Abstract: An impregnated diamond drill bit having a generally cylindrical, hollow crown structure with a lower portion containing diamond particles and a steel shank attached to the crown structure at its upper end. The diamond particles are dispersed within a metal matrix in the lower portion of the crown. Around both the outside circumferential wall and the inside circumferential wall of portions of the crown structure, there are layers of a highly wear resistant material. These layers are formed of a material that is more wear resistant than the material used for the metal matrix in which the diamond particles are dispersed.

Abstract: An impregnated diamond drill bit having a crown containing a plurality of diamond particles. The crown is formed from a fused powdered metallic matrix that includes titanium carbide and a nickel-manganese alloy. The diamond particles are dispersed within the metallic matrix which is then fused so as to hold the diamond particles in place. Although the mixture including the nickel-manganese solid solutions has a lower degree of hardness than that of prior impregnated diamond drill bits, the use of the nickel-manganese alloy improves the retention ability of the metallic matrix for securing the diamonds within the crown. A steel shank is attached to the crown.

Abstract: A drill bit used for obtaining core samples in concrete or rock formations. The drill bit comprises a cylindrical body having a generally annular-shaped cutting surface at one end and at least one waterway including an inner channel on the interior surface of the body extending to the cutting surface and an outer channel on the exterior surface of the body extending to the cutting surface at a point radially spaced from the point where the inner channel extends to the cutting surface. The waterway further includes a recessed portion on the cutting surface connecting the inner and outer channels at the points at which the channels respectively extend to the cutting surface. Such a waterway helps to wash the cutting surface of the bit so that concentration of drill cuttings on the cutting surface is minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting work over a predetermined path previously requiring a transporting mechanism of a minimal dimension with respect to the corresponding dimension of the path. A transport mechanism is provided for transporting the work over a portion of the path, which transport mechanism has a corresponding dimension substantially less than the minimal dimension. The work is initially maintained in a position in which it is propelled by the transporting mechanism. A further transporting mechanism is provided, which mechanism also has a corresponding dimension substantially less than the minimal dimension. A transfer mechanism transfers the work from a position in which it is propelled by the transport mechanism into a position in which it is propelled by the further transport mechanism.