Abstract: A ring arrangement with a synthetic material sealing ring between an outer radial guiding ring and an inner radial guiding ring, wherein the outer guiding ring has a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the inner guiding ring, so that an effective volume expansion coefficient of an annular gap between the guiding rings is greater than the volume expansion coefficient of the synthetic material of the synthetic material sealing ring. Through a large effective coefficient of thermal expansion for the annular gap volume, as achieved via different coefficients of expansion of the outer and inner guiding rings, fluctuation of the axial clamping forces of the synthetic material sealing ring can be limited.

Abstract: Low-friction, abrasion resistant systems of replaceable bearing surfaces and methods of using the system are disclosed. The system comprises a device having at least one recess, each recess having a groove in an inner wall of the recess; a plurality of replaceable bearing surfaces adapted to be inserted into and removed from the at least one recess without damaging the device; and at least one snap ring adapted to engage the groove in each recess and secure a replaceable bearing surface within the recess.

Abstract: Surface texturing is employed to modify the topography of one or more surfaces (radial or cylindrical) of the sealing system for a roller cone rock bit. The surface texturing produces a regular or repeated patterned dimpled surface which retains additional lubricant helpful in reducing friction in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a floating journal bushing, a seal, a cutter having a seal gland for the seal and a cutter bearing surface proximate to the journal bearing, wherein the cutter bearing surface has a first inner diameter, and a journal, wherein the cutter is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the journal bearing is rotatably coupled about the journal, wherein the journal has a seal boss having a first diameter, and a journal bearing surface having a second diameter, and wherein the first diameter is less than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: A rotating cone drill bit includes a plurality of mud nozzles extending from the bit body, which are thermally fitted by controlling the temperature differential depending on the corresponding materials, the amount of fit desired, and the diameters of the elements to be fitted and which provide substantially obstruction-free mud paths toward the wellbore bottom. The bit has a plurality of reduced diameter cutter assemblies, each having a journal projecting from a corresponding leg. The journal has at least two cylindrical bearing surfaces and an annular groove formed therebetween and a spindle. An annular retention segment is rotatably mounted in the groove. The retention segment has an outer radial surface engaging a portion of one of the bearing surfaces of the cone, and an energy beam welding area fusing substantially the entire engaging surfaces of the retention segment and the cone.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is for a rotary drill, the drill including a base with a shaft and a bit. The bearing assembly includes a bearing having a central axis and including an inner member disposeable on the shaft and an outer member disposed about the inner member. The outer member is angularly displaceable about the axis with respect to the inner member and having an outer circumferential surface and a recess extending generally radially inwardly from the outer surface. At least one and preferably a plurality of retainer members are each disposed at least partially within the bearing outer member recess and is configured to engage with the bit so as to rotatably couple the bit with the shaft. Preferably, each retainer member includes a generally spherical ball rollable through a passage and into the bearing recess during installation into the recess.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cutting cone rotatably mounted to a lug with a journal. A sealing member is sealingly engaged with the cutting cone and a wear ring carried by the lug. The wear ring is dynamically engaged with the first sealing member and statically engaged with the lug.

Abstract: A rotatable cone earth boring bit has a bearing system with at least on the surfaces being AlMgB14 alloy material. The alloy material also contains an alloying agent, which may be titanium boride (TiB2); titanium carbide (TiC) plus iron, nickel and carbon; silicon nitride (Si3N4) powder; whiskered silicon nitride (Si3N4); boron carbide (B4C); titanium boride (TiB2); or tungsten boride (W2B4). The surface containing the AlMgB14 alloy material may be a journal surface or thrust face on the bearing pin. The surface containing the AlMgB14 alloy material may also be a seal surface, either on a metal face seal or a gland on the bearing pin engaged by an elastomeric ring. The AlMgB14 alloy material may a coating or it may be a free-standing structural member within the bearing system.

Abstract: A rock bit includes a shaft and a cone mounted for rotation about the shaft at a journal bearing. A seal gland for the rock bit is defined at least by the shaft and the cone. A compressible seal ring is positioned within the seal gland. A thermal insulating ring is installed within the seal gland and positioned between the compressible seal ring itself and the journal bearing to insulate the compressible seal ring from heat radiating from the journal bearing.

Abstract: A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.

Abstract: A rock bit includes a shaft and a cone mounted for rotation about the shaft at a journal bearing. A seal gland for the rock bit is defined at least by the shaft and the cone. A compressible seal ring is positioned within the seal gland. A thermal insulating ring is installed within the seal gland and positioned between the compressible seal ring itself and the journal bearing to insulate the compressible seal ring from heat radiating from the journal bearing.

Abstract: An earth bit includes a cone rotatably mounted to a shaft with a hub unit and thrust roller bearings. The hub unit is moveable between mounted and unmounted positions on the shaft, as a single unit, in a repeatable manner. The hub unit includes a pair of roller bearings positioned between inner and outer races. The outer race includes a recess extending around its outer periphery. A sealing structure is slidingly engaged with the recess to provide a seal between the cone and shaft.

Abstract: The device comprises a body provided with bypass ports embodied therein and an insert with a jet pump and sealing elements. The insert comprises a pass channel, a channel for supplying an active medium to the pump nozzle, a channel which is used for supplying a pumped-out medium to the pump and which communicates with the pass channel and an output channel connected to an annular space. A mounting seat for a sealing unit is embodied in the pass channel above the channel for supplying the pumped-out medium. Said mounting seat is provided with an axial channel for passing a cable, which is used for moving instruments along the well bore, therethrough and through the pass channel. An axially movable spring-loaded steady bush provided with bypass holes in the wall thereof is arranged in the body. The insert provided with the pump is placed on the mounting seat embodied in the bush. An annular recess limiting the bush displacement is embodied in the body.

Abstract: A high aspect ratio seal is provided for large roller cone drill bit having a diameter of greater than about 12¼ inches wherein the contact width is narrowed, relative to the width of the seal, to provide a desired contact width.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit head and a rotating bit cone. A sealing system for the drill bit includes a seal gland and a seal retained within the seal gland. The seal gland is defined by a radial cone surface, a head sealing surface and an opposed cone sealing surface. At least one of the head sealing surface and opposed cone sealing surface is not cylindrical (i.e., the surface is conical and not parallel to an axis of rotation for the cone). Additionally, the radial cone surface may be conical (i.e., the surface does not extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cone). The seal is radially compressed between the head sealing surface and the opposed cone sealing surface. The use of one or more conical surfaces in the gland is provided to bias the compressed seal into a preferred dynamic sealing zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a lubricant for use in a roller cone rock bit, where the lubricant comprises a non-grease formulation. The lubricant can comprise synthetic lubricating fluids and combinations thereof as well as combinations of synthetic fluid or fluids with mineral oil or oils. The lubricant can contain one or more additional ingredients and have a minimum viscosity of 100 centistokes at 212° F. The additional ingredients include fluid soluble or dispersed extreme pressure and antiwear additives, and solid lubricants.

Abstract: A texture pattern is applied to bearing surfaces of earth-boring bits, especially the bearings of earth boring bits of the roller cutter variety. The textured surface that may be applied to either or both sides of the thrust washer faces, bearing faces, inlays, or thrust shoulders, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit having a bit body with at least one support arm extending from the bit body. Each support arm may have an associated spindle extending inwardly. A respective cone assembly may be rotatably disposed on each spindle. At least one diverter plug may be disposed in a hole formed in each support arm. A void space may be formed between one end of each diverter plug and the bottom of the associated hole. At least one fluid flow passageway may extend from the surface of the associated support arm to the void space to allow communication of fluid containing debris with the void space. Rotating action of the roller cone drill bit and associated cone assemblies may force packing of debris into the void space which results in biasing the diverter plug outwardly from the associated hole to contact adjacent portions of the associated cone assembly.

Abstract: A drillbit seal (60) comprises a rigid carrier (80), an elastomeric body (90), and a reinforcing band (100). The rigid carrier (80) has a seatside leg section (81) at least partially forming a rigid IBseat region (65) for static seating (e.g., metal-to-metal pressfit) in a seal-receiving envelope. The elastomeric body (90) at least partially forms a flexible IBspin region (67) with a lip (71) and a flexible OBspin region (68) with a lip (72). The band (100) forms a rigid bridge (73) between the spinside lips (71, 72) for reinforcement and prevention of pressure-induced deformation.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has thrust faces with one of the thrust faces being at least partially tilted relative to the other. The bit has a cone rotatably mounted to a bearing pin of the bit body. The thrust faces are in the cone and on an end of the bearing pin. One of the thrust faces is completely flat and perpendicular to the axis of the bearing pin. The other thrust face has a tilted portion that is at a skewed angle relative to the axis. The tilted portion creates converging and diverging zones between the thrust faces.

Abstract: A lubricating nutating single cone drill bit 10 includes bit shank 12 with an axially skewed journal 18 rotatably retaining cutter body 22. Bearings (26, 28, 30, 32) enable rotation of the cutter body 22. Lubrication flows to a gap between the axially skewed journal 18 and cutter body 22 from lubricant chamber 76 having plunger 80 acted on by an annulus fluid, the gap bounded by first 66 and second 68 radial dynamic seals. A fluid passage 90 extending through the bit 10 communicates with fluid inlet port 88 on the proximal end 16 of the bit shank 12. Fluid passage 90 also communicates with a first fluid outlet port 98 on the distal end 36 of the axially skewed journal 18 and with a second fluid outlet port 94 formed on a lateral portion of bit shank 12.

Abstract: A metal face seal for an earth boring drill bit where the drill bit has a bit body, at least one bit leg, a bearing pin on each bit leg, and a cone rotatably mounted on each bearing pin. The metal face seal is located in the cavity formed between the interior surface of the cone and the bearing pin. The metal face seal consists of a rigid seal ring having a forward surface that engages a rotating seal surface of the cone. An energizer ring biases the rigid seal ring toward the rotating seal surface. A secondary seal engages the bearing pin surface, the energizer ring, and the rigid seal ring. The secondary seal ring has a protuberance on its forward side for filling void spaces between the energizer ring, the rigid seal ring, and the secondary seal ring.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has a bearing pin with a sleeve mounted on it. The sleeve is fixed against rotation but able to float relative to the bearing pin. A cone fits over and forms a bearing surface with the sleeve. The sleeve and bearing pin are configured to have a clearance between them that has a forward portion that progressively decreases in a rearward direction. The clearance progressively decreases in a forward direction from the rearward end of the sleeve. The cone and the sleeve are able to tilt in unison with each other relative to the bearing pin when the bit is loaded.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit may include optimally designed bearing structures and cutting structures. The roller cone drill bit may include three cone assemblies rotatably mounted on respective spindles via respective bearing structures. Each cone assembly may have a respective cutting structure with a minimal moment center located along each respective axis of rotation. Each respective bearing structure has a center point located proximate each respective minimal moment center.

Abstract: An energizer for a mechanical seal assembly for use in a drill bit is disclosed. The energizer is a composite of at least two resilient materials, one having a durometer hardness that is greater than the other. The material contacting a journal provides relatively high frictional forces so as to prevent the energizer from rotating in relation to adjacent components. The relatively softer resilient material provides the energizing force necessary to maintain a good dynamic seal between the metal seal rings. The energizer components may be separate components that engage one another upon assembly, or may be bonded together to form a ring prior to assembly into the drill bit.

Abstract: An elastomeric seal ring is located between each bearing pin and each cone of an earth-boring bit. An excluder ring or band is imbedded within the inner diameter of the seal ring. A portion of the inner diameter of the seal ring as well as the excluder ring are in dynamic sealing contact with the bearing pin. The excluder ring may be harder and more wear resistant than the seal ring. The excluder ring may have lubricating properties. An outer excluder ring may be located on the outer diameter of the seal ring for engaging the cone to resist rotation.

Abstract: A wiper may be supported on at least one of a radially inwardly or radially outwardly facing dynamic interface surfaces of a pair surfaces on respective cutter journal and cutter shell. The wiper may be in the form of a low profile lug having a leading edge generally diagonally oriented relative to an axis of rotation of the cutter shell on the cutter journal. Thus, the leading edge of the wiper will move formation particles axially out from between the cutter journal and the cutter shell and away from a bearing seal. The wiper may have a height less than a regular clearance between the journal and the shell. A plurality of wipers may be supported on the dynamic interface surface of either the shell or the journal and may extend into close proximity to the oppositely facing dynamic interface surface of the other of the shell or the journal.

Abstract: A texture pattern is applied to bearing surfaces of earth-boring bits, especially the bearings of earth boring bits of the roller cutter variety. The textured surface that may be applied to either or both sides of the thrust washer faces, bearing faces, inlays, or thrust shoulders, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A roller cone drill bit having a bit body with at least one support arm extending from the bit body. Each support arm may have an associated spindle extending inwardly. A respective cone assembly may be rotatably disposed on each spindle. At least one diverter plug may be disposed in a hole formed in each support arm. A void space may be formed between one end of each diverter plug and the bottom of the associated hole. At least one fluid flow passageway may extend from the surface of the associated support arm to the void space to allow communication of fluid containing debris with the void space. Rotating action of the roller cone drill bit and associated cone assemblies may force packing of debris into the void space which results in biasing the diverter plug outwardly from the associated hole to contact adjacent portions of the associated cone assembly.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has a bit body with a depending bearing pin. An insert ring is mounted on the bearing pin. The insert ring has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the bearing pin, defining a clearance between the insert ring and the bearing pin to allow the insert ring to float relative to an axis of the bearing pin. An inner seal is in sealing engagement with the bearing pin and the inner diameter of the insert ring. A cone is rotatably mounted on the bearing pin, the cone having a cavity containing an outer seal groove. An outer seal located in the outer seal groove is in dynamic sealing engagement with an outer diameter of the insert ring. An anti-rotation member engages a portion of the insert ring to prevent rotation of the insert ring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining lubrication of rolling cone cutters mounted on journal pins. Embodiments comprise a rotating cone disposed on a journal pin and forming a journal gap there between. A cylindrical journal sleeve is disposed in the journal gap. The journal sleeve has a longitudinal gap forming opposing end portions, which are continuously contoured. A lubrication port is disposed in the journal pin and in fluid communication with a lubrication supply. The lubrication port has an outlet located in a recess in the journal gap. Each end of the recess comprises a transitioning surface extending between the bottom of the recess and the outer surface of the journal pin to prevent sharp transitions. In certain embodiments, the journal pin may comprise two or more lubrication ports, each located in a recess with transitioning surfaces.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a seal assembly with a seal face having a DLC coating. The seal assembly locates between a bearing pin and a cone of the bit. The seal assembly has at least one rigid ring that rotates against a mating surface. The DLC coating is diamond-like carbon that may be coated by different processes onto either the ring, the mating surface, or both.

Abstract: A device and method for dynamically sealing between rotatable members such as a rolling cone of a rock bit. The assembly includes a seal ring having a facing surface of a relatively hard material, such as hardened steel or tungsten carbide, and a second seal ring of a softer material, the softer material being harder, however, than typical elastomers. Suitable materials for the relatively soft seal ring include tin, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead and alloys thereof, as well as non-metallic materials such as nylon-zytel, acetal, and polypropylene. The relatively soft seal ring may be affixed to a third seal ring or maybe affixed directly to the cone steel, for example. The seal assembly provides potential for longer life relative to elastomeric seals and requires less axial space along the journal surfaces than certain conventional metal seal assemblies.

Abstract: Elastomeric seals for use in drill bits on which an inorganic surface modification material has been deposited onto the surface of the elastomeric seals. Wear resistance of the seal at the dynamic surface is improved by providing support for the soft seal surface, by means of the inorganic atoms, against a harder surface.

Abstract: A drill bit (100) for drilling a wellbore that traverses subterranean formations includes a drill bit body (106) having a plurality of journal pins (112), each having a bearing surface (128), and a rotary cutter (104) rotatably mounted on each journal pin (112), each rotary cutter (104) including a bearing surface (126). A pressure-compensated reservoir (130) is in fluid communication with the bearing surfaces (126, 128) and has a lubricant therein. A seal element (144) is positioned between each journal pin (112) and rotary cutter (104) and retains the lubricant in the bearing surfaces (126, 128). The seal element (144) is formed from a nanocomposite material including a polymer host material and a plurality of nanostructures.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a mechanical face seal assembly with PCD faces. The bit has a bearing shaft with a cone rotatably mounted on the bearing shaft. The seal locates between the bearing shaft and the cone for sealing lubricant therein. The seal includes at least one rigid seal ring having a cemented carbide body and an annular PCD face located on it. The mating face may also be of a PCD material. The cemented carbide body contains a binder that migrates into the PCD face while the PCD face is being formed. A binder-free region is leached on the surface of the PCD face.

Abstract: A roller-cone rock bit in which the compensation reservoir is integrated with a hydrostatically-asymmetric seal, such as a V-seal, which provides pressure relief. This seal not only relieves overpressure during filling, and when the grease thermally expands as the bit first goes downhole, but also compensates transient overpressures during operation.

Abstract: A rock bit seal in which the shape of the retainer lip (which restrains the seal from axial motion in response to pressure differentials) is optimized, with respect to the as-deformed shape of the seal in place, to achieve a preload stress which is everywhere nonzero. Preferably the ratio of maximum to minimum stress in the as-installed condition is kept to a small ratio, e.g. less than 2:1.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a mechanical face seal assembly with PCD faces. The bit has a bearing shaft with a cone rotatably mounted on the bearing shaft. The seal locates between the bearing shaft and the cone for sealing lubricant therein. The seal includes at least one rigid seal ring having a carbide body and an annular PCD face located on it. The mating face may also be of a PCD material.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in a borehole at least partially containing drilling fluid includes a bit body having at least two bit components, including at least one leg, the leg having a journal segment, and a roller cone rotatably mounted upon the journal segment and forming at least one bearing cavity therebetween. Also included is an annular primary seal disposed between the leg and the roller cone, an annular secondary seal disposed between the leg and the roller cone and between the annular primary seal and the borehole and an annular space disposed between the annular primary seal and the annular secondary seal, the annular space at least partially containing fluid and being in substantially absolute fluid isolation from the bearing cavity and a conduit for permitting the flow of fluid from the annular space to the borehole. The annular secondary seal may be primarily elastomeric and a passage for permitting the flow of fluid may further permit the flow of fluid from the borehole to the annular space.

Abstract: An earth boring bit has a seal cavity that is eccentric to agitate drilling fluid and avoid mud packing. The bit body having bit legs, each having a bearing pin. A cone rotatably mounts on the bearing pin. Teeth are formed or mounted on the cone for cutting the earth formation as the bit rotates. The cone has a backface adjacent the bit leg and an entrance portion to the cavity that intersects the backface. A seal assembly is in stationary engagement with the bearing pin and sliding engagement with the cone. An annular seal gland is located between an outer diameter portion of the bearing pin and the entrance portion of the cavity. The seal gland has a width that varies so that as the cone rotates, the width of the seal gland at any point along the outer diameter portion of the bearing pin changes at least once per revolution of the cone.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a rock drill bit includes an elastomeric diaphragm for installation in the drill bit so as to separate grease from drilling mud. The diaphragm has an aperture extending through it, and a plug is disposed in the aperture so as to form a mechanical seal with a wall of the aperture. The plug has a channel therethrough which is normally held sealed by a face of the aperture in the diaphragm. If the pressure of the grease exceeds pressure in mud on the other side of the diaphragm by more than a critical value, the diaphragm aperture deforms and allows grease to move through the plug channel and escape. The critical value can be varied by using, with the same diaphragm, plugs having different numbers, sizes and axial positions of plug channels.

Abstract: An earth-boring bit has a mechanical face seal assembly with PCD faces. The bit has a bearing shaft with a cone rotatably mounted on the bearing shaft. The seal locates between the bearing shaft and the cone for sealing lubricant therein. The seal includes at least one rigid seal ring having a carbide body and an annular PCD face located on it. The mating face may also be of a PCD material.

Abstract: A roller-cone rock bit in which the compensation reservoir is integrated with a hydrostatically-asymmetric seal, such as a V-seal, which provides pressure relief. This seal not only relieves overpressure during filling, and when the grease thermally expands as the bit first goes downhole, but also compensates transient overpressures during operation.

Abstract: Seals of this invention comprise an annular elastomeric ring-shaped body having a dynamic surface disposed along a first body portion, the dynamic surface comprising at least two surface elements that project outwardly therefrom to provide multiple barriers to fluid and debris migration thereacross when placed into contact with a rock bit rotary dynamic surface. The seal dynamic surface includes a recessed portion disposed between the surface elements, and a static seal surface disposed along a second body portion. At least one of the surface elements includes a wear surface that is formed from a material that is more wear resistant than materials that are used to form a remaining portion of the seal. A preferred wear surface is one formed from a composite material comprising a fabric of nonelastomeric polymeric material that is bonded together with an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A rock bit seal in which the shape of the retainer lip (which restrains the seal from axial motion in response to pressure differentials) is optimized, with respect to the as-deformed shape of the seal in place, to achieve a preload stress which is everywhere nonzero. Preferably the ratio of maximum to minimum stress in the as-installed condition is kept to a small ratio, e.g. less than 2:1.

Abstract: A drill bit (100) for drilling a wellbore that traverses subterranean formations includes a drill bit body (106) having a plurality of journal pins (112), each having a bearing surface (128), and a rotary cutter (104) rotatably mounted on each journal pin (112), each rotary cutter (104) including a bearing surface (126). A pressure-compensated reservoir (130) is in fluid communication with the bearing surfaces (126, 128) and has a lubricant therein. A seal element (144) is positioned between each journal pin (112) and rotary cutter (104) and retains the lubricant in the bearing surfaces (126, 128). The seal element (144) is formed from a nanocomposite material including a polymer host material and a plurality of nanostructures.