| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090145666 | EXPANDABLE STABILIZER WITH ROLLER REAMER ELEMENTS - An expandable reamer apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation may include a tubular body, one or more blades, each blade positionally coupled to a sloped track of the tubular body, a push sleeve and a drilling fluid flow path extending through an inner bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. Each of the one or more blades may be configured to ream a subterranean formation. The push sleeve may be disposed in the inner bore of the tubular body and coupled to each of the one or more blades so as effect axial movement thereof along the track to an extended position responsive to exposure to a force or pressure of drilling fluid in the flow path of the inner bore. Each blade may include one or more roller elements for reaming a wellbore. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090242275 | STABILIZER AND REAMER SYSTEM HAVING EXTENSIBLE BLADES AND BEARING PADS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Drilling systems and methods for enlarging a borehole that include an expandable reamer and an expandable stabilizer axially coupled above the expandable reamer. The expandable reamer includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path therethrough, a plurality of generally radially and longitudinally extending blades carried by the tubular body, and a cutting structure carried by at least one blade of the plurality of blades, wherein at least one blade of the plurality of blades is movable outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis. The expandable stabilizer includes a tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path therethrough, a plurality of generally radially and longitudinally extending bearing pads carried by the tubular body, wherein at least one bearing pad of the plurality of bearing pads includes an up-hole cutting structure carried thereupon and is movable outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090242277 | COMPOUND ENGAGEMENT PROFILE ON A BLADE OF A DOWN-HOLE STABILIZER AND METHODS THEREFOR - A blade for a stabilizer configured with a compound engagement profile for reducing a tendency toward whirl and other vibrational effects when rotated within a borehole of a subterranean formation is provided. A method for stabilizing down-hole components is also provided. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090294178 | STABILIZER AND REAMER SYSTEM HAVING EXTENSIBLE BLADES AND BEARING PADS AND METHOD OF USING SAME - Drilling systems and methods for enlarging a borehole that include at least one expandable reamer and at least one expandable stabilizer axially spaced therefrom in a tubular string such as a drill string, the at least one expandable reamer and the at least one expandable stabilizer being independently actuatable by different-sized actuation devices. A relatively lower tool is actuatable by a smaller actuation device, such as a drop ball, which passes through a relatively higher tool in the drill string without triggering the higher tool. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100078216 | DOWNHOLE VIBRATION MONITORING FOR REAMING TOOLS - The present invention relates to methods and systems for optimizing the design of a bottomhole assembly, a reamer tool or other component of the bottomhole assembly, and/or drilling parameters of the bottomhole assembly. The method may include placing electronic modules in pockets of or adjacent to the reamer tool; reaming a borehole with the reamer tool while the modules record and store data for later retrieval; and then retrieving the data from the modules to optimize the design of the reamer tool. The modules may record vibration along three axis. The reamer tool may be a concentric reamer, an eccentric reamer, or virtually any type of reamer known in the art. In some embodiments, the bottomhole assembly may utilize a roller cone or drag bit below the reamer tool as a pilot bit. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100181112 | DRILLING ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING ONE OF A COUNTER ROTATING DRILL BIT AND A COUNTER ROTATING REAMER, METHODS OF DRILLING, AND METHODS OF FORMING DRILLING ASSEMBLIES - Drilling assemblies include a drill bit and a reamer apparatus in which the drill bit is configured to rotate in rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string and the reamer apparatus is configured to rotate in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis. Methods of forming a drilling assembly include configuring a drill bit to drill a subterranean formation when rotating in a counter-clockwise direction and configuring a reamer apparatus to ream a wellbore within the subterranean formation when rotating in a clockwise direction. Methods of drilling wellbores in subterranean formations include rotating a drill bit in a first rotational direction about a longitudinal axis of a drill string to drill a wellbore and rotating a reamer apparatus in an opposite rotational direction about the longitudinal axis of the drill string to ream the wellbore. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100193248 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND TOOL ASSEMBLIES FOR DISTRIBUTING WEIGHT BETWEEN AN EARTH-BORING ROTARY DRILL BIT AND A REAMER DEVICE - Methods, systems, and tool assemblies for distributing weight between a bit and a reamer device are disclosed. For example, at least one of the drill bit and the reamer may be configured to selectively distribute a weight-on-bit between the drill bit and the reamer, such as within a predetermined range. Additionally, methods of drilling wellbores may include selectively distributing a weight-on-bit applied to a bottom hole assembly between a drill bit and a reamer of the bottom hole assembly. Also, a reamer may be configured to exhibit a first maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively hard formation, and a drill bit may be configured to exhibit a second maximum rate-of-penetration into a relatively soft formation that is less than the first maximum rate-of-penetration. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100212969 | STABILIZER ASSEMBLIES WITH BEARING PAD LOCKING STRUCTURES AND TOOLS INCORPORATING SAME - Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least two separated bores extending transversely therethrough, the bores being aligned with transversely extending bores in the body on laterally opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through each bearing pad bore and into the associated body bores. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100212970 | STABILIZER ASSEMBLIES WITH BEARING PAD LOCKING STRUCTURES AND TOOLS INCORPORATING SAME - Stabilizer assemblies and tools incorporating same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a stabilizer assembly comprises a body having at least one bearing pad receptacle therein, and a bearing pad disposed in the receptacle. The bearing pad includes at least a portion of a bore extending therethrough, the bore being aligned with body bores in the body on opposite sides of the bearing pad receptacle. A lock rod extends through the bore and into the associated body bore. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100224414 | CHIP DEFLECTOR ON A BLADE OF A DOWNHOLE REAMER AND METHODS THEREFORE - An expandable reamer apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation includes a tubular body, one or more blades, each blade positionally coupled to a sloped track of the tubular body having a hardfacing material on a portion thereof, a push sleeve and a drilling fluid flow path extending through an inner bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100276199 | EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS - 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. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100288557 | EXPANDABLE REAMER FOR SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES AND METHODS OF USE - An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole are disclosed, including at least one laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The at least one laterally movable blade, held inwardly by at least one blade-biasing element, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith or by at least one intermediate piston element. For example, an actuation sleeve may allow communication of drilling fluid with the at least one laterally movable blade in response to an actuation device being deployed within the drilling fluid. Alternatively, a chamber in communication with an intermediate piston element in structural communication with the at least one laterally movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20110005836 | STABILIZER SUBS FOR USE WITH EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS,EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS INCLUDING STABILIZER SUBS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110073330 | EARTH-BORING TOOLS HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include a tubular body having at least one opening and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A sleeve member including a constricted portion may be disposed in the tubular body and may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the sleeve member may be biased in an initial position. Methods of moving a member of an expandable apparatus include repeating retracting and expanding of the member. Methods of triggering an expandable apparatus include forming a constriction in a fluid flow path extending through a sleeve member to move the sleeve member in a downhole direction responsive to fluid flow. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073371 | TOOLS FOR USE IN DRILLING OR ENLARGING WELL BORES HAVING EXPANDABLE STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SUCH TOOLS - Expandable reamers for enlarging boreholes in subterranean formations include a tubular body at least one member positioned in openings in the tubular body. The at least one member is configured to move between retracted and extended positions. A push sleeve is disposed at least partially within the tubular body and coupled to the at least one member. The push sleeve moves axially upward to move the member to the extended position in response to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through a drilling fluid flow path in the tubular body. The push sleeve moves axially downward to move the member to the retracted position in response to a pressure of drilling fluid upon a restrictive element disposed within the fluid passageway. The restrictive element disposed within the fluid passageway may be discarded from the fluid passageway by increasing the flow rate through the drilling fluid flow path. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073376 | EARTH-BORING TOOLS HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SUCH EARTH-BORING TOOLS - An expandable apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular body having at least one opening extending between a longitudinal bore of the tubular body and an outer surface of the tubular body and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening of the tubular body. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuation structure is positioned within the tubular body. The actuation structure is coupled to the at least one member and is configured to move the at least one member from the retracted position to the extended position responsive to a flow rate of drilling fluid passing through the longitudinal bore. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110127044 | Remotely controlled apparatus for downhole applications and methods of operation - An apparatus for use downhole is disclosed that, in one configuration includes a downhole tool configured to operate in an active position and an inactive position and an actuation device, which may include a control unit. The apparatus includes a telemetry unit that sends a first pattern recognition signal to the control unit to move the tool into the active position and a second pattern recognition signal to move the tool into the inactive position. The apparatus may be used for drilling a subterranean formation and include a tubular body and one or more extendable features, each positionally coupled to a track of the tubular body, and a drilling fluid flow path extending through a bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. A push sleeve is disposed within the tubular body and coupled to the one or more features. A valve assembly is disposed within the tubular body and configured to control the flow of the drilling fluid into an annular chamber in communication with the push sleeve; the valve assembly comprising a mechanically operated valve and/or an electronically operated valve. Other embodiments, including methods of operation, are provided. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110174548 | DOWNHOLE TOOLS HAVING FEATURES FOR REDUCING BALLING, METHODS OF FORMING SUCH TOOLS, AND METHODS OF REPAIRING SUCH TOOLS - Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110203849 | Expandable Reamers for Earth Boring Applications - An expandable reamer apparatus for drilling a subterranean formation includes a tubular body, one or more blades, each blade positionally coupled to a sloped track of the tubular body, a push sleeve and a drilling fluid flow path extending through an inner bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. Each of the one or more blades includes at least one cutting element configured to remove material from a subterranean formation during reaming. The push sleeve is disposed in the inner bore of the tubular body and coupled to each of the one or more blades so as effect axial movement thereof along the track to an extended position responsive to exposure to a force or pressure of drilling fluid in the flow path of the inner bore. The apparatus is provided with a caliper for measuring the actual borehole size. Remedial action may be taken based on a comparison of the actual borehole size and the intended size. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110266060 | EXPANDABLE EARTH-BORING WELLBORE REAMERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a refracted position and an expanded position in a direction oriented at an acute angle of less than ninety degrees (90°) to a longitudinal axis of the outer body. In some embodiments, the tools may include a moveable inner sleeve member configured to selectively allow hydraulic fluid pressure within the fluid passageway to act directly on the at least one blade. Methods for enlarging a borehole using such expandable reamer tools and methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110297443 | EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - 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. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308861 | EXPANDABLE REAMERS FOR SUBTERRANEAN DRILLING AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole are disclosed, including at least one laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The at least one laterally movable blade, held inwardly by at least one blade-biasing element, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith or by at least one intermediate piston element. For example, an actuation sleeve may allow communication of drilling fluid with the at least one laterally movable blade in response to an actuation device being deployed within the drilling fluid. Alternatively, a chamber in communication with an intermediate piston element in structural communication with the at least one laterally movable blade may be pressurized by way of a movable sleeve, a downhole turbine, or a pump. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120080183 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS, COMPONENTS FOR SUCH APPARATUS, REMOTE STATUS INDICATION DEVICES FOR SUCH APPARATUS, AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially downward within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through a drilling fluid flow path and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to the flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature. Additionally, the expandable apparatus may be configured to generate a signal indicating the extension of the at least one expandable feature. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080228 | STATUS INDICATORS FOR USE IN EARTH-BORING TOOLS HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SUCH STATUS INDICATORS AND EARTH-BORING TOOLS - A status indicator for determining a position of an extendable member in an expandable apparatus. The status indicator is configured to decrease a cross-sectional area of a portion of a fluid path extending through an expandable causing a pressure of a fluid within the fluid path to increase when an extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in an extended position. By determining the pressure of the fluid within the fluid path, one can determine the position of the status indicator within the fluid path and thereby determine whether the extendable member of the expandable apparatus is in the extended or a retracted position. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120080231 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable apparatus may comprise a tubular body, a valve piston and a push sleeve. The tubular body may comprise a fluid passageway extending therethrough, and the valve piston may be disposed within the tubular body, the valve piston configured to move axially within the tubular body responsive to a pressure of drilling fluid passing through the fluid passageway and configured to selectively control a flow of fluid into an annular chamber. The push sleeve may be disposed within the tubular body and coupled to at least one expandable feature, the push sleeve configured to move axially responsive to a flow of fluid into the annular chamber extending the at least one expandable feature. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120111579 | TOOLS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A latching member disposed in the tubular body may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus include securing at least one member of the expandable apparatus in a retracted position by engaging an inner wall of a tubular body with at least one latch member disposed in at least one aperture formed in a latch sleeve. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120205157 | TOOLS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120205162 | DOWNHOLE TOOLS HAVING FEATURES FOR REDUCING BALLING, METHODS OF FORMING SUCH TOOLS, AND METHODS OF REPAIRING SUCH TOOLS - Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20130025358 | Deployment Mechanism for Well Logging Devices - Devices and methods for logging a wellbore condition. A logging-on-demand tool is used which includes a logging tool housing assembly carried by a running string and a logging tool that is retained within the logging tool housing assembly and is selectively movable between a retracted position, wherein the logging tool is retained radially within the logging tool housing assembly, and a deployed position, wherein the logging tool is extended axially from the logging tool housing assembly | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130087386 | EXPANDABLE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - 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. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130092446 | STABILIZER SUBS FOR USE WITH EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS, EXPANDABLE REAMER APPARATUS INCLUDING STABILIZER SUBS AND RELATED METHODS - An expandable reamer apparatus and stabilizer sub having at least one rib thereon attached thereto for drilling a subterranean formation. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130153300 | SELECTIVELY ACTUATING EXPANDABLE REAMERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable reamers are configured to operate in a first, retracted state in which a plurality of blades is in a retracted position when a sliding sleeve is in a first sleeve position and a seat is in a first seat position, to operate in a second, extended state in which the plurality of blades is movable to an extended position when the sliding sleeve is in at least a second sleeve position and the seat is in the first seat position, and to operate in a third, retracted state in which the plurality of blades is returned to the retracted position when the sliding sleeve is in the at least a second position and the seat is in a second seat position. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130256035 | EXPANDABLE REAMERS AND METHODS OF USING EXPANDABLE REAMERS - Expandable reamers comprise a housing and at least one blade supported by the housing. The at least one blade is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The at least one blade is in the retracted position when a travel sleeve is in a first sleeve position and a trigger sleeve is in an unobstructed position. The at least one blade is movable to the extended position when the travel sleeve is in a second sleeve position and the trigger sleeve is in the unobstructed position. The at least one blade is in the retracted position when the travel sleeve is in the second sleeve position and the trigger sleeve is in an obstructed position. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130264122 | EXPANDABLE REAMER METHODS - Expandable reamer tools include an outer body, a fluid passageway extending through the outer body, and at least one blade configured to slide relative to the outer body between a retracted position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the tools may include a formation-engaging surface comprising a gage area. In other embodiments, the tools may include a radially recessed area extending from a back edge of the formation-engaging surface. Methods for removing such expandable reamer tools from a borehole are also disclosed. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130292175 | DRILLING ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING EXPANDABLE REAMERS AND EXPANDABLE STABILIZERS, AND RELATED METHODS - A drilling assembly for drilling a subterranean wellbore includes an expandable reamer and an expandable stabilizer. The expandable reamer and the expandable stabilizer each have a tubular body with a longitudinal axis and a drilling fluid flow path extending therethrough. A plurality of blades is carried by the reamer and a plurality of bearing pads is carried by the stabilizer. The blades and bearing pads are outwardly movable from a retracted position to an extended position with respect to the longitudinal axes of the reamer and stabilizer, respectively. The reamer and stabilizer each include an actuation device for moving the blades and bearing pads, respectively, from the retracted position to the extended position. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20140014329 | LANDING INDICATOR FOR LOGGING TOOLS - An apparatus for evaluating an earth formation intersected by a wellbore may include a logging tool conveyed into the wellbore through a drilling tubular, a landing indicator associated with the logging tool, and a sensor operatively associated with the logging tool. In use, the landing indicator generates a pressure pulse in the drilling tubular after contacting a travel restrictor positioned in the drilling tubular. After the logging tool is positioned at the target depth, the sensor makes at least one measurement while the logging tool is in the drilling tubular and provides an output indicative of a selected subsurface parameter. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140158350 | ALL PURPOSE PUMPDOWN INSTRUMENT - An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular may include a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor may include at least one sealing element that sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes an actuator configured to move the at least one sealing element to at least a position intermediate of the open and the closed position. The actuator may be responsive to a control signal that is generated locally or transmitted from a remote location. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140158369 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CONVEYING A TOOL ALONG A WELLBORE - An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular includes a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes a joint connected to the flow restrictor. The joint actuates the flow restrictor between the expanded position to the retracted position while moving between an open and a closed position. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140238746 | ACTUATION MECHANISMS FOR DOWNHOLE ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED DOWNHOLE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - 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. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140246236 | EXPANDABLE REAMER ASSEMBLIES, BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED METHODS - 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. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140246242 | COMPONENTS OF DRILLING ASSEMBLIES, DRILLING ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF STABILIZING DRILLING ASSEMBLIES IN WELLBORES IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - A component of a drilling assembly comprises at least one blade having a gauge region comprising a bearing face for engaging a sidewall of a wellbore in a subterranean formation during rotation of the drilling assembly, and a rotationally leading edge rotationally preceding the bearing face and comprising an engagement profile comprising at least one of at least one chamfered surface and at least one radiused surface, the engagement profile different than another engagement profile of another rotationally leading edge of another region of the at least one blade. A drilling assembly, and a method for stabilizing a drilling assembly in a wellbore in a subterranean formation are also provided. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140246246 | ACTUATION ASSEMBLIES, HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED TOOLS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES INCLUDING ACTUATION ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS - Actuation assemblies include a valve assembly comprising a valve sleeve configured to rotate to selectively enable fluid flow through at least one aperture in the valve sleeve and into at least one port of an outer sleeve and a ball retention feature configured to selectively retain a ball dropped through a fluid passageway of the valve assembly in order to rotate the valve sleeve. Downhole tools include actuation assemblies. Methods for actuating a downhole tool include receiving a ball in an actuation assembly, rotating a valve sleeve of the actuation assembly to enable fluid to flow through a portion of the actuation assembly, and actuating a portion of the downhole tool with the fluid. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140338981 | TOOLS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN BOREHOLES HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include at least one member configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. Components of the expandable apparatus may include at least one surface for removing debris proximate to the tubular body. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to enable the expandable apparatus to increase a diameter of a subterranean borehole by greater than twenty percent. Components of the expandable apparatus may be configured to restrict fluid flow to nozzle assemblies. The expandable apparatus may include a protect sleeve having a push sleeve disposed therein. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may include removing debris with a surface of the expandable apparatus. Methods of operating an expandable apparatus may also include selectively flowing fluid to nozzle assemblies. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140353032 | EXPANDABLE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS - 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. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150060143 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED APPARATUS FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS AND METHODS OF OPERATION - An apparatus for use downhole is disclosed that, in one configuration includes a downhole tool configured to operate in an active position and an inactive position and an actuation device, which may include a control unit. The apparatus includes a telemetry unit that sends a first pattern recognition signal to the control unit to move the tool into the active position and a second pattern recognition signal to move the tool into the inactive position. The apparatus may be used for drilling a subterranean formation and include a tubular body and one or more extendable features, each positionally coupled to a track of the tubular body, and a drilling fluid flow path extending through a bore of the tubular body for conducting drilling fluid therethrough. A push sleeve is disposed within the tubular body and coupled to the one or more features. A valve assembly is disposed within the tubular body and configured to control the flow of the drilling fluid into an annular chamber in communication with the push sleeve; the valve assembly comprising a mechanically operated valve and/or an electronically operated valve. Other embodiments, including methods of operation, are provided. | 03-05-2015 |
