Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a system for removing aggregate from a paved surface. The system includes a motorized vehicle with a degradation drum that is connected to the underside of the vehicle. The degradation drum is enclosed by a milling chamber. The milling chamber is defined by having a plurality of plates, including a moldboard positioned rearward of the milling drum. The moldboard comprises an end that is disposed opposite the underside. The end comprises a section that is proximate the milling drum.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant tool comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at an interface, the body comprising a substantially pointed geometry with an apex, the apex comprising a curved surface that joins a leading side and a trailing side of the body at a first and second transitions respectively, an apex width between the first and second transitions is less than a third of a width of the substrate, and the body also comprises a body thickness from the apex to the interface greater than a third of the width of the substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises a pressing seal element and a pressurized rigid element disposed intermediate a rotating component and a stationary component. The rotating component comprising an impact tip bonded to an end opposing the stationary component. The seal element may energize the rigid element against one of the components to form a slidable seal capable of holding lubricant within the assembly and keeping debris out while still rotating.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a pick comprises a forward end and rearward end. The forward end comprises a shearing cutter and the rearward end comprises a shank. The shank and the shearing cutter are arranged co-axially about a central axis. The shearing cutter is supported by an enlarged section that narrows towards the shearing cutter and that has a greater cross section than the shank along a plane substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The shearing cutter comprises a flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a polycrystalline diamond compact comprising a plurality of double-sintered polycrystalline diamond segments. The polycrystalline diamond segments are configured to remain thermally stable at a first temperature. The polycrystalline diamond segments are positioned upon and bonded to a transition layer of single-sintered polycrystalline diamond that is configured to remain thermally stable at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The transition layer is positioned upon and bonded to a substrate. Embodiments of the invention have improved thermally stability, resulting in fewer defects during manufacturing and improved longevity in use.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high-impact resistant tool comprises a superhard material bonded to a substrate at a non-planer interface, the superhard material comprising substantially pointed geometry with a substantially conical portion, the substantially conical portion comprising a tapered side wall with at least two different, contiguous slopes that form an angle greater than 135 degrees, and the thickness from an apex of the superhard material to the interface is greater than the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a downhole fixed bladed bit comprises a working surface comprising a plurality of blades converging at a center of the working surface and diverging towards a gauge of the bit, at least on blade comprising a cutting element comprising a superhard material bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planer interface, the cutting element being positioned at a positive rake angle, and the superhard material comprising a substantially conical geometry with an apex comprising a curvature.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant tool, having a super hard material is 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 segment. A stem is formed in the base end of the carbide segment opposite the front end and the carbide stem is press fitted into bore of a steel body.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening. In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening, a powder mixture is disposed within the opening, a substrate disposed within the opening adjacent and above the powder mixture, a formable sealant barrier is disposed within the opening above the substrate, a meltable sealant is disposed within the opening above the formable sealant barrier, and a cap covers the opening.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening. In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening, a powder mixture is disposed within the opening, a substrate disposed within the opening adjacent and above the powder mixture, a formable sealant barrier is disposed within the opening above the substrate, a meltable sealant is disposed within the opening above the formable sealant barrier, and a cap covers the opening.

Abstract: A tool has a sintered body of diamond or diamond-like particles in a metal matrix bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at a non-planar interface. A working surface has at least one region fir enough away from the non-planar interface that during high pressure, high temperature processing a restricted amount of metal from the substrate reaches the region, the amount comprising 5 to 0.1 percent of the region by volume, resulting in the region having a high density of superhard particles.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion comprises a bolster bonded to a diamond symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip. The stationary portion comprises a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate and in mechanical contact with both the rotary and stationary portions. The compressible element is compressed sufficiently to restrict free rotation during a degradation operation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion comprises a bolster bonded to a diamond symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip. The stationary portion comprises a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate and in mechanical contact with both the rotary and stationary portions. The compressible element is compressed sufficiently to restrict free rotation during a degradation operation.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, an insert comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate. The diamond body comprises a substantially conical shape with conical side wall terminating at an apex. The diamond body comprises a first region with a metallic catalyst dispersed through interstices between the diamond grains and a second region proximate the apex with the characteristic of higher thermal stability than the first region.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.