Abstract: A novel split threaded ring bearing member for rolling cutter drill bits with at least a portion of its threads having a different pitch than its mating threads is disclosed. The pitch difference is designed so that the threaded ring can be seated or otherwise located precisely with respect to the other bearing elements within the drill bit to effectively control the axial displacement of the rolling cutter on the bearing spindle within a given tolerance range. Upon assembly, the difference in thread pitch causes the opposite, opposing mating thread flanks to engage, effectively applying a tensile or compressive force to a portion of the threaded ring bearing member, which gradually increases as the assembly is tightened. The result is an improved rolling cutter drill bit with a threaded ring cutter bearing system with excellent resistance to back-off which will not allow significant radial movement between the engaged threads, even if some back-off of the threads occurs.

Abstract: An automatic cementing system and method are disclosed for precisely controlling the density of a slurry during a continuously mixed cement application. The system includes an input water line and a dry cement hopper for supplying water and cement, respectively, to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes two chambers, Chamber A and Chamber B, for thoroughly mixing the water and cement together to form a cement slurry. Chamber B includes a level sensor for measuring the change in slurry level. The input line includes a pump for supplying the water to the mixing chamber, and a flow meter for measuring the rate at which the water is supplied. Similarly, the hopper includes a slide-gate valve for regulating the rate at which the dry cement is supplied to the mixing chamber. A discharge line with a discharge pump and a discharge flow meter receives and discharges cement slurry. A recirculation line is included for density control during initialization.

Abstract: An automatic cementing system and method are disclosed for precisely controlling the density of a slurry during a continuously mixed cement application. The system includes an input water line and a dry cement hopper for supplying water and dry cement, respectively, to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes two chambers, Chamber A and Chamber B, for thoroughly mixing the water and cement together to form a cement slurry. Chamber B includes a level sensor for measuring the change in slurry level. The input line includes a pump for supplying the water to the mixing chamber, and a flow meter for measuring the rate at which the water is supplied. Similarly, the hopper includes a rotary valve for regulating the rate at which the dry cement is supplied to the mixing chamber and a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the rotary valve. A discharge line with a discharge pump and a discharge flow meter receives and discharges cement slurry.