Abstract: An improved flexible joint elastomer protection tool is described, which can be actuated and removed by a remote operated vehicle (“ROV”), the tool having pivot arms that can be rotated from a closed position to an open position. Rotation inward to the closed position results in the compression of the elastomeric component in an offshore flexible joint. Rotation outward to the open position results in the de-compression of the elastomeric component in an offshore flexible joint. Rotation of the arms can be accomplished using mechanical, hydraulic or other mechanisms that can be operated by an ROV.

Abstract: An improved flexible joint elastomer protection tool is described, which can be actuated and removed by a remote operated vehicle (“ROV”), the tool having pivot arms that can be rotated from a closed position to an open position. Rotation inward to the closed position results in the compression of the elastomeric component in an offshore flexible joint. Rotation outward to the open position results in the de-compression of the elastomeric component in an offshore flexible joint. Rotation of the arms can be accomplished using mechanical, hydraulic or other mechanisms that can be operated by an ROV.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface location that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate is attached to a substantially conforming surface of the leg at the location subject to wear. The attachment of the conforming surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a leading edge (at an outer surface or shoulder surface, for example) that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the leading edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface edge that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the surface edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.

Abstract: A rolling cone cutter for a roller cone earth-boring bit has a generally conical body. The generally conical body defines a plurality of lands and grooves. Each land supports a circumferential row of primary cutter elements. At least one of the plurality of lands has a land sidewall. The land sidewall defines a boundary of an adjacent groove. A plurality of protective inserts are disposed within the land sidewall. The protective inserts may reduce erosion of the land sidewall. One or more protective inserts may be disposed between a pair of primary cutters.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface location that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate is attached to a substantially conforming surface of the leg at the location subject to wear. The attachment of the conforming surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a leading edge (at an outer surface or shoulder surface, for example) that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the leading edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.

Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface edge that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate having an edge is attached to a conforming surface of the leg in a position where the edge of the hard material plate defines at least a portion of the surface edge of the leg. The attachment of the surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.