Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear resistant base has a shank and metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment opposite the shank. At least one hard insert is bonded to the metal segment proximate the shank, wherein the insert has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.

Abstract: A high impact resistant pick in a holder having a super hard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. The cemented metal carbide substrate is bonded to a front end of a cemented metal carbide bolster. A bore is formed in a base end of the carbide bolster generally opposed to the front end. A steel shank being fitted into the bore of the bolster at a bolster end of the shank, and a portion of the shank is disposed within a bore of the holder at a holder end of the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises a holder. The holder is attached to a driving mechanism and comprises a longitudinal central bore. A pick comprises a body intermediate a shank and an impact tip, and the shank is disposed in the central bore of the holder. The impact tip comprises an impact surface diamond or cubic boron nitride. At least one rolling element is disposed intermediate an inner bore surface and the shank, and is adapted for low-friction rotation with respect to both the inner bore surface and the shank.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder secured to a driving mechanism. A washer is positioned in-between the attack tool and the holder and fitted around the shank of the attack tool, wherein an outer edge of the washer has a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has an attack tool with a body and a shank, the body having a wear-resistant tip. The shank is disposed within a bore of a holder which is secured to a driving mechanism. A retainer sleeve is disposed around the shank of the attack tool, wherein the retainer sleeve has an inner surface with a hardness greater than 58 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an attack tool is disclosed which comprises a wear-resistant base suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. The wear-resistant base has a shank and a metal segment. A cemented metal carbide segment is bonded to the metal segment and the shank has a wear-resistant surface. The wear-resistant surface has a hardness greater than 60 HRc.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a pick comprises a steel body comprising a formed shank attached to a first end of the body and generally extending along a central axis of the body. An impact tip is secured to a second end of the steel body and comprises a carbide substrate attached to the second end of the steel body which is bonded to a superhard material. A composite material is bonded to an outer surface of the steel body and adapted to protect the steel from wear. The composite material comprises a plurality of superhard particles held within a matrix. The matrix comprises a superhard particle concentration of 40 to 80 percent by volume.

Abstract: An attack tool for degrading materials is disclosed which comprises a base segment comprising an attachment to a driving mechanism, a first wear-resistant segment bonded to the base segment, a second wear-resistant segment bonded to the first wear-resistant segment at a brazed joint opposite the base segment, and an outer diameter of both the wear-resistant segments proximate the joint comprising a finish ground surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a wear-resistant tool is disclosed which may comprise first and second cemented metal carbide segments chemically bonded together at an interface. The first segment may comprise a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at least at its interfacial surface and the second segment may comprise a second CTE at least at its interfacial surface less than the CTE of the first segment. The first segment may further comprise a cross-sectional thickness substantially equal to or greater than a cross-sectional thickness of the second segment at the interface.

Abstract: The present invention includes a piston valve for charging and discharging a first fluid chamber. The piston valve includes a piston shaft and a ring comprising a seal element. The piston shaft has a first end and a second end with the first end including a counter bore having at least one vent. The ring is disposed within a cylinder and the seal element is disposed intermediate the piston shaft and the ring. The piston valve may be used for intensification purposes such as in a high pressure high temperature hydraulic cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention includes a piston valve for charging and discharging a first fluid chamber. The piston valve includes a piston shaft and a ring comprising a seal element. The piston shaft has a first end and a second end with the first end including a counter bore having at least one vent. The ring is disposed within a cylinder and the seal element is disposed intermediate the piston shaft and the ring. The piston valve may be used for intensification purposes such as in a high pressure high temperature hydraulic cartridge.