Rotary drill bits including at least one substantially helically extending feature and methods of operation
US7360608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B10/43
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A rotary drill bit is disclosed, including at least one cutting element affixed thereto and configured to form a distinct borehole surface in response to drilling a subterranean formation. At least one substantially helically extending feature associated with the at least one cutting element may be formed upon the leading end of the rotary drill bit. Alternatively, a rotary drill bit may include a plurality of substantially helically extending features. Methods of operating a rotary drill bit are also disclosed. Specifically, a subterranean formation may be drilled with a rotary drill bit to form an on-center bottomhole pattern, which may be at least partially contacted by at least one substantially helically extending feature of the rotary drill bit. Alternatively, a subterranean formation may be contacted with at least one substantially helically extending feature of the rotary drill bit. A method of designing a rotary drill bit is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.