Abstract: A novel annular seal packing ring, frustoconical in form with a parallelogram cross section. When loaded into a rectangular seal gland groove, the smaller diameter end is biased radially inward and the larger end is biased radially outward against the gland. The bias is developed primarily in a centrally encapsulated annular spring band. The largest outside diameter and the smallest inside diameter constitute the sealing surfaces of the seal ring.

Abstract: The high-speed seal is a two-part metal-to-metal type seal that, in its initial application, acts as a conventional resilient O-ring. As the seal begins to operate, a separate O-ring, retained within a seal gland channel formed in the body of a primary metal seal, provides an initial seal. As the seal continues to function over a length of time, the separate O-ring retained within the seal gland in the ring wears away and metal-to-metal contact begins to be made. Thus, the seal gradually converts from a standard O-ring type of seal to a lapped-in metal-to-metal seal during operation of the bit.

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: The high speed seal is an integral metal-to-metal type seal that, in its initial application, acts as a regular resilient O-ring. As the seal begins to operate, a protruding circular resilient lip adjacent the metal sealing ring provides an initial seal and, as the seal continues to function over a length of time, the resilient portion wears away and metal-to-metal contact begins to be made. Thus the seal gradually converts from a standard O-ring type of seal to a lapped-in metal-to-metal seal during operation of the bit.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit having a cone retention system that eliminates the utilization of ball bearings. The drill bit comprises a main bit body having a plurality of legs extending downwardly therefrom. Each leg includes a journal for rotatively supporting a cone cutter. Each cone is retained on a respective journal by a plurality of segmented annular thrust members which extend into an internal annular groove formed within the cone cavity. The segmented thrust member also bears against a shoulder formed on the journal and is retained against the shoulder by a flanged member which, in turn, is threadedly secured to the journal. The threaded portion of the flanged member is relatively large to absorb the loads passing therethrough. A small aperture is also provided in the journal to receive a screw driver element which, in turn, is utilized to thread the flanged member onto the journal. After the threading operation is complete, the aperture is plugged with a weld to prevent the screw driver element from rotating.

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.