Abstract: A roller-reamer structure wherein for each roller shaft, the shaft is tightly, but releasably secured, both radial and thrust bearings being provided for relatively moving roller and shaft surfaces. The shaft is held in the various embodiments within accommodating slots by an interference fit between the shaft and the accommodating slot, by a partially slotted longitudinal opening that allows squeezing of a block about the shaft end, by a tapered shaft end being wedgedly held or by a slotted block opening and tapered wedging block member tightly securing the shaft. Some combinations include a sealed and protected self-lubricating reservoir.

Abstract: A low pressure differential compensator for use in a lubrication system having a lubricant reservoir is provided, the reservoir providing lubricant to a bearing area between relatively rotatable elements having a seal therebetween. In particular, the low pressure differential compensator includes a flexible elongated diaphragm having a plurality of longitudinally-extending ribs which expand radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the reservoir in response to the pressure differential across the seal. The radially collapsing and expanding flexible diaphragm is free operating and has no inherent restrictions which require increased pressure to overcome. Therefore, the pressure differential across the seal is minimized, increasing the effective life of the seal.

Abstract: A drill bit comprising a bit body detachably secured to a drill string having a chamber therein to receive drilling fluid at a first pressure from the drill string, a nozzle for exit of the drilling fluid to the space between the bit body and the well bore at a second pressure lower than the first, and a depending leg; a roller cutter; a bearing assembly for rotatably mounting the roller cutter on the leg; a lubrication system in the bit body comprising a reservoir of lubricant, passaging for flow of lubricant from the reservoir to the bearing assembly, a seal member for blocking flow of lubricant out of the bit, an expansible chamber for pressurizing the lubricant to a third pressure greater than the second but less than the first, and a biased diaphragm for pressure compensation secured in a recess in the bit body in fluid communication at one side thereof with the lubricant and at the other side thereof with the drilling fluid in the space between the bit body and the well bore; and a sensor for sensing a

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a seal or bearing lubricating system adapted for use in a downhole tool such as a drilling motor includes chamber means packed with grease for lubricating said seal and/or bearing, and centrifugal separator means responsive to rotation of a shaft included in said tool for separating and trapping solid particles suspended in the well fluids to prevent contamination of the grease by such solid particles. Pressure equalization across a principal rotating shaft seal also is disclosed.

Abstract: A roller-reamer structure wherein for each roller shaft, the shaft is tightly, but releasably secured, both radial and thrust bearings being provided for relatively moving roller and shaft surfaces. The shaft is held in the various embodiments within accommodating slots by an interference fit between the shaft and the accommodating slot, by a partially slotted longitudinal opening that allows squeezing of a block about the shaft end, by a tapered shaft end being wedgedly held or by a slotted block opening and tapered wedging block member for tightly securing the shaft. Some combinations include a sealed and protected self-lubricating reservoir.

Abstract: A drill bit assembly for a rotary drill having a source of fluid under pressure and three bearing mounted rotary cutting cones for drilling into relatively hard material comprises an elongated housing with a first end adapted for engagement with the drill and a second end including the cutting cones or tools for engagement with the material to be drilled. A plenum chamber is provided within the housing for receiving pressurized fluid and for dividing the pressurized fluid into three portions. A first portion of the pressurized fluid is directed downwardly for impringement upon the material being drilled to pick up and remove dust and cuttings from the vicinity of the cutting cones. A second flow of the pressurized fluid is directed upwardly to remove the dust and cutting cones from the drill hole. The third flow of fluid is directed through the cutting cone bearings to cool the bearings during the drilling operation.

Abstract: An earth boring bit having a cantilevered bearing shaft and a compensator system to equalize the pressure of the lubricant with the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid surrounding the bit. A rigid face seal assembly, positioned between the cutter and bearing shaft of the bit, moves axially in response to, and to compensate for, dynamic pressure changes in the lubricant adjacent the seal. This is accomplished by the positioning and sizing of resilient energizer rings in relationship to the geometries of the mating grooves between the cutter and shaft and the rigid sealing rings of the face seal assembly.

Abstract: A reamer used in earth boring by the rotary method includes a body having a plurality of sockets in its outer periphery. Upper and lower blocks are disposed in the socket for supporting a shaft. A roller is rotatably mounted on the shaft with the inner periphery of the roller and the outer periphery of the shaft providing bearings for the roller. The shaft has an upper annular shoulder with a downwardly facing sealing surface disposed above the bearings. Upper and lower seals are disposed above and below the bearings with the upper seals having a facing seal sealingly engaging the roller and the downwardly facing sealing surface on the shoulder of the shaft.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit having the load bearing elements between the axle and the cone cutter encased in a permeable porous plastic material having lubricant in the pores thereof, with the material substantially filling a portion of the bearing cavity to seal the cavity and a lubricant reservoir in the bit with a lubricant flow passage therefrom to adjacent said material to replenish the lubricant lost from the pores during use.

Abstract: A drilling bit for drilling earthen material such as an oilwell rotary cone drilling bit which includes means for centrifugally providing lubricant to the drill bit cone bearing from a storage cavity. A storage cavity is provided for lubricant for the drill bit bearings, means being provided for forcing the lubricant from this cavity through channels to such bearings in response to the centrifugal force generated with the rotation of the bit.

Abstract: A lubrication failure detection system for utilization with an earth boring drilling system having at least one rotary drill bit coupled to a drill string, the drill string having an internal passage adapted to receive drilling fluid under pressure. A lubrication reservoir is disposed near said rotary drill bit and coupled to bearing surfaces within said rotary drill bit by a lubrication passageway. A flexible membrane separates the lubrication reservoir from drilling fluid within the annulus formed by the rotary drill bit and distends inward in response to the pressure of the drilling fluid. The distention of the membrane forces lubricant into the lubrication passageway and when the membrane has distended to a selected point, the membrane actuates a mechanism which opens an orifice into the internal passage of the drill string, thereby abruptly decreasing the pressure of the drilling fluid within the drill string.

Abstract: This invention relates to rotary rock drilling apparatus, particularly roller cone rock bits used with dry drilling of rock formations. Mining bits are typically air-driven, air-lubricated roller cone rock bits having open bearings, the air being driven through the bearing system between the roller cones and their associated journals. A lubrication system is disclosed which drips a lubricant in liquid form into the air passages communicating with each of the bearings associated with, for example, the three roller cones of the rock bit. Oil is entrained, along with the compressed air, and is directed to the bearings for cooling and lubrication purposes.

Abstract: A pressure compensator installed in the bit body of a rotary earth boring tool to lubricate the bearing surfaces of a rotary cutter and to effect a liquid seal. In order to reduce the number of component parts and to enhance durability, the pressure compensator includes a rubber diaphragm interposed between upper and lower capsule halves that form a spherical space.

Abstract: A roller reamer assembly for mounting in a longitudinally extending undercut groove in a reamer body and having longitudinally slidable bearing blocks with cooperating locking members for securing the bearing blocks in the groove upon longitudinal movement of the bearing blocks to prevent undesired longitudinal and radial movement of the bearing blocks and an automatic lubricating system for the bearing blocks.

Abstract: A two-stage vent cap type pressure relief valve for a rock bit is disclosed that relieves low pressure gases in a first stage and higher pressure gases in a second stage.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has features particularly for use in drilling holes in which compressed air is used as a drilling fluid. The bit has three rotatable cutters, each having a cavity for mounting on a depending bearing pin. The cutter and the bearing pin have a thrust bearing in the lower portion of the cavity and a roller bearing in the upper portion of the cavity. The bit has air passages for discharging through the roller bearing gaseous fluid pumped from the surface. A seal seals the nose area from the roller bearing area. Liquid lubricant is located in the nose area for lubricating the bearing surfaces in this portion of the bit. A lubricant chamber is in communication with the nose area. The lubricant chamber cavity has a sliding piston for applying pressure to the lubricant. The sliding piston is driven by the compressed air in the air passages.

Abstract: An earth boring drill bit has a lubricant pressure compensator that includes a plunger that moves slidingly in the reservoir to reduce pressure differential, and also allows lubricant to bleed past to relieve excess lubricant pressure. The plunger is carried slidingly in the reservoir. The plunger has a convex end in contact with the lubricant and a concave end in contact with the borehole fluid. The plunger has a rod that contacts a stop in the reservoir when the lubricant pressure is greater than the borehole pressure. Once stopped, the configuration of the plunger allows lubricant to bleed past the plunger to relieve excess lubricant pressure.

Abstract: A roller reamer-stabilizer tool includes a tubular body having threaded pin and box connectors at each end adapted to be connected in a drill string and providing a fluid passage connecting the upper part of the drill string with the lower part. Rollers having integral pins at their ends are mounted in pockets in the sides of the body. The pins are journaled in holes in arcuate cross section bearing blocks received in correlative sockets in the body at the ends of the pockets. The blocks make an interference fit with the body. Release bar access passages allow a release bar to be inserted behind each block to drive, wedge or pry it out. The holes in the blocks extend only part way through the blocks, the hole in the block at one end of each roller being blind, and the wall at the end of the hole in the block at the other end of each roller being ported. Each bearing is sealed by an O ring at the mouth or open end of the hole in the block.

Abstract: An earth boring rock bit having a sealed bearing and pressure lubrication system for drilling the earth with air or gas as the circulating medium. An annular groove is formed in the vicinity of the seal and connected to the interior of the bit for cooling the ring and cleaning debris from the area of the ring. The air pressure inside the bit is utilized to bias a movable element in the system to urge lubricant to the bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying pressure to a fluid seal positioned between a reservoir of a first fluid, such as lubricating fluid, and a source of a second fluid under pressure, such as a drilling fluid in a downhole drilling apparatus. A piston is positioned in a cavity which is in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir. The piston sealably and slidably engages the side walls of the cavity. A spring moves the piston in a direction to increase the pressure of the first fluid to a value which exceeds the pressure value of a second fluid. Thus, the second fluid is prevented from passing through the fluid seal and contaminating the first fluid.

Abstract: A rock bit for drilling subterranean formations is lubricated with a grease composition comprising molybdenum disulfide particles in the range of from 6 to 14% by weight, copper particles in the range of from 3 to 9% by weight, a metal soap thickener in the range of from 4 to 10% by weight, and a balance of primarily hydrocarbon oil.

Abstract: Improved lubricant pressure compensation is achieved in apparatus operative between substantially different changing pressures, for example earth drilling tools and deep submergence ocean machinery, by a flexible hermetically sealed gas-containing chamber which is operative to apply ambient pressures through the interiorly contained gas to a flexible wall membrane which at least partially defines a lubricant containing reservoir. The pressure exerting chamber and the lubricant containing reservoir may both be defined by flexible bladder-like structures with the lubricant containing reservoir contained within the interior of the pressure exerting chamber. In earth drilling apparatus, the reservoir and chamber structures are preferably operatively positioned on a drill collar in adjacency to a rotary drill bit, and lubricant is communicated through passageways from the reservoir to the bearing and seal assemblies operative between the drill bit body and the rotationally mounted cutter wheels.

Abstract: An automatic depth compensating system is provided for controlling the pressure in a volume such as the interior of a rotary drill bit in response to pressure changes in the environment adjacent to the volume. The system comprises at least one pressure compensating device positioned between the volume and the environment for changing the pressure in the volume in response to pressure changes in the environment. The system further includes a pressure surge compensating device which is positioned between the volume and the environment for compensating for positive and negative pressure surges when the pressure in the volume changes relative to the pressure in the environment.

Abstract: A well drilling tool is disclosed as having a reservoir for supplying lubricant to a bearing chamber to replace that which is lost during operation of the tool, and a means for indicating to an operator at surface level when a predetermined volume of such lubricant has been lost.

Abstract: An improved pressure compensator for earth boring drill bits for minimizing the pressure differential between the lubricant and the well bore. A flexible diaphragm is located in the lubricant reservoir for separating the lubricant from the borehole fluid. The diaphragm is positioned in the reservoir so that a substantial void space exists on the borehole fluid side of the reservoir. A retainer holds the diaphragm in this position, requiring a positive lubricant pressure to stretch the diaphragm in order to fill the void space. For lubricating the bit, the lubricant is introduced under pressure sufficient to stretch the diaphragm. The lubricant pressure is then released, allowing the compensator to return to its original shape which in turn causes the excess lubricant to be expelled. This assures complete filling and a desired void space.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is constructed with a lubrication system having an expansion space provided within the lubrication system to accommodate increases in internal volume during drilling. A flexible diaphragm is located in the lubricant reservoir cavity in the bit dividing the cavity into a lubricant portion and an expansion portion. A low melting point wax plug is positioned in the expansion portion of the lubricant reservoir. The lubricant portion of the lubricant reservoir is filled with lubricant. The wax plug prevents lubricant from entering the expansion portion. The bit is heated above the melting temperature of the wax plug allowing the wax to melt and run out of the bit. This provides an expansion space in the bit to accommodate an increase in volume in the lubrication system during drilling.

Abstract: A roller reamer-stabilizer tool includes a tubular body having threaded pin and box connectors at each end adapted to be connected in a drill string and providing a fluid passage connecting the upper part of the drill string with the lower part. Rollers having integral pins at their ends are mounted in pockets in the sides of the body. The pins are received in stepped, arcuate cross-section bearing blocks received in correlative sockets in the body at the ends of the pockets. The blocks make an interference fit with the body. Releasing bar access passages allow a releasing bar to be inserted behind each block to drive, wedge, or pry it out. Means is provided to seal and lubricate the full lengths of the pin-block interfaces. The seals are downwardly facing to avoid entrapment of foreign material. The lubrication means includes a reservoir having a flexible wall exposed to pressure outside the tool.

Abstract: There is disclosed a turbodrill having an axial thrust bearing section which is contained within a lubricant chamber arranged within an annular space between the case and shaft of the turbodrill above the turbine section, and which is defined between means sealing between the shaft and the case which, in use of the turbodrill, are above the drilling fluid circulating therethrough.

Abstract: A well drilling tool is disclosed as having an inner tubular member rotatably supported from an outer tubular member by means of bearings contained within an annular lubricant chamber between them. An annular chamber is formed in an inner tubular member to provide a reservoir for supplying additional lubricant to the chamber to replace that which is lost during use of the tool. An annular piston is sealably slidable within the reservoir, and drilling fluid, which is circulated through a passageway through the tool, is admitted to one end of the reservoir by a port in the inner member to urge the piston toward the other end of the reservoir which connects with the lubricant chamber.

Abstract: An automatic depth compensating device is provided for controlling pressure in a volume in response to pressure changes in an environment adjacent to the volume. The compensating device comprises a cylinder which includes a first bore having a first cross-sectional area and a second bore having a second cross-sectional area, the first and second bores being axially aligned with one another. A first piston having a first surface area is slidably positioned in the first bore and a second piston having a second surface area is slidably positioned in the second bore. The first and second surface areas are different from one another. A coupling rigidly couples the first and second pistons together so that the first and second pistons move together. Another aspect of the present invention is the incorporation of the above-described automatic depth compensating device as an improvement in a rotary drill.

Abstract: A drill string reamer-stabilizer includes a main body adapted to be connected as an element of a rotary drill string. Individual bearing shafts are mounted axially along the exterior of the main body to support roller cutters that engage the wall of the borehole. Seal units are positioned around each bearing shaft between each roller cutter and bearing shaft to define a lubricant space. The seal units retain lubricant in the lubricant space and prevent contaminating fluid and materials in the borehole from entering the lubricant space. At least one seal unit comprises an annular cup-shaped elastomer seal member mounted in an annular seal gland in the roller cutter. The seal gland has an inner side adjacent the lubricant space and an outer side exposed to the fluid and materials in the borehole.

Abstract: A roller reamer assembly for mounting in a longitudinally extending undercut groove in a reamer body and having longitudinally slidable bearing blocks with cooperating locking members for securing the bearing blocks in the groove upon longitudinal movement of the bearing blocks to prevent undesired longitudinal and radial movement of the bearing blocks and an automatic lubricating system for the bearing blocks.

Abstract: A rotary rock bit is provided having a lubrication system with an expansion space within the lubricant reservoir to accommodate changes in lubricant volume. A flexible diaphragm is located within the lubricant reservoir. The lubricant reservoir is filled with lubricant thereby moving the flexible diaphragm to a substantially completely filled position. A predetermined volume of lubricant is displaced from the lubricant reservoir by forcing a fluid through passage means in the reservoir cap, moving the flexible diaphragm and displacing a predetermined volume of lubricant thereby providing an expansion space within the lubricant reservoir.

Abstract: Lubricant is circulated from a lubricant reservoir to the bearings of a rotary rock bit and back to the lubricant reservoir by a lubricant circulation system that is operated by rotation of the cone cutter upon the bearing pin of the bit. A seal is positioned between the rolling cone cutter and the arm of the bit to maintain lubricant in the bearing area and to prevent fluid and materials in the borehole from entering the bearing area. A lubricant reservoir is located in the bit body. A first passage connects the lubricant reservoir with the bearing area to channel lubricant from the lubricant reservoir to the bearing area. A second passage extends from the bearing area to the lubricant reservoir to allow lubricant to be channeled back to the lubricant reservoir.

Abstract: A roller on reamer's rollers are rotatably mounted on shafts whose ends are supported by blocks inserted in the reamer body. One end of each shaft is welded, pinned, or otherwise nonrotatably anchored to its mounting block. Each block makes an interference fit with the body socket in which it is disposed. The blocks are stepped or tapered for quick release. Access openings to the backs of the blocks facilitates knockout. Knockout of the stepped blocks is achieved by wedge means.Drilling mud may have access to contacting surfaces of rollers and shafts to lubricate same. Protective seal means may be provided between each roller and shaft at the upper ends thereof so that the mud must flow upwardly to reach the space between shaft and roller and dense solids will be excluded by gravity. Grease lubrication may be provided, e.g. in conjunction with roller shafts mounted in stepped blocks, the rollers being sealed to the shafts at both ends.

Abstract: A sealed rotary rock bit is disclosed in which a combined manual venting and pressure relief system is located within the lubrication reservoir of the rock bit. The seal rotary rock bit comprises a main bit body having a plurality of legs extending downwardly therefrom. Each leg has a rolling cone cutter rotatively mounted thereon. A lubrication system is provided in each leg to provide lubricant to the bearing area between the cutter and the leg. The lubrication system includes a reservoir of lubricant communicating via passageways with the bearing area. The reservoir further includes a rubber boot molded around a metal stiffener sleeve. A cover cap is attached to the rubber boot. The rubber boot is in the form of a resilient membrane and is exposed through the cover cap to the exterior of the rock bit and through the passageways to the interior of the lubricated bearing area. The vent and pressure relief system comprises an annular seat formed in the wall of the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for lubricating bearings in a drilling apparatus including a roller bit with at least one pivot and a cutting roller rotatably supported on the pivot by bearings. A cavity or chamber is formed in the roller bit for a non-compressible flushing liquid. The flow channel which communicates with the chamber at one end and the bearing cavity at the other end, provides a flow path for the flushing liquid to the bearing cavity. In one form the flushing liquid discharges to the bearing cavity at a point remote from an annular gap between the outer axial end face of the cutting roller and the roller bit. In another embodiment circumferentially spaced discharge ports are located between the bearings so that a portion of the flushing liquid is discharged to the environment and the remainder flows through the bearings and out the annular gap.

Abstract: A rotary drill for drilling a well in the surface of the earth the drill comprising a drill bit including an upper portion for connection to a drill string, duct means for carrying fluid to extract detritus and clear the bottom of the well and receiving means; a solid cutting head comprising a conical head portion and a stem portion, the conical head portion including holes therein and cutting elements inserted in the holes, the stem portion being received in the receiving means of the drill bit, wherein the stem and the receiving means include holding means for rotatably holding the cutting head in the drill bit; bearing means between the drill bit and the conical head; and a lubrication system interconnected between the drill bit and the cutting head.

Abstract: A drill bit comprising a body suspended in a well bore by an electrical cable which transmits power to a motor secured to the body and eccentric cam member rotated by the drive shaft of the motor and engagable with a plurality of reciprocal drill pins whereby the pins are sequentially impinged against the sidewalls and bottom of the well bore for producing a drilling operation.

Abstract: A turbo drill which is connected to a string of drill pipe as a rotating shaft for driving a drill bit which may be a rotary bit or a high speed solid head diamond bit. The turbine section has rotor and stator blades which are cresent shaped in cross section with each blade having an exit angle of 14.degree. - 23.degree. for maximum turbine efficiency. The bearing shaft is provided with chevron rotary seals positioned below the rotary bearings carrying both radial and vertical thrust. Fluid lubricant fills the space from the rotary seals to a predetermined level above the bearings. A piston seals the lubricant chamber and is pressurized by drilling fluid (i.e. mud) flowing through the tool. A layer of lubricant fluid overlies the first piston and has a second piston covering said fluid and transmitting pressure from the drilling fluid to the lubricant fluid surrounding the bearings.

Abstract: A turbo drill which is connected to a string of drill pipe as a rotating shaft for driving a drill bit which may be a rotary bit or a high speed solid head diamond bit. The turbine section has rotor and stator blades which are cresent shaped in cross section with each blade having an exit angle of 14.degree. - 23.degree. for maximum turbine efficiency. The bearing shaft is provided with chevron rotary seals positioned below the rotary bearings carrying both radial and vertical thrust. Fluid lubricant fills the space from the rotary seals to a predetermine level above the bearings. A piston seals the lubricant chamber and is pressurized by drilling fluid (i.e. mud) flowing through the tool. A layer of lubricant fluid overlies the first piston and has a second piston covering said fluid and transmitting pressure from the drilling fluid to the lubricant fluid surrounding the bearings.

Abstract: A turbo drill which is connected to a string of drill pipe as a rotating shaft for driving a drill bit which may be a rotary bit or a high speed solid head diamond bit. The turbine section has rotor and stator blades which are crescent shaped in cross section with each blade having an exit angle of 14.degree.- 23.degree. from maximum turbine efficiency. The bearing shaft is provided with chevron rotary seals positioned below the rotary bearings carrying both radial and vertical thrust. Fluid lubricant fills the space from the rotary seals to a predetermined level above the bearings. A piston seals the lubricant chamber and is pressurized by drilling fluid (i.e., mud) flowing through the tool. A layer of lubricant fluid overlies the first piston and has a second piston covering said fluid and transmitting pressure from the drilling fluid to the lubricant fluid surrounding the bearings.

Abstract: A partially solid head bit having a flow passage therethrough located at approximately the center of the bit is shown. The bit is designed for use in conjunction with a hammer action drilling apparatus. The flow passage extends through a shank of the bit to the bottom thereof. Surrounding the shank is a substantially hemispherical spiraled burr having an opening therethrough. The burr pushes against a shoulder of the shank during drilling. The mating surfaces of the shank and burr are lubricated by a suitable oil reservoir. On spirals of the burr and on the lower end of the shank are mounted hardened inserts for impacting against and breaking up the formation through which the bit may drill. The bottom of the shank may be even with, extend through, or be recessed with respect to the lower edge of the burr. The shank is angled a few degrees off the centerline of the drilling string to cause a wobbling action upon rotating the drill bit.

Abstract: A sealing system acts as a barrier to the drilling fluid, pulverized cuttings and other materials in the borehole to prevent the materials from entering the bearing area of a rotary rock bit. The bit body and the base of the cone cutter cooperate to retain the seal unit. The seal is located in a groove and an effective seal is provided without reducing the bearing capacity of the bit's bearing system. The sealing system allows excessive pressures in the lubricant to be relieved.

Abstract: An improved lubricant pressure compensator system for an earth boring drill bit for equalizing the lubricant pressure with the ambient or borehole pressure. The pressure compensator is located in a lubricant reservoir that has a passage leading out of the bit adjacent the discharge nozzle. A flexible diaphram is located in the reservoir with its lip seated against the base of the reservoir. The lip protrudes outwardly and a protector member bears downwardly against the lip. A cap bears against the protector member compressing the lip. A retainer ring holds the cap with the lip under compression. A protective centering disc is attached to the center of the diaphram.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well tool which is adapted to be connected as part of a pipe string through which drilling fluid is circulated, and which comprises inner and outer members which are rotated with respect to one another by a motor between them.

Abstract: Boring apparatus having a plurality of hole-enlarging assemblies comprising shaft-mounted working members. In a convergent arrangement of the axes of the working members the assemblies are completed by insertion of the elongated shafts via a hollow space in the bottom connector, through passages in the frame. The upper ends of the shafts are shown held in holes in the frame, and the exterior upper and lower surfaces of the frame are shown as surfaces of revolution, free of wear points. The passages are shown to form cut-outs in the thread of the connector in the first preferred embodiment. In other embodiments the passages are formed through an extension of the frame preceding the connector, and a two-part connector assembly is provided, the passage entering a hollow space provided by the outer part.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well drilling tool which is adapted to be connected to the lower end of a drill string above the drill bit, and which comprises inner and outer members which are rotated with respect to one another by a motor between them.

Abstract: An invention relating to a rock drill bit assembly primarily adapted for earth boring operations, and more particularly to a rock drill bit assembly having therewithin a temperature-controlled, sealed environ being adapted for the bearing means and the lubricant disposed between the relatively rotatable parts thereof.The rock drill bit assembly includes a rock drill main body having a journal thereon with an internally confined heat exchange means therein which is selectively controlled by a remotely located control system, at least one cone which is relatively rotatably supported from the journal facial surface, a peripheral seal adapted for fully enclosing the clearance space defined between the relatively rotatable opposing facial surfaces of the journal and the cone, and bearing means and lubricant positioned in the enclosed clearance space and adapted for reducing rotational friction between the opposing facial surfaces thereof.

Abstract: There are disclosed several embodiments of a well tool which is adapted to be connected as part of a pipe string through which drilling fluid is circulated, and which comprises inner and outer members which are rotated with respect to one another by a motor between them.