Abstract: A bit is provided having at least one leg extending downwardly and inwardly from the bit body. A cutter cone is rotatably mounted on a shaft extending inwardly from the lower portion of each leg. The annular space defined by the base of the shaft and the inner surface at the base of the cone forms a seal gland. An elastomeric o-ring sealingly engages an inner surface of the cone and a first rigid ring which rotates with the o-ring and cone. The o-ring energizes the first rigid ring for sealingly engaging a second rigid ring mounted to the leg of the bit near the base of the shaft. The second rigid ring is secured to and seals against a surface at the base of the shaft and is held stationary relative to the surface. A lubricant passage for lubricating the seal is pressurized by the drilling fluid pressure in the center of the bit body.

Abstract: A bit is provided having at least one leg extending downwardly and inwardly from the bit body. A cutter cone is rotatably mounted on a shaft extending inwardly from the lower portion of each leg. The annular space defined by the base of the shaft and the inner surface at the base of the cone forms a seal gland. An elastomeric o-ring sealingly engages an inner surface of the cone and a first rigid ring which rotates with the o-ring and cone. The o-ring energizes the first rigid ring for sealingly engaging a second rigid ring mounted to the leg of the bit near the base of the shaft. The second rigid ring is secured to and seals against a surface at the base of the shaft and is held stationary relative to the surface. A lubricant passage for lubricating the seal is pressurized by the drilling fluid pressure in the center of the bit body.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit for removing rock and earthen formation while being rotated includes a generally circular bit body. A plurality of saddle members are mounted to the bit body, each saddle member supporting and receiving a journal member. A cutter shell is rotatably mounted on bearings disposed on each journal member. A kerf ring is releasably secured to each cutter shell. Each kerf ring includes at least two kerfs circumferentially disposed around the rings, each kerf having a longitudinal axis and a pair of opposing sides that converge to define a crest for receiving inserts for disintegration of formation material. The kerfs are oriented on the kerf ring such that the longitudinal axes of the inserts diverge as the kerfs extend radially outward from the kerf ring. The inserts embedded in each kerf are generally flush with the sides of the kerf and protrude from the crest.

Abstract: A roller cutter earth boring bit having longer roller bearings recessed into surrounding bit structure for increased load carrying capacity. The elimination of thrust bearing shoulders from the bearing pin structure between sets of roller bearings enables the use of such longer roller bearings.

Abstract: An improved raise boring bit to enhance cuttings removal and prevent accumulation of cuttings on the body of the bit, which utilizes a pair of radial rails and a plate connected with and strengthening the rails while defining an opening for the flow of cuttings beside the stem and the radial rails during boring. Cutter mounting means are disposed at intervals along the radial rails to permit the flow of cuttings between the rails and the mounting means. At least one wing extends radially from the plate for supporting additional cutters, a vertical stabilizer roller is mounted on the end of the wing and struts extend between adjacent sides of the wings for stability and support.

Abstract: The stabilizer extensions are brackets with rollers employed for stabilizing a large boring head when drilling a bore hole in the earth. A hub is provided for attachment to the head. The hub has a plurality of mounting plates located around its axis and radially outward therefrom. Each of the brackets has a bracket mounting plate at one end and a roller mounting plate at the other end. A roller is attached to each of the roller mounting plates for engaging the earth for stabilizing the head. The axis of each of the rollers defines a scalene triangle with two side edges of the bracket mounting plate of its extension bracket. The bracket mounting plate of each of the extension brackets is adapted to be attached to any of the hub mounting plates in a first position or turned 180.degree.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a combination hatch cover design is provided in a railway hopper car roof wherein a smaller hatch cover is entirely mounted upon a larger, preferably elongated or continuous hatch cover and wherein the smaller hatch cover can be operated independently of the locking arrangement of the larger cover. The combination hatch covers of the present invention may be made of metallic or non-metallic material, preferably of metal alloy or reinforced plastic. If desired, the small cover can be mounted with its axis along the longitudinal axis of the large cover whereby in open position the small hatch cover will not obstruct the walkway on the car.