Abstract: A device for fracturing earthen material includes an elongated stem member having a wedging tool attached to the distal end thereof and a sonic oscillator coupled to the top end thereof. The wedging tool has rib means formed on the outer portions thereof, these rib means in one embodiment being spaced around the circumference of the tool at approximately 90.degree. intervals. The stem is lowered into a well to be serviced to stimulate the flow of fluid (generally oil) therefrom. With the tool ribs wedged against the sides of the well, sonic energy is coupled from the sonic oscillator into the stem. This energy may be at a frequency such as to cause resonant elastic vibration of the stem. The tool is fabricated of a hard elastic material, such as steel. The sonic energy is coupled from the wedging ribs of the tool to the earthen formation surrounding the well in a non-isotropic manner, i.e., along particular lines.

Abstract: A drilling bit for drilling earthen material such as an oil well rotary cone drilling bit, which includes means for preventing foreign particles such as sand, rock cuttings, etc., from reaching the rotational bearings of the bit cones. This end result is principally achieved by means of a centrifugal slinger disc or wall which is positioned in external concentricity with the drill bit cone bearing, and operates to drive granular particles away from the bearings, thereby preventing such particles from reaching these bearing surfaces. The granular particles are driven by the slinger action through a series of apertures forming a channel running out to a peripheral region of the bit cones. A channel continuation is also provided for lubricating fluid, which many comprise ambient water or oil placed in chambers surrounding the bearings, this channel providing access for such lubricating fluid inwardly to the bit cone bearings.

Abstract: A centrifugal trap for preventing solid particles such as sand from reaching water lubricated bearings. The ambient water which is used for lubricating a bearing is passed through a maze structure which includes a first longitudinal annular channel which is substantially concentric with the shaft supported by the bearing, and a second lateral annular channel which is also concentric with the shaft, into a longitudinal annular separating chamber. A centrifugal force is generated in the liquid by rotating a cylindrical member forming one of the walls of the channels and the chamber, which causes sand particles and the like to be driven outwardly against the longitudinal portions of the walls. The liquid, the particles having been separated therefrom, is passed from the centrifugal separating chamber through an inner longitudinal annular channel, which is concentric with the shaft, to the shaft bearing.