Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining lubrication of rolling cone cutters mounted on journal pins. Embodiments comprise a rotating cone disposed on a journal pin and forming a journal gap there between. A cylindrical journal sleeve is disposed in the journal gap. The journal sleeve has a longitudinal gap forming opposing end portions, which are continuously contoured. A lubrication port is disposed in the journal pin and in fluid communication with a lubrication supply. The lubrication port has an outlet located in a recess in the journal gap. Each end of the recess comprises a transitioning surface extending between the bottom of the recess and the outer surface of the journal pin to prevent sharp transitions. In certain embodiments, the journal pin may comprise two or more lubrication ports, each located in a recess with transitioning surfaces.

Abstract: An earth-boring device such as a drill bit is disclosed. The earth boring device includes a rotary main cutting structure, an insert on the main cutting structure. The insert is formed of a composition having tungsten carbide and cobalt. The cobalt makes up less than approximately 9% by weight of the composition. The composition has a Rockwell A hardness greater than approximately an Hmin as determined by the following formula: Hmin=91.1−0.63X, where X represents a cobalt content by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rolling cone with hard-facing coating for use in drilling boreholes is disclosed. The method includes a step of depositing a layer of hardfacing material by an arc process, e.g., a gas-shielding tungsten arc welding process, a plasma-transferred arc welding process, or a metal inert gas arc welding process, over areas susceptible to erosion on the rolling cone surface. A rolling cone rock bit for drilling boreholes with a layer of hardfacing material deposited by an arc process either on the lands or in grooves or both of the cone surface is provided. Furthermore, a cone for attachment to the bit body of a rock bit with a layer of hardfacing material deposited on selected lands or in selected grooves or both of the cone surface also is provided.

Abstract: A protective shield device for use with medical apparatus and instruments, namely syringes, hypodermic needles and the like, comprising a removable shield which fits snugly over a needle sheath near its open end and extends radially outward and upward to prevent injury to the fingers and hand when a needle is being inserted into the sheath is described. For a double-ended needle and sheath assemble, a pair of shields coupled together with a flexible tether is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light fixture having a ballast mounted on the housing thereof by means of a metal bracket having side walls which are connected to one another to form a corner and a base wall connected to each of the side walls intermediate their opposite ends. The side walls of the bracket are secured to adjacent metal side walls of the housing which are connected to one another at a corner thereof, and the ballast is releasably connected to the base wall of the bracket.