Earth-boring tools, depth-of-cut limiters, and methods of forming or servicing a wellbore
US10487589B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2016 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B10/55
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An earth-boring tool includes a bit body and an actuator coupled to the bit body. The actuator includes at least one shape memory material configured to transform from a first shape to a second shape to move a bearing pad or a cutting element with respect to the bit body in response to a stimulus. A transformation from the first shape to the second shape includes a phase change from a first solid phase to a second solid phase. A depth-of-cut limiter includes a bearing element and at least one shape memory material coupled to the bearing element. A method of forming or servicing a wellbore includes rotating an earth-boring tool within a wellbore, applying a stimulus to an actuator to convert at least one shape memory material from a first shape to a second shape, and continuing to rotate the earth-boring tool within the wellbore after applying the stimulus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.