Abstract: A rotary cone drill bit (10) with two-stage cutting action is provided. The drill bit (10) includes at least two truncated conical cutter assemblies (20) rotatably coupled to support arms (18), where each cutter assembly (20) is rotatable about a respective axis (44) directed downwardly and inwardly. The truncated conical cutter assemblies (20) are frusto-conical or conical frustums in shape, with a back face (60) connected to a flat truncated face (22, 62) by conical sides. The truncated face (22, 62) may or may not be parallel with the back face (60) of the cutter assembly (20). A plurality of primary cutting elements or inserts (24) are arranged in a predetermined pattern on the flat truncated face (22, 62) of the truncated conical cutter assemblies (20). The teeth (26) of the cutter assemblies (20) are not meshed or engaged with one another and the plurality of cutting elements (24) of each cutter assembly (20) are spaced from cutting elements (24) of other cutter assemblies (20).

Abstract: A roller cone rock bit (10) is provided that has improved cutter cone gauge face surface compacts. The roller cone rock bit (10) includes a bit body (12) having at least one downwardly extending arm (28) terminating in a spindle (30). A cutter cone (20) has a gauge face surface (24) and has a plurality of holes (45) formed in the gauge face surface (24). Each hole (45) in the plurality of holes has an axis (52) oriented at an acute angle with respect to the gauge face surface (24). A bearing assembly (32, 34 and 36) is disposed between the spindle (30) and the cutter cone (20) for rotary load-bearing engagement. A plurality of compacts (22) are disposed in the plurality of holes (45). Each compact (22) is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the gauge face surface (24) according to the axis (52) of each hole (45).