Earth-boring tools including retractable pads, cartridges including retractable pads for such tools, and related methods

摘要

An earth-boring tool may comprise at least one cavity formed in a face thereof. At least one retractable pad residing in the at least one cavity may be coupled to a piston located at least partially within the at least one cavity. Additionally, a valve may be positioned within the earth-boring tool and configured to regulate flow of an incompressible fluid in contact with the piston through an opening of a reservoir. A cartridge may comprise a barrel wall defining a first bore, and a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore. The barrel wall and the piston may define a first reservoir within the first bore, and a valve may be positioned and configured to regulate flow through an opening to the first reservoir. Related methods and devices are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A cartridge for an earth-boring tool, the cartridge comprising:
a barrel wall defining a first bore; a piston comprising at least one retractable pad positioned at least partially within the first bore; a first reservoir within the first bore adjacent the piston; an opening to the first reservoir; a valve positioned and configured to regulate fluid flow through the opening; and another barrel wall defining a second bore and having a second reservoir therein positioned for fluid communication with the first reservoir through the valve, wherein the valve is positioned between the first reservoir and the second reservoir.