Abstract: In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a plurality of elements that extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, wherein the plurality of such elements are in fluid communication with each other to compensate for differing forces applied to such elements during drilling operations. In another aspect, a method of drilling a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes: conveying a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, wherein the drill bit includes a plurality of elements that extend and retract from a surface of the drill bit, wherein the plurality of such elements are in fluid communication with each other to compensate for differing forces applied to such elements during drilling operations; and drilling the wellbore using the drill string.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a tubular handling assembly for use with a top drive includes a mandrel coupled to the top drive; a gripping assembly for gripping and releasing a tubular, the gripping assembly coupled to and rotating with the mandrel; and an actuation assembly for actuating the gripping assembly, wherein the gripping assembly is rotatable relative to the actuation assembly.

Abstract: The current application provides an Axially Separating Drill Bucket for drilling large holes in the earth by which a drilling operator can perform the drilling operation with the Axially Separating Drill Bucket and remove the excavated material in one operation. The unit can be raised to the surface where the bucket portion is separated from the drill head to empty the excavated material.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed toward a drilling system that includes a conduit configured to route a pressurized gas to a top drive of a drilling rig. The drilling system also includes one or more cables disposed in the conduit.

Abstract: A top drive system is provided. In one embodiment, a top drive includes a drive stem and a load nut with mating threaded surfaces that enable the drive stem to be threaded through the load nut and to support weight of a connected drill string via the load nut. One or both of the mating threaded surfaces may have a threadform with one or more undercut thread roots. Additionally, a portion of the mating threaded surfaces, such as thread roots of the drive stem, can be shot-peened. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body with first and second cutter blocks coupled to the body. The first cutter block may have a recess formed therein, and the second cutter block may be positioned in the recess. The first and second cutter blocks may move between retracted and expanded states. In the retracted state, the first and second cutter blocks may have an outer diameter less than or equal to an outer diameter of the body. In the expanded state, the first and second cutter blocks may have different outer diameters, with each being greater than the outer diameter of the body. A method may include running the underreamer into a wellbore, expanding the first and second cutter blocks, and moving the underreamer axially in the wellbore to increase the diameter of the wellbore.

Abstract: An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer may include a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. An electromagnetic activation system may be disposed at least partially within the bore of the body. A valve may be disposed within the bore of the body and coupled to the electromagnetic activation system. The valve may include a mobile element and a static element. The mobile element may be coupled to the electromagnetic activation system and move from a first position where the mobile element obstructs fluid flow through the valve to a second position where the mobile element permits fluid flow through the valve. A cutter block may be movably coupled to the body and move radially-outward as the mobile element moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes an upper tunnel extending through the formation. In addition, the system includes a lower tunnel extending through the formation below a portion of the upper tunnel. Further, the system includes a plurality of conduits extending from the upper tunnel through the formation to the lower tunnel. Still further, the system includes a plurality of wellbores extending from the lower tunnel into a hydrocarbon-bearing portion of the formation.

Abstract: A method includes attaching a carriage support to a platform, the platform comprising a platform floor having an opening therein, with the carriage support located proximate the opening, attaching a drive carriage to the carriage support, and operably coupling to the drive carriage a first mast section of a mast comprising a plurality of mast sections, and wherein the first mast section is located above the opening. The method also includes arranging a second mast section below the first mast section, lowering, using the drive carriage, the first mast section through the opening, attaching the first mast section to the second mast section, and raising, using the drive carriage, the first mast section and the second mast section through the opening.

Abstract: A method for accessing a hydrocarbon reservoir in a subterranean formation from a subterranean tunnel system includes (a) drilling a first bore between an upper tunnel and a lower tunnel. In addition, the method includes (b) drilling a second bore downward from the lower tunnel.

Abstract: A method comprising attaching a first mast section to a support structure using a first plurality of fasteners located on the support structure, wherein a lower portion of the support structure is connected to and located above an opening in the platform comprising a platform floor, and wherein the first mast section has a line, a hook, and a pulley, with the line operably coupled to the pulley and connected to a hoist attached to the platform. The method also comprises lowering the hook, using the hoist, in a downward direction away from the pulley and through the opening, attaching the hook to a second mast section located below the platform floor, raising the hook and the second mast section, using the hoist, in an upward direction towards the pulley and through the opening, and connecting the first mast section to the second mast section.

Abstract: A drilling system comprising a drive shaft having a fluid flow conduit extending therethrough; a drill bit mounted for rotation by the drive shaft and having a bit face which, in use, contacts a formation to be drilled, and including a fluid flow passage with an outlet near the center of the bit face; a first fluid flow line extending from the outside of the drive shaft to the flow passage in the drill bit; and a second fluid flow line extending from the outside of the drive shaft to the flow conduit. A method of drilling a well using such a system comprise positioning the system in a borehole; rotating the drive shaft to rotate the bit; urging the bit against the formation to be drilled; and pumping drilling fluid down the borehole so as to pass though the first flow line and to exit the fluid flow passage in the drill bit via the outlet, flow over the bit face and pass into the fluid low conduit via the second fluid flow line.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes a downhole rotational lock mechanism including a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore with an internal wall. A driving gear is disposed in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing and has a peripheral edge secured to the internal wall of the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing. The driving gear has an upper portion including a plurality of gear teeth arranged around a central longitudinal bore through the driving gear. A driven gear is movably disposed in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing, and has a central longitudinal bore and a lower portion including a plurality of gear teeth. An output drive shaft is disposed longitudinally in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing and in the longitudinal bore of the driven gear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of a drill string that includes drilling pipe, a dump valve, a positive displacement motor and a rotary drill bit driven by the motor utilize a dump valve that does not depend upon a pressure loss to maintain the dump valve in a position which closes communication between the drilling string and the annulus between the drilling string and the well bore or casing. The dump valve includes a flow sleeve that is axially moved to close outlet passages to the annulus by the flow of fluid through the outlet passages rather than a pressure drop across the flow sleeve.

Abstract: A stabilizer and method for use in a wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus can include a rotary body disposed about a tubular and configured to rotate and axially-translate with respect to the tubular. The apparatus can also include a first anti-rotation device disposed axially adjacent the rotary body and configured to resist rotation and axial translation with respect to the tubular. The rotary body can be configured to engage the first anti-rotation device and rotationally lock therewith. The apparatus can also include a biasing member configured to bias apart the rotary body and the first anti-rotation device.

Abstract: In a steerable drilling liner system the liner running tools that support the bottom hole assembly have the capability of sealingly latching into the liner to allow circulation through the drill bit as the hole is made and reamed. Before removing a seal in a polished bore receptacle inside the liner, the BHA is picked up to confirm release from the liner while leaving the seal in the polished bore. Picking up a second time allows dogs to extend so that setting down weight opens a circulation port to allow debris removal from near the top of the liner along with continued circulation through the BHA. After removal of the BHA and leaving the liner in the hole, the redressed BHA with the spring loaded dogs retained enters the liner and sealingly latches to the liner so that drilling can resume.

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

Abstract: System and method for predicting the mud weight window in formations, particularly those formations having geologic structures such as salt domes. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method of modeling a formation in 3-D and determining a plurality of effective stress ratios for the modeled 3-D formation using finite element analysis. Thereafter, the trajectory of a proposed wellbore through the 3-D modeled formation is plotted and the specific effective stress ratios along the wellbore are selected to form a data set. The 3-D data set of effective stress ratios is then imported into 1-D modeling software and combined with 1-D data. The combined data is thereafter utilized to estimate the mud weigh window for the formation around the wellbore.

Abstract: A directional drilling tool includes a housing defining a central cavity for enabling the transmission of drilling fluid through the drill string. A motor contained in the housing includes a rotor-stator assembly, and produces eccentric motion of the rotor. An inverter or shock absorbing assembly disposed along the housing upstream from the motor functions to expend and contract the central cavity in response to fluid pressure changes produced by the drilling fluid flow. A valve assembly, comprising a multi-port flow head that rotates under influence of the motor and a multi-port flow restrictor, creates a varying pattern of pressure spikes in the drilling fluid as the ports of the flow head move into and out of alignment with the ports of the flow restrictor, which in turn induces a percussive effect and axial movement in the drill string.

Abstract: An auger for digging holes that minimizes the amount of loose dirt excavated in and around the dug hole. The auger comprises an elongated shaft body whose axial longitudinal center is disposed in a parallel offset position from the axial engagement line of orientation with the driving source for rotationally driving the auger. The shaft body of the auger revolves in an eccentric lateral orbit as the auger rotates which digs the hole by pushing and widening the dirt in the hole rather than cutting and scraping. The distal end of the auger has a tapered configuration for initial penetration into the ground. The eccentric movement of the shaft body of the auger helps to compact the walls of the hole being dug.

Abstract: A tubular component for a drill stem, for drilling a hole, the component including a first end section including a first threading, a second end section including a second threading, and a substantially tubular central section, a hole being provided in at least one of the first and second end sections, and a tensioner for a communications tube disposed in the hole, the tensioner operating by deformation of a regular section of the communications tube, the tensioner being disposed in a housing provided in at least the section, at a distance from the ends of the communications tube, the housing intersecting with the hole.

Abstract: An auger stand is provided for a utility truck with a boom, motor and auger to install telephone poles. The stand securely holds the nine foot, 350 pound auger in an upright position to facilitate its detachment from and reattachment to a drive shaft of the motor. Without laying the auger down, the truck boom and motor are then used to install pole anchors or perform other tasks. The auger stand has a base with several radially extending legs that form a stabile platform that rests on the ground. A collar is secured near the top of the auger shaft. Several ratchet straps join the outer ends of the legs to the auger collar to form a stable pyramid structure that holds the auger upright. The legs folds up to facilitate transport and storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling tool for earth drilling with a drill rod element which can be connected to a rotary drive and can be driven in a rotating manner about a drilling axis, a frame-like housing and at least one removal tooth which is supported in a radially adjustable manner in the housing between a retracted position in the housing and an operating position, in which the at least one removal tooth projects radially from the housing. Furthermore, on the drill rod element in the housing a transmission mechanism is arranged, through which a stroke and/or rotational movement of the drill rod element can be translated into a radial movement for radial adjustment of the at least one removal tooth.

Abstract: Actuation mechanisms for downhole assemblies in earth-boring applications may comprise a housing comprising an internal bore defining a flow path through the housing. An actuation member may be supported within the housing. A movable sleeve may be located within the internal bore and may be movable between a first position and a second position responsive to changes in flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow path. The movable sleeve may be biased toward the first position. The actuation member may be in an initial, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is initially located in the first position. The actuation member may be movable to a subsequent, pre-actuation position when the movable sleeve is located in the second position. The actuation member may be released from the actuation mechanism when the movable sleeve is returned to the first position.

Abstract: Drilling assemblies, systems and methods enable a wellbore to be drilled and lined with a slotted liner. A drilling system includes a liner assembly with a drill string in a bore thereof. The drill string and the liner assembly can be selectively coupled together to restrict relative motion between the liner assembly and the drill string. The liner assembly includes a slotted liner portion through which fluid may flow. As the drilling system is used to drill a wellbore, the liner assembly is simultaneously positioned within the wellbore. Once the wellbore is drilled to a desired depth, the drill string can be disengaged from the liner assembly and retrieved from the well. Production fluids such as oil and gas may then be transferred uphole through the liner assembly.

Abstract: An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of conducting a drilling operation are provided. One embodiment of the method includes drilling a borehole, predicting a value of a first parameter relating to the drilling of the borehole using a geomechanical model, estimating a value of a second parameter from measurements taken by a sensor, updating the geomechanical model based at least in part on the estimated value of the second parameter, predicting a second value of the first parameter using the updated geomechanical model, and altering a drilling parameter for drilling the borehole based on the predicted second value of the first parameter.

Abstract: A floating offshore facility for offshore hydrocarbon production, comprising an upper deck, a lower deck, a well bay comprising a plurality of drilling slots and a plurality of production slots surrounding said drilling slots, a cart supporting a drilling riser and being movable together with said drilling riser inside the opening of the plurality of the drilling slots, and a drilling rig movable above the well bay to drill the well through the drilling riser.

Abstract: In an oil-sealed bearing assembly in the bearing section of a mud motor, in which a mandrel is rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical sleeve is disposed coaxially within the mandrel with the sleeve being non-rotatably mounted to an inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an annular piston chamber forming part of a generally annular oil reservoir. An annular piston is axially movable within the piston chamber without rotation relative to either the mandrel or the sleeve.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes a downhole rotational lock mechanism including a tubular housing having a longitudinal bore with an internal wall. A driving gear is disposed in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing and has a peripheral edge secured to the internal wall of the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing. The driving gear has an upper portion including a plurality of gear teeth arranged around a central longitudinal bore through the driving gear. A driven gear is movably disposed in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing, and has a central longitudinal bore and a lower portion including a plurality of gear teeth. An output drive shaft is disposed longitudinally in the longitudinal bore of the tubular housing and in the longitudinal bore of the driven gear.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the amount of torque transferred to the Bottom Hole Assembly and the drill string during drilling operations are disclosed. The drill string includes an optionally non-rotatable portion. A rotational hold down system is positioned at a first position on the drill string where it is not rotationally coupled to the drill string. The rotational hold down system is then moved to a second position on the drill string where it is rotationally coupled to the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string. In the second position, one or more bars on the rotational hold down system substantially prevent rotation of the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string.

Abstract: A spreader beam includes a first spreader beam section, where the first spreader beam section is pivotably coupled to the first substructure and a second spreader beam section, where the second spreader beam section is pivotably coupled to the second substructure. The first and second spreader beam sections are positioned to, in an extended position, selectively couple to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a borehole in an earthen formation includes a side cutting device comprised of a laterally extendable side cutting element that can be actuated from a retracted position to an extended position in which the side cutting element is selectively employed to create a larger borehole diameter in a down hole location than the remaining portion of the borehole that is closer to the borehole opening.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting an explosive atmosphere in a wellbore drilling system, including a riser (12) connected to a wellbore above a top thereof wherein the riser has a fluid outlet (17) below a surface of a body of water in which the wellbore is drilled, and wherein the fluid outlet is connected to a subsea pump to return drilling fluid to a drilling platform on the water surface and wherein a space in the riser (12) above the drilling fluid level filled with air includes pumping drilling fluid into a drill string (15) extending from the drilling platform into the wellbore. Fluid (27) is introduced proximate an upper end of the riser (12). A rate of introducing the fluid (27) is selected to inhibit an explosive atmosphere in the space in the riser above the drilling fluid level. The subsea pump to remove fluid from the riser outlet is operated at a rate selected to maintain the fluid level or to maintain a selected wellbore pressure.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a bearing assembly including a support ring configured to reduce thermal warping under operational temperature conditions, a bearing apparatus that may utilize such a thrust-bearing assembly, and applications that incorporate the disclosed bearing apparatuses such as downhole motors in subterranean drilling systems, directional drilling systems, and many other apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. The thrust-bearing assembly further includes a support ring having the plurality of superhard bearing elements mounted thereto.

Abstract: Cutting elements for earth-boring tools may generate a shear lip at a wear scar thereon during cutting. A diamond table may exhibit a relatively high wear resistance, and an edge of the diamond table may be chamfered, the combination of which may result in the formation of a shear lip. Cutting elements may comprise multi-layer diamond tables that result in the formation of a shear lip during cutting. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements. Methods of forming cutting elements may include selectively designing and configuring the cutting elements to form a shear lip. Methods of cutting a formation using an earth-boring tool include cutting the formation with a cutting element on the tool, and generating a shear lip at a wear scar on the cutting element. The cutting element may be configured such that the shear lip comprises diamond material of the cutting element.

Abstract: In aspects, the disclosure provides a drilling motor that includes a lubricating unit that selectively supplies a lubricant to the drilling fluid before the drilling fluid passes through the drilling motor so as to lubricate the stator and/or the rotor to reduce friction between the stator and the rotor and to reduce wear of the motor.

Abstract: A method for downhole fluid analysis is disclosed. The method includes positioning a downhole fluid sampling tool at first and second locations; extracting and compositionally analyzing samples of reservoir fluid while positioned at the first and second locations; comparing analysis results; and repositioning the tool to a third location depending on the results of the comparison. The compositional analysis can be performed using downhole gas chromatography and mass spectrometry systems and preferably can identify subtle non-homogeneities such as biomarkers. The fluid extraction can be performed using a focuses dual-flowline type sampling probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a cylindrical member is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a clamping device having clamping dies that enable the clamping device to grip a tubular string. The clamping dies have clamping faces configured to adapt to curvature of the tubular string when the clamping dies engage the tubular string via the clamping faces to facilitate use of the clamping device with tubular strings of different external diameters. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.

Abstract: A device is for a drilling rig for forming of a bore hole in a subterranean structure. The drilling rig comprises a first, top driven drilling machine arranged vertically displaceable along a guide track, where a second drilling machine is arranged between the first drilling machine and the bore hole, vertically displaceable along a guide track and provided with a rotary table arranged to be able to take the weight of a pipe string. A rotary drive unit is arranged for continuous rotation of the pipe string. A fluid chamber is arranged to, in a fluid communicating way, be able to connect a pipe string end portion with a drilling liquid plant. As the fluid chamber is provided with pipe string ports comprising means arranged to, in a fluid sealing way, be able to close the pipe string ports. A power tong is arranged for continuous rotation of an element connected to the pipe string, as the power tong is arranged in the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A method of controlling a downhole operation includes: deploying a work string into a wellbore, the work string comprising a deployment string and a bottomhole assembly (BHA); digitally marking a depth of the BHA; and using the digital mark to perform the downhole operation.

Abstract: The present apparatus and method of use allows a blow out preventer to be installed as a unit with a section of casing, and does not require the blow out preventer to be removed as subsequent strings of casing are installed, thus efficiently utilizing drilling rig time. The present invention further allows a casing string to be landed and cemented in place, and then the drilling rig may move off the location, without a permanent wellhead housing attached to the well. The primary apparatus utilized in the invention is a tubular connector which suspends a string of casing during cementing, and which receives a casing plug for sealing the well when drilling operations have been completed. When completion operations commence, a permanent wellhead housing is attached to the tubular connector utilizing a unique metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen from a subterranean oil sand deposit including: drilling a portion of the deposit; fragmenting the drilled deposit; drilling of the fragmented deposit to allow for flooding, wherein one or more wells are drilled to provide access to the deposit and retrieval of extracted bitumen, to form a drilled fragmented deposit; flooding the drilled fragmented deposit with a first flood volume of fluid to permit the first flood volume of fluid to admix with the fragmented first portion, to re lease heavy oil from any inert material so that the heavy oil floats within the first flood volume of fluid in the drilled fragmented deposit to form a flooded first portion; recovering the heavy oil; and repeating the above for each additional portions.

Abstract: A method for deploying a tubular string into a wellbore includes: injecting fluid through a top drive and flow sub into a top of the tubular string and lowering the tubular string into the wellbore. The flow sub: connects the tubular string top to a quill of the top drive, is in a top injection mode, and has a closed port and an open bore. The method further includes halting injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string. The method further includes, while injection and lowering are halted: disconnecting the flow sub from the tubular string top; adding one or more tubular joints to the tubular string and connecting the flow sub to a top of the added joints. The method further includes resuming injection of the fluid through the top drive and lowering of the tubular string.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods include an x-direction support structure extending in the same direction as a line extending between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and include a y-direction support structure moveable along the x-direction support structure. The y-direction support structure extends on a drilling rig in a direction transverse to the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig. A racker device is carried by the y-direction support structure and is configured to connect to and carry a tubular stand used in a well drilling process, the racker device being moveable along the y-direction support structure from a position inline with the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig to a position offline from the line to provide space for additional drilling processes along the line extending between the well center and the V-door on the drilling rig.

Abstract: A hybrid earth-boring bit comprising a bit body having a central axis, at least one, preferably three fixed blades, depending downwardly from the bit body, each fixed blade having a leading edge, and at least one rolling cutter, preferably three rolling cutters, mounted for rotation on the bit body. A rolling cutter is located between two fixed blades.

Abstract: A reaming tool includes a body having a longitudinal axis and an upper end opposite a lower end and a blade located on said body, the blade including a reaming surface having one or more reaming inserts disposed on at least a portion thereof and a cutting surface having one or more cutters disposed on at least a portion thereof. One or more of said cutters are configured (a) so that an extended longitudinal axis of said cutter is positioned at an angle ? between 5 degrees and 85 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body, or (b) on said cutting surface at a radial distance from said longitudinal axis less than said radial distances between said reaming inserts and said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes: a housing; a piston longitudinally movable relative to the housing; a flapper carried by the piston for operation between an open position and a closed position, the flapper operable to isolate an upper portion of a bore of the valve from a lower portion of the bore in the closed position; an opener connected to the housing for opening the flapper; and an abutment configured to receive the flapper in the closed position, thereby retaining the flapper in the closed position.

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.