Abstract: In one example embodiment, an x-ray transmissive window includes an inner surface and an outer surface. An x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray system defines a beam path area on the inner surface of the window and a beam path area on the outer surface of the window. The inner surface is arranged for contact with cooling fluid of the x-ray system and is configured to prevent bubbles present in the cooling fluid from accumulating on the inner surface in the beam path area of the inner surface. The outer surface is configured to prevent fluid droplets from accumulating on the outer surface in the beam path area of the outer surface.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, an x-ray transmissive window includes an inner surface and an outer surface. An x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray system defines a beam path area on the inner surface of the window and a beam path area on the outer surface of the window. The inner surface is arranged for contact with cooling fluid of the x-ray system and is configured to prevent bubbles present in the cooling fluid from accumulating on the inner surface in the beam path area of the inner surface. The outer surface is configured to prevent fluid droplets from accumulating on the outer surface in the beam path area of the outer surface.

Abstract: An x-ray transmissive housing window for reducing non-uniform attenuation of x-rays in a rotationally driven x-ray device is disclosed. The x-ray tube is disposed within an interior portion of an outer housing that is filled with cooling fluid. An x-ray beam produced by the tube passes through the housing window, which is disposed in a port defined in the outer housing. The housing window includes a convexly shaped inner surface adjacent the cooling fluid. The shape of the window's inner surface cooperates with centripetal and other dynamic forces within the x-ray device to act on bubbles that form in the cooling fluid and attach to the window's inner surface. These forces create a moving force that acts on the bubbles at the housing window inner surface. The convex curvature of the inner surface enables the dynamic forces to displace the bubbles from the x-ray beam transmission region of the housing window.

Abstract: A cutter for drilling subterranean formations including a superabrasive table formed on an end face of a supporting substrate, there being an interface between the table and the end face defined by at least one annular surface centered about the centerline of the cutter in a location adjacent the side periphery of the substrate, the annular surface having an arcuate topography of an orientation and radial width sufficient to accommodate resultant loading of the cutting edge of the cutter throughout a variety of angles with vectors normal to the surface at a variety of angles such that at least one normal vector is aligned substantially parallel to the resultant loading on the cutting edge.

Abstract: A cutter and a drill bit having such cutters for drilling subterranean formations including a superabrasive table formed on an end face of a supporting substrate, there being an interface between the table and the end face including a topographic configuration including at least one, and preferably a plurality of, annular arcuate surfaces centered about the centerline of the cutter and at least one recessed region or groove extending across a substantial portion of the end face. The topographic configuration of the end face is of an orientation and radial width sufficient to accommodate resultant loading of the cutting edge of the cutter throughout a variety of angles with vectors normal to the surface at a variety of angles such that at least one normal vector is aligned substantially parallel to the resultant loading on the cutting edge.

Abstract: A cutter for drilling subterranean formations including a superabrasive table formed on an end face of a supporting substrate, there being an interface between the table and the end face defined by at least one annular surface centered about the centerline of the cutter in a location adjacent the side periphery of the substrate, the annular surface having an arcuate topography of an orientation and radial width sufficient to accommodate resultant loading of the cutting edge of the cutter throughout a variety of angles with vectors normal to the surface at a variety of angles such that at least one normal vector is aligned substantially parallel to the resultant loading on the cutting edge.

Abstract: A cutter for drilling subterranean formations including a superabrasive table formed on an end face of a supporting substrate, there being an interface between the table and the end face defined by at least one annular surface centered about the centerline of the cutter in a location adjacent the side periphery of the substrate, the annular surface having an arcuate topography of an orientation and radial width sufficient to accommodate resultant loading of the cutting edge of the cutter throughout a variety of angles with vectors normal to the surface at a variety of angles such that at least one normal vector is aligned substantially parallel to the resultant loading on the cutting edge.

Abstract: Cutting elements providing a relatively constant superabrasive area in contact with the formation responsive to weight on bit during a substantial portion of the useful life of a circular cutting face cutting element or other cutting element exhibiting a non-linear cutting edge, for example, from about 5% diametrical wear to in excess of about 30% diametrical wear in the case of a circular cutting element, measured across the cutting face. The superabrasive table of the cutting element is configured, internally, externally, or both, to vary in depth radially and laterally, as required, so that an increase in width of the contact or wear flat area with the formation and the variation in table depth as the cutting element wears, are substantially offsetting. The rate of penetration of a drill bit so equipped may thus be maintained at a desirable magnitude without a substantial increase in weight on bit as the cutting element wears, since the superabrasive contact area is maintained relatively constant.

Abstract: A superabrasive cutting element, the substrate of which is structured with a reduced dimension circumferential portion about which is formed an annular portion of superabrasive material, such as sintered diamond in the form of a polycrystalline diamond compact, to provide a ring- or skirt-like portion of superabrasive material at the perimeter of the cutting element to reduce residual tensile stresses existing at the perimeter of the cutting element after formation.

Abstract: A cutter for use on a rotary-type drag bit for earth boring is provided comprising a substantially rectangular diamond table attached to and supported by a substrate. A plurality of rod-like diamond pilings made of polycrystalline diamond is carried in the substrate, extending from the cutting face of the diamond table, through the diamond table, and into the substrate material. The diamond pilings are generally arranged in a mutually parallel configuration substantially transverse to the plane of the diamond table, and the forward ends of each diamond piling may coextensively terminate at the cutting face of the diamond table, may terminate within the diamond table, or may merely abut the rear of the diamond table. Further, the diamond table may be of smaller size than the transverse cross-section of the substrate, and at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate may then be forwardly and inwardly tapered to provide structural support to the diamond table.

Abstract: A superabrasive cutting element, the substrate of which is structured with a reduced dimension circumferential portion about which is formed an annular portion of superabrasive material, such as sintered diamond in the form of a polycrystalline diamond compact, to provide a ring- or skirt-like portion of superabrasive material at the perimeter of the cutting element to reduce residual tensile stresses existing at the perimeter of the cutting element after formation.

Abstract: A cutting element suitable for incorporation in a drill bit used for earth drilling is disclosed which comprises an abrasive layer of superhard material formed on a substrate support, the substrate and/or the abrasive layer being structurally modified to reduce and/or redistribute detrimental tensile stresses which occur at the periphery of the abrasive layer and at or near the interface between the abrasive layer and the substrate, and within the body of the substrate. The modified cutting element structure reduces the occurrence of fracturing and cutter degradation.