Patents Examined by Jennifer M Gay
  • Drill bit having diamond impregnated inserts primary cutting structure
    Patent number: 6394202
    Abstract: An earth-boring bit comprises a bit body bit body in which are mounted a plurality of cutting structures inserts, wherein at least a portion of the cutting structures comprise diamond-impregnated inserts having a total thermal exposure of less than 25 minutes above 1500° F. The diamonds can be natural or synthetic diamond. The bit body itself may be diamond-impregnated, in which case it is preferred that the diamonds in the inserts make up at least 40% of the total diamond in the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Smith International, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Truax, Thomas Walter Oldham, Carl Edward Penuel, Duane R. Van Waes