Abstract: A drill bit includes a cone section, a blade flank section, a blade shoulder section, and a plurality of blades connected to the bit body and extending away from the bit body. At least one cutting element is positioned on at least one of the plurality of blades. In addition, a plurality of thermally stable polycrystalline cutters is positioned on at least one of the plurality of blades in at least one of the cone section, the blade flank section, and the blade shoulder section of the at least one of the plurality of blades. The thermally stable polycrystalline cutters include a cutting edge that defines a line, wherein the line is substantially parallel to a tangent line of a radius line that extends from a center of the drill bit to the cutting edge.

Abstract: A bit retention apparatus for the use of retrieving the hammer bit in cases of shankage. The apparatus incorporates a dual sleeve design that fits over the chuck and the extended head section of the hammer bit. The first, “inner” sleeve has two or more ring pieces that fit onto the chuck and have the retention ring fitted into the lower section of the sleeve. The second, “outer” sleeve fits onto the chuck over the inner sleeve to provide protect to the inner sleeve while pulling the shanked bit out of the well bore. Attachment to the bit is accomplished by collars, knobs, or threads on the interior of the sleeves that correspond with holding bands, retention rings, or threads on the bit and chuck.

Abstract: A percussion drill bit is provided that has at least two different pluralities of inserts extending from the bit head to better match the conditions seen on the bit head during drilling. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of large inserts with a polycrystalline diamond layer located at least in the gage row and a plurality of smaller inserts located at least in the inner rows.

Abstract: A percussion drill bit is provided that has at least two different pluralities of inserts extending from the bit head to better match the conditions seen on the bit head during drilling. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of large inserts with a polycrystalline diamond layer located at least in the gage row and a plurality of smaller inserts located at least in the inner rows.