diamond at least partially forming one or more working surfaces of the pick.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a tool body of a fixed-blade reaming apparatus configured to be coupled within the drilling assembly. The tool body has a longitudinal axis and at least one reamer blade configured to be outwardly extendable for use in an expandable reamer and attachable on a fixed-blade reamer. The at least one reamer blade is attached to the tool body in an immovable manner relative to the tool body during use of the earth-boring tool in the formation of a subterranean wellbore.

Abstract: A mounting assembly adapted for attachment to a surface of a rotatable driving member of a cutting tool machine and adapted for receiving a cutting tool includes: a base having a bottom portion for attachment to the surface of the rotatable driving member and a front portion that defines a bore; and a tool holder configured for mounting to the base. The tool holder includes: a leading head region having a forward face that defines an aperture for receiving the cutting tool; a trailing shank region with a central longitudinal axis and having an axial forward end and an axial rearward end; and a mediate region intermediate of and contiguous with the leading head region and the trailing shank region. The trailing shank region includes an anti-rotation portion and a mounting retention portion.

Abstract: A pick for mineral winning includes an elongate shank configured to be positioned into a cavity of a holder. A profile is defined on an outside surface of the shaft which includes a first surface formed into the profile and disposed to receive a leveraging device to enable a first forced translational movement of the shaft relative to the holder, and a second surface formed into the profile and disposed to receive the leveraging device to enable a second forced translational movement of the shaft relative to the holder.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool may include a cutting element support, structure having a plurality of cutter pockets formed therein; and a plurality of rotatable cutters disposed in the plurality of cutter pockets, wherein at least one rotatable cutter is spaced from another rotatable cutter on the cutting element support structure by at least one-quarter of the diameter of the at least one rotatable cutter.

Abstract: In one aspect, reamers having radially extending flutes are described herein. A reamer described herein comprises a cutting portion including a plurality of cutting teeth separated by flutes, the cutting teeth defining an outer diameter of the cutting portion and the flutes extending radially to define an inner diameter of the cutting portion.

Abstract: A cutting element for use in a drilling bit and/or a milling bit having a cutter body made of a substrate having an upper surface, and a superabrasive layer overlying the upper surface of the substrate. The cutting element further includes a sleeve extending around a portion of a side surface of the superabrasive layer and a side surface of the substrate, wherein the sleeve exerts a radially compressive force on the superabrasive layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rigid cartridge for multiple and universal application of all machining processes. The rigid cartridge includes a cylindrical body, a guiding and locating body connected to bottom side of cylindrical body, and a combination screw having a left hand [LH] thread and a right hand [RH] thread, wherein the cylindrical body includes a flat for locking the cartridge with the cutter body using locking screws, wherein the combination screw is connected to the bottom end of said guiding and locating body. The LH thread can be provided in cartridge side and RH thread can be provided in cutter body side or vice versa. In the cutter body or boring bar, a slot and/or approach hole can be provided in the cutter body for enabling to rotate the combination screw in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction to move the cartridge in forward and backward direction with respect to the cutter body.

Abstract: Cutter assemblies include an outer support and a cutting element disposed therein. The cutting element is immovably attached to the outer support element. Also disclosed is downhole tools incorporating such cutter assemblies and methods of making such downhole tools.

Abstract: A cutting pick tool including a cemented carbide support body that mounts a diamond composite cutting tip. The support body includes a recess having a conical region that mounts a complementary conical shaped mount portion of the tip. The components are brazed together to provide a secure and robust cutting tip region.

Abstract: Methods of forming earth-boring tools may involve positioning a blade frame segment in a mold, the blade frame segment comprising cutting-element-attachment locations distributed over a face of the blade frame segment, the mold comprising a longitudinal axis. A first cutting element may be secured to the blade frame segment at a first cutting-element-attachment location of the cutting-element-attachment locations. A second cutting element may be secured to the blade frame segment at a second, different cutting-element-attachment location of the cutting-element-attachment locations. The blade frame segment may be integrated into a blade of a plurality of radially extending blades of an earth-boring tool by forming a body of the earth-boring tool, including the blade, around the blade frame segment.

Abstract: A formation-engaging assembly includes a formation-engaging structure holder with a side surface between a proximal end and a distal end, a receptacle in the distal end, and a lateral protrusion extending from a portion of the side surface of the formation-engaging structure holder adjacent the distal end. A formation-engaging structure may include a formation-engaging surface at a distal end, a proximal end and a sidewall therebetween. The proximal end and at least a portion of the sidewall of the formation-engaging structure may be received within the receptacle of the formation-engaging structure holder. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging assemblies.

Abstract: An earth-boring tool includes a formation-engaging structure with a formation-engaging surface at a distal end and a side surface between a proximal end and the distal end along a central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally linear recess may be formed in the side surface along an axis oriented at a non-parallel angle relative to the central axis of the formation-engaging structure. A generally helical recess may be formed in the side surface, and the generally helical recess may intersect the generally linear recess. Earth-boring tools may include such formation-engaging structures. Methods may be used to form such formation-engaging structures.

Abstract: A cutting tool is disclosed that includes a tool body, a plurality of cutting element support structures extending from the tool body, at least one slot formed in at least one of the cutting element support structures, a cutting element having a diamond shearing element with a plurality of surfaces, and at least one mechanical retention mechanism adjacent to the cutting element. Each cutting element support structure has a leading face, a top side, and a trailing face, and the slot has two side surfaces, each side surface terminating at the leading face and top side of the cutting element support structure. Each surface of the cutting element has two dimensional values, wherein the cutting element is positioned in the at least one slot such that a plane in which the shortest dimensional value lies intersects the slot side surfaces.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a bit holder for an earth working machine, in particular a road milling machine, having a support member onto which an insertion projection is indirectly or directly attached on an insertion projection side, the insertion projection comprising at least one convex abutment surface and one pressure surface. In a bit holder of this kind, working forces can be dissipated in stress-optimized fashion into an attached base part when provision is made that the insertion projection comprises two convex abutment surfaces that are arranged at a distance from one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ground drilling or cutting tool comprising a cutting element removably attached thereto by attachment means, the tool further including retention means adapted to maintain attachment of the cutting element to the tool in the event that the attachment means fails. The retention means comprises a first surface on a side of the cutting element, a mounting recess in the cutting tool in which at least a portion of said cutting element locates, a second surface in a side of the mounting recess against which said first surface locates, channels in each of said first and second surfaces that align so as to cooperatively define a dowel hole when said first and second surfaces locate together, at least one dowel that locates in the dowel hole, and means for retaining the or each dowel within the dowel hole.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body, a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body, a plurality of cutter pockets disposed on the plurality of blades, at least one rolling cutter disposed in one of the cutter pockets, wherein each rolling cutter has a substrate, a cutting face, a cutting edge, and a side surface, and at least one blocker positioned adjacent to each of the at least one rolling cutters on a leading face of the blade, wherein each blocker has a retention end and an attachment end. The retention end of each blocker is positioned adjacent to a portion of the cutting face of each rolling cutter to retain the rolling cutter in the cutter pocket and the attachment end is attached to a portion of the blade.

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: An earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through is provided for drilling with casing or liner applications. In one embodiment, the casing bit includes a tubular body; a nose attached to one end of the tubular body, wherein the nose includes a blade support and comprises a drillable material; a blade attached to the blade support using mating profiles; cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle disposed in the nose.

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: Cutter assemblies comprising an outer support element and a cutting element disposed therein. The cutting element is immovably attached to the outer support element. Also provided are downhole tools incorporating such cutter assemblies and methods of making such downhole tools.

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: In one aspect of the invention, a drilling assembly comprises a head located on a rotational axis of the assembly and comprises at least one head element. At least one blade extends distally from the head. A plurality of blade degradation elements are rotationally supported on the blade. Each degradation element comprises an attack angle that affects the penetration rate of each degradation element and a laterally offset angle that primarily affects the rotational rate of each degradation element within their holders. The drilling assembly comprises a central cutting region. The blade degradation elements within the central cutting region form an attack angle of 15 to 20 degrees with the rotational axis of the drilling assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides mechanical attachments of TSD body to a carrier or substrate sufficient to allow eventual conventional attachment of the TSD to a drill bit or other component. According to one aspect, the disclosure includes a composite assembly including a thermally stable diamond (TSD) body and a substrate with aligned holes and a joining pin located in the aligned holes to mechanically attach the TSD body and substrate. The composite assembly may lack any non-mechanical attachment between the TSD body and the substrate, or may lack particular types of non-mechanical attachments. The disclosure also provides drill bits and other devices containing such composite assemblies as well as methods of making such composite assemblies and drill bits or other devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth. Embodiments include a drill bit comprised of a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes one or more holes therethrough configured to receive a cutter that is secured therein. The cutters are secured in the hole with a removable securing device that typically prevents the cutters from being removed when the drill bit is in use but allow the cutters to be removed from the holes when the drill bit is not in use.

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 modular back reamer to be used in subterranean drilling includes a drive stem connected to a drill string and configured to support a reamer body, the reamer body providing a plurality of receptacles, wherein the receptacles are configured to retain a cutting leg assembly at varying heights within a predetermined range, and a plurality of shims engaged within the receptacles to secure the cutting leg assemblies at a specified height within the predetermined range, wherein the cutting leg assembly is secured to the reamer body with at least one mechanical fastener.

Abstract: The submitted design has same functions and usage as conventional drill heads. It consists of two parts, a solid and a recess truncated cone with 4 sets of troughs and teeth. The two parts are locked together with 4 slotted spring pins. The highly worn drill head can be detached and replaced even with one of different size or different type if needed. Such design feature is thus highly versatile and economical. The design ensures even distribution and absorption of impact force and torque. The integrity of the whole structure while drilling is thus maintained.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ground drilling or cutting tool comprising a cutting element removably attached thereto by attachment means, the tool further including retention means adapted to maintain attachment of the cutting element to the tool in the event that the attachment means fails. The retention means comprises a first surface on a side of the cutting element, a mounting recess in the cutting tool in which at least a portion of said cutting element locates, a second surface in a side of the mounting recess against which said first surface locates, channels in each of said first and second surfaces that align so as to cooperatively define a dowel hole when said first and second surfaces locate together, at least one dowel that locates in the dowel hole, and means for retaining the or each dowel within the dowel hole.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a plurality of continuous segments impregnated with diamond that are each mounted to form a corresponding blade. The regions between the blades define a plurality of fluid passages on the bit face. The blades extend radially outwardly to the gage. The continuous segments may be either straight or spiral in design. Furthermore, the design of the segments supports varying one or more of: diamond content, width, back rake angle and/or relief angle along a length of the segment.

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: In one aspect of the invention, a drilling assembly comprises a head located on a rotational axis of the assembly and comprises at least one head element. At least one blade extends distally from the head. A plurality of blade degradation elements are rotationally supported on the blade. Each degradation element comprises an attack angle that affects the penetration rate of each degradation element and a laterally offset angle that primarily affects the rotational rate of each degradation element within their holders. The drilling assembly comprises a central cutting region. The blade degradation elements within the central cutting region form an attack angle of 15 to 20 degrees with the rotational axis of the drilling assembly.

Abstract: A cutting element for use with a drill bit includes a substrate having a longitudinal axis, a lateral surface substantially symmetric about the longitudinal axis and one or more key elements coupled to the lateral surface. The lateral surface lies between an insertion end and a cutting end of the substrate. The one or more key elements are substantially axially aligned with the longitudinal axis and configured to selectively rotationally locate the substrate in a pocket. A drill bit configured for retaining a cutting element having one or more key elements is also disclosed.

Abstract: A blade, which is useful on a tool that impinges earth strata, that has a blade body with a leading surface. The blade body has a first portion defining at least a part of the leading surface and a second portion. The first portion is made of a first material composition and the second portion is made of a second material composition.

Abstract: The earth boring bit 10 is designed to bore an angular non-vertical hole into underlying strata. The bit 10 includes a plurality of steeply inclined cutting faces or edges 22 that define a relatively narrow included angle A therebetween. The bit's design ensures that the apex of the bit 10 will contact the surface S and/or other hard strata before the radially outwardly disposed gauge portion of the bit 10. This design reduces or obviates drill chattering or “walking” when the bit 10 is used to drill a hole at an angle that is not vertical relative to the surface or strata S. The bit 10 also includes an interchangeable flow control restrictor that optimizes the velocity of fluid pumped through the bit 10 and thus efficiently flushes debris from the hole as the hole is being drilled.

Abstract: An improved hole opener assembly for horizontal drilling is disclosed that is less prone to failure as a result of cone arm break out or pocket side wall fracture. The interface between the cone arm and the pocket employs a key and slot configuration with a tighter fit than between the arm and the pocket to reduce the stress on the pocket side wall during drilling.

Abstract: This invention includes drilling assemblies, drilling reamer arm assemblies, and methods of drilling. In one implementation, a drilling assembly includes a cutting head apparatus configured to cut into earthen material as the cutting head apparatus is rotated. A drive shaft extends aft of and is configured to rotate the cutting head apparatus. A plurality of reamer arm assemblies projects radially outward of the drive shaft and are mounted for rotation therewith aft of the cutting head apparatus. Individual of the reamer arm assemblies include a radial inner portion extending radially outward of the drive shaft. A radial outer portion connects with and extends radially outward of the radial inner portion. The radial outer portion includes a cutter. At least one breakaway retainer fastens the radial inner and outer portions together and restrains the radial outer portion from moving relative to the radial inner portion towards the cutting head apparatus and the drive shaft. Other aspects are contemplated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth. Embodiments include a drill bit comprised of a plurality of blades. A first plurality of the blades has cutting elements positioned substantially within the cone section of the drill bit. A second plurality of blades has cutting elements positioned substantially within the blade flank section and the blade shoulder section. Another embodiment of the first plurality of blades in which the blades end or truncate at a radial distance substantially less than the radial distance of the blade shoulder section from the center of the drill bit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a drill bit configured for boring holes or wells into the earth. Embodiments include a drill bit comprised of a plurality of blades. Each of the plurality of blades includes one or more holes therethrough configured to receive a cutter that is secured therein. The cutters are secured in the hole with securing means that typically prevent the cutters from being removed when the drill bit is in use but allow the cutters to be removed from the holes when the drill bit is not in use.