Abstract: A journal bearing element for use in forming a roller cone bit coupled to a bearing shaft to prevent circumferential sliding. Also included are material compositions of the journal bearing element. A journal bearing element is fixed in place relative to a head section and comprised of dense high purity powdered metal alloys with uniform micro-structure. A preferred material is comprised of a metal made of a carbon content of about 2.3% by weight, chromium of about 14% by weight, vanadium of about 9% by weight, and molybdenum at about 1% by weight.

Abstract: An earth boring bit formed from an alloy comprising a low carbon content and high molybdenum content is disclosed herein. The molybdenum content is greater than about 0.8% to about 1.15% by weight of the alloy. The carbon content may range up to about 0.16% by weight of the alloy. The alloy may further comprise alloy further comprises manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, nickel, chromium, copper, aluminum, vanadium, and calcium; with the balance being iron. The alloy experiences a relatively flattened hardenability curve and low martinsite formation.

Abstract: A hybrid drill bit having both roller cones and fixed blades is disclosed. The cutting elements on the fixed blades form a continuous cutting profile from the perimeter of the bit body to the axial center. The roller cone cutting elements overlap with the fixed cutting elements in the nose and shoulder sections of the cutting profile between the axial center and the perimeter. The roller cone cutting elements crush and pre-fracture formation in the weak and highly stressed nose and shoulder sections.

Abstract: A hybrid drill bit having both roller cones and fixed blades is disclosed, and a method of drilling. The cutting elements on the fixed blades form a continuous cutting profile from the perimeter of the bit body to the axial center. The roller cone cutting elements overlap with the fixed cutting elements in the nose and shoulder sections of the cutting profile between the axial center and the perimeter. The roller cone cutting elements crush and pre- or partially fracture formation in the confined and highly stressed nose and shoulder sections.

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: 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: 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: An earth-boring bit has a bit body that includes head sections, each having depending bit legs with a circumferentially extending outer surface, a leading side, and a trailing side. A bearing shaft depends inwardly from each of the bit legs for mounting a cutter. The bit includes a beveled surface formed at a junction of the leading side and the outer surface of each bit leg. The beveled surface is angled relative to a radial plane emenating from the axis of the bit. The angle of the beveled surface is at least 20 degrees, and extends to an inner surface of the bit leg. The bit can also have a layer of hardfacing on the leading, trailing and shirttail surfaces of the bit leg. A diversion finger of hardfacing extends circumferentially to direct cuttings.

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: An earth-boring bit has a bit body that includes head sections, each having depending bit legs with a circumferentially extending outer surface, a leading side, and a trailing side. A bearing shaft depends inwardly from each of the bit legs for mounting a cutter. The bit includes a beveled surface formed at a junction of the leading side and the outer surface of each bit leg. The beveled surface is angled relative to a radial plane emenating from the axis of the bit. The angle of the beveled surface is at least 20 degrees, and extends to an inner surface of the bit leg. The bit can also have a layer of hardfacing on the leading, trailing and shirttail surfaces of the bit leg. A diversion finger of hardfacing extends circumferentially to direct cuttings.

Abstract: A gage scraper cleans mud from the gage surface of a rotary cone of a drill bit. The bit has a body having at least one leg depending therefrom, a bearing pin secured to each leg, and a rotary cutting cone mounted to the bearing pin. The cone has a conical gage surface. The gage scraper mounts on the inside of each leg and protrudes from the leg toward the cone into close proximity with the gage surface.